plastic satsuma

Gall

2012-01-19T11:59:00.000Z

Slight spanner in the works. In the form of suspected gallstones. I've been having on and off abdominal pain for a while now. A couple of times the pain has been the sort that has you on the floor whimpering. Finally took myself to the GP. Gallstones are number one candidate. Waiting for a scan to confirm. If confirmed, possible that me and my gall bladder will part company.

Despite this I'm still making progress. Being poorly means I've missed a couple of training runs, but, my running is now at the 5 mile mark. I've also missed 2 sessions of training at nogymrequired, but I'm still enjoying that, and definitely feeling the benefit. Yoga has started up again and I'm enjoying getting a really good stretch out once a week. I've also had the bike out for the first pedal of the year.

On balance. More good than bad!

Minus 3

2012-01-12T11:44:00.001Z

Oh yes! 3lb gone in my first week of nogymrequired training. And most importantly, as my body fat % is less, I know it's 3lbs of useless fat that's gone. I had to actually cinch my belt a bit tighter this morning. The training is working and the good thing is I'm really enjoying it. It's 30-60 minute sessions, so it's no great trauma fitting it in and the atmosphere at sessions is really encouraging, both from Helen (the trainer) and other participants. I like going. And, I like the results I'm seeing.

I think feeling so positive about my general fitness is having a really good knock on effect to my running. I'm still only at 3 x 3 milers a week (starts upping from this weekend), but I'm mentally in the right place to pull on my trainers and get out the door and only do what the plan says. No being silly.

Running definitely keeps me sane and makes me more productive in other areas of my life. Consequently I'm feeling really good about my studio work and feel like some opportunities are opening up.

12 days into the New Year and so far so good!

Drawing a line

2012-01-06T20:04:00.000Z

Hmmm, how have I not blogged since November. I am such a slacker.I think all in I'm drawing a line under 2011. It feels like I spent more of the year injured than not. Running the HPM was literally the high peak of the year. It seems like I never really recovered. With being injured came lot of self pity and moping about and finding solace in biscuits. None of which helped.

But, New Year. New start. Head definitely in the right place. I've entered the 2012 FoD half marathon on April 1st. I'm starting my running as if a beginner, building the miles up very slowly. The first few 3 mile runs have gone ok. I'm hoping this slow and steady approach will keep injury away.The other tactic is to actually work on my strength. I've known for a while that my core strength isn't as sparkly as it could be. It really took a visit to Mills Physio to properly bring home to me how much better a runner I could be with a bit strength work added to the mix. It was also pointed out to me that my gluteus was far from maximus. The gym never seems to work for me, too boring and yoga helps but doesn't do enough. So, I've bitten the bullet and signed up on a training plan at No Gym Required. The bonus of making some muscle is I'll also lose some fat, needed after the huge biscuit consumption of 2011. Have been for 3 sessions so far. Hard! But, good. Really made me work. Got a nutrition plan to follow for the month too. So far, so good. More updates to come.Just need to find a bit of time for the odd pedal out too and everything will be dandy.

So, that's me back blogging, and really looking forward to getting fit again in 2012. Happy New Year!

2 lots of 1.5

2011-11-11T21:27:00.001Z

Finally. Running again. Two little jogs out this week. Only 1.5 miles each. But, feels good to be on the way back to being a runner. Will be taking it very steady. Plans for early 2012 are already changed, definitely no HPM for me, too much to go from less than zero to 42 miles in only 4 months. Aiming to be really back to full fitness for Saunders Mountain Marathon in July.

All good though.

Still sore

2011-10-20T16:49:00.003+01:00

The leg is improving, but it's still not fully mended. I've been on the bike, 10 miles and done one yoga class. Struggling to know what I should and shouldn't try and do, want to start getting fit again, don't want to over do it and be right back at broken.

My biscuit and baking skills are coming on a treat!

All for now.

Moving on.

2011-10-11T11:13:00.002+01:00

I didn't mean to abandon the blog! I've just been a bit grumpy round the edges. The leg went for a second opinion. Two physios in total agreement. Adductor muscles torn, leg impinged. Soft tissue damage just needs time. The marathon obviously didn't happen.

It's now just over 3 weeks since I hurt myself. I'm walking pain free. I think I could happily ride a bike now, even that hasn't been an option. Running will be another couple weeks off. And I intend to start back very gently.

Things this injury and some extra physio sessions have taught me......... I don't run properly. I'm not using my core and glutes, potentially I could run further or faster!? Or at least run the same distance and speed but end up with less injury if my legs were mostly propelling me forward instead of flailing about all over the place. I've got exercises to do. And, I'll be signing up for a pose running course to try and learn a better running technique. I'm starting to realise why I keep picking up running injuries and how to prevent it happening.

My head is ready to run, I've bought some new trainers, as soon as the leg says yes, we're on the way to being a better runner.

Leg woes

2011-09-23T15:44:00.000+01:00

The leg isn't happy. One session at the physio on Wednesday. Eased it a lot and I happily pottered round the shops in Ambleside for some retail therapy. Yesterday and today have just seen it getting steadily worse though. Just walking the dogs is a slow and sore process, running most definitely not happening. I'm in a grump about it. Some more physio tomorrow, so fingers crossed.

When good legs go bad

2011-09-19T11:43:00.000+01:00

My left leg always used to be my good leg, it was never old lefties fault we were at physio. Never the left side that let us down in race, never faltering, just keeping on running.

Until this year. First it was the knee and now it's the hip.

Yesterdays 20 planned miles ended in a hobble after 15.5. My leg felt a bit tight as I left the house, but nothing I didn't think I could just run off once I got warmed up. 5 miles in and I took a walking break trying to adjust my stride a bit and get everything stretched out. 10 miles in and I got out my phone ready to ring for the broom wagon. I convinced myself I was just being a bit wimpy and put the phone away again. 13 miles in and I was properly hurting. A further mile to get a phone signal and a further 2 to a road where I could be rescued.

The marathon is 3 weeks away. I'm hoping some physio magic can be worked this week. Within myself I don't feel like I'm properly injured, just seized, does that make sense? I've been having a sports massage every month to try and stay flexible. I just feel though as if my hip joint right round to my groin has simply tightened to a point where the leg can't move freely.

Anyway, my right leg is my new favourite leg. And riding bikes is seeming ever more tempting again than this running lark!

Wobble

2011-09-13T22:46:00.001+01:00

The 30 days of biking has had a bit of a wobble. I've missed more days than I've ridden. Will try and put in a solid performance for the remaining two weeks.

My running is going uncharacteristically well though. Churned out 17.5 miles on Sunday. Felt a bit ouchy on Monday but certainly not broken. 20 planned for next weekend then take it a bit easier for two weeks until race day. Ultras are starting to catch my eye again........

Towpath fixie ride

2011-09-06T21:44:00.001+01:00

Towpath fixie ride to and from physio. Too blustery for a danger panda pic. Day 6. #30daysofbiking
Originally uploaded by jumbly

To the physio for a leg crunching session. A quick nip along the road and then back via the towpath. Was hoping to danger panda it on the way back, but super blustery conditions moving in the me to the water direction meant I bottled it.

