Sunday, June 29, 2008
Another Week Over...
I am convinced that the years are actually getting shorter!! We are nearly at the end of June- it's July in Tuesday! Woah- where did the first half of the year go!?! I will be in the Sahara before I can blink again at this rate!!
I haven't done much in the way of mileage this week, mainly because I'm doing the Grand Prix series; obviously road races take much more out of the body than training runs, as you are naturally pushing a lot more, so lots of long slow mileage as well is probably not a good idea... I will build these back up after the end of the series next week.
I had a good gym work out today though... lots of running at 6.3mph and above on the treadmill, interspersed with a couple of minutes at 7 and 7.5mph for a bit of interval training. I did the usual 20 minutes on the elliptical and increased the intensity during the second half. Luckily it didn't affect my knee.
I did the usual strength training and bingo-wing blasters (which aren't working- I reckon I could probably just flap my way to Ouazazate next year and save on the air fare!) Then I managed 20 minutes on Brian... I have been on the Lifefitness website, and discovered that Brian is actually a Summit Trainer! A new piece of kit, supposedly designed to give the user a 'challenging' work out and exercised those muscles used for climbing hills! (Glutes, hamstrings etc)
I have already been leaning forwards and making deeper steps, whilst using the arms, which is the most challenging position. And it doesn't get my knee! I don't think that the gym could have got a better piece of kit for me- let's hope everybody else doesn't realise how good it is as there's only one!
Walked the dogs with mum in between showers, I think she was glad to get out as stepdad is doing some DIY so the air was rather blue. Jake certainly gives the arms a work out!
Going to have a lovely soak later...
I haven't done much in the way of mileage this week, mainly because I'm doing the Grand Prix series; obviously road races take much more out of the body than training runs, as you are naturally pushing a lot more, so lots of long slow mileage as well is probably not a good idea... I will build these back up after the end of the series next week.
I had a good gym work out today though... lots of running at 6.3mph and above on the treadmill, interspersed with a couple of minutes at 7 and 7.5mph for a bit of interval training. I did the usual 20 minutes on the elliptical and increased the intensity during the second half. Luckily it didn't affect my knee.
I did the usual strength training and bingo-wing blasters (which aren't working- I reckon I could probably just flap my way to Ouazazate next year and save on the air fare!) Then I managed 20 minutes on Brian... I have been on the Lifefitness website, and discovered that Brian is actually a Summit Trainer! A new piece of kit, supposedly designed to give the user a 'challenging' work out and exercised those muscles used for climbing hills! (Glutes, hamstrings etc)
I have already been leaning forwards and making deeper steps, whilst using the arms, which is the most challenging position. And it doesn't get my knee! I don't think that the gym could have got a better piece of kit for me- let's hope everybody else doesn't realise how good it is as there's only one!
Walked the dogs with mum in between showers, I think she was glad to get out as stepdad is doing some DIY so the air was rather blue. Jake certainly gives the arms a work out!
Going to have a lovely soak later...
Labels: gym, summit trainer
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Grand Prix Race 2; Wollaton Park
Thursday saw the second race in the Grand Prix series... the 5k at Wollaton Park. There is a temptation to think it's 'only' 3.1 miles but it's quite a hilly 3.1 miles!
I got there hideously early as it wasn't worth going home from work and driving back into Nottinham. Wollaton Park is an unexpected jewel of a place- right more or less in the middle of Nottingham, it's a deer park, with expanses of open spaces, tracks, a lake, and, of course, Stately Home...
As I parked up it immediately started to rain. Good sign!! The loos are unfortunately quite a trek away from the car park and start, so I found them and got changed. The rain became heavier! When I got back to my car, I spotted Meryl- her sister was staying with her so had come to lend her support. We trekked back over to the loos, sheltering under Meryl's umbrella- I always need to keep going to the loo before a race, I am paranoid about being desperate for a wee while I'm running!! Meryl kept saying, quite optimistically, "It looks like it's brightening up!" (She was sadly wrong!!)
Meryl dropped her brolly off with her sister and we made our way to the start, which was in a large grassy area. As we set off, we ran across the grass and reached a track for our first ascent. I felt fairly strong and overtook a few folk. The climb became steeper as we passed the 1k mark (and a chap with his daughter, who clapped us and said 'Nearly finished!!') and then dropped down in front of the house towards the lake. The route was to double back on itself at this point and the lead runners passed us going the other way!
