This morning I headed out early because I have a very busy day ahead. I didn't have any breakfast so was feeling really energyless (I usually eat at least a flapjack or something before I run because otherwise I feel totally lacking but just didn't have time today). I ran through Rivington and then headed up through the terraced gardens onto George's Lane. The climb up through the gardens was really tough as I felt so lacking in energy.
When I got onto George's Lane, however, I suddenly felt pretty good and got a good pace on for the next two miles back home and felt really strong.
Anyway, got to go get some work done now!
Total distance - 5 miles
https://www.strava.com/activities/295233900
Thursday 30 April 2015
Tuesday 28 April 2015
Vernons 5k
Tonight I took part in the Vernons 5k race. I haven't done a 5k for about 18 months or so and my aim was to get under 24 minutes. I did it in 23.19 (watch time, haven’t seen official time yet). I felt great all the way through and probably could have pushed even harder but I still have that fear of burn out. I also have a bad back at the minute and it did start to ache half way through so I’m sure I could do better once I sort that out. I intended to use my Garmin as a pacer but I was too scared to look at it throughout the race because I was worried that if it said I was running too slowly, rather than spur me on, it might make me thing ‘what’s the point’. Silly I know but you know my mind works in mysterious ways!
At the end, there was a girl in my sights and I tried my usual sprint finish to get past her but, unfortunately, all her team mates at the finish line warned her of my approach and their shouts and cheers brought her home ahead of me. I would be disappointed but I love team spirit like that, and it’s one of the best parts of racing which is weird coming from me, seeing as I shy away from races where there are lots of other Horwich runners because I feel embarrassed.
Speaking of which, I was warming up with a guy named Nigel and when I told him that I was a slowcoach and he might not want to warm up with me he said ‘I’ve seen the vest you’re wearing, you can’t be a slow coach’. I then said that my goal was a sub-24 time and his reply was ‘Seriously? But you guys are all really fast!’. Nice to know Horwich have such a good reputation, shame I don’t live up to it ha ha.
There were a couple of other Horwich runners out tonight – Gareth Booth and David Barnes. I’m not sure of their results as they aren’t out yet but I’m guessing Gareth was up front somewhere. David was probably just under a minute in front of me as I had him in my sights for almost the entire race.
My greatest achievement of the night probably wasn’t my PB but my great manoeuvring skills at getting my van out of the space it had been blocked into. This is something I really dislike about races – parking! So many people are trying to park in a small space that cars just end up abandoned everywhere. I had parked out of the way in a layby but other cars had parked behind me, in front of me and at the side of me!
Total distance – 3.1 miles plus warm up and cool down.
https://www.strava.com/activities/294377785
Monday 27 April 2015
Has Summer Gone Already?
What is with this weather? The other week I was getting sunburnt and now I’m getting the woollens out again. All the cars on the street were frozen when I got up this morning. I hope it warms up soon, I really dislike being cold.
I just had an easy run with Ruby today through the terraced gardens and along George’s Lane.
I should have done a hard session really, given that I haven’t been out much in the past week but I’m racing tomorrow so didn’t want to do anything strenuous.
I’ll definitely get back to the hard training after the race though and the race itself is hard training of course.
Total distance – approx. 4 miles
Saturday 25 April 2015
Baths Maths!
No that doesn't mean that I was doing sums whilst in the bath, but refers to a little game we played part way through today's run.
I met up with Ed, John and Julie at the barn this morning and we set off towards Healey Nab.
We ran up to the cairn in Healey Nab and then down through the woods and out onto the road before heading down into White Coppice.
From here we took a route I have never taken before which involved going over a ford in the road and up a hill, before continuing into a field. This is where navigation got a bit ropey and to keep us amused Ed came up with his rhyming game. He had to give clues to two words which rhymed, for example 'unstable seaside animal' = 'wonkey donkey'. On my turn, I couldn't think of anything but had just run past a bath being used as a trough so I came up with a rather pathetic 'clean sums' = 'baths maths'. Needless to say, the game didn't last long.
After a bit of map reading and finding our way through the fields, we came out onto a trail which leads to Brinscal but we turned off this and came out onto the road which eventually leads around to Great Hill.
Julie and John were heading out for four hours but I didn't want to be out that long today and neither did Ed so from Drinkwaters we headed back down to White Coppice and round Anglezarke back to Rivington.
As usual, a good fun morning with plenty of laughter!
Total distance - 13.1 miles
https://www.strava.com/activities/292158188
I met up with Ed, John and Julie at the barn this morning and we set off towards Healey Nab.
We ran up to the cairn in Healey Nab and then down through the woods and out onto the road before heading down into White Coppice.
From here we took a route I have never taken before which involved going over a ford in the road and up a hill, before continuing into a field. This is where navigation got a bit ropey and to keep us amused Ed came up with his rhyming game. He had to give clues to two words which rhymed, for example 'unstable seaside animal' = 'wonkey donkey'. On my turn, I couldn't think of anything but had just run past a bath being used as a trough so I came up with a rather pathetic 'clean sums' = 'baths maths'. Needless to say, the game didn't last long.
After a bit of map reading and finding our way through the fields, we came out onto a trail which leads to Brinscal but we turned off this and came out onto the road which eventually leads around to Great Hill.
Julie and John were heading out for four hours but I didn't want to be out that long today and neither did Ed so from Drinkwaters we headed back down to White Coppice and round Anglezarke back to Rivington.
As usual, a good fun morning with plenty of laughter!
Total distance - 13.1 miles
https://www.strava.com/activities/292158188
Thursday 23 April 2015
Mmmm Pasty and Peas!
Tonight was Lostock AC's duathlon and they all met up on George's Lane at the bottom of Two Lads. I went to the start but wasn't competing and instead was waiting for Kathryn and Maggie to run up from the leisure centre to go for a run on the tops.
Whilst waiting for them, I took a few pictures of the start of the race...
When they arrived, we ran up to two lads and waited around a bit whilst watching some of the race action. We then headed off up to the mast then the trig point and then off down the diagonal to the wooden bridge.
I wanted to keep my feet dry tonight because I was going straight out afterwards and didn't have a change of shoes/socks so we decided against going up Noon Hill and cross country to the Pike and instead ran along the lane to the Pigeon Tower and then went up the Pike from there.
Just time for a quick piccie at the top of the Pike before the sun leaves us for the evening...
I took the girls back down through Tigers Clough as I thought it might be somewhere they hadn't been before but Kathryn had been this way a few weeks ago with Albert & Co. It's still a lovely way back down though and we then cut through the field of horses, coming out just at the back of my house and then heading down dog poo alley to the leisure centre.
After the run Kathryn and I went to the Con Club for pasty and peas with Lostock AC for their post-race chill out and club meeting.
A top night with a great bunch of people!
Total distance - 6.5 miles
https://www.strava.com/activities/290688304
Monday 20 April 2015
Unscathed… more than can be said for Kathryn
Surprisingly, my tumble down the hill yesterday has left me relatively unscathed. I have no mark on my head and, despite the grass stains, no bruised knees either. The only visible war wound is a slight bruising to my left bum cheek.
