Today's plan said 10 miles AT LEAST. Oo-er, the plan is getting bossy!!
I had other jobs to do first, a walk into town for a Doctor's appointment and then I needed to walk the dog. In between that and texting a friend, we made arrangements to meet at her house at 2.30pm.
I set off at 2pm, with far too many layers on! My stupid legs wouldn't work, right hip in particular has been playing up, quite a nuisance walking to town earlier, and now it took over a mile of running for it to settle down.
I left my excess layers, my drink, emergency snack and headtorch all in Helen's porch.
I let her chose the route today as we were going to run around town which is her territory if you like, up on the moor belongs to me!
We set out at a nice steady pace, being buffeted by the wind the whole time, and chatted about this and that.
It is really quite open on the back fields of Sowerby and the wind was quite strong! The path here is good, no mud, which is good as i had chosen comfortable road shoes over grippy trail shoes. We met the main road and ran past the new development on the edge of Sowerby. Some day, they're building a Sports Village here and hopefully we'll finally get a running track...
Then we ducked down a private lane and hopped a fence (naughty!) which met a footpath that took us to the other main road near the train station. Through the station car park and onto another footpath, this time across fields and around the back of the race course. This takes us past the field where we have our Easter Handicap race.
The footpath comes out near the Athletics Club and the start line of the Thirsk 10 if anyone is familiar with that race...
Then we went by Lidl and Tesco (all the sights on this run!) and back down into Sowerby to Helen's house.
I knew if I hung around, I'd seize up, so I grabbed my bag of stuff and headed across town towards home.
Had to have a walk break as I was very thirsty and had a handful of sweets too. At the bottom of Plump Bank, the (not very big) hill up to my lane end I considered stopping my Garmin and walking home. For whatever reason, I didn't and shuffled on.
At my gate, I noticed I was just short of 11 miles, about 10.8 and I felt the need to round it up to 11!! Not bad for someone who was going to quit a mile ago... So that's what I did!
The biggest surprise came when I did stop my watch and it gave me a brief summary of the run, today's flat non-muddy run was SLOWER than the one on Sunday! Ok, my legs worked better on Sunday I suppose, but even so.
Just goes to show, off road really does suit me better!
Sunday, 10 April 2016
Bank Top Run (Jan 26th)
Sundays medium run!
My running buddy Gavin has been out of action for a bit with a sore knee, but he seemed to decide that rest wasn't making any difference so he came out to play!
We headed up to Sutton Bank visitor centre, it was misty up there and a little cold compared to home, but much warmer than it has been of late. There was a pickup truck on the verge, obviously missed the sharp corner and a police car was in attendance so we got on with our run!
We'd decided on an hour- hour and half run as I had left a beef joint in the oven!
Set off along the Cleveland Way heading north. In places the path was dry and nice, and in other spots it was quite muddy, that awkward mud where you can't get much momentum. But these patches were only short.
Soon warmed up enough to strip off to just a T-shirt! Kept my gloves handy though as sweaty hands get cold quickly.
The mist had also lifted and we hit the really awkward muddy bit by High Barn. It's not deep mud, just a thin veneer almost, and peppered with mole hills. It's really quite hard work!
I wondered where we were going from here, we normally do hilly circular runs and Gavin likes to be in charge of the route so I generally let him get on with it. He said today though we'd just do an out and back to the metal gate, avoiding the steep sections to try not to aggravate his knee. That was fine by me, although the distance I thought would be longer than expected.
Into the upper part of Boltby forest, I love this little stretch in the trees and a deer crossed in front of us.
A little further on, two farm dogs were out and snuffling around. We walked by them but they were friendly and after a quick sniff got on with their snuffling.
Another forest bit, and soon we were at the metal gate. Marked on the map as Steeple Cross, it's where you step out of the enclosed forest and onto the moor. It's one of my favourite spots as the whole moor just opens up before you. We contemplated the big sky for a moment before turning around and heading back the way we came.
I am pleased the Cleveland Way volunteers have improved some of this section of path as it was a horrible, rutted, muddy slog before; now it is hard packed trail and much nicer to run on.
The farm dogs were still snuffling and paid us no heed this time.
It was now late enough for other people to be out on the trail too, most were friendly and said hello.
Gavin picked up the pace on the way back so there wasn't much breath left for talking! I think that's his tactic for when he has had enough of listening to my rambling about crap...
We got back to the car without mishap, although covered in mud splashes up to the knees! 11 miles done in 1hr 50mins, pleased with that. The route might not have been hilly, but it's hardly flat!!
As it was I got home at 10:15 am so only 15 minutes later than I said I'd be and the roast beef was lovely!
My running buddy Gavin has been out of action for a bit with a sore knee, but he seemed to decide that rest wasn't making any difference so he came out to play!
We headed up to Sutton Bank visitor centre, it was misty up there and a little cold compared to home, but much warmer than it has been of late. There was a pickup truck on the verge, obviously missed the sharp corner and a police car was in attendance so we got on with our run!
We'd decided on an hour- hour and half run as I had left a beef joint in the oven!
Set off along the Cleveland Way heading north. In places the path was dry and nice, and in other spots it was quite muddy, that awkward mud where you can't get much momentum. But these patches were only short.
Soon warmed up enough to strip off to just a T-shirt! Kept my gloves handy though as sweaty hands get cold quickly.
The mist had also lifted and we hit the really awkward muddy bit by High Barn. It's not deep mud, just a thin veneer almost, and peppered with mole hills. It's really quite hard work!
I wondered where we were going from here, we normally do hilly circular runs and Gavin likes to be in charge of the route so I generally let him get on with it. He said today though we'd just do an out and back to the metal gate, avoiding the steep sections to try not to aggravate his knee. That was fine by me, although the distance I thought would be longer than expected.
Into the upper part of Boltby forest, I love this little stretch in the trees and a deer crossed in front of us.
A little further on, two farm dogs were out and snuffling around. We walked by them but they were friendly and after a quick sniff got on with their snuffling.
