Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Panther Watch?
Something quite strange happened to me over the weekend... Saturday evening I decided to go for a walk, and took my usual 5 1/2 mile cross country run route. It was another gorgeous evening- so not typical Bank Holiday weather!
I was just crossing the last field before East Goscote, when I notice movement by the hedgerow in the field next door... it was a large black shape, and when I looked closer, it was obviously a cat of some description, with a long tail. But it looked much too large to be a domestic cat!
It was some distance away, so cursing myself for not having brought my camera I crept closer, and it bounded off into the hedgerow. I didn't see it after that, but when I got to my mums, Katie said that there has been a spate of panther sightings nearby recently!
Thinking this was my chance for a bit of fame, Sunday at the same time I was back, complete with camera and binoculars; I really didn't expect to see it again... but when I looked into the next field, there it was- in exactly the same spot as last night!
I was actually shaking with excitement as I got out my binoculars, and managed to get a good look at the beast... well, let's just say there's not many panthers wearing a collar with metal ID tag... sure it seemed a lot bigger the day before! Ah well...
Went to Foxton Locks with my Dad and step mum yesterday, not really training related (apart from mooching around) but was interesting.
I ran 7 1/2 miles tonight, longest distance since the half marathon in April. As I was running Katie text to ask if I fancied a run, so I picked her up (my route goes past mum's) and she kept me company for 1 1/2 miles.
My legs were feeling a bit tired at the end, but no Achilles problems! I think I'm ok to continue to build up slowly.
I was just crossing the last field before East Goscote, when I notice movement by the hedgerow in the field next door... it was a large black shape, and when I looked closer, it was obviously a cat of some description, with a long tail. But it looked much too large to be a domestic cat!
It was some distance away, so cursing myself for not having brought my camera I crept closer, and it bounded off into the hedgerow. I didn't see it after that, but when I got to my mums, Katie said that there has been a spate of panther sightings nearby recently!
Thinking this was my chance for a bit of fame, Sunday at the same time I was back, complete with camera and binoculars; I really didn't expect to see it again... but when I looked into the next field, there it was- in exactly the same spot as last night!
I was actually shaking with excitement as I got out my binoculars, and managed to get a good look at the beast... well, let's just say there's not many panthers wearing a collar with metal ID tag... sure it seemed a lot bigger the day before! Ah well...
Went to Foxton Locks with my Dad and step mum yesterday, not really training related (apart from mooching around) but was interesting.
I ran 7 1/2 miles tonight, longest distance since the half marathon in April. As I was running Katie text to ask if I fancied a run, so I picked her up (my route goes past mum's) and she kept me company for 1 1/2 miles.
My legs were feeling a bit tired at the end, but no Achilles problems! I think I'm ok to continue to build up slowly.
Labels: achilles tendonitis, Panther, running
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Weekend Update
It's the weekend again, can't believe how fast the year's going! Well, so far this week I have done another 6 miler, completely Achilles heel problem free! I really think I can start to build up the distances now, but will take it slowly. I am planning to build back up to half marathon distance.
I have also done the usual work out at the gym, and quite a lot of walking. Plus multi tasking; using my mini stepper whilst watching telly!
I am planning a longer walk for next weekend, after my Dad and stepmum have returned to Spain. I have a route plan for a 34 mile Challenge walk around the Charnwood area in Leics which I'm thinking of doing.
I think my plan will be to build up a good endurance base this year, building up the long walks and runs up to half marathon distance, then next year concentrate on building distances and gradually increasing pack weight. I will also need to try out equipment too, and drinks/ powders etc. I will really need to up the distances over Christmas/ New Year 2008/9 and taper in the weeks leading up to the event.
Rich came up with a good suggestion- duathlons! I am definately going to look into this. I am going to try with the swimming, too, but cannot ever imagine being able to swim a mile front crawl! I couldn't even make a pool length without nearly drowning!
It's a lovely day for a change... think I will make the most of it and go for a walk later!
