Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Back From The Sea Side!
Back from my weekend at Wells-Next-The-Sea! It was a nice break, even though the weather was rather rubbish... typical Bank Holiday weather actually, howling gales and driving rain...
Saturday wasn't too bad. It took me about 3 hours to get there rather than the usual 2 1/2 with the traffic, but it was quite warm and sunny and once my big sis and her family arrived we set off for a walk with the dogs (although with Gemma, the miniature Yorkie, it's more of a case of going for a carry).
We walked a fair way along some tracks, leading round to the Pinewoods which gives the site it's name, and then on to the beach. I did get some sprinting done on the beach, mainly racing my nephews! We threw sticks into the sea for Jake and I got this action picture of him;
Jake- The Ginger Tosser
Jake is lairy- full on most of the time and into absolutely everything! He's so friendly, affectionate but rather dim!!
Katie and her boyfriend Dan arrived, and we took the dogs back on the beach with the nephews- we ended up running quite a bit, up and down the dunes- everyone was taking quite an interest in my training!
Sunday was wet and blustery, so we walked into Wells, or rather me, mum, Bob and the dogs walked and everybody else elected to take the train! We had a walk round the town, looked into the quaint little gift shops, and had a coffee- luckily most of the pubs around Wells are dog friendly. Thought I'd better do a bit after tea, so I loaded up my rucksack to about 6 kg and headed to the beach with my nephew, Matt. We slow jogged up the beach and ran up and down a line of dunes for ages- running in sand requires a whole new technique. The sand seems quite firm until you suddenly sink up to your waist! And when we turned round and headed back- whew! We were running against a really strong headwind and god- it was tough!! I had to keep slowing to a walk several times, but we were out for about an hour so must have done some good.
Monday I really impressed myself- I woke up at 6.15am, had a quick cuppa and headed out for a run! I switched on the Garmin, plugged in the MP3 player and decided to head up the track alongside the woods and then run back through the woods themselves. The first part of the run went well, apart from a slight knee pain which went off quickly and luckily hasn't returned... I got up to a pool called 'Salts Hole', turned, and headed into the woods for the homeward stretch. It was lovely in the woods- running along little sandy trails through the trees.
In The Pinewoods
I even found a steep sandy bank to use as dune practice. I had been running a while before it dawned on me that I should be back at the holiday park by now... I kept going, but after a while I still hadn't seen any sign of civilisation, so decided to head off to the right to see whereabouts along the track I was... except instead of the track and fields beyond I found myself looking at the sea... which should have been on my left...
Yep- I'd managed to turn through 180 degrees somehow and was running back the other way! Fantastic sense of direction... not...
I ended up running 7 1/2 miles and was still back before anyone was awake! We went shopping in Norwich later, and mooched around the centre; had to detour on the way back as a fallen tree had blocked the road so just shows how windy it's been. I was woken up at 2am today by driving rain and wind against the caravan and felt sorry for all the folks who had decided to camp. We had a couple more walks Monday night and this morning, but otherwise not done much today apart from drive home and eat chocolate fingers!
Wells Beach
So... a nice break, with some useful training on sand, with winds but minus authentic heat (as it was bloody freezing!!)
Back to the grind...
Saturday wasn't too bad. It took me about 3 hours to get there rather than the usual 2 1/2 with the traffic, but it was quite warm and sunny and once my big sis and her family arrived we set off for a walk with the dogs (although with Gemma, the miniature Yorkie, it's more of a case of going for a carry).
We walked a fair way along some tracks, leading round to the Pinewoods which gives the site it's name, and then on to the beach. I did get some sprinting done on the beach, mainly racing my nephews! We threw sticks into the sea for Jake and I got this action picture of him;
Jake- The Ginger TosserJake is lairy- full on most of the time and into absolutely everything! He's so friendly, affectionate but rather dim!!
Katie and her boyfriend Dan arrived, and we took the dogs back on the beach with the nephews- we ended up running quite a bit, up and down the dunes- everyone was taking quite an interest in my training!
Sunday was wet and blustery, so we walked into Wells, or rather me, mum, Bob and the dogs walked and everybody else elected to take the train! We had a walk round the town, looked into the quaint little gift shops, and had a coffee- luckily most of the pubs around Wells are dog friendly. Thought I'd better do a bit after tea, so I loaded up my rucksack to about 6 kg and headed to the beach with my nephew, Matt. We slow jogged up the beach and ran up and down a line of dunes for ages- running in sand requires a whole new technique. The sand seems quite firm until you suddenly sink up to your waist! And when we turned round and headed back- whew! We were running against a really strong headwind and god- it was tough!! I had to keep slowing to a walk several times, but we were out for about an hour so must have done some good.
Monday I really impressed myself- I woke up at 6.15am, had a quick cuppa and headed out for a run! I switched on the Garmin, plugged in the MP3 player and decided to head up the track alongside the woods and then run back through the woods themselves. The first part of the run went well, apart from a slight knee pain which went off quickly and luckily hasn't returned... I got up to a pool called 'Salts Hole', turned, and headed into the woods for the homeward stretch. It was lovely in the woods- running along little sandy trails through the trees.