Another forest bit, and soon we were at the metal gate. Marked on the map as Steeple Cross, it's where you step out of the enclosed forest and onto the moor. It's one of my favourite spots as the whole moor just opens up before you. We contemplated the big sky for a moment before turning around and heading back the way we came.
I am pleased the Cleveland Way volunteers have improved some of this section of path as it was a horrible, rutted, muddy slog before; now it is hard packed trail and much nicer to run on.
The farm dogs were still snuffling and paid us no heed this time.
It was now late enough for other people to be out on the trail too, most were friendly and said hello.
Gavin picked up the pace on the way back so there wasn't much breath left for talking! I think that's his tactic for when he has had enough of listening to my rambling about crap...
We got back to the car without mishap, although covered in mud splashes up to the knees! 11 miles done in 1hr 50mins, pleased with that. The route might not have been hilly, but it's hardly flat!!
As it was I got home at 10:15 am so only 15 minutes later than I said I'd be and the roast beef was lovely!
Back end of 2015...and the start of 2016.
Bit of catching up to do...
November - Started a streak!
We had the annual running club trip to Buttermere in the Lakes and we had SNOW!
On the Friday evening, we were a little late for the group lake run, but set out on our own (Helen and I) and got back before it was properly dark and had worked up a nice appetite for dinner. Somehow, through all the beer, Peter H and Brett convinced me to do a pre-breakfast mountain run. Well, I say 'convinced' - I was totally up for it! Peter reckoned it was just over 10k and should take and hour and a half, tops. I decided to have more beer and stay up til midnight. I was regretting that at 6.30am on Saturday...
It had snowed overnight and was freezing cold and windy. I was a little apprehensive about it now (plus had a nasty hangover...) Still, off we went. In the shelter of the trees in Burtness Wood, and climbing steeply we were plenty warm enough, but once exposed to the wind it was bloody cold! The ground in the col was frozen and this made it easier to cross. The next climb was horrible! It's a steep one anyway, all the way up to the summit of Red Pike. As predicted the boys were faster than me and at times it was just a case of head down, follow the footprints and trudge on. As it got steeper, the normal scree was covered in a thin veneer of ice and the prints disappeared! I was cursing them both as I clung to the ice, resisting the wind trying to peel me off the mountain side. All of a sudden though, I heard a cheer go up and I was at the top of Red Pike!! Hurrah!!
As I begun to have a little rant, Peter pointed out the sunrise over the snow covered mountains and all my fear and anger just melted.
The going was tough, knee deep snow, ice, the wind nearly took me off my feet a couple of times, I just stumbled along behind the boys, worrying what the descent was going to be like...
I need not have worried. The knee deep snow was hard work, but once I'd worked out that I wasn't going to die if I fell (good job really as I spent a lot of time falling over) I started to enjoy the jump and slide descent.
Now, we were more concerned about getting back in time for breakfast!
Our '10k' run turned out to be 7.5 miles and took over 2 hours!! To be fair, we hadn't done much running
We wolfed our breakfasts down and then went to catch up with the main group who had already set off on the days main activity, a walk up to Whiteless Pike. I caught them before the summit and we had a good hike in glorious snow conditions. Another 8 miles trekked!
I was too knackered to join the Honister Headtorcher, so settled in the hotel lounge with a hot chocolate and a pile of snacks.
On Sunday, the traditional Rannerdale run took place, hungover again of course
but no-one swam in the river this year! Then after breakfast we had a stroll around Buttermere Lake before setting off home.
Very good weekend indeed!
I'm sure other stuff happened in November, but that was probably the best bit!
(so much for keeping this brief...)
December
Early December saw me and my buddy Gavin take part in the Frostbite 30 in Nidderdale. It was around the time of the floods starting. Neither of us had really trained specifically for this, but had entered and thought we'd just plod round together.
Wow, it was tough.
The first 11 miles were quite technical, and very wet. It took us in a loop through woods and over farmland, through the Cold Cut and back to race HQ.
The outward leg started flat along the river and I managed to snag a bramble and fall at about 15 miles in. Ouch.
The path contoured the valley at times and this was hard on the ankles. We were constantly getting wet, some deep puddles then TWO river crossings that came up to my bottom!! (I'm 5'6'') The marshalls had strung a rope across the water to hold onto...
Then some massive climbs. I hit a low patch. Gavin did the best thing by mostly ignoring me but not letting me stop!
Eventually, we got to the Scarhouse Dam which in my head was the turn around point but was really more like 24-25 miles in.
There, I was handed a cup of hot water. Oh my gosh, it was magical.
My sense of humour returned and we ran on, making the most of a stretch of downhill track which was dry and ran for about 3 miles!
We wound our way back to the riverside path, needing headtorches now and back into the various puddles of standing water. Some people had caught us up and Gavin upped the pace, not wanting to let them beat us!!
We completed in just over 8 hours, a long time out but 34 miles done. It was hard.
We refuelled with cake, soup and cups of tea.
The next morning, I couldn't put any weight on my right ankle. I was worried I had torn my Achilles, but it came back to life over the next couple of days. I was walking (with a limp) by Wednesday and did a 1 mile test run on the Thursday and by the weekend was back with Gavin and Brett running on the moors!
I did break my streak though on day 22.
So, I started the streak again and covered about 137 miles in December. Very pleased with that! Hardmoors 110 training officially begun...
January 2016!
Kick started the year with Captain Cooks Fell race. I love this race, it's great fun and holds happy memories as this is where I met Flip!!
Today the conditions were quite reasonable and with my recent hard training starting to pay off, I knocked 2 mins 40 secs off my previous best for this course. Nice.
Good catch up and chat in the pub afterwards too.
No more races this month. I have continued streaking, through a depressed patch and I'm up to day erm, 44 I think now.
Training a lot with Gavin and anyone else who'll have me!!
November - Started a streak!
We had the annual running club trip to Buttermere in the Lakes and we had SNOW!
