Friday, March 16, 2012
Plodding On...
I haven't got an event planned this weekend, my next event is next Saturday's Charnwood Marathon which I haven't done since 2008 I think...
I have had some cashflow problems this month, so put off entering some events- with the result that some of the events I planned to do are full! Ah well, it's my own fault, it's good to see that these events are so popular as this means that the sport can only grow in future...
I have been training (honest!!) I have been building the running back up to around 3-4 miles at once interspersed with walking. The amount of time spent running has been getting longer and so far so good; no knee problems. I have also been walking and going to the gym so feels like I am getting back on track quite nicely.
Tomorrow I am planning on a 14-16 miler, possibly starting from Radcliffe-On-Trent, and then onto Shelford, East Bridgford, along the path at the top of the cliffs above the River Trent, and back to Radcliffe-On-Trent, Sunday will be a rest day as I will be cooking my mum lunch and finding a goldfish for her from somewhere (bizarrely enough this is what she wants for her present since the fish they had outside died!! Beats the usual flowers and chocolates I suppose...)
Hope everyone has a great weekend...
I have had some cashflow problems this month, so put off entering some events- with the result that some of the events I planned to do are full! Ah well, it's my own fault, it's good to see that these events are so popular as this means that the sport can only grow in future...
I have been training (honest!!) I have been building the running back up to around 3-4 miles at once interspersed with walking. The amount of time spent running has been getting longer and so far so good; no knee problems. I have also been walking and going to the gym so feels like I am getting back on track quite nicely.
Tomorrow I am planning on a 14-16 miler, possibly starting from Radcliffe-On-Trent, and then onto Shelford, East Bridgford, along the path at the top of the cliffs above the River Trent, and back to Radcliffe-On-Trent, Sunday will be a rest day as I will be cooking my mum lunch and finding a goldfish for her from somewhere (bizarrely enough this is what she wants for her present since the fish they had outside died!! Beats the usual flowers and chocolates I suppose...)
Hope everyone has a great weekend...
Labels: training
Sunday, March 04, 2012
Golden Fleece Circuit- Event Report
This was a brand new challenge event run by the South Cave Scouts Group in East Yorkshire in memory of Bob Gunby, chairman of the Scout Group and keen walker. Bob sadly died in 2010 and so the event has been set up in his memory to raise money for the Scout Club. I was quite keen to do it as it's a part of the country I've not walked in before, plus it is a new county ticked off, so I stumbled out of bed at 5:30am and pointed the car towards Hull for the one and a half hour drive.
New events can struggle to get much interest and I have entered a few before which have been cancelled for this reason, so I wasn't sure what the turn out would be. I found the start by asking a large group of walkers for directions, and parked up in the grounds of South Cave castle as directed. I was immediately struck by all the people- loads and loads of walkers, most looking very seasoned and serious!! I walked into the Family Centre to register and the queue snaked back towards the door- I heard someone say later that they had had over 300 entrants, which is more than a lot of established events get, so I am sure that this will become an annual event.
After registering (I was given a tally card, a little wooden disc with my number on which I wasn't quite sure what was for, and the last colour photo copied map) I had just enough time to gulp down a hot coffee before we were urged outside for an 8:30am start. The chap started us off by talking about Bob, then started discussing the route until he was interrupted by a broad East Yorkshire voice from the crowd shouting 'Can't we go?'
We set off down through South Cave, and as we turned off on a track I saw a marshall holding a bowl and realised he was collecting the wooden discs. The first village was soon reached- Everthorpe- where our numbers were taken and tally cards clipped. It was very misty and grey; the gentle slopes of the Yorkshire Wolds were hidden from us in the mist. The field gradually started to spread out, and we passed through North Cave and then on a road through Hotham Park.
Hotham Hall
I soon learnt that the Wolds largely consist of huge arable fields with tracks running through them, often for miles, and that when the route description instructed to 'turn left onto track towards village' the village could be quite some distance away!
The second checkpoint, offering juice and water, was next to Hotham Church with its curiously squat, square tower;
Hotham Curch
The route then entered the rather muddy Houghton Woods, leaving them on a track, which became a road- which seemed to go on for ever uphill- to North Newbald and the third checkpoint. I knew I was in Yorkshire as from this point on, all the checkpoints had a large (and I mean large!) pot of tea permanently on the boil! This was the point where the longer and shorter routes split, and unusually most people seemed to be doing the 26.5 miles.