In The PinewoodsI even found a steep sandy bank to use as dune practice. I had been running a while before it dawned on me that I should be back at the holiday park by now... I kept going, but after a while I still hadn't seen any sign of civilisation, so decided to head off to the right to see whereabouts along the track I was... except instead of the track and fields beyond I found myself looking at the sea... which should have been on my left...
Yep- I'd managed to turn through 180 degrees somehow and was running back the other way! Fantastic sense of direction... not...
I ended up running 7 1/2 miles and was still back before anyone was awake! We went shopping in Norwich later, and mooched around the centre; had to detour on the way back as a fallen tree had blocked the road so just shows how windy it's been. I was woken up at 2am today by driving rain and wind against the caravan and felt sorry for all the folks who had decided to camp. We had a couple more walks Monday night and this morning, but otherwise not done much today apart from drive home and eat chocolate fingers!
Wells BeachSo... a nice break, with some useful training on sand, with winds but minus authentic heat (as it was bloody freezing!!)
Back to the grind...
Labels: sand, Wells-Next-The-Sea
Friday, May 23, 2008
A Quiet Week...
I really haven't done much this week! Due to a combination of feeling knackered and having a headache that lasted for two days...
So what's been happening since Sunday... not a lot... Monday I used the stepper whilst catching up on telly, watched a documentary on Alfred Wainwright, he of the Fell Walking guides to the Lakes... bit sad maybe, but did make me want to dash off to the Lakes! I love the Lakes- really must try to spend more time up these...
Tuesday I went for a cross country walk with a lightish pack. I decided to try a route I'd not done before, and all was going fine until I reached a bridge and saw the field where my path was leading.
Cows.
Young stocky bullocks with horns- all gathering round the gate, staring at me! I skirted around, hoping that the path actually went a different way, but knew deep down it went straight through the field, so I steeled myself, took a deep breath and waded in...
They were fine! Very curious and did follow me a bit, it was quite funny. I'd walk a few paces and sense them following me, so I'd turn round and they'd instantly freeze, like some kind of statue. They soon got fed up and just watched me go- I don't mind that, it's just when they run, jostle and mock charge!
My Garmin told me I'd done about 8 1/2 miles in all. Did nothing Wednesday cos it was my mate's birthday so a few of us went out for tea, and yesterday was the second day of the mystery headaches!
I had intended to run, but wasn't feeling great, so went and walked Jake, mum's crazy dog (I had to have words with him as he pulled me over- luckily out of sight of the kids nearby). I plugged into my music and walked around the next village after I returned him, probably another 6 miles in all. I am going to the gym in a bit as soon as I feel motivated!!
Hopefully will be definately back to normal this week, guess the rest may have done some good! I won't be here for the next few days as am going to mum's caravan in Wells-next-the-Sea but will update on the sand/ dune running!!
So what's been happening since Sunday... not a lot... Monday I used the stepper whilst catching up on telly, watched a documentary on Alfred Wainwright, he of the Fell Walking guides to the Lakes... bit sad maybe, but did make me want to dash off to the Lakes! I love the Lakes- really must try to spend more time up these...
Tuesday I went for a cross country walk with a lightish pack. I decided to try a route I'd not done before, and all was going fine until I reached a bridge and saw the field where my path was leading.
Cows.
Young stocky bullocks with horns- all gathering round the gate, staring at me! I skirted around, hoping that the path actually went a different way, but knew deep down it went straight through the field, so I steeled myself, took a deep breath and waded in...
They were fine! Very curious and did follow me a bit, it was quite funny. I'd walk a few paces and sense them following me, so I'd turn round and they'd instantly freeze, like some kind of statue. They soon got fed up and just watched me go- I don't mind that, it's just when they run, jostle and mock charge!
My Garmin told me I'd done about 8 1/2 miles in all. Did nothing Wednesday cos it was my mate's birthday so a few of us went out for tea, and yesterday was the second day of the mystery headaches!
I had intended to run, but wasn't feeling great, so went and walked Jake, mum's crazy dog (I had to have words with him as he pulled me over- luckily out of sight of the kids nearby). I plugged into my music and walked around the next village after I returned him, probably another 6 miles in all. I am going to the gym in a bit as soon as I feel motivated!!
Hopefully will be definately back to normal this week, guess the rest may have done some good! I won't be here for the next few days as am going to mum's caravan in Wells-next-the-Sea but will update on the sand/ dune running!!
Labels: Cows, Wainwright, walking, Wells-Next-The-Sea
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Getting Back To Normal...
I think I underestimated the recovery time from the Ridgeway 40, and how much a 40 miler takes out of the body. Hence the leg pain Wednesday after using the stepper!!
I decided to be really sensible, take the advice given and have an easier week... Thursday the leg was much better, so had a nice gentle stroll in the countryside on my 7 mile route. I could feel a couple of twinges towards the end, and thought I may have overdone it, but it was ok...
Friday I rested and had takeaway pizza! Everything felt fine Saturday so had a really slow and easy 10 mile run, no pack, amazing what a difference it makes listening to music! The best thing was passing groups of kids... I am no longer bothered if they yell abuse, as I can't hear them!
