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Racing in Spain
Lesley and I have enjoyed our races in Spain. We have run five races in all with distances as unusual as 5.2k and 14k to the more usual 10k and two half marathons. We did quite well in our age groups with 2 first places and 5 second places. Prizes are given for the first three in each category but they do sometimes cap the upper age group. Two of the races capped the vets’ categories at 50! Races cost between 10 and 18 euros with great goody bags, often with two technical T-shirts. All the races were well organised and had chip timing, they don’t bother with finishing funnels. Post race time is important. We always had music, usually live, and free food and drink (including beer), for the runners and their family and friends. We would highly recommend races here if you get the chance.
Los Dolores 10K
Probably the last of our Spanish races for this trip resulted in a win for Lesley in the FV50 age category. This was the first time this race had been run and we felt uncertain about how well organised it would be or how big, especially as they capped the vet categories at V50. We needn’t have worried however. There were over 300 runners entered, as usual the race was chipped. The goody back contained a long sleeve tech running vest and plenty of goodies. Lots of supporters and loud music added to the festive atmosphere.
The race followed a two lap flat course, which kept us near the centre of the town and the spectators. At its ends the runners doubled back on themselves allowing you to see the runners in front and of course Lesley and I were able to see how each other were doing. I could see that Lesley was having a good race and that there was a good chance of her winning a prize. I enjoyed the race (even though I had a sore chest) and finished in 43 minutes, nowhere near the contenders in the over 50 group. Lesley stayed strong and ran a fast time of 52 minutes and was first FV50 runner. The only problem was that the cup a really just a little bit too big for our motorhome trophy shelf, but I’m sure we’ll fit on somehow. All in all a good day at the races. To celebrate, we went to Paddy Singh’s restaurant for Sunday lunch. Lovely.
Website for race, details and results.
Bridge Lesson
Well, we’ve had our first Bridge lesson today. Recent years have seen my card playing limited to snap with Ella, my Grandaughter, and, from memory, Ella won. I expected it to be a bit more involved than the card games of my childhood and I was right. For a start, you have to hold 13 cards, that’s a lot when you’re not used to it, then there’s the business of the suits having different ranks, cards having different values, bidding, etc. All made more challenging because the cards, like our teacher, are Dutch. Martin conducted the whole lesson in English, very impressive. With all the challenges of learning the basics, (we have 8 weeks before we leave for France), I can see that this is a game we will enjoy. Now I need to do my homework ready for lesson 2.
Busy day
Feeling tired, after a long run yesterday I only ran 12k this morning to bring my total for the week up to 100k. Just as well, because, as promised by the forecasts, the wind picked up this afternoon, for the first time in 3 weeks. I managed to get out with my 7.5 which quickly became too big. Sailing technique left a lot to be desired, but all in all I enjoyed being on the water again. Legs kept cramping because of the long run, banged ribs hard on exiting a turn the wrong way and feet and hands are sore after lack of use. I think that means I’ve had fun. Forecast is more wind again for tomorrow.
Christmas at Chris and Gaynor’s
We had a lovely time at Chris and Gaynor’s place over Christmas along with Derek & Anne and Keith & Zena. We each had our own self-contained studio complete with Kitchen and shower room. The cooking of Christmas dinner was coordinated by Chris (with military precision), each couple was responsible for cooking certain parts of the meal in their own kitchen and then bringing together all the food for the Christmas feast. It was wonderful. Check our Journal for the full story.
Trip to Granada
The beauty of having a car means we can explore more of Spain. We enjoyed a few days in Granada. Although we were further south the temperature was much colder, however Granada is an interesting city with lots to see and do. Yop of our list was to visit the Alhambra, Check our Journal for the full story
Los Belones
Time for a coffee. As usual we had our Spanish lesson this morning and of course while we were there the wind was blowing and the windsurfers were having a great time. By the time I got to the beach at 12:00 the wind had dropped off. I did an hour but nothing very exciting.
We decided to go to Los Belones for a coffee. Pictures show a view of Fuente and a mural of Los Belones (painted on the gable end of a building from the same street).
Collect race numbers
We went to Cartagena this morning to collect our numbers for The Cross of Artillery race. There are four distances, 1/4m, 1m, 6km and just over 14km (1/3 marathon). We have entered the 14km to the lighthouse and back.
Dirk’s December Do
Another Oompah evening. The dutch certainly like their barrel organ style music. It was a good evening and Trevor and Sue joined us which was nice. Research shows that one of their (the Dutch) favorite songs, “The Red Rose Cafe”, (Het kleine café aan de haven) is actually a Dutch song written in 1975 by Pierre Kartner, also known as Vader (Father) Abraham. He’s also known for the Smurf song. I have to admit I much prefer the version by the Fureys.