The route climbed out of the village before descending through a dale and joining the Yorkshire Wolds way. It was still very misty, rather windy and tried to rain a few times- the scenery would probably have been lovely in the sun, but at the moment it seemed a bit bleak!
Walking Through The Dale
I arrived at Newbald Lodge and checkpoint 6 (I hadn't missed out a couple- I think checkpoints 4 and 5 were on the shorter route!!) One of the chaps here told us that on a clear day from a spot nearby, the Humber estuary, both power stations and York Minster could be seen... not today though unfortunately... I lingered for a bit over a hot cup of tea and found a handy spot out of the wind, next to the jam sandwiches and chocolate fingers.
There was a little confusion over which path to take after the checkpoint as the route description was rather sketchy at this point. I studied the map and set off on what I thought was the right path, letting two chaps overtake me so I could follow them! As we followed the track through more fields, and then onto a tarmac track which became a road, it started to rain, but luckily it didn't come to much and stopped just as I was on the point of debating whether to stop and put my waterproofs on. The route did a right turn at the village of Bishop Burton, heading up hill and along another track towards Walkington (quite aptly named given what we were doing!)
Celebrations At The Farm?
There was some gorgeous flapjack on offer at checkpoint 7 at Walkington, and the weather actually looked as though it was going to brighten up a bit. I am not sure if I actually followed the correct route through and out of Walkington but I managed to get on the right path, partly by looking at the map and partly by following a group of walkers who had been in the pub for a swift pint. Walking along the pavements in the villages I kept seeing odd little yellow blobs, and it was only when I stopped and peered at one more closely that I realised it was neat little stencil as a reminder for dog owners;
It was really sunny now as the route followed a roller coaster of a track through Risby Park Farm, and the Wolds were revealed in a much more flattering light- suddenly everything seemed a lot less bleak and much more picturesque. It was starting to take its toll on my legs though and I had a dull pain in the inside arch of my left foot- which I am still feeling today. I think that the Belvoir Challenge must have still been having an effect.
Wolds Scenery
I must say the next part of the route was probably the worst for me. After Skidby the route followed a road for 3.5 kilometers, which became a muddy track- not only was it a little boring, but it was constantly climbing steadily uphill. I was glad to leave it and drop down to checkpoint 8 at York Grounds Farm. A lady was manning this with her two daughters, who were carrying out their tally clipping duties with great enthusiasm and generally having a whale of a time playing in the mud. I sat down for a few minutes, relishing a cup of tea and slice of swiss roll, in an attempt to refresh my weary legs for the last bit of the walk.
I reluctantly heaved myself up and set off along the track, and was rewarded with the site of the top of the Humber Bridge above the skyline in the distance- which you can't see in the photo!
There was quite a lot more muddy track, predictably going uphill, but the view over the Humber estuary from the top almost made up for it!
Wolds Way
The Humber Estuary
There was a very welcome steep descent (which I managed to jog) towards Brantingham and its lovely church;
Brantingham Church
I followed the road out of the vale, reaching the turn off for South Cave and checkpoint 9, which was a self clip hung on the gate. My legs would have been grateful to finish at this point but there was another nasty surprise in store...
A very steep climb to Mount Airy Farm which left me panting and cursing, although I did actually overtake some people which is pretty good for me...
The last bit was an easy descent back into South Cave, walking through the village past the castle and the finish. The weather was lovely now, it was difficult to believe it was the same day as when we set out this morning! Looking out of the window now I'm glad this event was yesterday and not today!
South Cave
The Castle
My official time was 8 hours 16 minutes, which wasn't too bad- there was bean stew on offer which was tasty and filling, plus a good selection of cakes. In all, it was a good day, I am sure that this will become an annual event as I heard someone say it is definitely going to be run again next year.
I have a bit of a break now before the Charnwood Marathon on 24th March...
New events can struggle to get much interest and I have entered a few before which have been cancelled for this reason, so I wasn't sure what the turn out would be. I found the start by asking a large group of walkers for directions, and parked up in the grounds of South Cave castle as directed. I was immediately struck by all the people- loads and loads of walkers, most looking very seasoned and serious!! I walked into the Family Centre to register and the queue snaked back towards the door- I heard someone say later that they had had over 300 entrants, which is more than a lot of established events get, so I am sure that this will become an annual event.