On the Friday evening, we were a little late for the group lake run, but set out on our own (Helen and I) and got back before it was properly dark and had worked up a nice appetite for dinner. Somehow, through all the beer, Peter H and Brett convinced me to do a pre-breakfast mountain run. Well, I say 'convinced' - I was totally up for it! Peter reckoned it was just over 10k and should take and hour and a half, tops. I decided to have more beer and stay up til midnight. I was regretting that at 6.30am on Saturday...
It had snowed overnight and was freezing cold and windy. I was a little apprehensive about it now (plus had a nasty hangover...) Still, off we went. In the shelter of the trees in Burtness Wood, and climbing steeply we were plenty warm enough, but once exposed to the wind it was bloody cold! The ground in the col was frozen and this made it easier to cross. The next climb was horrible! It's a steep one anyway, all the way up to the summit of Red Pike. As predicted the boys were faster than me and at times it was just a case of head down, follow the footprints and trudge on. As it got steeper, the normal scree was covered in a thin veneer of ice and the prints disappeared! I was cursing them both as I clung to the ice, resisting the wind trying to peel me off the mountain side. All of a sudden though, I heard a cheer go up and I was at the top of Red Pike!! Hurrah!!
As I begun to have a little rant, Peter pointed out the sunrise over the snow covered mountains and all my fear and anger just melted.
The going was tough, knee deep snow, ice, the wind nearly took me off my feet a couple of times, I just stumbled along behind the boys, worrying what the descent was going to be like...
I need not have worried. The knee deep snow was hard work, but once I'd worked out that I wasn't going to die if I fell (good job really as I spent a lot of time falling over) I started to enjoy the jump and slide descent.
Now, we were more concerned about getting back in time for breakfast!
Our '10k' run turned out to be 7.5 miles and took over 2 hours!! To be fair, we hadn't done much running
We wolfed our breakfasts down and then went to catch up with the main group who had already set off on the days main activity, a walk up to Whiteless Pike. I caught them before the summit and we had a good hike in glorious snow conditions. Another 8 miles trekked!
I was too knackered to join the Honister Headtorcher, so settled in the hotel lounge with a hot chocolate and a pile of snacks.
On Sunday, the traditional Rannerdale run took place, hungover again of course
but no-one swam in the river this year! Then after breakfast we had a stroll around Buttermere Lake before setting off home. Very good weekend indeed!
I'm sure other stuff happened in November, but that was probably the best bit!
(so much for keeping this brief...)
December
Early December saw me and my buddy Gavin take part in the Frostbite 30 in Nidderdale. It was around the time of the floods starting. Neither of us had really trained specifically for this, but had entered and thought we'd just plod round together.
Wow, it was tough.
The first 11 miles were quite technical, and very wet. It took us in a loop through woods and over farmland, through the Cold Cut and back to race HQ.
The outward leg started flat along the river and I managed to snag a bramble and fall at about 15 miles in. Ouch.
The path contoured the valley at times and this was hard on the ankles. We were constantly getting wet, some deep puddles then TWO river crossings that came up to my bottom!! (I'm 5'6'') The marshalls had strung a rope across the water to hold onto...
Then some massive climbs. I hit a low patch. Gavin did the best thing by mostly ignoring me but not letting me stop!
Eventually, we got to the Scarhouse Dam which in my head was the turn around point but was really more like 24-25 miles in.
There, I was handed a cup of hot water. Oh my gosh, it was magical.
My sense of humour returned and we ran on, making the most of a stretch of downhill track which was dry and ran for about 3 miles!
We wound our way back to the riverside path, needing headtorches now and back into the various puddles of standing water. Some people had caught us up and Gavin upped the pace, not wanting to let them beat us!!
We completed in just over 8 hours, a long time out but 34 miles done. It was hard.
We refuelled with cake, soup and cups of tea.
The next morning, I couldn't put any weight on my right ankle. I was worried I had torn my Achilles, but it came back to life over the next couple of days. I was walking (with a limp) by Wednesday and did a 1 mile test run on the Thursday and by the weekend was back with Gavin and Brett running on the moors!
I did break my streak though on day 22.
So, I started the streak again and covered about 137 miles in December. Very pleased with that! Hardmoors 110 training officially begun...
January 2016!
Kick started the year with Captain Cooks Fell race. I love this race, it's great fun and holds happy memories as this is where I met Flip!!
Today the conditions were quite reasonable and with my recent hard training starting to pay off, I knocked 2 mins 40 secs off my previous best for this course. Nice.
Good catch up and chat in the pub afterwards too.
No more races this month. I have continued streaking, through a depressed patch and I'm up to day erm, 44 I think now.
Training a lot with Gavin and anyone else who'll have me!!
Saturday, 19 September 2015
Long time no chat...
Been a long time since I last posted, such a lot has happened! Been a long time since I felt I could talk about it all...
I will bring you up to speed on what has been happening since I last wrote.
Ossy Oiks - One of my favourite fell races. As usual it was hot and I was tired. Got round, but really quite slow.
Hardmoors Rosedale Marathon - 27 miles of misery. At 'just' 2000ft of ascent, this is essentially a flat route with a couple of sharp climbs thrown in. The rain came in at 10 miles and by then I was already bored. I wanted to quit, but when I got to the half way point (complete with a nice warm pub to retire into) I found one of my Club mates manning the checkpoint. I couldn't face the embarrasement of having to explain to her I wanted to pull out even though I wasn't ill or injured. The next checkpoint was a windswept car boot in the middle of nowhere and by the time I'd reached the next suitable point to pull out, I only had about 3.5 miles left to go! So I finished, in my fastest marathon time to date, 5hrs 41mins. I still hated every minute of it though.
HDSRL Wetherby - So close after the marathon, I just went for a jog round and ended up getting a really good time and thoroughly enjoying myself! This running is a funny business I did however eat more calories than I'd burnt at the post race supper...
Whorlton Run - Legs still heavy and I found this hard going and it was once again quite hot. Again though, I had quite a reasonable run.
