Kingston upon Thames 16 mile run
Hampton Court, London - 2nd April 2000

As part of my 'training' for the London Marathon I thought it would be worthwhile putting my name forward for this 16 miler around the scenic Thames. Well scenic it wasn't! For months I had trained for this event, only for me to make a complete dog's dinner out of it! The night before the run there was an important University of East Anglia reunion which was too good an opportunity to miss. So firmed with my strong convictions and mental strength I promised David "Tinker" Oldfield that no alcohol would pass my lips during the evening as we would both have to get up at 6am the following day for him to transport me to the race.

However, like all the best of plans it was not to be! Five hours and eight pints later I left my heavy smoking friends to it, no doubt they were full of regret (glee more like) in waylaying my race preparations. To try and rectify the situation I decided to eat plenty of food with high carbohydrate and starch content. However as Cath Havey, who accompanied us, cannot eat foods with wheat, we opted for a curry. Needless to say, with all the alcohol running through me and the inevitable munchies, I went for a Rogan Josh... which was, by any Rogan Josh standard, a little on the hot side. Tinker remarked, "that should do the trick for your race, Guy". It certainly did do the trick but not on the running side.

Getting up at five with a stonking hangover and a stomach that was turning like a washing machine was not the start I was looking for. However with Tinker giving me a lift to the race venue (and no doubt laughing at my expense), I still finished in a respectable 1 hour and 57 minutes, which isn't too bad considering I had to run five miles trying not to embarrass myself in front of curious spectators. If only I could run as fast as I did on the toilet I would put Maurice Greene to shame!

As you can see from the photo, I enjoyed every minute of it, all in the name of charity as well! So to all budding runners out there remember this: curry and running just doesn't mix!



Guy Bashford