Kathryn, however, couldn’t say the same thing! She had been running in the Lakes at weekend, doing a race recce, and had trudged through some heather and is now covered in cuts all over her lower legs. Just in time for shorts weather!
We ran along the canal with Alex (I hope, I’m useless with names and I’ve met the guy a few times now so its inexcusable if I’ve got that wrong!) and every man and his dog was out today in the sunshine. Oh and a good few geese. It’s a bit scary running in close proximity to geese as a work colleague was telling me that he got attacked by some last year whilst running along that canal. I just have visions of me falling into the canal trying to get away from them.
As usual, we ran out to Old Trafford and back. We were both quite tired from our weekend’s running exertions and Alex was tired from his gardening so it was a bit slower paced than usual.
Running back along Canal Street it was so tempting to stop and get a cold pint of cider!
Total distance – 5.4 miles
https://www.strava.com/activities/289228630
Sunday 19 April 2015
Today's Run and Weekend Overview
Still feeling motivated, I fancied a bit of cross training on Friday and so went to Chorley for the spin at altitude class. Josie, Suzanne and Nadine also went so we had a fun group. Unfortunately Erica couldn’t make it because she had visited Maria earlier in the day and her foot isn’t looking too good at the minute so she was resting up. Hope it gets sorted soon Erica!
I can't believe the amount of sweat which dripped off my nose during that class, it was just pouring out!
I have realised lately that when I'm struggling with a hard exercise session, it's always my legs which tire before the rest of me. I can still have loads of energy and not be out of breath but my legs will just stop working. Think I need to get some strength training into them.
With that in mind, yesterday I did one of my workout DVDs (I have over 50, sad as that may sound). I did one of Nell McAndrew's DVDs, which are really hard work and fast paced. There were quite a lot of squats in it which should be good for building the leg strength. I have to take them quite slowly though as I need to focus on my form when squatting because otherwise my knees bow inwards which is a recipe for injury.
This morning I went out with the Lostock lot again from the lower barn. Out today were Ray, John, Brian, Mark, Mike, Scott and Niall. They looked a speedy lot so I knew I was in for a tough session and I wasn't wrong!
We set off through Rivington and turned in past the bowling club, heading over to White Coppice. When we were running alongside Anglezarke my left leg was starting to feel weird again and I thought I might have to turn back but it seemed to ease off a bit after that. I really don't know what's wrong with it as it isn't pain, it's more of a numbness/tingling feeling in the calf. A bit like a dead leg. I get it whether I run or don't so haven't bothered stopping running.
We had a little rest at White Coppice for a photo opportunity...
Another photo at Hordern Stoops before the big climb!
Ray and Scott left us at this point as they had to get back to the barn quickly and the rest of us were heading off up and over. I can't believe they made me run up the steep path up to the top of Winter Hill. They're evil this lot!
I was absolutely exhausted going up here and was practically crawling on all fours at one point. John gave me his great coaching advice about keeping a steady pace though and eventually I made it to the top. Pretty much all down hill from here. Or it would have been if they hadn't thrown in Two Lads and the Pike before letting me rest!
I can't believe I managed to run all the way up the Pike (albeit very slowly) as I was absolutely knackered by now. As you probably know, I made a promise that I would never walk up the Pike though so I had to stick to it.
Yippee, downhill now!
We ran along to the Pigeon Tower and then down the muddy path to the side of it, which is where I took a tumble. I actually did a somersault on my head so it's a good job it was on the grassy bit to the side of the rough track and not actually on the track or else it might have hurt a bit. I banged both knees, my left hip, left elbow and my head. John heard my 'aaarrgghhhh' but nobody actually saw anything so dignity was still in tact - except that I told them all about it anyway!
As we were heading down the lane from the top barn back to the bottom barn, all of a sudden a huge burst of speed came from everyone and I found myself doing a sprint finish. What's that all about? Seriously, I think they're trying to kill me.
Really enjoyed the run and am now sat on the couch barely able to move but it's all good training!
I might not be able to make it next week and then am on holiday for both weeks after so please don't think it's because I didn't enjoy it and don't want to go again - I'll definitely be back the week after!
Thanks again guys, you really pushed me on and made me work.
Total distance - 13.1 miles
https://www.strava.com/activities/288340691/overview
I can't believe the amount of sweat which dripped off my nose during that class, it was just pouring out!
I have realised lately that when I'm struggling with a hard exercise session, it's always my legs which tire before the rest of me. I can still have loads of energy and not be out of breath but my legs will just stop working. Think I need to get some strength training into them.
With that in mind, yesterday I did one of my workout DVDs (I have over 50, sad as that may sound). I did one of Nell McAndrew's DVDs, which are really hard work and fast paced. There were quite a lot of squats in it which should be good for building the leg strength. I have to take them quite slowly though as I need to focus on my form when squatting because otherwise my knees bow inwards which is a recipe for injury.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
This morning I went out with the Lostock lot again from the lower barn. Out today were Ray, John, Brian, Mark, Mike, Scott and Niall. They looked a speedy lot so I knew I was in for a tough session and I wasn't wrong!
We set off through Rivington and turned in past the bowling club, heading over to White Coppice. When we were running alongside Anglezarke my left leg was starting to feel weird again and I thought I might have to turn back but it seemed to ease off a bit after that. I really don't know what's wrong with it as it isn't pain, it's more of a numbness/tingling feeling in the calf. A bit like a dead leg. I get it whether I run or don't so haven't bothered stopping running.
We had a little rest at White Coppice for a photo opportunity...
Photo courtesy of Ray McGloin
L to R - Brian, John, Mike, Scott, Mark, Niall, me
From White Coppice we started the climb up to Great Hill. I was running at the back until Ray stopped to take a photo and then rejoined us behind me. All I kept thinking was 'Please overtake me so that I can walk without anybody noticing' but he stayed at the back. Even though I was willing him to pass I'm so glad he didn't because I kept on running and didn't walk so obviously I was more capable than I thought. This is the joy of running with others!
I managed to run all the way up to Great Hill, which I have done many times before but usually at a slower pace.
Another short rest and photo opportunity on Great Hill...
Photo courtesy of Ray McGloin
L to R - me, Scott, Ray, Mark, Mike, Brian, Niall
We then ran along the flagging towards Spitlers. I can't tell whether that's a smile on my face or a grimace.
Photo courtesy of Ray McGloin
L to R - Mark, Scott, me Another photo at Hordern Stoops before the big climb!
Photo courtesy of Ray McGloin
L to R - Scott, me, John, Brian, Mike, Mark, NiallRay and Scott left us at this point as they had to get back to the barn quickly and the rest of us were heading off up and over. I can't believe they made me run up the steep path up to the top of Winter Hill. They're evil this lot!
I was absolutely exhausted going up here and was practically crawling on all fours at one point. John gave me his great coaching advice about keeping a steady pace though and eventually I made it to the top. Pretty much all down hill from here. Or it would have been if they hadn't thrown in Two Lads and the Pike before letting me rest!