After registering (I was given a tally card, a little wooden disc with my number on which I wasn't quite sure what was for, and the last colour photo copied map) I had just enough time to gulp down a hot coffee before we were urged outside for an 8:30am start. The chap started us off by talking about Bob, then started discussing the route until he was interrupted by a broad East Yorkshire voice from the crowd shouting 'Can't we go?'
We set off down through South Cave, and as we turned off on a track I saw a marshall holding a bowl and realised he was collecting the wooden discs. The first village was soon reached- Everthorpe- where our numbers were taken and tally cards clipped. It was very misty and grey; the gentle slopes of the Yorkshire Wolds were hidden from us in the mist. The field gradually started to spread out, and we passed through North Cave and then on a road through Hotham Park.
I soon learnt that the Wolds largely consist of huge arable fields with tracks running through them, often for miles, and that when the route description instructed to 'turn left onto track towards village' the village could be quite some distance away!
The second checkpoint, offering juice and water, was next to Hotham Church with its curiously squat, square tower;
The route then entered the rather muddy Houghton Woods, leaving them on a track, which became a road- which seemed to go on for ever uphill- to North Newbald and the third checkpoint. I knew I was in Yorkshire as from this point on, all the checkpoints had a large (and I mean large!) pot of tea permanently on the boil! This was the point where the longer and shorter routes split, and unusually most people seemed to be doing the 26.5 miles.
The route climbed out of the village before descending through a dale and joining the Yorkshire Wolds way. It was still very misty, rather windy and tried to rain a few times- the scenery would probably have been lovely in the sun, but at the moment it seemed a bit bleak!
I arrived at Newbald Lodge and checkpoint 6 (I hadn't missed out a couple- I think checkpoints 4 and 5 were on the shorter route!!) One of the chaps here told us that on a clear day from a spot nearby, the Humber estuary, both power stations and York Minster could be seen... not today though unfortunately... I lingered for a bit over a hot cup of tea and found a handy spot out of the wind, next to the jam sandwiches and chocolate fingers.
There was a little confusion over which path to take after the checkpoint as the route description was rather sketchy at this point. I studied the map and set off on what I thought was the right path, letting two chaps overtake me so I could follow them! As we followed the track through more fields, and then onto a tarmac track which became a road, it started to rain, but luckily it didn't come to much and stopped just as I was on the point of debating whether to stop and put my waterproofs on. The route did a right turn at the village of Bishop Burton, heading up hill and along another track towards Walkington (quite aptly named given what we were doing!)
There was some gorgeous flapjack on offer at checkpoint 7 at Walkington, and the weather actually looked as though it was going to brighten up a bit. I am not sure if I actually followed the correct route through and out of Walkington but I managed to get on the right path, partly by looking at the map and partly by following a group of walkers who had been in the pub for a swift pint. Walking along the pavements in the villages I kept seeing odd little yellow blobs, and it was only when I stopped and peered at one more closely that I realised it was neat little stencil as a reminder for dog owners;
I must say the next part of the route was probably the worst for me. After Skidby the route followed a road for 3.5 kilometers, which became a muddy track- not only was it a little boring, but it was constantly climbing steadily uphill. I was glad to leave it and drop down to checkpoint 8 at York Grounds Farm. A lady was manning this with her two daughters, who were carrying out their tally clipping duties with great enthusiasm and generally having a whale of a time playing in the mud. I sat down for a few minutes, relishing a cup of tea and slice of swiss roll, in an attempt to refresh my weary legs for the last bit of the walk.
I reluctantly heaved myself up and set off along the track, and was rewarded with the site of the top of the Humber Bridge above the skyline in the distance- which you can't see in the photo!
There was a very welcome steep descent (which I managed to jog) towards Brantingham and its lovely church;
I followed the road out of the vale, reaching the turn off for South Cave and checkpoint 9, which was a self clip hung on the gate. My legs would have been grateful to finish at this point but there was another nasty surprise in store...
The last bit was an easy descent back into South Cave, walking through the village past the castle and the finish. The weather was lovely now, it was difficult to believe it was the same day as when we set out this morning! Looking out of the window now I'm glad this event was yesterday and not today!
My official time was 8 hours 16 minutes, which wasn't too bad- there was bean stew on offer which was tasty and filling, plus a good selection of cakes. In all, it was a good day, I am sure that this will become an annual event as I heard someone say it is definitely going to be run again next year.
I have a bit of a break now before the Charnwood Marathon on 24th March...
