Foss Walk Adventure

 A while back, on a run with B through Oulston we spotted a finger post pointing the way along the Foss Walk. It had a cute little frog on it.

Later that same day, while scrolling through Strava I saw that one of my other running friends had been in Oulston that same day running the Foss Walk! It was like fate...

A little research told me that the Foss Walk was a 28 mile route following the River Foss (funnily enough) from York to Easngwold. Ideal for a mini-adventure. I put it to the gang and we started planning.

Unfortunately, despite it being a recognised route, there was no map or route description available, however there was a GPX downloadable from the LDWA website so A downloaded that to his phone for navigation and we were away.

LDWA: Foss Walk

The day we picked was Saturday 8th May and it soon rolled around. The forecast was pretty rubbish, but it's often wrong, right?

It was clear when we got on the train in Thirsk, drizzle on the way to York and chucking it down by the time we were rounding the city walls on our way to the river side start point.

Rather wet on the city walls at York!

Start line selfie - B, Me, T, R and A

I can't really tell you much about the actual route as I didn't know where we were 99% of the time! We followed the river side footpaths, through houses and pasture. We saw a kingfisher, a heron and lots of cattle. We passed under the York Ring road after a few miles.

York Ring Road

The rain just continued the whole time, varying in intensity but never actually stopping. It was also rather cold and occasionally the wind would whip up and chill us in our wet gear, quite miserable at times if I'm honest.

Keeping our spirits up! No idea where this was...

We had been promised cake at 28km (17.5 miles) and B had pre-arranged for his wife to collect him here. As the cake shop seemed further and further away, we began to wonder if it was real... At last though, 19 miles in, we turned off the route and down the road towards Stillington at the Pop-up Cafe at The Mill. Hurrah! Here we found tea/coffee and cake a plenty. We hogged the log burner for the best part of an hour, warming our bones and drying our gear while we ate lots of cake. They also brought out Flannigan the puppy for us to fuss, which he seemed quite happy about. As tempting as it was to stay here, we had to carry on as this was R's first ultra - but of course she needed to complete! Eventually, it time to push on, on legs that had seized up! Shuffle!

Pop up Cafe at Stillington

The rain eased a little in time, and we shed the extra layers we had put on at the cafe. We had a tangle with some horses this time instead of cows, flighty things. Eventually the rain stopped altogether and we were suddenly too warm in our rain coats! As the weather had improved, so had our spirits and we were noticeably more chatty than we had been in the freezing cold rain earlier in the day.

Smiling at Oulston Res.

Easingwold seemed even further away than the cafe, we couldn't even see houses in the distance. We rounded Millfield Park on the outskirts of the small town, we had long crossed the 28 mile mark. At last, the green lane we were on entered the town and we found the main market place! Hurrah!

Foss Walk completed! A, Me, T and R at Easingwold.

End of the route

We had rung ahead for our lifts and they were waiting just round the corner, we wasted no time jumping into nice warm cars and heading home for hot drinks and baths.

30 miles complete, in 6 hours 51 mins (not including time at the cafe) R had completed her first ultra and I had a sub-6 hour marathon.

Overall, very pleased with how it went. Navigating from the GPX on A's phone worked fine, the frog signs were better in some places than others. The route is almost totally flat - only 1000ft of climb over the whole 30 miles and all of that in the last 5 miles or so. No new injuries and no real mood slumps apart from being fed up of being cold and wet. I ate more than I would normally manage, cheese and onion pastry roll things from Tesco worked well and the mid-run tea and cake definitely helped. What did I learn? Cheap dry bags are no match for 5 hours of heavy rain! I should have used the better ones AND put ALL my stuff in them.

The route from FetchEveryone - mucho squisho

Another Year Complete

 The pandemic continues and so does my streak! Two full years (and a few days as I am behind on posting.)

Just making a post really to see if photo uploading has improved at all, is this a viable platform etc?

Hmm, it does work all be it slowly.

These pics are from yesterday's walk from Hutton-le-Hole.

Route map from FetchEveryone.

In running news, yes, 2 full years done, 500 mile for the year so far. Many more to come I hope!

Best laid plans...

Yesterday, Monday, I went for a 10 mile run on legs tired from Sundays hike. The weather was overcast and windy, nothing to really comment on. It stayed dry which was good. The route is a classic taking in Cockerdale, A170, the villages of Scawton and Cold Kirby, Sutton Bank and part of the Cleveland Way.
I did get chased by some ponies and met some rather sinister sheep, but it was otherwise uneventful. I was close to bonking about 1/2 mile from the finish, but I held it together and got back in one piece.

That evening was Sonja's session at club. I was really quite tired but I'm still collecting membership subs, so I thought I'd go down and 'take it easy'. Ha.
After getting warmed up with drills and dynamic stretching, we got into the session, with the promise of 'something else' if there was time afterwards...
So, we worked in threes, and did 10x burpees, 10x mountain climbers, 10x Star jumps then did 3 minutes of skipping!
Then we did 15 of each, then 20 of each exercise, along with skipping each time.
As we caught our breath, Sonja explained the 'something else'. Oh dear, the same exercises (but without the skipping) for 12 reps, then 11, then 10 and so on all the way down to 1.
It took us 9 minutes to complete. Everyone was done afterwards, but we all did it! So much for taking it easy! The burpees were getting harder and harder as I had no 'spring' in my legs after this mornings hilly run.
Sonja stretched us out afterwards.
More of the same next week apparently...