We had another climb away from the lake, and passed a marshall who told us that we had done the worst bit. A girl near me said 'Liar!!' and I remembered that the last climb was the worst one last year! It was still raining and a bit slippery underfoot but better than duck sh*t!!
The route then took us past the 3k mark and downhill towards the car park, rather cruelly passing the back of the finish, where far faster folks were already home and dry (well, wet!!) Then it was the last climb- a long, slow one which joined up with the steep section on the first climb. It was quite painful, but I still managed to pass some folks. As I passed a couple, I heard the girl say 'I can't carry on! I can't do it anymore!' and her friend doing his best to encourage her! My legs and lungs were hurting now, and I could have quite easily thrown up if I had let myself, but I was determined to keep going.
Finally we turned off the track onto a grassy area, and it was all downhill to the finish! Excellent for sprint finishes- a few folk came powering past me, but I did manage to overtake a girl just ahead of me and pip her to the finish- small victories!! I finished in 27 minutes 42 seconds, and didn't think I'd had a PB, as I couldn't remember last year's time. I found Meryl's sister (I looked for the distinctive yellow and blue umbrella!) and stood with her to cheer Meryl in, who put in a really strong sprint finish.
It was still pouring, and as we walked back to the cars, I heard one woman say to her friend "Short, sharp dash my arse! I am never going to listen to you ever again!!"
Meryl and her sister went, but me being me and an MdS nutter, I strapped on my 5.5kg rucksack and went for a yomp around the park for another 45 minutes, in the pouring rain, and got back to the car just as it started to ease off!
I had a lovely hot bath once I had got home and a surprise- when I looked, last year's time was 28 minutes 09 seconds, so I did actually PB!!
Mileage wise, this week won't be too great, but these races are quite good fun and something a little different! The next will be a cheeky little 4 miler around Ruddington Country Park on Tuesday.
I got there hideously early as it wasn't worth going home from work and driving back into Nottinham. Wollaton Park is an unexpected jewel of a place- right more or less in the middle of Nottingham, it's a deer park, with expanses of open spaces, tracks, a lake, and, of course, Stately Home...
As I parked up it immediately started to rain. Good sign!! The loos are unfortunately quite a trek away from the car park and start, so I found them and got changed. The rain became heavier! When I got back to my car, I spotted Meryl- her sister was staying with her so had come to lend her support. We trekked back over to the loos, sheltering under Meryl's umbrella- I always need to keep going to the loo before a race, I am paranoid about being desperate for a wee while I'm running!! Meryl kept saying, quite optimistically, "It looks like it's brightening up!" (She was sadly wrong!!)
Meryl dropped her brolly off with her sister and we made our way to the start, which was in a large grassy area. As we set off, we ran across the grass and reached a track for our first ascent. I felt fairly strong and overtook a few folk. The climb became steeper as we passed the 1k mark (and a chap with his daughter, who clapped us and said 'Nearly finished!!') and then dropped down in front of the house towards the lake. The route was to double back on itself at this point and the lead runners passed us going the other way!
We had another climb away from the lake, and passed a marshall who told us that we had done the worst bit. A girl near me said 'Liar!!' and I remembered that the last climb was the worst one last year! It was still raining and a bit slippery underfoot but better than duck sh*t!!
The route then took us past the 3k mark and downhill towards the car park, rather cruelly passing the back of the finish, where far faster folks were already home and dry (well, wet!!) Then it was the last climb- a long, slow one which joined up with the steep section on the first climb. It was quite painful, but I still managed to pass some folks. As I passed a couple, I heard the girl say 'I can't carry on! I can't do it anymore!' and her friend doing his best to encourage her! My legs and lungs were hurting now, and I could have quite easily thrown up if I had let myself, but I was determined to keep going.
Finally we turned off the track onto a grassy area, and it was all downhill to the finish! Excellent for sprint finishes- a few folk came powering past me, but I did manage to overtake a girl just ahead of me and pip her to the finish- small victories!! I finished in 27 minutes 42 seconds, and didn't think I'd had a PB, as I couldn't remember last year's time. I found Meryl's sister (I looked for the distinctive yellow and blue umbrella!) and stood with her to cheer Meryl in, who put in a really strong sprint finish.
It was still pouring, and as we walked back to the cars, I heard one woman say to her friend "Short, sharp dash my arse! I am never going to listen to you ever again!!"