Cleveland Way Relays - I think this is where it started going wrong. Becky and I ran the first leg, which set off at 5am, yes, 5AM from Filey which meant we'd had a 3am start. My body did not want to know and I was running on shear will power. I felt sick and woozy for most of the day, had to take a travel sick pill as we were in a mini-bus all day. Let me tell you, trying to run after taking a travel sick pill does not work... Our second leg was even tougher, through Saltburn and Becky had to run on without me for the last mile as I was walking and throwing up. Well, dry heaving.
After this I managed to eat then ate everything in my bag pretty much!! Felt better after that.
We ran the last couple of miles into Helmsley and at this point I felt great and could have run more despite having already covered over 20 miles in the day.
All that plus other bits and bobs gave me a total of 108 miles covered in June!
July and our trip to the Dales to see Hester and have a jaunt around the Three Peaks. Quite a gang of us met at Hester's house and off we trotted, straight into the first climb up Pen-y-Ghent. We were taking it steady on the climb, still able to chat as we worked our way upwards. Just before the first summit, about 1.5 miles into the run (only another 20 to go...) I started to feel sick. I ignored it initially as I sometimes do feel sick, and the climb was bloody tough.
We ran on, the fun descent took away the sickness and we then had a long stretch of quite flat ground to cover. It was good to catch up with Hester who we hadn't seen for a while.
I was also having problems with my drink bladder, it wouldn't stay fastened in place inside my rucksack and as a consequence it was leaking all down my back and bum! Yuk.
As we approached the Ribblehead Viaduct (and what a structure that is to behold!) I was aware I was flagging. The others passed me easily, even though we were just trotting along and soon I was at the back. As we hit a slight gradient, I had to walk. I felt sick and my legs had nothing in them at all. Sarah hung back with me, and we decided maybe we'd walk the rest of the route. However, as we started the climb up the flank of Whernside, I realised there was no way I was going to get up there. After calling Hester back, we discussed our options, it was decided I should take the low level route to a farm that sold drinks and we'd regroup there. I was insistant that I would be ok by myself, but Hester came with me, and really I'm glad she did as I wasn't in a good place at all. It was a gentle stroll along the valley bottom through grassy meadows, but I couldn't enjoy it as my insides were on fire. We sat down for a minute while I ate some sweets and I immeadiately went into cramp. We made it to the farm and while Hester purchased some squash, I went off to throw my guts up. Nice. Some squash just made me more sick, nothing was staying down any more. A nice local couple offered to give me a ride to Horton, but we had to wait for the others to catch up as Brian had the house keys! With the keys in hand I gratefully accepted the lift to Horton and let myself into Hester and Brian's little cottage. I managed to get cleaned up and changed into dry clothes without any more vomiting and basically relaxed with the dogs and lots of water until the others returned a few hours later.
Absolutely gutted that I hadn't made it. Stupid body, conking out like that. My only consolation was that I made the right decision to pull out, otherwise I would have been sick out on the fell and put everyones trip/safety at risk.
It later transpired that Brian hadn't been very well either, suffering a 'cardiac episode' which turned out to be pericarditis!!
I don't know what had triggered me blowing up like that, dehydration? I was drinking despite my leaky pack. Insufficient fuel? I seem to remember eating well the night before. It was quite warm, but I have run in hotter conditions without being ill. Had I simply done too much in the month leading up to the trip? Dunno.
For the rest of July I did very little. Neither my body nor my heart was up for the task. I got really quite down about the whole thing really.
After a couple of weeks though, Hilary's husband Gavin dragged me off the sofa for an 11 mile trail run!! Having not run for that time, I was buggered afterwards but I was very grateful for him dragging me off my arse.
I ran a couple more times before the end of the month clocking up a grand total of just 48 miles, including the the failed 3 Peaks trip.
August was kicked off with another long run with Gavin. It was bloody hard work, but I mostly enjoyed it...
Early in the month I bought a Garmin Forerunner 220 and I think that has helped a little in getting me out of the door.
I managed one run totally by myself and lots more in company.
During this time Dave Parry from Esk Valley fell club was taken ill and the remaining summer series of fell races was cancelled, effectivly wiping my race calender clean. We wish him well and hope to see him return to the fells soon.
The only race I did was the Sessay Swift 6 and I can't say I raced it as I was sweeper. It was a lovely evening and the girl at the back did a grand job and ran her furthest distant to date on that night.
In total I ran 78 miles at a leisurly average pace of 11:17min/miles during August. Mostly just finding my feet once more.
Early September and I found myself on the start line for the Guisborough Three Tops, slightly modified route for the British Fell Championships. I was nervous as hell!
The race was horrendous. I knew the route well, but with two really tough climbs in the first couple of miles, my legs were empty already with another 8 miles to go. It was also a warm day and I was for too hot in my long sleeved top. I toussled with Claire from club on and off all the way round. I walked more than I should have done, I wasn't enjoying myself at all. On the climb up Roseberry Topping, I actually had to stop for a moment to let my spinning tummy and head calm down. Here Claire passed me and I never caught her again. I took longer to get round than I had back in April when I'd just done HM55 a couple of weeks before. Indeed, Claire's fiancee Bryan said they were considering coming back up the route to look for us as we had been so long.
I was dehydrated and sore for a couple of days after the race.
A week later, Paul and I went to Great Langdale in the Lake District for a few days. We managed three hikes, collecting 6 Wainwrights (need to add those to my list!) It was good to get away for a little while.
More recently, I have felt a lot better, in myself and my running. Last couple of interval sessions I have really worked hard and today I ran a 25:26 5km at our local Parkrun. I need to get faster if I am going to get back in front of Claire!!
Tomorrow I will be racing at the Vikings 4 Peaks Chase and I know it's a toughie, so no doubt I will be telling my tales of running woe tomorrow evening...
I will bring you up to speed on what has been happening since I last wrote.
Ossy Oiks - One of my favourite fell races. As usual it was hot and I was tired. Got round, but really quite slow.
