I was just doing an easy short run this morning and decided last minute to head to the barn to see if anyone was at the UTUP. Just John this morning so I said I would run a short way with him. His plan was to go to the Pike, Two Lads, the mast, down the diagonal, down the sheep's back then back to the barn. I was stuck for time so said I would probably go down the diagonal and then run back home along George's Lane.
I was quite sluggish this morning, probably due to lack of food and a bit too much wine last night. By the time I reached Two Lads I realised it was time to call it a day as I had to get home to get ready for going to watch the rugby (in an executive box with full corporate hospitality no less!). I left John there to continue on his way and headed home.
Total distance - 4.1 miles
Saturday 30 April 2016
Thursday 28 April 2016
Stormy Hill Session
Continuing my streak of attending the Harriers hill sessions, I made my way up the hill to the meeting point at Wilderswood car park this evening.
There were very few out tonight braving the cold and the rain, only myself, Steve, John and Doug.
We headed out to Pike Cottage to start the session. Steve gave us a choice of doing the same session as last week or just doing loops up to two lads, down past the water tanks to George's Lane and back to Pike Cottage. We opted for the latter.
The first rep was pretty uneventful but on the second rep the skies darkened and the heavens well and truly opened. We were relentlessly pelted with rather large hailstones. I was so glad to have a decent hood on my OMM smock but I still had to shield my face with a hand, although I suppose I got myself a free facial. I also ate quite a lot of it too as it pelted me in the mouth.
On the descent, it started to get a little frightening and the thunder and lightening started, with the thunder being straight behind the lightening meaning it was right overhead. Not cool when you're on open moorland and I was just trying to work out which one of us was the tallest and would act as lightening rod.
John decided to call it a day after the second rep as the ground was becoming increasingly more slippery but Steve, Doug and I decided to do just one more rep. The hail stopped for our third rep and we thought the lightening had too but it soon came back, however wasn't overhead anymore. Part way up, Steve told me to stop and turn around and the view of the distant storm was spectacular. I suggested we run a bit quicker so we could get back down in time before we got stuck in the middle of it again.
I actually found the session a lot easier than normal today, having run all three reps pretty well with no walking at all. Am I finally starting to get better at climbing?
Unfortunately, I won't be at the next two sessions as I'll be in Scotland but I'll try to find a hill there I can run up and down. I don't think that will be too difficult.
Total distance - 6.15 miles
There were very few out tonight braving the cold and the rain, only myself, Steve, John and Doug.
We headed out to Pike Cottage to start the session. Steve gave us a choice of doing the same session as last week or just doing loops up to two lads, down past the water tanks to George's Lane and back to Pike Cottage. We opted for the latter.
The first rep was pretty uneventful but on the second rep the skies darkened and the heavens well and truly opened. We were relentlessly pelted with rather large hailstones. I was so glad to have a decent hood on my OMM smock but I still had to shield my face with a hand, although I suppose I got myself a free facial. I also ate quite a lot of it too as it pelted me in the mouth.
On the descent, it started to get a little frightening and the thunder and lightening started, with the thunder being straight behind the lightening meaning it was right overhead. Not cool when you're on open moorland and I was just trying to work out which one of us was the tallest and would act as lightening rod.
John decided to call it a day after the second rep as the ground was becoming increasingly more slippery but Steve, Doug and I decided to do just one more rep. The hail stopped for our third rep and we thought the lightening had too but it soon came back, however wasn't overhead anymore. Part way up, Steve told me to stop and turn around and the view of the distant storm was spectacular. I suggested we run a bit quicker so we could get back down in time before we got stuck in the middle of it again.
I actually found the session a lot easier than normal today, having run all three reps pretty well with no walking at all. Am I finally starting to get better at climbing?
Unfortunately, I won't be at the next two sessions as I'll be in Scotland but I'll try to find a hill there I can run up and down. I don't think that will be too difficult.
Total distance - 6.15 miles
Tuesday 26 April 2016
Throbbing Knees
I took my van to the garage yesterday to be fixed so I am now without transport. As a result, I decided to run to the train station this morning but, to make it a decent run, I ran to Westhoughton Station which is just over five miles away on the route I took. I could have made it shorter but that would have meant dicing with death on Lostock Lane.
I ran at about an 8.30 minute mile pace, so about 45 seconds per mile slower than my 5k race pace, and felt quite sluggish because it was so early (I left the house at 5.45am!!!) and I was carrying a backpack with my work clothes, etc. in it.
When I got on the train and sat down, my knees started to throb. They have done this a few times recently. They cause me no trouble when walking or running but seem to throb for a while after I run. It lasted about half an hour and then they were fine again. Hmmmm, slightly worrying.
Total distance - 5.2 miles
I ran at about an 8.30 minute mile pace, so about 45 seconds per mile slower than my 5k race pace, and felt quite sluggish because it was so early (I left the house at 5.45am!!!) and I was carrying a backpack with my work clothes, etc. in it.
When I got on the train and sat down, my knees started to throb. They have done this a few times recently. They cause me no trouble when walking or running but seem to throb for a while after I run. It lasted about half an hour and then they were fine again. Hmmmm, slightly worrying.
Total distance - 5.2 miles
Monday 25 April 2016
A Weekend Full of Compliments
This weekend has been great. I have had compliments left right and centre and soon my head will be too big to fit through any doors.
First off, on Friday night, I was told by Gemma that 'You look amazing, you should be on the front cover of Cosmo'. Wow, thanks Gemma! This was because as, mentioned in a previous post, I was wearing a baker boy hat and my hair was really wavy because I'd had it in a plait all day. I was also wearing a denim mini skirt with boxer boots and a sleeveless roll neck top which was very retro.
Yesterday morning, when running with John, he also commented on how great I looked on Friday night and told me that I was 'a very attractive woman'.
Then there was the compliment which didn't really sound very complimentary. It came from Duncan, who else? I was commenting on my weight and saying that I couldn't understand how I had got so heavy when my gilet was now easier to zip up than it used to be. He said it was because I had put on muscle weight rather than fat. I said, do you really think so and he said, and I quote, 'Yes, your thighs are massive!'. He meant it in a complimentary way as in your thighs are muscular but telling a girl her thighs are massive isn't the best line.
The best compliment of all, however, came from my trip to Aldi. I was at the checkout with my shopping which included a couple of bottles of wine when the cashier asked whether I had any ID. I then realised that I didn't have any because I only had my cash card with me and no purse. I told him that I was really flattered but that I was born in 1978 and am 37 years old. He was really hesitant and didn't want to serve me but I managed to convince him in the end, although he did then say that he was now worried he would get into trouble for not having seen my ID.