Today was meant to be the 'Multisport Challenge' from the chaps at We Love a Challenge on Facebook. My intention was to run down to the sports centre, swim, run home. However, the power went off mid morning. When I rung Northern Power Grid, they said most of town was affected. I didn't know if this included the pool and really didn't fancy a cold, dark swim. By the time power was restored, I was too hungry to think about running and swimming and had food instead. I wont get another chance to complete this challenge until Sunday now as the times the pool is available doesn't fit well with the times I am available. Oh well.

On the plus side, I have now got a load of stuff done for club and got this updated.

And for those who are interested, I got a new PB at last weeks Time Trial- 2 miles in 14:31. Nice one.

Another side note, also need to get some maps sorted to go in the 'Hiking and Running Routes' section over there on the right of this blog!

A week that was.

Monday night was club with Sonja, everyone was talking about Nikki's brush with hypothermia.

Wednesday was a time trial. We warmed up with some circuits, then jogged across town to Station Road for the time trial. It felt held, always does but I suppose if a time trial felt easy then there's something wrong!! Becky and David set off either side of me and I never saw either of them again... Just waiting on results at the moment.

Thursday night headtorch run around Sowerby with Hil's and into the Crown n Anchor as part of our cool down.

I haven't been doing the We Love a Challenge exercises this week, which is a bit naughty as they centred around foam rollering. Next week a new challenge starts, a month long burpee challenge, oh, and the weekly 'Sting in the Tail' which I need to do before the weekend is out.

Spent quite a bit of time delivering letters to give local residents advance notice of the road closures for the Thirsk 10.

A race recce and lessons learnt

What an adventure the social run turned out to be! Mostly for the wrong reasons...
The plan was to recce the route of the Hardmoors Osmotherly 10km in preperation for the race in Feb. I opened the invite to club members and 12 hardy Harriers gathered in Osmotherly Sunday morning as planned, despite the terrible weather forecast.
The route leaves the village on road, but soon turns onto track as it heads into Oakdale. Past the first reservoir then a sharp left up behind the farmstead and a short climb onto rough pasture.
The rain was icy and was whipping in sideways on the high winds. We forged on along the track, crossing a minor road and onto another track which runs high above the Cod Beck reservoir.
The wind was (thankfully) mostly behind us, it was strong enough to carry us along and was now bringing in horizontal sleet and snow.
Young Ryan and Gavin turned back, taking a more sheltered route down to the reservoir and back to the village. We carried on. I was running towards the back to keep Phillip on track and the faster runners were pulling further and further ahead.
We regrouped in the shelter of the Sheep Wash at the northern end of the reservoir. I said if anyone was piss wet through and too cold, to turn back along the road. The distance would be about the same, but the route far more sheltered from the wind and rain. No-body wanted to turn back. I was pleased as wanted to run the full route.
So, another short road section, being blown along by the wind, then another climb onto Scarth Nick Moor. The wind as we turned the corner almost took me off my feet! I waited for Phillip so he didn't get lost and we crossed the moor, being buffeted continually by the wind all the way. 'We'll be sheltered when we reach the trees' I yelled over the gale.
I was wrong.
It was wet in the woods, and there wasn't much shelter given by the low wall and spindly trees.
At last we hit Beacon Hill, I left Phillip and took off downhill, splashing through the liquid mud and puddles and generally enjoying myself!
The faster runners were already heading back to the cars, so I threw my keys at Nikki then waited for Phillip once more. The last mile is across a muddy field, then down the hill into the village.

People were cold and wet enough to abandon the idea of going for cake. I on the other hand was warm and dry inside my termals and waterproofs and could have gone round again!
I got changed and into the car. Nikki looked really miserable, and broke into tears a few times on the way home. She'd cycled to the meeting point in town, but I was going to take her straight home. Then, just a few minutes away from home, she started passing out and shaking uncontrollably, obviously hypothermia  Ah.
Turned around and back to Northallerton and the A+E department, Becky rung Nikki's husband Steve and Julie wrapped her up in all the spare clothing we had. Once at the hospital, after an initial frosty reception, they got Nikki in a nice warm room and onto warm drip and air. Steve arrived and we handed over to him, with strict instructions to let us know when they were out.
(I'm pleased to say Nikki was at training on Monday looking quite chipper)

Since then, all sorts of 'what ifs?' and 'could haves' have gone through my mind. I'm in no doubt we did exactly the right thing, and the girls in my car all worked together in a wonderful calm fashion, I'm very proud of them.
But even so-
Should I have just cancelled the run given the weather forecast?
Should I have taken control at the Sheepwash and turned us around out of the wind and wet sooner?
Should we have gone for a cuppa after all, but then there's the possibility it was already too late and we would have involved the cafe staff and an ambulance?
If we'd had a flask of hot drink in the car, would it have helped?
What if we'd got her home, then she passed out? We didn't know if Steve was actually at home at the time.

What I found a little scary, is how quickly she went from being cold and miserable, to being in danger.
Speaking to another member of the group, David, he said he was struggling with cold, but he was by himself and driving. There's a lot to be said for car sharing!
It's reinforced in me the need for correct kit selection (like I said, I was warm and dry) but also, to be better prepared for emergencies. A space bag and a hot drink would have been very useful. Thankfully we were in the car and out of the weather when things turned bad, but if we'd been out on the moor still, it could have been a lot worse.
I have (very basic) first aid training, and I was confident that I knew what to do, but there's no harm in taking it to the next level. I've pondered before about taking the Summer Mountain Leadership Course, I wonder if there is something similar for runners.

Anyway, this has become a long winded rambling post about what could have happened, and didn't, and I don't even have any pictures to share, so I'm signing off!

