Though I'm not sure what it's actual objective was! I first noticed it when I was climbing up from home to George's Lane. It was just a normal housefly (not horsefly) but it wouldn't leave me alone, buzzing in my ear and flying around my head. It carried on for the entire run! I'm pretty sure it was the same fly the whole time. I kept whipping it with my pony tail but it was just so determined to annoy me (ahhh, there's the objective then!). Given that flies are attracted to poo, I'm feeling a little paranoid!
The run itself was lovely, save for the fly of course. From George's lane we (Ruby and I) ran along to the Pigeon Tower then turned right to following the lane around. Once we got to the woods on the left, we climbed over the stile on the right and ran up to Noon Hill. I was feeling really good tonight and the climbing came quite easily for a change.
Once on top of Noon Hill, I had to make a decision - Pike or Mast. I decided on Mast but, part way there, Ruby had other ideas. It was really boggy and she wasn't at all happy as she kept sinking and it looked like it was going to get more boggy so we turned around and went back up Noon Hill. We then headed along the trod to the Pike. I really like that run and Ruby seemed to enjoy it too, even though from her viewpoint, all she gets is a face full of long grass.
We ran up to the Pike and then ran down the Pike Race route where I let Ruby off the lead for a bit to try to avoid her tripping me up. It really is pretty scary running downhill with a less than intelligent dog with you. There is a constant fear of them running between your legs and sending you flying.
I got her back on the lead and we headed home along George's Lane. As the other night, the field opposite the dog hotel was free of sheep so we went that way as it's one of my favourite downhill runs. At the bottom, once through the gate, we turned right which took us down to the stables, where we turned left and ran down towards Wylderswoode Stud. I wonder why it is spelled that way, rather than the same way as Wilderswood itself?
Total distance - 5.6 miles
http://www.strava.com/activities/173584088/overview
Thursday 31 July 2014
Wednesday 30 July 2014
6 x 1/2 Mile Speed Session
Due to missing the track session last night I parked up at Rivvy Barn this morning with a view to doing some reps along The Street.
I warmed up for a mile which took me to the start line of the Junior Jubilee race, which seemed like a good place to start the reps. I decided to do 6 x 1/2 mile reps, intending on a 7.30 pace.
The rep from the start line starts off really flat but then at the other side of the dam it starts to go uphill a little. My first rep was OK but not great, my legs got tired pretty quick. The second rep, however, starts on a nice downhill so that was much better.
The third was horrific. I felt like throwing up and I wasn't even going that fast (see below for split pace). At the end of if, during my 90 minute rest, I was wondering whether to call it a day at just four reps because I felt so rough. I decided to make my mind up at the end of rep four.
Rep four didn't go too badly, again this is a partially downhill rep, so I decided to stick to my original plan and finish the session I had decided on.
Rep five was awful. Going up the hill at the other side of the dam was really hard work, even though it isn't much of a hill. Again, I felt like I was going to chunder.
Rep six took me back to the Jubilee start line, where a great sense of relief came over me that it was all done and I just needed to jog back to the car.
The session wasn't as good as I had hoped with my pace for each rep as follows (the odd number reps had an uphill section and the even numbers a downhill section):
Rep 1 - 7.59
Rep 2 - 7.26
Rep 3 - 8.09
Rep 4 - 7.38
Rep 5 - 8.17
Rep 6 - 7.24
Not great but better than sitting on my backside at home.
I hate doing speed sessions but no pain no gain so it's a necessary evil if I want to get faster.
Total distance - 5 miles
http://www.strava.com/activities/172940369
I warmed up for a mile which took me to the start line of the Junior Jubilee race, which seemed like a good place to start the reps. I decided to do 6 x 1/2 mile reps, intending on a 7.30 pace.
The rep from the start line starts off really flat but then at the other side of the dam it starts to go uphill a little. My first rep was OK but not great, my legs got tired pretty quick. The second rep, however, starts on a nice downhill so that was much better.
The third was horrific. I felt like throwing up and I wasn't even going that fast (see below for split pace). At the end of if, during my 90 minute rest, I was wondering whether to call it a day at just four reps because I felt so rough. I decided to make my mind up at the end of rep four.
Rep four didn't go too badly, again this is a partially downhill rep, so I decided to stick to my original plan and finish the session I had decided on.
Rep five was awful. Going up the hill at the other side of the dam was really hard work, even though it isn't much of a hill. Again, I felt like I was going to chunder.
Rep six took me back to the Jubilee start line, where a great sense of relief came over me that it was all done and I just needed to jog back to the car.
The session wasn't as good as I had hoped with my pace for each rep as follows (the odd number reps had an uphill section and the even numbers a downhill section):
Rep 1 - 7.59
Rep 2 - 7.26
Rep 3 - 8.09
Rep 4 - 7.38
Rep 5 - 8.17
Rep 6 - 7.24
Not great but better than sitting on my backside at home.
I hate doing speed sessions but no pain no gain so it's a necessary evil if I want to get faster.
Total distance - 5 miles
http://www.strava.com/activities/172940369
Tuesday 29 July 2014
Stupid Dog!
I did a route I haven't done for a while today, which I did really frequently throughout the winter.
I ran with Ruby and we went along to the top barn, across to Sheephouse Lane, up to the Pigeon Tower car park and then zigzagged up through the terraced gardens to the Pigeon Tower. We then ran up the pike via the steep track to the left of the steps and ran down my favourite route (Pike Race route) where I let Ruby off the lead as there were no animals in sight.
We then got onto George's Lane and I put her back on the lead. I really wish we could run lead-free. It would be much better for both of us but I have come to terms with the fact that, unfortunately, it's never going to happen.
As I approached the dog hotel, I noticed that, unusually, there were no sheep or horses in the field opposite. I love running home through that field but it's very rare that I can because it's always full of livestock and Ruby will just drag after them. As it was empty we had a great run though but, as we were getting to the bottom, Ruby suddenly ran into my path and I went flying over her, kicking her in the head in the process! Sorry Ruby but it really was your own stupid fault!
She's OK though, and didn't cry or anything so no harm done. Oh, and I'm OK too, I managed to stay on my feet but have no idea how!