I have also done the usual work out at the gym, and quite a lot of walking. Plus multi tasking; using my mini stepper whilst watching telly!
I am planning a longer walk for next weekend, after my Dad and stepmum have returned to Spain. I have a route plan for a 34 mile Challenge walk around the Charnwood area in Leics which I'm thinking of doing.
I think my plan will be to build up a good endurance base this year, building up the long walks and runs up to half marathon distance, then next year concentrate on building distances and gradually increasing pack weight. I will also need to try out equipment too, and drinks/ powders etc. I will really need to up the distances over Christmas/ New Year 2008/9 and taper in the weeks leading up to the event.
Rich came up with a good suggestion- duathlons! I am definately going to look into this. I am going to try with the swimming, too, but cannot ever imagine being able to swim a mile front crawl! I couldn't even make a pool length without nearly drowning!
It's a lovely day for a change... think I will make the most of it and go for a walk later!
Labels: Challenge walks, training, walking
Monday, August 20, 2007
Review Of The Year So Far...
... I know it's a bit late, but I just thought it would be interesting to look at the goals I set for this year and see how they're going... Here they are...
- Complete the Belvoir Challenge in a faster time than last year. Well, I did complete it, but 10 minutes slower than last year... but it is a different route each year, and loads of people said this year's was tougher, plus a lot of folks with GPS had measured the route at 28-9 miles instead of 26, so that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it!
- Complete the Charnwood Forest Marathon in a faster time than last year. Done! I completed it in 7 hours, 56 minutes. Can't remember last year's time but it was definately around 8 hours 15 mins.
- Complete the Barrow Classic in a faster time than last year. This was a 10 mile road race, and I couldn't do this- mainly due to the fact that the event was discontinued. Plus my Achilles would have been too bad.
- Complete a half marathon. Done! I completed the Belvoir Half Marathon on Easter Sunday (and knackered my achilles into the bargain...)
- Complete the Bullock Smithy Hike. Having second thoughts on this one... I really think I am not ready at this stage and don't want to injure myself. This could be one for next year, I think I will find a 30 miler to do instead.
- Complete a sub hour 10k. Done! All the 10k's I've done this year have been under an hour.
- Trek in the Atlas Mountains in Morocco and climb Jebel Toukbal. Done!
- Undertake a triathlon. Erm. This was one of my major goals, until the MdS kind of snuck in there and took over... I also have one major reason for not doing this...
...... I can't bloody swim!!
But I am planning on getting Katie to give me lessons, and I will undertake a triathlon next year... next stop, Ironman ha ha.
- Find a weight I'm happy with. Not sure on this one, I would like to lose more if I can or at least tone up. I certainly don't look as though I spend a lot of time in the gym! Maybe this will naturally happen as I up my mileage for the MdS.
Actually, that's not too bad. Things to do; start swimming! Gradually increase my mileage now my heel is better. Look for a 30 mile route to walk in the next few weeks.
The way this year's going, it won't be too long before I'm thinking up next year's resolutions!
Labels: New Year's Resolutions
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Weekend Update
Since my last post I feel slightly less tired! Trouble is, I am so used to getting up at 6am to go to work, I can't sleep in any more!
Did another good workout at the gym Thursday, with lots of running at 6.3mph and 6.5mph (which might sound really slow to lots of you, but is good for me!) plus jogging on an incline as well as my usual other stuff.
Last night I went for a 6 mile run, the first 6 miler since the Holme Pierrepont 10k. And- no sensation at all from my Achilles- no soreness, no creaking! I really think I have cracked it, but am still going to keep a close eye on it at all times (metaphorically speaking of course...)
What I was not amused at, however, is the amount of abuse we have to go through at times... I realised too late that my route took me right past a crowd of kids on bikes. Of course I got loads of abuse, kids running behind me etc etc unfortunately they were at that age when they have to show off and look 'hard' in front of their mates. But I don't need it and it's quite intimidating- it wasn't even late. I felt incredibly angry when I had finally shaken them off (try running when you're really pi**ed off- improves your pace no end!!) Next time I think I will wait until I am out of sight and ring the local police station.