Labels: golden fleece circuit
Saturday, February 25, 2012
The Belvoir Challenge- Event Report
Well I always seem to start off by describing the mud... but today there was very little! I only got one foot wet once... I am almost disappointed... almost! In fact, it was a total contrast to last year as it was warm and sunny for most of the day.
As usual, I reached Harby in planty of time, got a coffee and met Kevin, who had been in the next door tent from me in the MdS, and his wife; they were doing the 16 mile route. After a welcome catch up, I wandered up to the school, where the event starts, went to the loo and heard an announcement that there was an aerobics warm up on the school field, so I went and joined in- I need all the help I can get!!
This year both routes started off together for the first 7 miles, and so I had my strategy to try to avoid 25 mile waits at stiles and boggy morasses- I decided to position myself ahead of the main mass of people but not too near the front so as not to p*ss off the serious runners, jog as much of the route as possible until the two routes split and spend as little time at the first checkpoint, which was to serve both 16 and 26 miler as possible. I was a bit apprehensive as the last time the routes stayed together for so long, I lost 25 minutes waiting to go over a stile and loads more time at the first checkpoint and ended up not finishing.
In the end I needn't have got too worried, as apart from a short wait to go through a gate at the first field, the organisers had chosen a route which followed good tracks with hardly any stiles, and had arranged for a gate to be opened near to each stile- and the muddy morass I had envisioned didn't happen!
I did run/ jog up to the first check point, overtaking walkers I knew would overtake me again later, and gulped down a couple of cups of juice, taking a slice of flap jack with me. The route gradually climbed towards Belvoir Castle and I was still trying to keep up a shambling, lurching kind of jog.
Belvoir Castle
As we approached the castle, the two routes split- the field had thinned out quite a lot by now but a few people ahead were reassuringly taking the 26 mile route, which wound by the castle on the road. My stategy had worked in so far as keeping me ahead of the main mass of people, but there was only one problem with it.
I was knackered. After only 7 miles.
By the time I reached the second checkpoint at Woolsthorpe my legs were aching quite badly and I cursed myself as I realised I had forgotten my paracetamol. There was a long, really steep climb straight after the checkpoint, which didn't help, and I promised myself a sit down and a cuppa at the 14 mile checkpoint at Denton.
Woolsthorpe
Looking Back To Belvoir Castle
After this the route followed several long tracks- easy walking but boring after a while, and it gave me too much time to think about how much my legs were aching and how rough I generally felt. Added to this the fact that walkers were now overtaking me (as I knew they would, but there is something rather demoralising about being overtaken by someone who then strides effortlessly off into the distance) and I was at a pretty low ebb- in fact, the possibility of having to retire swept across my mind in a fleeting moment. I hadn't actually done a 26 miler since the Ponton Plod and the fast (well fastish) start had taken it out of me.
We reached Denton reservoir, and followed the footpath to Denton. It was really warm and sunny, totally unlike the constant drizzle of last year.
Denton Reservoir
I heard someone close behind me when I started to climb a stile, so tried to rush and ended up giving my knee a good clout- I have a lovely bruise now!
I was so glad to reach Denton and sit down with a lovely cuppa, cheese and pickle sandwiches and the last but one piece of millionaire's shortbread. I knew I was now over halfway, and as I climbed out of Denton on the Harston road, my legs started to feel much better- it was as though they had suddenly realised what we were doing and thought 'Ok, it's a challenge walk... ' We followed the road to Harston, but a footpath keeps walkers off the road and through the fields for a lot of it.
I guessed that the next part of the route was the Ponton Plod in reverse until Croxton Kerriel and the 18 1/2 mile checkpoint, and was mostly right. Unfortunately knowing what's coming is not always so great as I couldn't stop thinking about the steep climb I had to face!
We ended up going through Croxton Kerriel to the Village Hall a different way than on the PP, and I had a welcome cake. I was chatting to one of the volunteers about the lack of mud and she mentioned that we would probably all want our money back!
Rather unusually, this was the last checkpoint so we had a 7 mile stretch back to Harby. I stocked up on a couple of pieces of mars bar but lost one when I got my camera out to take a photo.
The Croxton Water Spout
The route followed a lo-o-ong track, which I recognised from the Waltham Winder one year, to Branston. This track was actually a little- gasp- muddy!
