...or,
Stupid, Stupid, Stupid
...or,
Thanks John You're a Star
...or,
Sorry Duncan that you Missed Your Beer Festival
...or,
A Great Day Out Despite My Troubles
...or,
The Drugs Don't Work
I could go on with the alternative titles, but I'll stop there.
As the actual title suggests, today I went to do the Spring in Lakeland LDWA run with John Swift, as he missed out on it when it actually took place.
We started from Elterwater instead of Ambleside as it's easier to park there in the National Trust car park and it wouldn't be as busy on a bank holiday weekend. I had met John in Bamber Bridge, where he left his car and I drove up to Elterwater.
We arrived at about 8.45 and got ourselves ready for the off. It was a beautiful day so we slathered on the sun cream and away we went. All was going really well and I climbed up Tilberthwaite much easier than I had done on the actual event so I was feeling great and John was on good form too. When we got about a mile from Coniston though, I started to get stomach ache (what is with my stomach?). On arrival at Coniston I decided to use the public conveniences to try to alleviate the problem but, you know me, it didn't go to plan and my body didn't seem to want to relax. Why, I have no idea as I'm not at all prudish about poo and will chat about it to anyone who'll listen but it appears my body thinks otherwise.
Anyway, we carried on but my stomach ache got worse and worse and was causing me to really slow down. John, as usual, was on fire though, motoring up the hills with me trailing behind him.
Once we got to Skelwith Bridge I decided that I really had to 'go' so I went into the pub there and I managed to relieve myself, although I did end up buying a Coke because I felt too bad just going in there, causing a stink and leaving.
Feeling much better, we continued on our way up to Loughrigg. We managed to find the path which Gordon and I had missed last time, coming down from Loughrigg Tarn and heading into Ambleside. We didn't bother going into Ambleside though as that would be an out and back so seemed pretty pointless and we just continued along, heading back to Skelwith Bridge.
It was just before we reached Skelwith Bridge that my foot suddenly began to throb. It wasn't painful as such, just aching but it got worse and worse to the point that I could no longer run and, by the time we got back to Elterwater, I could barely even walk. The worst came after we stopped moving though. It just completely seized up and the pain got unbearable. So much so that I felt sick. I walked along to the toilet block but felt like I was going to pass out and twice on that very short walk, I had to stop and bend right over to try to avoid fainting.
I knew I needed to eat something because, due to my earlier belly ache I hadn't felt like eating all the way around and hadn't eaten much but because of the pain from my foot making me feel sick, it was really difficult to get the tuna and sweetcorn sandwich I had in the cool box down.
Eventually, I decided to set off. John had a meal planned this evening and I really didn't want him to miss it. I started driving but the pain on pressing the clutch to change gear was so intense that it was making me dizzy and sick. I feel like such a marde arse but I really have never had pain worse, aside from the pain I got when I smashed my front tooth when I was 15.
On arriving at Windermere I had to admit defeat and ask John to drive because it was just too painful. John obliged and we had to try to put a plan into place for when we arrived back at Bamber Bridge. John offered to swap cars, drive me home and then take Duncan back to Bamber Bridge to pick up the car but I really didn't want him to have to do that so I spent the journey massaging my foot and holding my cold can of Coke to it in a bid to ease the pain a little. It did work to a degree but it was still terribly painful and swollen up. I insisted I was OK to drive when we reached Bamber Bridge though as the majority of the drive home was on the motorway so I wouldn't have to change gear much.
Getting off the motorway in Horwich was awful and I cursed out loud when I pressed the clutch. Usually, I drive along Victoria Avenue to get home but I decided to carry on along Chorley New Road in third gear hoping that the traffic lights at Aldi would be kind to me. They weren't and I had to stop, causing lots more pain. After that, I carried on along getting into third gear again and thankfully managed to turn into Lever Park Avenue and then Fearnhead without having to change gear. When I arrived at my house I waved at Duncan through the window to get him to come and park for me as, by then, I really had had enough. I'm currently wandering around the house with my foot strapped up and using Duncan's old crutches to take the weight off, seriously, that's not overkill! I've had Paracetamol and Ibuprofen which have helped a little but not a lot.
The annoying thing is, the other week on a Saturday, I put on a pair of heels and the pain in my foot was terrible and I had to change shoes but the next day I ran the 22 mile Todmorden Boundary Run injury free but today, having had no pain for about a week and having stayed off the hills, this happens.
I'm quite angry with myself to be honest as I'm worried that I've now really damaged it to a point where it's going to take a lot of fixing. I'll try to be optimistic though whilst I want for the scan results to come back, hopefully it won't be as bad as it feels.