I have noticed actually that since picking up the speed work in the gym seems to make me pick up my pace outside as well- may be time for a 10k race soon, be interesting to see if I have a PB.
Did another good workout at the gym Thursday, with lots of running at 6.3mph and 6.5mph (which might sound really slow to lots of you, but is good for me!) plus jogging on an incline as well as my usual other stuff.
Last night I went for a 6 mile run, the first 6 miler since the Holme Pierrepont 10k. And- no sensation at all from my Achilles- no soreness, no creaking! I really think I have cracked it, but am still going to keep a close eye on it at all times (metaphorically speaking of course...)
What I was not amused at, however, is the amount of abuse we have to go through at times... I realised too late that my route took me right past a crowd of kids on bikes. Of course I got loads of abuse, kids running behind me etc etc unfortunately they were at that age when they have to show off and look 'hard' in front of their mates. But I don't need it and it's quite intimidating- it wasn't even late. I felt incredibly angry when I had finally shaken them off (try running when you're really pi**ed off- improves your pace no end!!) Next time I think I will wait until I am out of sight and ring the local police station.
I have noticed actually that since picking up the speed work in the gym seems to make me pick up my pace outside as well- may be time for a 10k race soon, be interesting to see if I have a PB.
Labels: gym, running, treadmill
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Feeling Tired...
I have felt so tired this week, and slightly run down... unfortunately I live over the shops in my village (well, for 'village', read 'estate'- it's a modern 'village' built in the 60's so doesn't exactly have traditional village like charms... read more about lovely East Goscote here... if you're incredibly bored or have an awful lot of time on your hands!)
Anyway, given that I live over the shops and near the only pub in the village, it can be very noisy late at night as passers by obviously don't think we are mere mortals who need sleep... I have become very good at sleeping wearing my ear plugs!
Had a good workout Sunday; 30 minutes on the treadmill, doing quite a lot of work at 6.3 mph and above, covering 3 miles. Then the usual ellipticals, stepper, rower, weights (increasing a few of the reps on the weights). After that I did some inclination work on the treadmill and resistance work on the ellipticals. I felt quite tired after, and came home and washed the car! (that made it rain!!)
I am giving a friend a driving lesson tonight, she has her test next month; her husband is teaching her too but they keep falling out! Quite funny really- last time it happened, they made up but she would only let him take her within walking distance of their house- in case they had a row and she felt the need to get out the car and stomp home!!
I am going to bike there, might as well get some exercise and kill two birds with one stone! Although it looks as though I am going to get wet...
Anyway, given that I live over the shops and near the only pub in the village, it can be very noisy late at night as passers by obviously don't think we are mere mortals who need sleep... I have become very good at sleeping wearing my ear plugs!
Had a good workout Sunday; 30 minutes on the treadmill, doing quite a lot of work at 6.3 mph and above, covering 3 miles. Then the usual ellipticals, stepper, rower, weights (increasing a few of the reps on the weights). After that I did some inclination work on the treadmill and resistance work on the ellipticals. I felt quite tired after, and came home and washed the car! (that made it rain!!)
I am giving a friend a driving lesson tonight, she has her test next month; her husband is teaching her too but they keep falling out! Quite funny really- last time it happened, they made up but she would only let him take her within walking distance of their house- in case they had a row and she felt the need to get out the car and stomp home!!
I am going to bike there, might as well get some exercise and kill two birds with one stone! Although it looks as though I am going to get wet...
Labels: cycling, East Goscote
Saturday, August 11, 2007
It's The Weekend.. Again...
Is it just me or is this year going incredibly quickly? At this rate 2009 will be on me before I can say Sahara Desert!!
