Since my oatcake-fuelled run a couple of weeks ago, it feels like I’ve been going against the clock almost every day

Catching the train down to Brighton for a week of meetings, it was a rush to the station, then a rush across London, catching my train with seconds to spare. Then, it seemed like the clock stopped for a while; the train to Brighton went the very-long-and-slow-way-round (weekend engineering works at Three Bridges) and the day was slipping away.

Would I get to Brighton in daylight? After a final unscheduled delay at Littlehampton, I arrived in Brighton just before 5pm. No time for a slow wander down North Laine this time, I dropped off my suitcase at the hotel, and made it down to the sea front just in time for the “fizz” as the sun hit the sea. After all the rush, I could finally take my time – joining plenty of others watching the sunlight fade and the pier light up. I’d made it just in time.

---

A packed schedule meant there wouldn’t be too much spare time for keeping up with my ultramarathon training either. The only option for Monday was an early alarm – never my favourite thing – but that meant I was just in time to watch the sunrise during my seafront 10k. There were lots of early risers about – running, boot camps, swimming in the sea, walking dogs, walking and talking. And it was a quick shower and breakfast and I was just in time to join my work colleagues for the first meeting – thank goodness, there was coffee.

---

As our meetings wrapped up on Monday, I was just in time to watch the starlings in the winter escapades by the pier – the evening murmurations are apparently the starlings keeping warm and catching up on the best dining spots. Despite the cold evening, and a very long day, it was well worth it.

---

On Tuesday, there was only a small window of time – our final session of the day overran until 5.30pm and the restaurant was booked for our team dinner at 7pm. Could I fit in a run? The training plan said 4 – maybe if I ran fast? A very quick change, 4 miles out and back with a couple of Brighton personal bests thrown in, another quick shower and change, and I was just in time to meet up with everyone in the bar. I enjoyed my meal.

---

And so the week continued; there was a lovely moment of calm for coffee and cake on Wednesday afternoon, before having to get back in time for a bowling adventure at Brighton Marina – I was consistent in my inconsistency (scores of 66, 61 and 61). Another early run on Thursday – this time even earlier – so I would be able to get to my office in Haywards Heath for an early in-person meet-in. I was just in time.

And then it was Friday and it was time to come home again… just time for one last online meeting before it was time to go home. Luckily, this time I was just in time to catch a connection at Euston, so getting home was a lot quicker than the journey down.

And then I was home and Mr T had just boiled the kettle – I was just in time for a very welcome cup of tea.

---

50 for 50 #27: 50 posts for my 50th birthday to be posted before I’m 51.