I went back to the gym today for the first time in ages, so thought I'd ease back in- I ran for 10 minutes on the treadmill, walked using the incline function for 10 minutes and ran again for another 10. Then did 20 minutes on the ellipticals (I have discovered that one of the older models doesn't seem to bother my knee), 10 minutes on the stepper at a low level, plus the usual weights/ strength training. My legs have felt a little 'heavy' but otherwise ok.
I am away next weekend- the family are going to Wells-Next-The-Sea! My sis and her family are staying in the van next door to mums, and I will be using the opportunity to run along the beach and over the dunes (although they are rather miniscule and hardly up to Saharan standards!!) if nothing else it will give me the opportunity to look like an absolute t*at in front if everybody, but I'm quite used to that!!
I decided to be really sensible, take the advice given and have an easier week... Thursday the leg was much better, so had a nice gentle stroll in the countryside on my 7 mile route. I could feel a couple of twinges towards the end, and thought I may have overdone it, but it was ok...
Friday I rested and had takeaway pizza! Everything felt fine Saturday so had a really slow and easy 10 mile run, no pack, amazing what a difference it makes listening to music! The best thing was passing groups of kids... I am no longer bothered if they yell abuse, as I can't hear them!
I went back to the gym today for the first time in ages, so thought I'd ease back in- I ran for 10 minutes on the treadmill, walked using the incline function for 10 minutes and ran again for another 10. Then did 20 minutes on the ellipticals (I have discovered that one of the older models doesn't seem to bother my knee), 10 minutes on the stepper at a low level, plus the usual weights/ strength training. My legs have felt a little 'heavy' but otherwise ok.
I am away next weekend- the family are going to Wells-Next-The-Sea! My sis and her family are staying in the van next door to mums, and I will be using the opportunity to run along the beach and over the dunes (although they are rather miniscule and hardly up to Saharan standards!!) if nothing else it will give me the opportunity to look like an absolute t*at in front if everybody, but I'm quite used to that!!
Labels: gym, Wells-Next-The-Sea
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Leg Pain- Oh Nooo!
Since the Ridgeway 40 on Saturday, I have done very little... so last night I decided to use my stepper for an hour whilst watching telly- nice and gentle hey?
But I have have a pain in my right leg when walking all bloody day!! It's kind of right at the top of the calf, at the back of the knee... I don't know whether it's using the stepper or the cumulative result after the 40 miles!
I guess I know the answer- take it easy this week! Why is it so hard to do the right thing? Why do we always feel we should be training and get the almost irresistable urge to try to push our bodies through injuries when we know deep down it may make it worse and result in being out of action for longer? Answers on a post card...
Rich drew my attention to this link to the 11 major marathon mistakes article... and I think number 5 explains why I got a dodgy tummy; electrolyte drinks AND gel! It's an interesting read, this comment from mistake number 9 made me smile;
Too many marathoners emphasize volume of training over quality. Come on, people -- when you get ready for a marathon, you're not training to run across the Sahara Desert
Oooh yes I am!!!
But I have have a pain in my right leg when walking all bloody day!! It's kind of right at the top of the calf, at the back of the knee... I don't know whether it's using the stepper or the cumulative result after the 40 miles!
I guess I know the answer- take it easy this week! Why is it so hard to do the right thing? Why do we always feel we should be training and get the almost irresistable urge to try to push our bodies through injuries when we know deep down it may make it worse and result in being out of action for longer? Answers on a post card...
Rich drew my attention to this link to the 11 major marathon mistakes article... and I think number 5 explains why I got a dodgy tummy; electrolyte drinks AND gel! It's an interesting read, this comment from mistake number 9 made me smile;
Too many marathoners emphasize volume of training over quality. Come on, people -- when you get ready for a marathon, you're not training to run across the Sahara Desert
Oooh yes I am!!!
Labels: Knee pain, marathon mistakes
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Event Report; The 47th Ridgeway 40
This was the biggest event so far in my training calendar and the first time I was attempting this distance since the Coventry Way in 2003, which I finished in 13 hours 49 minutes...
It was always going to be a long day, and I got all my stuff prepared the night before, so all I had to do was get up at 3:15am, throw my clothes on and leave the house. Frustratingly enough, I didn't get much sleep- I think my brain knew the pressure I was under to sleep, so everytime I kept nearly dropping off, I woke myself up!
I must have dropped off eventually, as the shrill tones of the alarm cut through my sleep, and I stumbled out of bed, dressed, and left the house for the two hour drive to Streatley. I had bargained on the roads being pretty much dead, and I was right; also it was mostly motorway and dual carriageway. I stopped at a McDonalds for a pot of Oat So Simple (vaguely healthy fare) and a sip of coffee out of my flask, and reached Streatley at just before 6am.