Approaching Branston
After Branston, the route skirted Eaton, going through a gateway that was so muddy I actually got a wet foot- this was more like it!! Quite a few people passed me, and as we climbed up through a wood, I was them take a sharp right and then pick their way down the hill. What confronted me was a really steep descent down a loose, soil path. That was more than I could manage on my feet, so, to the amusement of the people in front, I walked down it crab style, belly uppermost, on my hands and feet!
Shortly after this I was faced with descending the infamous 'iron staircase' which tends to feature on the Belvoir Challenge quite a lot;
I had had enough by now. I wanted to finish- my legs were aching and it wasn't fun anymore! The last stretch from Eastwell, down the ridge and along tracks to Harby seemed endless. A few people had overtaken me and I decided that nobody else was going to, so actually put on a bit of a lurch along the track.
I really though I'd slowed up badly, but to my great surprise I finished in around 7 hours 40 minutes- a PB for the walk, but I am under no illusions that it was mainly due to the lack of mud and easier terrain!! Still... not bad...
My only little gripe with the catering is that the organisers tend to dish up different puddings and leave them on the table with a jug of custard for people to help themselves, rather than dishing up to order, which means that your pudding tends to be luke warm. They are also rather zealous about clearing up- I found a table, put my things on it, went to the loo, and came back to find it had been cleared away and my stuff was on the floor!
It is a grand day out, and my first event of the year completed, I guess next year will be business as usual with the mud!
As usual, I reached Harby in planty of time, got a coffee and met Kevin, who had been in the next door tent from me in the MdS, and his wife; they were doing the 16 mile route. After a welcome catch up, I wandered up to the school, where the event starts, went to the loo and heard an announcement that there was an aerobics warm up on the school field, so I went and joined in- I need all the help I can get!!
This year both routes started off together for the first 7 miles, and so I had my strategy to try to avoid 25 mile waits at stiles and boggy morasses- I decided to position myself ahead of the main mass of people but not too near the front so as not to p*ss off the serious runners, jog as much of the route as possible until the two routes split and spend as little time at the first checkpoint, which was to serve both 16 and 26 miler as possible. I was a bit apprehensive as the last time the routes stayed together for so long, I lost 25 minutes waiting to go over a stile and loads more time at the first checkpoint and ended up not finishing.
In the end I needn't have got too worried, as apart from a short wait to go through a gate at the first field, the organisers had chosen a route which followed good tracks with hardly any stiles, and had arranged for a gate to be opened near to each stile- and the muddy morass I had envisioned didn't happen!
I did run/ jog up to the first check point, overtaking walkers I knew would overtake me again later, and gulped down a couple of cups of juice, taking a slice of flap jack with me. The route gradually climbed towards Belvoir Castle and I was still trying to keep up a shambling, lurching kind of jog.
As we approached the castle, the two routes split- the field had thinned out quite a lot by now but a few people ahead were reassuringly taking the 26 mile route, which wound by the castle on the road. My stategy had worked in so far as keeping me ahead of the main mass of people, but there was only one problem with it.
I was knackered. After only 7 miles.
By the time I reached the second checkpoint at Woolsthorpe my legs were aching quite badly and I cursed myself as I realised I had forgotten my paracetamol. There was a long, really steep climb straight after the checkpoint, which didn't help, and I promised myself a sit down and a cuppa at the 14 mile checkpoint at Denton.
After this the route followed several long tracks- easy walking but boring after a while, and it gave me too much time to think about how much my legs were aching and how rough I generally felt. Added to this the fact that walkers were now overtaking me (as I knew they would, but there is something rather demoralising about being overtaken by someone who then strides effortlessly off into the distance) and I was at a pretty low ebb- in fact, the possibility of having to retire swept across my mind in a fleeting moment. I hadn't actually done a 26 miler since the Ponton Plod and the fast (well fastish) start had taken it out of me.
We reached Denton reservoir, and followed the footpath to Denton. It was really warm and sunny, totally unlike the constant drizzle of last year.
I heard someone close behind me when I started to climb a stile, so tried to rush and ended up giving my knee a good clout- I have a lovely bruise now!
I was so glad to reach Denton and sit down with a lovely cuppa, cheese and pickle sandwiches and the last but one piece of millionaire's shortbread. I knew I was now over halfway, and as I climbed out of Denton on the Harston road, my legs started to feel much better- it was as though they had suddenly realised what we were doing and thought 'Ok, it's a challenge walk... ' We followed the road to Harston, but a footpath keeps walkers off the road and through the fields for a lot of it.