Turning to tonight's run, I met up with the Hillbillies at the barn this evening for our usual Monday night recovery run. I was feeling a bit sluggish at first, probably because John had put me through my paces yesterday, but once I got half way up Two Lads I started to come alive a bit.
Nothing to report other than, yet again, there was no cake. Disappointing.
Total distance - 6.1 miles
First off, on Friday night, I was told by Gemma that 'You look amazing, you should be on the front cover of Cosmo'. Wow, thanks Gemma! This was because as, mentioned in a previous post, I was wearing a baker boy hat and my hair was really wavy because I'd had it in a plait all day. I was also wearing a denim mini skirt with boxer boots and a sleeveless roll neck top which was very retro.
Yesterday morning, when running with John, he also commented on how great I looked on Friday night and told me that I was 'a very attractive woman'.
Then there was the compliment which didn't really sound very complimentary. It came from Duncan, who else? I was commenting on my weight and saying that I couldn't understand how I had got so heavy when my gilet was now easier to zip up than it used to be. He said it was because I had put on muscle weight rather than fat. I said, do you really think so and he said, and I quote, 'Yes, your thighs are massive!'. He meant it in a complimentary way as in your thighs are muscular but telling a girl her thighs are massive isn't the best line.
The best compliment of all, however, came from my trip to Aldi. I was at the checkout with my shopping which included a couple of bottles of wine when the cashier asked whether I had any ID. I then realised that I didn't have any because I only had my cash card with me and no purse. I told him that I was really flattered but that I was born in 1978 and am 37 years old. He was really hesitant and didn't want to serve me but I managed to convince him in the end, although he did then say that he was now worried he would get into trouble for not having seen my ID.
Turning to tonight's run, I met up with the Hillbillies at the barn this evening for our usual Monday night recovery run. I was feeling a bit sluggish at first, probably because John had put me through my paces yesterday, but once I got half way up Two Lads I started to come alive a bit.
Nothing to report other than, yet again, there was no cake. Disappointing.
Total distance - 6.1 miles
Sunday 24 April 2016
Am I Invisible?
I set off from home today with a view to meeting the guys at the barn at 8am. As I was waiting to pull out of Fearnhead Road, Albert passed by in his van. I waved away at him but he didn't see me.
I pulled out and followed him into Rivington. We passed a Derek Kay who waved at Albert but when I waved at him he didn't see me.
Albert parked up on the road and I passed by, waving again, but still he didn't see me. I then drove past John and, you guessed it, he didn't see me! Am I invisible this morning?
Eventually, John arrived back at the car park after having a little warm up run and thankfully, he did see me then. We waited around a bit to see if any others would turn up but nobody did so we set off on our own.
We ran along to White Coppice and then continued on to Brinscall, doing a few loops here and there before getting back to White Coppice and retracing our steps back to Rivington. As we were going along Anglezarke, we passed all the runners in the Rivington 10mile Trail Race coming the other way. Chris Farrell was at the front with Nick Leigh not far behind. We cheered everyone on as they passed and it was good to see a fair few Horwich vests.
Once back in Rivington, John wanted to go a bit further so we ran up Sheephouse Lane and then up to the top barn. We then ran along to the school and out onto the road and headed down to Liverpool Castle before following the reservoir back to the barn.
As I was leaving the barn, I saw Mark Sammon and waved frantically at him but, guess what? He didn't see me!
Total distance - 15.6 miles
I pulled out and followed him into Rivington. We passed a Derek Kay who waved at Albert but when I waved at him he didn't see me.
Albert parked up on the road and I passed by, waving again, but still he didn't see me. I then drove past John and, you guessed it, he didn't see me! Am I invisible this morning?
Eventually, John arrived back at the car park after having a little warm up run and thankfully, he did see me then. We waited around a bit to see if any others would turn up but nobody did so we set off on our own.
We ran along to White Coppice and then continued on to Brinscall, doing a few loops here and there before getting back to White Coppice and retracing our steps back to Rivington. As we were going along Anglezarke, we passed all the runners in the Rivington 10mile Trail Race coming the other way. Chris Farrell was at the front with Nick Leigh not far behind. We cheered everyone on as they passed and it was good to see a fair few Horwich vests.
Once back in Rivington, John wanted to go a bit further so we ran up Sheephouse Lane and then up to the top barn. We then ran along to the school and out onto the road and headed down to Liverpool Castle before following the reservoir back to the barn.
As I was leaving the barn, I saw Mark Sammon and waved frantically at him but, guess what? He didn't see me!
Total distance - 15.6 miles
Saturday 23 April 2016
Plodding off the Cider and Licorice Allsorts Excess
Last night was Horwich RMI Harriers' annual club presentation evening. I went along to deliver the trophies and to congratulate the winners. I had had a really busy day in work, which resulted in me finishing late and having to really rush to get ready. So much so that my hair was a greasy mess but I didn't have time to wash it so I ended up shoving a baker boy hat on to cover up the grease.
Because I was so stressed out, my first pint of cider went down really well. Too well in fact, I gulped it down and was soon onto my next. Four ciders later I felt pretty plastered, probably because I had drank too fast and on an empty stomach (well, until I had my two pasties and peas anyway).
I won a big box of licorice allsorts on the raffle and I'm ashamed to say, they didn't make it home with me. I ate the whole lot on the walk home. Duncan had a few too but he doesn't really like them so I ate the lion's share.
Waking up this morning, I felt a little worse for wear. I had a couple of slices of toast and then decided to go for a run to see if I could shake off the headache and lethargy. I had to go and pick up my car from the RMI club so decided to have an easy run around Rivington and then run into Horwich to pick it up and drive to my mum and dad's.
It was a lovely day and for the first time this year, I put on shorts and t-shirt. Big mistake, it was freezing out and it took me a couple of miles before I warmed up.
My run was very sluggish and I felt pretty rough, especially about three miles in when I stopped to retie a shoelace and when I stood back up again I went really dizzy and thought I was going to pass out.
Total distance - 4.1 miles
Because I was so stressed out, my first pint of cider went down really well. Too well in fact, I gulped it down and was soon onto my next. Four ciders later I felt pretty plastered, probably because I had drank too fast and on an empty stomach (well, until I had my two pasties and peas anyway).
I won a big box of licorice allsorts on the raffle and I'm ashamed to say, they didn't make it home with me. I ate the whole lot on the walk home. Duncan had a few too but he doesn't really like them so I ate the lion's share.
Waking up this morning, I felt a little worse for wear. I had a couple of slices of toast and then decided to go for a run to see if I could shake off the headache and lethargy. I had to go and pick up my car from the RMI club so decided to have an easy run around Rivington and then run into Horwich to pick it up and drive to my mum and dad's.
It was a lovely day and for the first time this year, I put on shorts and t-shirt. Big mistake, it was freezing out and it took me a couple of miles before I warmed up.