Total distance - 5.4 miles
http://www.strava.com/activities/172604476
I ran with Ruby and we went along to the top barn, across to Sheephouse Lane, up to the Pigeon Tower car park and then zigzagged up through the terraced gardens to the Pigeon Tower. We then ran up the pike via the steep track to the left of the steps and ran down my favourite route (Pike Race route) where I let Ruby off the lead as there were no animals in sight.
We then got onto George's Lane and I put her back on the lead. I really wish we could run lead-free. It would be much better for both of us but I have come to terms with the fact that, unfortunately, it's never going to happen.
As I approached the dog hotel, I noticed that, unusually, there were no sheep or horses in the field opposite. I love running home through that field but it's very rare that I can because it's always full of livestock and Ruby will just drag after them. As it was empty we had a great run though but, as we were getting to the bottom, Ruby suddenly ran into my path and I went flying over her, kicking her in the head in the process! Sorry Ruby but it really was your own stupid fault!
She's OK though, and didn't cry or anything so no harm done. Oh, and I'm OK too, I managed to stay on my feet but have no idea how!
Total distance - 5.4 miles
http://www.strava.com/activities/172604476
Sunday 27 July 2014
Cool Runnings
What a difference in temperature between this morning and yesterday morning. Today was much better for running, lovely and breezy and a good deal of cloud cover.
After yesterday's rubbish effort, I went for an easy one today, just along Rivington Reservoir, down Horrobin Lane and along the Street where I saw a huge bird of prey making a real racket. I tried to take a picture of it but it flew off into a tree. I took a picture of the tree thinking I might see the bird when I blew the picture up but I can't. It will have been a buzzard but it was massive! If I didn't know better I would have thought it was an eagle! Feel free to try to find it in the tree if you're really bored...
I took a picture of the reservoir whilst I was there too, just because it looked so pretty...
From The Street, we ran along Knowsley Lane and up 'the slipway' where I got a Strava PB. I'm only 7 seconds off the women's course record for this short climb so I'll have to try harder next time.
We then dropped down and ran along Dean Brook, up the steps, across the field, through the kissing gate, up Sheephouse Lane, then along the path from the barn back home.
My performance today was in complete contrast to yesterday. I was feeling really fresh and energetic and, if I hadn't had Ruby with me, I would have been happy to go a lot faster.
Ruby was brilliant today too, the cooler temperature really made a difference. At no point was I dragging her behind me and she seemed to be really enjoying herself. I have been a bit worried lately that Ruby's running days are over but it seems it's just running in the heat which is a problem for her. That makes two of us then!
Total distance - 6.1 miles
http://www.strava.com/activities/171501534
After yesterday's rubbish effort, I went for an easy one today, just along Rivington Reservoir, down Horrobin Lane and along the Street where I saw a huge bird of prey making a real racket. I tried to take a picture of it but it flew off into a tree. I took a picture of the tree thinking I might see the bird when I blew the picture up but I can't. It will have been a buzzard but it was massive! If I didn't know better I would have thought it was an eagle! Feel free to try to find it in the tree if you're really bored...
I took a picture of the reservoir whilst I was there too, just because it looked so pretty...
From The Street, we ran along Knowsley Lane and up 'the slipway' where I got a Strava PB. I'm only 7 seconds off the women's course record for this short climb so I'll have to try harder next time.
We then dropped down and ran along Dean Brook, up the steps, across the field, through the kissing gate, up Sheephouse Lane, then along the path from the barn back home.
My performance today was in complete contrast to yesterday. I was feeling really fresh and energetic and, if I hadn't had Ruby with me, I would have been happy to go a lot faster.
Ruby was brilliant today too, the cooler temperature really made a difference. At no point was I dragging her behind me and she seemed to be really enjoying herself. I have been a bit worried lately that Ruby's running days are over but it seems it's just running in the heat which is a problem for her. That makes two of us then!
Total distance - 6.1 miles
http://www.strava.com/activities/171501534
Saturday 26 July 2014
From One Week to the Next
I met up with the WFDBWGUA group again this morning. John, Pauline and Mark were at the barn when I got there and Gordon caught up with us later on at Healey Nab.
John wanted to do the same route as last week so he could do a direct comparison and I was more than happy with that as I really enjoyed last week's run.
Not far into the run, it soon became apparent that I was struggling though. I felt quite sick and put it down to having eaten a huge bowl of porridge an hour and a half before running, which I'm not sure is long enough, given the amount of porridge.
I've only run with Mark twice and both times I've had a terrible run - honestly Mark I'm not always that bad!
When we reached White Coppice I really wanted to turn back and go home but the guys encouraged me to stay with them and that it didn't matter if I was slowing them down.
Climbing up out of White Coppice heading towards Great Hill was the worst bit of the run. I felt so bad that just walking was too difficult. I was going dizzy and my left eye was blurring. I had to stop completely a couple of times to pull myself together before continuing. John was great and kept with me all the time even though he could have carried on at a decent pace with the others.
I just can't believe how different I felt this week from last week. Last week I motored my way up Great Hill and felt amazing.
As an example of the difference between last week and this, here is my Strava segment comparison of the run from the Cricket Club at White Coppice to Great Hill. http://www.strava.com/segments/3512201?filter=my_results Bear in mind that last week's time involved me being the one waiting around so the time doesn't accurately reflect my ability last week, however this week's time does reflect it (and it doesn't look good). The segment is only 1.7 miles and i did it 7 and a half minutes quicker last week, which is a huge difference over such a short distance, especially seeing as it will have actually been more than 7.5 minutes!
You beat yourself up trying to work out why you feel so bad when you're having a day like this but, truth is, there probably is no real reason, it's just an off day. I just seem to have an awful lot of them! It got me to thinking, when one of the 'fast lads' have an off day, would the rest of us even notice, or would their off day just involved doing a 6.5 minute mile instead of a 6? I'm pretty sure they wouldn't resort to walking anyway.
I was pretty relieved once we got to the top of Great Hill as I knew most of the return journey was downhill, save for a couple of minor bits here and there.
When running in towards the barn a great weight lifted off my shoulders as I could see the 'finish line'. I've never been so pleased to see the beige mobile in my life, sat there waiting for me in all it's golden glory.
When we stopped running I went so dizzy that I had to squat down on the floor for a minute. I don't think it was the heat as I had drank plenty of water before and during the run.
Last week, the night before our run, I had a couple of glasses of wine and I felt great so perhaps that's the answer :-)
Thanks for keeping me going guys, even though it was a terrible run I did it and have the miles under my belt so thanks again.