The new bike, is proving though, to be the best bike in the world.

Day 6 of 30 days of biking and all is well with the world.

Panda-parmesan-pedal

2011-09-05T16:18:00.001+01:00

Panda
Originally uploaded by jumbly

Day 5 of 30 days of biking. Pasta planned for dinner. Middle class crisis - totally out of parmigiano. Quick pedal to the shops. Some danger panda hijinks on the way back.

Not all went as planned.

2011-09-04T22:40:00.001+01:00

Some of the day went exactly to plan. Up early and out. 15 miles run by a tad past 10 o'clock this morning.

Dolly the visiting spaniel was collected by her human. Swiss chocolate and beer were gratefully received by us.

A big dinner and a few beers at The Three Fishes. Delicious.

Ride 4 of 30 days of biking. Hmmmmm. A quick nip out on the fixie? Perfect. I got to the end of our street to find a hobo dog dodging cars on the A6. I tried to round the pooch up as did another passer by, but hobo hound had other ideas and set off up the A6. Sometimes on the pavement, sometimes amongst the traffic. A few miles of pedalling behind it, several failed attempts to grab it, much arm waving at car drivers to avoid squishing. Hobo hound finally got herded into a local farmyard. I last saw the stable girl attempting to attach a lead. Not quite the ride I'd planned, but a bit of variety.

Another almost danger panda.

2011-09-03T14:15:00.001+01:00

Another almost danger panda. Day 3 of 30 days of biking.
Originally uploaded by jumbly

I'm not sure that riding up and down the road between rain showers practising danger pandas is what most people did today. But, I was outside, and on a bike. So that's counting as my Day 3 of 30 days of biking.

Tomorrow may prove tricky as I have an 18 mile marathon training run on the agenda. That and any pedalling? My legs will hate me.

No danger, just a cauli.

2011-09-02T21:32:00.000+01:00

Day 2 of 30 Days of Biking. No attempted danger panda. I was too weighed down by cauliflower.

Commute on the new bike despite it being the least appropriate! A closed road on the ride home lead to a farm shop discovery. I popped in for a look and came away with a cauliflower that was in reality too big for my bag. It made the remaining 6 mile pedal home a bit unusual. But the sun was shining. I took a shortcut across some bridleway.

The new bike is an absolute joy to ride. All is well in the world.

Almost a danger panda

2011-09-01T22:31:00.002+01:00

Almost a danger panda
Originally uploaded by jumbly
Today is the first day of round 4 of 30 days of biking. I'll be giving it a go.

To celebrate I'm riding my one day old "mid life crisis" bike and attempting my first danger panda.

I'll either have this all perfected by day 30, or I'll be all busted up.

Still here

2011-08-30T17:55:00.000+01:00

We had a few days away at the Edinburgh festival last week. It was great. I totally fell in love with the city too, it's added to the list of places I might like to live. The food and drink we consumed was amazing, in terms of quality and quantity. All of which meant no running for the week. I had a long run planned for the weekend. But, my legs felt sore and I felt tired and just not that up for it. So I rode the bike instead.

I ran today. Just the 3 miles on my training plan. Legs felt the best they have for ages. Sometimes a week off is just what the legs want. Feeling fine about the fact Kielder marathon is now only 6 weeks away. Don't want to jinx myself but making it to the starting line is looking likely! Just the small matter of the 26.2 miles that come after the start.

Wensleydale Tri

2011-08-20T14:58:00.000+01:00

It's taken me a week to get round to blogging this. But, last weekend, as a last minute substitute I joined a team and did the run leg of The Wensleydale Tri.

A lack of sleep, an unnecessarily early start, inclement weather, a queasy round the edges not eaten enough feeling. All had me waiting in T2 for my cyclist to arrive feeling like the last thing I wanted to do was run. But, Ali pulled in on her bike, out of breath and super keen for me to get going, a bit of adrenaline did the trick, I grabbed the timing chip and off I went. The run is essentially up hill for 6 miles, turn round and back down. I set off trying to keep it nice and nice steady, keep breathing, keep moving the legs, ever upward. I actually found myself quite enjoying the run. About a mile from the top, I felt a bit like I was running out of steam so scoffed an energy bar down.

Round the monument on the top of Great Shunner Fell. Just 6 miles downhill to do. About a mile from the top, the energy bar seemed a really bad idea as my stomach started complain. I had no choice though but to keep running. The last mile, all on tarmac was quite draggy, but eventually the finish was in sight and I was done.

I was knackered. Don't ask me how triathletes do it. No way could I have done that run after a swim and a bike ride! Nice bit of cheese as the reward for the effort though.

Midweek madness

2011-08-11T16:19:00.000+01:00

I did the Pilgrims Cross fell race last night. Midweek madness. 6 miles. Incredibly wet. The best fun possible for £3.

At the top.

2011-08-07T21:19:00.001+01:00

At the top.
Originally uploaded by jumbly

Took some effort to resist the lure of the duvet, but, a steady 10 miler this morning. To the Pike and back. All good.

Racing

2011-08-04T16:24:00.001+01:00

I took the legs racing on Tuesday night. The Crow Hills Reverse fell race in Mytholmroyd. The legs did not thank me for the experience. There are normal hills and then Calderdale hills. Straight up a wall of almost death. And straight back down. 54 minutes 16 seconds. 64/71. Quite possibly the hardest, short race I've ever done. Fun though!

Photo credit: Richard Butterwick

Schmarathon reunion

2011-07-31T20:42:00.000+01:00

First run with team marathon schmarathon since the HPM. First run in The Peaks since HPM. First run over 10 miles in a long while. The knee was all good, struggled a bit on the last mile due to the heat, I must remember to take more water out with me when it's super sunny. The can of coke after the run was definitely earned. A brilliant day out.

PS Forgot my camera so will have to wait for kate to come back into the world of the internet before can share any photos.

Renewed interest

2011-07-20T13:32:00.000+01:00

I'm hoping my renewed interest in my running will also cause a renewed interest in my blogging. Sorry for general lack of posts lately.

Marathon training officially started again this week. 3 miles last night. So that's 14 weeks to turn 3 miles into 26.2. Assuming the injury pixie stays away I think that's doable. I'm using an online Asics training plan, they've worked for me in the past. 3 runs a week, mixed in with some biking and yoga. Enough running to get the miles in, not so much to break myself, that's the plan anyway. This will be the third marathon I've trained for, let's hope I actually make it to the start line this time. Always thinking that next stage ahead. This series has caught my eye after being mentioned by @rubenlightfoot on twitter. Reckon I fancy a few coastal runs. In Winter. Love it!

June

2011-07-01T22:53:00.000+01:00

June was mostly about being away or being ill or injured.

There was a splendid jolly to Worcestershire and on to Bristol for Bespoked - The Handmade Bike show.

Then there was over two weeks of hideous cold and cough.

Then a mighty fine trip to Belgium. Beer, waffles, moules and frites.

All of the above combined has meant little in the way of exercise. I seem to have gained a tad over 2kg in the month.