My run was very sluggish and I felt pretty rough, especially about three miles in when I stopped to retie a shoelace and when I stood back up again I went really dizzy and thought I was going to pass out.
Total distance - 4.1 miles
Thursday 21 April 2016
Hurry up will you!!!!
Four weeks on a run now for me attending the hill sessions, I think that is the most consecutive sessions I have ever attended but I'm set on improving my climb so needs must.
I ran up to George's Lane, along the edge of Wilderswood and, when I got to the top on the bend, I checked my watch and it was 6.29 so I turned right and ran along to the car park to meet everyone. There was nobody there when I arrived and it appears they must have set off early so I turned around and ran back the other way to try to find them.
I soon found them in the field opposite the dog kennels. They were all running back up it and informed me that the session was to run down the field, back up it, wait for 60 seconds outside the dog kennels and then run up to Two Lads. Once the front runner passed you on the way up, you were to turn around and go back down again.
As I had missed the first bit, I decided to go straight up the path to Two Lads, setting off at the same time as John and Emily, as they were the last to set off.
I managed to get a short way past the 'concrete tube' before the front runner, Gary, passed me and I was able to turn around. I was really relieved as I was finding it hard work.
I ran down to the kennels then went down 'my favourite field' and back up again, where I then waited 60 seconds before climbing towards Two Lads again. It was even harder this time and all I could do was look into the distance and pray that the front runners were on their way back down. They weren't and I could see them still climbing up to the top. All I was thinking was 'hurry up lads!'
Again, I got just past the concrete tube before they passed me and I could turn around.
Back down again, back through my favourite field, back up again, 60 seconds wait, and back up to Two Lads, again getting to pretty much the same place before being able to turn round.
On the next rep, Steve told us to all just run up to Two Lads as we would then be going back down the other side and back to the car park. I made it to the top without walking and felt like I had really achieved something when I got there. Poor Gary then realised that he had left his top down by the kennels and so had to go back down that way to retrieve it whilst the rest of us went down via the water tanks.
As we approached George's Lane, a huge mass of people, some on bikes and some on foot, were coming through the gate and ascending the hill. It was the evening where they were lighting a beacon on the pike to make the Queen's 90th birthday so I'm not sure whether these guys were walking up the right hill but, either way, they got in my way and halted all prospects of any kind of Strava PR.
Total distance - 6 miles
I ran up to George's Lane, along the edge of Wilderswood and, when I got to the top on the bend, I checked my watch and it was 6.29 so I turned right and ran along to the car park to meet everyone. There was nobody there when I arrived and it appears they must have set off early so I turned around and ran back the other way to try to find them.
I soon found them in the field opposite the dog kennels. They were all running back up it and informed me that the session was to run down the field, back up it, wait for 60 seconds outside the dog kennels and then run up to Two Lads. Once the front runner passed you on the way up, you were to turn around and go back down again.
As I had missed the first bit, I decided to go straight up the path to Two Lads, setting off at the same time as John and Emily, as they were the last to set off.
I managed to get a short way past the 'concrete tube' before the front runner, Gary, passed me and I was able to turn around. I was really relieved as I was finding it hard work.
I ran down to the kennels then went down 'my favourite field' and back up again, where I then waited 60 seconds before climbing towards Two Lads again. It was even harder this time and all I could do was look into the distance and pray that the front runners were on their way back down. They weren't and I could see them still climbing up to the top. All I was thinking was 'hurry up lads!'
Again, I got just past the concrete tube before they passed me and I could turn around.
Back down again, back through my favourite field, back up again, 60 seconds wait, and back up to Two Lads, again getting to pretty much the same place before being able to turn round.
On the next rep, Steve told us to all just run up to Two Lads as we would then be going back down the other side and back to the car park. I made it to the top without walking and felt like I had really achieved something when I got there. Poor Gary then realised that he had left his top down by the kennels and so had to go back down that way to retrieve it whilst the rest of us went down via the water tanks.
As we approached George's Lane, a huge mass of people, some on bikes and some on foot, were coming through the gate and ascending the hill. It was the evening where they were lighting a beacon on the pike to make the Queen's 90th birthday so I'm not sure whether these guys were walking up the right hill but, either way, they got in my way and halted all prospects of any kind of Strava PR.
Total distance - 6 miles
Tuesday 19 April 2016
Fartlek to Easy Run
Tuesdays should be my speed/tempo session days but the problem is, if I've done something big at weekend and then gone out with the guys on a Monday night (which to me is a hard session - especially last night as I really got a wiggle on going back to the barn and was 6.30 minute miling) it seems like I should be taking it easy on Tuesdays rather than doing any speed work. However, I can't move it to a Wednesday as, firstly, I do spin that day which is in itself a different type of speed session and also I am getting to the hill sessions on Thursday now so doing a speed session the day before won't give my legs chance to rest.
So basically, I'm really struggling to find a day when a speed session won't be detrimental. Or am I overthinking things again?
Duncan drove to Jepson's Gate to walk Ruby so I decided to run home from there. Rather than doing a set speed session I thought I'd try a fartlek as then I could just it by how I felt. I warmed up on the down hill for about three quarters of a mile and then when the ground leveled out, I decided to do my first bit of speed - from just before the bridge in Lead Mines Clough, to the gate onto the road.
It became apparent that my legs were pretty tired though. My calves felt really tight and heavy and I felt that I was running a bit lopsided. Once through the gate I lessened my pace and ran down the road a little before turning left onto the path along the side of Yarrow. I again tried to do a bit of speed here, running fast as far as the building on the bend. Again, my gait just didn't feel right and my legs were protesting so I decided to just admit defeat with the speed thing and have a leisurely run back home instead.
Total distance - 4 miles
So basically, I'm really struggling to find a day when a speed session won't be detrimental. Or am I overthinking things again?
Duncan drove to Jepson's Gate to walk Ruby so I decided to run home from there. Rather than doing a set speed session I thought I'd try a fartlek as then I could just it by how I felt. I warmed up on the down hill for about three quarters of a mile and then when the ground leveled out, I decided to do my first bit of speed - from just before the bridge in Lead Mines Clough, to the gate onto the road.
It became apparent that my legs were pretty tired though. My calves felt really tight and heavy and I felt that I was running a bit lopsided. Once through the gate I lessened my pace and ran down the road a little before turning left onto the path along the side of Yarrow. I again tried to do a bit of speed here, running fast as far as the building on the bend. Again, my gait just didn't feel right and my legs were protesting so I decided to just admit defeat with the speed thing and have a leisurely run back home instead.