I can't believe I managed to run all the way up the Pike (albeit very slowly) as I was absolutely knackered by now. As you probably know, I made a promise that I would never walk up the Pike though so I had to stick to it.
Yippee, downhill now!
We ran along to the Pigeon Tower and then down the muddy path to the side of it, which is where I took a tumble. I actually did a somersault on my head so it's a good job it was on the grassy bit to the side of the rough track and not actually on the track or else it might have hurt a bit. I banged both knees, my left hip, left elbow and my head. John heard my 'aaarrgghhhh' but nobody actually saw anything so dignity was still in tact - except that I told them all about it anyway!
As we were heading down the lane from the top barn back to the bottom barn, all of a sudden a huge burst of speed came from everyone and I found myself doing a sprint finish. What's that all about? Seriously, I think they're trying to kill me.
Really enjoyed the run and am now sat on the couch barely able to move but it's all good training!
I might not be able to make it next week and then am on holiday for both weeks after so please don't think it's because I didn't enjoy it and don't want to go again - I'll definitely be back the week after!
Thanks again guys, you really pushed me on and made me work.
Total distance - 13.1 miles
https://www.strava.com/activities/288340691/overview
Thursday 16 April 2015
Tigers Clough (again!)
Just an easy three miler tonight with Ruby. Despite her rather fetching haircut, she’s still feeling the heat and sauntering along slowly behind me. Well, until she sees a sheep that is. Then she has this almighty burst of energy and tries to fly off after it. After that, it’s back to slow trundling again.
We just ran towards the school and then up into Tigers Clough. It was so beautiful up there in the sunshine, listening to the water falling at the side of us. I feel so lucky to live where I live and have places like this right on my doorstep.
In case anyone is interested in the history of the area, here’s a link to information on Tigers Clough and other parts of Rivington http://www.about-rivington.co.uk/section/155/tigers-clough/
According to this website, Tigers Clough ‘is supposedly named after an illegal drinking establishment that once occupied a spot near to the Knoll Bleach Works in the 19 Century, having two tigers on a sign outside. The exact location of The Tigers is not known but, there is a convincing location just downstream of the old bleach works where much stone rubble can be found.’
From the clough we just came out onto George’s Lane and ran home down the two lads race route.
Total distance – approx. 3 miles
Wednesday 15 April 2015
Lostock AC Fell Run
Under orders from Kathryn, I met up with the Lostock AC lot at Horwich Leisure Centre at 7pm tonight for a run up on the tops. There were loads of people at the meet up but the majority were off road running and they did a lovely little warm up routine whilst the fell runners amongst us just set off in a disorderly fashion.
I was joined by seven others: Kathryn Orrell (my canal running buddy), Adrian Hope, Mark Shuttleworth, Mark Checkley, Tony Marlow, Brian (? sorry!) and I wasn't sure of the seventh persons name but, by the powers of Strava, I now know to be Mike Ernill.
We ran down past the Bridge pub and up Factory Hill, then through Wilderswood up onto George's Lane. From there we ran up to Two Lads, then up the mast.
All the way up I was, as usual, at the back.
After the trig point we ran down the steep path (which leads to Hordern Stoops) which took me by surprise as I thought we'd be going down the diagonal and not the steep bit. I just ran down trying to stop laughing at Kathryn who I could just hear making all sorts of funny remarks as she came down.
All of a sudden, I realised that the guys in front of me were now doubling back on themselves, rather than going to Hordern Stoops, and going back uphill again. What kind of sadistic people had I come out running with tonight?
They were running back up to find a stile which leads to the sheep trod on the Belmont Winter Hill fell race route which takes you over to the wooden bridge and then out onto the Belmont Road track.
We then headed up Noon Hill and across to the Pike. I love the cross country run from Noon Hill over to the Pike, even if it is always extremely wet and my feet got very cold.
From the Pike we ran down a way I have never run before! I can't believe there is a path off the Pike I haven't done before in all these years. I always either go down the Pike race route, the side of the steps or, if I want to get a tiny bit of extra distance in, I'll go down the curly path but I've never been down the side in between the race route and the steps which goes down to the gate before.
From there, we ran down towards the school. I was running with Tony at this point and telling him that when we were on the way up all I kept thinking about was that I was at the back and making everybody wait for me, which is why I don't like going out with faster runners, but I know that I need to carry on doing this if I ever want to get faster myself.
Once at the school we went up past the llamas and I then carried on along dog poo alley to my house whilst the others went down Green Lane. I'm quite surprised really because I would have thought dog poo alley was the most direct route back to the leisure centre but perhaps not.
I had a really good run tonight, even though it was much later than I'm used to being out and it's now way past my bedtime (pathetic I know but I do get up at 5.30am!).
Great company! Thanks everyone!
Oh and I even got a Strava course record!
Total distance - 7.3 miles
https://www.strava.com/activities/286138432
I was joined by seven others: Kathryn Orrell (my canal running buddy), Adrian Hope, Mark Shuttleworth, Mark Checkley, Tony Marlow, Brian (? sorry!) and I wasn't sure of the seventh persons name but, by the powers of Strava, I now know to be Mike Ernill.
We ran down past the Bridge pub and up Factory Hill, then through Wilderswood up onto George's Lane. From there we ran up to Two Lads, then up the mast.
All the way up I was, as usual, at the back.
After the trig point we ran down the steep path (which leads to Hordern Stoops) which took me by surprise as I thought we'd be going down the diagonal and not the steep bit. I just ran down trying to stop laughing at Kathryn who I could just hear making all sorts of funny remarks as she came down.
All of a sudden, I realised that the guys in front of me were now doubling back on themselves, rather than going to Hordern Stoops, and going back uphill again. What kind of sadistic people had I come out running with tonight?
They were running back up to find a stile which leads to the sheep trod on the Belmont Winter Hill fell race route which takes you over to the wooden bridge and then out onto the Belmont Road track.
We then headed up Noon Hill and across to the Pike. I love the cross country run from Noon Hill over to the Pike, even if it is always extremely wet and my feet got very cold.
From the Pike we ran down a way I have never run before! I can't believe there is a path off the Pike I haven't done before in all these years. I always either go down the Pike race route, the side of the steps or, if I want to get a tiny bit of extra distance in, I'll go down the curly path but I've never been down the side in between the race route and the steps which goes down to the gate before.
From there, we ran down towards the school. I was running with Tony at this point and telling him that when we were on the way up all I kept thinking about was that I was at the back and making everybody wait for me, which is why I don't like going out with faster runners, but I know that I need to carry on doing this if I ever want to get faster myself.
Once at the school we went up past the llamas and I then carried on along dog poo alley to my house whilst the others went down Green Lane. I'm quite surprised really because I would have thought dog poo alley was the most direct route back to the leisure centre but perhaps not.
I had a really good run tonight, even though it was much later than I'm used to being out and it's now way past my bedtime (pathetic I know but I do get up at 5.30am!).
Great company! Thanks everyone!
Oh and I even got a Strava course record!
