Monday, September 29, 2008
Season Of Mists...
Shocking- I haven't updated for over a week!! Not that there's been much to report... a slow steady 7 miler Wednesday then I came down with the lurgy. I knew I'd get something, even with my super-fit immune system (yeah right...) and Thursday I felt lousy all day. It really felt as though something nasty was going to my chest as it felt quite tight and I was full of cold.
I have had to cover the Duty system at work quite a lot, which means staying later and sorting urgent stuff out, so I felt pretty knackered all week too. I didn't do my planned session at the gym Thursday night, and Friday I woke up feeling really rough, so didn't go into work. Didn't do much all day apart from eat chocolate and watch daytime telly.
The cough didn't actually go to my chest, luckily, and even the cold wasn't as bad as I expected- Saturday I felt more recovered so decided to try a short walk; a shortened version of my 7 mile route, so about 4 1/2 miles. It was a lovely misty autumnal morning, with the leaves changing on the trees, so I took a couple of shots;
Autumn Mists
I have had to cover the Duty system at work quite a lot, which means staying later and sorting urgent stuff out, so I felt pretty knackered all week too. I didn't do my planned session at the gym Thursday night, and Friday I woke up feeling really rough, so didn't go into work. Didn't do much all day apart from eat chocolate and watch daytime telly.
The cough didn't actually go to my chest, luckily, and even the cold wasn't as bad as I expected- Saturday I felt more recovered so decided to try a short walk; a shortened version of my 7 mile route, so about 4 1/2 miles. It was a lovely misty autumnal morning, with the leaves changing on the trees, so I took a couple of shots;
Autumn Mists
I felt quite wobbly whilst walking so obviously hadn't recovered and probably shouldn't really have done it...
Sunday I decided discretion was the better part of valour so missed going to the gym again- I walked around 3 1/2 miles instead, but on the roads this time. Today I had intended to run, but a mate wanted a chat so I multi-tasked instead like the woman I am- chatted to her on the phone whilst walking 4 1/2 miles...
I will be madly cleaning tomorrow as my Dad and Stepmum are arriving Wednesday from Spain for a week- but will try to fit in a run- I may even try some hill reps!
Labels: autumn
Sunday, September 21, 2008
The Ponton Plod
I love the Ponton Plod- the sun always shines! This is the third year I've done this event (actually it's only been running for three years!) and every time it's been sunny. Today had the added bonus of being very warm.
I nearly didn't make it. Usually I drive to Grantham and pick up the A1 Southbound for three miles, as Great Ponton, the starting point, is just off the A1. Today, I turned towards the slip road for the A1 Southbound, only to find it had been closed for roadworks, so I had to turn back- no problem, I thought, I'll go Northbound and use the next junction to pick up the Southbound carriageway... this went according to plan, and I was soon headed South, until I reached the slip road where the road works were... and realised it wasn't just the slip road that was shut... but the whole A1 Southbound! I managed to find a way across country and arrived at 8:10am for an 8:30am start, but I wasn't the only one affected and they delayed the start by 15 minutes to allow folks to arrive.
There was a much bigger field this year- in fact, we parked in a field whereas the previous years we had used the village hall car park. Most folks still seemed to be doing the 17 mile route but there were more doing the long one, which our route descriptions advised is 27 1/2 miles.
We set off over the footbridge crossing the A1, and along the bridleways to a Stately Hall.
Track towards Hall
I started a slowish jog, and found that the 'proper' runners left me for dust, but I was still ahead of the walkers. Shortly after the pic above, the route split and a lot of people (including the two in the photo) took the 17 mile route.
I was still jogging downhill, over the bridge crossing the lake; it looked so lovely with the early morning sun filtering through the trees, I took two shots.