I deliberately kept the pack fairly light, I figured I could keep topping up the water at checkpoints so had my small rucksack with two 1 litre water bottles, one filled with electrolyte, plus waterproof, headtorch, maps, camera and food. I parked up and made my way to Streatley Youth Hostel, where it was good to meet Rach! She was walking with her team for the Oxfam 100k Trailwalker event in July. We had a chat, and it was time to board the coach for the hour drive to the start at Overton Hill. I sat with a guy who had done the Ridgeway before and wanted to beat his time of 10 1/2 hours. I told him about the MdS and he seemed really interested- I don't know why, but I'm always a bit shy of telling folks I'm doing it... actually I think it's because I imagine them thinking "She's doing that? She's got no chance!!"
The coach disgorged us at Overton Hill, near the Sanctuary (there were three coaches in all). Unfortunately I wanted the loo already, and the Ridgeway isn't the best place to find sheltered spots, so I had to hold on for a few miles...
Overton HillThe route was quite easy going; it follows the line of the Ridgeway track, an ancient series of roads and tracks in use since prehistoric times, evidenced by the amount of ancient burial mounds and hill forts along it. It is a long distance trail, 85 miles in length, and today we were walking the first 40 miles of it. It is basically a wide track, sometimes grassy or stoney, sometimes gravel, or metalled road. Some parts can be used by vehicles, so there were the deep grooves caused by motorbikes just not quite wide enough to walk in comfortably. It is certainly well signposted, and for most of it's length follows a line of high ridges so offers wide reaching views over open countryside with yellow rape fields.
Although the sun was obscured by hazy clouds for much of the day, it was very warm. I put suncream on but still ended up sunburnt!
The route wound past Hackpen Hill with it's white horse (which we couldn't see) before passing the hill fort of Barbury Castle. I was feeling quite strong, and overtook a few people. It was easy walking here, being a kind of gravelled track.
Barbury Castle Hill FortWe left the Ridgeway trail for a while here; the trail proper goes over the castle, but we picked up another track which skirted round the side of the hill to the first checkpoint and drinks; Burderop Down at 7 miles. We followed a series of tracks to the second checkpoint; Whitefield Hill at 9.5 miles, where there were oranges on offer plus wet wipes! I had sweets in my front pack I kept dipping into during the day. A steepish pull past a mast brought us back to the Ridgeway and what I thought was the loveliest section; the track took us right over the down and skirted the hill in the picture below. Just out of the picture to the left was the hill fort of Liddington Hill commanding an imposing view over the valley. I tried to imagine myself as a prehistoric traveller striding over the down!
Liddington Hill And DownsAfter this was a section of road walking to checkpoint 3; the Shepherds Rest at Foxhill, 14 1/2 miles. It was quite embarrassing as my mobile went off and there were a few folk around... it was mum... checking I was still alive! I dived into the pub to 'use their facilities' and picked up two bags of apricots at the checkpoint. They went down very well with a snickers! Then it was onwards and upwards, back onto the trail which became an off road and well signposted track once more.
It felt like quite a long slog to the next checkpoint, and we were certainly in the hottest part of the day. I passed a sign to Wayland's Smithy- a Neolithic burial mound, and decided to take a quick detour. It was still quite impressive, despite being so old. There is also a legend that a blacksmith called Wayland used to have his smithy here (hence the name) and that even now, if you leave a horse here all night and some money, when you return next day your horse will be shod and the money gone (I may just bring my car up here when it goes wrong- got to move with the times, right!)
Waylands SmithyThe next checkpoint, Uffington Castle at 19 1/2 miles, was very welcome; I sat for a few minutes and there was what should be the mainstay of all challenge walks on offer- jam sandwiches and cold rice pudding! One chap admitted to me that he never realised how much he would appreciate eating cold rice pudding but it was like nectar!
I passed the white horse at Uffington- the famous, stylised one seen as the emblem on the walk's web page- only we couldn't see it as we were on top of it! The route was quite undulating here, and I walked for a few minutes with a guy who had obviously done many challenge walks. He said he was walking with a lady runner, who was very fit but refused to carry a pack so had enlisted him as 'sherpa'. She had stopped for a toilet break; he told me to make sure I kept up the exercise and was quite impressed when I told him I'm a member of the LDWA as he personally knew many folk who write for Strider (LDWA magazine). We saw a load of people coming the other way, wearing matching t-shirts, it turned out they were doing a 7 1/2 mile charity event. The guy I was talking to stopped to wait for his friend and they passed me shortly after- she did look fit, she was certainly very skinny and looked for all the world like a 'proper' runner.
The next checkpoint was Eastmanton Down at 23 miles, and there was a rumour of hot drinks at the one after. My legs were aching a little at this point, and I started to have twinges in my right calf, which worried me as I hoped I wasn't doing it any damage. I stretched a bit before beginning the slog to the next checkpoint at 28 miles.
Ridgeway SceneryAlthough I wasn't actually following anyone, there was always people in sight, ahead and behind me, and I occasionally overtook folk. I had brought my sporty earphones, so plugged into music which actually seemed to help me get into a rhythm. Finally, I crossed the road and saw the welcome sight of checkpoint 6; Yew Down at 28 miles. I had my tally card signed, and a lady offered to squirt water over me- first time I remember agreeing to have somebody squirt cold water in my face but it was lovely! And... coffee and cakes! I sat on a deck chair for a few minutes, savouring my coffee and homemade flapjack. Quite a few folk had stopped here, and one guy voted it his favourite checkpoint- we all seconded it and another guy piped up "I bet you say that to all the checkpoints!" I sat with a couple who had gradually shaved chunks off their time each year and were hoping to beat last year's time of 11 hours 30 minutes, but were behind schedule so didn't think they would manage it.