Total distance - 7.3 miles
https://www.strava.com/activities/286138432
Tuesday 14 April 2015
Down Tiger's Clough
Duncan dropped me off at the pigeon tower car park this evening so I could do an easy run but without Ruby (Duncan took Ruby to play ball in a field). I think I might need to change my blog name soon as I'm running with Ruby less and less these days.
I ran along the fields and through the woods towards Dangerous Corner. Straight away I felt really lethargic and my left calf was incredibly tight. I had to stop and give it a stretch before I carried on. By the bridge at the bottom of Dangerous Corner I was feeling a bit better and started the climb up to George's Lane. I was doing OK and had John Parker's voice in my head telling me to pace it slow but then about two thirds of the way up my legs turned to led and I started to wheeze like a 40 a day smoker. Not sure what that was all about! Eventually I came out onto the track and had a bit of a breather because my chest was feeling really tight. Hope I'm not coming down with something.
After catching my breath, I ran along past the Pigeon Tower and up to the Pike. By now I was feeling much better although my calf was still feeling quite tight.
I ran down off the Pike, and then decided to go home via Tigers Clough for a change. I come up through there every now and then but I think I have only gone down that way once before. It's a lovely run down, especially on a day like today and I started to feel quite euphoric at one point.
Back to reality though when I had to climb back out of the clough and up to the stables. Not a huge hill by any stretch but tonight I was feeling pretty tired so it was hard work.
All down hill again from there though.
Total distance - 3.35 miles
https://www.strava.com/activities/285332636
I ran along the fields and through the woods towards Dangerous Corner. Straight away I felt really lethargic and my left calf was incredibly tight. I had to stop and give it a stretch before I carried on. By the bridge at the bottom of Dangerous Corner I was feeling a bit better and started the climb up to George's Lane. I was doing OK and had John Parker's voice in my head telling me to pace it slow but then about two thirds of the way up my legs turned to led and I started to wheeze like a 40 a day smoker. Not sure what that was all about! Eventually I came out onto the track and had a bit of a breather because my chest was feeling really tight. Hope I'm not coming down with something.
After catching my breath, I ran along past the Pigeon Tower and up to the Pike. By now I was feeling much better although my calf was still feeling quite tight.
I ran down off the Pike, and then decided to go home via Tigers Clough for a change. I come up through there every now and then but I think I have only gone down that way once before. It's a lovely run down, especially on a day like today and I started to feel quite euphoric at one point.
Back to reality though when I had to climb back out of the clough and up to the stables. Not a huge hill by any stretch but tonight I was feeling pretty tired so it was hard work.
All down hill again from there though.
Total distance - 3.35 miles
https://www.strava.com/activities/285332636
Monday 13 April 2015
Questionable Running Attire!
After ten days of tougher than usual training, there was no rest for the wicked today when I went for my canal run with Kathryn at lunch.
I had to offer my apologies to Kathryn and give her the option of not being seen with me because I was wearing the most uncoordinated running outfit ever. I just threw a load of clothes in a bag this morning without really paying attention to the ridiculous combination of colours - bright blue trainers, black socks, purple shorts with pink Adidas stripes, a white t-shirt, a grey and pink windproof jacket, black gloves and a red buff! Nice!
Kathryn didn't seem too concerned to be seen with me so off we went. My legs were really heavy after yesterday's run but I didn't feel too bad.
Kathryn said she was chatting with Michelle last week on Lostock's Wednesday training session about how they should talk me into going too so that's the plan for this Wednesday. As I said in an earlier post, I'm trying to get to at least one club session per week. I'd like to say I'll do the track session tomorrow but I think I should probably do an easy run tomorrow after two days of running at a quicker than usual pace and then another one on Wednesday. Or is that a poor excuse?
Looking forward to racing later in the year and seeing whether all this running with speedy people (which I'm going to keep up with!) pays off.
Total distance - 5.4 miles
https://www.strava.com/activities/284702314/overview
I had to offer my apologies to Kathryn and give her the option of not being seen with me because I was wearing the most uncoordinated running outfit ever. I just threw a load of clothes in a bag this morning without really paying attention to the ridiculous combination of colours - bright blue trainers, black socks, purple shorts with pink Adidas stripes, a white t-shirt, a grey and pink windproof jacket, black gloves and a red buff! Nice!
Kathryn didn't seem too concerned to be seen with me so off we went. My legs were really heavy after yesterday's run but I didn't feel too bad.
Kathryn said she was chatting with Michelle last week on Lostock's Wednesday training session about how they should talk me into going too so that's the plan for this Wednesday. As I said in an earlier post, I'm trying to get to at least one club session per week. I'd like to say I'll do the track session tomorrow but I think I should probably do an easy run tomorrow after two days of running at a quicker than usual pace and then another one on Wednesday. Or is that a poor excuse?
Looking forward to racing later in the year and seeing whether all this running with speedy people (which I'm going to keep up with!) pays off.
Total distance - 5.4 miles
https://www.strava.com/activities/284702314/overview
Sunday 12 April 2015
Run With Lostock / Over 50 Miles This Week / Uncle Duncle!
Even though the title of today's blog is a bit long winded, it was actually cut down from:
'Run With Lostock / Over 50 Miles This Week / Uncle Duncle / Garmin and Strava Discrepancies / Missed Race / No Regrets / Knackered!'
So much going on!
All week I had been set on doing the Radcliffe 10k today because it's in the club championship. However, over the past couple of days I started to talk myself out of it and not because of my usual nerves this time but because I'm sick of running races feeling unfit and I really want to get some good training under my belt before tackling my next race so that I can give it my all and be strong. I don't want to just keep winning things in the club championship due to being the only lady at the race, but due to being a good runner with competition from other club members. I'm not going to pursue the championship this year and try to get myself really strong for the next cross country season and next year's championship.
I did the Radcliffe 10k two years ago and I'm pretty confident I could have got my time down had I done it today, but not down enough for me to be happy.
I set my 10k PB 18 months ago (49.21) and when I next do a 10k I hope to be able to do it much faster than this and today wasn't the day for trying as, for me, it's been a very hard week of training and I'm feeling pretty tired.
My decision on not racing today was fully made though when Duncan became an uncle for the first time yesterday! His sister had a baby girl so we're going to see them both in a bit. Does this make me an auntie or do we have to be married for that?
I must admit though, I did feel a bit guilty for not doing the race so I wanted to do another tough training session today to make up for it. I went along to bottom barn at 8am to meet up with the Lostock lot for their weekly 12 mile trail run. I sat waiting in my car and at about 8.03 I saw John Parker running by the front of the barn so I thought that maybe he hadn't known I was there and nobody else had turned up so he had set off on his own. I got out of my car and went to run after him but then a bloke looking like a runner pulled up in the car park. I asked whether he was here from Lostock AC and he said he was and his name was Brian. He said John would have just nipped to the loo and won't have set off on his own yet. He was right and along John came.
After a brief natter with Albert who was at his mum's for breakfast (he is so spoilt!) we set off around Anglezarke and into White Coppice. From White Coppice we ran into Brinscall which is somewhere I haven't run before so that was nice. After a big loop around we ended up back at White Coppice and went back round Anglezarke back towards Rivington .