Meryl and her sister went, but me being me and an MdS nutter, I strapped on my 5.5kg rucksack and went for a yomp around the park for another 45 minutes, in the pouring rain, and got back to the car just as it started to ease off!
I had a lovely hot bath once I had got home and a surprise- when I looked, last year's time was 28 minutes 09 seconds, so I did actually PB!!
Mileage wise, this week won't be too great, but these races are quite good fun and something a little different! The next will be a cheeky little 4 miler around Ruddington Country Park on Tuesday.
Labels: Grand Prix, Wollaton Park
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Grand Prix Race 1; Holme Pierrepont
Well, last night was the first in the Holme Pierrepont Running Club 'Grand Prix' series... we kicked off with a 10k around Holme Pierrepont Watersports Centre in West Bridgford.
I wasn't sure what to expect, as I have been concentrating on going long and slow rather than shorter and faster runs. As I had a late visit for work, it wasn't worth going home, so I grabbed a sandwich and ate it in the car, before going into the Watersports Centre to get changed and get demoralised looking at how fit and fast all the club runners looked. My race number for the series is 462, which, funnily enough, was my Stepdad's number when he was in the police force...
I met Meryl, who knew loads of the other runners, and we ambled to the start, which was a few minutes walk away. It wasn't too hot, luckily, just a bit humid. We set off, along quiet roads near the centre, and I tried to get into a stride. At the beginning there was the usual jostling for position before the field spreads out, there were a fair few running tonight. I passed a few folks walking at around 2k, and at 3k we turned off the road and followed the track around the lake; well, when I say lake it's a long rectangular man made lake for boat races etc. There was another smaller lake to the right, with some lucky soul water skiing- I'd love to try that!!
I passed a few folk, but had to avoid all the duck sh*t which could potentially get slippery underfoot. We were running against the wind, and as I had my mouth open, a fair amount of midges flew right in- yeuch, not too good for a veggie!! The water point was just before the 5k mark and I slowed down for a few gulps.
We ran down the far side of the rectangle, and could see the winning runners coming in to the finish on the other side! I also saw the ambulance driving up the direction we had been running, blue lights flashing, so hope whichever poor soul it was needed for is ok! Then we were turned off the track and back onto the roads for the second lap. I overtook a girl at around the 6.5k mark, but she kept really close behind me, I could hear her breathing down my neck. I was determined she wasn't going to get past, so kept up my pace for the next 2k, and she gradually dropped back. God, it was getting quite painful at this point though!
There was a slight uphill just before the 9k marker, then down and along the other side of the rectangle. As I hit the track, another girl drew up along side me, and we raced neck and neck almost to the end, but it was becoming really difficult to keep going and I was struggling to breathe, so had to drop back a bit just before the end. as I passed the line, I glanced at the clock and was really surprised to see I PB'd!!! My official time was 55 minutes and 13 seconds!
This was amazing as my last PB was the Millenium Run in December, which I did in 55 minutes 46 seconds. Interestingly, when I did this run last year my time was 59 minutes 24 seconds so quite a lot better!
I got a juice and went back to the start to cheer Meryl in. Her friend who often races with us but is recovering from injury arrived to cheer her in. Just as she finished it started to rain, so good timing!!
The next run is a 5k at Wollaton Park in Nottingham; it's short but vicious- a few good climbs!
I wasn't sure what to expect, as I have been concentrating on going long and slow rather than shorter and faster runs. As I had a late visit for work, it wasn't worth going home, so I grabbed a sandwich and ate it in the car, before going into the Watersports Centre to get changed and get demoralised looking at how fit and fast all the club runners looked. My race number for the series is 462, which, funnily enough, was my Stepdad's number when he was in the police force...
I met Meryl, who knew loads of the other runners, and we ambled to the start, which was a few minutes walk away. It wasn't too hot, luckily, just a bit humid. We set off, along quiet roads near the centre, and I tried to get into a stride. At the beginning there was the usual jostling for position before the field spreads out, there were a fair few running tonight. I passed a few folks walking at around 2k, and at 3k we turned off the road and followed the track around the lake; well, when I say lake it's a long rectangular man made lake for boat races etc. There was another smaller lake to the right, with some lucky soul water skiing- I'd love to try that!!
I passed a few folk, but had to avoid all the duck sh*t which could potentially get slippery underfoot. We were running against the wind, and as I had my mouth open, a fair amount of midges flew right in- yeuch, not too good for a veggie!! The water point was just before the 5k mark and I slowed down for a few gulps.