Here is a link to a very good article on Hypothermia, how to spot it and what to do - Hypothermia in Fell Runners

The future's bright, the future's long.

I wrote in my Fetch blog yesterday that I was excited about what was to come.

Just what did I mean? As you know, I want to go long distance (when my head is playing ball that is) I mean beyond 26.2.
The run at Goathland told me I'm getting there. I think 2014 will be spent consolidating the 20-30 mile races before tackling something bigger in 2015. I'm very taken with the whole Hardmoors set up, really enjoyed the 3 events I've done so far (despite the fact that HM30 left me injured and Saltburn Half caused me to blow-up) so I think the next step-up will probably be the HM55. I don't want it to be too easy...

There is still a lot of work to do, but I feel if I keep on keeping on I'll get there in time. 

I like doing the longer stuff. I love that people can't comprehend what I do. My non-running friends think I'm crackers, even my running friends ask me all sorts of odd questions! What do you think about? How do you run for 6 hours? And my favourite I got asked last night, with reference to Goathland - 'Did you cry? I think I would have done.' Bless her.
I love telling people about crazy vertical climbs, rocky paths, running in the dark, the snow, ice-covered routes (although admittedly I'm not keen on the ice myself), falling over in puddles and why lemonade with salt in it tastes soooo good!!!

You can keep your Rat Race type adventure races, the real adventure's out there man!!

It's the wrong legs, Gromit!

Wrong legs indeed, don't know what I've done with my fit ones...
After a fairly leisurely weekend, I thought I may be well rested for this weeks long-ish run. I was running from home today and had the choice of a hilly route or a flat one. I took the flat one and it was quickly obvious that was the right choice!
From the outset, my legs were tired, very tired. I had the route in mind, but hadn't measured it. There were options to shorten it along the way, but I thought I'd see how I felt.
A couple of miles in, everything had loosened up and I was bombing along! Didn't last long mind and every stride was an effort. Too many walk breaks and too many excuses to stop for some reason or another.
I did consider chopping off a loop, but decided I wanted time on feet so did the full route.
I find it slightly ironic that if I run into town, I can get in more off-road stuff than if I run the other way, towards the moor. (I live just 5-6 miles from the boundary of the North York Moors)
So, I struggled and shuffled on. The last 3 miles or so took a very long time and it started to rain as well. I got home just as the heavens opened!

When I measured my route it was over 13miles so that was ok.

I used my S!CAPS today, no idea if it made any difference or not as I don't think I was working hard enough to induce cramp... I ate all my sweets and my cheese biscuits too. I was thinking as running, I have a couple of gels I've acquired from various places (not tried one yet, don't really fancy them) and when I read the packet it says to consume one every 20 mins or so! Surely not? I shall continue experimenting with eating 'real food' while running thank you very much.

I think part of todays leg tiredness was due to last weeks mileage, but also a lot to do with not having eaten properly yesterday. Weekends just seem to mess me up!

Also, another question, related to running nutrition, is it better to 'front load' or replace the calories afterwards? Todays run burnt over 1500 extra cals and there's no way I can eat that much extra after a long run. I'm talking straight calories here, not what kind of food do you eat. So many things to tinker with!

A Good Week Really

The week has gone well, so far at least!

Last Saturday I managed for possibly the first time ever to get up and run BEFORE work! I knew I wasn't going to have time after for various reasons, so pre-breakfast it was. It felt stiff and clumpy, but the early morning sun and mist over the fields made it better and I felt more awake for the rest of the day than I had done all week previously.

Sunday was no real exercise as we had step-daughter over.

Monday I had a long run planned, car repairs conspired to get in my way, but the garage couldn't fit me in til Tuesday so I had no more excuses! Rucked up and f*cked off to Osmotherly. From there, I followed the Cleveland Way along Rueberry Lane and over Beacon Hill onto Scarth Nick Moor, love it up there. Into Clain Wood and down the incline and through the trees. Then, over two fords in quick succession and along lanes to the farmstead of Scugdale. I knew there was a big climb to come in the form of Live Moor, but apart from the flagged path being quite slippery underfoot, it wasn't that bad. The moor top path climbs gradually all the way to the summit of Carlton Bank, before dropping sharply on more slippy flags and passing into the grounds of Lord Stones. The café and facilities here are being done up and they look like they'll be good!

Stone Circle at Lord Stones

I found the stone circle at Lord Stones, something I've never noticed before and did my Team We Love a Challenge burpees (don't ask) and had a munch on a cereal bar. It was cold and windy here.
I turned to retrace my steps. Steep climb back up Carlton Bank, pausing to chat to some American ladies (presumably on holiday) who thought my 15 mile run was quite amazing!

Twin trigs at the summit of Carlton Bank

Back to Scugdale was pretty much all downhill and quite relaxed. I stopped at one of the fords beyond the farmstead to wash sweaty arms and face and get the salt out of my eyes (stingy) then carried on back into the woods. The incline in Clain Wood was a beast and I made no attempt to run up it, walking was tiring enough! Another climb, the reverse of Scarth Nick Moor is quite taxing and I walked on and off here.

Birch trees at the top of Beacon Hill

The descent however was much better, although I was aware my legs were starting to get a little crampy. At the bottom of Beacon Hill was a patch of blackberries, so I paused for some in-run-nutrition and almost ate a ladybird- not to be recommended!! A handful of sweeties took the foul taste away and I carried on. Some hikers looked very displeased that I'd run through a field of cattle and they were all following me like the pied piper, as I ran on up the hill I could see them still dithering about what to do. At last, the final descent into Osmotherly. I gave the pub a miss as I had to drive home, settling instead on a pint of tea when I got back.