July has to be healthier!

Update on stuff

2011-05-17T11:01:00.000+01:00

Trip to Sweden went well. I was worried it would be all hospital bedsides and anxiety. But it was actually like having a little, very lovely holiday. My Dad got out of hospital the evening before we flew so was at home, which was nicer for him. He was and still is doing really well, even rode his bike a bit this week, just 3 weeks after the op. Chapeau Papa!

Five days of "holiday" somehow resulted in me gaining a kilo. Not good. I've managed a couple of runs since I got back and a half day yoga workshop, not been on the bike though as it's been pissing down and I've gone a bit fair weather only. Must sort myself out. Saunders MM is looming on the horizon, and this makes me think my team mate has gone all grrrr and super fit!

This and that

2011-05-03T12:26:00.000+01:00

There's not been a lot of running, knee still a bit shit, despite a few more visits to the physio. This meant that I withdrew from the Highland Fling. I suspect I could have got the knee all taped up, swallowed a load of ibuprofen and made it to the end, but then been out of action for months, so prudence prevailed. I reckon I can currently do 4 miles pain free, so as crap as that is, it's an improvement.

Fortunately, riding the bike still doesn't seem to be aggravating the problem, been getting some tarmac miles in. Nothing too crazy, some local loops and a couple of hilly 30 milers is as strenuous as it's been. Building some bike fitness back up slowly to avoid setting off some other random injury. Really enjoying some road riding though, slight drawback is I now have a hankering for a proper shiny carbon roadbike. I mentioned it to Glyn, he made a sort of hmmmmmmmm noise.

Continuing good news. Newton the dog celebrated his one year anniversary of living with us, he went for his annual check up, 16kg lighter than when he moved in. The vet was very pleased. He's still ridiculously naughty, I think he's as trained as he's going to get.

And on the not good news front. My Dad has been quite poorly. Off over to Sweden to visit him later this week.

That's all for now, I will make more effort to get back on top of regular blogging.

Tantastic

2011-04-17T21:38:00.000+01:00

I ran four miles on Friday. I don't think I could have done any more. Pedalled a bit on Saturday and a bit today. At least if I can ride the bike I shouldn't lose too much fitness while I wait for the knee to play nicely at running. I've got also got the start of a nice t-shirt tan. Feels like summer already.

Another two

2011-04-14T11:23:00.000+01:00

Run club duathlon last night, a race, but a bit of fun. I was sensible. I went along with nothing more than a camera and performed cheering duties.

I did do my two mile loop before I went up to run club. I spent the second mile really thinking about the way I run. Trying to keep a nice stride, using my core and arms, managing my legs, focussing on my feet. It felt different to my usual thrash about. The knee felt ok, not perfect, not mended, but definitely improving.

The compromise

2011-04-13T15:26:00.000+01:00

The knee don't want to run. The head ain't happy about this situation. Decided to risk a little two mile trot yesterday evening. This, I have discovered is the compromise distance. The knee only started groaning as I was back within sight of the house. Two miles was just long enough to make the head happy. Two miles, mostly pain free, I'll take that for now, the shuffle towards being mended has begun.

Kn'update

2011-04-09T16:25:00.000+01:00

Back to the physio with the knee. ITB much better but knee still sore. With the ITB now more free, much easier to pinpoint other stuff that's going on. For one thing I have an inflamed "fatty pad." Sweet, Jesus did a diagnosis ever have a more insulting name? Basically it's all about a blob of fat (the Hoffa pad) that acts like a mini shock absorber in the knee, mine has got all out of sorts and unhappy and isn't doing it's job properly. Added to that my knee cap isn't tracking correctly, it's pulling to the outside of my leg, this is partly due to my overly tight ITB yanking it that way and the fact that the muscle on the inside of my leg (the VMO) is too puny for words so isn't stopping the knee cap from heading left. All this is made worse by the fact I have a weak core which lets my pelvis swing and my legs slop about in any old way they fancy.

I have some freaky pelvis exercises to do, a recommendation to continue with the yoga or start some pilates. Work on my core. Stretch a LOT. Do squats. Continue losing weight. The elephant in the room is the word "rest" we've been stepping round for it for the moment. I'm not totally sure where all this leaves me right now regarding running the Fling.

Fucking knees. Argument against intelligent design or creation if there ever once, such a poor set up can only have evolved, no way would anybody start from scratch and come up with such a bag of spanners.

Commute by foot

2011-04-06T12:18:00.000+01:00

Ran in to the studio yesterday. Nice run along the canal, then up a road hill. All good though. The return journey was a disaster. Knee pain started at about half a mile in, by 2 miles I was in real discomfort. Walked the remaining two miles to home, quite slowly. Very grumpy.

Seeing the physio again this evening.

All about the 3's

2011-04-04T12:24:00.000+01:00

Three, three milers last week. Just to test the knee. I'm cautiously optimistic.

Knee

2011-03-31T10:39:00.000+01:00

Physio this morning. The knee niggle is just from a very tight ITB. Big reminder to stretch. Nothing serious though. Grrr, there goes my excuse, looks like I'll be fine for running The Fling.........

FoD

2011-03-28T21:52:00.000+01:00

Ran the Forest of Dean half marathon yesterday. 2h12, bit slower than I'd have liked. I blame my knee. It started hurting a mile and a half in. I mulled it over and thought, either turn round and walk mile and a half back to start or keep running for another 11.5 miles. I kept going. There was a picnic waiting at the finish!

I think the physio is going to have to be visited this week. I'm hoping it's just a really tight ITB yanking my knee cap into a hurty spot. I've had that before and I know it's sortable....... Fingers crossed.

The lazy option

2011-03-24T23:15:00.000Z

In a shocking turn of events I actually rode my bike today. Commuting in the sunshine. I made a plan at the start of the year to commute by bike more, but it sort of fell by the wayside. Spurred on by other people making plans and sticking to them, I didn't take the lazy option today.

Two Crosses 2011

2011-03-21T12:29:00.000Z

Yesterday was the Two Crosses LDWA event. I did this last year in lovely sunshine, this year was a lot of mist and perma-drizzle. I ran again with Michele and we were joined this year by Janet (this was Janet's longest ever run). Finished about five minutes quicker this year than last, but my Garmin shows I ran a mile less this year, we did pick a meandery detour up one of the hills last year though.

A good route, really well organised by the LDWA, super friendly, tonnes of food at the feed stop. I really enjoyed all but the last 4 miles, which were mostly downhill, my left knee was decidedly unhappy. Janet had a brilliant run out and her planned marathon for later in the year is looking like it will present no problems at all. Thanks to Michele for getting us round and not getting us lost in the fog.

Wednesday's

2011-03-17T11:17:00.000Z

It's been a while since I did a Wednesday night headtorch club run. But, I made it out last night. A nice 4.5 miles. Pushed myself a bit to keep up with the lads, surprised how good I felt, the legs seem to be over the HPM. I actually felt quite fit.