Huge thanks to John for driving my van back down to Bamber Bridge, I don't know what I'd have done otherwise.
Also, sorry to Duncan who was supposed to go to a beer festival tonight which he wanted me to pick him up from but unfortunately, that ain't happening!
Total distance - 22 miles
Saturday 28 May 2016
Thursday 26 May 2016
MRI Scan
I went to Breightmet last night for my MRI scan which I've been really looking forward to because I can't wait to find out what's wrong with my foot and work on fixing it.
I went into the mobile MRI wagon behind the health centre and it kind of felt like being inside an aircraft with all the noise. I was really surprised that I only had to take my shoes off and not my socks or any other clothing, I thought it was like an x-ray where they'd make me wear an arse exhibiting gown. Thank goodness it wasn't!
It also took much longer than I thought it would. I didn't have to go all the way into the tube and only went in to my waist but I was in there for about half an hour. There was a little countdown timer on the machine which at first showed 2 minutes 30 seconds so when this counted down to zero I thought we had finished but then it reset to 4 minutes 16 seconds. Again, once this was over it reset itself again and did this about 12 or so times. I started to really need a wee so every time the timer got to zero I prayed it would be the last time because I couldn't even cross my legs or anything.
When I first went in, they gave me some headphones to block out the noise and when I put them on, I felt like I had gone deaf and couldn't hear the nurse speaking to me. When the machine started working though, it was still really loud and I kept wondering how loud it would be without the headphones. It was so tempting to lift one a little to see but I knew I probably would end up deaf if I did that!
After what seemed like hours, it was over so now I just have to wait for the results. Apparently the MRI scans go off to a radiologist and the results will be turned around within 72 hours and provided to my GP but it could take a couple of weeks before my GP gets around to letting me know. Hopefully it will be sooner. Watch this space!
Today's run was an easy 5 miler around Rivington. I wanted to go to the hill session but, as I'm doing a 24 miler on Saturday I thought I'd save myself and, most importantly, my foot as the pain is worse when I do hills and aches for a couple of days afterwards so I opted for an easy flat run instead. I just ran from home, down to the school and along to the barn, then along the side of Sheephouse Lane, trying to dodge the tree roots whilst the sun was blinding me. I then went through the kissing gate opposite Rivington Green, through the field and down the steps to Dean Brook. I then turned back on myself and ran along to the Bowling Club then followed the edge of Rivington Reservoir to Liverpool Castle. It was then back to the school and back home.
Total distance - 5 miles
I went into the mobile MRI wagon behind the health centre and it kind of felt like being inside an aircraft with all the noise. I was really surprised that I only had to take my shoes off and not my socks or any other clothing, I thought it was like an x-ray where they'd make me wear an arse exhibiting gown. Thank goodness it wasn't!
It also took much longer than I thought it would. I didn't have to go all the way into the tube and only went in to my waist but I was in there for about half an hour. There was a little countdown timer on the machine which at first showed 2 minutes 30 seconds so when this counted down to zero I thought we had finished but then it reset to 4 minutes 16 seconds. Again, once this was over it reset itself again and did this about 12 or so times. I started to really need a wee so every time the timer got to zero I prayed it would be the last time because I couldn't even cross my legs or anything.
When I first went in, they gave me some headphones to block out the noise and when I put them on, I felt like I had gone deaf and couldn't hear the nurse speaking to me. When the machine started working though, it was still really loud and I kept wondering how loud it would be without the headphones. It was so tempting to lift one a little to see but I knew I probably would end up deaf if I did that!
After what seemed like hours, it was over so now I just have to wait for the results. Apparently the MRI scans go off to a radiologist and the results will be turned around within 72 hours and provided to my GP but it could take a couple of weeks before my GP gets around to letting me know. Hopefully it will be sooner. Watch this space!
Today's run was an easy 5 miler around Rivington. I wanted to go to the hill session but, as I'm doing a 24 miler on Saturday I thought I'd save myself and, most importantly, my foot as the pain is worse when I do hills and aches for a couple of days afterwards so I opted for an easy flat run instead. I just ran from home, down to the school and along to the barn, then along the side of Sheephouse Lane, trying to dodge the tree roots whilst the sun was blinding me. I then went through the kissing gate opposite Rivington Green, through the field and down the steps to Dean Brook. I then turned back on myself and ran along to the Bowling Club then followed the edge of Rivington Reservoir to Liverpool Castle. It was then back to the school and back home.
Total distance - 5 miles
Tuesday 24 May 2016
Vernons 5k 2016 - Race 1
I've been wondering whether or not I should be doing this race, given my foot problem but in the end I decided to (in the words of Nike) just do it!
