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Saturday 19 February 2022

Sci-Friday Marathon with Phoenix Running, 18.02.22

A Friday marathon along the Thames, with Sarah, and Storm Eunice. 

It was a marathon of two halves; one way was like running into a wind tunnel and being pushed backwards, the other was like having someone very strong pushing us along! It was a full body workout, trying to stay upright. 

There was the bit by the rowing club which became known as the "red zone", where it was so strong we couldn't run, and grit and spray pelted us.

My favourite moment was when we ran past Alice and Craig, they were going in the direction with the wind behind them, and we were running the other way into the wind, but it was a calm moment. Suddenly, there was a giant gust, Alice and Craig took off and accelerated in one direction, and Sarah and I came to a complete standstill in the other direction. And then we stayed there for a bit, firstly because we couldn't actually move, but also becuase we were laughing so hard into the wind. Laughing and shouting into the wind is such good therapy.

Quite a lot of things happened. A boat became detached and floated off (saved by a man from the marina, and a runner). A tree fell down and knocked over the turn around sign. 

Plenty of other bits of trees fell off. The poor daffodils were putting up a fight trying to stay rooted. Most of the swans were in the Swan Spa by Walton Bridge, sheltering from the worst of it, but a few hardy souls were braving the river and riding the waves. I never seen swans in waves before. Or waves on that part of the Thames, come to think of it. There were seaguls over the river, just staying still in the air. There were musical noises from the derelict bit near the leisure centre, sounded like recorders, and gave a new meaning to wind instruments.

It only rained on and off a bit. It hurt when it did. It was very very sunny sometimes with bright blue skies. The clouds were dancing up above. The sky went dark amd stormy. Then it did it all again. 

Sarah and I were pleased to see there will still planes flying. Its Pete's 100th marathon this weekend, in Seville, and we knew people would be flying out today, so were worried they wouldn't make it, so were happy to see the planes. Afterwards,  Jon told us that of course there were planes in the sky, becuase it was too windy for them to land! Hope everyone made it there OK.

Thank you Rik and Phoenix for a very Fun Friday! Half way Freddo, plus an extra emergency Freddo, and cake.

I know nothing about sci-fi but I think the medal is Star Wars, and I like it. It's also heavy, so will come in useful for weighing down in the next storm.

Thank you Sarah for another adventure! I love running into the wind with you! And thank you Jon for the lift! 

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