Got my eyes on the Fling now. Need to keep the mileage high enough to know I can get round, but steady enough to avoid injury. A couple of things coming up before then though, doing the Two Crosses LDWA event this weekend and the Forest of Dean half marathon the weekend after. I'm glad I've entered these as they've made me have to keep going after the HPM, would have been too easy to just slip into a post event slump without having something to focus on.

The Old County Tops and The Fellsman have both been mentioned. Far too early to be thinking 2012, but they're not on the cards for this year.........

3,3 and a rub

2011-03-15T14:17:00.000Z

The legs were obviously a bit tender after the HPM. But, I've managed a couple of 3 milers. The first of these was intended to be a 6 miler but I had to have the broom wagon out, everything just a bit ouchy. The second 3 miler went well though, no pain. I've also been for a sports massage. Looking like I've come through the HPM physically unscathed. All good.

HPM

2011-03-06T13:48:00.000Z

A 10pm (ish) start. 14.5 (ish) hours. 42 (ish) miles. What I am sure of is a lot of mud and quite a lot of pain. But, one of the best experiences possible. Running/walking/shuffling and mostly smiling all through the night to complete the HPM. Only made possible by being with some great friends. I think a more reflective blog post will follow. But for now, I need to keep my very sore feet up and keep eating as I am incredibly hungry.

Dry

2011-03-01T17:39:00.001Z

All of February. Dry. No alcohol at all.

I am looking forward to a nice cold beer.

No return

2011-02-21T11:58:00.003Z

I never liked PE at school. I wasn't a sporty youth. My twenties were a good period for parties. I took up running at 33 with the intention of being able to do 5km race. I don't know what happened to make me think the 38th year of my life was the ideal opportunity to take up ultra running. But somehow now, I feel like I'm beyond the point of no return.

12 days until HPM. I'm tapering down. That could be a training strategy. Or code for, my legs are really sore and I don't want to do much for a few days. I've never trained for anything like this so it's been a bit of a learning experience. I don't know that I've done enough miles. I'm sure I could have trained more/better, and eaten a lot less/better to have been in generally better shape. But it's too late for any of that.

We'll have to see what happens a week on Friday when I'm out there, I'm optimistic for finishing, it's just how badly it hurts. Whatever happens, I feel like it will all put me in a good position for moving forward to focus on The Highland Fling.

Ultra running. A mid life crisis with a difference.

Inspiration

2011-02-14T12:41:00.001Z

Inspiration
Originally uploaded by jumbly

I read the books.
Inspiration. Aspiration. Perspiration.
My own adventures.
My biggest running week ever.
Dedication I didn't know I had.

Air

2011-02-11T11:49:00.002Z

Somehow I seem to have not blogged yet this month. There's been a return to bicycle riding! And of course a bit of running, but no flying, unlike Trio, who decided to catch some air while out running in the dark with me last night!

Legs not keen

2011-01-31T11:13:00.002Z

Trainers on yesterday afternoon. Hoping for 5 miles. Left it at 3. The legs and the blistered foot just not that keen on doing any more.

HPM recce part 3.

2011-01-30T14:47:00.001Z

29/365
Originally uploaded by Good Hank

Team marathon-schmarathon met again yesterday. Our 3rd recce of the HPM route, the tricky, featureless bit in the middle. A slight tendency to drift left and low, but no serious navigational errors, bodes well for the actual event.

17.5 miles on the garmin when we got back to the cars. Special isotonic banana muffins home made by kate where most welcome. Fortunately they were served without salad cream!

Kate got much better photos than me of the day, so I've nabbed one of hers for the blog.

The movies

2011-01-25T10:26:00.003Z

Went to the flicks last night, first time in ages. Saw The King's Speech, well worth a watch.

The cinema is about 5 miles away, I ran, G drove, we planned for me to set off well in advance and meet up in the carpark. The cinema is also inconveniently close to Bolton Wanderers football stadium, they played at home last night. Match traffic meant I covered the five miles quicker on foot than G did in the car. If that hadn't meant me having to hang round in a carpark in my run stuff, freezing and being stared at like I was nutter, I'd have felt pretty smug about foot power beating petrol power.

Tired head

2011-01-23T22:56:00.003Z

It's been a weird week. I've been really tired, like really struggling to keep my eyes open tired. I've forced myself out for a couple of three milers and a five. Even though I've really wanted to stay glued to the couch. And the weird thing is my legs feel great, on those shorter runs I'm moving along quite speedily. It's not my body that's fatigued, it's my head. Weird.

A bit more

2011-01-16T18:52:00.002Z

Left it late but just got out round the block. Another 3 and bit miles in the legs. Really must sort out the iPod. Some James Blunt shuffled in my ears tonight. That's just not right.

Cutting it short

2011-01-15T21:20:00.003Z

It becomes apparent you're training for something quite long when cutting a run short due to inclement weather leaves you disappointed you only covered 12 miles. Todays planned long run had to be curtailed when the forecast 70mph gusting winds did in fact turn out to be true. It was difficult standing at times, never mind running, so the sensible decision was made to get off the hill.

Still, another 12 miles in the legs and the route choices for another 2 HPM checkpoints were finely tuned. Only 3/4 of team marathon-schmarathon were out today as Kate is riding the Strathpuffer. Good Luck!

Cross drizzle

2011-01-14T15:27:00.004Z

Out on the bike yesterday. First ride of the year, first ride for a long time. 13 miles on the cross bike. Chasing Trio and wishing I could keep up a bit better. The weather was a miserable perma-drizzle. There were chips! Despite my face, it was fun.

Stretch and skip

2011-01-11T21:13:00.002Z

First yoga class after the Christmas break. Just what the legs needed. It was hurty, but lovely.

In other news, I have bought a skipping rope. So far I've managed a few minutes and whipped myself in the face. I'm aiming for 10 minutes of graceful, speedy whirring, fly like a butterfly......

What I did learn

2011-01-10T20:53:00.002Z

Things what I did learn. Even when my legs are so sore that standing and walking hurt, I can make them go out and run 3 miles (albeit quite slowly). My iPod really needs sorting out, some right shite shuffled into my ears during those 35 minutes. Road crossings in the dark and rain are scary, high vis vests are a good thing.

One down

2011-01-09T12:05:00.004Z

Yesterdays big run went well. The weather was a bit bonkers. A shade under 18 miles. Done slowly, but that's part of what a recce is all about. Route choices, check point locations and kit list all discussed along the way. Some fab homemade cake courtesy of kate.

My legs are feeling it a bit today, but one HPM recce down and something similar planned for next weekend. It's starting to feel like I might make it round........

Big one

2011-01-07T19:49:00.003Z

There's been some running this week, not big miles, but hey, at least the trainers have been on. I've been trying to watch the calorific intake a bit too, with varying degrees of success, hobnobs are just so tricky to say no to. I have yet to pedal my bike or go to the gym, and they are on the list of things I need to do.

Tomorrow though, is a big one, I'm getting my kit together for it now, map, compass, waterproofs. All of team marathon-schmarathon are meeting up to recce the first chunk of The HPM. I haven't tried to run up a hill since sometime about the middle of last year. I think it will hurt.

Hello 2011!

