Chapter Eight - Jump

Dawn Hogan and her husband Mick are amongst the nicest of the West Yorkshire running fraternity.  They are also very useful to me and Chris, as they provide a good barometer of form – Dawn’s somewhat faster than me, and Mick’s somewhat faster than Chris.  They aren’t so far out in front that they are untouchable, but they are fast enough to offer a proper challenge.

So when I managed to pass Dawn yesterday at the Abbey Dash, and at the same time got down to below one hour for 10k (for the first time ever), I did feel justified in celebrating a bit.  It’s a feeling I’m going to hang onto, because I’m under no illusions.  Dawn is fundamentally faster than I am, and that ain’t about to change.  She’s training for London, too, so I can look forward to seeing her back plenty more in the months to come. 

Still, it was nice while it lasted, and I can now set myself up as a role model for Chris, as he follows Mick.  Other people might try to keep up with the Joneses, we try to keep up with the Hogans.

58:29

PS – This is an unscheduled, emergency blog, brought about entirely by the need to show off.