Coffee Run

Today, I was in Leeds for a few meetings and by the end of them my brain was frazzled! Fortunately, it gave me the opportunity to visit Laynes Espresso for the first time. I’ve wanted to try the place for ages but simply haven’t had the opportunity!

“Hiya Andeee” was my welcome from Kate the Barista. She used to work at North Tea in Manchester but as she lives near Leeds, Laynes is a better option! “Would you like something on brew” she asked and I chose a rather fine Ethiopian Kochere from Square Mile on V60. The description of “clean and crisp” was spot on, such a lustrous mouth feel. The taste wasn’t mango though although I agree acidity levels are similar! Sublime brew!

Afterwards, settling in my seat on the train, I watched a disturbing Storyville film on Colonel Gaddafi and his capacity to be charming and evil simultaneously. Somewhat more disturbing was how Tony Blair “got back into bed” with him, lobbying to have sanctions cancelled. Then, and not coincidently, a billion pound oil deal with BP being signed immediately on cessation of sanctions. Somehow I can excuse madness; however, contemptible ethical decisions from a sane democratically elected representative is inexcusable.

On a lighter note, my lovely lady had bought me Run like the Wind, a new running magazine. It explores running from a cognititive perspective i.e. feelings, motivations and the joy of short and long ambulations. It got me reflecting on this weekend’s cross-country at Wythenshawe Park. The journey to this muddy field, on the edge of Europe’s largest housing estate was a long one on public transport. Whilst waiting for my second bus at Wythenshawe Station, a British National Party placarded van went by with some tosser screeching vitriolic tosh over a tannoy! Shame on you mate!

On the bus, two girls with buggies smiled at me offering to tell me when to get off for the park. “Salt of the earth” I thought. Then they started talking about ‘Paki’s’ and being openly racist. “Ohhh....my” I thought. “Your stop.....see ya mate, have a good one” one said in a gravelly Manc’ fashion. Hmmm.....such contradiction!

The park was a big one and I wasn’t exactly sure where the start was. Fortunately, a guy already kitted up jogged past and I joined him, with him leading the way. 10 minutes was more than enough for a race warm-up on the saturated ground, wind blowing a deep chill into my bones.

I shut my eyes on the start line, relaxing and breathing deeply, knowing that this was going to be a tough one. “Go”.....came the call before my eyes had opened! Bustling and barging, the tight mass of runners stampeded through the opening section. My legs moved freely without tension and I could feel I was on for a good one. Then, I turned and was hit by a wall of wind! I smiled. “Enjoy the suffering” the internal voice cried, now less confident.

On the 1st wooded section we descended into a mudded gully. The marshall shouted “To the left, to the left”. I went right, finding myself knee deep in gloopy mud. A hard drive....and I was out, well nearly. I lost my footing and face planted back into the mud. Ascending out the gully, I found myself hyperventilating, legs all of a sudden feeling anaerobically heavy. The war of attrition had begun!

Crossing the line in just over 46 minutes, I felt utterly empty and exhausted. Stripping off my vest, my moobs were exposed to the freezing air. Solace was found in my furry-lined jacket and in a slice of cake handed to me by a club mate.

I’m known as a cyclist, first and foremost by others, but I think running or even open-water swimming feels more special. It’s just me, not against but with the world!

People talk of suffering when exercising hard. Sports commentators mention the sacrifices athletes make for their sport, the depths in which they delve in pursuit of excellence. Suffering? Sacrifice? Nahhhh......I’m thinking more of the joy of a spiritual experience, especially when closing in on oblivion when it would be easier to stop.... 4 Days later, I still feel the fatigue but my kit is already laid out for tomorrow’s morning run in the snow! Bring it on!