I set off from home stupidly early, or so I thought, at 5.25 for a 7.15 start but it ended up taking me an hour to get there. The traffic in Horwich was horrendous and by the time I had sat in it for so long I was more sweaty than I was at the end of the race!
The race itself went OK and my foot stayed pain free, although it was throbbing a little between the warm up and the start of the race.
Unfortunately, but as was expected, my time was a bit disappointing at 24 minutes 11 seconds, 50 seconds slower than my PB on this course. Ah well, it was to be expected given my complete lack of any speed work for months and my dodgy foot. Hopefully after tomorrow's MRI scan I'll finally know what's wrong with it and be able to start getting it sorted out. I'm feeling very optimistic that it's going to be something easily fixable. Fingers crossed.
Oh and I couldn't possibly finish this post without saying a MASSIVE well done to Erica who won the ladies race. That girl is on fire!!!
Total distance - 3.1 miles + warm up and cool down
I set off from home stupidly early, or so I thought, at 5.25 for a 7.15 start but it ended up taking me an hour to get there. The traffic in Horwich was horrendous and by the time I had sat in it for so long I was more sweaty than I was at the end of the race!
The race itself went OK and my foot stayed pain free, although it was throbbing a little between the warm up and the start of the race.
Unfortunately, but as was expected, my time was a bit disappointing at 24 minutes 11 seconds, 50 seconds slower than my PB on this course. Ah well, it was to be expected given my complete lack of any speed work for months and my dodgy foot. Hopefully after tomorrow's MRI scan I'll finally know what's wrong with it and be able to start getting it sorted out. I'm feeling very optimistic that it's going to be something easily fixable. Fingers crossed.
Oh and I couldn't possibly finish this post without saying a MASSIVE well done to Erica who won the ladies race. That girl is on fire!!!
Total distance - 3.1 miles + warm up and cool down
Monday 23 May 2016
Turmoil
Today I just went for an easy short run and took Ruby along with me to make sure I went really slow. My foot is still not right (it's all I seem to talk about at the minute) and I'm supposed to be racing tomorrow night so I wanted to just have an easy one tonight to see how things went.
As well as having the pain in and around my big toe, I have also been getting pain in my ankle on the same foot which, as I have mentioned previously, I'm hoping is linked as that may mean it's muscular and therefore should be easily fixable.
On tonight's run, I got the pain in my ankle but no pain in my big toe. I just ran down to the barn and back but my ankle rolling on the uneven ground was causing pain on the outside, near the sticky out bone thingy (so technical!).
When I got home, I put some ice on it straight away.
I'm still going to turn up for the race tomorrow. It's a flat 5k and I only seem to get pain when running on uneven ground or up and down hills (which unfortunately is the kind of running I like!) so hopefully it will be OK but it's really difficult when you have an injury like this because you spend so long going over it in your head and trying to decide the right thing to do. Half of my head says 'don't run, you're only making it worse' but the other half says 'stop being a wimp, it'll be reet!'.
I've said it once and I'll say it again, I really can't wait for my scan on Wednesday!!!
Total distance - 3.25 miles
As well as having the pain in and around my big toe, I have also been getting pain in my ankle on the same foot which, as I have mentioned previously, I'm hoping is linked as that may mean it's muscular and therefore should be easily fixable.
On tonight's run, I got the pain in my ankle but no pain in my big toe. I just ran down to the barn and back but my ankle rolling on the uneven ground was causing pain on the outside, near the sticky out bone thingy (so technical!).
When I got home, I put some ice on it straight away.
I'm still going to turn up for the race tomorrow. It's a flat 5k and I only seem to get pain when running on uneven ground or up and down hills (which unfortunately is the kind of running I like!) so hopefully it will be OK but it's really difficult when you have an injury like this because you spend so long going over it in your head and trying to decide the right thing to do. Half of my head says 'don't run, you're only making it worse' but the other half says 'stop being a wimp, it'll be reet!'.
I've said it once and I'll say it again, I really can't wait for my scan on Wednesday!!!
Total distance - 3.25 miles
Saturday 21 May 2016
Long Run Turned Short
I turned up at the UTUP today and met up with EtU, YJ and TF. EtU had mentioned on the blog that he was only having a short run but that YJ was hoping for a long one. I was just going to play it by ear, depending on what my foot wanted.
YJ announced at the start that he didn't think he would be having a long run after all as he was feeling tired after Wednesday's Jubilee. We decided to see how it went and all headed off up through the terraced gardens. TF left us in the gardens as she was intending to do some hill reps and then head home.