I was being pulled along at a much faster pace than I'm used to on a long run. Strava stats don't show a particularly fast pace (overall 9.53 pace) but that's because we had a few moments of jogging when coming up to gates for catching up and also we jogged for a while whilst waiting for John who had gone back a bit to find his dropped gloves so these bits dragged average pace down but if you move along the line on Strava (if you're really bored and have nothing better to do) you can see that a lot of the pace was between 7.5 and 8.5 minute miling which is pretty nippy for me on a long run.
It was hard work but it's what I need if I ever want to get faster and I really enjoyed it. Will definitely be joining them again.
This is my third run into double figure mileage this week, putting my total weekly mileage at 51.7, the furthest I have ever run in a week (I usually run around 30 to 35 miles a week).
Definitely no regrets about missing the race today as I'm feeling great after my tough run. Thanks John and Brian, you have definitely done me some good!
Finally, I was discussing with Gary the other night the differences between Garmin and Strava stats which I find bizarre when they come from the same watch. As an example, I have set out below a couple of stats on today's run from both Garmin and Strava:
Strava Garmin
Elevation 913 791
Calories 1,504 1,249
Moving Time 2.10.06 2.14.54
Elapsed Time 2.15.35 2.15.44
Total distance - 13.2 miles
https://www.strava.com/activities/283777183/overview
'Run With Lostock / Over 50 Miles This Week / Uncle Duncle / Garmin and Strava Discrepancies / Missed Race / No Regrets / Knackered!'
So much going on!
All week I had been set on doing the Radcliffe 10k today because it's in the club championship. However, over the past couple of days I started to talk myself out of it and not because of my usual nerves this time but because I'm sick of running races feeling unfit and I really want to get some good training under my belt before tackling my next race so that I can give it my all and be strong. I don't want to just keep winning things in the club championship due to being the only lady at the race, but due to being a good runner with competition from other club members. I'm not going to pursue the championship this year and try to get myself really strong for the next cross country season and next year's championship.
I did the Radcliffe 10k two years ago and I'm pretty confident I could have got my time down had I done it today, but not down enough for me to be happy.
I set my 10k PB 18 months ago (49.21) and when I next do a 10k I hope to be able to do it much faster than this and today wasn't the day for trying as, for me, it's been a very hard week of training and I'm feeling pretty tired.
My decision on not racing today was fully made though when Duncan became an uncle for the first time yesterday! His sister had a baby girl so we're going to see them both in a bit. Does this make me an auntie or do we have to be married for that?
I must admit though, I did feel a bit guilty for not doing the race so I wanted to do another tough training session today to make up for it. I went along to bottom barn at 8am to meet up with the Lostock lot for their weekly 12 mile trail run. I sat waiting in my car and at about 8.03 I saw John Parker running by the front of the barn so I thought that maybe he hadn't known I was there and nobody else had turned up so he had set off on his own. I got out of my car and went to run after him but then a bloke looking like a runner pulled up in the car park. I asked whether he was here from Lostock AC and he said he was and his name was Brian. He said John would have just nipped to the loo and won't have set off on his own yet. He was right and along John came.
After a brief natter with Albert who was at his mum's for breakfast (he is so spoilt!) we set off around Anglezarke and into White Coppice. From White Coppice we ran into Brinscall which is somewhere I haven't run before so that was nice. After a big loop around we ended up back at White Coppice and went back round Anglezarke back towards Rivington .
I was being pulled along at a much faster pace than I'm used to on a long run. Strava stats don't show a particularly fast pace (overall 9.53 pace) but that's because we had a few moments of jogging when coming up to gates for catching up and also we jogged for a while whilst waiting for John who had gone back a bit to find his dropped gloves so these bits dragged average pace down but if you move along the line on Strava (if you're really bored and have nothing better to do) you can see that a lot of the pace was between 7.5 and 8.5 minute miling which is pretty nippy for me on a long run.
It was hard work but it's what I need if I ever want to get faster and I really enjoyed it. Will definitely be joining them again.
This is my third run into double figure mileage this week, putting my total weekly mileage at 51.7, the furthest I have ever run in a week (I usually run around 30 to 35 miles a week).
Definitely no regrets about missing the race today as I'm feeling great after my tough run. Thanks John and Brian, you have definitely done me some good!
Finally, I was discussing with Gary the other night the differences between Garmin and Strava stats which I find bizarre when they come from the same watch. As an example, I have set out below a couple of stats on today's run from both Garmin and Strava:
Strava Garmin
Elevation 913 791
Calories 1,504 1,249
Moving Time 2.10.06 2.14.54
Elapsed Time 2.15.35 2.15.44
Total distance - 13.2 miles
https://www.strava.com/activities/283777183/overview
Friday 10 April 2015
Bolton Hill Marathon Recce - Part 2
I ran up to Wilderswood car park at 11.30 this morning to meet Maggie for part 2 of her Bolton Hill Marathon recce. I had looked at the route this morning so already knew where I was going as it was all very familiar to me so left it to Maggie to do all the navigating.
We were also joined by the legendary John Parker as I had mentioned to him at last night's hill session that we were meeting for the recce so he decided to come and join us.
We set off along George's Lane, following it round to the right after the Pigeon Tower. We ran all the way to the end and out onto Rivington Road, then went along to the little car park and through the kissing gate on the path to Spitlers. We didn't go to Spitlers though and followed the left grassy path which eventually drops down into Higher Hempshaws.
From there we ran all the way along the path through Simms into Lead Mines Clough.
We took a short detour from the race route here to show Maggie the bomber memorial as she had never been up to it before.
After a brief history lesson we ran back down again and continued on the race route, which took us up the hill and along to Jepson's Gate. From there it was straight ahead onto the road and then all the way down to just before Waterman's Cottage, which was as far as we were going on this part of the route today. The route does continue into White Coppice and beyond but we headed back now along a later section of the race route.
We ran alongside Anglezarke Reservoir which, for some reason, even though it's reasonably flat, always seems really tough going. I think it's because I always do this bit when I'm really tired and on my way home. The worst bit is the tarmac path at the side of the reservoir which comes out onto the road and seems to be never-ending.
After leaving the reservoir trail, we had to run up Parsons Bullough Road and then turned onto the path on the right, alongside Yarrow Reservoir. From here, we ran all the way along the reservoir, coming out at the bowling green, before running up past the prep school and along to the barn.
As we were passing the prep school I had to have an energy gel because I was starting to struggle. Usually I hate energy gels but this one was delicious! It was called raspberry ripple and it tasted exactly the same as the stuff you put on top of ice cream. It probably was the stuff you put on top of ice cream but at 10 times the price!
From the barn, we went along the path alongside the road, coming out at the car park near the school. We took the muddy path up at the left side of the school, out onto Roynton Road (the path that leads to the top barn). We turned right here and then left onto the concrete road up to the farm on the pike race route. We did the pike race route all the way up to George's Lane and I got up there miles better than I did the other day when I was doing my pike race recce, which considering I was 12 miles in at this point is pretty ridiculous!