I've had quite a quiet week exercise wise; 30 minutes on my mini stepper Tuesday, a light 4 1/2 mile run with 1/2 mile walk Wednesday, Thursday I upped the ante a bit and wen to the gym. I ran for about 27 minutes, concentrating on between 6 mph and 6.5 mph. I also did the usual on the ellipticals and stepper, weights, rower and finished off with 10 minutes walking on incline on the treadmill, and 5 minutes resistance work on the elliptical.
My body appeared to recover very quickly from last Sunday's Dipper which is a good sign!
Impressed myself today, I was up and out the door for a run at 8:30am!! For me, that is unheard of on a Saturday! Staying in bed reading the paper and eating chocolate is my usual Saturday morning exercise (I did that earlier today!) It was a gorgeous morning; I did my 5 1/2 mile cross country route for the first time since hurting my Achilles, it was great running across the fields. The ground had dried out nicely, and the scent of cut hay was in the air. Running up the lane back to Rearsby, butterflies were dancing around me. I felt really energised and at peace.
And no Achilles pain at all, no sensation, no grinding... nothing... it's as though everything has just gone back into place! I am going to continue to be careful and build up slowly though, I've got a lot of mileage to build up to over the next year!
I've had quite a quiet week exercise wise; 30 minutes on my mini stepper Tuesday, a light 4 1/2 mile run with 1/2 mile walk Wednesday, Thursday I upped the ante a bit and wen to the gym. I ran for about 27 minutes, concentrating on between 6 mph and 6.5 mph. I also did the usual on the ellipticals and stepper, weights, rower and finished off with 10 minutes walking on incline on the treadmill, and 5 minutes resistance work on the elliptical.
My body appeared to recover very quickly from last Sunday's Dipper which is a good sign!
Impressed myself today, I was up and out the door for a run at 8:30am!! For me, that is unheard of on a Saturday! Staying in bed reading the paper and eating chocolate is my usual Saturday morning exercise (I did that earlier today!) It was a gorgeous morning; I did my 5 1/2 mile cross country route for the first time since hurting my Achilles, it was great running across the fields. The ground had dried out nicely, and the scent of cut hay was in the air. Running up the lane back to Rearsby, butterflies were dancing around me. I felt really energised and at peace.
And no Achilles pain at all, no sensation, no grinding... nothing... it's as though everything has just gone back into place! I am going to continue to be careful and build up slowly though, I've got a lot of mileage to build up to over the next year!
Monday, August 06, 2007
The Dovedale Dipper
Yesterday was the Dovedale Dipper, and it was, surprisingly, a scorching hot day. Just like the last two years, but I’d been wondering due to summer we have(n’t) had so far!
I packed my large rucksack with a pair of trainers, waterproofs, fleece and about 3 litres of water- Just to build up strength, not because I thought I’d need them! I think it was quite a bit heavier than last year’s pack.
It only took me about 1 ¼ hours to get to Hartington, and I drove through the village without realising the car park had changed this year! I got to the Village Hall in plenty of time to have a coffee and apply loads of sunscreen. This is certainly a popular event, there were loads of walkers for both the 26 and 15 mile routes.
We set off, to the blast of the horn, and started climbing steadily to Parsley Hay. The route was undulating until we reached the High Peak trail which took us to the first checkpoint. I ended up following walkers or runners virtually all the way around, and hardly needed my route description. The organisers had sign-posted much of the route, too, with red and white ‘DD’ signs.
The High Peak Trail
Views Across The Peaks
A steady climb along the road led to checkpoint three, at Revidge; Rich came in as I was having a drink; he is doing the MdS next year. We had a chat, and compared experiences, it was good to meet you too Rich!
I left the check point shortly after (behind Rich, who went off looking very strong) and soon reached the biggest climb of the day- Ecton Hill. It has got to be one of the steepest climbs in the Peaks! I had some flapjack to fortify myself, and decided to walk straight up without stopping. The gradient is very steep at first, but does ease off slightly; I managed to overtake quite a few people, including some runners!