Total distance - 4 miles
Monday 18 April 2016
Percy Pig Run
I met up with the guys at the bottom barn this evening for a 'recovery run'. I thought that I would be tired after running nearly 24 miles yesterday but I was actually really lively. Well, after warming up a bit anyway. At first, my legs felt really heavy but so did Josie's as she had done the Fellsman (61 miles) at weekend so we did a bit of walking up the hill to the Pike.
After the Pike though, I came alive and manage to run all the way up to Two Lads and the mast.
On top of the mast, we got chatting to an Irish bloke, who had been involved in erecting the mast back in the day and this was the first time he had been back to it since. He kept us chatting for ages whilst Joc dealt out the, much welcome, Percy Pigs.
We started to get cold so had to make our apologies to the old bloke and carry on on our way. I had a good run down the diagonal and, according to Strava, it was my best time and has put me second on the leaderboard but I'm not sure how, given that I stopped before getting to the bottom and leisurely chatted to Josie. Maybe the segment is slightly short and doesn't reach the bottom?
No cakes awaited me back at the barn. We need to sort that one out. Bring back cake!!!
Total distance - 6.1 miles
After the Pike though, I came alive and manage to run all the way up to Two Lads and the mast.
On top of the mast, we got chatting to an Irish bloke, who had been involved in erecting the mast back in the day and this was the first time he had been back to it since. He kept us chatting for ages whilst Joc dealt out the, much welcome, Percy Pigs.
We started to get cold so had to make our apologies to the old bloke and carry on on our way. I had a good run down the diagonal and, according to Strava, it was my best time and has put me second on the leaderboard but I'm not sure how, given that I stopped before getting to the bottom and leisurely chatted to Josie. Maybe the segment is slightly short and doesn't reach the bottom?
No cakes awaited me back at the barn. We need to sort that one out. Bring back cake!!!
Total distance - 6.1 miles
Sunday 17 April 2016
Spring in Lakeland
What can I say? This has to be the best challenge event I've done so far, scenery-wise. It was absolutely stunning, although the beautiful sunny weather helped with that.
The run started from Ambleside Rugby Club at 8am. At this point, it was pretty cold out with frost on the ground but it was already sunny and we knew we were in for a great day.
I saw Gordon at the start, who had actually arrived pretty early. In typical Gordon style though, he still hasn't quite at the start on time, having to go back for something he had forgotten (can't remember now whether it was poles or Garmin?).
About a mile in, Gordon caught up to me and decided to run along with me so that he didn't go off too fast at the start. I just plod along on these things but, because I keep my speed slow, I manage to be quite consistent throughout rather than running out of steam towards the end.
Having Gordon with me meant that I wasn't really paying any attention to my directions because he knew where he was going, which was very silly of me because, for all I knew, he might run off ahead of me at any point and I wouldn't have a clue where I was. I tried to make an effort to keep track of where I was on the direction sheet although it was quite confusing in places. I did come across quite a lot of familiar ground though, as a lot of the route goes along the Cumbria Way which I walked last year and will be running over three days in July.
The run into the first checkpoint is quite fast and Gordon was picking up pace so I told him to go on ahead of me as I know that he likes to spend a little longer at checkpoints than I do so I would catch him up there. At the checkpoint, it was time to remove some layers as it was getting quite toasty out in the sunshine, I was beginning to wonder whether I should have put on some sun cream!
A jaffa cake and a drink of orange squash later and we were back on our way, following the Cumbria Way out of Elterwater.
Between here and the next checkpoint came the 'big climb' I had been dreading. It took us up from behind the car park at Tilberthwaite. My calves wanted to explode as it was pretty steep. Gordon said he would plough on ahead of me as I'd soon catch him up on the decent so I watched him glide up ahead of me whilst I was nearly crawling. It was such a relief to finally get to the top and start descending and, sure enough, I caught back up with Gordon.
The next checkpoint was at Coniston and it was great to see some savory food on offer as it gets a bit tedious keep eating cakes, sweets and biscuits all the time. I had a couple of cheese and pickle sandwiches and another drink of squash and we had a sit down for a few minutes whilst Gordon had a cuppa. It was also nice to have indoor checkpoints with toilets - something which I have only seen on the two Lakeland LDWA events I have done.
On leaving the checkpoint and getting back onto the Cumbria Way, we were chatting to a couple of girls, one of whom had an Irish accent which I recognised from That's Lyth a few months back. She said she knew she recognised me from somewhere but hadn't been able to place me.
Some way between checkpoints 2 and 3 we came to a bit which Gordon said he had always got the navigation wrong on in the past. We found that, where we came out onto a road, Gordon had always then run along the road but, according to my directions, we should turn back on ourselves and run down a rocky path, which we did. It took us along some lovely waterfalls and through some woods, scenery which Gordon had missed out on in the past. When we came out of the woods, we saw a group of other runners who had done the same as Gordon and just run along the road, missing the turn off.
It seemed to take a very long time to get from the second checkpoint to the third and we didn't arrive there until over 20 miles in, even though the route was only supposed to be 22 miles. Gordon said that, because the start had moved by half a mile, the route would actually be further than 22 miles.
At this last checkpoint, I had a couple of very light chocolate sponge cakes and yet more orange squash.
On the very last part of the run, coming down towards Ambleside, we had a slight navigational error and ended up going further than we needed to so, on approaching the Rugby Club, three girls who had been behind us, were now up ahead. Gordon got his race head on and said we should beat them so we ended up doing a sprint finish through the streets of Ambleside.
On arriving back at the Rugby Club, Duncan was sat in the van with Ruby waiting for me. I had told him that it would take me around five hours but, as I wasn't running on my own it took an hour longer. This isn't to say anything detrimental about Gordon, he'd be much quicker than me in any race without a lot of downhill, but also when I run on my own, I don't tend to stop at the checkpoints, I tend to grab and go so it was actually really nice to just chill out and take it at a leisurely pace. It meant I got to admire the scenery a lot more as, when I'm on my own, I just get my head down and plod on.
It was a fabulous day out and I'm looking forward to having another go at it next year, just hope the weather is as nice!
Thanks for the company Gordon and for not letting me get lost!
Total distance - 23.7 miles
The run started from Ambleside Rugby Club at 8am. At this point, it was pretty cold out with frost on the ground but it was already sunny and we knew we were in for a great day.
I saw Gordon at the start, who had actually arrived pretty early. In typical Gordon style though, he still hasn't quite at the start on time, having to go back for something he had forgotten (can't remember now whether it was poles or Garmin?).
About a mile in, Gordon caught up to me and decided to run along with me so that he didn't go off too fast at the start. I just plod along on these things but, because I keep my speed slow, I manage to be quite consistent throughout rather than running out of steam towards the end.