We ran down the far side of the rectangle, and could see the winning runners coming in to the finish on the other side! I also saw the ambulance driving up the direction we had been running, blue lights flashing, so hope whichever poor soul it was needed for is ok! Then we were turned off the track and back onto the roads for the second lap. I overtook a girl at around the 6.5k mark, but she kept really close behind me, I could hear her breathing down my neck. I was determined she wasn't going to get past, so kept up my pace for the next 2k, and she gradually dropped back. God, it was getting quite painful at this point though!
There was a slight uphill just before the 9k marker, then down and along the other side of the rectangle. As I hit the track, another girl drew up along side me, and we raced neck and neck almost to the end, but it was becoming really difficult to keep going and I was struggling to breathe, so had to drop back a bit just before the end. as I passed the line, I glanced at the clock and was really surprised to see I PB'd!!! My official time was 55 minutes and 13 seconds!
This was amazing as my last PB was the Millenium Run in December, which I did in 55 minutes 46 seconds. Interestingly, when I did this run last year my time was 59 minutes 24 seconds so quite a lot better!
I got a juice and went back to the start to cheer Meryl in. Her friend who often races with us but is recovering from injury arrived to cheer her in. Just as she finished it started to rain, so good timing!!
The next run is a 5k at Wollaton Park in Nottingham; it's short but vicious- a few good climbs!
Labels: Grand Prix, Holme Pierrepont
Monday, June 23, 2008
Another Week Goes By...
Well, I think I am feeling slightly better, seems like a few of us have been feeling a little bit 'blaagh' lately... I suppose it's inevitable given what we are training for and the amount of time involved.
I did do a fast (for me!) 6 1/2 mile run Saturday night- although it wasn't race pace, i did push myself and got round in about 1 hour 7 minutes, and felt I could have gone a lot further... then I really pushed myself on the gym treadmill Sunday, running at 6.3 mph for 6 minutes, 6.4 mph for 2 minutes, 6.5 mph for 6 minutes, 6.6 mph for 2 minutes, 6.7 mph for 6 minutes, 6.8 mph for 2 minutes, and 7 mph for 3 minutes.
I went on 'Brian' for 15 minutes, the elliptical for 20 minutes, 10 minutes walking on incline on the treadmill plus usual round of weights. I am not expecting a PB for these shorter races but at least I should get round!
I had an email containing the official times for the Ridgeway 40- I had thought I finished in 11 hours 30 minutes, but they reckon it was 11 hours 24 minutes... not complaining!!
I have also sent off my entry for the Kent 50 on August 10th- Rach and Carol are doing it (and they are both doing the MdS next year- Rach is number 2 on the waitlist so is hopefully bound to get a place) so will be great to meet them.
I have the first race in the Holme Pierrepont Grand Prix series tomorrow... a 10k round Holme Pierrepont watersports centre. Should be a lot drier than last year!
I did do a fast (for me!) 6 1/2 mile run Saturday night- although it wasn't race pace, i did push myself and got round in about 1 hour 7 minutes, and felt I could have gone a lot further... then I really pushed myself on the gym treadmill Sunday, running at 6.3 mph for 6 minutes, 6.4 mph for 2 minutes, 6.5 mph for 6 minutes, 6.6 mph for 2 minutes, 6.7 mph for 6 minutes, 6.8 mph for 2 minutes, and 7 mph for 3 minutes.
I went on 'Brian' for 15 minutes, the elliptical for 20 minutes, 10 minutes walking on incline on the treadmill plus usual round of weights. I am not expecting a PB for these shorter races but at least I should get round!
I had an email containing the official times for the Ridgeway 40- I had thought I finished in 11 hours 30 minutes, but they reckon it was 11 hours 24 minutes... not complaining!!
I have also sent off my entry for the Kent 50 on August 10th- Rach and Carol are doing it (and they are both doing the MdS next year- Rach is number 2 on the waitlist so is hopefully bound to get a place) so will be great to meet them.
I have the first race in the Holme Pierrepont Grand Prix series tomorrow... a 10k round Holme Pierrepont watersports centre. Should be a lot drier than last year!
Labels: Grand Prix, Holme Pierrepont Running Club, Ridgeway 40
Friday, June 20, 2008
I Want My Mojo Back!!
I still seem to be finding it incredibly difficult to motivate myself lately... I don't really know what it is... it just seems to be quite difficult to make myself get out there and run/ walk!
