Just a short one this morning with Ruby. We ran along to the top barn, then to the Pigeon Tower car park, then zigzagged up through the terraced gardens to the Pigeon Tower. We then ran up the Pike and back down onto Georges Lane, then home via my favourite field.
The sun was really low this morning so it was difficult to see and I was concerned that there might be dogs up ahead which I couldn't see so I had Ruby on her lead a bit more than I would have liked to today.
Total distance - 5 miles
Thursday, 31 December 2015
Tuesday, 29 December 2015
Garmin Forerunner 15 - How Does it Know???
I bought myself a new Garmin the other day, just a cheap one to use as a backup for when the battery runs out on my 610.
It's a Forerunner 15 and it's a pretty basic watch but has a daily activity tracker thing on it. I'm not really interested in that function as it's all about daily number of steps taken and I'm pretty sure I take enough steps during the day not to have to worry about these things. It also reminds me to get up and move when I've been inactive for a certain length of time, which might actually come in handy at the office when I'm engrossed in my work.
It also has a sleep analysis thing on it which I thought I'd try out last night as I'm always tired and put it down to not sleeping very deeply. Turns out, I was right. Well, according to my watch anyway. Here's a print out of my night's sleep, which shows that of the 9 hours 20 minutes I was asleep, I was only in a deep sleep for 23 minutes of this.
What gets me though is, how did it know when I fell asleep? I get how it knows when I got up because obviously I started walking around, but how did it know I went to sleep at 11.40 given that, last night, I went to bed at 9.30 but then read for a couple of hours??? How did it not start my sleep cycle from when I became inactive at 9.30? Magic!
And before anyone says it, it isn't based on heart rate because I wasn't wearing a HRM.
Don't worry though, I'm not going to get all obsessive about my sleep patterns like I do about my running stats. Honest!
Today's run was just an easy one with Ruby through the mud. I had only intended on doing my regular five mile route with her but we were enjoying ourselves and so went a little further. We ran up from home to Two Lads, then cross country to the mast where we stopped for a quick chat with Gary and Doug.
It was then down to the shooting hut and up to Smithills reservoir, then down onto Coal Pit Road and back to the mast road, to the water tanks, then down through Wilderswood and home.
Lovely day to be out and now looking forward to a few drinks and some grub with good friends tonight!
Total distance - 7.15 miles
It's a Forerunner 15 and it's a pretty basic watch but has a daily activity tracker thing on it. I'm not really interested in that function as it's all about daily number of steps taken and I'm pretty sure I take enough steps during the day not to have to worry about these things. It also reminds me to get up and move when I've been inactive for a certain length of time, which might actually come in handy at the office when I'm engrossed in my work.
It also has a sleep analysis thing on it which I thought I'd try out last night as I'm always tired and put it down to not sleeping very deeply. Turns out, I was right. Well, according to my watch anyway. Here's a print out of my night's sleep, which shows that of the 9 hours 20 minutes I was asleep, I was only in a deep sleep for 23 minutes of this.
What gets me though is, how did it know when I fell asleep? I get how it knows when I got up because obviously I started walking around, but how did it know I went to sleep at 11.40 given that, last night, I went to bed at 9.30 but then read for a couple of hours??? How did it not start my sleep cycle from when I became inactive at 9.30? Magic!
And before anyone says it, it isn't based on heart rate because I wasn't wearing a HRM.
Don't worry though, I'm not going to get all obsessive about my sleep patterns like I do about my running stats. Honest!
Today's run was just an easy one with Ruby through the mud. I had only intended on doing my regular five mile route with her but we were enjoying ourselves and so went a little further. We ran up from home to Two Lads, then cross country to the mast where we stopped for a quick chat with Gary and Doug.
It was then down to the shooting hut and up to Smithills reservoir, then down onto Coal Pit Road and back to the mast road, to the water tanks, then down through Wilderswood and home.
Lovely day to be out and now looking forward to a few drinks and some grub with good friends tonight!
Total distance - 7.15 miles
Monday, 28 December 2015
Blistering Heat!
I got up nice and early this morning so that I could get that long run in that I had intended to do yesterday.
I thought that today I'd give myself a nice flat start rather than going up hill straight away to give me a chance to warm up a little.
I headed from home down the school then along the path to Liverpool Castle. I can't believe how warm it was! I had gone out in a short sleeved t-shirt with a very light windproof over the top, thin gloves and a thin hat. By a mile in, I was already stopping to remove layers and ended up running in just the t-shirt! It's nearly the end of December, how can it be so warm? Not that I'm complaining of course.
I skirted the side of Lower Rivington Reservoir and had to come slightly inland at one point as the water had come up over the path. I kinda felt like I was by the seaside as the waves were crashing onto the shore!