A pint of tea!

Tuesday was a rest day, but I got an hours walking in with the dog while the car was at the garage.

Wednesday is Harriers training. Usual night, 2 sets of circuits then outside for intervals, 4x 4mins tonight. All the people I normally run with were absent and it was odd running by myself.
After training, we had our club AGM. It was very civilised and all over in just half an hour! Being club Secretary, I'd spent weeks planning and organising, but I'm glad it went smoothly.

Thursday and it was time to run in the rain, wind, cold and dark with buddy HC. I ran down to her house first, then we go out along the local lanes before cutting back through town. Didn't seem to matter which way we turned, we always had a headwind! To make matters more 'interesting' I'd left my head torch at HC's house with my dry clothes, so we had one torch between two. Oh well, all makes for a good adventure! And of course we called in for a pint afterwards...

mmm refreshing Aspall in the Crown n Anchor

And so to Friday, today. After running about 30 miles with that ^^^ lot, I'm having a rest!

Long Overdue Catch up!

Well, it seems this place needs an overhaul and bringing up to speed!

Basically, still running and what not. Training for one of Jon Steele's Harmoors Marathons, from Goathland this time. That's in November, so not long really!

That was from Saltburn Half, where I crashed and burned, so lets hope I do better this time!

Nothing to say about running...

A quick round up of the week...

Monday - Club night with Sonja was a little harder than usual, essentially we did a sprints session!! I was struggling to keep up the 80% effort, even over the short timings, felt very sick! But we all managed it. It hurt after yesterdays long 'run'.

Tuesday - No specific training, stiff and achey. Rest day.

Wednesday - Bloody cricket on the field. Our running track was a funny shape! We did 6x 3min efforts. Then there was a committee meeting afterwards. Interesting...

Thursday and Friday - Both very lazy evenings really. OH out at Scouts on Friday night.

Saturday - Headed out for a run from work, but struggled with stitch all the way around. My normal loop is approx 5miles, but I decided to do the shorter loop instead. When I measured it at home, I found it was 2.25 miles. Was it worth it I ask myself??
Did do an hour of gardening though!

Sunday - Today's plan stated 18miles. In my head I'd put together a route which I admit didn't fill me with excitement. It's now half 3 in the afternoon and I still haven't been out. I was dangerously close to being motivated, first by a blog on Fetch then again by a little video on YouTube about the HM110. Still didn't make it out of the door.
I don't know.
There's all sorts of stupid stuff going on in my head. A lot of it is straight forward lazyness and I just can't be arsed. I'm not quitting cos it's difficult, more cos I'm bored. I can run 10miles, so what is the point of running 4? Will it make any difference to the marathon? How will I feel after it? I figure I'll either be full of motivation or it will finish me off.
Not so long ago my dream was to run an Ultra, ultimately the HM110. I'm not going to get there with this attitude. Do I want to get there any more??
I had a look earlier through some of my older diaries, I have them going back to 2000. I wanted to see if this apathy is as 'new' as it feels... No, it's not. I've been battling the same demons for the last 30 years it would seem. I'm seeking some sort of epiphany to break me out of my hibernation. I'm aware I'm not living to the full and that bugs me somewhat. Hushing the fuck up and getting on with stuff would probably be a good place to start!

An Emotional Run!

This morning was sunny (hurrah!) so after a nice lie-in and breakfast, OH took me to Osmotherly so I could run back home again. A little part of me didn't want to go, but what else was I going to do with myself all day?!

OH dropped me in the little village, I saw the notices for the Osmotherly summer games were up- the Phoenix is part of these games... He went off to take doglett around the reservoir, I hoisted my pack and started to trot out of the village on the Cleveland Way. Got nettled on the first bit of path!
A nice jog across fields, then a steep climb past White House Farm. This is the finishing route of the Phoenix and I thought I'll either be on my hand and knees trying not to be sick or skipping in jubilation. Most probably the former...
Now past the two small reservoirs in Oak Dale and onto the stiff climb to Square Corner where I joined the drove road which would form most of my route.
As I ascended Black Hambleton, I saw a familiar collie dog, was it the infamous Hazza Stollwood I wondered? No, he's more brown, then I realised it was Sam with Lorraine from Harriers out for a walk with her hubby and BIL. I pretended to run up the steep track, but they were having none of it! We stopped for a chat before continuing on our separate ways.
Now the track levelled out and I could get a bit more speed up. The weather was just right, high cloud, gentle breeze and not too hot. I stopped at a stream and washed my face and arms which was very refreshing. Said hello to lots of cyclists, walkers and a couple of runners.
Reached Kepwick quarry quite easily and texted OH to let him know where I was.
It was shortly after this my motivation started to fail.
When I first started running, I'd watched Anton-what's-his-face effortlessly gliding across the desert on YouTube, and it was that freedom and wilderness that I wanted to achieve with my running. Here I was, running solo on the moors, free to go where I like as fast as I like and it all just felt boring and pointless. Physically, I was fine, not even particularly tired and I must have run about 7 miles by now. Just bored. I walked a bit. Half heartedly jogged a bit. Walked again. Considered texting OH to pick me up. Almost had a cry. Is this what they mean about the mental side of running?
I decided I wasn't a quitter, I'm not going to let this beat me and set off running again.
This flush didn't last long and I found myself sat on a log at High Barn looking down into the valley in the direction of home. I sat there for some time, wondering what to do. Sent OH a text saying I was sat in the rain struggling with motivation. He replied 'Move it'. I figured he was probably right and got going.
The terrain got a little more rocky and undulating now and I actually enjoyed that more than the flat easy drovers road!
I figured if I could get to the top of Thirlby Bank, I'd cracked it!
The bank path drops steeply down through trees, very muddy in places and I slithered and squelched my way down without getting too wet. I'd forgotten about Carr Lane which goes on forever before getting to Thirlby village. I stopped again at the ford to wash the sweat from my face and arms. In the village I saw one of my old work colleagues we said hi but neither had time for a chat.
Only 3 miles to go, I'd pre-ordered a chocolate milkshake and the thoughts of it kept me going. I was getting tired and stiff now.
The last obstacle was Felixkirk Bank and I walked up that. A slow downhill shuffle all the way home. I scoffed the last few jelly babies in my pocket and had a good drink of water as I didn't need to worry about getting stitch any more. At last I was home and the promised milkshake was waiting for me. I gulped it too fast and made myself feel a bit queasy, my own fault for being greedy!!