Hardmoors Rosedale Marathon - 27 miles of misery. At 'just' 2000ft of ascent, this is essentially a flat route with a couple of sharp climbs thrown in. The rain came in at 10 miles and by then I was already bored. I wanted to quit, but when I got to the half way point (complete with a nice warm pub to retire into) I found one of my Club mates manning the checkpoint. I couldn't face the embarrasement of having to explain to her I wanted to pull out even though I wasn't ill or injured. The next checkpoint was a windswept car boot in the middle of nowhere and by the time I'd reached the next suitable point to pull out, I only had about 3.5 miles left to go! So I finished, in my fastest marathon time to date, 5hrs 41mins. I still hated every minute of it though.
HDSRL Wetherby - So close after the marathon, I just went for a jog round and ended up getting a really good time and thoroughly enjoying myself! This running is a funny business I did however eat more calories than I'd burnt at the post race supper...
Whorlton Run - Legs still heavy and I found this hard going and it was once again quite hot. Again though, I had quite a reasonable run.
Cleveland Way Relays - I think this is where it started going wrong. Becky and I ran the first leg, which set off at 5am, yes, 5AM from Filey which meant we'd had a 3am start. My body did not want to know and I was running on shear will power. I felt sick and woozy for most of the day, had to take a travel sick pill as we were in a mini-bus all day. Let me tell you, trying to run after taking a travel sick pill does not work... Our second leg was even tougher, through Saltburn and Becky had to run on without me for the last mile as I was walking and throwing up. Well, dry heaving.
After this I managed to eat then ate everything in my bag pretty much!! Felt better after that.
We ran the last couple of miles into Helmsley and at this point I felt great and could have run more despite having already covered over 20 miles in the day.
All that plus other bits and bobs gave me a total of 108 miles covered in June!
July and our trip to the Dales to see Hester and have a jaunt around the Three Peaks. Quite a gang of us met at Hester's house and off we trotted, straight into the first climb up Pen-y-Ghent. We were taking it steady on the climb, still able to chat as we worked our way upwards. Just before the first summit, about 1.5 miles into the run (only another 20 to go...) I started to feel sick. I ignored it initially as I sometimes do feel sick, and the climb was bloody tough.
 |
| Hester, Sarah, me, Lorraine, Sharon, Nicky, Hilary and John on top of Pen-y-ghent. Brian was this side of the camera! |
We ran on, the fun descent took away the sickness and we then had a long stretch of quite flat ground to cover. It was good to catch up with Hester who we hadn't seen for a while.
I was also having problems with my drink bladder, it wouldn't stay fastened in place inside my rucksack and as a consequence it was leaking all down my back and bum! Yuk.
As we approached the Ribblehead Viaduct (and what a structure that is to behold!) I was aware I was flagging. The others passed me easily, even though we were just trotting along and soon I was at the back. As we hit a slight gradient, I had to walk. I felt sick and my legs had nothing in them at all. Sarah hung back with me, and we decided maybe we'd walk the rest of the route. However, as we started the climb up the flank of Whernside, I realised there was no way I was going to get up there. After calling Hester back, we discussed our options, it was decided I should take the low level route to a farm that sold drinks and we'd regroup there. I was insistant that I would be ok by myself, but Hester came with me, and really I'm glad she did as I wasn't in a good place at all. It was a gentle stroll along the valley bottom through grassy meadows, but I couldn't enjoy it as my insides were on fire. We sat down for a minute while I ate some sweets and I immeadiately went into cramp. We made it to the farm and while Hester purchased some squash, I went off to throw my guts up. Nice. Some squash just made me more sick, nothing was staying down any more. A nice local couple offered to give me a ride to Horton, but we had to wait for the others to catch up as Brian had the house keys! With the keys in hand I gratefully accepted the lift to Horton and let myself into Hester and Brian's little cottage. I managed to get cleaned up and changed into dry clothes without any more vomiting and basically relaxed with the dogs and lots of water until the others returned a few hours later.
Absolutely gutted that I hadn't made it. Stupid body, conking out like that. My only consolation was that I made the right decision to pull out, otherwise I would have been sick out on the fell and put everyones trip/safety at risk.
It later transpired that Brian hadn't been very well either, suffering a 'cardiac episode' which turned out to be pericarditis!!
I don't know what had triggered me blowing up like that, dehydration? I was drinking despite my leaky pack. Insufficient fuel? I seem to remember eating well the night before. It was quite warm, but I have run in hotter conditions without being ill. Had I simply done too much in the month leading up to the trip? Dunno.
For the rest of July I did very little. Neither my body nor my heart was up for the task. I got really quite down about the whole thing really.
After a couple of weeks though, Hilary's husband Gavin dragged me off the sofa for an 11 mile trail run!! Having not run for that time, I was buggered afterwards but I was very grateful for him dragging me off my arse.
I ran a couple more times before the end of the month clocking up a grand total of just 48 miles, including the the failed 3 Peaks trip.
August was kicked off with another long run with Gavin. It was bloody hard work, but I mostly enjoyed it...
Early in the month I bought a Garmin Forerunner 220 and I think that has helped a little in getting me out of the door.
I managed one run totally by myself and lots more in company.
During this time Dave Parry from Esk Valley fell club was taken ill and the remaining summer series of fell races was cancelled, effectivly wiping my race calender clean. We wish him well and hope to see him return to the fells soon.
The only race I did was the Sessay Swift 6 and I can't say I raced it as I was sweeper. It was a lovely evening and the girl at the back did a grand job and ran her furthest distant to date on that night.
In total I ran 78 miles at a leisurly average pace of 11:17min/miles during August. Mostly just finding my feet once more.
Early September and I found myself on the start line for the Guisborough Three Tops, slightly modified route for the British Fell Championships. I was nervous as hell!