I didn't want to move, but still had just under a half marathon left to do, so it was onwards and alongwards (with another brief loo stop in some handy bushes). The Ridgeway was quite wide here and there were several other tracks leading off. I felt a sudden rubbing on the bottom of my right foot- in fact I thought it felt as though my sock had worn through and was rubbing a blister. The pains in my calf started to come back, but I had a flash of revelation as I realised they were more like little cramping pains, and wondered if it was because I hadn't really had anything salty- must start including some salty, savoury snacks in future... the pains certainly didn't get any worse and I never felt them again after the finish.
At the next checkpoint; Bury Down at 32 miles, I pulled my shoes off to inspect my feet- yep- the sock had worn completely through at the sole and was rubbing a blister! Luckily I had put a spare pair in... I had a couple of biscuits, loads of drink and my secret weapon- neurofen!
The next checkpoint was only a mere 2 1/2 miles away; I was listening to music again, and felt quite strong although it could have been the neurofen masking my aches!
Ridgeway After Checkpoint 7I started to jog on the downhills, and caught up with the guy I had been talking to and his friend, the lady runner, who was also jogging downhill. We ended up getting caught in a kind of friendly 'duel'- she'd slow down to a walk, I'd walk past her, then she would jog and overtake me again. a metalled track brought us to the penultimate checkpoint, Compton Downs Cross Tracks at 34 1/2 miles, with twixes and kit kats. I also had a gel just after to give me a boost for the end.
After this the route turned a sharp left and climbed for a while- I passed the lady runner and a few others, and for the only time all day there was nobody else in sight. I was convinced I was going to get lost, but felt strong still, and managed a fast walking pace.
At the last checkpoint (the rather morbidly named Starveall Turn at 36 1/2 miles) I was informed that there were around 90 or so behind me. One chap told me quite a few had had to retire due to the heat. The last 3 1/2 miles wound up hill, then descended to a metalled track. I still felt like I could run, but unfortunately something had had an unfortunate effect on my guts, which was quite uncomfortable! (wonder if it was the gel?)
View Off The Track Near StreatleyI passed a chap at the bottom of the track who announced "I'm broken!" then there was quite a bit of road walking back to Streatley, in fact it seemed to go on for miles! I looked at my watch and realised an 11 hour 30 minute time may be within my grasp, so jogged and fast walked back into Streatley and the Youth Hostel (mercifully all downhill!) By my watch, I just made it!
There was a buffet at the finish, with some salty snacks which I attacked, and more delicious cakes! The couple I had been chatting to at 28 miles had in fact come in at 11 hours 20 minutes and beat their PB so were chuffed. One chap told me that one year, a chap had finished the walk in such a bad way he had literally handed in his tally card and collapsed in front of the check in desk!
I was pleased at how strong I felt at the end, and how the heat hadn't really affected me. I later heard from Rach that they had finished in just over 12 hours 30 minutes, which was an amazing time for her first 40 miler and a great milestone for the Trailwalker. Her pack was also a lot heavier than mine!
Then it was 'just' the lovely 2 hour drive home... mercifully the roads were very quiet, but I felt very tired... I stopped at Watford Gap services on the M1 with the intention of getting a coffee at Costa (lotta!) Coffee, but nearly didn't bother when I saw the price- £2.40 for a small cappucino! But then reason kicked in, and I thought it would actually be an investment if it stopped me from falling asleep at the wheel and ploughing into the central reservation...
I certainly slept well when I finally fell into bed! And didn't ache too much the next day! I am still aching slightly today and my legs feel tired, but not too bad! Think this week will be an easier 'recovery' week and I may build up to 40 miles per week after next week.
Have to say though- I would definately recommend the Ridgeway 40, it was a lovely route, and very well organised with friendly volunteers and even St Johns Ambulance back up. I would like to do this one again at some point, although next year may be too soon after the MdS.
Labels: Ridgeway 40
Friday, May 09, 2008
Thoughts On The Ridgeway 40...
Tomorrow is the Ridgeway 40... and I have a 2 hour drive to get there and then a 2 hour drive to get home again! The start is at Overton Hill near Marlborough, and we walk 40 miles along the Ridgeway Trail to Streatley near Reading. I am parking at Streatley and have a place on the coach to the start, which leaves at 6:45am!!
Of course, this adds more pressure... miss the start of a normal challenge walk and you have the option of starting later and trying to catch up. Miss the coach and it's rather more of a problem... I maybe should have booked into the Youth Hostel tonight, and am just hoping that the roads will be dead tomorrow morning!
Then there is the question of what to take with me in the nourishment line... there are check points along the route (with some quite tight closing times!) and the walk notes state that they offer 'light refreshments' but I don't know what will be on offer apart from drinks.
