Thursday, March 27, 2008
Au Revoir Et Bonne Chance!
The time has almost come for the 2008 Marathon des Sables, and the lucky folks undertaking this great adventure will be well on their way to Morocco by now...
So the very best of luck to them all; Rich, Al, Paul, Keith, Ben & Nic, Horti, Graham, Deadbeat, 08fate and anybody else I have missed!! We are all rooting for you and can't wait to read your accounts when you return...
Ooh I can't wait a whole year, I wanna go NOW!!! (stamps feet in impatience-induced tantrum).
I have made my decision and entered the Caythorpe Canter as I have left it a little late for the Belvoir Half and there is no guarantee of entry on the day. I went back to Body Toning last night after an absence of a few weeks; my mate had told me that the instructor had stopped bringing weights to the session so we now have to supply our own... the smallest hand weights I possess are 1.5 kilos each so it was quite entertaining running there and back with those in my backpack! I did 5 miles though, although got absolutely soaked!
Right, the gym is beckoning... my body, as usual, is telling me it would much rather sit here and eat chocolate, thank you very much, so I am going to head off now before it realises what's happening!
So the very best of luck to them all; Rich, Al, Paul, Keith, Ben & Nic, Horti, Graham, Deadbeat, 08fate and anybody else I have missed!! We are all rooting for you and can't wait to read your accounts when you return...
Ooh I can't wait a whole year, I wanna go NOW!!! (stamps feet in impatience-induced tantrum).
I have made my decision and entered the Caythorpe Canter as I have left it a little late for the Belvoir Half and there is no guarantee of entry on the day. I went back to Body Toning last night after an absence of a few weeks; my mate had told me that the instructor had stopped bringing weights to the session so we now have to supply our own... the smallest hand weights I possess are 1.5 kilos each so it was quite entertaining running there and back with those in my backpack! I did 5 miles though, although got absolutely soaked!
Right, the gym is beckoning... my body, as usual, is telling me it would much rather sit here and eat chocolate, thank you very much, so I am going to head off now before it realises what's happening!
Labels: Caythorpe Canter, gym, Marathon des Sables
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Feeling Tired...
First day back at work today after the Easter break, and I'm feeling tired...
I ate far too much chocolate over the weekend, like I knew I would- I have no will power whatsoever! Just as well I am training for an ultra marathon, it sure makes it easier to keep the weight off!! I decided to try a 10 mile steady run Saturday evening, and luckily the knee felt ok. In fact, I felt so good when I was nearly home that I added on an extra mile.
Sunday I had quite a tough work out at the gym; 30 minutes faster running, and 25 minutes inclination work, running and walking plus usual weights. I tried the steppers and ellipticals and really felt it in my knee when I got off; how come they are affecting the knee and running doesn't? They never used to. Shouldn't complain though I guess... at least running doesn't seem to affect it too much...
Monday is my usual rest day; I had kind of toyed with the idea of going for a short run but just couldn't be ar*ed in the end! So- totals for last week was 35 miles including the gym work as well. At this stage I think I will aim for 35 miles every week now, with the odd easier week.
I have a decision to make... I can either do the Caythorpe Canter this weekend, which is a 26 mile walk near Grantham, or the Belvoir Half Marathon, the race that trashed my Achilles last year... I would like to do the Belvoir Half again but then again I would probably get more from the 26 mile walk, and if I walked rather than ran then it shouldn't affect my knee...
I ate far too much chocolate over the weekend, like I knew I would- I have no will power whatsoever! Just as well I am training for an ultra marathon, it sure makes it easier to keep the weight off!! I decided to try a 10 mile steady run Saturday evening, and luckily the knee felt ok. In fact, I felt so good when I was nearly home that I added on an extra mile.
Sunday I had quite a tough work out at the gym; 30 minutes faster running, and 25 minutes inclination work, running and walking plus usual weights. I tried the steppers and ellipticals and really felt it in my knee when I got off; how come they are affecting the knee and running doesn't? They never used to. Shouldn't complain though I guess... at least running doesn't seem to affect it too much...
Monday is my usual rest day; I had kind of toyed with the idea of going for a short run but just couldn't be ar*ed in the end! So- totals for last week was 35 miles including the gym work as well. At this stage I think I will aim for 35 miles every week now, with the odd easier week.
I have a decision to make... I can either do the Caythorpe Canter this weekend, which is a 26 mile walk near Grantham, or the Belvoir Half Marathon, the race that trashed my Achilles last year... I would like to do the Belvoir Half again but then again I would probably get more from the 26 mile walk, and if I walked rather than ran then it shouldn't affect my knee...