So, now it's over and I've had a nice hot shower, I'm bloody glad I carried on. I'm so pleased that OH didn't offer me a lift when I texted him, as I would have spent the rest of the day beating myself up.

I'm not a quitter, I can do this.

Getting up to date!

Though I should maybe bring this up to date, now I have a follower!!
I'll leave out the depressing bits...


Few race updates from my blog on Fetch.


APRIL 14th 
Tomorrow I shall be embarking on my longest race/run to date, the Guisborough Moors fell race. It's almost a half marathon fell race, 4 good climbs and the possibility of snow. Eep.


I'm not going to attempt to 'race' it. Just run the runnable bits, walk the tough bits, and get round in one piece. That's the plan anyway!
Having a bigger dilemma over what to wear than the distance at the moment. 


Thursday evening I went for a run with a lady from club. She matches me almost to the second on races, sprints etc and it generally gets a little competitive if we're next to each other training!! We went to Kilburn Woods, just a short drive away, and explored! We didn't get lost, we were route finding *cough cough* But it was really pleasant to run with someone at my pace, nice and relaxed, no worry about time (or direction particularly!) and it restored my faith a little in the whole running business. 
Since then, I have done very little, resting up prior to tomorrow's aforementioned adventure... *frantically crams in more pasta*


APRIL 15th - Guisborough Moors Fell Race


I packed my bags last night, jelly babies, cake waterproofs etc. Ate loads of calories and got a good sleep.
Glad I checked my Facebook this morning as my friend decided we should set off 10 mins earlier than we'd planned as parking can be a bit tight. A Brisk walk in the sunshine got me to our designated meeting point in plenty of time!


It was the right decision as there were rugby matches going on the rugby club (how dare they!) and parking was limited.


There was a good turnout and it was with great trepidation I paid my fee. Part of me was calm, I had brought food, water and last weekend we'd walked the route. The other part of me was terrified!! "12 miles is a f*cking long way with some f*cking big hills!! AArgh!!"


Had a quick chat with Flip who was casually supping a mug of coffee...


My plan was simple, run the flat bits, walk the steep bits, have the odd jelly baby and get round in one piece.


Before too long it was 11am and we gathered on the road, ready for the off.
Straight into climbing!! Up through Guisborough Woods on a very muddy, quite steep bank. About 3/4 of the way up I realised I'd have to come down this...
Like everyone, I managed to run past the photographer!


Out onto the moor along a narrow path through the heather. The sun was out, the going was good, a few good bogs but they were easily avoided. Then onto a good track skirting Codhill Heights. I was quite hot so took off my jacket. A gradual decent made for some good running before jumping a stream then climbing out onto Percy Cross Rigg.
Here the headwind hampered the progress somewhat but it was only a short section and I chatted to another runner before we turned onto a muddy track and steeply downhill.
Which of course meant an even steeper uphill! Had to walk that! 
We entered the plantation of Coate Moor which winds it's way through the trees to eventually reach Captain Cook's Monument. The sky was now brooding and a little hail fell.
Fast down Cock Shaw Hill, navigating the fallen tree and a welcome water station in the carpark at Gribdale. The chap asked me if I was ok and I managed to make some joke. I was surprised to find I was quite ok. 
Another stiff climb out of Gribdale, the hard bit was to come in about a mile... Roseberry Topping, followed by Little Roseberry. Oh my. Walked all the way up, bit of a faff on the way down cost me a place then my calves were screaming on the way up Little Roseberry. I tried going sideways a little, it sort of helped but was hard work!!


Now across the moor.


I could see the sky to the north was black, and before long the blizzard started. Horizontal, in your face snow. We were on a narrow, muddy path and it was difficult to see where I was going. I had to stop to tighten my shoe laces and it was nice that a (passing) runner AND some walkers both asked if I was ok! I suppose I was hunched over in the heather, in a blizzard.


At that point, I must admit I thought I've had enough now.


Then I fell over!
Thankfully a soft landing, I have a bruised bum but I think I'll survive...
The snow continued as we passed High Cliff Farm. The small stand of trees just off the moor looked quite pretty in the snow.
Last steep bit onto Highcliffe Nab where the photographer was perched and I managed to give him the thumbs up and a cheesy grin! Not far to go now!
Back into the woods, I was amazed I was still running. Well, not walking anyway. Did start feeling a bit sick though.
Then the drop down the muddy bank. My legs were a bit weak by now and I walked down most of it. At the bottom it levelled out and I finished the race at a run! Hurrah! I had a little 'hands-in-the-air' celebration as I crossed the line!