So the plan is- mix up a SIS electrolyte and take another for later, when I replenish water at a check point. I am also taking; 2 carbo gels, hot cross buns, Snickers, a flap jack, bananas, digestives and sweets. I think I will try to keep pack weight light. I will also need headtorch, suncream, and, in the interests of blogging, camera.
I don't know if I will run yet, maybe a bit. I will have to go to bed hideously early tonight, which may be easier said than done as all the kids seem to use the shops as a focal point for cycling round in circles, shouting, and riding poxy sewing machined engined scooters round and round, shouting.
I may be very glad of my earplugs.
The plan for Sunday- sleep and eat Ben n Jerry's Caramel Chew Chew ice cream!!!
Of course, this adds more pressure... miss the start of a normal challenge walk and you have the option of starting later and trying to catch up. Miss the coach and it's rather more of a problem... I maybe should have booked into the Youth Hostel tonight, and am just hoping that the roads will be dead tomorrow morning!
Then there is the question of what to take with me in the nourishment line... there are check points along the route (with some quite tight closing times!) and the walk notes state that they offer 'light refreshments' but I don't know what will be on offer apart from drinks.
So the plan is- mix up a SIS electrolyte and take another for later, when I replenish water at a check point. I am also taking; 2 carbo gels, hot cross buns, Snickers, a flap jack, bananas, digestives and sweets. I think I will try to keep pack weight light. I will also need headtorch, suncream, and, in the interests of blogging, camera.
I don't know if I will run yet, maybe a bit. I will have to go to bed hideously early tonight, which may be easier said than done as all the kids seem to use the shops as a focal point for cycling round in circles, shouting, and riding poxy sewing machined engined scooters round and round, shouting.
I may be very glad of my earplugs.
The plan for Sunday- sleep and eat Ben n Jerry's Caramel Chew Chew ice cream!!!
Labels: Ben n Jerry's, Ridgeway 40
Thursday, May 08, 2008
A Mini-Taper...
I am having a mini taper this week ready for the Ridgeway Walk. After the Belvoir Witches walk, I had a rest day on Monday (driving around in the country, looking for a pub that served food, much more difficult than it sounds!!)
Tuesday I went out for yet another meal, but as I finish work earlier than my friend, I put on my trainers and marched for an hour round Ruddington Country Park. It was gorgeous- hot and sunny and giving me high hopes for summer...
Funnily enough, when me and my friend returned from our meal, my friend's mum was panicking rather as she said she had seen a bird of prey next to a tree when she took their dogs out. She said that she had been watching it for several minutes, and was so worried I went back with her, walking through the woods til we found the spot where she had seen it. Luckily, it turned out to be a part of the tree, much to the amusement of my friend, who kept repeating "Is it a bird... is it a plane... no... it's a tree!"
Wednesday I went to Body Toning- very hot! I decided to walk back a different and longer route back to East Goscote, through fields, with a 5 kg pack. It was a lovely walk, around 5 miles total, eventually following a winding path through woodland beside the river. The only problem is that there is a bit of road walking back to the village at the end, which wouldn't have been a problem if a car full of t**ts hadn't decided it would be a great laugh to accelerate towards me, swerving away at the last minute. The world is full of to**ers...
So total mileage is around 9 miles, plus I went on my mini stepper whilst watching a documentary on Tutankhamun for an hour. I don't know how much benefit I get from the mini stepper but I do break a sweat.
Going to have a really early night tomorrow, as I stupidly decided to drive to the start of the Ridgeway, walk it and drive home... around 2 1/2 hours each way- d'oh!!!
It's going to be a hot one... I had a real find in Asda- individual sachets of SIS electrolytes and recovery! And in the interests of blogging and feeding back from my travels I have also splashed out on a new battery for the camera!
Tuesday I went out for yet another meal, but as I finish work earlier than my friend, I put on my trainers and marched for an hour round Ruddington Country Park. It was gorgeous- hot and sunny and giving me high hopes for summer...
Funnily enough, when me and my friend returned from our meal, my friend's mum was panicking rather as she said she had seen a bird of prey next to a tree when she took their dogs out. She said that she had been watching it for several minutes, and was so worried I went back with her, walking through the woods til we found the spot where she had seen it. Luckily, it turned out to be a part of the tree, much to the amusement of my friend, who kept repeating "Is it a bird... is it a plane... no... it's a tree!"
Wednesday I went to Body Toning- very hot! I decided to walk back a different and longer route back to East Goscote, through fields, with a 5 kg pack. It was a lovely walk, around 5 miles total, eventually following a winding path through woodland beside the river. The only problem is that there is a bit of road walking back to the village at the end, which wouldn't have been a problem if a car full of t**ts hadn't decided it would be a great laugh to accelerate towards me, swerving away at the last minute. The world is full of to**ers...
So total mileage is around 9 miles, plus I went on my mini stepper whilst watching a documentary on Tutankhamun for an hour. I don't know how much benefit I get from the mini stepper but I do break a sweat.