Total distance - 10.9 miles (slightly shorter than last week but the only thing I did different was that I stayed on the flags off Great Hill, rather than going cross country like I did last week, which takes you a bit further out)
http://www.strava.com/activities/171036678/overview
John wanted to do the same route as last week so he could do a direct comparison and I was more than happy with that as I really enjoyed last week's run.
Not far into the run, it soon became apparent that I was struggling though. I felt quite sick and put it down to having eaten a huge bowl of porridge an hour and a half before running, which I'm not sure is long enough, given the amount of porridge.
I've only run with Mark twice and both times I've had a terrible run - honestly Mark I'm not always that bad!
When we reached White Coppice I really wanted to turn back and go home but the guys encouraged me to stay with them and that it didn't matter if I was slowing them down.
Climbing up out of White Coppice heading towards Great Hill was the worst bit of the run. I felt so bad that just walking was too difficult. I was going dizzy and my left eye was blurring. I had to stop completely a couple of times to pull myself together before continuing. John was great and kept with me all the time even though he could have carried on at a decent pace with the others.
I just can't believe how different I felt this week from last week. Last week I motored my way up Great Hill and felt amazing.
As an example of the difference between last week and this, here is my Strava segment comparison of the run from the Cricket Club at White Coppice to Great Hill. http://www.strava.com/segments/3512201?filter=my_results Bear in mind that last week's time involved me being the one waiting around so the time doesn't accurately reflect my ability last week, however this week's time does reflect it (and it doesn't look good). The segment is only 1.7 miles and i did it 7 and a half minutes quicker last week, which is a huge difference over such a short distance, especially seeing as it will have actually been more than 7.5 minutes!
You beat yourself up trying to work out why you feel so bad when you're having a day like this but, truth is, there probably is no real reason, it's just an off day. I just seem to have an awful lot of them! It got me to thinking, when one of the 'fast lads' have an off day, would the rest of us even notice, or would their off day just involved doing a 6.5 minute mile instead of a 6? I'm pretty sure they wouldn't resort to walking anyway.
I was pretty relieved once we got to the top of Great Hill as I knew most of the return journey was downhill, save for a couple of minor bits here and there.
When running in towards the barn a great weight lifted off my shoulders as I could see the 'finish line'. I've never been so pleased to see the beige mobile in my life, sat there waiting for me in all it's golden glory.
When we stopped running I went so dizzy that I had to squat down on the floor for a minute. I don't think it was the heat as I had drank plenty of water before and during the run.
Last week, the night before our run, I had a couple of glasses of wine and I felt great so perhaps that's the answer :-)
Thanks for keeping me going guys, even though it was a terrible run I did it and have the miles under my belt so thanks again.
Total distance - 10.9 miles (slightly shorter than last week but the only thing I did different was that I stayed on the flags off Great Hill, rather than going cross country like I did last week, which takes you a bit further out)
http://www.strava.com/activities/171036678/overview
Friday 25 July 2014
Wet Feet
If there's one thing I didn't expect this morning, it was wet feet. It hasn't rained for days and has been scorching so I was quite surprised at how boggy it still was on the path which follows the road from Belmont towards Hordern Stoops.
Duncan had dropped me off on his way to work at the Blue Lagoon and I ran along this path, heading back home. It was boiling and was only 7.30 in the morning! My legs were quite tired this morning and, even though that path only ascends very slightly, it was quite hard work.
Once out onto the road, I ran along until I got to Belmont Road (continuation of George's Lane). I ran along this a bit before climbing up the diagonal to the trig point, which really was a struggle this morning and I did a pathetic five minutes slower than my Strava PB.
Mostly downhill now so that was a relief. I ran down the mast road a little then turned off just after the mast and went cross-country to Two Lads, then down to George's Lane, through Wilderswood and home.
Total distance - 5 miles
http://www.strava.com/activities/170631151/overview
Duncan had dropped me off on his way to work at the Blue Lagoon and I ran along this path, heading back home. It was boiling and was only 7.30 in the morning! My legs were quite tired this morning and, even though that path only ascends very slightly, it was quite hard work.
Once out onto the road, I ran along until I got to Belmont Road (continuation of George's Lane). I ran along this a bit before climbing up the diagonal to the trig point, which really was a struggle this morning and I did a pathetic five minutes slower than my Strava PB.
Mostly downhill now so that was a relief. I ran down the mast road a little then turned off just after the mast and went cross-country to Two Lads, then down to George's Lane, through Wilderswood and home.
Total distance - 5 miles
http://www.strava.com/activities/170631151/overview
Thursday 24 July 2014
Six miles... in nearly two hours!!!
In my defence, that two hours wasn't all moving time. Because the strap broke on my Garmin, I had it in my bum bag so I didn't stop it when I was nattering to Sean and Maria for a while and I also didn't stop it when I sat chilling by the 'secret' reservoir whilst Ruby had a paddle:
We had a lovely run but Ruby was definitely feeling the heat and there was a lot of stop starting. I chose this route because I know there are lots of streams along it where Ruby could get a drink and have a paddle. We ran straight up to George's Lane via the edge of Wilderswood then up the path to Two Lads but turned off to the right rather than turning left to the top. We crossed the mast road (having a chat with Sean and Maria for a few minutes) then ran along through the farms before turning off through Roscow's Tenement, coming out near the shooting hut. We then ran up the hill and along to the reservoir and stopped at 'the beach' for a good while whilst Ruby cooled herself down.
After that, we pretty much retraced our steps home, save for a slight detour to the trespass stone.
I think it was possibly a bit too far for Ruby in this heat but she seemed to be enjoying herself, albeit very slowly.
Total distance - 6.1 miles
http://www.strava.com/activities/170403991
We had a lovely run but Ruby was definitely feeling the heat and there was a lot of stop starting. I chose this route because I know there are lots of streams along it where Ruby could get a drink and have a paddle. We ran straight up to George's Lane via the edge of Wilderswood then up the path to Two Lads but turned off to the right rather than turning left to the top. We crossed the mast road (having a chat with Sean and Maria for a few minutes) then ran along through the farms before turning off through Roscow's Tenement, coming out near the shooting hut. We then ran up the hill and along to the reservoir and stopped at 'the beach' for a good while whilst Ruby cooled herself down.