I don't know whether it's because the nights are so much lighter which means there are more kids around later, or the fact that nearly every foot path I walk around here now contains cows or just the fact that the training seems to take over your life a bit...
I think that when this year's MdS was going on, and we were all glued to our monitors desperately waiting for news of the guys from the forum, and eagerly devouring their race reports afterwards, we all kind of got the training bug and there was a flurry of activity, and now it still seems to be a bloody long way away and we are faced with months of the same, or rather, more, as we are still building up...
But I will do it. I so want this and will do whatever it takes... the payoff for a few months out of my life is to complete what is known as the toughest foot race on earth!! We had a retirement do at work today and I was asked about the MdS several times as a lot of folks had watched the documentary. Folks were surprisingly supportive although I did hear the word 'crazy' more than once!!
I have been to the gym tonight, done the usual cardio work and core training, including going on the new machine for hill work, which has been christened 'Brian' by Jeff from the forum.
I have also entered the 'Grand Prix' race series I did last year... I was in two minds over this, as it comprises a 10k next Tuesday, 5k next Thursday, 4 miles the following Thursday and 5 miles the following Thursday. I have been concentrating on long walks rather than short runs, but it was good fun last year even if it was rather wet!! My colleague Meryl is doing it, but sadly Mary isn't. I guess the shorter faster runs may even do me some good!
Tomorrow I think I will run 10k and try to go fairly fast... total mileage this week won't be great- about 27- 30- but last weeks was around 45 so not too bad... I really ought to get some sort of a structured plan written out! And start testing equipment... but I'm too skint to actually buy any!
I don't know whether it's because the nights are so much lighter which means there are more kids around later, or the fact that nearly every foot path I walk around here now contains cows or just the fact that the training seems to take over your life a bit...
I think that when this year's MdS was going on, and we were all glued to our monitors desperately waiting for news of the guys from the forum, and eagerly devouring their race reports afterwards, we all kind of got the training bug and there was a flurry of activity, and now it still seems to be a bloody long way away and we are faced with months of the same, or rather, more, as we are still building up...
But I will do it. I so want this and will do whatever it takes... the payoff for a few months out of my life is to complete what is known as the toughest foot race on earth!! We had a retirement do at work today and I was asked about the MdS several times as a lot of folks had watched the documentary. Folks were surprisingly supportive although I did hear the word 'crazy' more than once!!
I have been to the gym tonight, done the usual cardio work and core training, including going on the new machine for hill work, which has been christened 'Brian' by Jeff from the forum.
I have also entered the 'Grand Prix' race series I did last year... I was in two minds over this, as it comprises a 10k next Tuesday, 5k next Thursday, 4 miles the following Thursday and 5 miles the following Thursday. I have been concentrating on long walks rather than short runs, but it was good fun last year even if it was rather wet!! My colleague Meryl is doing it, but sadly Mary isn't. I guess the shorter faster runs may even do me some good!
Tomorrow I think I will run 10k and try to go fairly fast... total mileage this week won't be great- about 27- 30- but last weeks was around 45 so not too bad... I really ought to get some sort of a structured plan written out! And start testing equipment... but I'm too skint to actually buy any!
Labels: Grand Prix, gym
Saturday, June 14, 2008
The 'Barrow Bash!'
Well, I decided that I had better get myself out to do a long walk before I completely stagnate! It was the 'Baslow Boot Bash' today, and I had considered doing it, but it's quite a long way away, and I am really having to watch the pennies if I am to pay the first installment for the MdS in September... so the walk I did the one I had had in mind for a little while; I have John Merrill's book, 'Long Circular Walks in Charnwood Forest', and there are two walks which start and finish in Barrow-Upon-Soar, which is very near me. Interestingly enough it has a very large running club! One of the walks is 14 miles long, and I had done it before, but it was five years ago. The other is 12 miles, and added together they make a kind of figure of eight 26 mile route, which I have christened 'The Barrow Bash'...
There is a free car park in Barrow, with no restrictions, and it's never full, so ideal for leaving the car there for the day. The first 14 mile loop heads out to the Grand Union Canal, and follows it for about two miles.
The Canal At Barrow-Upon-Soar
It was nice, easy walking by the canal. I did pass a field with cows in at some point, but they just ignored me, apart from the odd bovine stare. I passed Mountsorrel, and walked under this impressive bridge, built, as proclaimed, in 1860.