Going to have a really early night tomorrow, as I stupidly decided to drive to the start of the Ridgeway, walk it and drive home... around 2 1/2 hours each way- d'oh!!!
It's going to be a hot one... I had a real find in Asda- individual sachets of SIS electrolytes and recovery! And in the interests of blogging and feeding back from my travels I have also splashed out on a new battery for the camera!
Labels: Ridgeway 40
Sunday, May 04, 2008
The Belvoir Witches Walk
There wasn't a LDWA walk available this weekend so thought I'd pick a long route and do it myself. I have quite a lot of John Merrill's books, and had done this one before; a circular 25 mile route round the Vale of Belvoir (looking at my diary I did it nearly 12 years ago!!! Where does the time go??)
The walk starts and finishes in the village of Bottesford; it is usually a quite little place, but not today! As I drove nearer I found myself in a massive queue as they had decided to have a car boot sale just outside the village! I parked up- eventually- in a free car park in the village and set off (immediately going wrong!!)
I ran in a few places but decided to mainly stick to walking as I have got the 40 mile Ridgeway Walk next Saturday and didn't want to make myself too tired for that! A bit of road walking brought me to the Nottingham to Grantham canal, which I was to follow for the next 5 miles. I was lucky with the weather- it had forecast heavy showers but all I had was a few spots every so often. I plugged my music in and plodded onwards along the easy path next to the canal. It occured to me that when I wrote about storing headphones in my cooking tin during the MdS, I might actually want to have them in easy reach whilst I'm walking, derr!!
I tried something else new; skittles and Tutti Fruttis in a resealable bag, and must say they went down very well!
After the canal, the walk doubles back on itself on the other side of the canal before heading off to Denton Reservoir and the village of Denton. I had to walk through a field of horses, but luckily they were the friendly type!
Preparations were underway in Denton for their street party tomorrow, it was really hot and I was sweating like mad. It didn't help that the next bit was uphill. A footpath kept to the edge of the field to avoid using the road; one of the fields had obviously just been sowed with crops, and consisted of a red soil that was just like sand in consistency- so I ran through it for a bit of practice!
The next bit was down a really muddy track, complete with motorcyclists churning it up even worse. I had decided to have lunch at Woolsthorpe as it was roughly half way, it started spitting a bit so I utilised a nearby tree for shelter and stopped for a cheese sarnie.
After 'lunch' there was quite a long climb up to Belvoir Castle, which commands a stunning viewpoint. Judging by the amount of cars in the car park, it was a popular choice for a Bank Holiday trip out, too! There was a bit of road walking here, which wasn't so good as it was quite busy.
The route picks up the Jubilee Way through woods. I had a bit of a panic when I emerged onto the road as it didn't tally with the book, but guessed the way and got it right! The route then plunges steeply off the main track down a bank; there was an amazing carpet of bluebells amongst the trees, I took a photo with my phone but can't email it to my computer, will really have to get a battery for my camera...
Then it was down another muddy, rutted track and through fields of crops (not cows- phew!) before an uphill road walk to Plungar. I had my water with me but was fantasising about ice cold drinks which will most definately not be an option in the desert. I could feel a couple of hot spots on my feet, and the legs were starting to ache a bit but was otherwise ok. When I reach Plungar, I found myself right next to a pub and was faced with the decision as to whether I should make do with my luke warm water and head onwards or stop for a few minutes and grab a cold drink... no contest really! The lime and lemonade went down very well and was only 90p!
The next 4 miles were back along the canal, a rather quieter stretch, I plugged my music in again and let Robbie, Bon Jovi, Abba, Elton John etc help me back towards Bottesford (I have very varied tastes in music!) My calves were aching and I could feel a blister on one of my left toes, and this last stretch seemed a bit endless. I had a flapjack to keep my strength up, and kept plodding on... eventually I reached the road back to Bottesford and the life and death crossing of the A52. The co-op was still open so I grabbed more cold drinks.
I did the 25 miles in 6 hours 45 minutes, which I'm sure was a lot faster than when I last did it, and am quite pleased with that. My pack weighed around 5 kg at the start, but I found I didn't notice the weight after a bit. I do have a blister and my legs are aching slightly, but apart from that, I'm good.
Tomorrow will be really physically tough... me and a mate are driving out to a little village for a lazy lunch...
The walk starts and finishes in the village of Bottesford; it is usually a quite little place, but not today! As I drove nearer I found myself in a massive queue as they had decided to have a car boot sale just outside the village! I parked up- eventually- in a free car park in the village and set off (immediately going wrong!!)
I ran in a few places but decided to mainly stick to walking as I have got the 40 mile Ridgeway Walk next Saturday and didn't want to make myself too tired for that! A bit of road walking brought me to the Nottingham to Grantham canal, which I was to follow for the next 5 miles. I was lucky with the weather- it had forecast heavy showers but all I had was a few spots every so often. I plugged my music in and plodded onwards along the easy path next to the canal. It occured to me that when I wrote about storing headphones in my cooking tin during the MdS, I might actually want to have them in easy reach whilst I'm walking, derr!!
I tried something else new; skittles and Tutti Fruttis in a resealable bag, and must say they went down very well!
