Towpath 24-02-2011

[manuel6b2]

Tow path run on tonight again.

Looks like it should be a mild evening.

Meeting at 18:45 at Civic Centre in Lisburn.

7 confirmed so far (not including me).

[adrian]

7 of us planned for the Tow Path tonight but at the last minute Martin texted us to say he wasn't feeling the best and would give it a miss. Whatever rocket fuel he was taking last week (see last weeks report) must have hit back with a vengeance ?

Just after 7pm, 6 of us set off for a quick one down the path - Kyle, Trevor, Raymond, Stuart, Phil and myself - the speed was easily hitting 19mph+ and I think the warm night was working in everyones favour. Down to Lady Dixon were we stopped for a brief pitstop before heading off down to the bridge. All over and we charged off to the Giants Ring. We stopped here for a few moments and then Kyle led the group around the ring rather than across it, then over the gate. All through nettle lane and then over to Belvoir. 

At the top of the first hill everyone remembered to turn left at the intersection, down the hill and then up past the football pitches. On the climb up to the intersection again, Phil noticed a flashing light on the ground - an expensive one which Stuart was glad to get back - good spot and while we slowed we passed pleasantries with a few PhoenixCC ones who were heading down the Berm/Chute trail. "All up" we headed up Vomit Ridge, no hanging about and straight on through Belvoir. Passing the sewage works, somehow the leaders missed the turn and we ended up cutting out a section of track as we backtracked and followed me back to the Car Park. The long slog up the hill was brutal with Phil and I not letting either person get to the top first, but it was worth it! "All up" and off to Lagan Meadows, a quiet whisper said "Where's Martin...?, up the hills, through Adrian's pass and then "All up" to go through the dips past the hockey pitches. "All up" was a phrase that was slowly killing us ( me anyways!!).

Cardiac Hill was tackled with gusto (all up? Yes we were) and then through the tress and out the dip. All 6 made a successful attack - first time I believe - and then it was the jaunt home. About half a mile from Lady D's my heartburn was destroying me so I just backed off, finally catching up to Stuart, Phil and Kyle at Hilden where Stuart said good bye. The final section was a casual affair for me but Raymond and Trevor were really kicking it with Trevor pipping Raymond by about 2 car lengths to finish. Good job.

Garmin for me read 2hr2mins with 23.6miles covered (subtract 5 mins for the whippets).

Normal service should resume next week with Martin. See you all Sunday at the Spring League.