I walked back to the rugby club where my friend was waiting for me.


I peeled off my mud caked clothes and got a nice cup of tea. I felt too sick to eat the cake I brought, but everyone else tucked in.
My friend had won her age category and came away with two bottles of red.


All in all, I enjoyed it. Challenging race on good terrain, had I have been up to it, there were chips and bacon butties on sale afterwards too.
It was nice to see Flip and Phil G and my old boss from when I worked at Scunny General, he'd really enjoyed it too.


By the time I'd got home, my stomach had stopped churning and I was ready for chocolate and pasta! 


So what have I learnt today?
- I am improving BUT there is still a lot of work to do.
- I need to work on my downhill technique/guts! That cost me at least 3 places alone. 
- Jelly babies are very tasty, but hard to chew!


And I've got my first race-tumble out of the way.


Oh, and I wasn't last.


MAY 11th - Three Races In One Week!


Not quite the 10-in-10 but even so!


1. First Harrogate and District Summer Race League (HDSRL) fixture at Ilkley. Good turn out of runners and T+S Harriers. We managed to organise ourselves and mostly car share. 
Grey and drizzly and quite cool, but I managed to run in just my vest. (Well, leggings and trainers too of course *shocked smilie* )
The course went up 'that hill' which if anyone has been to Ilkley will know what I mean! Of course, what goes up must come down.
I was meant to be taking this as a training run, but it turned out I'd put out 8 1/2 minute miles which is quite good for me! Ran the whole hill, which was tough.
The HDSRL events are all catered afterwards, so I tucked into sarnies, crisps and cold sausage, nommy. Late night getting home.


2. First NEHRA summer series fell race, Carlton Challenge. Only a short race, but with twice the ascent of last nights road race!!
It was even colder, with mist on top this time too. I had long sleeves and started in my cagoule! Legs didn't feel too bad while running (walking up the big climb) but I later found the only reason I wasn't last was because one lady's calf went 'ping' about half way round so she and her friend walked the rest of the course...
I did however bag 2 bottles of wine for no particular reason!


Couple of days to rest, then...


3. Bluebell Trail 10 at Halifax, hosted by the Stainland Lions. Lovely weather at last! Very interesting course, a little narrow at the start with a couple of busy road crossings, but otherwise quite pleasant. I did get stuck behind some dithering little old ladies in the woods not far off the start and wondered if this is what it's like getting stuck behind me on a fell descent... I took off over rocks and through mud to get around. (Impatient young whipper snapper!)
Trooper Lane was everything it promised to be, and I gladly took a jelly worm from a marshall to munch! The race ends with a river crossing, I think a couple of other people have posted pics in the gallery. It was knee deep and quite refreshing, then it's a short squelch across the grass to the finish. 
Lovely course, well organised and marshalled and the goodie bag contained a Buff and a Lion bar, om nom nom!
Managed 10 1/2 ish minute miles for that one, I could have run faster (only a little bit!) but I wasn't *racing* as such so that was ok.


That'll do. Thank goodness for 'copy and paste'!

Distances for Jan and Feb

Just a bunch of numbers for my own pleasure... these should get gradually more impressive as my training progresses. At least that's the theory.

January

Total mileage - 112.22

Miles run - 39.26

Miles walked - 72.96

Jan 1st - 6.2 miles (5 mile race, 1.2 walk)

Jan 2nd - 3.86 mile walk.

Jan 3rd - 8.53 mile walk.

Jan 4th - 4.4 miles (1.4 walk, 3 run- intervals at club)

Jan 5th - 1.4 mile walk.

Jan 6th - 1 mile walk. 

Jan 7th - 9.85 mile hike.

Jan 8th - 2.58 mile walk.

Jan 9th - 7.55 miles (4 run, 1.55 walk, 2 at club) plus 1/2 hr yoga, circuits at club.

Jan 10th - 4.8 mile walk.

Jan 11th - 3 miles (1 walk, 2 at club) Plus circuits at club.

Jan 12th - 2.26 mile walk (rest day!)

Jan 13th - 0.9 mile. arse.

Jan 14th - 4.06 mile run. 

Jan 15th - 4.37 mile walk.

Jan 16th - 5 miles. (3 walk, 2 at club) plus 1/2 hr yoga, circuits at club.

Jan 17th - 8.8 miles. (4 walk, 4.8 run) plus 1/2 hr yoga.

Jan 18th - 1 mile walk.

Jan 19th - naff all.

Jan 20th - 1/2 hr Just Dance

Jan 21st - naff all, again...

Jan 22nd - 1.54 miles.

Jan 23rd - 1.47 mile walk.

Jan 24th - 4 mile walk plus 1/2 hr yoga.

Jan 25th - 3.24 miles run, inc time trial. Plus circuits at club.

Jan 26th - 1.47 mile walk.

Jan 27th - 1.53 mile walk.

Jan 28th - 1.55 mile walk.

Jan 29th - 6.36 mile geocaching.

Jan 30th - 10.66 miles (7.16 run, 2 at club, 1.5 walk) plus 40 min yoga and circuits at club.

Jan 31st - 1.47 mile walk.

February 

Total milage - 124.2

Miles run - 70.70

Miles walked - 53.50

Feb 1st - 6.02 miles (4.02 walk, 2 at club) plus circuits.

Feb 2nd - buggar all, rest day.

Feb 3rd - buggar all...erm, another rest day apparently...

Feb 4th - 2.86 miles walk.

Feb 5th - 0.79 walk. FFS

Feb 6th - 11.05 miles (4.26 walk, 4.79 run, 2 at club) plus 1/2 hour yoga and circuits at club.