Labels: Belvoir half marathon, Caythorpe Canter
Friday, March 21, 2008
Good Friday...
Can't believe it's Easter already!!! That does mean today and Monday off work, which is very nice. It's been a quiet week really, made a lovely pasta bake with the wild garlic in it Sunday!
My right knee, the one that was playing up at the gym a while ago, was quite stiff Sunday after the Charnwood Marathon. I could still feel it Monday, so didn't exercise Sunday or Monday.
Tuesday I went out for a slow 7 1/2 miles, running mostly but walking some of it. The knee was fine, luckily. Wednesday I did a slow 6 miles with a light pack, and again it was ok. I went to the gym Thursday, but didn't want to push myself too much as I hadn't been for a while, so stuck mainly to the treadmill, running for 27 minutes and walking on increasing incline for about 20 minutes over two sessions. I had had a craving for chips and mushy peas, so had succumbed at tea time so was still feeling rather bloated! Was hoping it might be dead in there as it's the holidays, but it was busier than it usually is.
I did 20 minutes on the ellipticals, the usual weights, and finished up with 10 minutes on the rower, which unfortunately affected my knee again. I don't know why the other cardiovascular equipment is starting to affect it, it never used to, I suppose I am just going to have to accept that I am going to have to be careful with it- as well as the Achilles! Why does ultra marathon training make your body fall to pieces!?!
I haven't done anything today apart from walk the 3 miles to Syston and back, and won't do anything else as I'm out tonight, and staying over at a mates, so should be able to have a drink- can't usually cos everybody seems to live a distance away from me and I usually end up driving!
Hope everybody has a great Easter!!! I have a chocolate egg which I am saving til Sunday...
My right knee, the one that was playing up at the gym a while ago, was quite stiff Sunday after the Charnwood Marathon. I could still feel it Monday, so didn't exercise Sunday or Monday.
Tuesday I went out for a slow 7 1/2 miles, running mostly but walking some of it. The knee was fine, luckily. Wednesday I did a slow 6 miles with a light pack, and again it was ok. I went to the gym Thursday, but didn't want to push myself too much as I hadn't been for a while, so stuck mainly to the treadmill, running for 27 minutes and walking on increasing incline for about 20 minutes over two sessions. I had had a craving for chips and mushy peas, so had succumbed at tea time so was still feeling rather bloated! Was hoping it might be dead in there as it's the holidays, but it was busier than it usually is.
I did 20 minutes on the ellipticals, the usual weights, and finished up with 10 minutes on the rower, which unfortunately affected my knee again. I don't know why the other cardiovascular equipment is starting to affect it, it never used to, I suppose I am just going to have to accept that I am going to have to be careful with it- as well as the Achilles! Why does ultra marathon training make your body fall to pieces!?!
I haven't done anything today apart from walk the 3 miles to Syston and back, and won't do anything else as I'm out tonight, and staying over at a mates, so should be able to have a drink- can't usually cos everybody seems to live a distance away from me and I usually end up driving!
Hope everybody has a great Easter!!! I have a chocolate egg which I am saving til Sunday...
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Event Report; The Charnwood Marathon (Shhh!!)
Right. Unofficially, to my colleagues, I didn't do the CM today... they think I have just taken it easy today, dabbled with watercolours, read, etc etc and I'd hate to disillusion them...
But, officially... did I do it?? Yeah- course I did- because I'm a nutter!! I hadn't had a reply to my email last night, so resolved to see how I felt this morning, there was also the option of doing the 15 mile route if I still felt rough. But I woke feeling fine, just a slight lingering cough, so turned up on the offchance they were accepting entries on the day, after all with the event being so close, all I had to lose was my Saturday morning lie in.
Luckily they were, and I was in- I decided to compromise, take a fairly light pack and just walk. The town crier started us at 8am, and we were off; it was grey all day but luckily stayed mostly dry. I know the route quite well now, we set off over fields to Woodhouse, and the first climb of the day, up to Broombriggs Hill and the self clip. I risked a little jog downhill before the steady climb up to the top of Beacon Hill, and touched the trig point at the top.
We had a descent to the first manned checkpoint, so I jogged again, but just before I got there, my left ankle turned over, and as I stumbled I felt a sickening pain in it for a couple of seconds. But luckily it seemed ok, I grabbed a couple of drinks and half a hot cross bun at the checkpoint and went on, climbing, descending, walking under the M1 and ascending to Lubcloud. The first runners, who started at 9am, were coming past now.