Saltby Village
Denton Reservoir
I nearly didn't make it. Usually I drive to Grantham and pick up the A1 Southbound for three miles, as Great Ponton, the starting point, is just off the A1. Today, I turned towards the slip road for the A1 Southbound, only to find it had been closed for roadworks, so I had to turn back- no problem, I thought, I'll go Northbound and use the next junction to pick up the Southbound carriageway... this went according to plan, and I was soon headed South, until I reached the slip road where the road works were... and realised it wasn't just the slip road that was shut... but the whole A1 Southbound! I managed to find a way across country and arrived at 8:10am for an 8:30am start, but I wasn't the only one affected and they delayed the start by 15 minutes to allow folks to arrive.
There was a much bigger field this year- in fact, we parked in a field whereas the previous years we had used the village hall car park. Most folks still seemed to be doing the 17 mile route but there were more doing the long one, which our route descriptions advised is 27 1/2 miles.
We set off over the footbridge crossing the A1, and along the bridleways to a Stately Hall.
Track towards HallI started a slowish jog, and found that the 'proper' runners left me for dust, but I was still ahead of the walkers. Shortly after the pic above, the route split and a lot of people (including the two in the photo) took the 17 mile route.
I was still jogging downhill, over the bridge crossing the lake; it looked so lovely with the early morning sun filtering through the trees, I took two shots.
Then there was a bit of road walking through Stoke Rochford village, before picking up a footpath towards Skillington. I could still see some runners ahead of me at this point, and was keeping up my slow jog where I could, walking up hill or on rough ground, I'm not too good at going over dodgy terrain!
Past Skillington there was the long dirt track to the first checkpoint at Buckminster Water Tower, this always seems a bit endless but thankfully wasn't too muddy. I did walk quite a bit as there were quite a few uphill sections. I had loads to drink, refilled my water bottle and left munching a piece of millionaire's shortbread. there were a couple of ladies in front who were also running and walking, a bit quicker than me, so I followed them to Buckminster and across the fields past Sproxton before losing them.
There followed a long uphill section- considering the walk's in Lincolnshire it's surprisingly undulating! We came to Saltby, which seems a lovely picturesque village. The route was quite well signed with 'Ponton Plod' markers, which was good- the first year I did it there weren't any, which made it a bit difficult.
Saltby VillageThe next sections is quite picturesque, dropping down through fields to pass between two lakes (look at last year's report for a photo as the one I took this year is exactly the same!!) After this, it crosses huge fields of crops, winds past Gallops, before climbing again and dropping down towards a muddy track. Unfortunately, as with all dirt tracks in this area, scores of motorcyclists obviously use it on a regular basis, so it is extremely deeply rutted, and not at all pleasant to use. After this came a long but fairly easy section along the edge of fields to Croxton Kerrial; I felt something pulling at the top of my right leg at this point, but it wasn't hurting and didnt get worse so I just ignored it which probably wasn't the brightest move...
Croxton Kerrial is half way, and the site of the second checkpoint- with coffee, sandwiches, cakes and a loo... I stopped for lunch and a coffee break, and one of the helpers remembered me which seems to happen quite a lot... as I left, I was joined by one of the ladies I had followed; she had left the checkpoint behind her companion, but went the wrong way and lost her. Her name was Maggie, she was 62 and she said she used to run a lot, but was recovering from an illness so was getting back into these events. She asked me if I usually ran; I explained that I am training for an event, so she asked me what I am training for... I asked her if she'd heard of the Marathon des Sables, and she went a bit quiet so I assumed she was wracking her brains and would reply that she hadn't... but then I looked at her and she was staring at me with an expression I can only describe as incredulous, before she finally spoke and said "I have. You're doing that!!"
Turns out she had done a lot of running in her younger days. And I mean a lot. She once did the Coast to Coast in 3 1/2 days... as a warm up for the Bob Graham round!!
We chatted whilst we walked up the road to Sewstern Lane and turned onto the cycle track, and she sensed that I wanted to jog so suggested I went on. I left her, knowing full well that a few years ago she would have beat me hollow! I left the cycle track and jogged down the road to Denton, surprising a chap in a Landrover even though he had just passed a 'Caution, Runners' sign...
The route goes past Denton Reservoir, which is really picturesque... I stopped to take a photo and have just realised I took an identical one last year... ah well, here it is again, everyone's probably forgot it anyway...