From there it was just along and back to Wilderswood car park where John and Maggie were parked and I just ran back through the woods from here.
It was an excellent run out with great company and lovely weather! Lots of good advice given by John regarding pace and climbing which I'll definitely be taking on board.
The only bit of the route we haven't done now is a very short 4.7 mile section through White Coppice.
Total distance - 14.4 miles (which includes my run to/from Wilderswood car park)
https://www.strava.com/activities/282727610
We were also joined by the legendary John Parker as I had mentioned to him at last night's hill session that we were meeting for the recce so he decided to come and join us.
We set off along George's Lane, following it round to the right after the Pigeon Tower. We ran all the way to the end and out onto Rivington Road, then went along to the little car park and through the kissing gate on the path to Spitlers. We didn't go to Spitlers though and followed the left grassy path which eventually drops down into Higher Hempshaws.
From there we ran all the way along the path through Simms into Lead Mines Clough.
We took a short detour from the race route here to show Maggie the bomber memorial as she had never been up to it before.
After a brief history lesson we ran back down again and continued on the race route, which took us up the hill and along to Jepson's Gate. From there it was straight ahead onto the road and then all the way down to just before Waterman's Cottage, which was as far as we were going on this part of the route today. The route does continue into White Coppice and beyond but we headed back now along a later section of the race route.
We ran alongside Anglezarke Reservoir which, for some reason, even though it's reasonably flat, always seems really tough going. I think it's because I always do this bit when I'm really tired and on my way home. The worst bit is the tarmac path at the side of the reservoir which comes out onto the road and seems to be never-ending.
After leaving the reservoir trail, we had to run up Parsons Bullough Road and then turned onto the path on the right, alongside Yarrow Reservoir. From here, we ran all the way along the reservoir, coming out at the bowling green, before running up past the prep school and along to the barn.
As we were passing the prep school I had to have an energy gel because I was starting to struggle. Usually I hate energy gels but this one was delicious! It was called raspberry ripple and it tasted exactly the same as the stuff you put on top of ice cream. It probably was the stuff you put on top of ice cream but at 10 times the price!
From the barn, we went along the path alongside the road, coming out at the car park near the school. We took the muddy path up at the left side of the school, out onto Roynton Road (the path that leads to the top barn). We turned right here and then left onto the concrete road up to the farm on the pike race route. We did the pike race route all the way up to George's Lane and I got up there miles better than I did the other day when I was doing my pike race recce, which considering I was 12 miles in at this point is pretty ridiculous!
From there it was just along and back to Wilderswood car park where John and Maggie were parked and I just ran back through the woods from here.
It was an excellent run out with great company and lovely weather! Lots of good advice given by John regarding pace and climbing which I'll definitely be taking on board.
The only bit of the route we haven't done now is a very short 4.7 mile section through White Coppice.
Total distance - 14.4 miles (which includes my run to/from Wilderswood car park)
https://www.strava.com/activities/282727610
Thursday 9 April 2015
Getting my Rear into Gear!
I'm feeling really motivated again at the minute, perhaps it's the change in weather? I made a decision that I want to try to get to at least one club session per week. I hate the track but will try to get there every now and then and if I don't make it I'll do my own speed session. There's also Lostock's Wednesday night session which I'd like to get to now and then and I think they have a choice of sessions so you can do whatever you feel like at the time (I could be wrong on that).
Then there's the hill session which I decided to go to tonight as it's the first one of the year off-road which, surprise surprise, I much prefer to the road sessions.
I ran up to the car park to meet everyone and there was a good group out tonight with myself and Maria the only ladies.
We warmed up (although I was already warmed up and knackered by my run up the hill to the meeting point) by running along to Pike Cottage and then did reps up and down my favourite field. The session was in sets of run down, run up, run down - rest for 45 seconds - run up, run down, run up - rest for 30 seconds - repeat.
I managed down, up down - rest - up down up - rest - down up down - rest - up. By then everyone was finishing having done a few more than me (I was trundling along at the back!).
We then ran along to the bottom of the Pike and everyone ran hard up the Pike and back down again but I stayed at the bottom chatting to Steve as I was done with hills for the evening.
I do feel like I wimped out a little but I was still so tired after all the good sessions I've done this week.
I don't know whether my good week has anything to do with being Garmin free but I am starting to think I might have to start using it again. It's killing me not knowing how well I'm doing on hard sessions so I think that from now on, I will use the Garmin when doing sessions or running with others but then won't bother using it on recovery runs.
I made some of the guys jealous by saying that I had some cold cider waiting for me at home so as soon as I got in, I cracked one open whilst having a stretch.
Good session but saving myself a little for my run with Maggie tomorrow and for my potential race at weekend.
Also, the lovely hot weather has made me want to get my six pack back so that I can run in crop tops again without putting people off their food! Might have to do a 'before' picture for a future blog and to get me motivated but not sure the world needs that!
Total distance - approximately 6 miles
Then there's the hill session which I decided to go to tonight as it's the first one of the year off-road which, surprise surprise, I much prefer to the road sessions.
I ran up to the car park to meet everyone and there was a good group out tonight with myself and Maria the only ladies.
We warmed up (although I was already warmed up and knackered by my run up the hill to the meeting point) by running along to Pike Cottage and then did reps up and down my favourite field. The session was in sets of run down, run up, run down - rest for 45 seconds - run up, run down, run up - rest for 30 seconds - repeat.
I managed down, up down - rest - up down up - rest - down up down - rest - up. By then everyone was finishing having done a few more than me (I was trundling along at the back!).
We then ran along to the bottom of the Pike and everyone ran hard up the Pike and back down again but I stayed at the bottom chatting to Steve as I was done with hills for the evening.
I do feel like I wimped out a little but I was still so tired after all the good sessions I've done this week.
I don't know whether my good week has anything to do with being Garmin free but I am starting to think I might have to start using it again. It's killing me not knowing how well I'm doing on hard sessions so I think that from now on, I will use the Garmin when doing sessions or running with others but then won't bother using it on recovery runs.
I made some of the guys jealous by saying that I had some cold cider waiting for me at home so as soon as I got in, I cracked one open whilst having a stretch.
Good session but saving myself a little for my run with Maggie tomorrow and for my potential race at weekend.
Also, the lovely hot weather has made me want to get my six pack back so that I can run in crop tops again without putting people off their food! Might have to do a 'before' picture for a future blog and to get me motivated but not sure the world needs that!
Total distance - approximately 6 miles
Wednesday 8 April 2015
Pike!
After doing the timing at the race at weekend, I decided today to give the route a go and see what kind of time I could do it in. I wasn't going to be too bothered if it was slower than I thought because I had a lot of gates to open which would all be open for me on the day (five on the way up, five on the way down) plus you're always faster in races when you're being dragged along by others. I anticipated that I could do it under 30 minutes but unfortunately, an incredibly poor performance on the way up didn't allow that to happen.