Having Gordon with me meant that I wasn't really paying any attention to my directions because he knew where he was going, which was very silly of me because, for all I knew, he might run off ahead of me at any point and I wouldn't have a clue where I was. I tried to make an effort to keep track of where I was on the direction sheet although it was quite confusing in places. I did come across quite a lot of familiar ground though, as a lot of the route goes along the Cumbria Way which I walked last year and will be running over three days in July.
The run into the first checkpoint is quite fast and Gordon was picking up pace so I told him to go on ahead of me as I know that he likes to spend a little longer at checkpoints than I do so I would catch him up there. At the checkpoint, it was time to remove some layers as it was getting quite toasty out in the sunshine, I was beginning to wonder whether I should have put on some sun cream!
A jaffa cake and a drink of orange squash later and we were back on our way, following the Cumbria Way out of Elterwater.
Between here and the next checkpoint came the 'big climb' I had been dreading. It took us up from behind the car park at Tilberthwaite. My calves wanted to explode as it was pretty steep. Gordon said he would plough on ahead of me as I'd soon catch him up on the decent so I watched him glide up ahead of me whilst I was nearly crawling. It was such a relief to finally get to the top and start descending and, sure enough, I caught back up with Gordon.
The next checkpoint was at Coniston and it was great to see some savory food on offer as it gets a bit tedious keep eating cakes, sweets and biscuits all the time. I had a couple of cheese and pickle sandwiches and another drink of squash and we had a sit down for a few minutes whilst Gordon had a cuppa. It was also nice to have indoor checkpoints with toilets - something which I have only seen on the two Lakeland LDWA events I have done.
On leaving the checkpoint and getting back onto the Cumbria Way, we were chatting to a couple of girls, one of whom had an Irish accent which I recognised from That's Lyth a few months back. She said she knew she recognised me from somewhere but hadn't been able to place me.
Some way between checkpoints 2 and 3 we came to a bit which Gordon said he had always got the navigation wrong on in the past. We found that, where we came out onto a road, Gordon had always then run along the road but, according to my directions, we should turn back on ourselves and run down a rocky path, which we did. It took us along some lovely waterfalls and through some woods, scenery which Gordon had missed out on in the past. When we came out of the woods, we saw a group of other runners who had done the same as Gordon and just run along the road, missing the turn off.
It seemed to take a very long time to get from the second checkpoint to the third and we didn't arrive there until over 20 miles in, even though the route was only supposed to be 22 miles. Gordon said that, because the start had moved by half a mile, the route would actually be further than 22 miles.
At this last checkpoint, I had a couple of very light chocolate sponge cakes and yet more orange squash.
On the very last part of the run, coming down towards Ambleside, we had a slight navigational error and ended up going further than we needed to so, on approaching the Rugby Club, three girls who had been behind us, were now up ahead. Gordon got his race head on and said we should beat them so we ended up doing a sprint finish through the streets of Ambleside.
On arriving back at the Rugby Club, Duncan was sat in the van with Ruby waiting for me. I had told him that it would take me around five hours but, as I wasn't running on my own it took an hour longer. This isn't to say anything detrimental about Gordon, he'd be much quicker than me in any race without a lot of downhill, but also when I run on my own, I don't tend to stop at the checkpoints, I tend to grab and go so it was actually really nice to just chill out and take it at a leisurely pace. It meant I got to admire the scenery a lot more as, when I'm on my own, I just get my head down and plod on.
It was a fabulous day out and I'm looking forward to having another go at it next year, just hope the weather is as nice!
Thanks for the company Gordon and for not letting me get lost!
Total distance - 23.7 miles
Friday 15 April 2016
Just a Short Easy One
That's all I did today after yesterday's grueling hill session.
I just ran from home at lunch time as I needed a break from work and wanted to get out for some fresh air. I did a loop around Rivington which was very busy today and full of ramblers.
Nothing interesting to report to be honest.
Rest day tomorrow before the 22 mile Spring in Lakeland on Sunday.
Total distance - 4.25 miles
I just ran from home at lunch time as I needed a break from work and wanted to get out for some fresh air. I did a loop around Rivington which was very busy today and full of ramblers.
Nothing interesting to report to be honest.
Rest day tomorrow before the 22 mile Spring in Lakeland on Sunday.
Total distance - 4.25 miles
Thursday 14 April 2016
Two Lads Hill Reps with 2 x 30 Second Accelerations on Ascents
Earlier today I e-mailed Steve to ask what tonight's hill session was because I intended to start half an hour early on my own because I needed to finish by 7pm.
Steve told me that the session was starting from the gate to Two Lads (on the bend in George's Lane) going up to Two Lads and back down to the kennels, back along to the gate, then turn around and do it in reverse. Also, on each ascent, there were 2 x 30 seconds of acceleration. Sounded tough!
I left home at about 5.45 and made my way up the side of Wilderswood to George's Lane and arrived at the gate on the bend. After a quick stretch, I set off on my first rep.
About half way between the gate and the water tanks I decided to do my first 30 second acceleration. It actually felt quite good and I was pleased with it but it was when I stopped and carried on running slow that I felt the burn. I was able to carry on though and about a minute later I did my second 'spurt'. This one felt a little harder but, again, the hardest part was carrying on after it. Eventually, I got to two lads and started descending down to the kennels. I took the descent a little slower than usual as I have learned my lesson with going down too fast and running out of steam for the next ascent.
On arrival at the kennels, I decided not to run back along George's Lane to the gate because if I did that each time then I would probably run out of time to complete the session and I wanted to manage all four reps so I turned around and went straight back up again.
The accelerations going up this way (for anyone not familiar with the hill, it is shorter and steeper on this side) were excruciating. Both times after completing them, I had to give myself a few seconds rest before carrying on, which I was a little bit annoyed with myself about.
Thankfully, it's shorter this way so I was soon back on the top again and now half way through my session.
I ran down past the water tanks and to the gate and, as I arrived there, the rest of the group were arriving so I stopped for a natter before continuing the session with everybody else.
The climb back up was much like the first one, the accelerations went well but I was incredibly tired after them, however managed to keep on running. Coming back up from the kennels was also the same as the earlier one, wherein I had to pause for a few seconds after the accelerations but at least I did them, which was incredibly tough. I'm really pleased that I managed all eight accelerations and I actually timed them too so I know I didn't cut short on them. I think doing spurts of speed like that will be really good for improving my climb and it's funny how I didn't actually feel that bad running fast uphill, especially on the less steep ascent, it was more when I stopped and slowed down that I felt the burn.
Overall, I had a great session and feel that I'm definitely getting better at running up hills, even if I did have to pause after some of the accelerations.
Total distance - 5.8 miles
Steve told me that the session was starting from the gate to Two Lads (on the bend in George's Lane) going up to Two Lads and back down to the kennels, back along to the gate, then turn around and do it in reverse. Also, on each ascent, there were 2 x 30 seconds of acceleration. Sounded tough!
