The ACTUAL Soup Run

According to The Runner's Rule Book, the definition of a "route" is:

"When two or more runners in your group can refer to it by name without confusion or need for further description". 

Well Soup Run is a route, but it's called 'Soup Run' because it's the route of the Royal Bank of Scotland charity 4 mile race and you get soup at the end.  Simple really.  It's sponsored by local cafe/bistro The Roamin' Nose who provide the free soup.  Roamin' Nose is great for lunch and also for quiet drinks of an evening with live music the last Sunday of every month.  

This is my best race photo ever (just started though).  Kata needs to take ALL my race photos.  

Today was the race and despite not working for RBS anymore I rocked up, paid my £2 and took part.   The race was a success for the organisers and also a personal success for me.  I actually ran a 5k PB during this race (21 mins exactly) but obviously it doesn't count as an official PB because it wasn't a 5k race.  It is encouraging for the next Park Run though.

Damn it!   Doesn't count.  

I did get a haircut yesterday which probably made me more streamlined and shaved a few grams off.

I finished the race in 28 mins 06 secs and was actually first to cross the line.  I didn't win however because I mis-judged my handicap and went off in the middle group of runners, 5 minutes ahead of those that expected to finish < 30 mins.  Rachel for example finished 3 minutes after me but in a time of 26 minutes.  Well done Rachel.

2 minutes faster than me but 3 minutes behind me...
(Also she's 'doing a Steve' and has her eyes closed for the photo)

Some credit for my time must go to the guy that I ran with the whole way round.  At first I was in a group of 3 or 4 but after about 3km it was just the two of us the whole way around.  He certainly pushed me on and fortunately I still had some energy left at the last 500m to up the pace and finish in a very good time for me.  

Thanks to this guy for pushing me on (whether he knew it or not). 

Day 76 is completed and despite a niggling pain in my right hip,  the running run runs on.  I'm looking forward to day 78 when we run OCP (another route with no explanation required) for Steve Carnie's 30th birthday.  

Pechin'