EtU, YJ and I carried on and headed up the Pike. I said at the bottom that I wouldn't be keeping the promise I made to myself today of never walking up the Pike, as my foot would probably hurt too much, however I set off running at the bottom where it is only a gentle ascent. When I got to the steeper part though, underneath the steps, I carried on going and, weirdly, got no pain at all. Nor did I get any pain running up the steps on my toes. I would be pleased about this, however, driving to the barn this morning, my foot hurt just pressing the clutch pedal so I know that the problem hasn't miraculously gone away. There's just no rhyme nor reason to it. Going up the diagonal with John Parker the other evening caused terrible pain but going up the Pike this morning caused none. It really is a bizarre injury. Can't wait to find out what it is!
After descending from the Pike, EtU left us and YJ was struggling so I said that I didn't mind if he wanted to call it a day and head back. He said that he would go on a little further and see how he felt so we carried on and ran up to Two Lads. Again, I had no foot pain.
From Two Lads, we ran up to the mast then to the top of the mast road and down the diagonal. This is where I did get a bit of pain, but it wasn't in my toe, it was in my ankle of the same foot. This has happened the last few times I have run downhill (pain uphill, pain downhill, lovely!) and I'm hoping that it is linked to the pain in my toe. If it's linked that (to me, but I'm no doctor) means it's muscular and therefore easily treatable. Not sure if that's just me being optimistic, but better to think positively.
At the bottom of the diagonal, YJ decided to call it a day and we headed back to the barn, via the 'sheep's back'.
I toyed with the idea of carrying on for a bit but thought I might be better not pushing it with my foot the way it is. I really don't want to make it worse so am going to take it easy until my scan on Wednesday when hopefully I'll find out a bit more. Saying that, I have a 5k race on Tuesday night but at least that will be on a flat, even surface so hopefully will be OK.
Total distance - 6.4 miles
YJ announced at the start that he didn't think he would be having a long run after all as he was feeling tired after Wednesday's Jubilee. We decided to see how it went and all headed off up through the terraced gardens. TF left us in the gardens as she was intending to do some hill reps and then head home.
EtU, YJ and I carried on and headed up the Pike. I said at the bottom that I wouldn't be keeping the promise I made to myself today of never walking up the Pike, as my foot would probably hurt too much, however I set off running at the bottom where it is only a gentle ascent. When I got to the steeper part though, underneath the steps, I carried on going and, weirdly, got no pain at all. Nor did I get any pain running up the steps on my toes. I would be pleased about this, however, driving to the barn this morning, my foot hurt just pressing the clutch pedal so I know that the problem hasn't miraculously gone away. There's just no rhyme nor reason to it. Going up the diagonal with John Parker the other evening caused terrible pain but going up the Pike this morning caused none. It really is a bizarre injury. Can't wait to find out what it is!
After descending from the Pike, EtU left us and YJ was struggling so I said that I didn't mind if he wanted to call it a day and head back. He said that he would go on a little further and see how he felt so we carried on and ran up to Two Lads. Again, I had no foot pain.
From Two Lads, we ran up to the mast then to the top of the mast road and down the diagonal. This is where I did get a bit of pain, but it wasn't in my toe, it was in my ankle of the same foot. This has happened the last few times I have run downhill (pain uphill, pain downhill, lovely!) and I'm hoping that it is linked to the pain in my toe. If it's linked that (to me, but I'm no doctor) means it's muscular and therefore easily treatable. Not sure if that's just me being optimistic, but better to think positively.
At the bottom of the diagonal, YJ decided to call it a day and we headed back to the barn, via the 'sheep's back'.
I toyed with the idea of carrying on for a bit but thought I might be better not pushing it with my foot the way it is. I really don't want to make it worse so am going to take it easy until my scan on Wednesday when hopefully I'll find out a bit more. Saying that, I have a 5k race on Tuesday night but at least that will be on a flat, even surface so hopefully will be OK.
Total distance - 6.4 miles
Thursday 19 May 2016
Aborted Hill Session
I turned up in the rain tonight for the Harriers hill session and was joined by Gary, Doug, Jonathan, Joe, John and David. And of course Steve. The session was loops up to the pigeon tower using the 'rocky road' and the slippery path underneath the tower.
As it was raining and very wet underfoot, John didn't really want to do the session as he was worried about slipping and falling. I also didn't want to do the session because, as mentioned in previous blogs, my foot hurts when going up steep hills.
After climbing to the Pigeon Tower with the others, John and I decided to do our own thing and we ran along George's Lane in the direction of Belmont. We then started to climb the diagonal but I had to walk due to the toe/foot pain. I managed to walk quite quickly though so John wasn't hanging around at the top waiting for me.