A bit of road walking brought us to Blackbrook Reservoir, and a climb through woodland took us to the next checkpoint, and carrot cake, at Mount St Bernards Abbey. After this, the route climbs over the rugged Warren Hills before dropping down to Coalville and climbing to the trig of Leicestershire's highest point, Bardon Hill. They always put a self clip right on the trig point so you can't miss it out... I was walking with a chap sporting a large beard, and we agreed that the extensive quarrying has ruined the hill. There's not much left to it at all beyond the trig point- just a large blank on the map.
I had another downhill jog, before climbing on a muddy track to Old Rise Rocks and dropping down to the 15 mile checkpoint at Copt Oak, with- bliss- cobs, coffee and more hot cross buns. Much to my embarrassment, my mobile started ringing just as loads of folk were arriving... it was only mum checking that I wasn't developing pneumonia.
I felt in quite good shape, so after another ascent and muddy, slippery descent, decided to jog slowly past Ulverscroft Priory ruins, and the 1/2 mile road walk to the footpath to Newtown Linford. I overtook a few walkers, but walked along the footpath as it was very slippery in parts.
There's a good stretch after this through Newtown Linford to Bradgate Park, so I jogged again, knees were aching a bit but otherwise I felt ok. Then came the slog up to the highest point of Bradgate Park, The Old John monument, and- yep- another self clip! I reckon this event covers all the climbs in Leicestershire! It's a choose- your- own- route to the last checkpoint in the Hallgates car park, and I am never quite sure if I ever manage to choose the quickest and most direct one.
I was chatting with one of the organisers at the checkpoint whilst sipping a hot chocolate (now THAT is luxury!!) and he said that there were 50 more to come through, which pleased me. It started to rain, the heaviest showers of the day, but didn't last too long.
I decided to jog through Swithland Woods (well, practice my Sahara Shuffle, as my legs were aching now). The next footpath had a really muddy, boggy patch, and I nearly got stuck- I was trying to edge my way round and a hefty branch snagged my rucksack and I was just held dangling for a couple of minutes like some giant insect.
The last bit of the route always seems a bit endless to me- a 3/4 mile road/ track walk, which I managed to jog, and a never ending path by a river back into Quorn. This path always has a profusion of wild garlic growing along it, and I harvested some to cook in pasta tomorrow. I managed to maintain my jog along the path, no mean feat as it was very muddy and slippery in parts.
Finally, after what seemed like an age, Quorn came into sight, and I walked the last half mile through the village, but managed to walk surprisingly fast! I got back to the venue, and noticed the sign outside saying 'no boots or trainers' so had to wrestle with the mud- hardened laces to get my trainers off. My time was a great 7 hours and 21 minutes (and I reckon it must have taken a good minute to get my shoes off!) I say great because that beats my last year's time by a good 35 minutes...
Lovely spicy soup and an amazing array of cakes (which weren't limited to one per person!!) Looking at the weather now, I feel quite jammy. Only thing is, I can feel my ankle- the one I twisted- so I am icing it and hope it isn't going to cause me any problems... apart from that and a bit of an ache in my legs, I don't feel too bad! I probably won't do too much tomorrow though, and will build the running back up next week. Total walking this week is 38 miles, so not too shabby!
But, officially... did I do it?? Yeah- course I did- because I'm a nutter!! I hadn't had a reply to my email last night, so resolved to see how I felt this morning, there was also the option of doing the 15 mile route if I still felt rough. But I woke feeling fine, just a slight lingering cough, so turned up on the offchance they were accepting entries on the day, after all with the event being so close, all I had to lose was my Saturday morning lie in.
Luckily they were, and I was in- I decided to compromise, take a fairly light pack and just walk. The town crier started us at 8am, and we were off; it was grey all day but luckily stayed mostly dry. I know the route quite well now, we set off over fields to Woodhouse, and the first climb of the day, up to Broombriggs Hill and the self clip. I risked a little jog downhill before the steady climb up to the top of Beacon Hill, and touched the trig point at the top.
We had a descent to the first manned checkpoint, so I jogged again, but just before I got there, my left ankle turned over, and as I stumbled I felt a sickening pain in it for a couple of seconds. But luckily it seemed ok, I grabbed a couple of drinks and half a hot cross bun at the checkpoint and went on, climbing, descending, walking under the M1 and ascending to Lubcloud. The first runners, who started at 9am, were coming past now.