Feb 7th - 1.47 mile walk.

Feb 8th - 7.53 miles (1.47 walk, 4.06 run, 2 at club) plus circuits.

Feb 9th - 0.9 miles walk.

Feb 10th - 0.9 miles walk.

Feb 11th - 1.86 mile walk.

Feb 12th - 2.73 mile run. Stupid snow/ice.

Feb 13th - 8.47 miles (7 run, 1.47 walk) plus 3/4hr yoga.

Feb 14th - 1.55 mile walk. stupid work!

Feb 15th - 8.77 miles (1.47 walk, 4 run, 3.3 at club)

Feb 16th - 1.96 mile walk

Feb 17th - 2.96 mile run.

Feb 18th - 7.4 miles (4.82 run, 2.58 walk)

Feb 19th - 8.74 mile walk.

Feb 20th - 3.96 miles (1.96 walk, 2 at club) plus circuits

Feb 21st - 5.92 miles (4.06 run, 1.86 walk) plus 1/2hr yoga.

Feb 22nd - 2.58 miles walk.

Feb 23rd - nuffink.

Feb 24th - 5.53 miles. (4.06 run, 1.47 walk)

Feb 25th - 3.06 mile walk.

Feb 26th - 6.3 miles. (5.4 fell race, 0.9 walk)

Feb 27th - 5.31 miles. (1.55 walk, 2 at club, 1.76 run) plus circuits at club.

Feb 28th - 10.49 miles. (8.53 run, 1.96 walk)

Feb 29th bonus day! - 5.1 miles (1.86 walk, 1.23 run, 2.01 TT) plus 30 mins yoga.

Blogging instead of running?

Marathon training is going ok so far. Up to the grand distance of 9.3 mile 'long' runs. My overall weekly mileage was 32 miles last week though, almost double what I normally do. That's good progress!
I've come to the conclusion that I need to exercise first. Today, my plan said a 3-4 mile interval session. It's half 3 and I havn't been out and probably wont. Fortunately I can do it tomorrow as part of my club session, but that is besides the point. I should have just gone straight out when I got in with the dog. (I'd walked her to the vets and back for her vaccinations. Poor thing is zonked out at the moment.) But instead I fannied about, had to have a drink, then lunch then a bit more fannying and basically ran out of time/enthusiasm for anything much.
I'm going to rue every wasted moment when I go back to full time in May. All this time I could (should) have spent training or cleaning or baking or anything other than sitting on Facebook and bloody Fetch!
I was having some doubts as to whether this marathon is a good idea while I was running yesterday. Fannying aside, will I ever be ready? Can I really prepare for 26 miles, 3500ft in such a space of time? I think it's the 3500ft that scares me more than the 26miles in a way. For 26 miles you can just keep plodding, walking if you have to and get round. It's the climbing that will exhaust the unprepared. I've done very little in the way of serious hills so far in my training. Although on Thursday I went with a group of blokes from club for a night run in Wass Woods which is moderately hilly and I didn't walk once, even though I desperately wanted to! (Just looking and that is only 261m or approx 800ft of ascent. Hmm keep climbing...)
Advice is vague, just really time on feet. All the various plans assume to want to do the London Marathon and don't really offer what I want for a tough fell marathon. Indeed, people talk of sub 3hr times like it's normal. The current female record for the Phoenix stands at 4hr15mins. Ha, I'll be lucky to get sub 6hrs I reckon!
Mind you, without the kick up the arse of the encroaching start date, I'll only flounder around the 10mile mark forever without ever really testing what I can do.

And this is why I should be out there, not sat here musing.

Stupid snow.

Todays run was perhaps a little disappointing.
We have OH's little daughter and thought we'd go sledging up top. Well, they'd sledge and I'd run. I'd quickly mapped out a 5.5mile route along the Cleveland Way as far as Dialstone, then back along the road. I figured about an hour in the icy conditions.
Ha.
We set off a little later than planned so I decided to simply run out for 30 mins, then back for 30 mins.
Well, the going alternated from sheet ice to ankle deep, foot numbing slush and everything in between. I didn't fall but did progress quite gingerly. By the time my 30 mins was up, I'd hardly covered any distance at all. The Dialstone turning was way off in the distance.
About a third of the way back, I found OH and daughter had come to meet me. Turns out there wasn't enough snow for sledging. I walked back with them.
It took 52 mins to cover less than 3 miles!! I may as well have walked!

 The little dot is me heading off into the distance!

 Looking along the route to High Barn.

 At High Barn.

 My sexy socks!

Cleveland Way finger post.

Bad time management/food planing/lazyness meant I didn't do any other exercise for the rest of the day.

It hasn't helped today that we had a big meal at lunch time and no proper tea, this means I have snacked all evening. I have though managed to resist the crisps and choccies and instead had malt loaf, tinned fruit and cheese. Not all in the same dish I hasten to add!!

I worry about my diet, yet I have been reading the blog Binks did of his LANY race last year and he seems to have existed on fast food and soda. Most of my fell running friends partake of regular cake and beer. Maybe I should stop worrying so much and so long as I get my F+V and plenty of protein, just enjoy a little? Dunno, it's not like I have a weight problem...

So, the proper training starts a week tomorrow. Maybe I should just start it tomorrow and be done with it? The only difference it will make is a slight improvement...

Pre-marathon-training-training...