2011-01-04T12:25:00.003Z

Happy New Year and all that jazz. There are no resolutions being made here, just plans for adventures. The two most in the front of my mind right now that will require some training are HPM and HONC. Both are entered with friends. Running, riding, friends. Add to those some homebaked bread, the odd slice of cake, an occasional wee dram and bit of travel to exciting places and I reckon 2011 will be a good 'un!

Spreadsheet

2010-12-07T16:21:00.002Z

I made my ultramarathon training spreadsheet just in the nick of time it would appear from a leak on the FRA forum that team marathon-schmarathon, of which I am 25% has made it through the ballot and been accepted to the HPM.

I churned out 10.5 miles in the ice on Sunday and felt pretty good by the end of that. Just need to quadruple my efforts by March and all will be well.

Racing

2010-11-29T11:23:00.003Z

Yesterday was the David Staff Memorial fell race over at Darwen. It's 5.2 miles and once you get the bastard hard uphill to the Tower out of the way, it's a really nice run. This was my first fell race in 2008, and I did it again last year. This year, though? My missing fitness, my missing mojo, my at-least-10lb-of-extra-belly. No chance. Except, a last minute change of heart. How the hell was I going to find my fitness, find my mojo and lose some belly if I stayed glued to the couch?

So, off I went. 18 seconds slower than last year. It was all a bit hurty. But, it was fun. I saw friends, I bumped into my mojo on a pretty stunning bit of hill. I had that, oh, yeah, this is why I like fell running moment. It always comes back eventually. Finished with a smile. Injury not aggravated. So glad I raced.

My mojo is out there having a good time without me

2010-11-27T14:52:00.004Z

My mojo is out there in the wind. In here, it's just me and the biscuits. Fat and a bit miserable. If my mojo breezes past anybody having a good time without me. Tell it to get back here.

All good

2010-11-11T21:40:00.003Z

Since I last blogged, I've had a couple of good runs. A nice walk or two and my second yoga class. I also seem to have been drinking red wine and eating hearty winter food. I'm increasingly busy at the studio. It's all good.

Scooby snacks

2010-11-03T10:41:00.002Z

Monday running. In the rain. With friends. Pushed hard. Felt good.

Tuesday gym. And yoga. First class. Loved it. My legs especially appreciated a super stretch.

Scooby snacks just about earned.

New month

2010-11-01T15:44:00.002Z

The tail end of October was properly shit. New month. Fresh start. Onwards. Pack some adventures in. Life is too short.

Break the silence

2010-10-15T15:02:00.003+01:00

Sorry for the blogio silence. Had a week away in Cornwall, great fun. Dogs had an amazing time on all the beaches, as did we, lots of good food, drink and a chance to hang with friends old and new, perfect.

Back to reality with a bump. Especially for Newton the dog, who having reached a healthy weight had his 'nad chopping op on Monday. He's wearing the cone of shame, a few days of whimpering and looking a bit sorry for himself, he seems fine now though. I'll be glad when he can go back to normal exercise regime, telling a lab that's only just discovered he can run that he has to take it easy for a bit is not a task we're enjoying.

As for my running, well, a week off in Cornwall, no running, just walking, and being shown some yoga stretches by our friend Lucy (she's an instructor) seems to have got me right round the injury corner. I ran a lovely 7 miles today and felt the best about my legs and fitness that I have done for ages. Just as well, as the entry form for a very big race is sitting on the desk waiting to be posted!

Highs and lows

2010-09-28T19:01:00.003+01:00

I did the FRA navigation course at the weekend. Some theory and practical lessons, a couple of short navigation exercises, one solo, one at night, all leading up to the big test on the Sunday. A "Death by Knoll" run round Silver Howe, 10 checkpoints to visit.

Feeling very unsure, I elected to be shadowed by an instructor who left me to do my own thing but was only a couple of minutes behind me if it all went wrong. Off to a good start, CPs 1-3 in the bag, easy, reassuring words from Anja, my shadow. First proper bit of route choice made to CP4, no problems I came in from above, spotted the flag, the cutoff made with 45 minutes to spare, all looking good. Onto CP5, again coming in from above the sheepfold spotted, a speedy dash, card clipped. The longest stretch now to CP6. And here's where it all went wrong. I knew to break it down into manageable sections, the two knolls and a boulder were reached. I took a bearing and off I went again. A very steep sided river valley was reached, uncrossable. Knowing that this couldn't be right I paused and waited for my shadow, looking at her map it became apparent that the main problem was my marking a checkpoint in the wrong place on my map. I got cross with myself. Things unravelled a bit. My shadow sorted me out and got me to a point I could relocate myself on the map. I was now nearer CP7 than 6. Did I want to go back or just miss the CP? I went back, I'd rather run out of time than fuck up and not really know what had gone wrong. CP6 properly located and bagged, I rushed back to CP7, the flag was being dismantled as I approached, I made a funny squeaking noise and Chris K marshalling put the flag back out for me, rewarded by the biggest grin ever from me. He checked I was OK, did I know where I was going next, yes, I told him my route choice. Off I went, bumped into another instructor who suggested I cut along a different path, so I did. Except when I got to the end of it, I couldn't work out which way to go. Three instructors calling me back up a hill.

Frustration, anger, fatigue, all too much, I cried, I wasn't going on, screw CPs 8-10. Instructor Kev, asked me what I'd eaten, nothing? No wonder the brain is shutting down, crisps, cheese sarnie, half a litre of nuun, I dried my eyes. A whisper of encouragement, CP 8 is only 2 knolls away, nobody has told them to take the flag down yet........... up, down, up, card clipped at the CP, down. Three more knolls and CP9 is bagged. Chris, the same marshall from CP7 is here, he's so pleased I'm still going, more grins. A quick route choice check, looking at the map with him and something really clicks this time. The contours really make sense and I can visualise what the ground ahead is doing, I know that slope will be too steep to be traversed, I realise a path must be 80m ahead that will then skirt round to the left, then right, then across the road, past the vehicle track, over some marsh, up the knoll. I bloody well know where I'm going and I do it. CP10 clipped. I run all the way back to the YHA and the end of the course.

I'm bedraggled, knackered, smelly, my legs are scratched, I've got a windchapped face, a freaky tan line on my legs, but a full card of checkpoint clips. I'm so chuffed. I can navigate, clearly though I am not safe to be left in sole charge of a pen when marking up a map.

A weekend of highs and lows, topographic and emotional. But this has massively increased my confidence. Already looking forward to my next time out on the fells with map and compass. I won't be the one having to follow someone else.

Legs and balls

2010-09-22T18:45:00.004+01:00

I ran last Wednesday and the legs haven't really been right since. There has of course followed a week of self-pity and chocolate. I'm not risking running again until the weekend, when I'll really be running as I'm off to The Lakes for a FRA navigation course. At least the indoor, looking at maps bit won't hurt!

In other news, the fat dog, Newton is now officially a healthy weight. He still needs to lose about 2kg to be ideal, but he's no longer actually an overweight dog. To celebrate, now he's no longer an anaesthetic risk, I booked him in to have his balls removed. Poor boy, he's only got his tackle for another couple of weeks.