A bit of road walking brought us to Blackbrook Reservoir, and a climb through woodland took us to the next checkpoint, and carrot cake, at Mount St Bernards Abbey. After this, the route climbs over the rugged Warren Hills before dropping down to Coalville and climbing to the trig of Leicestershire's highest point, Bardon Hill. They always put a self clip right on the trig point so you can't miss it out... I was walking with a chap sporting a large beard, and we agreed that the extensive quarrying has ruined the hill. There's not much left to it at all beyond the trig point- just a large blank on the map.
I had another downhill jog, before climbing on a muddy track to Old Rise Rocks and dropping down to the 15 mile checkpoint at Copt Oak, with- bliss- cobs, coffee and more hot cross buns. Much to my embarrassment, my mobile started ringing just as loads of folk were arriving... it was only mum checking that I wasn't developing pneumonia.
I felt in quite good shape, so after another ascent and muddy, slippery descent, decided to jog slowly past Ulverscroft Priory ruins, and the 1/2 mile road walk to the footpath to Newtown Linford. I overtook a few walkers, but walked along the footpath as it was very slippery in parts.
There's a good stretch after this through Newtown Linford to Bradgate Park, so I jogged again, knees were aching a bit but otherwise I felt ok. Then came the slog up to the highest point of Bradgate Park, The Old John monument, and- yep- another self clip! I reckon this event covers all the climbs in Leicestershire! It's a choose- your- own- route to the last checkpoint in the Hallgates car park, and I am never quite sure if I ever manage to choose the quickest and most direct one.
I was chatting with one of the organisers at the checkpoint whilst sipping a hot chocolate (now THAT is luxury!!) and he said that there were 50 more to come through, which pleased me. It started to rain, the heaviest showers of the day, but didn't last too long.
I decided to jog through Swithland Woods (well, practice my Sahara Shuffle, as my legs were aching now). The next footpath had a really muddy, boggy patch, and I nearly got stuck- I was trying to edge my way round and a hefty branch snagged my rucksack and I was just held dangling for a couple of minutes like some giant insect.
The last bit of the route always seems a bit endless to me- a 3/4 mile road/ track walk, which I managed to jog, and a never ending path by a river back into Quorn. This path always has a profusion of wild garlic growing along it, and I harvested some to cook in pasta tomorrow. I managed to maintain my jog along the path, no mean feat as it was very muddy and slippery in parts.
Finally, after what seemed like an age, Quorn came into sight, and I walked the last half mile through the village, but managed to walk surprisingly fast! I got back to the venue, and noticed the sign outside saying 'no boots or trainers' so had to wrestle with the mud- hardened laces to get my trainers off. My time was a great 7 hours and 21 minutes (and I reckon it must have taken a good minute to get my shoes off!) I say great because that beats my last year's time by a good 35 minutes...
Lovely spicy soup and an amazing array of cakes (which weren't limited to one per person!!) Looking at the weather now, I feel quite jammy. Only thing is, I can feel my ankle- the one I twisted- so I am icing it and hope it isn't going to cause me any problems... apart from that and a bit of an ache in my legs, I don't feel too bad! I probably won't do too much tomorrow though, and will build the running back up next week. Total walking this week is 38 miles, so not too shabby!
Labels: Charnwood Marathon
Friday, March 14, 2008
Charnwood Marathon... Should I Or Shouldn't I?
Ok. This is getting a little 'deja vu-ey'... but- I have had quite a bad cough this week ever since the Grindleford Gallop. After being woken up by it at 3am Tuesday night, I went to see my GP Wednesday. He's quite brusque, my GP, and I must have only been in there a couple of minutes altogether- I think he's the only GP in the practise who's appointments run to time!
He said that my chest was clear but he thought the infection was in my upper respiratory tract. I had been hoping for some antibiotics to really clear things up once and for all, and he wrote me out a prescription for Amoxycillin- but told me he didn't want me to collect it unless things didn't clear by the end of the week! Then he took my blood pressure (which he pronounced 'very good') before ushering me out and calling his next patient in (who looked completely dazed to be called into her appointment on time!)
I have to confess, I did get the antibiotics yesterday, to hopefully stop me getting another infection this winter. I haven't been running at all this week, all I've done is one 3 1/2 mile walk and one 5 mile walk. But- it is the Charnwood Marathon tomorrow- 27 miles in Leicestershire and literally 10 minutes drive away from me- and although I still have a very slight cough and have had a headache today, I feel fine... just want to get back into training, it's tough having to take time off...