Steep Hills Around Wetton
The path contoured around the hill before another quite steep ascent brought us to checkpoint 4 at Wetton. I was quite lucky here; the volunteers manning the checkpoint had obviously had a picnic lunch and realised they had far too much food, so decided to offer it to us starving walkers, the cheese and onion quiche went down very well!
View From The Path To Castern Hall
A group of walkers had a quick drink and passed through, and I left just behind them. It kept alternating between sunny and cloudy, but was still very warm, We had a climb then a fairly steep descent to Milldale, which was packed with tourists; I stopped at the little shop and bought an Orange Maid lolly, which revived me! The last check point, number 6, was down the road from Milldale and at the start of Beresford Dale. I was told that there were still quite a few runners (and walkers) to come through, and so far about 15 folk had retired. There were hula hoops on offer here, which made a welcome change from custard creams. I drank plenty and made sure my water bottle was full- I don’t think you can drink enough on days like this!
The next 3 miles were through Beresford Dale. This is actually a lovely walk; good paths, level, lovely views and a river, but after 22 miles it tends to drag a bit! My feet felt quite sore at this point, and while not exactly suffering, I was just focussing on finishing. I passed two women, one of whom was lying prone on the ground with an ice pack pressed to her neck. Her companion said to me “I remember seeing you at a checkpoint and wondering whether you’d make it, and you will!” I racked my brains and remembered they were part of the group that went through checkpoint five.
I asked her if her friend was ok, and she replied that she’d fallen, hurt her neck and now felt sick and dizzy. They’d sent another friend off for help; I asked them if they were ok where they were and they both said yes, so I went on. 
Beresford Dale
Hartington, Approaching The Finish
I packed my large rucksack with a pair of trainers, waterproofs, fleece and about 3 litres of water- Just to build up strength, not because I thought I’d need them! I think it was quite a bit heavier than last year’s pack.
It only took me about 1 ¼ hours to get to Hartington, and I drove through the village without realising the car park had changed this year! I got to the Village Hall in plenty of time to have a coffee and apply loads of sunscreen. This is certainly a popular event, there were loads of walkers for both the 26 and 15 mile routes.
We set off, to the blast of the horn, and started climbing steadily to Parsley Hay. The route was undulating until we reached the High Peak trail which took us to the first checkpoint. I ended up following walkers or runners virtually all the way around, and hardly needed my route description. The organisers had sign-posted much of the route, too, with red and white ‘DD’ signs.
The High Peak TrailI had a quick drink (and biscuits- for carbs) at the first checkpoint and headed off along the High Peak trail before descending from it and climbing once more to cross an old railway. After this was quite a long downhill stretch, and it was along here that the first of the runners came past me. It was really hot now, and I was sweating buckets, but then I always do- at least my own personal cooling system is efficient, which is good, as I am going to need it in 2009!!
A guy with a fat cocker spaniel came past me, and I caught them up at a wooden stile; the poor dog was trying to heave himself through a small gap and was never going to fit, so I lifted him up and over the top! There are loads of stiles on this route, and the greatest variety I’ve seen, ranging from the usual wooden variety, to rocky steps up the side of a dry stone wall, the narrow stone ‘v’ type (which are very hard to negotiate when you’ve got short legs), small wooden gates with very powerful springs, plus an odd combination of ‘v’stiles and gates.
A climb out of the valley on a farm track brought us to the second check point at Longor, I was so hot I drank about 4- 5 cups of water. The following stretch had amazing views across the Peaks, before descending up through gorse bushes on a really wet, muddy track.
Views Across The Peaks
A steady climb along the road led to checkpoint three, at Revidge; Rich came in as I was having a drink; he is doing the MdS next year. We had a chat, and compared experiences, it was good to meet you too Rich!