From there, we ran all the way down the mast road, something which I have never done before (nor have I ever run all the way up the mast road), coming out onto George's Lane and heading back along to the Pigeon Tower.
We went back down the slippery path and arrived back at the car park but everybody else had already left.
Despite not having completed the actual session, I still feel like I got a great workout. John is an excellent coach and is really motivational and inspiring, always a pleasure to run with. This must be a trend with 75+ year olds named John!
Total distance - 6 miles
As it was raining and very wet underfoot, John didn't really want to do the session as he was worried about slipping and falling. I also didn't want to do the session because, as mentioned in previous blogs, my foot hurts when going up steep hills.
After climbing to the Pigeon Tower with the others, John and I decided to do our own thing and we ran along George's Lane in the direction of Belmont. We then started to climb the diagonal but I had to walk due to the toe/foot pain. I managed to walk quite quickly though so John wasn't hanging around at the top waiting for me.
From there, we ran all the way down the mast road, something which I have never done before (nor have I ever run all the way up the mast road), coming out onto George's Lane and heading back along to the Pigeon Tower.
We went back down the slippery path and arrived back at the car park but everybody else had already left.
Despite not having completed the actual session, I still feel like I got a great workout. John is an excellent coach and is really motivational and inspiring, always a pleasure to run with. This must be a trend with 75+ year olds named John!
Total distance - 6 miles
Wednesday 18 May 2016
Bleugh!
Right, I really do need to get back to some serious training. I've entered a 10k later in the year (yes, you read that right!) so I want to work hard and get a decent time for it. The issue with my foot is obviously hindering that but I have a scan booked for next Wednesday so I'm hoping I can finally find out what it is and get it fixed so I can crack on with my training.
I'm not too bad when I stay on the flat so I decided to go for a fast road run this morning. The intention was to do a mile warm up, followed by four miles at an 8.06 pace, with a mile cool down.
It didn't quite go to plan though as I felt really sick whilst doing the tempo bit. I'm not great at running hard first thing in a morning and it really showed today. I did manage to keep a decent pace for the four miles, however I can't really call it a good session because I did stop a few times to try to stop myself chundering so I feel like I cheated myself.
Ah well, better luck next time.
Total distance - 6.75 miles
I'm not too bad when I stay on the flat so I decided to go for a fast road run this morning. The intention was to do a mile warm up, followed by four miles at an 8.06 pace, with a mile cool down.
It didn't quite go to plan though as I felt really sick whilst doing the tempo bit. I'm not great at running hard first thing in a morning and it really showed today. I did manage to keep a decent pace for the four miles, however I can't really call it a good session because I did stop a few times to try to stop myself chundering so I feel like I cheated myself.
Ah well, better luck next time.
Total distance - 6.75 miles
Sunday 15 May 2016
Hmmmm, Not Bad!
I felt quite tired today but really wanted to get back out as I've done very little running lately. I just wanted a quick one as I had tea to cook and other things to sort out before going back to work tomorrow so I just headed off along dog poo alley, past the llamas down to the school. I then ran along the track to the barn, turning right at the end and heading up through the terraced gardens onto George's Lane.
Due to my painful foot, I didn't run up the Pike because going up on my toes is what hurts so I just ran along George's Lane and home through Wilderswood.
I was quite pleased with how quick I did the run to be honest, given the climb from the barn to George's Lane.
Total distance - 4 miles
Due to my painful foot, I didn't run up the Pike because going up on my toes is what hurts so I just ran along George's Lane and home through Wilderswood.
I was quite pleased with how quick I did the run to be honest, given the climb from the barn to George's Lane.
Total distance - 4 miles
Saturday 14 May 2016
Post Holiday Run with the Fellas
This morning, feeling blue and three pounds heavier after returning from my holiday, I decided to get my ass out onto the hill for a longish run, given that I had done only 7 miles in total during the last two weeks.
I decided to head to the barn for the UTUP and was joined by EtU, YJ and t'Yorkshireman.
We headed up to the Pike then across to Two Lads before climbing to the trig point. At the mast, EtU wanted to time his effort down to the gate so we started our watches and began to descend. I can't actually remember all our times now but I have created a Strava segment for this descent as the only segment already in existence was from the end of the mast road to the bridge, rather than from the trig point. Josie has the CR for the ladies on this segment, with me currently being second, however there are ladies behind me who would definitely be quicker if they wanted to be.