Bridge At Mountsorrel
It was fairly uneventful, easy walking for the next 1 1/2 miles; the lats time I had done this, the section from Mountsorrel to Cossington Mill was quite difficult, as the path was overgrown and non existant, but the area has been made a nature reserve since, and as well as being a lot more scenic, good paths had been put in. I ran a bit along here, the pack started at 5.4kg but felt ok.
Nature Reserve 
Pillings Lock
My Lunch Guest! 
Stanford Hall From The Hoton Hills
There is a free car park in Barrow, with no restrictions, and it's never full, so ideal for leaving the car there for the day. The first 14 mile loop heads out to the Grand Union Canal, and follows it for about two miles.
The Canal At Barrow-Upon-SoarIt was nice, easy walking by the canal. I did pass a field with cows in at some point, but they just ignored me, apart from the odd bovine stare. I passed Mountsorrel, and walked under this impressive bridge, built, as proclaimed, in 1860.
Bridge At MountsorrelIt was fairly uneventful, easy walking for the next 1 1/2 miles; the lats time I had done this, the section from Mountsorrel to Cossington Mill was quite difficult, as the path was overgrown and non existant, but the area has been made a nature reserve since, and as well as being a lot more scenic, good paths had been put in. I ran a bit along here, the pack started at 5.4kg but felt ok.
Nature ReserveAt Cossington Mill, I left the canal and headed on through Rothely; a sleepy village which is now constantly in the news, as it was home to missing toddler Madeline McGann. The next part of the route was straightforward- through a golf course and under the old steam railway which runs from Loughborough to Quorn- to Thurcaston, but I remembered getting lost on the next footpath which should take me up to Cropston. I studied the map, and fought my way up through marsh and a ploughed field with no path (very uneven- good practice!!) and although I had a better result than last time, I still came out in slightly the wrong place!
The next path by woodland, with views to Bradgate Park, was a delight, although it started to rain. I kept passing groups of teenagers with huge rucksacks and roll mats, going the other way; about six in each group, and must have passed at least ten groups. Some had an adult with them but they didn't all. On the path to Quorn, I passed a group without an adult who were sprawled on the ground. One of them was looking at a map, and as I walked on, I heard him say "Well, chaps, I have absolutely no idea where we are... I think we're vaguely on this track here..." Bless... it was actually good to see kids out and about and doing something worthwhile!
It had stopped raining when I reached Quorn, and after a bit of to-ing and fro-ing, I found the huge steel footbridge over the A6 (I think a housing estate had been built since John Merrill last walked here!) Then it was back to the road at Barrow and straight over for walk two!
This starts off along the canal too, and at Pillings Lock, 3/4 mile in, the sun was out again, so I stopped for lunch, which I shared with a hungry swan...
Pillings Lock
My Lunch Guest!There was another uneventful couple of miles on a good path by the canal. I kept seeing female ducks with cute fluffy ducklings, and wished I had saved some bread. Due to the soaking my feet had got in the marsh, I had a sore spot on the top of one of my toes, so instead of just carrying on like I usually do, I made myself stop and dress it- I will need to be very disciplined about doing that in the MdS so may as well start getting used to it!
The walk leaves the canal at Little Moorland Bridge and goes down a track- I came to Moorlands Bridge, and as there was a track leading from it, decided to take it. Luckily I looked at the map before I had gone too far, and realised it was the wrong one! The proper route went to the A60 and then round to the village of Cotes, before a long traverse on a bridleway right over the Hoton Hills. It was still sunny, and the views were superb- I had another run.
Stanford Hall From The Hoton HillsThe route dropped down into Hoton, and then along fields and a road to Prestwold before taking a footpath into the grounds of Prestwold Hall. This was familiar, and as I passed the church I recognised it as one of the checkpoints on the Seagrave Wolds Challenge. The next bit was slightly messy, but found my way up through the woods to Burton.
The section from Burton to Walton-on-the-Wolds was great- through fields of crops, but a wide path had been cleared through each field which made route finding easy. I ran down here, it was all downhill too which was a bonus. I passed by the church at Walton and up towards Walton Manor House, the route turned off to the right and I wasn't sure where to go, so studied the map and had a drink. I found the route- through three fields to the road- and to my dismay, the last field was full of large bulls! The footpath ran diagonally through the field, too, so I had to walk round them... but they completely ignored me! Lucky actually as the grass was so long it was hard work.