I came out at the prep school then ran to the bowling club and up the path by Yarrow then dropped down 'the slipway' and carried on to Healey Nab. I ran up to the cairn then back down again and down into White Coppice. It was on the way down to White Coppice that I realised how much my feet were hurting. My shoes were rubbing me on my arches and had caused blisters. As they were on the soles of my feet it made running quite difficult and I could feel myself running on the outside of my feet to try to stop the pain. I had a sit down and tried to make some adjustments but it didn't really help. I carried on and pondered whether I should ring Duncan to pick me up somewhere or whether to just man up and carry on.
Manning up won over and I decided to carry on, albeit I changed my route and decided to start heading back home rather than carrying on further away from home just in case it got really bad and Duncan wasn't around to pick me up.
I ran to Waterman's Cottage and then along the path around Anglezarke coming out onto Knowsley Road. I then ran up the road to the end of the path past Yarrow Reservoir then ran along to Rivington Green.
I carried on to the Lower Barn but, instead of just going home, I decided to head up a little just to get an extra bit of mileage in as, by now, the pain in my feet had turned into more of a burning sensation which was bearable.
I headed up through the terraced gardens coming out onto George's Lane, then ran along and headed for home through Wilderswood.
I didn't do quite as far as I had wanted (I wanted to between 15 and 20 miles) but I wasn't far off and at least my feet will now live to run another day, rather than being in utter tatters, although they're not a pretty sight right now and I'm going to have to stick a couple of blister plasters on them - if I can find some big enough!
Total distance - 14.1 miles
I thought that today I'd give myself a nice flat start rather than going up hill straight away to give me a chance to warm up a little.
I headed from home down the school then along the path to Liverpool Castle. I can't believe how warm it was! I had gone out in a short sleeved t-shirt with a very light windproof over the top, thin gloves and a thin hat. By a mile in, I was already stopping to remove layers and ended up running in just the t-shirt! It's nearly the end of December, how can it be so warm? Not that I'm complaining of course.
I skirted the side of Lower Rivington Reservoir and had to come slightly inland at one point as the water had come up over the path. I kinda felt like I was by the seaside as the waves were crashing onto the shore!
I came out at the prep school then ran to the bowling club and up the path by Yarrow then dropped down 'the slipway' and carried on to Healey Nab. I ran up to the cairn then back down again and down into White Coppice. It was on the way down to White Coppice that I realised how much my feet were hurting. My shoes were rubbing me on my arches and had caused blisters. As they were on the soles of my feet it made running quite difficult and I could feel myself running on the outside of my feet to try to stop the pain. I had a sit down and tried to make some adjustments but it didn't really help. I carried on and pondered whether I should ring Duncan to pick me up somewhere or whether to just man up and carry on.
Manning up won over and I decided to carry on, albeit I changed my route and decided to start heading back home rather than carrying on further away from home just in case it got really bad and Duncan wasn't around to pick me up.
I ran to Waterman's Cottage and then along the path around Anglezarke coming out onto Knowsley Road. I then ran up the road to the end of the path past Yarrow Reservoir then ran along to Rivington Green.
I carried on to the Lower Barn but, instead of just going home, I decided to head up a little just to get an extra bit of mileage in as, by now, the pain in my feet had turned into more of a burning sensation which was bearable.
I headed up through the terraced gardens coming out onto George's Lane, then ran along and headed for home through Wilderswood.
I didn't do quite as far as I had wanted (I wanted to between 15 and 20 miles) but I wasn't far off and at least my feet will now live to run another day, rather than being in utter tatters, although they're not a pretty sight right now and I'm going to have to stick a couple of blister plasters on them - if I can find some big enough!
Total distance - 14.1 miles
Sunday, 27 December 2015
Overindulging
Today I wanted to get a long run in to burn off all the calories from the last couple of days. However, I think the overindulgence was my undoing. I had nothing. My climb up to George's Lane from home was pitiful. I was a little better on the climb to the water tanks, as I ran with Derek Kay so the chatting helped pass the time and ease the pain. I had to stop at the tanks for a breather though whilst Derek carried on towards the quarries and Matchmore Lane.
After my breather, I headed along to Coal Pit Road, continuing on along the road, past the Trespass Stone, then turning left up the hill, coming out at the far end of Smithills Reservoir.
I ran around the reservoir and, on my way down towards the shooting hut, the view was breathtaking so I had to stop to take some photos. As always, my photos do the actual view no justice!
My shadow with a halo!
Eventually, I carried on past the shooting hut and up to the mast. From there, I ran down the mast road and then up Two Lads, before dropping down to the kennels. I then started heading over towards the Pigeon Tower but decided that enough was enough. I was shuffling pathetically so thought I might as well just admit defeat and try again at a long run tomorrow.
Ah well, it's not all bad, it was a beautiful day and it felt great to be out in it.
Total distance - 8 miles
After my breather, I headed along to Coal Pit Road, continuing on along the road, past the Trespass Stone, then turning left up the hill, coming out at the far end of Smithills Reservoir.
I ran around the reservoir and, on my way down towards the shooting hut, the view was breathtaking so I had to stop to take some photos. As always, my photos do the actual view no justice!
My shadow with a halo!