After that, we pretty much retraced our steps home, save for a slight detour to the trespass stone.
I think it was possibly a bit too far for Ruby in this heat but she seemed to be enjoying herself, albeit very slowly.
Total distance - 6.1 miles
http://www.strava.com/activities/170403991
Wednesday 23 July 2014
Ruby's New Hairdo
Ruby had a haircut yesterday!
I felt that her long scraggy wiry coat might be holding her back a bit in the heat, so off it all came. I can't believe how cute and young she looks! Why didn't I do this earlier? I could have cried when I went to pick her up from the groomers she looked so sweet.
In case you can't remember, this is how she looked before:
Just an easy flat run tonight so I could try out Ruby's tolerance to the heat now she has lost her fur coat. We just ran along to the barn, did a bit of a loop and came back home. There was a definite improvement in her. She still got tired and we had lots of stops for her to have a drink and a paddle but I wasn't dragging her behind like I usually am.
She seems to be much happier in the heat now so I think we'll be getting her groomed much more regularly from now on.
Total distance - 4 miles
http://www.strava.com/activities/169907684
Tuesday 22 July 2014
Sunny Morning Tempo Session
Duncan dropped me off this morning at what has become my usual spot - the path off Rivington Road which leads to Higher Hempshaws.
I did a mile warm up along the path heading towards Lead Mines Clough and then did four miles at 10k race pace. My Strava and Garmin Connect stats seem a bit messed up though because they're showing that I did miles 3 and 4 at under a 7 minute mile pace and mile 5 at over a 9 minute mile pace but I'm pretty sure I was doing them all at a similar pace. I'm sure the fifth mile wasn't anywhere near that slow and I'm sure the third and fourth miles weren't that fast (I'd be majorly impressed if they were!).
From Lead Mines Clough, I continued along my usual route past Yarrow Reservoir, along to the Bowling Club, by the side of Rivington Reservoir, to the castle then home.
It was roasting this morning, even at 7.30am. I dread to think what it will be like at lunchtime.
Total distance - 6 miles
http://www.strava.com/activities/169240769
I did a mile warm up along the path heading towards Lead Mines Clough and then did four miles at 10k race pace. My Strava and Garmin Connect stats seem a bit messed up though because they're showing that I did miles 3 and 4 at under a 7 minute mile pace and mile 5 at over a 9 minute mile pace but I'm pretty sure I was doing them all at a similar pace. I'm sure the fifth mile wasn't anywhere near that slow and I'm sure the third and fourth miles weren't that fast (I'd be majorly impressed if they were!).
From Lead Mines Clough, I continued along my usual route past Yarrow Reservoir, along to the Bowling Club, by the side of Rivington Reservoir, to the castle then home.
It was roasting this morning, even at 7.30am. I dread to think what it will be like at lunchtime.
Total distance - 6 miles
http://www.strava.com/activities/169240769
Sunday 20 July 2014
Ironman, T2
I volunteered to help out at Transition 2 at the Ironman today at the Macron Stadium. I didn't want to drive down because all the roads were closed so I decided to run down. Half way there though I bumped into Tony, Brenda and Lauren so just walked the rest of the way with them as they were volunteering at T2 too.
We got to T2 and were told that we would be racking bikes - my worst nightmare of a job! I hate touching the bikes for two reasons:
1. They're their pride and joy and I don't want to have the responsibility of handling them.
2. I'm told that, on occasion, athletes relieve themselves mid ride to save time on going to a toilet! Don't really want to touch their bikes after that thank you very much.
Fortunately for me, they changed my role and put me right at the start of transition so just after the dismount. I was tasked with stopping Joe Public from crossing into the transition area and also with directing the athletes to where they should rack their bikes.
I knew two athletes who were competing today, Ray McGloin and Colin Wood, so I was keeping my eye out for them.
I only noticed Ray once he had gone past me and that's only because I recognised his race number.
A short while later, I saw a guy come through dressed as Woody from Toy Story. After he has passed I suddenly remembered that I had seen mention of Woody on Facebook earlier this morning but couldn't remember what it was about so I got my phone out and had a look and it was Colin! Obviously seeing as his surname is Wood.
I went over to the changing/baggage tent at this point so I could go say hi to Colin, seeing as I hadn't realised it was him when he passed me. He was in really good spirits and didn't look at all like he had just completed the first two thirds of an Ironman. He looked fresh as a daisy!
The day passed by really quickly and before I knew it, was coming up to 4.30 - cut off time for the bike leg. It was a very tense time as you knew that any athletes coming in even just one minute late wouldn't be able to continue, which must be heartbreaking. A huge group off athletes came flying in just one minute before the cut off and I'm pleased to say they all managed to get through. Then it all went quiet. It was about ten minutes later that the next athlete came through and I really did feel for them.
At this point we were relieved of our duties and told we could go home so I got my gear together and set off running. When running along Chorley New Road I passed quite a few competitors still out on their bikes and it was so sad. It must be awful to be timed out, especially if you know you're capable of a decent time for the marathon.
Well done to all the athletes today, whether you made it or not, you're all pretty damn impressive in my eyes!
Total Distance - 3.4 miles
We got to T2 and were told that we would be racking bikes - my worst nightmare of a job! I hate touching the bikes for two reasons:
1. They're their pride and joy and I don't want to have the responsibility of handling them.
2. I'm told that, on occasion, athletes relieve themselves mid ride to save time on going to a toilet! Don't really want to touch their bikes after that thank you very much.
Fortunately for me, they changed my role and put me right at the start of transition so just after the dismount. I was tasked with stopping Joe Public from crossing into the transition area and also with directing the athletes to where they should rack their bikes.
I knew two athletes who were competing today, Ray McGloin and Colin Wood, so I was keeping my eye out for them.
I only noticed Ray once he had gone past me and that's only because I recognised his race number.
A short while later, I saw a guy come through dressed as Woody from Toy Story. After he has passed I suddenly remembered that I had seen mention of Woody on Facebook earlier this morning but couldn't remember what it was about so I got my phone out and had a look and it was Colin! Obviously seeing as his surname is Wood.
I went over to the changing/baggage tent at this point so I could go say hi to Colin, seeing as I hadn't realised it was him when he passed me. He was in really good spirits and didn't look at all like he had just completed the first two thirds of an Ironman. He looked fresh as a daisy!