The last path was a track- I had to leave it at a footpath to a housing estate, but ended up on a brand new estate, and had to walk in to Barrow village centre a different way; I suspect that the developers had put in a couple of new stiles on to the track and I had left it too early. I passed Somerfield and couldn't resist the lure of a cold drink and packet of fruit pastels. Total time was not great- about 7 hours 45 minutes- but I had to stop for route finding quite often, and retrace my steps more than once so probably did slightly more than 26 miles!! Plus I didn't want to push it too much as hadn't done a long walk for a while.
I have had my Pot Noodle, and may have chocolate later- it's that time of the month... my legs are stinging like merry hell from all the nettles I have had to force my way through! Glad I did it though!
Labels: Barrow Bash
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
She Passed!!
Katie passed her practical on Sunday!! I'm glad we practiced beforehand as I knew what to expect, but it was still pretty nerve wracking as I had to play my part... I said to her that it was like she was taling her driving test again... and I was the car...
It was a glorious day, and she wanted to pick me up at 8am to give us more chance to practice. Now, when Katie says 8am I know she won't be here until at least 8:15am but we were still there early. She works at the Hinckley Island Hotel, which has it's own swimming pool and gym. The gym is quite small but adequate; we practised and the other two guys taking their exams arrived with their 'cars'.
They had the theory exam first for 3/4 hour, so I made use of the gym- the treadmill and the ellipticals, and did quite a lot of resistance training. Katie had neglected to tell me that the examiner was quite cute, and I was looking rather less than my best by the time they came out!
Luckily Katie went first for the practical- the examiner followed us into the gym and observed, but I don't think he could have heard all of what we were saying. I had to pretend I a) didn't know Katie and b) hadn't been to a gym, as she talked me through stretches, using the treadmill, (another 10 minute run!) bike, elliptical and some of the weights. She was really nervous, bless her, but I threw in some questions for her answer and I think it impressed him.
Afterwards, he told us to meet him outside, and when we sat down he said that she had done really well! She won't get the results of her theory yet but will hopefully be a qualified gym instructor! She has started to give me training hints, such as the importance of varying work outs as the body quickly learns what to expect if you do the same thing every time, and will only put in the minimum effort, therefore not improving.
I still haven't done an awful lot... went on the stepper last night for about 1 hour 15 minutes catching up on 'My Name Is Earl' (very good program!) It is once again a glorious evening, but all the kids tend to stay out later.
This is going to sound very pathetic... I am getting sick and tired of finding field upon field of cows every time I go out...
...although I did have a nice surprise with my 7 miler route that was threatening to vecome impassable- I went out Saturday for 8 miles, with a 5.5kg pack and resigned myself to fighting my way through myriads of nettles. However, somebody had been along and completely cleared the path all the way along... thank heavens for some small mercies!!
It was a glorious day, and she wanted to pick me up at 8am to give us more chance to practice. Now, when Katie says 8am I know she won't be here until at least 8:15am but we were still there early. She works at the Hinckley Island Hotel, which has it's own swimming pool and gym. The gym is quite small but adequate; we practised and the other two guys taking their exams arrived with their 'cars'.
They had the theory exam first for 3/4 hour, so I made use of the gym- the treadmill and the ellipticals, and did quite a lot of resistance training. Katie had neglected to tell me that the examiner was quite cute, and I was looking rather less than my best by the time they came out!
Luckily Katie went first for the practical- the examiner followed us into the gym and observed, but I don't think he could have heard all of what we were saying. I had to pretend I a) didn't know Katie and b) hadn't been to a gym, as she talked me through stretches, using the treadmill, (another 10 minute run!) bike, elliptical and some of the weights. She was really nervous, bless her, but I threw in some questions for her answer and I think it impressed him.
Afterwards, he told us to meet him outside, and when we sat down he said that she had done really well! She won't get the results of her theory yet but will hopefully be a qualified gym instructor! She has started to give me training hints, such as the importance of varying work outs as the body quickly learns what to expect if you do the same thing every time, and will only put in the minimum effort, therefore not improving.
I still haven't done an awful lot... went on the stepper last night for about 1 hour 15 minutes catching up on 'My Name Is Earl' (very good program!) It is once again a glorious evening, but all the kids tend to stay out later.
This is going to sound very pathetic... I am getting sick and tired of finding field upon field of cows every time I go out...