The race was horrendous. I knew the route well, but with two really tough climbs in the first couple of miles, my legs were empty already with another 8 miles to go. It was also a warm day and I was for too hot in my long sleeved top. I toussled with Claire from club on and off all the way round. I walked more than I should have done, I wasn't enjoying myself at all. On the climb up Roseberry Topping, I actually had to stop for a moment to let my spinning tummy and head calm down. Here Claire passed me and I never caught her again. I took longer to get round than I had back in April when I'd just done HM55 a couple of weeks before. Indeed, Claire's fiancee Bryan said they were considering coming back up the route to look for us as we had been so long.
I was dehydrated and sore for a couple of days after the race.
 |
| Claire and I happy to have finished! Photo curtesy David Aspin. |
More recently, I have felt a lot better, in myself and my running. Last couple of interval sessions I have really worked hard and today I ran a 25:26 5km at our local Parkrun. I need to get faster if I am going to get back in front of Claire!!
Tomorrow I will be racing at the Vikings 4 Peaks Chase and I know it's a toughie, so no doubt I will be telling my tales of running woe tomorrow evening...
Sunday, 7 June 2015
Dragons, not the Sutton Bank TT and rainbows in the rain at Thirsk.
A lot to catch up on, but I will keep it brief...
Second HDSRL fixture for 2015 was hosted by Dragon Aire at Yeadon, near Leeds. I was told this was an off road course and that I would enjoy it! We got there with time to walk from the cricket club down through town to the start and to get warmed up. I can't remember the course in detail, but it was very much off road! A lot of downhill to start, plenty of tree roots and rocks to play on, alongside 'Europe's Largest Sewerage Plant' then back up a stiff climb in the woods. I loved it! Every minute pretty much. Each time the marshals called for us to slow down, tree roots I was able to speed up! I was overtaking people all through the race, which is unusual for me! Managed to overtake Claire on the big climb and I didn't see her again until the finish. Only down side was there wasn't enough mud!!
The hosting club did a grand job and there was a feast at the cricket club! Sandwiches, cakes, chicken legs, pizza, crisps, sausages etc etc. Big pan of chips with a stack of bread and butter for making chip butties... I ate more calories than I ran!!
At the end of the month the club holds a time trial over 2 miles. In the summer we tend to go up to Sutton Bank for this. I decided that if I am going to get back on track with Ultra training, then a longer run would be more beneficial. Hilary was in agreement and so it was I ran down to her house on the far side of town, together we ran round Sowerby Fields, checking out the route for our HDSRL fixture, then I ran back home again. 9.4 miles clocked up in total, and on a school night!!
More recently, it was time for our club to host the HDSRL. I had agreed to be sweeper on foot, I also bought the paper plates and about a 100-weight of crisps for the buffet afterwards!
I dropped all that off and jogged down to the start area where I found my friend Sarah who I hadn't seen in ages, so that was good! People were still arriving as the start whistle blew, a couple of guys taking their time in the loo, so I had a sprint with them to catch up with the main pack. Then I realised there were still people joining the race, so I stood aside and waited for everyone to catch up. At long last they did, and so I had another faster than expected run to reach the back of the race. Here I found Marian, one of Thirsk's own bringing up the rear so I slowed down and ran with her for the race. The course consisted of two laps and we were lapped by the leading runners! We'd almost finished when the heavens opened! Sideways rain and hail, yuk yuk yuk but it was coupled by a glorious double rainbow! Marian made it to the finish, accompanied not only by me, but by several other marshalls and hangers on that we'd collected along the way!
Back at the club house, out of the rain, we had a great pile of sandwiches and sausage rolls and the all important buns in club colours, I think made by the Coy family!
There has also been club training, Thursday night fun in the woods with the forest people and a Sunday morning run on Sutton Bank with Basil. I have a marathon next weekend and another Ultra in September. I am not ready for either...
Second HDSRL fixture for 2015 was hosted by Dragon Aire at Yeadon, near Leeds. I was told this was an off road course and that I would enjoy it! We got there with time to walk from the cricket club down through town to the start and to get warmed up. I can't remember the course in detail, but it was very much off road! A lot of downhill to start, plenty of tree roots and rocks to play on, alongside 'Europe's Largest Sewerage Plant' then back up a stiff climb in the woods. I loved it! Every minute pretty much. Each time the marshals called for us to slow down, tree roots I was able to speed up! I was overtaking people all through the race, which is unusual for me! Managed to overtake Claire on the big climb and I didn't see her again until the finish. Only down side was there wasn't enough mud!!
The hosting club did a grand job and there was a feast at the cricket club! Sandwiches, cakes, chicken legs, pizza, crisps, sausages etc etc. Big pan of chips with a stack of bread and butter for making chip butties... I ate more calories than I ran!!
At the end of the month the club holds a time trial over 2 miles. In the summer we tend to go up to Sutton Bank for this. I decided that if I am going to get back on track with Ultra training, then a longer run would be more beneficial. Hilary was in agreement and so it was I ran down to her house on the far side of town, together we ran round Sowerby Fields, checking out the route for our HDSRL fixture, then I ran back home again. 9.4 miles clocked up in total, and on a school night!!
More recently, it was time for our club to host the HDSRL. I had agreed to be sweeper on foot, I also bought the paper plates and about a 100-weight of crisps for the buffet afterwards!
I dropped all that off and jogged down to the start area where I found my friend Sarah who I hadn't seen in ages, so that was good! People were still arriving as the start whistle blew, a couple of guys taking their time in the loo, so I had a sprint with them to catch up with the main pack. Then I realised there were still people joining the race, so I stood aside and waited for everyone to catch up. At long last they did, and so I had another faster than expected run to reach the back of the race. Here I found Marian, one of Thirsk's own bringing up the rear so I slowed down and ran with her for the race. The course consisted of two laps and we were lapped by the leading runners! We'd almost finished when the heavens opened! Sideways rain and hail, yuk yuk yuk but it was coupled by a glorious double rainbow! Marian made it to the finish, accompanied not only by me, but by several other marshalls and hangers on that we'd collected along the way!