The training for my marathon officially begins next week. So, how do I feel about where I am now, before it all starts? A little scared to be honest. Can I stick to the plan? Can I get in enough hills? Will there be enough daylight to get the miles in? Currently, I'm being beaten at my own game in the distance challenge, I think I came last in January. Not looking good this month either...
Not exactly sure what is holding me back at this time? I do have reasons/excuses for not going out, but I'm sure they're not the most convincing of arguments.
'I don't have anyone to run with.' This is true. But, both Vicky and Steve are available if I can just get them organised.
'It's dark.' Yeah? and I have a headtorch. It is a bit dodgy round here, not for being mugged, but for getting run over. Which takes me onto...
'I have to drive to get anywhere decent.' That only matters once in a while surely? And also dangerous if something happens, which takes me back to the first excuse.

I don't want to be stood on the start line filled with doubt. Well, no more doubt than normal anyway!
I have just 5 months to get my act together...

January Distance Challenge Update

So far I have done...

Total mileage - 48.37

Miles run - 14.0

Miles walked - 34.37

Jan 1st - 6.2 miles (5 mile race, 1.2 walk)

Jan 2nd - 3.86 mile walk.

Jan 3rd - 8.53 mile walk.

Jan 4th - 4.4 miles (1.4 walk, 3 run- intervals at club)

Jan 5th - 1.4 mile walk.

Jan 6th - 1 mile walk. 

Jan 7th - 9.85 mile hike.

Jan 8th - 2.58 mile walk.

Jan 9th - 7.55 miles (4 run, 1.55 walk, 2 at club) plus 1/2 hr yoga, circuits at club.

Exiting Times Ahead...

Awaiting the delivery of my complete, box set of Wainwright Guides. Revised and brought up to date by Chris Jesty. This will start the next obsession, Wainwright bagging. We plan to start in January as one of OH's work mates wants us to take him to Wasdale for a bit of winter action up Scafell Pike. Cool. (Freezing?)
Hopefully have some interesting stuff to write about for a change.

Also, the Club chairman emailed me to see if would be interested in taking over the club website. At first I wrote a reply to say thanks, but no thanks. Then I thought about it a bit, how hard can it be? Uploading pics and text, adding a few links here and there. Gav will show me what to do, it has to be worth a try. I want to be an active member of the club and this is a good start. So I said I'd give it a go...

Saturday - Quiet morning at work, boss let me go early. Our new car wasn't ready yet, so I went straight home. Took Tammy for a frosty walk to Felixkirk and back, it was nice. Took my camera and got a few pics. Collected a whole load of FetchPoint credits and another Garmin token.

Icy puddle patterns

Frosted leaves

Heading out to Felixkirk.

Tammy looks out across the fields.

December skyscape.

4.55 mile walk.

Marinaded prawns with spaghetti.

Sunday - Narrowly avoided a mardy this morning by heading out for a run dispite oversleeping and the drizzle! I took myself out to Goldenclough Lane and back. Enjoyed it.

Then it was soon time to head over to Messingham, Lincolnshire; for OH's mum's 70th birthday meal. We had a three course nosh up at the Bird in the Barley. It was good. Aunty Janet came too, we've not seen her for a while.

I worry about gettin old, as I'm sure most people do, but AJ is 74 and still going strong. OK she is bionic now, but it doesn't worry her. Also, the Codlings at Club are both over 70 and they race pretty much every weekend and train during the week. If I can grow old like that, then maybe it wont be so bad. Trying to look after my body now so I can keep hold of it!

Best get munching those veggies!!

4.8 mile run.

3 course dinner-

Deep fried goats cheese

Poached salmon

Cheesecake

Back to work tomorrow, don't feel like I've had a weekend... the next lie-in is a loooooong way off...

A Frosty Week in December

Quick round up really, not much exiting to talk of.

Sunday - Took the dog along Cod Beck for a nice change, then Dad and Stepmum came for lunch. We went to the Lamb Inn at Rainton and it was nice.

Approx 1.5 mile walk.

Sausage, mash and veg.

Monday - Meant to be my day off, but I went in to observe a visit. It was an organic poultry farm and we were there to issue a slaughter certificate. Only took a couple of hours. 

Then I went shopping, yawn.

Went to club, Sonja back in charge tonight.

Lots of jogging and assorted drills to warm up, and a few relays.

Onto circuits-
Approx 40 secs of each exercise-
lunges
arm rolls
press ups
'throw-the-ball-while-balancing-on-one-leg'
shuttle runs
step up and overs
squats.

2 sets.
Cool down with stretching.

Managed in total 22-23 proper press ups, very proud of myself!

Plus 1.55 miles with the dog.

Leftover sausage casserole and pasta.

Tuesday - Allowed PMS to ruin my day. felt rubbish, managed to walk the dog but that was about it really. 

Although, we did go to Northallerton to look at a car... put a deposit down on a Volvo S60.

1.4 mile walk.

Pie chips and veg.

Wednesday - Another visit, this one involved a long drive to Scarborough. Nice farm though.

Tonight we had our Sandhill Xmas scoff at Solberge Hall. Very posh, quite nice. 

0.75 mile walk.

Big fat 3 course dinner-

Ham hock and rabbit terrine.

Sea bass.

Chocolate and orange fondant.

Thursday - Long quiet day at work. Had a pint in the Angel afterwards.

1.4 mile walk.

Leftover curry and pasta.

Friday - Another long day. Richard had to go on his visits by himself while I manned the fort. 

Homemade bologanse for tea, plenty of garlic! OH went to Sprouts and got the washing up done at last.

Took Tammy out in the moonlight to track down a Garmin token.

1.78 mile walk.

Spaghetti bolognase.