The day passed by really quickly and before I knew it, was coming up to 4.30 - cut off time for the bike leg. It was a very tense time as you knew that any athletes coming in even just one minute late wouldn't be able to continue, which must be heartbreaking. A huge group off athletes came flying in just one minute before the cut off and I'm pleased to say they all managed to get through. Then it all went quiet. It was about ten minutes later that the next athlete came through and I really did feel for them.
At this point we were relieved of our duties and told we could go home so I got my gear together and set off running. When running along Chorley New Road I passed quite a few competitors still out on their bikes and it was so sad. It must be awful to be timed out, especially if you know you're capable of a decent time for the marathon.
Well done to all the athletes today, whether you made it or not, you're all pretty damn impressive in my eyes!
Total Distance - 3.4 miles
Saturday 19 July 2014
Healey Nab, White Coppice, Great Hill
Met up with the WFDBWGUA folk this morning for a run in the rain. Seems to be a theme this week.
I was joined this morning by Ed, John, Hazel and Gordon.
We set off to Rivington Green then down to Dean Brook and towards Yarrow, then turned left down to Knowsley Lane. At the other side of the dam, we had to decide whether to go through the field or carry on along Knowsley Lane to Back Lane. The choice was easy for me - the field was full of cows! Ed was the only one who braved the cows and the rest of us went the less courageous road way.
We continued along to the farm then turned right and headed off to Healey Nab. We ran to the cairn on top of Healey Nab then made our way back down and along to White Coppice.
Gordon left us at this point as he's doing Kentmere tomorrow so wanted to preserve some energy for that.
The rest of us headed off to Great Hill and the conditions on top were awful. It had been raining for practically our entire run so far but it was still lovely and warm, however on top of Great Hill it was blowing a gale and raining quite heavily. Still, I refused to put my cag on because I knew I'd only have to take it off again five minutes later.
We went down off Great Hill and ran over to the ruins at Higher Hempshaws and then onto Rivington Road and along to Dangerous Corner.
From there we just ran back to the cars at the barn.
Total distance - 11.2 miles
http://www.strava.com/activities/167918176
I was joined this morning by Ed, John, Hazel and Gordon.
We set off to Rivington Green then down to Dean Brook and towards Yarrow, then turned left down to Knowsley Lane. At the other side of the dam, we had to decide whether to go through the field or carry on along Knowsley Lane to Back Lane. The choice was easy for me - the field was full of cows! Ed was the only one who braved the cows and the rest of us went the less courageous road way.
We continued along to the farm then turned right and headed off to Healey Nab. We ran to the cairn on top of Healey Nab then made our way back down and along to White Coppice.
Gordon left us at this point as he's doing Kentmere tomorrow so wanted to preserve some energy for that.
The rest of us headed off to Great Hill and the conditions on top were awful. It had been raining for practically our entire run so far but it was still lovely and warm, however on top of Great Hill it was blowing a gale and raining quite heavily. Still, I refused to put my cag on because I knew I'd only have to take it off again five minutes later.
We went down off Great Hill and ran over to the ruins at Higher Hempshaws and then onto Rivington Road and along to Dangerous Corner.
From there we just ran back to the cars at the barn.
Total distance - 11.2 miles
http://www.strava.com/activities/167918176
Friday 18 July 2014
Short Out and Back
I wasn't planning on a run today but the weather enticed me out. Knowing how Ruby is struggling with the heat though, I decided to drive to Lead Mines Clough and just have a short run through there where she could dip in and out of the brook whenever she pleased.
We just ran through the clough and up to Bomber Memorial, then carried on up and along onto the open moors. We ran through a short way until Ruby started to get on my nerves with her relentless pulling after sheep so we turned round and retraced our steps.
Ruby got really tired again once we had got down from Bomber Memorial and I was dragging her behind. Then she saw another dog though and shot off towards it. That must have used up all her energy because after that I was practically walking and she was struggling to keep up.
If she didn't pull after everything that moved so much she wouldn't have as much of a problem but you just can't reason with a dog, especially not one as simple as Ruby!
Total distance - 2.8 miles
http://www.strava.com/activities/167634094
We just ran through the clough and up to Bomber Memorial, then carried on up and along onto the open moors. We ran through a short way until Ruby started to get on my nerves with her relentless pulling after sheep so we turned round and retraced our steps.
Ruby got really tired again once we had got down from Bomber Memorial and I was dragging her behind. Then she saw another dog though and shot off towards it. That must have used up all her energy because after that I was practically walking and she was struggling to keep up.
If she didn't pull after everything that moved so much she wouldn't have as much of a problem but you just can't reason with a dog, especially not one as simple as Ruby!
Total distance - 2.8 miles
http://www.strava.com/activities/167634094
Thursday 17 July 2014
Hot Dog!
Ruby really felt the heat today.
I took her for a run around Rivington Reservoir so that she could have a drink whenever she wanted but she was still finding it tough. The first half of the run went OK but 2.6 miles in she was really struggling so I decided that I'd have to start walking. It's a shame really because I was feeling really good tonight but these things happen and I don't want to push her in this heat. Imagine running five miles wearing a fur coat!
The 'beach' is starting to reappear at Rivington...
Terraced Gardens...
Total distance - 5.2 miles
http://www.strava.com/activities/167447316
http://www.strava.com/activities/167447308
I took her for a run around Rivington Reservoir so that she could have a drink whenever she wanted but she was still finding it tough. The first half of the run went OK but 2.6 miles in she was really struggling so I decided that I'd have to start walking. It's a shame really because I was feeling really good tonight but these things happen and I don't want to push her in this heat. Imagine running five miles wearing a fur coat!
The 'beach' is starting to reappear at Rivington...
Terraced Gardens...
Total distance - 5.2 miles
http://www.strava.com/activities/167447316
http://www.strava.com/activities/167447308
Wednesday 16 July 2014
Old Dungeon Ghyll with the Swifts
I accompanied Ed and John Swift today for a run from Old Dungeon Ghyll in Langdale. As I have no idea where we went, I have put a couple of links below to the WFDBWGUA blogs instead. Enjoy!
http://wfdbwgua.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/yes-it-was-wet.html?m=1
http://wfdbwgua.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/pics-from-todays-outing-from-old.html
Total distance - 12.6
http://www.strava.com/activities/166826441/overview
http://wfdbwgua.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/yes-it-was-wet.html?m=1
http://wfdbwgua.blogspot.co.uk/2014/07/pics-from-todays-outing-from-old.html
Total distance - 12.6
http://www.strava.com/activities/166826441/overview
Monday 14 July 2014
Feeling Good
Just a very quick blog post today as I'm rushing to go out.