I left home at about 5.45 and made my way up the side of Wilderswood to George's Lane and arrived at the gate on the bend. After a quick stretch, I set off on my first rep.
About half way between the gate and the water tanks I decided to do my first 30 second acceleration. It actually felt quite good and I was pleased with it but it was when I stopped and carried on running slow that I felt the burn. I was able to carry on though and about a minute later I did my second 'spurt'. This one felt a little harder but, again, the hardest part was carrying on after it. Eventually, I got to two lads and started descending down to the kennels. I took the descent a little slower than usual as I have learned my lesson with going down too fast and running out of steam for the next ascent.
On arrival at the kennels, I decided not to run back along George's Lane to the gate because if I did that each time then I would probably run out of time to complete the session and I wanted to manage all four reps so I turned around and went straight back up again.
The accelerations going up this way (for anyone not familiar with the hill, it is shorter and steeper on this side) were excruciating. Both times after completing them, I had to give myself a few seconds rest before carrying on, which I was a little bit annoyed with myself about.
Thankfully, it's shorter this way so I was soon back on the top again and now half way through my session.
I ran down past the water tanks and to the gate and, as I arrived there, the rest of the group were arriving so I stopped for a natter before continuing the session with everybody else.
The climb back up was much like the first one, the accelerations went well but I was incredibly tired after them, however managed to keep on running. Coming back up from the kennels was also the same as the earlier one, wherein I had to pause for a few seconds after the accelerations but at least I did them, which was incredibly tough. I'm really pleased that I managed all eight accelerations and I actually timed them too so I know I didn't cut short on them. I think doing spurts of speed like that will be really good for improving my climb and it's funny how I didn't actually feel that bad running fast uphill, especially on the less steep ascent, it was more when I stopped and slowed down that I felt the burn.
Overall, I had a great session and feel that I'm definitely getting better at running up hills, even if I did have to pause after some of the accelerations.
Total distance - 5.8 miles
Monday 11 April 2016
Why do I Keep on Bothering?
This evening I just wanted an easy recovery run. I couldn't go out with the hillbillies because of a committee meeting so I just ran with Ruby instead.
Why do I keep on doing this when I know that it's incredibly annoying and unproductive? It took me about six minutes to run the first quarter of a mile.
Utterly, utterly pointless!
Total distance - 3 miles
Sunday 10 April 2016
Slump
This morning I got up early to go for a longish run. I left home and ran along towards the top barn but then realised that it was just after 8am and that there would be a group running from the lower barn at around this time so I decided it would be nice to have some company and headed down there to see if they were still there.
I was met by John, Brian, Mike and Albert, although Albert wasn't running with the others and was going out a little later with Josie & co.
We ran down towards the reservoir and along it, coming out at the prep school then ran down past the bowling club and up past Yarrow reservoir. We then came out onto the road and went along into Anglezarke Country Park, following the path along the edge of the reservoir until we came out at Waterman's Cottage. Mike and Brian were zooming along, leaving John and I trailing, although I'm pretty sure John would have been further ahead if he had not been running with me.
We went into White Coppice and then started the climb towards Great Hill. As soon as we started climbing up from White Coppice, I felt the energey drain from my legs. They just didn't want to work. I practically crawled all the way up to the Ramblers Association signpost at the path junction. John was waiting for me but the others were nowhere to be seen. John and I continued up towards Great Hill at a slow pace and I was hoping that once we got to the top, the others would have carried on because it was cold and I didn't want them to be sat around waiting for me.
Being considerate though, they hadn't carried on but had instead put some extra layers on and were waiting for us. We told them to just continue back to the barn at their own pace and that we'd see them back there later on.
The flagging from Great Hill to Spitlers was quite slippery in places this morning as it was wet and also a little icy.
Just before we got to the little climb to Spitlers, John fell, hitting his head onto one of the paving slabs. He tried to get straight up but went a little dizzy so I told him to stay down as long as he needed to. I could see some people ahead, as well as Mike and Brian on top of the hil and had my whistle on me so said that I could get help but John said he was find and got up. His head was cut and had bled onto his buff but it didn's seem to still be bleeding. I said that I had my phone with me so could ring for Mountain Rescue but he insisted that he was OK and we continued on.
I kept checking to see whether the blood stain on his buff got any bigger but it didn't so it seemed the bleeding had stopped.
We came out at Hordern Stoops and ran the steep way up to the trig point. Again, I was struggling and, when we crossed over the stile part way up the hill, I actually sat on it for a few seconds for a rest.
Once at the top though, I knew it was all downhill and there was only another three or so miles left.
Instead of going straight home, I decided to stay with John back to the barn just to make sure he didn't have any funny turns or anything. I'm glad to say he didn't and was fine.
When we got back to the barn, Mike and Brian were still there and they tried to talk John into going to the hospital. John offered me a lift home and I said that I was happy to swap cars when we got there and run him to the hospital but he said he was fine and would get his wife to look at it once he got home.
Brian rang John later in the day to check he was OK and he said that he was.
Total distance - 15 miles
Thursday 7 April 2016
Hill Reps on the Pike
I made an effort again tonight to get along to the club's hill session as I really need to improve my climbing capabilities. I always enjoy the session... after it's finished... but find it really hard to motivate myself to get to it in the first place but I'm really trying to make the effort at the minute.
The hardest part of it is getting to the meeting point at Wilderswood car park from my house. That short climb to George's Lane is horrible. I was already exhausted before the actual session had even begun.
We ran along to Pike Cottage and Steve said that the session would be the same as last week, i.e. sets of three reps down through my favoirite field. The field was really wet today and the fast lads at the front were sliding around all over the place. They must have been wearing inappropriate shoes as I was fine. I know I don't run as fast as them but, going downhill, I'm certainly not slow. I had good studded shoes on though. After going down and back up again, Steve suggested we abandon the session and go over to do reps on the Pike instead where it was less slippery underfoot.
And here's me thinking we were supposed to be fell runners! Aren't we supposed to run in mud?
We went along to the gate at the bottom of the Pike and the session was to go up the Pike Race route, down the steps, along onto George's Lane (with the option of cutting the corner down the slippery muddy bit if you had good shoes on), running back along to the gate on George's Lane (race route) but then turning around and doing it in reverse.
For me, not being as fast as the other guys, I decided not to go all the way back to the gate between sets as I knew that if I did, I wouldn't get enough climbs in.
I went up the steep side and down the steps, then turned off onto the muddy bit and onto George's Lane. I ran half way back to the gate then turned around and went back up the steps side then down the steep side.