I don't know what was wrong with me today but I had no climb in my legs at all. My calves were throbbing and I started walking not long after the school and then run/walked all the way up from there. Normally I can at least run to the middle of the farm field before walking to George's Lane and then running up the Pike but today I was really tired. My aim wasn't to be able to run the whole thing because I know that on some bits it's actually faster, at my level, to walk than run and I wanted to get up as quickly as I could but I definitely should have been able to get up a lot faster than I did.
My aim was to get up in under 18 minutes as I knew I could get down in under 12 but I got up in 20 minutes 49 seconds which I was really disappointed with and know that I'm more than capable of doing better than that.
I got down in 10 minutes 58 seconds which I was quite pleased with but there's definitely room for improvement as there were a couple of points where I felt like I was holding back a little and could have gone faster. Also, there were the five gates to get through.
As everybody has said, the road at the bottom is the hardest bit and by now I was knackered and my pace had dropped considerably. When I finally got to the bus stop I had to have a sit down for a minute before jogging home.
On my cool down on the way home, Dave J came along on his bike (and caught me walking instead of running!!!). He suggested that next time I should go up the Pike as a warm up before then doing it again at race pace. I get where he's coming from because that would get my legs used to going uphill and warmed up for it. Next time I have a try, I think I'll take Dave's advice however, at my level, I think going all the way up to the Pike as a warm up would be a bit much but I could just go as far as the farm field and see how that works out.
I'm determined to get my overall time to around 28 minutes so watch this space...
Total distance (includes warm up and cool down) approximately 5 miles.
I don't know what was wrong with me today but I had no climb in my legs at all. My calves were throbbing and I started walking not long after the school and then run/walked all the way up from there. Normally I can at least run to the middle of the farm field before walking to George's Lane and then running up the Pike but today I was really tired. My aim wasn't to be able to run the whole thing because I know that on some bits it's actually faster, at my level, to walk than run and I wanted to get up as quickly as I could but I definitely should have been able to get up a lot faster than I did.
My aim was to get up in under 18 minutes as I knew I could get down in under 12 but I got up in 20 minutes 49 seconds which I was really disappointed with and know that I'm more than capable of doing better than that.
I got down in 10 minutes 58 seconds which I was quite pleased with but there's definitely room for improvement as there were a couple of points where I felt like I was holding back a little and could have gone faster. Also, there were the five gates to get through.
As everybody has said, the road at the bottom is the hardest bit and by now I was knackered and my pace had dropped considerably. When I finally got to the bus stop I had to have a sit down for a minute before jogging home.
On my cool down on the way home, Dave J came along on his bike (and caught me walking instead of running!!!). He suggested that next time I should go up the Pike as a warm up before then doing it again at race pace. I get where he's coming from because that would get my legs used to going uphill and warmed up for it. Next time I have a try, I think I'll take Dave's advice however, at my level, I think going all the way up to the Pike as a warm up would be a bit much but I could just go as far as the farm field and see how that works out.
I'm determined to get my overall time to around 28 minutes so watch this space...
Total distance (includes warm up and cool down) approximately 5 miles.
Tuesday 7 April 2015
Two Lads or Three Lads?
I went for a short run with Ruby in the sunshine tonight, just up to Two Lads and back.
As I was running up there, I tried to remember whether there had been three cairns there when I first went up years ago or whether the third cairn was new. I just couldn't remember! I seem to think the third one has only been put there quite recently but am I right?
Wikipedia says:
As I was running up there, I tried to remember whether there had been three cairns there when I first went up years ago or whether the third cairn was new. I just couldn't remember! I seem to think the third one has only been put there quite recently but am I right?
Wikipedia says:
Two Lads
Two memorial cairns on the hill are known as Wilder Lads or Two Lads. There are differing opinions on why they were erected. Details of the site were recorded in 1776 and 1883. Thomas Hampson in 1883 described 'Two Lads' as the graves of two children of a Saxon king, Edgar and recorded that Winter Hill was previously known as Edgar Hill. The cairns could mark the site on which two boys lost their way on the moor and died of exposure in a snowstorm.
So there is only reference to the two cairns and not the third one. Has somebody randomly just built this for the fun of it?
On researching a bit more, I came across an incredibly interesting website about Winter Hill, etc http://www.landscapebritain.co.uk/section/5041/winter-hill/
Who knew Shaly Dingle was so steeped in history?
On researching a bit more, I came across an incredibly interesting website about Winter Hill, etc http://www.landscapebritain.co.uk/section/5041/winter-hill/
Who knew Shaly Dingle was so steeped in history?
Approximate distance - 3 miles
Monday 6 April 2015
Borsdane Wood
I'm really pleased with today's run, especially seeing as I was so tired this morning. I spent Saturday night down near Peterborough at some good friends' house and we were up until the early hours playing a brilliant game called 'Cards Against Humanity'. Duncan actually bought me the same game for Christmas but we haven't been able to play it yet because you can't play with just two people and you have to be very selective when choosing appropriate friends to play it with as it can be very offensive.
At 2.45am it was time for bed and we were sleeping in our van on the drive because the spare rooms were already taken. As usual, I only slept really lightly and was fully awake by 7am so had only had just over four hours sleep. I just can't handle late nights anymore, I'm getting old.
After a very good feed in the afternoon, we set off home at a decent speed of five Little Chef's per hour. I was struggling to stay awake in the passenger seat and wanted to put the bed out in the back and get my head down.
By a pathetic 8pm I was off to bed. My alarm was set for 7am this morning so you'd think I'd be lovely and fresh seeing as I went to bed so early but that wasn't the case and it was a huge struggle to get myself up.
Anyway, back to the run. I had planned to meet Maggie this morning to do the second part of the Bolton Hill Marathon recce but Maggie had to change plans and couldn't make it. Kathryn had showed an interest in joining us so I sent her a message to say we were no longer meeting and she suggested that instead I drive round to her house and we go for a run around there, which is what we did.
We ran from Kathryn's towards Westhoughton train station and then ran through a golf club and some farm land and eventually came out into Borsdane Woods, which is somewhere I have never been before. Kathryn really pushed me on as she's much faster than me, which is a good thing although doesn't feel like it in the moment! She was nattering away whilst I was struggling to even breathe. I told her I'd thank her later!
The time passed really quickly and it was great to run somewhere new. I didn't even know these woods existed and was surprised when we came out near to the garage where Duncan takes our cars as I didn't have a clue where I was until then.
Thanks for dragging me along with you Kathryn!
Approximate distance (based on time out and perceived pace) - 9.8 miles
Saturday 4 April 2015
Morning Fartlek
Duncan dropped me off this morning at the Rivington Road end of George's Lane so I could do a flat-ish fartlek session.
I started out nice and slow for a warm up and then started the fartleking when I got through the gate by the Pigeon Tower. I just picked out features up ahead and ran between them at different speeds each time. Sometimes it would just be a short sharp sprint and other times it would be much further but not at full out pace.