Pleased to say I ran an easy three miles with Ruby without any pain from my suspected sports hernia. It isn't fixed yet, as it still hurts a bit when I do sit ups but running-wise I think I'll be OK if I take it easy.
Hopefully I'll be fine for my adventure in the Lakes with Ed and John on Wednesday.
Total distance - 3 miles
http://www.strava.com/activities/165886293
Pleased to say I ran an easy three miles with Ruby without any pain from my suspected sports hernia. It isn't fixed yet, as it still hurts a bit when I do sit ups but running-wise I think I'll be OK if I take it easy.
Hopefully I'll be fine for my adventure in the Lakes with Ed and John on Wednesday.
Total distance - 3 miles
http://www.strava.com/activities/165886293
Wednesday 9 July 2014
Sports Hernia (?)
I forgot to write my blog for yesterday's run as I was so busy.
Duncan dropped me off on his way to work in the morning and I did my favourite easy run again though to Higher Hempshaws, into Lead Mines Clough, along Yarrow, into Rivington and then home.
During the run I was very aware of the pain I've been ignoring for a few months. I have been getting a sharp pain every time I do sit ups or sneeze. It's not excruciating, but it's not pleasant either. On my long run on Saturday I noticed the pain when I was running for the first time but I just ignored it because it was only a dull pain and didn't really bother me too much. Today it felt a bit worse and, even though it still wasn't debilitating, I decided it would probably be wise to book in at the doctors.
After an examination the doctor said that it could well be a sports hernia, which is different to a normal hernia as there is no lump. He didn't seem to know much about it though and has just prescribed anti-inflammatories, ice and rest for a week and then see what's what after that.
A week off running? What am I going to do? I'll get fat for a start!
I have an outing planned next Wednesday in the Lakes so it had better be better by then! I'll take doctor's orders and have a try next Tuesday evening to see how it is. I'm climbing the walls already though!
Duncan dropped me off on his way to work in the morning and I did my favourite easy run again though to Higher Hempshaws, into Lead Mines Clough, along Yarrow, into Rivington and then home.
During the run I was very aware of the pain I've been ignoring for a few months. I have been getting a sharp pain every time I do sit ups or sneeze. It's not excruciating, but it's not pleasant either. On my long run on Saturday I noticed the pain when I was running for the first time but I just ignored it because it was only a dull pain and didn't really bother me too much. Today it felt a bit worse and, even though it still wasn't debilitating, I decided it would probably be wise to book in at the doctors.
After an examination the doctor said that it could well be a sports hernia, which is different to a normal hernia as there is no lump. He didn't seem to know much about it though and has just prescribed anti-inflammatories, ice and rest for a week and then see what's what after that.
A week off running? What am I going to do? I'll get fat for a start!
I have an outing planned next Wednesday in the Lakes so it had better be better by then! I'll take doctor's orders and have a try next Tuesday evening to see how it is. I'm climbing the walls already though!
Saturday 5 July 2014
Lead Legs
I met up with the usual gang this morning in the UT at the UP. There was a merry little group of us this morning, consisting of myself, Ed and John Swift, Gordon, Pauline and Kev. There wasn't really a set route in mind so we just made it up as we went along and started by going up to the Pike.
When we first set off along to top barn, I always feel heavy legged but it usually passes after maybe a mile but today that didn't happen. I practically walked all the way up to George's Lane. My legs were just so heavy. They have been all week. I had an excellent run last Sunday but every run since then has been awful and I have no idea why.
I had made a promise to myself over a year ago that I would never walk up to the Pike and would always run it but today I felt like I was going to break that promise. I'm pleased to say I didn't though and, though it was incredibly hard work, I made it to the top without walking.
Next on the agenda was Two Lads. Ed and Kev went cross country, with the rest of us heading down to George's Lane and ascending at the side of the dog hotel. Still my lead legs hadn't recovered and I pretty much walked all the way from the dog hotel to Two Lads. This really wasn't going well. My breathing was absolutely fine and I wasn't at all out of breath but my legs just had nothing.
I persevered though and struggled through. I think Ed and John were both struggling a bit too today so we just struggled along together. Gordon, on the other hand, was full of beans and running back and forth like a man possessed. He must have done twice the mileage of anyone else.
From Two Lads, we went cross country to the trig point and from there, ran down the diagonal onto Belmont Road. Even running downhill was hard work. When we got to Belmont Road, we went left and headed for the stile which takes you down to the bridge at dangerous corner. We then went up onto the road, along a bit and then through the gate on the right, heading for Higher Hempshaws. We ran up to Spitlers Edge, which is where Ed, John and I decided to head back to the cars, leaving the rest to continue on to Great Hill.
We followed the wall back down towards Horden Stoops and then stopped for a couple of minutes to chat to some cyclists once we got to the road. At this point, I must have stopped my Garmin and I forgot to start it again until much further along the road. At a minimum I lost 1/4 of a mile but it might have been a bit more. We got back to dangerous corner and then just headed back to the cars from there. My legs still hadn't woken up, even though we had been running downhill for a good while now.
I'm going out tonight for a burlesque themed hen party but, even if I'm not hungover tomorrow, I'm going to have a day off from running because I think it's clear that I need a rest, although my mileage has been pretty low this week really.
Total distance - approx 10.4 miles
http://www.strava.com/activities/161909505
When we first set off along to top barn, I always feel heavy legged but it usually passes after maybe a mile but today that didn't happen. I practically walked all the way up to George's Lane. My legs were just so heavy. They have been all week. I had an excellent run last Sunday but every run since then has been awful and I have no idea why.
I had made a promise to myself over a year ago that I would never walk up to the Pike and would always run it but today I felt like I was going to break that promise. I'm pleased to say I didn't though and, though it was incredibly hard work, I made it to the top without walking.