I guessed that the next part of the route was the Ponton Plod in reverse until Croxton Kerriel and the 18 1/2 mile checkpoint, and was mostly right. Unfortunately knowing what's coming is not always so great as I couldn't stop thinking about the steep climb I had to face!
We ended up going through Croxton Kerriel to the Village Hall a different way than on the PP, and I had a welcome cake. I was chatting to one of the volunteers about the lack of mud and she mentioned that we would probably all want our money back!
Rather unusually, this was the last checkpoint so we had a 7 mile stretch back to Harby. I stocked up on a couple of pieces of mars bar but lost one when I got my camera out to take a photo.
The route followed a lo-o-ong track, which I recognised from the Waltham Winder one year, to Branston. This track was actually a little- gasp- muddy!
After Branston, the route skirted Eaton, going through a gateway that was so muddy I actually got a wet foot- this was more like it!! Quite a few people passed me, and as we climbed up through a wood, I was them take a sharp right and then pick their way down the hill. What confronted me was a really steep descent down a loose, soil path. That was more than I could manage on my feet, so, to the amusement of the people in front, I walked down it crab style, belly uppermost, on my hands and feet!
Shortly after this I was faced with descending the infamous 'iron staircase' which tends to feature on the Belvoir Challenge quite a lot;
I had had enough by now. I wanted to finish- my legs were aching and it wasn't fun anymore! The last stretch from Eastwell, down the ridge and along tracks to Harby seemed endless. A few people had overtaken me and I decided that nobody else was going to, so actually put on a bit of a lurch along the track.
I really though I'd slowed up badly, but to my great surprise I finished in around 7 hours 40 minutes- a PB for the walk, but I am under no illusions that it was mainly due to the lack of mud and easier terrain!! Still... not bad...
My only little gripe with the catering is that the organisers tend to dish up different puddings and leave them on the table with a jug of custard for people to help themselves, rather than dishing up to order, which means that your pudding tends to be luke warm. They are also rather zealous about clearing up- I found a table, put my things on it, went to the loo, and came back to find it had been cleared away and my stuff was on the floor!
It is a grand day out, and my first event of the year completed, I guess next year will be business as usual with the mud!
Labels: Belvoir Challenge
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Apologies For The Absence... Again!
Seriously, I must write more often... the last couple of weeks has been filled with work, training (not too hard) and a trip to Blackpool to see my sister. Luckily her and my Brother-in-Law are a lot keener on walking than sight seeing on Blackpool prom, so we did a little amble in the Forest of Bowland area- they are so lucky, they live within an hour's drive of the Forest of Bowland, the Dales and the Lakes...
It was a bit overcast, we set off on an 8 mile route my Brother-in-Law devised which took in fellside, fields and a cafe.
Forest Of Bowland Scenery
After climbing and traversing fell side, we had quite a lot of squelching through fields and farmland. I was particularly impressed with one exclusive looking housing estate that had the best footpath signs I have ever come across.
They obviously like horses too judging by the sign and the rather classy statue at the end of the drive...
We were seriously impressed... until we reached the end of the drive and saw the massive Man United emblems built in to the wrought iron gates... kind of spoilt the effect rather!
After a welcome cuppa and teacake at The Applestore in Wyresdale, we tackled Nicky Nook fell. I've been up here several times before, but we came down by a differen route, past Grize Dale Reservoir and through a lovely permissive path back through the woods to the car.
The good news is I have been going out for 5 mile more runs than walk, and so far so good with the knee. I wanted to do a longish walk prior to the Belvoir Challenge, but this hasn't really happened- I felt rough on Sunday with a cold so only did 10 miles, and my social life has been rather hectic too.
The Belvoir Challenge route is on their web site... and I must say, it's not great news. Both the 15 and the 26 mile routes follow each other for around 8-9 miles, and share the first checkpoint. Given that there will be hundreds and hundreds of entrants, many of them runners (and therefore faster than me) that means that the first few miles, and the checkpoint, will be extremely busy and very churned underfoot. The last time the routes stayed together for so long was the only year I didn't complete the event, and I think it was partly due to me losing so much time waiting for over 20 minutes to cross a stile (ok that and the fact that I was pathetically unfit...)
In my opinion it would have been better to have reversed one of the distances so we are not all setting off in the same direction... but it is what it is and I will just have to make the best of it!