Back at the club house, out of the rain, we had a great pile of sandwiches and sausage rolls and the all important buns in club colours, I think made by the Coy family!
There has also been club training, Thursday night fun in the woods with the forest people and a Sunday morning run on Sutton Bank with Basil. I have a marathon next weekend and another Ultra in September. I am not ready for either...
Sunday, 10 May 2015
The Summer Season has started!
I made the right decision not to run last Sunday. The conditions were 'epic' (which translates to cold wet and windy and quite horrid) and on Monday I felt dreadful. I was dragged round Wickes in search of DIY supplies for the ongoing decorating project at home.
Thankfully I had perked up a bit by Tuesday and felt able to participate in the opening fixture of the Harrogate Evening League (HDSRL) held rather fittingly at Harrogate! At the last moment I had thrown an extra T-shirt into my back and I was glad I had as it was cold and windy on the Birkenwith Industrial Estate. I didn't have a plan in mind other than to just get round and run to feel, seeing as I had a cold and this was my first fast outing since the HM55.
Soon after the start, the stitch started. Gosh it hurt. The uphills were hard work and they're quite tough climbs but at least they didn't aggravate the stitch, unlike the fast steep downhills. The (very) short stretch of 'off road' was welcome and I over took a few people who were fannying about in the tiny bit of water and mud and straight into the next big hill. I had been leap-frogging with Claire a lot of the way round and I had to overcoming a spinning head and reeling tummy to get past her on this climb. She too had stitch and the pair of us ran with fingers dug into our ribs!
On the home straight however, she came past me again and I had nothing left to catch her, I just had to watch her go and I was a little cross. Not with Claire as she has worked so hard and made such an improvement with her running, but with myself because I should be able to beat her. But, that's a matter for another day and now I just enjoyed my post race water and quickly got changed as it began to rain.
Wednesday, another day, another league, another race! This time a fell race held out on Carlton Bank and the opening race of the Esk Valley Summer Series. This is a favourite of mine, but I wasn't looking forward to it. I was tired from last night and the lingering cold, my muscles still hurt from yesterday's stitch and I was dreading it coming on again. It was also much cooler tonight and I set off wearing too many layers! My waterproof and gloves came off within the first couple of miles and I was still a bit warm, but I kept my other top on as it protected me from the wind up on the moor.
From the start I was stuck behind a couple of other women, this first stretch is good fun but is very narrow with very limited passing opportunity. As it was, I felt I wasn't running fast enough but every time I upped the effort, I was rewarded with the stabbing pain of the stitch. I had to make do with where I was. At last we reached the woods and a very steep decsent, and the other two women pulled away, Pat almost got away from too but I reeled her in after the drop! There were a couple of hills in the woods that I had forgotten about and I overtook one of the women before we got to the main climb on the Cleveland Way. Up Live Moor and onto Round Hill then all the way along to the double trig point of Carlton Bank. The flags weren't too wet, first I passed Alan from club then at last caught and passed the other lady from earlier. I didn't feel too bad now and could run most of the return leg, the stitch seemed to have subsided quite a bit now.
After touching the trig comes the horrible fast descent, first on the flagged steps then on a corner you hop the barbed wire fence (of course I got snagged on it!) then follow the sheep trods down over the tips and hopefully emerge at the finish! I did have a couple of runners in my sight trying to establish where the race line was, but I think I missed it as I ended up on a near vertical bank sliding down heather on my bum!! As I hit the bottom, just a short distance to go, the second lady I passed emerged on the flagged path to my right! Oh no! There was no way she was going to beat me so I ran like hell on the narrow path across the heather and made sure I beat her to the gate! I was going to congratulate her (as we had chatted during the race) but she didn't hang around.
There had been a good turn out tonight, we had a full men's team for a change consisting of Alan W, Steve M, Duncan and Pete W. We also had two ladies teams Lorraine, Hilary and Carol making up the A team, with me, Pat and a 'ghost' being the B team.
No rest for the wicked! Back out again on Thursday night for a run round Kilburn Woods. There was another big turn out, including some new club members who didn't even stop to say hello...hmm. There was quite a range of abilities so we split into smaller groups and the fast lads went for an eyeballs out blast round the trails. We had a more sedate plod around and enjoyed the evening sunshine. Must admit I was tired at the end of this run and glad I had a couple of rest days coming up.
In 'Nature News' I am glad the swallows are still here, I was beginning to wonder if they had stayed. The bluebells look lovely in the woods and in my garden, I just wish the temperature would get a little more summer like!
Thankfully I had perked up a bit by Tuesday and felt able to participate in the opening fixture of the Harrogate Evening League (HDSRL) held rather fittingly at Harrogate! At the last moment I had thrown an extra T-shirt into my back and I was glad I had as it was cold and windy on the Birkenwith Industrial Estate. I didn't have a plan in mind other than to just get round and run to feel, seeing as I had a cold and this was my first fast outing since the HM55.
Soon after the start, the stitch started. Gosh it hurt. The uphills were hard work and they're quite tough climbs but at least they didn't aggravate the stitch, unlike the fast steep downhills. The (very) short stretch of 'off road' was welcome and I over took a few people who were fannying about in the tiny bit of water and mud and straight into the next big hill. I had been leap-frogging with Claire a lot of the way round and I had to overcoming a spinning head and reeling tummy to get past her on this climb. She too had stitch and the pair of us ran with fingers dug into our ribs!
On the home straight however, she came past me again and I had nothing left to catch her, I just had to watch her go and I was a little cross. Not with Claire as she has worked so hard and made such an improvement with her running, but with myself because I should be able to beat her. But, that's a matter for another day and now I just enjoyed my post race water and quickly got changed as it began to rain.
Wednesday, another day, another league, another race! This time a fell race held out on Carlton Bank and the opening race of the Esk Valley Summer Series. This is a favourite of mine, but I wasn't looking forward to it. I was tired from last night and the lingering cold, my muscles still hurt from yesterday's stitch and I was dreading it coming on again. It was also much cooler tonight and I set off wearing too many layers! My waterproof and gloves came off within the first couple of miles and I was still a bit warm, but I kept my other top on as it protected me from the wind up on the moor.