I have emailed to ask if they will take entries on the day, so it may be a no go anyway if they can't... but I am sorely tempted... although I think I will have to keep it quiet if I do or my work colleagues will lynch me!!
He said that my chest was clear but he thought the infection was in my upper respiratory tract. I had been hoping for some antibiotics to really clear things up once and for all, and he wrote me out a prescription for Amoxycillin- but told me he didn't want me to collect it unless things didn't clear by the end of the week! Then he took my blood pressure (which he pronounced 'very good') before ushering me out and calling his next patient in (who looked completely dazed to be called into her appointment on time!)
I have to confess, I did get the antibiotics yesterday, to hopefully stop me getting another infection this winter. I haven't been running at all this week, all I've done is one 3 1/2 mile walk and one 5 mile walk. But- it is the Charnwood Marathon tomorrow- 27 miles in Leicestershire and literally 10 minutes drive away from me- and although I still have a very slight cough and have had a headache today, I feel fine... just want to get back into training, it's tough having to take time off...
I have emailed to ask if they will take entries on the day, so it may be a no go anyway if they can't... but I am sorely tempted... although I think I will have to keep it quiet if I do or my work colleagues will lynch me!!
Labels: Charnwood Marathon, cough
Monday, March 10, 2008
Wow...
One of the guys running the MdS in 2010 has put a link on the forum of the Eurosport coverage of the 2007 MdS and it's well worth a watch...
It's a good 27 minutes long, so grab yourself a cuppa and click here...
I wanna go NOW!!! (well, maybe not right now as I'm still coughing my lungs up...)
It's a good 27 minutes long, so grab yourself a cuppa and click here...
I wanna go NOW!!! (well, maybe not right now as I'm still coughing my lungs up...)
Labels: Marathon des Sables
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Event Report; The Grindleford Gallop!
Well, I sometimes think that we can underestimate our fitness and our bodies are actually capable of doing much more than we realise...
I really didn't know whether I should be doing the Gallop... I woke at 5:45am and felt like going back to sleep. Even on the drive up by brain kept trying to tell me to turn around and go back to bed! But I can be a stubborn so and so, so found myself at the start point in the pavilion at Grindleford, drinking a cuppa and eating my banana ready for an 8:30am start...
It's a staggered start- walkers can start at any time between 7am and 9:30am, with a mass start for runners at 10am. I'm afraid there are no pictures as my camera decided it had run out of battery power and once again hadn't bothered to give me any warning, so if you want an idea of what the route is like, read last year's report here, only imagine it dull and grey rather than sunny...
I set off and was overtaken by a group of people running even though it was only 8:30am. Now, the walking fraternity seem to take umbridge at people who enter these events as walkers and then run, but I can understand as there must be lots of folks who fall into the category of wanting to run and walk an event but wouldn't see themselves as runners and feel that they may need more time. Anyway, it inspired me to run a bit at the start, before getting to Froggatt. I deliberately kept the pack quite light, only carrying waterproofs, fleece, hat, golves, useless camera and two full 1 litre water bottles.
I walked up the first hill, and overtook a few walkers, then had a gentle jog/ walk down to Eyam, and the first self clip point. It was dull, windy and threatening rain, but luckily we didn't get more than the odd blustery shower all day. After Eyam came a walk along a walled lane and then the road before a long gradual climb up onto Longstone moor. There was a drinks checkpoint before the final pull onto the moor, which was quite boggy in places.
The full force of the wind hit, and it was quite tough going. We passed another self clip, which two guys who had just overtaken me had missed, so I shouted them back. I was quite glad to have the moor over with, and started to jog again down the walled track into Great Longstone village, with the serious runners starting to overtaking me.
I felt quite good, so when we hit the Monsal Trail I kept going at a slow, steady jog, not near as fast as the runners but overtook lots of walkers. There was a check point near to The Country Bookstore, I selected a piece of cake and had a few minutes before jogging off again.
I walked up the steep climb through the golf course at Bakewell, with the 'bell' to hit to warn golfers of walkers' prescence; one of the guys just ahead hit this and it certainly makes a din, mind you I don't see how the golfers can possibly have missed us!!
After this the route crosses a large sort of meadow, descending gently all the way to Edensor and through the Chatsworth Hall park. I surprised myself by keeping running all the way to Baslow and the check point there. There were a load of runners at the check point; a few were running and walking, and we were kind of leap frogging each other. I took a cup of tea and selected a flapjack for energy.