At the bottom, I turned around and went back up the steep side. I was absolutely knackered. My legs were burning but I carried on 'running' as I really didn't want to give in and walk. Once at the top, I bumped into Josie which was great as it gave me a chance for a little rest before going back down the steps.
I ran down the steps and, realising that it was now coming to the end of the session, I decided to just run along to the gate by the toilet block, turn around and then run back up the steps. Once back on top, I just ran down the steep way and made my way home.
Really pleased with the session and that I managed to keep running with no walking. It was really hard work though but can only get easier. Right???
Total distance - 5.6 miles
The hardest part of it is getting to the meeting point at Wilderswood car park from my house. That short climb to George's Lane is horrible. I was already exhausted before the actual session had even begun.
We ran along to Pike Cottage and Steve said that the session would be the same as last week, i.e. sets of three reps down through my favoirite field. The field was really wet today and the fast lads at the front were sliding around all over the place. They must have been wearing inappropriate shoes as I was fine. I know I don't run as fast as them but, going downhill, I'm certainly not slow. I had good studded shoes on though. After going down and back up again, Steve suggested we abandon the session and go over to do reps on the Pike instead where it was less slippery underfoot.
And here's me thinking we were supposed to be fell runners! Aren't we supposed to run in mud?
We went along to the gate at the bottom of the Pike and the session was to go up the Pike Race route, down the steps, along onto George's Lane (with the option of cutting the corner down the slippery muddy bit if you had good shoes on), running back along to the gate on George's Lane (race route) but then turning around and doing it in reverse.
For me, not being as fast as the other guys, I decided not to go all the way back to the gate between sets as I knew that if I did, I wouldn't get enough climbs in.
I went up the steep side and down the steps, then turned off onto the muddy bit and onto George's Lane. I ran half way back to the gate then turned around and went back up the steps side then down the steep side.
At the bottom, I turned around and went back up the steep side. I was absolutely knackered. My legs were burning but I carried on 'running' as I really didn't want to give in and walk. Once at the top, I bumped into Josie which was great as it gave me a chance for a little rest before going back down the steps.
I ran down the steps and, realising that it was now coming to the end of the session, I decided to just run along to the gate by the toilet block, turn around and then run back up the steps. Once back on top, I just ran down the steep way and made my way home.
Really pleased with the session and that I managed to keep running with no walking. It was really hard work though but can only get easier. Right???
Total distance - 5.6 miles
Tuesday 5 April 2016
Slow and Slower
Working from home today, I went for an easy jog this moring with Ruby. We didn't go far because I was really busy with work today and had a lot to do so I wanted an early start.
Duncan dropped us off at Wallsuches and we just ran along George's Lane and then down through the terraced gardens. I was feeling really sluggish this morning and my calves were very tight. Ruby was also slow but that's normal.
Distance - 3.2 miles
After sitting at my desk working very hard for hours on end, by tea time I really wanted to get outside so I went for another short run. Usually when I run for a second time in a day, I run really well but today I was just tired. Again my calves felt tight and I just wasn't feeling it.
Distance 3.5 miles
Total distance - 6.7 miles
Duncan dropped us off at Wallsuches and we just ran along George's Lane and then down through the terraced gardens. I was feeling really sluggish this morning and my calves were very tight. Ruby was also slow but that's normal.
Distance - 3.2 miles
After sitting at my desk working very hard for hours on end, by tea time I really wanted to get outside so I went for another short run. Usually when I run for a second time in a day, I run really well but today I was just tired. Again my calves felt tight and I just wasn't feeling it.
Distance 3.5 miles
Total distance - 6.7 miles
Sunday 3 April 2016
Oh Stop Blubbering!
Gutted is an understatement.
Yesterday, Duncan, Ruby and I drove to Otley and camped over night as I was due to run the Blubberhouses 25 today. I had altered entered in advance and spent a while painstakingly highlighting my map a couple of days ago with the route of the run.
I even overcame my fear of number 2s on campsites (or in any public toilet really) and was in the midst of constructing my 'race plaits' hairdo when I got a ping on my phone from Facebook Messenger. It was my mum asking me to give her a call when I woke up (this was at about 6.45 in the morning). I rang her straight back and she was surprised I was up this early on a Sunday as I hadn't mentioned that I was camping and doing a long run.
She told me that both mine and my brother's garages, which are at my parents' house, had been broken into over night. They had smashed up the roofs and gone into the garages, leaving the up and over doors open.
As my garage is such a mess (because Duncan took ownership of it - if it was down to me it would be immaculate) mum didn't know whether anything had been stolen but did say that my brother's entire tool box had gone.
I have a classic mini in my garage (my beloved Horace) and he isn't painted at the minute and is partially in primer. This mean that, as it was raining, he was getting wet due to the hole in the roof. I told my mum I'd speak to Duncan and let her know what we were doing. When I told Duncan, he was insistent that we had to go there because he would have to fix the roof and if he waited until after my run it would be too late - I wouldn't be finished until around 2pm and then we'd have a 1.5 hour drive, not to mention any time I spent refueling after the run.
The event start was on our way home so I asked Duncan if I could quickly stop there to tell them that I wouldn't be competing. I knew I didn't have to and it wouldn't matter but, as I had only entered a few days ago, I thought it would look odd me not turning up and just wanted to let them know as a matter of courtesy.
I wish I hadn't though because, as soon as I saw everybody ready to go (I arrived ten minutes before the start), I started to well up and feel chocked up. I know how ridiculous sounds but I was really looking forward to this run as I hear it's a good one and I just felt an empty feeling inside. When Duncan drove off to turn the van around, as I was in full race gear and had my backpack packed, I was really tempted to just go anyway and not tell him.
We drove to my mum and dad's and Duncan and my brother then spent hours fixing the roofs and having to go to B&Q for materials. By the time we let, it was gone 6pm. I had just sat on the couch all afternoon and then felt guilty that I hadn't gone out for a run from my mum and dad's. I just kept thinking Duncan would be done soon and could drop me off somewhere to run home because I'd rather not run around Radcliffe, but it just kept getting later and later.
By the time he was ready to leave, I had barely any time left to run because we still had to walk Ruby, unpack the van and sort out tea, etc, so, just to ensure I got some kind or run in, Duncan dropped me and Ruby off on Scout Lane and we ran home from there around Walker Fold.
It was only 3.1 miles, which is an eighth of the run I was supposed to do but at least it was something. I felt really depressed when I set off but, by the time I got home, my spirits were lifted. It's amazing how good a run, even a very short one, can make you feel.
P.S. Sorry if there are any spelling/grammar mistakes above - I'm currently on my third glass of wine!!!
Total distance 3.1 miles (1/8 of the distance I should have done!!!)