Night cap

2010-09-15T15:46:00.002+01:00

Night cap
Originally uploaded by jumbly

Aberlour in the hip flask, cookies baked by kate. The perfect accompaniment to my first bivvy adventure. I had a fab time riding bikes, drinking beer and sleeping in the woods. Special thanks to kate and Trio for asking me along for the microadventure.

Chips

2010-09-11T17:27:00.002+01:00

Wanted to at least pretend to earn my chippy tea so 3 miles yesterday afternoon. Done at something approaching a proper running pace, stretched afterwards but the calf and achilles are just feeling a bit tight today. This has allowed a Saturday to be devoted to drinking tea, surfing the web and pottering about without feeling guilty about it.

The legs

2010-09-09T21:09:00.004+01:00

Run club last night, a nice steady not quite 5 miles. I let my common sense prevail and ran with the injured, older and beginners group. Was just the right pace for my mending quite nicely now legs.

Commute by bike today, in along the roads, home the more interesting route, it was too sunny not to take advantage of the go faster orangey goodness. The legs didn't seem to mind that either.

Two plus

2010-09-06T18:15:00.003+01:00

Sometimes two plus two really is a whole lot more than four. Amazingly I persuaded Glyn into his trainers this morning for a two mile family run. This was done at a very sedate jog along chatting pace, which is just right for Glyn and just as importantly fat-dog Newton can keep up too. Out again this evening on my own for a slightly quicker iPod assisted two miles.

I know that's only four miles in my legs, that's nothing right? But, I feel great. That's the first bit of shuffle-running that's felt really good in an age. I stretched out properly after both runs, the twangy calf didn't react which means my achilles isn't under constant tension and being yanked painfully away from my foot. A few miles never felt so good.

Big wheeled racing

2010-09-05T20:32:00.002+01:00

Racing
Originally uploaded by jumbly

Knutsford Great race today, held once every decade. We turned out to watch. Big wheels at speed. Gnarly, dude!

Inspired?

2010-09-01T21:30:00.002+01:00

Inspired by riding with Trio yesterday, I realise I need to get out of this lazy, fat rut I've slipped into, having a bit of an injured leg is not a sufficient excuse. I commuted by bike today. And, I intend to do it a lot this month. I said "no thanks" to a biscuit too. September is off to a better than it could have been start.

Ride the Lights

2010-09-01T12:48:00.002+01:00

Lights
Originally uploaded by jumbly

Met up with Trio last night. Ride the Lights in Blackpool. Cheese-a-rama. Beer and chips too. Top night out on bikes.

Run, ride.

2010-08-26T10:02:00.004+01:00

I ran! Only 1.5 miles at fat dog pace, but I ran, it's the first run for ages as the stupid legs are still borked. Physio twice this week, some progress being made. And flush with excitement from running I got on my bike too, pedalled to the supermarket and back, cramming an unfeasible amount of groceries into my timbuk2 bag. 8 miles total, but hey, better than nothing. Let's hope this is the turning point, arse off sofa and back into some sort of motivated to stay fit mode.

If you build it

2010-08-19T19:44:00.003+01:00

I mixed a lot of mortar and cut a lot of bricks to size. Glyn did so much brick laying. The net result. We have a smokey, burny thing in the corner of our garden and I'll probably have to take G to A&E as we think he's broken his wrist.

What we don;t have is a functioning brick oven. Not tall and domey enough so more building is needed.

It was a fun way to spend a weekend though.

I've been..........

2010-08-11T13:15:00.004+01:00

............. Hanging out with dogs. Drinking beer. Baking bread. Ordering bricks. Making art.

What about you?

Can run, will run

2010-08-04T21:58:00.002+01:00

Take that stupid legs. 5ish miles, very steady with run club. Can run, will run. OK, so it was a bit hurty, 'specially going uphill. And it's a bit hurty now, after the event, and a weird bump is forming on my ankle, and, oh, bugger, my stupid legs haven't really let me get away with it have they? Mumble, grumble, bloody injuries, pass the ibuprofen...........

Can't run, won't run

2010-08-03T20:12:00.002+01:00

Can't run at the moment, actually not really been able to do much in the way of running since the Saunders. What started as a bit of a niggle that I could sort of mostly ignore is now something more. I've seen the physio and it was alright for a bit and now it's not again. The last proper run I did I couldn't sleep that night as I just couldn't find a non-hurty position. This is most likely going to put an end to marathon and more than a marathon plans. 7 mile jogs are the max I can contemplate, and that just isn't enough to constitute long distance training. On the plus side riding a bike doesn't seem to hurt, so I might get back into a bit of pedalling.

Better to say nothing

2010-07-31T22:34:00.002+01:00

I'm still alive. I just haven't had anything interesting to say, so I thought it was probably better to say nothing. High point of the last 10 or so days was a trip to Selfridges, I bought a lemon squeezer, a chopping board, a cycle helmet, some sheets and ate at Yo! Sushi.

Grintastic

2010-07-22T17:37:00.004+01:00

Due to a complete inability to correctly manage my time, I didn't make it to run club last night. I did eventually get out at about 8pm for an hour on the local lanes and trails. The last mile was getting increasingly storm coloured and thunderous, I got to the end of my road as the plip, plip, plip of rain started. It went all torrential downpour just as I shut the front door behind me. My timing has never been luckier.

Commute by bike today. Wind assisted on the way in. 18mph furiously pedalling downhill with the wind pressing my eyeballs on the way home. Both equally grintastic.

The stairs

2010-07-20T17:24:00.003+01:00

Unlike some, I will not be riding the stairs at work one day. The red fire escape of slippery, treacherousness is the scariest bit of my commute. Up and down it carrying a bike and wearing disco-bike shoes. It's a claim to injury lawyers dot com waiting to happen.

loaf

2010-07-18T21:30:00.003+01:00

I did a bread making course on Saturday with loaf. It was one of the best days ever, and if you like making bread do this course. I learnt a lot. I baked a lot of stuff. I have eaten a lot of bread this weekend, think of a lot of bread, then add some more, then you might get an idea of just how much I've actually eaten!

This mornings 7 mile run round the Worcestershire countryside with evilgordon may have done something to redress the balance, but in reality it was just scratching at the surface. Do you know how much butter is in a loaf of brioche?

Sums it up

2010-07-15T10:24:00.003+01:00

Had my gym induction, seen the physio, got my toe squashed, ran 5 miles, lots of dog walking, some ice cream eating, hanging out in the studio possibly working. Pretty much sums up what's been happening since I last blogged.

Commuting is fun

2010-07-09T22:01:00.003+01:00

This weeks commuting.

I've used the car too as I've had quite a lot of stuff to move into the studio, but I'm definitely hoping for more trainer and wheel time.

And, in other news, I've joined a gym. I see some weight training in my future, I know I've got some abs and some triceps, about time I found them!

Why?

2010-07-05T13:55:00.003+01:00

For the blisters, the laughs, the twisted ankles, the bits that are runnable, the falls, the friendships, the soaking, the cous-cous-baby-bel-chocolate-tea in a mug mid-camp food combo, the mashed up quads, the challenge, the frustration, the exhilaration, the tiny tent, the praise of good waterproof clothing, the shear all-out fun of it. That's why.