Eventually, I carried on past the shooting hut and up to the mast. From there, I ran down the mast road and then up Two Lads, before dropping down to the kennels. I then started heading over towards the Pigeon Tower but decided that enough was enough. I was shuffling pathetically so thought I might as well just admit defeat and try again at a long run tomorrow.
Ah well, it's not all bad, it was a beautiful day and it felt great to be out in it.
Total distance - 8 miles
Friday, 25 December 2015
Merry Christmas!
This morning, after opening some fantastic presents, I ran with Ruby to the Pike and Duncan came along with us on his mountain bike.
Once on top of the Pike, we bumped into the Sweatmans and some of their friends. They handed round the brandy and coffee, which was very welcome on this drizzly day and we all had a good natter.
Then the Whites came along bearing gifts of Christmas cake. Does life get any better?
Just as Ruby was about to freeze to death and I was feeling pretty chilly myself, Duncan's mountain biking friend, Libby, came along. Unfortunately, Ruby and I were so chilly that we had to say our goodbyes and head off home, leaving Duncan nattering to Libby and saying he would catch me up on the decent.
He didn't catch me up, not because I was going at any great speed but because he was gabbing too long.
Lovely Christmas Day trip out to the pike, despite the wet weather.
Thanks for the brandy and cake guys!
Merry Christmas Everyone!
Total distance - 3.3 miles
Once on top of the Pike, we bumped into the Sweatmans and some of their friends. They handed round the brandy and coffee, which was very welcome on this drizzly day and we all had a good natter.
Then the Whites came along bearing gifts of Christmas cake. Does life get any better?
Just as Ruby was about to freeze to death and I was feeling pretty chilly myself, Duncan's mountain biking friend, Libby, came along. Unfortunately, Ruby and I were so chilly that we had to say our goodbyes and head off home, leaving Duncan nattering to Libby and saying he would catch me up on the decent.
He didn't catch me up, not because I was going at any great speed but because he was gabbing too long.
Lovely Christmas Day trip out to the pike, despite the wet weather.
Thanks for the brandy and cake guys!
Merry Christmas Everyone!
Total distance - 3.3 miles
Thursday, 24 December 2015
Running or Paddling?
After a couple of lazy days, I really needed to get out this morning but, pushed for time, I decided to stay low and try to get more distance in less time.
I just ran out along the side of Lower Rivington Reservoir, coming out at the prep school then turning left along Horrobin Lane.
Horrobin Lane was flooded and I got absolutely soaked running through it - where were my Roosters when I needed them?
Freezing feet, I continued on down The Street the along Knowsley Lane and up 'the slipway'. I then ran to Rivington Green via Dean Brook and took the path along side the road back to Rivington and Blackrod School, then ran home.
Happy Christmas everyone!
Total distance - 6.25 miles
I just ran out along the side of Lower Rivington Reservoir, coming out at the prep school then turning left along Horrobin Lane.
Horrobin Lane was flooded and I got absolutely soaked running through it - where were my Roosters when I needed them?
Freezing feet, I continued on down The Street the along Knowsley Lane and up 'the slipway'. I then ran to Rivington Green via Dean Brook and took the path along side the road back to Rivington and Blackrod School, then ran home.
Happy Christmas everyone!
Total distance - 6.25 miles
Monday, 21 December 2015
Mud Bath
I couldn't make the Monday Night Cake Run (or should I say fudge run as was the case this evening) as I had to chauffeur Duncan on a night out with the Singletrack guys so instead I went out earlier with Ruby.
We had a really good run, heading up to George's Lane then to the water tanks, turning right along the path to the mast road, then crossing straight over and doing the Two Lads race route back to the mast road, then taking the diagonal mud bath up to the mast. From there, we took another mud bath to Two Lads but I must say it was much nicer running it in this direction, rather than the way we usually go on a Monday night. I also took Josie's advice and didn't go out of my way to get across the really muddy bit which is actually sturdier than it looks.
Once on Two Lads, three runners arrived up there at the same time. One was wearing a Lostock top and I asked his name. He said it was Paul so I asked if he was the Paul Josie had said we were supposed to meet last week and he confirmed that he was, but had been running late.
After a quick chat, Ruby and I headed down to the kennels then back home via Brinks Row.
Total distance - 5.35 miles
We had a really good run, heading up to George's Lane then to the water tanks, turning right along the path to the mast road, then crossing straight over and doing the Two Lads race route back to the mast road, then taking the diagonal mud bath up to the mast. From there, we took another mud bath to Two Lads but I must say it was much nicer running it in this direction, rather than the way we usually go on a Monday night. I also took Josie's advice and didn't go out of my way to get across the really muddy bit which is actually sturdier than it looks.
Once on Two Lads, three runners arrived up there at the same time. One was wearing a Lostock top and I asked his name. He said it was Paul so I asked if he was the Paul Josie had said we were supposed to meet last week and he confirmed that he was, but had been running late.
After a quick chat, Ruby and I headed down to the kennels then back home via Brinks Row.
Total distance - 5.35 miles
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)