From the bridge, we ran along to Hordern Stoops and over to Spitlers. Shortly after Spitlers we turned off on the left and ran down to the path to Lead Mines Clough. We then headed up to the Bomber Memorial where it was lovely and sunny and I suggested one of us nip to the off licence and bring back some cider so we could have a 'picnic' down in the clough but I think everyone thought I was joking as they just laughed.
We headed out of the clough and up the road, through the farm fields and down to Dean Brook. We then ran back through Rivington to the barn where I left the guys and carried on running home.
Total distance - 12.2 miles
I decided to head to the barn for the UTUP and was joined by EtU, YJ and t'Yorkshireman.
We headed up to the Pike then across to Two Lads before climbing to the trig point. At the mast, EtU wanted to time his effort down to the gate so we started our watches and began to descend. I can't actually remember all our times now but I have created a Strava segment for this descent as the only segment already in existence was from the end of the mast road to the bridge, rather than from the trig point. Josie has the CR for the ladies on this segment, with me currently being second, however there are ladies behind me who would definitely be quicker if they wanted to be.
From the bridge, we ran along to Hordern Stoops and over to Spitlers. Shortly after Spitlers we turned off on the left and ran down to the path to Lead Mines Clough. We then headed up to the Bomber Memorial where it was lovely and sunny and I suggested one of us nip to the off licence and bring back some cider so we could have a 'picnic' down in the clough but I think everyone thought I was joking as they just laughed.
We headed out of the clough and up the road, through the farm fields and down to Dean Brook. We then ran back through Rivington to the barn where I left the guys and carried on running home.
Total distance - 12.2 miles
Thursday 12 May 2016
Last Day of Holiday
Having done very little all week, save for a 3.5 mile MTB ride, a spot of open water swimming in a quarry pool on Easdale Island and a few walks on different isles, I decided that I'd better try to get a run in today on my last day of holiday.
I got Duncan to drop me off at the Bridge Over the Atlantic on our way back to the cottage so that I could run back.
At first, my shins were really sore. I had to stop to stretch them out three times but by about 2.25 miles in, the pain disappeared and I was OK for the last couple of miles. Maybe I'm just not used to running on roads these days.
The lack of exercise and copious scoffing of cakes, ice cream and alcohol have resulted in me having put on a whopping three pounds during my eight day holiday! I'd better get off my ass and get running!
Total distance - 4.25 miles
I got Duncan to drop me off at the Bridge Over the Atlantic on our way back to the cottage so that I could run back.
At first, my shins were really sore. I had to stop to stretch them out three times but by about 2.25 miles in, the pain disappeared and I was OK for the last couple of miles. Maybe I'm just not used to running on roads these days.
The lack of exercise and copious scoffing of cakes, ice cream and alcohol have resulted in me having put on a whopping three pounds during my eight day holiday! I'd better get off my ass and get running!
Total distance - 4.25 miles
Saturday 7 May 2016
Seil Island
It's been a long time since my last blog entry on the Todmorden Boundary Run and the reason for this is that I haven't run since then. My foot has been very sore and I have been to see my GP about this who has referred me for a scan. He did say that if there was no pain whilst running then I could continue to run but I thought I would give it a little rest to see whether it eased up any. It didn't and still hurts but only when I raise up onto my toes and back down again. It still doesn't hurt to run so this morning I thought I'd have an easy little run down the road from our holiday cottage on Seil Island. I could tell that I had done very little in the past week as I was really sluggish. I just ran along the road for a mile and a half then ran back again.
Seil Island is a beautiful placed on the west coast of Scotland (15 miles south west of Oban) and is reached by crossing the 'Bridge over the Atlantic'. It was our first night in the cottage last night, the night before we had wild camped in Glen Trool in Dumfries and Galloway, up by 'Bruce's Stone'. It was a beautiful spot to camp.
Total distance - 3.1 miles
Seil Island is a beautiful placed on the west coast of Scotland (15 miles south west of Oban) and is reached by crossing the 'Bridge over the Atlantic'. It was our first night in the cottage last night, the night before we had wild camped in Glen Trool in Dumfries and Galloway, up by 'Bruce's Stone'. It was a beautiful spot to camp.
Total distance - 3.1 miles
Sunday 1 May 2016
Todmorden Boundary Run
Another one of my LDWA events was on the cards today, this one run by Todmorden Rotary Club.
This was the first time they had done the run as a separate event, although I did overhear that there were some runners on the walking route which set off a couple of hours earlier. There were 24 of us signed up on the actual run, which was a mass start at 10am. We were given race numbers rather than tally cards as the organisers felt that runners don't like to hang around getting their card clipped so we could just show/shout out our numbers to the marshals at the checkpoints instead. Good thinking.