...although I did have a nice surprise with my 7 miler route that was threatening to vecome impassable- I went out Saturday for 8 miles, with a 5.5kg pack and resigned myself to fighting my way through myriads of nettles. However, somebody had been along and completely cleared the path all the way along... thank heavens for some small mercies!!
Saturday, June 07, 2008
Exams...
It's Katie's exam tomorrow... we went to my gym, The Engine Room, to practice Thursday night, which was slightly embarrassing as she had to 'teach' me to do various stretches and use equipment, and I'm sure people recognise me there! She is picking me up at 8am... groan...
I am finding it really difficult to motivate myself at the minute... I feel quite tired, and it's hard to make myself get out there and walk/ run for hours on end, when I want to spend time with friends and family, or just potter around and tinker with my web site...
I suppose most people get training blues once in a while, it does take up an incredible amount of time. I have kept my mileage up, just haven't done any runs longer than 10 miles... I have been walking with a 5.5kg pack, and been to the gym. I have a 26 mile route in mind for next weekend, actually it's two walks which both start and finish in the same place, one 14 miles and one 12 miles, so they can be done in a kind of figure of eight...
I really ought to go to bed- I am really tired and have eaten chips and lots of chocolate- very bad!!
I am finding it really difficult to motivate myself at the minute... I feel quite tired, and it's hard to make myself get out there and walk/ run for hours on end, when I want to spend time with friends and family, or just potter around and tinker with my web site...
I suppose most people get training blues once in a while, it does take up an incredible amount of time. I have kept my mileage up, just haven't done any runs longer than 10 miles... I have been walking with a 5.5kg pack, and been to the gym. I have a 26 mile route in mind for next weekend, actually it's two walks which both start and finish in the same place, one 14 miles and one 12 miles, so they can be done in a kind of figure of eight...
I really ought to go to bed- I am really tired and have eaten chips and lots of chocolate- very bad!!
Labels: chips, chocolate, exam
Sunday, June 01, 2008
New Gym Equipment!
I had a lovely surprise at the gym this week- they have in some new equipment!! As well as some new pieces of weight equipment, there are two brand new high tech treadmills!! Not only are these great to use in their own right (and they incline, naturally) everybody tends to make a bee line for them, leaving the others, which are perfectly adequate, free, so I don't feel so bad for being on there longer than the recommended 20 minutes for peak times (I always am!) So there are now six treadmills in all, four which incline.
There are a couple of new steppers, plus another thingy which I discovered today... I can only describe it as a cross between an elliptical and a stepper... it has swinging arms like the ellipticals, but you need to take a large, sliding step up. It's quite hard work... but exactly like climbing steep hills, or dunes... so I think it and me are going to get fairly well acquainted over the next few months...
What with walks at Wells, and runs, I have just about done 35 miles this week, but may start to increase to 40 miles per week. I went out last night for a 7 miler with a pack, but the path I use is getting very overgrown and full of nettles, to the point of being impassable. I have loads of itchy red lumps on my ankles today, probably not helped by needing to dive into the nettles for a private wee stop!
I haven't done any long distances for a while, which is worrying me... I may try a 13- 15 miler next weekend and a 26 miler the weekend after, I am still considering the 60 miler in early July.
Katie has been doing a gym course through work, and has to be assessed giving somebody a gym induction next Sunday, so I have volunteered to be the somebody- not quite sure what's involved but she swears on Gemma's life it does not involve scales or calipers to test fat levels!
There are a couple of new steppers, plus another thingy which I discovered today... I can only describe it as a cross between an elliptical and a stepper... it has swinging arms like the ellipticals, but you need to take a large, sliding step up. It's quite hard work... but exactly like climbing steep hills, or dunes... so I think it and me are going to get fairly well acquainted over the next few months...
What with walks at Wells, and runs, I have just about done 35 miles this week, but may start to increase to 40 miles per week. I went out last night for a 7 miler with a pack, but the path I use is getting very overgrown and full of nettles, to the point of being impassable. I have loads of itchy red lumps on my ankles today, probably not helped by needing to dive into the nettles for a private wee stop!
I haven't done any long distances for a while, which is worrying me... I may try a 13- 15 miler next weekend and a 26 miler the weekend after, I am still considering the 60 miler in early July.
Katie has been doing a gym course through work, and has to be assessed giving somebody a gym induction next Sunday, so I have volunteered to be the somebody- not quite sure what's involved but she swears on Gemma's life it does not involve scales or calipers to test fat levels!
Labels: gym