Yesterday, Duncan, Ruby and I drove to Otley and camped over night as I was due to run the Blubberhouses 25 today. I had altered entered in advance and spent a while painstakingly highlighting my map a couple of days ago with the route of the run.
I even overcame my fear of number 2s on campsites (or in any public toilet really) and was in the midst of constructing my 'race plaits' hairdo when I got a ping on my phone from Facebook Messenger. It was my mum asking me to give her a call when I woke up (this was at about 6.45 in the morning). I rang her straight back and she was surprised I was up this early on a Sunday as I hadn't mentioned that I was camping and doing a long run.
She told me that both mine and my brother's garages, which are at my parents' house, had been broken into over night. They had smashed up the roofs and gone into the garages, leaving the up and over doors open.
As my garage is such a mess (because Duncan took ownership of it - if it was down to me it would be immaculate) mum didn't know whether anything had been stolen but did say that my brother's entire tool box had gone.
I have a classic mini in my garage (my beloved Horace) and he isn't painted at the minute and is partially in primer. This mean that, as it was raining, he was getting wet due to the hole in the roof. I told my mum I'd speak to Duncan and let her know what we were doing. When I told Duncan, he was insistent that we had to go there because he would have to fix the roof and if he waited until after my run it would be too late - I wouldn't be finished until around 2pm and then we'd have a 1.5 hour drive, not to mention any time I spent refueling after the run.
The event start was on our way home so I asked Duncan if I could quickly stop there to tell them that I wouldn't be competing. I knew I didn't have to and it wouldn't matter but, as I had only entered a few days ago, I thought it would look odd me not turning up and just wanted to let them know as a matter of courtesy.
I wish I hadn't though because, as soon as I saw everybody ready to go (I arrived ten minutes before the start), I started to well up and feel chocked up. I know how ridiculous sounds but I was really looking forward to this run as I hear it's a good one and I just felt an empty feeling inside. When Duncan drove off to turn the van around, as I was in full race gear and had my backpack packed, I was really tempted to just go anyway and not tell him.
We drove to my mum and dad's and Duncan and my brother then spent hours fixing the roofs and having to go to B&Q for materials. By the time we let, it was gone 6pm. I had just sat on the couch all afternoon and then felt guilty that I hadn't gone out for a run from my mum and dad's. I just kept thinking Duncan would be done soon and could drop me off somewhere to run home because I'd rather not run around Radcliffe, but it just kept getting later and later.
By the time he was ready to leave, I had barely any time left to run because we still had to walk Ruby, unpack the van and sort out tea, etc, so, just to ensure I got some kind or run in, Duncan dropped me and Ruby off on Scout Lane and we ran home from there around Walker Fold.
It was only 3.1 miles, which is an eighth of the run I was supposed to do but at least it was something. I felt really depressed when I set off but, by the time I got home, my spirits were lifted. It's amazing how good a run, even a very short one, can make you feel.
P.S. Sorry if there are any spelling/grammar mistakes above - I'm currently on my third glass of wine!!!
Total distance 3.1 miles (1/8 of the distance I should have done!!!)
Friday 1 April 2016
Lunchtime Run with Joc
My plan this morning was to get up early with Duncan and take Ruby out on an easy run before other dog walkers were out of bed but, when the alarm went off at 5.20 I was so tired that I decided to just stay in bed and that I'd go out for a run on my own later on. I slept in until gone 9am (it's going to kill me starting to get up at 5.20 again next week) and then took Ruby out for a walk. Whilst walking, I noticed a post on Facebook from Joc Chadderton asking whether anyone wanted to go for a run today. Most of the guys are off to the Lakes so had said they weren't available but I was thrilled at this and hoped that she hadn't already gone out on her own. I put on a reply saying that I could run and we arranged to meet up at the usual Monday night spot at 11am.
Because of last night's hill session, I didn't really want to go up onto the tops and wanted to have a relatively easy low level run and thankfully, Joc was fine with this. I took her on a route she doesn't know very well and it's part of the route of the Rivington Half Marathon.
We left the barn and ran to Rivington Village then to the bowling club and made our way along past Yarrow Reservoir. We came out onto the road and ran down the road then around the corner to the trail around Anglezarke Reservoir. We followed the trail round, eventually coming out at Watermans Cottage and then ran along the road to the steps and through the field to Healey Nab. I took Joc up to the cairn at the top of Healey Nab as she hasn't been up there before and she was really amazed at how close to Botany Bay we were.
We ran back down and onto the bridleway and followed this out onto Back Lane. We then turned off Back Lane onto the path on the left (which comes out opposite The Street) and waded through the giant puddle which was even worse today than it had been when I had gone this way a few days ago, although I didn't just plough straight through the middle of it today and we made our way around the outside but still got soaking wet feet.
When we came out opposite the Street, we ran along the road and then went up 'the cascade' coming back out at the side of Yarrow Reservoir. We then ran back down the trail but when the paths split, instead of going back the way we came towards the bowling club, we turned left and followed Dean Brook, climbing the steps and running through the field, coming out at Rivington Village.
We were both pretty tired by the time we arrived back at the barn and also pretty wet as it had rained non-stop for the second half of our run but we had a lovely time and it was great to get out with good company during the day. If I hadn't run with Joc I would have only ended up doing a short run on my own.
Total distance - 7.85 miles
Because of last night's hill session, I didn't really want to go up onto the tops and wanted to have a relatively easy low level run and thankfully, Joc was fine with this. I took her on a route she doesn't know very well and it's part of the route of the Rivington Half Marathon.
We left the barn and ran to Rivington Village then to the bowling club and made our way along past Yarrow Reservoir. We came out onto the road and ran down the road then around the corner to the trail around Anglezarke Reservoir. We followed the trail round, eventually coming out at Watermans Cottage and then ran along the road to the steps and through the field to Healey Nab. I took Joc up to the cairn at the top of Healey Nab as she hasn't been up there before and she was really amazed at how close to Botany Bay we were.
We ran back down and onto the bridleway and followed this out onto Back Lane. We then turned off Back Lane onto the path on the left (which comes out opposite The Street) and waded through the giant puddle which was even worse today than it had been when I had gone this way a few days ago, although I didn't just plough straight through the middle of it today and we made our way around the outside but still got soaking wet feet.
When we came out opposite the Street, we ran along the road and then went up 'the cascade' coming back out at the side of Yarrow Reservoir. We then ran back down the trail but when the paths split, instead of going back the way we came towards the bowling club, we turned left and followed Dean Brook, climbing the steps and running through the field, coming out at Rivington Village.
We were both pretty tired by the time we arrived back at the barn and also pretty wet as it had rained non-stop for the second half of our run but we had a lovely time and it was great to get out with good company during the day. If I hadn't run with Joc I would have only ended up doing a short run on my own.
Total distance - 7.85 miles
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