It was a bit overcast, we set off on an 8 mile route my Brother-in-Law devised which took in fellside, fields and a cafe.
After climbing and traversing fell side, we had quite a lot of squelching through fields and farmland. I was particularly impressed with one exclusive looking housing estate that had the best footpath signs I have ever come across.
They obviously like horses too judging by the sign and the rather classy statue at the end of the drive...
After a welcome cuppa and teacake at The Applestore in Wyresdale, we tackled Nicky Nook fell. I've been up here several times before, but we came down by a differen route, past Grize Dale Reservoir and through a lovely permissive path back through the woods to the car.
The Belvoir Challenge route is on their web site... and I must say, it's not great news. Both the 15 and the 26 mile routes follow each other for around 8-9 miles, and share the first checkpoint. Given that there will be hundreds and hundreds of entrants, many of them runners (and therefore faster than me) that means that the first few miles, and the checkpoint, will be extremely busy and very churned underfoot. The last time the routes stayed together for so long was the only year I didn't complete the event, and I think it was partly due to me losing so much time waiting for over 20 minutes to cross a stile (ok that and the fact that I was pathetically unfit...)
In my opinion it would have been better to have reversed one of the distances so we are not all setting off in the same direction... but it is what it is and I will just have to make the best of it!
Labels: Belvoir Challenge, Forest of Bowland, Nicky Nook
Tuesday, February 07, 2012
Fun In The Snow!
Well, we got a proper dose of winter over the weekend... I was watching my sister swim in a tournament in Braunstone, Leicester, and as I drove over to mum's to pick them up, it had started to snow- little, hard flakes- and to settle a little. By the time we reached the swimming baths there was quite a covering on the ground and the flakes had become larger.
We were in for a shock when we emerged, three hours later... it had obviously been snowing hard all the time we had been in there, so there was a good three- four inches on the ground and the car. Driving back was awful... the roads were horrendous! It was a case of keep concentrating and try to keep to the wheel ruts of the cars in front... all the time the snow was coming down in bucket loads. I am not that experienced at driving in that weather and didn't greatly enjoy it! Then I had to drive back home... the A46 was dreadful. I saw several cars who appeared to be stuck, and one car sticking out of the ditch at a jaunty angle! (It was abandoned). I got home eventually but was so glad to be back!
Sunday morning I thought I'd take advantage of all the white stuff and go out and get some pics and exercise at the same time. Going out early was lovely as the snow was still thick on the trees- I decided on my Radcliffe- Shelford route, around 13 miles, although it felt much more in the snow.
Now, when I usually do this route I see hardly a soul between Radcliffe and Shelford and so I had rather hoped of being the first one to walk it and be able to take shots of paths covered with pristine snow... not so. Obviously everyone in Radcliffe and Shelford had set their alarm clocks so that they could get out and walk every inch of the paths they could find for miles around, or so it seemed! I did get a few shots though-
Around 11am the sun came out and I kept getting wet as the snow melted and dripped off the trees. I did manage a few shambling runs but felt like I was moving in slow motion.
Unfortunatly most of it has turned to slush, which has then frozen and left the pavements lethally covered so I think I will forego tonight's run and use the elliptical (which has unfortunately become very squeaky) whilst I watch the Biggest Loser...
We were in for a shock when we emerged, three hours later... it had obviously been snowing hard all the time we had been in there, so there was a good three- four inches on the ground and the car. Driving back was awful... the roads were horrendous! It was a case of keep concentrating and try to keep to the wheel ruts of the cars in front... all the time the snow was coming down in bucket loads. I am not that experienced at driving in that weather and didn't greatly enjoy it! Then I had to drive back home... the A46 was dreadful. I saw several cars who appeared to be stuck, and one car sticking out of the ditch at a jaunty angle! (It was abandoned). I got home eventually but was so glad to be back!
Sunday morning I thought I'd take advantage of all the white stuff and go out and get some pics and exercise at the same time. Going out early was lovely as the snow was still thick on the trees- I decided on my Radcliffe- Shelford route, around 13 miles, although it felt much more in the snow.
Now, when I usually do this route I see hardly a soul between Radcliffe and Shelford and so I had rather hoped of being the first one to walk it and be able to take shots of paths covered with pristine snow... not so. Obviously everyone in Radcliffe and Shelford had set their alarm clocks so that they could get out and walk every inch of the paths they could find for miles around, or so it seemed! I did get a few shots though-
Unfortunatly most of it has turned to slush, which has then frozen and left the pavements lethally covered so I think I will forego tonight's run and use the elliptical (which has unfortunately become very squeaky) whilst I watch the Biggest Loser...