After the canal, the walk doubles back on itself on the other side of the canal before heading off to Denton Reservoir and the village of Denton. I had to walk through a field of horses, but luckily they were the friendly type!
Preparations were underway in Denton for their street party tomorrow, it was really hot and I was sweating like mad. It didn't help that the next bit was uphill. A footpath kept to the edge of the field to avoid using the road; one of the fields had obviously just been sowed with crops, and consisted of a red soil that was just like sand in consistency- so I ran through it for a bit of practice!
The next bit was down a really muddy track, complete with motorcyclists churning it up even worse. I had decided to have lunch at Woolsthorpe as it was roughly half way, it started spitting a bit so I utilised a nearby tree for shelter and stopped for a cheese sarnie.
After 'lunch' there was quite a long climb up to Belvoir Castle, which commands a stunning viewpoint. Judging by the amount of cars in the car park, it was a popular choice for a Bank Holiday trip out, too! There was a bit of road walking here, which wasn't so good as it was quite busy.
The route picks up the Jubilee Way through woods. I had a bit of a panic when I emerged onto the road as it didn't tally with the book, but guessed the way and got it right! The route then plunges steeply off the main track down a bank; there was an amazing carpet of bluebells amongst the trees, I took a photo with my phone but can't email it to my computer, will really have to get a battery for my camera...
Then it was down another muddy, rutted track and through fields of crops (not cows- phew!) before an uphill road walk to Plungar. I had my water with me but was fantasising about ice cold drinks which will most definately not be an option in the desert. I could feel a couple of hot spots on my feet, and the legs were starting to ache a bit but was otherwise ok. When I reach Plungar, I found myself right next to a pub and was faced with the decision as to whether I should make do with my luke warm water and head onwards or stop for a few minutes and grab a cold drink... no contest really! The lime and lemonade went down very well and was only 90p!
The next 4 miles were back along the canal, a rather quieter stretch, I plugged my music in again and let Robbie, Bon Jovi, Abba, Elton John etc help me back towards Bottesford (I have very varied tastes in music!) My calves were aching and I could feel a blister on one of my left toes, and this last stretch seemed a bit endless. I had a flapjack to keep my strength up, and kept plodding on... eventually I reached the road back to Bottesford and the life and death crossing of the A52. The co-op was still open so I grabbed more cold drinks.
I did the 25 miles in 6 hours 45 minutes, which I'm sure was a lot faster than when I last did it, and am quite pleased with that. My pack weighed around 5 kg at the start, but I found I didn't notice the weight after a bit. I do have a blister and my legs are aching slightly, but apart from that, I'm good.
Tomorrow will be really physically tough... me and a mate are driving out to a little village for a lazy lunch...
Labels: Belvoir Witches Walk, John Merrill
Saturday, May 03, 2008
First Equipment Test Success!!!
Well, I ran my first equipment test last night! Mum had bought me an MP3 player for my birthday last year, and I had intended to use it while running and walking, but the stupid little ear things will just not stay in my ears! I even bought another set and they were even worse, so I had just resigned myself to MP3 music on long car journeys...
... until I got a pair of 'sports' earphones from Aldi for £2.99! They are attached to a plastic band that goes behind the head- it rests on my pony tail and the ear thingies go in at just the right angle- and stay in! It transformed my 10 mile run, I was carried away on a wave of music, or at least until the battery ran out on the MP3. The downside is that they are a bit bulky and quite fragile, so if I were to take them on the MdS I may have to find something to put them in, maybe a cooking pot. Ii could always splash out on some dearer and potentially more robust ones now I know that the design works.
I've had a bit of a hectic social life this week, but did manage to get to the gym Wednesday; I did 4 1/2 miles on the treadmill, running and running/ walking on incline. I went on the ellipticals too and ramped it up a little but felt my knee slightly after.
I have found out that a couple of colleagues are running the Robin Hood half marathon, it's a fortnight after the Bullock Smithy so could be a possibility!
Lovely long Bank Holiday weekend... I am thinking about planning a 25 miler for tomorrow and typically enough it gives rain all day! Ah well...
... until I got a pair of 'sports' earphones from Aldi for £2.99! They are attached to a plastic band that goes behind the head- it rests on my pony tail and the ear thingies go in at just the right angle- and stay in! It transformed my 10 mile run, I was carried away on a wave of music, or at least until the battery ran out on the MP3. The downside is that they are a bit bulky and quite fragile, so if I were to take them on the MdS I may have to find something to put them in, maybe a cooking pot. Ii could always splash out on some dearer and potentially more robust ones now I know that the design works.
I've had a bit of a hectic social life this week, but did manage to get to the gym Wednesday; I did 4 1/2 miles on the treadmill, running and running/ walking on incline. I went on the ellipticals too and ramped it up a little but felt my knee slightly after.
I have found out that a couple of colleagues are running the Robin Hood half marathon, it's a fortnight after the Bullock Smithy so could be a possibility!
Lovely long Bank Holiday weekend... I am thinking about planning a 25 miler for tomorrow and typically enough it gives rain all day! Ah well...
Labels: Earphones