I had tried a couple of days ago to highlight my map as usual before I do these events but I found it really difficult as I didn't have grid references for the checkpoints and couldn't find a route on View Ranger to copy from. It didn't matter in the end anyway, I didn't even need to look at the route directions, as the whole thing was flagged out. I've never seen that before at one of these events but it was incredibly welcome when running over the open moorland for the first seven miles of the run. I'd never have known my way without the flags. That must have take a lot of work by some volunteers!
I had been in two minds about whether to even start the run today as I have had terrible pain in my foot. It's not there all the time though and is only there when I raise up on my toes. When I got back from my short run with John yesterday, I felt a slight twinge but then when I put some heels on to go out, it really hurt and I couldn't walk. I had to put some flatter shoes on but it was still quite painful. When I got up this morning, I tested it by raising up on my toes and, as I lowered back down again, there was a really sharp pain and a 'clicking' feeling. It made me yelp in pain but once my foot was back on the ground, it was fine again. Duncan said I would be stupid to run and I should just rest it but I really didn't want to wimp out, even though that was probably the wise thing to do.
I decided that I was going to run and that I could always drop out at a checkpoint.
Before the run started I was talking to a couple of blokes who were also at the Hobble the other month (sorry, I didn't get your names) and a lady named Linda and her son, Tim.
We all set off at 10am and I soon found myself at the back of the pack, along with Linda and Tim and there were a couple of girls further behind us. I didn't mind, I don't do these events to race them, I just do them for the enjoyment. I had told Duncan I'd be about five hours but it didn't matter if I was longer.
Linda and Tim were running at the same pace as me so I stayed with them all the way to the first proper checkpoint, which was seven miles in. I was quite surprised to find they had a porta-loo here, as on most of these events, you just have to go into the bushes. I just grabbed a bourbon biscuit and some juice and continued on my way, quickly catching back up with Linda and Tim who had left the checkpoint before me.
It wasn't long before we reached the next checkpoint which also had a porta-loo so I decided to use it whilst I was there. The problem is, when you are soaking wet (it was raining by the way), it's really hard to pull your leggings back up, especially when they're Skins compression leggings. By the time I got out, Linda and Tim were long gone and I didn't catch up with them again for quite some time. I could see them in the distance for most of the time.
Between this checkpoint and the next, I started to get stomach cramps. They got really bad and I was finding it difficult to run as (too much information) I was clenching. I thought I might have to pull out at the next checkpoint but I really didn't want to as I had come so far. I arrived at the checkpoint and was relieved to see that it was indoors and had proper toilets. I had to get over my fear of number 2s in public loos because it was either do it or drop out.
After having been in there a good while, finding it hard to relax, I eventually emerged and started the final part of the run, which is the hardest bit as it goes up Stoodley Pike. It lulls you into a false sense of security though as you climb up onto a track and then, instead of carrying on climbing up to the Pike, you have to turn left onto the track and follow it for ages before ascending.
The weather on the top was horrendous. It was throwing it down and the wind was really strong. It was difficult to run against it. I thought that once I got to the Pike I would start going down and get out of the worst of the weather but we actually stayed up high for a very long time, running along some flagging.
We then got onto the side of a reservoir and by now, I had passed two runners and was feeling quite pleased as I had got a second wind since my stomach problems earlier.
The dam seemed to go on for a long time and then I could see a flag down at the bottom, which was a steep grassy decent but I then realised that you weren't supposed to go straight down and were supposed to keep following the water for a while and go down gradually, which I did but I was a bit gutted because I noticed that others cut the corner. Luckily, I stayed ahead of them though and managed to finish strong. I even caught back up with Linda and Tim shortly before the finish.
I finished in 4 hours 43 minutes which was OK.
I really enjoyed the run, despite the terrible weather, but the only criticism I have is the food. There wasn't a right lot of choice at checkpoints in comparison to other events I have done, there being only biscuits, bananas and nuts. There was also no hot meal at the finish, unless you paid for it which again is unusual.
The organisers and volunteers were all great though, really helpful and friendly.
As for my foot, this barely hurt at all during the run which is very odd. There were a couple of moments where I was aware that there was a problem but nothing major although it is still hurting now when I go up on my toes.
Thanks to Duncan for driving me there as my van is in the garage. He was bored to tears all day because the weather was rubbish and, as he was in the car, he couldn't just get in the back and make cups of tea whilst reading a book like he does in the van.
Total distance - 22 miles
This was the first time they had done the run as a separate event, although I did overhear that there were some runners on the walking route which set off a couple of hours earlier. There were 24 of us signed up on the actual run, which was a mass start at 10am. We were given race numbers rather than tally cards as the organisers felt that runners don't like to hang around getting their card clipped so we could just show/shout out our numbers to the marshals at the checkpoints instead. Good thinking.