Labels: snow
Monday, January 30, 2012
I succumbed...
... to the various bugs and germs that have been flying around at work... I have been feeling sorry for myself with a bad cold for the past few days and so have done bu**er all on the training front...
Although I had a work training course on Thursday in the Hyson Green area of Nottingham and decided to walk there and back- 8 1/2 miles total- which was quite apt as I have volunteered to be a Workplace Health Champion and the course was geared towards attaining a small qualification. The fact that I rang in sick the next day as I felt bloody awful slightly took the sheen off though!!
Before that I had a family weekend at Center Parcs, I suppose swimming, sliding down the rapids, gentle walking interspersed with a bit of badminton and ten pin bowling was better than nothing!
Got to knuckle down now as there are not too many weeks before the Belvoir Challenge and I am going up to Blackpool in a fortnight so won't be training much that weekend.
Although I had a work training course on Thursday in the Hyson Green area of Nottingham and decided to walk there and back- 8 1/2 miles total- which was quite apt as I have volunteered to be a Workplace Health Champion and the course was geared towards attaining a small qualification. The fact that I rang in sick the next day as I felt bloody awful slightly took the sheen off though!!
Before that I had a family weekend at Center Parcs, I suppose swimming, sliding down the rapids, gentle walking interspersed with a bit of badminton and ten pin bowling was better than nothing!
Got to knuckle down now as there are not too many weeks before the Belvoir Challenge and I am going up to Blackpool in a fortnight so won't be training much that weekend.
Labels: Cold
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Not A Bad Start...
Although I haven't posted I have been quite busy and progress has been made... I have been steadily building up the walking and running (well, for running, read slow shambling jog!) The knee problem which caused me to pull out of the Brecon Beacons Ultra disappeared, but the problem I experienced last year raised its ugly head again- in the form of a feeling that something has twisted in the left hand side of my right knee after exercise.
I have been very careful- I noticed that only running after being thoroughly warmed up helped (yep I know that is one of the basics or running...) and I have been running/ walking and gradually building up the running- slowly- not that there's any other way with me!!
Last week I covered 32 miles, in the form of 7- 8 mile walk/ runs, a gym session of 20 minutes running with top speed of 6 mph. I wore my knee support but this was less than successful as the top rolled over as soon as I started running and cut off the circulation above my knee!
Yesterday I did the 'big track' circuit I first did in summer, along the River Trent and Beeston Canal- with walking to the start and back it was 12.5 miles. It was a glorious day- crisp, clear, cold and sunny with the mists gently rising off the River Trent like Avalon. I had a pack on but managed to run a great deal of it. I took some photos;
The Suspension Bridge
Out Into The Country
Willows Over Beeston Canal
I have spotted a brand new event on the LDWA site- the Golden Fleece Circuit- which takes place in East Yorkshire. According to Routeplanner it should take me 1 hour 30 minutes to get there, which I think is achievable, and as well as being part of an inaugural event it will be another county ticked off the list!
I am feeling a lot more confident than I was two or three months ago...
I have been very careful- I noticed that only running after being thoroughly warmed up helped (yep I know that is one of the basics or running...) and I have been running/ walking and gradually building up the running- slowly- not that there's any other way with me!!
Last week I covered 32 miles, in the form of 7- 8 mile walk/ runs, a gym session of 20 minutes running with top speed of 6 mph. I wore my knee support but this was less than successful as the top rolled over as soon as I started running and cut off the circulation above my knee!
Yesterday I did the 'big track' circuit I first did in summer, along the River Trent and Beeston Canal- with walking to the start and back it was 12.5 miles. It was a glorious day- crisp, clear, cold and sunny with the mists gently rising off the River Trent like Avalon. I had a pack on but managed to run a great deal of it. I took some photos;
I have spotted a brand new event on the LDWA site- the Golden Fleece Circuit- which takes place in East Yorkshire. According to Routeplanner it should take me 1 hour 30 minutes to get there, which I think is achievable, and as well as being part of an inaugural event it will be another county ticked off the list!
I am feeling a lot more confident than I was two or three months ago...
Labels: big track, golden fleece circuit