Saunders Mountain Marathon 2010. Wet Sleddale. A bloody good weekend.

Emulsion

2010-07-01T10:37:00.002+01:00

After months of waiting we are finally moving into the new studio spaces. The draw back is the many, many metres of wall that need painting. I have rollered gallons of white emulsion on. I've been too knackered to do anything else. No running, no riding. I have packed my bag for SLMM this weekend but to be honest I'm not feeling very sparkly about it. I'm tired and I already ache all over, and we've moved up a race class..................

running and flies

2010-06-25T22:24:00.004+01:00

I ran into the studio this morning, I didn't go the direct way. It was ace!

Unfortunately a horsefly related injury meant I had to get a lift home. I no longer have a right hand. It has been replaced by a fat, swollen, paddle. I am typing with my left hand only. Taking long time. I am, it would seem, allergic to horsefly bites. This is bad as 4 of the fuckers have bit me in the last 10 days. I've had fat leg, fat arm, another fat leg and now a really fat hand. I need sponsoring by piriton.

Holy Trinity

2010-06-23T23:01:00.001+01:00

Run. Pie. Beer.

Commuting

2010-06-22T20:39:00.002+01:00

After what has seemed an eternity I am finally moving into my new studio, lease was signed yesterday. In celebration, I commuted by bike today. My intention is to mix it up and either run or ride in. I have sussed out a variety of possible routes. I will be using the commute strategy to sneak some extra fitness into my body without it noticing!

Kate runs a long way

2010-06-21T12:22:00.006+01:00

After 70 miles of running Kate shuffled over to the marshals at the checkpoint at Glencoe Ski Area and surrendered her WHW race number, just too broken to contemplate the remaining 25 miles to Fort William. A difficult decision for Kate, but the right thing to do given how much she was hurting. But, what a fucking trooper to have got to mile 70! And, as part of Kate's race crew I feel incredibly proud of "my runner."

I'm sure Kate's blog will give her account of the brutal hours of running, shuffling, walking, and just how much lucozade she had to drink. But, from the perspective of crewing, I had a blast. It's a long read, but this is it from my side............

The race starts in Milngavie, where Kate, Jane and I arrived on Thursday. A nice meal out, I'll mention here that Jane had a steak as this was the start of a food theme for her, a few beers for crew (lemonade for racers), and an earlyish night to try and get some sleep in the bank ahead of the long stretch of being awake. Friday, we all slept in a bit, breakfast in an incredibly hot cafe, (lorne sausage, black pudding and bacon). A trip in to Glasgow for an outdoor shop and a running shop, the racer deciding that the hat she's been wearing for the last few years is suddenly unsuitable and she isn't happy with the socks she's packed, so will try something new just before the longest race she's ever attempted.

Back to Milngavie. A surreal Italian restaurant for a substantial pre-race feed (Italian sausage). A bit of sleep in the afternoon, some kit checking and we're all at the pre-race briefing for just before 0100. Jane and I leave Kate and walk through town so we can see Kate run past just after the start. Random pissed people enjoying the last bit of their Friday night out seeming puzzled by what's going on, why are so many lycra glad people wearing head torches running up the High Street? Back to the Premier Inn for Jane and I. We deal with some more random pissed people and the strange night porter, a very strong cup of coffee, then we pack the car and prepare for a minimum of 24 hours of togetherness and no sleep.

We next see Kate at Drymen, she's 13 miles in, looking good, a quick bag swap and she's away again. We drive on to Balmaha, get Kate's next bag ready and try to grab a nap in the car. No sleep for me due to the presence of a squawking woman crewing for another racer, I get grumpy and tell Jane I'm going to have to take a deadly spork to the situation, lack of sleep bringing out the assassin in me. Kate comes through only a bit behind schedule, she's at mile 20 still looking good, we swap her bag and send her on her way with one of her pre-made marmite sandwiches. Before we get to the next checkpoint we've been 'phoned to say please throw all the sandwiches away, they're disgusting!

Rowardennan has me running round in gloves and a midge net in a state because the midges are in the net with me. Kate arrives slightly behind schedule but not too bad, she's done a marathon by now, she's still looking good, she has some muesli and she's away again. Crewing duties going smoothly.

Beinglass and we manage to get a good bit of sleep in the car. The carpark voucher system somehow ends up with a compulsory purchase of a bacon roll, I suggest to Jane we keep it in case Kate fancies a bite, Jane more concerned about her own depleting protein levels has it instead, we've made Kate a pot noodle! Kate comes through, she's at 41 "where's my fucking water" miles now, off pace now for a 24hr finish, but still looking fairly good.

On to Auchentyre, we try for another car-nap to have Kate ring and disturb it to tell us she's feeling really good and thinks she can make up the time for a 24hr finish, that's nice we say, we'll see you in a bit! Kate arrives, this is the 50 mile mark, she gets weighed at this check point, well within the safety margins and she's away again. Our crewing is still going smoothly.

Tyndrum and the Real Food Cafe with it's burgers was just too hard to resist. A long wait for food and the fact that somebody decided to pick this point in their race to start running quite quickly, meant we missed our racer completely. Jane has to dash off up the trail after Kate and do a kit swap on the fly. 53 miles completed.

Next stop Bridge of Orchy where Kate told us all about her black poo. She's at mile 60 now and starting to look a bit tired. I step in as sherpa and nearly take Kate off the race route completely, somebody points out we're about to go the wrong way and we jog and walk the 2 miles over to Inveroran. Jane took over here as sherpa and I head off in the car.

I get to Glencoe Ski Area and wait. At about when I expect the other two in I potter off down the trail, no sign of them, back to the car for a bit, then another potter down the trail, still no sign. I'm starting to get a bit worried, I check the spreadsheet again, they're a fair bit overdue, I wait a bit and then go for another potter down the trail. My phone rings, with the news that Kate isn't feeling very good at all. I soon see them coming towards me and it's obvious Kate is in a bad way. Despite my procurement of a power-potato and my lovingly prepared baby-bel surprises Kate just couldn't go on. It's the end of her race, 70 miles in.

An almost spew inducing drive into Fort William to a hotel with a hint of private prison about it. The good new is we're checked in, the bad news is the room is on the third floor and there's no lift, tears for Kate. Pizza in the room with unexpected sauasagey protein on the vegetarian one. The inevitable post race dissection begins. Ultimately knowing that it's all down to how many miles you've got in your legs, you can wing it up to 70 miles apparently but beyond that really does need training!

A seriously deep sleep, another dose of meaty goodness is served up at breakfast and the decision made to head home. The car journey full of race dissection and talk of other races. Hi-jinks after stopping to admire the view and leaving Kate by the roadside. The Big Lebowski sountrack. Tyndrum for the Real Food Cafe, (another burger) and a bottle of singlemalt from the Green Welly. Disappointing iced coffees at random service station Costa. Tebay services for just another burger. And finally, for me home to scones baked by Glyn. I wave the other two off to finish their drive south.