I had tried a couple of days ago to highlight my map as usual before I do these events but I found it really difficult as I didn't have grid references for the checkpoints and couldn't find a route on View Ranger to copy from. It didn't matter in the end anyway, I didn't even need to look at the route directions, as the whole thing was flagged out. I've never seen that before at one of these events but it was incredibly welcome when running over the open moorland for the first seven miles of the run. I'd never have known my way without the flags. That must have take a lot of work by some volunteers!
I had been in two minds about whether to even start the run today as I have had terrible pain in my foot. It's not there all the time though and is only there when I raise up on my toes. When I got back from my short run with John yesterday, I felt a slight twinge but then when I put some heels on to go out, it really hurt and I couldn't walk. I had to put some flatter shoes on but it was still quite painful. When I got up this morning, I tested it by raising up on my toes and, as I lowered back down again, there was a really sharp pain and a 'clicking' feeling. It made me yelp in pain but once my foot was back on the ground, it was fine again. Duncan said I would be stupid to run and I should just rest it but I really didn't want to wimp out, even though that was probably the wise thing to do.
I decided that I was going to run and that I could always drop out at a checkpoint.
Before the run started I was talking to a couple of blokes who were also at the Hobble the other month (sorry, I didn't get your names) and a lady named Linda and her son, Tim.
We all set off at 10am and I soon found myself at the back of the pack, along with Linda and Tim and there were a couple of girls further behind us. I didn't mind, I don't do these events to race them, I just do them for the enjoyment. I had told Duncan I'd be about five hours but it didn't matter if I was longer.
Linda and Tim were running at the same pace as me so I stayed with them all the way to the first proper checkpoint, which was seven miles in. I was quite surprised to find they had a porta-loo here, as on most of these events, you just have to go into the bushes. I just grabbed a bourbon biscuit and some juice and continued on my way, quickly catching back up with Linda and Tim who had left the checkpoint before me.
It wasn't long before we reached the next checkpoint which also had a porta-loo so I decided to use it whilst I was there. The problem is, when you are soaking wet (it was raining by the way), it's really hard to pull your leggings back up, especially when they're Skins compression leggings. By the time I got out, Linda and Tim were long gone and I didn't catch up with them again for quite some time. I could see them in the distance for most of the time.
Between this checkpoint and the next, I started to get stomach cramps. They got really bad and I was finding it difficult to run as (too much information) I was clenching. I thought I might have to pull out at the next checkpoint but I really didn't want to as I had come so far. I arrived at the checkpoint and was relieved to see that it was indoors and had proper toilets. I had to get over my fear of number 2s in public loos because it was either do it or drop out.
After having been in there a good while, finding it hard to relax, I eventually emerged and started the final part of the run, which is the hardest bit as it goes up Stoodley Pike. It lulls you into a false sense of security though as you climb up onto a track and then, instead of carrying on climbing up to the Pike, you have to turn left onto the track and follow it for ages before ascending.
The weather on the top was horrendous. It was throwing it down and the wind was really strong. It was difficult to run against it. I thought that once I got to the Pike I would start going down and get out of the worst of the weather but we actually stayed up high for a very long time, running along some flagging.
We then got onto the side of a reservoir and by now, I had passed two runners and was feeling quite pleased as I had got a second wind since my stomach problems earlier.
The dam seemed to go on for a long time and then I could see a flag down at the bottom, which was a steep grassy decent but I then realised that you weren't supposed to go straight down and were supposed to keep following the water for a while and go down gradually, which I did but I was a bit gutted because I noticed that others cut the corner. Luckily, I stayed ahead of them though and managed to finish strong. I even caught back up with Linda and Tim shortly before the finish.
I finished in 4 hours 43 minutes which was OK.
I really enjoyed the run, despite the terrible weather, but the only criticism I have is the food. There wasn't a right lot of choice at checkpoints in comparison to other events I have done, there being only biscuits, bananas and nuts. There was also no hot meal at the finish, unless you paid for it which again is unusual.
The organisers and volunteers were all great though, really helpful and friendly.
As for my foot, this barely hurt at all during the run which is very odd. There were a couple of moments where I was aware that there was a problem but nothing major although it is still hurting now when I go up on my toes.
Thanks to Duncan for driving me there as my van is in the garage. He was bored to tears all day because the weather was rubbish and, as he was in the car, he couldn't just get in the back and make cups of tea whilst reading a book like he does in the van.
Total distance - 22 miles
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