From the start I was stuck behind a couple of other women, this first stretch is good fun but is very narrow with very limited passing opportunity. As it was, I felt I wasn't running fast enough but every time I upped the effort, I was rewarded with the stabbing pain of the stitch. I had to make do with where I was. At last we reached the woods and a very steep decsent, and the other two women pulled away, Pat almost got away from too but I reeled her in after the drop! There were a couple of hills in the woods that I had forgotten about and I overtook one of the women before we got to the main climb on the Cleveland Way. Up Live Moor and onto Round Hill then all the way along to the double trig point of Carlton Bank. The flags weren't too wet, first I passed Alan from club then at last caught and passed the other lady from earlier. I didn't feel too bad now and could run most of the return leg, the stitch seemed to have subsided quite a bit now.
After touching the trig comes the horrible fast descent, first on the flagged steps then on a corner you hop the barbed wire fence (of course I got snagged on it!) then follow the sheep trods down over the tips and hopefully emerge at the finish! I did have a couple of runners in my sight trying to establish where the race line was, but I think I missed it as I ended up on a near vertical bank sliding down heather on my bum!! As I hit the bottom, just a short distance to go, the second lady I passed emerged on the flagged path to my right! Oh no! There was no way she was going to beat me so I ran like hell on the narrow path across the heather and made sure I beat her to the gate! I was going to congratulate her (as we had chatted during the race) but she didn't hang around.
There had been a good turn out tonight, we had a full men's team for a change consisting of Alan W, Steve M, Duncan and Pete W. We also had two ladies teams Lorraine, Hilary and Carol making up the A team, with me, Pat and a 'ghost' being the B team.
 |
| It's meant to be summer! Carol, me, Pat, Hilary and Lorraine at the Carlton Challenge |
No rest for the wicked! Back out again on Thursday night for a run round Kilburn Woods. There was another big turn out, including some new club members who didn't even stop to say hello...hmm. There was quite a range of abilities so we split into smaller groups and the fast lads went for an eyeballs out blast round the trails. We had a more sedate plod around and enjoyed the evening sunshine. Must admit I was tired at the end of this run and glad I had a couple of rest days coming up.
In 'Nature News' I am glad the swallows are still here, I was beginning to wonder if they had stayed. The bluebells look lovely in the woods and in my garden, I just wish the temperature would get a little more summer like!
Sunday, 3 May 2015
Two runs and a DNS...
I have generally speaking, been having an 'off month' from training following on from the Hardmoors 55 in March. This last week, well week before really now, particularly lacking in training!
Thought I had better start getting back into the swing of things before I forget how to run completely.
Wednesday should have been a time trial at Club, but I felt too fat (I've put on several pounds too due to lack of exercise) and unfit to do that justice, so I decided to go for a jog into town and back. It was a run of two halves to say the least! For the first mile and a half I suffered terrible stitch, having to have 3 walk breaks in that time to try and shift it. I felt like a beginner all over again! Once that finally cleared and I could get into some sort of rhythm, I felt much better and ended up finishing strong with a good run up Plump Bank. It wasn't a pretty run by any means, but I felt better having done it.
Thursday is the traditional Kilburn Woods run, just 6 of us tonight. My legs didn't feel too bad once we'd set off, but my lungs didn't want to work and the whole way round they burned, made worse by any sort of incline. It was uncomfortable to say the least, but we got round in a respectable time.
Friday is always rest day and Saturday was too as I was due to do a half marathon on Sunday. However, by mid-morning on Saturday it was clear I had a cold. Second one of the year. By Saturday evening, I wasn't sure if I wanted to race, especially as the forecast was awful. Still, I got my stuff together and figured I could decide in the morning...
...Sunday dawned and this time the forecast was right, it was pissing it down and blowing a gale. I lay in bed pondering what to do. I figured that 3 hours (it's a Hardmoors race, so Half Mara = 15 miles = 3 hours running) out on the moors in the lashing rain and cold wind probably wouldn't do my cold any favours. A shorter race or better weather and I would have stuck it out. I felt a bit of a pansy, but I didn't go. Of course, I have two more races coming up in quick succession, so they are in jeopardy too! Looks like my 'month off' might continue for a few more days... grr.
Thought I had better start getting back into the swing of things before I forget how to run completely.
Wednesday should have been a time trial at Club, but I felt too fat (I've put on several pounds too due to lack of exercise) and unfit to do that justice, so I decided to go for a jog into town and back. It was a run of two halves to say the least! For the first mile and a half I suffered terrible stitch, having to have 3 walk breaks in that time to try and shift it. I felt like a beginner all over again! Once that finally cleared and I could get into some sort of rhythm, I felt much better and ended up finishing strong with a good run up Plump Bank. It wasn't a pretty run by any means, but I felt better having done it.
Thursday is the traditional Kilburn Woods run, just 6 of us tonight. My legs didn't feel too bad once we'd set off, but my lungs didn't want to work and the whole way round they burned, made worse by any sort of incline. It was uncomfortable to say the least, but we got round in a respectable time.
Friday is always rest day and Saturday was too as I was due to do a half marathon on Sunday. However, by mid-morning on Saturday it was clear I had a cold. Second one of the year. By Saturday evening, I wasn't sure if I wanted to race, especially as the forecast was awful. Still, I got my stuff together and figured I could decide in the morning...
...Sunday dawned and this time the forecast was right, it was pissing it down and blowing a gale. I lay in bed pondering what to do. I figured that 3 hours (it's a Hardmoors race, so Half Mara = 15 miles = 3 hours running) out on the moors in the lashing rain and cold wind probably wouldn't do my cold any favours. A shorter race or better weather and I would have stuck it out. I felt a bit of a pansy, but I didn't go. Of course, I have two more races coming up in quick succession, so they are in jeopardy too! Looks like my 'month off' might continue for a few more days... grr.
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