Next on the agenda was Two Lads. Ed and Kev went cross country, with the rest of us heading down to George's Lane and ascending at the side of the dog hotel. Still my lead legs hadn't recovered and I pretty much walked all the way from the dog hotel to Two Lads. This really wasn't going well. My breathing was absolutely fine and I wasn't at all out of breath but my legs just had nothing.
I persevered though and struggled through. I think Ed and John were both struggling a bit too today so we just struggled along together. Gordon, on the other hand, was full of beans and running back and forth like a man possessed. He must have done twice the mileage of anyone else.
From Two Lads, we went cross country to the trig point and from there, ran down the diagonal onto Belmont Road. Even running downhill was hard work. When we got to Belmont Road, we went left and headed for the stile which takes you down to the bridge at dangerous corner. We then went up onto the road, along a bit and then through the gate on the right, heading for Higher Hempshaws. We ran up to Spitlers Edge, which is where Ed, John and I decided to head back to the cars, leaving the rest to continue on to Great Hill.
We followed the wall back down towards Horden Stoops and then stopped for a couple of minutes to chat to some cyclists once we got to the road. At this point, I must have stopped my Garmin and I forgot to start it again until much further along the road. At a minimum I lost 1/4 of a mile but it might have been a bit more. We got back to dangerous corner and then just headed back to the cars from there. My legs still hadn't woken up, even though we had been running downhill for a good while now.
I'm going out tonight for a burlesque themed hen party but, even if I'm not hungover tomorrow, I'm going to have a day off from running because I think it's clear that I need a rest, although my mileage has been pretty low this week really.
Total distance - approx 10.4 miles
http://www.strava.com/activities/161909505
Friday 4 July 2014
Canal Run
Working from home today so I went down to Asda at about 6.45 this morning before it got busy. I needed to go for a recovery run and thought I might try a road run for a change and pondered whether to just do a few laps of the Middlebrook whilst I was down there.
Deciding this was far too boring to bear, I drove over to Suzannas in Blackrod and parked up for a run down to the canal.
Once I got to the canal, I turned right along it and headed to Adlington. My legs, as they have been all week, were really heavy and, even though all the start of the run was downhill and then flat, I was struggling a bit and had to stop a few times to stretch out.
Once I got to Adlington, I just ran back along the road and up the dreaded Dark Lane back towards Suzannas.
Not sure what's wrong with my legs this week but they just feel like lead weights. I'm off for some physio in a few hours so that should hopefully sort them out a bit.
Total Distance - 4.7 miles
http://www.strava.com/activities/161523658
Deciding this was far too boring to bear, I drove over to Suzannas in Blackrod and parked up for a run down to the canal.
Once I got to the canal, I turned right along it and headed to Adlington. My legs, as they have been all week, were really heavy and, even though all the start of the run was downhill and then flat, I was struggling a bit and had to stop a few times to stretch out.
Once I got to Adlington, I just ran back along the road and up the dreaded Dark Lane back towards Suzannas.
Not sure what's wrong with my legs this week but they just feel like lead weights. I'm off for some physio in a few hours so that should hopefully sort them out a bit.
Total Distance - 4.7 miles
http://www.strava.com/activities/161523658
Thursday 3 July 2014
Tough Hill Session
I had to really force myself out for the hill session tonight because I didn't want to leave Ruby alone. I had only been home from work for an hour and a half and Duncan was going out for a drink after work so wouldn't be home until later on and I had to leave Ruby alone again. She had already been left for eight hours. For anyone who doesn't know, Ruby suffers terribly from separation anxiety. If you have a dog, you'll probably understand but if you're not a dog person, you'll think I'm being overly sensitive about leaving her.
Anyway, I did manage to get out and went along to meet the others at Sheephouse Lane car park. When I arrived there were a few there already, along with two lads on crossers and their mate on a scooter! Steve took the decision not to do reps up and down to the pigoen tower, because of the idiots on bikes and so instead we ran over towards Dangerous Corner. By now there was quite a big group of us.
We ran along to the wooden bridge at the bottom of dangerous corner and then the session was up through the plantation to the stile onto George's Lane, straight across to the other stile then up to Noon Hill.
When I stated the climb up to George's Lane I was feeling quite good and even overtook a few people and it wasn't until half way up noon hill that I started to get some pain in my right calf. I could tell that I was struggling as I got overtaken by a couple of girls on the descent back to George's Lane and I don't usually get overtaken on descents. Once onto George's Lane I had to stop to stretch out my calf.
I got back down to the bridge and started my second climb but half way up to George's Lane I had to stop again because I felt like my calf was going to explode. Steve was coming down the hill so he stopped and had a chat to me about trying to improve my running style and he said that a week on Tuesday at the track he would take his iPad along and film me and we'd work on things I could try to improve but that it would take a good few weeks to start seeing any results.
Due to my calf pain, Steve got me doing a shorter session and once I was onto George's Lane again, he told me to run along to a stile a bit further down and then do reps up and down to Noon Hill. He said to do three reps and then go back down to the bridge. I ended up doing four reps instead and probably had time for a fifth in hindsight but I was getting slower and slower each rep. My calf did start to ease off a little but it was still quite tight. Luckily I've booked in for physio tomorrow so hopefully that will sort it out.
We regrouped back at the bridge and then had a lovely run back to the car park, where I looked down at my leg and a big fly (horsefly?) was on it and I could see something sticking into my leg. I pulled it off and it drew blood. Yet another bite to add to the collection!
Needless to say, I came home to a puddle of wee on the kitchen floor and poor Ruby cowering in the corner. There's no point in getting angry with her, as that won't help the anxiety at all and it's definitely not a house training issue.
When I uploaded my run to Strava I found that, rather ridiculously, I managed to get a course record on 'Dangerous Corner - Belmont Road Climb'. When I looked into this, only one other girl has recorded a time here so I'm first out of two, however it turns out I'm 9th out of 24 overall, so I'm quite pleased with that although I'm pretty sure the others mustn't have been trying very hard because I really struggled tonight.
Total distance - 4 miles
http://www.strava.com/activities/161330092/overview
Anyway, I did manage to get out and went along to meet the others at Sheephouse Lane car park. When I arrived there were a few there already, along with two lads on crossers and their mate on a scooter! Steve took the decision not to do reps up and down to the pigoen tower, because of the idiots on bikes and so instead we ran over towards Dangerous Corner. By now there was quite a big group of us.