I resolved to walk the next bit; the steep climb onto the edges. At one point I passed a guy who was flexing his leg and looked to be in pain. A runner who had just overtaken me asked him if he was ok, and he told us he was. At the top, I saw a strange group of walkers approaching from the opposite direction, nearly all wearing identical red anoraks. They were obviously going our way, so I broke into a slow jog to keep them at bay! It was great running near to the edges, following the twisting path and jumping over the stones, although I was tired it was quite exhilirating! Several of us went right up to the edge and took in the amazing view.
I kept up a slow jog downhill to the final road, which seemed ages coming as I felt tired now. There was a final descent through woods back to Grindleford, and I managed to keep running to the end. A lady directed me to the finish, but I realised she had directed me to the runners finish, so had to double back to the walkers finish point.
My time was 5 hours and 30 minutes, which is amazing for me and 1 hour 10 minutes quicker than last year's time! I am also amazed I managed to run so much of it, especially after feling so rough all week! It was packed with runners in the pavilion; there was soup, chunks of bread and lovely looking cakes but I missed the sign saying only one piece of cake per person, so got told off for trying to take two! ( I wasn't the only one!)
So, I am pleased with that, as all I had done in the week was one 7 1/2 mile walk and using the stepper. Only thing is, I have developed a worse cough and a tight feeling in my chest, so may have a bit of a chest infection. Oh, and a stone chipped my windscreen on the way back along the M1, so am hoping that Autoglass can repair it.
My knees were aching last night, but are ok today, legs are aching but not too bad. I may have an easy day today though. Hope everyone has a good week!
I really didn't know whether I should be doing the Gallop... I woke at 5:45am and felt like going back to sleep. Even on the drive up by brain kept trying to tell me to turn around and go back to bed! But I can be a stubborn so and so, so found myself at the start point in the pavilion at Grindleford, drinking a cuppa and eating my banana ready for an 8:30am start...
It's a staggered start- walkers can start at any time between 7am and 9:30am, with a mass start for runners at 10am. I'm afraid there are no pictures as my camera decided it had run out of battery power and once again hadn't bothered to give me any warning, so if you want an idea of what the route is like, read last year's report here, only imagine it dull and grey rather than sunny...
I set off and was overtaken by a group of people running even though it was only 8:30am. Now, the walking fraternity seem to take umbridge at people who enter these events as walkers and then run, but I can understand as there must be lots of folks who fall into the category of wanting to run and walk an event but wouldn't see themselves as runners and feel that they may need more time. Anyway, it inspired me to run a bit at the start, before getting to Froggatt. I deliberately kept the pack quite light, only carrying waterproofs, fleece, hat, golves, useless camera and two full 1 litre water bottles.
I walked up the first hill, and overtook a few walkers, then had a gentle jog/ walk down to Eyam, and the first self clip point. It was dull, windy and threatening rain, but luckily we didn't get more than the odd blustery shower all day. After Eyam came a walk along a walled lane and then the road before a long gradual climb up onto Longstone moor. There was a drinks checkpoint before the final pull onto the moor, which was quite boggy in places.
The full force of the wind hit, and it was quite tough going. We passed another self clip, which two guys who had just overtaken me had missed, so I shouted them back. I was quite glad to have the moor over with, and started to jog again down the walled track into Great Longstone village, with the serious runners starting to overtaking me.
I felt quite good, so when we hit the Monsal Trail I kept going at a slow, steady jog, not near as fast as the runners but overtook lots of walkers. There was a check point near to The Country Bookstore, I selected a piece of cake and had a few minutes before jogging off again.
I walked up the steep climb through the golf course at Bakewell, with the 'bell' to hit to warn golfers of walkers' prescence; one of the guys just ahead hit this and it certainly makes a din, mind you I don't see how the golfers can possibly have missed us!!
After this the route crosses a large sort of meadow, descending gently all the way to Edensor and through the Chatsworth Hall park. I surprised myself by keeping running all the way to Baslow and the check point there. There were a load of runners at the check point; a few were running and walking, and we were kind of leap frogging each other. I took a cup of tea and selected a flapjack for energy.
I resolved to walk the next bit; the steep climb onto the edges. At one point I passed a guy who was flexing his leg and looked to be in pain. A runner who had just overtaken me asked him if he was ok, and he told us he was. At the top, I saw a strange group of walkers approaching from the opposite direction, nearly all wearing identical red anoraks. They were obviously going our way, so I broke into a slow jog to keep them at bay! It was great running near to the edges, following the twisting path and jumping over the stones, although I was tired it was quite exhilirating! Several of us went right up to the edge and took in the amazing view.