It's been a fantastic few days. Inspiring, and terrifying to see what people will put themselves through. I've told Kate if she feels there's unfinished business up in Scotland, I'd crew for her again anytime.

Dead bird run

2010-06-17T11:34:00.003+01:00

Another few miles fairly late last night on local trails with Flipper, from who's mouth I had to wrestle a decomposing, dead bird. Nice!

I didn't make it up to run club as I was in a bit of a state of disorganisation with hunting out bits of kit and packing. All set now. I'm off to Scotland later supporting Kate as she races the WHW. Should be fun for me, if not her! I'm sure she'll do very well, and I obviously wish her luck.

A few more

2010-06-13T21:56:00.002+01:00

A few more miles. 3 on Friday, another 4.5 in the pouring rain today. My running legs are definitely back.

Trainer time

2010-06-10T21:11:00.001+01:00

3 miles run last night, 5.5 tonight. Anybody would think I was training for something!

Ying and Yang

2010-06-06T17:51:00.002+01:00

Hi-jinks and adventures on Friday and Saturday. A trip to the garden centre and to look at used Volvo estate cars today. It's important to have a balanced lifestyle!

M1

2010-06-05T22:36:00.005+01:00

Yesterday saw me take a little trip down the M1. There was an afternoon of very pedally mostly singletrack riding with Kate. My first mountain bike ride for a while, and my first on a singlespeed for a very long time. It was ace, reminded me that I do like riding off-road and once I can get my head in the right place, it's not so scary either.

An evening of eating, drinking and chatting WHW race with Kate and Jane. This being the actual purpose of the visit. Maps and spreadsheets and plans. We'll be like a well oiled machine!

And, just to pack as much as possible into my jaunt South, this morning Jane and I had bit of a run round White Peak with a map in hand. Not too hilly, but not too fast, it was hot!

A bite to eat and a few cups of tea with the O-P's and then a twisty, hilly drive home for me.

All that and there's still a bit of weekend left to enjoy!

Run, fettle, pedal

2010-06-03T16:11:00.003+01:00

Ran 5.8 miles with run club last night. First time I've been out with the club for ages. 6.8 this morning with Carolyn around Rivi. Both runs were hot. And I found it harder going than I'd have liked despite having water with me.

The afternoon has been spent finishing fettling, I have a comedy singlespeed bike assembled, held together in part with cable ties. It'll get a test pedal out later to get me to Rivi and back. I'm helping out at the Hendersons End fell race this eve. If you're local and at a loose end, come along and race.

Slacker

2010-06-02T17:00:00.002+01:00

Gosh, I've been a blogging slacker just lately. A random round up.

Newton dog is doing really well, he went for a weigh in, he's lost 3.5kg since we got him, got a way to go yet but is noticeably healthier. He's managed to be partially involved in Glyn breaking his laptop, took a while for him to be forgiven. We took both dogs over to the Labrador rescue center on Sunday for a bit of a get together. 20 or so labs running round a big garden together was ace. I had my instructions before we left the house, we were going out with 2 dogs and were to only come back with 2!

Friends came up to visit for the long weekend, was lovely, food, drink, walking, chatting. Nice.

June is officially healthy eating month in our house, while dogs are reducing, humans are expanding! It'll be all about the salad.

I've performed some further fiasco fettling on my bikes in some sort of attempt to get a singlespeed mountain bike back in action. Brakes are my nemesis, if only stopping weren't so important.

That's it really. Will get back into post regularly.

A steady 10

2010-05-26T18:49:00.002+01:00

A steady run in cool air and drizzle this morning. Start in Horwich, up and over Winter Hill to Belmont and back. A nice, hilly 10 miles in the bag. Reassuring after the disaster of Sunday, it's not me, it's the heat. My back feels a bit crunchy and my glutes are tight. I reckon a sports massage is in order to keep me ticking over, got supporting duties for WHW for Kate coming up. I can't be the weak link.

Broom wagon needed

2010-05-23T21:43:00.002+01:00

The plan was for a 12 mile run with some of the lads from run club, starting in Chorley, maybe a bit ambitious after a break from running and being ill, but I felt confident. By mile 4 I knew it was all going horribly wrong. It was hot, too hot, I was cooking. I had popped my camelback bladder in the freezer overnight, thinking as it melted I'd have lovely cooling sips to refresh me, I carted a block of ice up a big hill, it didn't thaw anywhere near quick enough to hydrate me. I was feeling shit. At a bit over 6.5 miles I was in Abbey Village waiting for the broom wagon and waving the lads off as they continued the run without me (they ended up doing 14 miles) . Glyn arrived with a big bottle of water and just the right amount of sympathy and patiently took me back to my car and I made my sorry way home. The worst thing of all...... the early bail out meant I missed out on some homemade ginger cake!

Back in business

2010-05-21T15:29:00.002+01:00

First run today in ages, combination of being away, being ill, and missing mojo. But, today, a steady 5 miler round Rivi with Carolyn. Tearooms after. Felt great to be back out there running. Perfect day.

fforest

2010-05-08T17:11:00.002+01:00

The blog silence has been due to spending the week away in West Wales, staying at fforest, just outside Cardigan. No internet, no TV, simple living for a few days. Good food, good beer, new friends made, lots of walks with dogs, time outside and time with the feet up, relaxed bodies and minds. A good thing.

Postponed

2010-04-30T12:12:00.002+01:00

OK, my marathon plans are definitely postponed. It just all got too complicated, and as several friends have reminded me, it is supposed to be fun.

This race, just not meant to be. I had a few moments of self recrimination, then told myself to get a grip. Sometimes the hardest things about racing is getting to the start line, the training needs to be right, the rest, the nutrition, injury and accident avoided, sometimes it's needing the right support, and in this case more organisation and less dog!

I've got my eye on the calendar, there is a race in Fleetwood and one in Skipton, both look potentially suitable. I'll have a think, see what works, tweak the training, so the miles go up then back down to work out right for a race.

Many thanks for those that have wished me luck, given advice etc, please keep those thoughts positive thoughts on hold for another day.

On hold

2010-04-27T16:52:00.003+01:00

Blogging has been on hold just lately due to the arrival of Newton. Latest addition to the family, in the form of a humungous chocolate labrador. He's a rescue and he's got a lot of weight to lose. He's doing OK so far, loves going out for walks and doesn't seem to mind being on reduced rations too much. Flipper is slowly warming up to him.

The timing of the new arrival in typical planet jumble fashion has been far from ideal. Glyn is super busy, I was also scheduled for a few days away with family. It's all been a blur of dog, bags packing and unpacking, vet visits, accountants, business meetings, a bit more dog, motorway miles etc. It's been a hectic 10 or so days, but strangely fun and rewarding.

Training and any sort of marathon preparation has all also been on hold and I'm having a bit of a waver as to how ready I feel. My taper plan seems to have been abandoned. I have yet to arrange pre and post race accommodation, which now has to include 2 dogs. I'm very close to thinking this just isn't the right time and look for another marathon to run a bit later in the summer, when everything else is sorted and the only thing in my head is the need to run 26 miles.