Despite walking up feeling like death and with a bad stomach, I actually did really well and felt full of energy. I kept the fartleking up for about 4 miles altogether before having a cool down and it included some fast running on uneven ground which was quite challenging. I also made sure that I gave a lot of effort on hills, for example I did a speed section from the top of Factory Hill to just past the end of the mast road.
Good start to the day!
Total distance - approx 5.5 miles
Friday 3 April 2015
A Little Bit of Everything!
As the title suggests, today's run was full of a little bit of everything - roads, trails, fells, hill climbs, speedy sections, navigation and mental training.
Duncan dropped me off at the car park just as you turn into Tockholes Road and I set off along the Witton Weavers Way in deep fog. I had intended to run into Belmont then up Winter Hill, however, in a world of my own and because of the fog, I totally missed the turn off towards Belmont and found myself continuing along Witton Weavers Way.
After a while I knew that I had run too far because I had been going for too long and suddenly a wood appeared on my left so I got my map out to pinpoint my location. I love my 'Around and About Belmont' OS map. It's 1.16 scale so much easier to read. I also have one that covers Peel Tower and the three reservoirs. Far better than normal OS maps, wish you could get them in this scale for anywhere.
I found my location easily because it was the only wooded bit along this part of Witton Weavers Way so I then worked myself out a route to bring me out at San Marino.
At the end of WWW I crossed straight over a road and ran along a short road which was blocked to traffic at either end. When I go to the other side, I crossed straight over the road and ran down through a muddy field and dropped down to a very slippery bridge which crossed 'Belmont or Eagely Brook' then climbed back up at the other side and headed towards a farm house. From the farm house, I ran along the farm track and this brought me out onto Belmont Road, where I turned right then crossed the road to climb up the 'San Marino' ramp.
This is where the mental training came in. I had been pretty tired during this run, probably due to the alcohol consumed last night and I was struggling going up the ramp. For anyone who doesn't know, the San Marino Ramp climbs over a mile from the bottom at the road to the mast road on Winter Hill. It's quite a slog and today was even more difficult than usual. I kept wanting to just stop and walk but my head wouldn't let me. There was a battle going on between devil and angel all the way up and angel won, bless her! I'm really proud of myself! Not for managing to run the whole thing as I have done that in the past but for managing to fight the demons telling me to stop and walk because I was so tired today. I felt great and I even upped the pace to flat out when I saw the top gate looming through the fog.
This is one of the perks of being Garmin free. If I had been wearing my Garmin, I would probably have walked because I would have wanted to get the fastest time and in this case walking was possibly faster than running because I was finding it hard work. However, as Andy Ford once said (at least I think it was Andy) - I'm not going to get better at running up hills if I walk up them.
From the mast road I turned off just after the mast and ran cross-country over to Two Lads and then ran down onto George's Lane and home through Wilderswood.
Really enjoyed today's run in the fog and got home feeling really good!
Total distance - approximately 8 miles
Duncan dropped me off at the car park just as you turn into Tockholes Road and I set off along the Witton Weavers Way in deep fog. I had intended to run into Belmont then up Winter Hill, however, in a world of my own and because of the fog, I totally missed the turn off towards Belmont and found myself continuing along Witton Weavers Way.
After a while I knew that I had run too far because I had been going for too long and suddenly a wood appeared on my left so I got my map out to pinpoint my location. I love my 'Around and About Belmont' OS map. It's 1.16 scale so much easier to read. I also have one that covers Peel Tower and the three reservoirs. Far better than normal OS maps, wish you could get them in this scale for anywhere.
I found my location easily because it was the only wooded bit along this part of Witton Weavers Way so I then worked myself out a route to bring me out at San Marino.
At the end of WWW I crossed straight over a road and ran along a short road which was blocked to traffic at either end. When I go to the other side, I crossed straight over the road and ran down through a muddy field and dropped down to a very slippery bridge which crossed 'Belmont or Eagely Brook' then climbed back up at the other side and headed towards a farm house. From the farm house, I ran along the farm track and this brought me out onto Belmont Road, where I turned right then crossed the road to climb up the 'San Marino' ramp.
This is where the mental training came in. I had been pretty tired during this run, probably due to the alcohol consumed last night and I was struggling going up the ramp. For anyone who doesn't know, the San Marino Ramp climbs over a mile from the bottom at the road to the mast road on Winter Hill. It's quite a slog and today was even more difficult than usual. I kept wanting to just stop and walk but my head wouldn't let me. There was a battle going on between devil and angel all the way up and angel won, bless her! I'm really proud of myself! Not for managing to run the whole thing as I have done that in the past but for managing to fight the demons telling me to stop and walk because I was so tired today. I felt great and I even upped the pace to flat out when I saw the top gate looming through the fog.
This is one of the perks of being Garmin free. If I had been wearing my Garmin, I would probably have walked because I would have wanted to get the fastest time and in this case walking was possibly faster than running because I was finding it hard work. However, as Andy Ford once said (at least I think it was Andy) - I'm not going to get better at running up hills if I walk up them.
From the mast road I turned off just after the mast and ran cross-country over to Two Lads and then ran down onto George's Lane and home through Wilderswood.
Really enjoyed today's run in the fog and got home feeling really good!
Total distance - approximately 8 miles
Thursday 2 April 2015
Shorts, T-shirt but no Garmin
My first run without my Garmin.
It was also my first run of the year in shorts and t-shirt. Kinda wish I had taken my gloves though as my hands were freezing at the end.
I ran up through Tigers Clough with Ruby and spent a while looking at the path I could see on the other side of the river and pondering how to get to it.
We came out onto George's Lane and ran up the Pike, which I felt really strong on. Perhaps I shouldn't have bottled out of the race on Saturday after all.
We ran straight back down again, onto George's Lane and headed home via Wilderswood. We stopped to have a chat to Claire for a good while and I had to stop Ruby trying to attack her dogs.
Mixed views so far about the lack of Garmin. It did feel quite freeing not having it but I'm pretty sure I would have got a personal record on my way up to the Pike as I got up there really well. I'm also wondering how I'll feel trying to do any kind of speed session without something showing pace because how will I know how well I'm doing? I'll also miss the beep when I get to a set time/distance between reps.
Total running time (although a good deal of this was spent gabbing) - 55 minutes
It was also my first run of the year in shorts and t-shirt. Kinda wish I had taken my gloves though as my hands were freezing at the end.
I ran up through Tigers Clough with Ruby and spent a while looking at the path I could see on the other side of the river and pondering how to get to it.
We came out onto George's Lane and ran up the Pike, which I felt really strong on. Perhaps I shouldn't have bottled out of the race on Saturday after all.
We ran straight back down again, onto George's Lane and headed home via Wilderswood. We stopped to have a chat to Claire for a good while and I had to stop Ruby trying to attack her dogs.
Mixed views so far about the lack of Garmin. It did feel quite freeing not having it but I'm pretty sure I would have got a personal record on my way up to the Pike as I got up there really well. I'm also wondering how I'll feel trying to do any kind of speed session without something showing pace because how will I know how well I'm doing? I'll also miss the beep when I get to a set time/distance between reps.
Total running time (although a good deal of this was spent gabbing) - 55 minutes
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