I kept up a slow jog downhill to the final road, which seemed ages coming as I felt tired now. There was a final descent through woods back to Grindleford, and I managed to keep running to the end. A lady directed me to the finish, but I realised she had directed me to the runners finish, so had to double back to the walkers finish point.
My time was 5 hours and 30 minutes, which is amazing for me and 1 hour 10 minutes quicker than last year's time! I am also amazed I managed to run so much of it, especially after feling so rough all week! It was packed with runners in the pavilion; there was soup, chunks of bread and lovely looking cakes but I missed the sign saying only one piece of cake per person, so got told off for trying to take two! ( I wasn't the only one!)
So, I am pleased with that, as all I had done in the week was one 7 1/2 mile walk and using the stepper. Only thing is, I have developed a worse cough and a tight feeling in my chest, so may have a bit of a chest infection. Oh, and a stone chipped my windscreen on the way back along the M1, so am hoping that Autoglass can repair it.
My knees were aching last night, but are ok today, legs are aching but not too bad. I may have an easy day today though. Hope everyone has a good week!
Labels: Grindleford Gallop
Friday, March 07, 2008
The Grindleford Gallop... Should I Or Shouldn't I?
I am in a bit of a quandary... you see, it's the Grindleford Gallop tomorrow, and I really enjoy this one- 21 miles through really good scenic countryside. And it's supposed to be a lovely day like today was.
But I still have my cold, although it's not so bad now. And a slight cough. I went out for a 7 1/2 mile walk last night and felt quite tired afterwards, so now I am thinking... would it be stupid to even contemplate doing it?
To my colleagues, there's no contest. They can't understand why I am even contemplating getting up seriously early on a weekend and slogging 21 miles in one day, let alone with a cold!!
But I will feel terrible if I don't do it, and I guess it's an illness rather than an injury, so- I probably will!! Watch this space...
But I still have my cold, although it's not so bad now. And a slight cough. I went out for a 7 1/2 mile walk last night and felt quite tired afterwards, so now I am thinking... would it be stupid to even contemplate doing it?
To my colleagues, there's no contest. They can't understand why I am even contemplating getting up seriously early on a weekend and slogging 21 miles in one day, let alone with a cold!!
But I will feel terrible if I don't do it, and I guess it's an illness rather than an injury, so- I probably will!! Watch this space...
Labels: Grindleford Gallop
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
Full Of Cold!!
Aah no, I have come down with a cold and feel like sh*te!! Not good news... as a result I haven't done anything more strenuous than use my mini stepper whilst watching copious amounts of telly for the past two nights... may try a walk later, but I don't want to jeopardise the Grindleford Gallop on Saturday...
Somebody told me you shouldn't run with a cold... it affects your heart or something. Or is this me just looking for a cop out!
Seriously- all I feel like doing is slobbing out with a book and massive bar of chocolate. Speaking of chocolate, I have got to have a bit of a rant... I don't get those little bars of chocolate sold, in packs, with the title 'fun size' bars... excuse me?? What is the 'fun' part of two miniscule inches of chocolate?
Now- anything 100g or over... surely that's fun size...
Somebody told me you shouldn't run with a cold... it affects your heart or something. Or is this me just looking for a cop out!
Seriously- all I feel like doing is slobbing out with a book and massive bar of chocolate. Speaking of chocolate, I have got to have a bit of a rant... I don't get those little bars of chocolate sold, in packs, with the title 'fun size' bars... excuse me?? What is the 'fun' part of two miniscule inches of chocolate?
Now- anything 100g or over... surely that's fun size...
Sunday, March 02, 2008
The Norton 9; Event Report
Today was the 25th running (literally!) of the Norton 9 organised by the Askern Running Club... it's quite an unusual distance, and quite a good one so I decided to do it again this year. Also my colleague and her friend were running it, and it's always much more fun when doing an event with others.
Nortons's quite a long drive away- near Doncaster, but luckily the race didn't start until 11am so didn't have to leave hideously early. Driving up the M1 as I got nearer and nearer the amount of signs I saw saying 'High winds, slow down' increased, which didn't bode well!
There was quite a good turn out, I didn't see Meryl or Becky at the school, but remembered that the start is quite a way away from the car parks, so made my way there and found them. We set off, and I found I remembered the route quite well. It is quite undulating, and exposed which usually means you can see the runners for miles in front (in my case anyway!!) It was very windy as suspected, and several times I found myself running into the wind and kind of running in slow motion like the Bionic Woman.