We ran along to the wooden bridge at the bottom of dangerous corner and then the session was up through the plantation to the stile onto George's Lane, straight across to the other stile then up to Noon Hill.
When I stated the climb up to George's Lane I was feeling quite good and even overtook a few people and it wasn't until half way up noon hill that I started to get some pain in my right calf. I could tell that I was struggling as I got overtaken by a couple of girls on the descent back to George's Lane and I don't usually get overtaken on descents. Once onto George's Lane I had to stop to stretch out my calf.
I got back down to the bridge and started my second climb but half way up to George's Lane I had to stop again because I felt like my calf was going to explode. Steve was coming down the hill so he stopped and had a chat to me about trying to improve my running style and he said that a week on Tuesday at the track he would take his iPad along and film me and we'd work on things I could try to improve but that it would take a good few weeks to start seeing any results.
Due to my calf pain, Steve got me doing a shorter session and once I was onto George's Lane again, he told me to run along to a stile a bit further down and then do reps up and down to Noon Hill. He said to do three reps and then go back down to the bridge. I ended up doing four reps instead and probably had time for a fifth in hindsight but I was getting slower and slower each rep. My calf did start to ease off a little but it was still quite tight. Luckily I've booked in for physio tomorrow so hopefully that will sort it out.
We regrouped back at the bridge and then had a lovely run back to the car park, where I looked down at my leg and a big fly (horsefly?) was on it and I could see something sticking into my leg. I pulled it off and it drew blood. Yet another bite to add to the collection!
Needless to say, I came home to a puddle of wee on the kitchen floor and poor Ruby cowering in the corner. There's no point in getting angry with her, as that won't help the anxiety at all and it's definitely not a house training issue.
When I uploaded my run to Strava I found that, rather ridiculously, I managed to get a course record on 'Dangerous Corner - Belmont Road Climb'. When I looked into this, only one other girl has recorded a time here so I'm first out of two, however it turns out I'm 9th out of 24 overall, so I'm quite pleased with that although I'm pretty sure the others mustn't have been trying very hard because I really struggled tonight.
Total distance - 4 miles
http://www.strava.com/activities/161330092/overview
Wednesday 2 July 2014
Skinny Hippo
That's how I would describe the way I run. I plod like a hippo but I'm not fat.
On today's easy run with Ruby I made a few attempts to change little things about my running style, for example I tried not to swing my shoulders as much and tried to run a bit taller. I also pretended I was running on hot coals to try to improve my cadence. I only kept these little bits up for a minute or so each time as it's a recipe for disaster trying to change things all at once and for long periods.
I'd just like to be a bit more efficient in my running style. I know that you run how you run but I'm sure there are some small adjustments which can be made, it's just persevering and bringing them in gradually.
Nothing exciting to report from tonight's run really, it was just an easy plod around Rivington on heavy legs. Hopefully I'll have loosened them up in advance of tomorrow's hill session. Bring it on!
Total distance - 5 miles
http://www.strava.com/activities/160912147
On today's easy run with Ruby I made a few attempts to change little things about my running style, for example I tried not to swing my shoulders as much and tried to run a bit taller. I also pretended I was running on hot coals to try to improve my cadence. I only kept these little bits up for a minute or so each time as it's a recipe for disaster trying to change things all at once and for long periods.
I'd just like to be a bit more efficient in my running style. I know that you run how you run but I'm sure there are some small adjustments which can be made, it's just persevering and bringing them in gradually.
Nothing exciting to report from tonight's run really, it was just an easy plod around Rivington on heavy legs. Hopefully I'll have loosened them up in advance of tomorrow's hill session. Bring it on!
Total distance - 5 miles
http://www.strava.com/activities/160912147
Tuesday 1 July 2014
Tough Track Session
In my quest to get some more speed into my legs I once again headed down to the track this evening.
The session was a massive 5 x 2000m (5 reps of 5 times round the track for any of my non-running readers)!! Knowing I had no chance of doing the whole session because the fast guys would finish each rep way before me and would be onto their next rep before I had even finished my first, I decided to just do 1200m instead (three times round the track).
There was a girl at the track named Gaynor and I know that she is a faster runner than me so, in order to push myself and keep a steady pace, I decided to use her as a pacer. She wasn't doing the full 2000m reps either.
I felt pretty strong on the first two reps but by the third my shins were starting to get pretty sore so I wimped out and only did 800m then had a good stretch whilst waiting for the others to finish their rep.
Feeling OK again, I did 1200m for the fourth rep, although I had slowed down by about 20 seconds per mile from the first rep.
Finally, the fifth rep came. Just an 800 for me again this time but I'm pleased to say that I did manage to stay with Gaynor for the whole session.
I hate the long sessions like these but they're exactly what I need to improve my running. I can do the speed thing for a short distance, but I'm not good at keeping it up so this kind of session is ideal.
I can't make the track next week because I'm at a Pearl Jam gig in Leeds (cannot wait!!!!) but I'm determined to get down there as often as possible and really get some decent sessions in.
Total distance - 4.4 miles
http://www.strava.com/activities/160468634/overview
The session was a massive 5 x 2000m (5 reps of 5 times round the track for any of my non-running readers)!! Knowing I had no chance of doing the whole session because the fast guys would finish each rep way before me and would be onto their next rep before I had even finished my first, I decided to just do 1200m instead (three times round the track).
There was a girl at the track named Gaynor and I know that she is a faster runner than me so, in order to push myself and keep a steady pace, I decided to use her as a pacer. She wasn't doing the full 2000m reps either.
I felt pretty strong on the first two reps but by the third my shins were starting to get pretty sore so I wimped out and only did 800m then had a good stretch whilst waiting for the others to finish their rep.
Feeling OK again, I did 1200m for the fourth rep, although I had slowed down by about 20 seconds per mile from the first rep.
Finally, the fifth rep came. Just an 800 for me again this time but I'm pleased to say that I did manage to stay with Gaynor for the whole session.
I hate the long sessions like these but they're exactly what I need to improve my running. I can do the speed thing for a short distance, but I'm not good at keeping it up so this kind of session is ideal.
I can't make the track next week because I'm at a Pearl Jam gig in Leeds (cannot wait!!!!) but I'm determined to get down there as often as possible and really get some decent sessions in.
Total distance - 4.4 miles
http://www.strava.com/activities/160468634/overview
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