I left the check point shortly after (behind Rich, who went off looking very strong) and soon reached the biggest climb of the day- Ecton Hill. It has got to be one of the steepest climbs in the Peaks! I had some flapjack to fortify myself, and decided to walk straight up without stopping. The gradient is very steep at first, but does ease off slightly; I managed to overtake quite a few people, including some runners!
Steep Hills Around WettonThe path contoured around the hill before another quite steep ascent brought us to checkpoint 4 at Wetton. I was quite lucky here; the volunteers manning the checkpoint had obviously had a picnic lunch and realised they had far too much food, so decided to offer it to us starving walkers, the cheese and onion quiche went down very well!
The next checkpoint wasn’t too far; the route took us along a delightful path around the hillside with great views into the valley, before descending to Castern Hall and checkpoint 5. Last year, the check point was in a lovely spot with chairs, and, as my legs had started to ache, I decided to have a sit down. However, this year it was in a slightly different place and had no chairs, so I sat on a stone step. Unfortunately, this caused one of the volunteers to think I was struggling (there was a chap sitting down a bit further away, in quite a rough state, and they were awaiting transport for him) and he proceeded to fuss over me, bringing me over drink and biscuits! He looked at my pack and remarked on the size of it, before saying "You could do with making it lighter". I didn't quite have the courage to tell him exactly what I was training for so just made vague noises about 'training for other events'.
View From The Path To Castern HallThe next 3 miles were through Beresford Dale. This is actually a lovely walk; good paths, level, lovely views and a river, but after 22 miles it tends to drag a bit! My feet felt quite sore at this point, and while not exactly suffering, I was just focussing on finishing. I passed two women, one of whom was lying prone on the ground with an ice pack pressed to her neck. Her companion said to me “I remember seeing you at a checkpoint and wondering whether you’d make it, and you will!” I racked my brains and remembered they were part of the group that went through checkpoint five.
I asked her if her friend was ok, and she replied that she’d fallen, hurt her neck and now felt sick and dizzy. They’d sent another friend off for help; I asked them if they were ok where they were and they both said yes, so I went on.
Beresford DaleI was so glad to see the path out of the dale, which was surprisingly sandy (more good training!) After that it was just a fairly gentle walk back along lanes to Hartington, I was glad to finish. My time was 8 hours 30 minutes, I beat last year’s time by 8 minutes! They were serving jacket potatoes with cheese, beans or chilli, I was rather cheeky and asked for cheese and beans.
I felt fine after the food, and thanked them as I left, as it is a really well organised event. I’m aching slightly today, but not too bad! All good training, and the all important time on the feet. No exercise today though…
Hartington, Approaching The FinishLabels: Challenge walks, Dovedale Dipper, Peak District
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Updated Links
I have just spent an age updating the links to my past events, and touch wood everything seems to be working ok...
Another fairly quiet week, I was going to go for a 5 mile run Monday but the left knee pain I get occasionally started to make an appearance, so I did the sensible thing and cut it to 4 1/2, walking the last half mile. I think my muscles were still tired from the gym Sunday as I did a good workout.
I am going to the gym again tonight, and will probably try for the 5 miles between now and the Dovedale Dipper Sunday; if things go according to plan, I can start to slowly build up my running mileage from next week!
My Dad and stepmum have come to stay for a month, it is unbearably hot in Spain, up in the 30's during the night! They are using mine as a base, so will be good to spend some time with them. Training sure takes up a lot of my time!!
Another fairly quiet week, I was going to go for a 5 mile run Monday but the left knee pain I get occasionally started to make an appearance, so I did the sensible thing and cut it to 4 1/2, walking the last half mile. I think my muscles were still tired from the gym Sunday as I did a good workout.
I am going to the gym again tonight, and will probably try for the 5 miles between now and the Dovedale Dipper Sunday; if things go according to plan, I can start to slowly build up my running mileage from next week!
My Dad and stepmum have come to stay for a month, it is unbearably hot in Spain, up in the 30's during the night! They are using mine as a base, so will be good to spend some time with them. Training sure takes up a lot of my time!!