I completely missed seeing the first mile marker, and was quite releived when passing the second as it had felt a bloody long first mile! We climbed gradually before passing through a deserted village- everyone was probably doing the sensible thing and staying in watching telly! More undulations brought us to the water station at 5 miles. Beyond this was the first really steep hill, which I was prepared for this year! There's nothing to be done but just slog to the top; I overtook a few folk but most of them overtook me again on the flat!
A welcome downhill stage let us get our breath back before a more gentle climb to another quiet village. My legs felt quite tired, I think I went off a bit fast. It's amazing how much more we push ourselves whilst racing rather than just training! There were some pretty good views across the open countryside but I didn't appreciate it all that much to be honest, I was locked in my own little world of effort and discomfort! All the marshalls kept telling us it was 'all downhill now' but I knew they were fibbing!!
Miles 6 to 7 felt ok and I think I put a bit of a spurt on and actually did some overtaking. The next worse hill comes at around 7.5 miles, and is long, steep one. Luckily the mile 8 was right at the top, and the last mile is downhill through Norton. Last year it was hailing and I was wet through, but this year stayed dry.
The village seems endless, several folk powered past me for a sprint finish- where do they get the energy from?? Right at the end is another uphill, but I was pleased to finish in 1 hour 21 minutes and 58 seconds so a PB! Mind you, the weather conditions were much better this year. But I am training for endurance and distance rather than speed now, so wondered if it would affect my race time.
Becky had finished a short while before me, and we cheered Meryl in, who did really well as she's had some injury problems this week and it was touch and go whether she'd be able to run today. I learnt from last year and took spare clothes but didn't actually need them.
So- total mileage this week... 9 1/2 miles walk/ run Monday, 3 miles stomping around Ruddington Country Park Tuesday, 8 miles with pack Wednesday, 3 1/2 miles on the treadmill at the gym Thursday, and another 2 1/2 there Saturday, plus today... about 35 1/2, not too bad!
Nortons's quite a long drive away- near Doncaster, but luckily the race didn't start until 11am so didn't have to leave hideously early. Driving up the M1 as I got nearer and nearer the amount of signs I saw saying 'High winds, slow down' increased, which didn't bode well!
There was quite a good turn out, I didn't see Meryl or Becky at the school, but remembered that the start is quite a way away from the car parks, so made my way there and found them. We set off, and I found I remembered the route quite well. It is quite undulating, and exposed which usually means you can see the runners for miles in front (in my case anyway!!) It was very windy as suspected, and several times I found myself running into the wind and kind of running in slow motion like the Bionic Woman.
I completely missed seeing the first mile marker, and was quite releived when passing the second as it had felt a bloody long first mile! We climbed gradually before passing through a deserted village- everyone was probably doing the sensible thing and staying in watching telly! More undulations brought us to the water station at 5 miles. Beyond this was the first really steep hill, which I was prepared for this year! There's nothing to be done but just slog to the top; I overtook a few folk but most of them overtook me again on the flat!
A welcome downhill stage let us get our breath back before a more gentle climb to another quiet village. My legs felt quite tired, I think I went off a bit fast. It's amazing how much more we push ourselves whilst racing rather than just training! There were some pretty good views across the open countryside but I didn't appreciate it all that much to be honest, I was locked in my own little world of effort and discomfort! All the marshalls kept telling us it was 'all downhill now' but I knew they were fibbing!!
Miles 6 to 7 felt ok and I think I put a bit of a spurt on and actually did some overtaking. The next worse hill comes at around 7.5 miles, and is long, steep one. Luckily the mile 8 was right at the top, and the last mile is downhill through Norton. Last year it was hailing and I was wet through, but this year stayed dry.
The village seems endless, several folk powered past me for a sprint finish- where do they get the energy from?? Right at the end is another uphill, but I was pleased to finish in 1 hour 21 minutes and 58 seconds so a PB! Mind you, the weather conditions were much better this year. But I am training for endurance and distance rather than speed now, so wondered if it would affect my race time.
Becky had finished a short while before me, and we cheered Meryl in, who did really well as she's had some injury problems this week and it was touch and go whether she'd be able to run today. I learnt from last year and took spare clothes but didn't actually need them.
So- total mileage this week... 9 1/2 miles walk/ run Monday, 3 miles stomping around Ruddington Country Park Tuesday, 8 miles with pack Wednesday, 3 1/2 miles on the treadmill at the gym Thursday, and another 2 1/2 there Saturday, plus today... about 35 1/2, not too bad!
Labels: norton 9