Denton ReservoirI headed away from the Reservoir and veered towards Harlaxton and the third checkpoint. It was still very warm, and the organisers were sitting out in the sun. I went inside the village hall and drank lots, feeling in surprisingly good shape. The next part of the route I remembered quite well, as it must be the steepest climb in Lincolnshire!
Proof That Lincolnshire Is Not All Flat... This Hill Was Worse Than It Looks!!
Hungarton Hall
Proof That Lincolnshire Is Not All Flat... This Hill Was Worse Than It Looks!!It was quite a slog, so I walked up the hill. There was nobody in sight here, either in front or behind. There is a bit of road walking after, before passing through woods and fields at the back of Hungerton Hall. I could see a couple of fast walkers in front and still managed to keep up my slow, shambling jog. I was determined to see if I could push myself and keep going at a (rather laughable excuse for a) run.
The last chekpoint is at Wyville, a tiny place at the top of a hill; I was told I strode in very purposely! As I munched a piece of delicious ginger cake, I was informed by the check point volunteers that there were about 20 behind me, which is a great improvement on last year, when there were 3 or 4! There had only been one drop out so far- due to an injured knee.
The next part was through woods and then big long fields, finally leading up hill to the road. I managed to still jog (apart from the uphills), and when we turned off the road onto a bridleway I overtook the two walkers- who told me to save them some apple pie! This was the home stretch now, so I managed to keep jogging, even uphill! As I joined back up with the start of the route I saw a couple of horse riders struggling with a gate bypassing the cattle grid, so I held it open for them.
Then it was back over the A1 bridge to the Village Hall- I even managed a sprint finish (helps when it's downhill!!) and leapt into the Hall with a flourish to check in. My time was 6 hours and 57 minutes- which I am really happy with as last year's time was 8 hours 21 minutes so I have PB'd by 1 hour 24 minutes!!
There was gorgeous home made apple pie for all finishers, and I felt really good; so much so that when I left to go, somebody told me I was walking much to well to have done 27 miles! I saw Maggie come in, and we exchanged congratulations. I am ok today- only aching a little and the leg appears to be fine, and my feet are really good- no blisters!! I feel I have redeemed myself a little after the debarcle that was the Bullock Smithy!
Hungarton HallOn a sadder note, I have just had a phone call to inform me that next week's Starkholmes Stagger has been cancelled due to lack of entrants- damn, I was really looking forward to that! They are hoping to rerun it in February time if they get enough interest, so I would really urge people to support it!
Labels: Ponton Plod, Starkholmes Stagger
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Getting Back Into It...
... I feel like I am getting back into things after the B*llock Smithy. Tried a 6 miler Monday and attempted to go a bit quicker than I normally do!
Tuesday I skived a bit and watched telly- I love 'The Secret Millionaire'- when I am a millionaire I will be very generous with my time and money... I did use my stepper while I watched, though, and did some arm work with my weights in the commercial breaks!
Last night I went out for 8 1/2 miles with the trusty MP3 player, at the usual 'Sahara Shuffle' pace. I think I will go to the gym tonight and give the treadmill and 'Brian' a whirl... felt a bit off this week though- really tired and as though I may be coming down with a cold, but not actually getting one! A couple of colleagues have succumbed and are either off or coughing and spluttering away in the office- so getting one may be pretty much inevitable... unless all this training has boosted my immune system to superhuman strength!!
I have entered a couple of events- The Ponton Plod on Sunday, 27 miles near Grantham for the third year running (and walking!!) and the Starkholmes Stagger next Saturday. That's a 30 miler from Matlock- 5000 ft of ascent. I did this one a couple of times about 11 years ago, until it stopped, and have always wanted to do it again. It is a mile longer and used to be in March, but looks as though it pretty much follows the same route, so I am really looking forward to this one. Nice distance too- just a bit more of a challenge than the 26 milers, but not too much of an Ultra.
I have another couple of 26 milers lined up, then have entered an Ultra in the Brecon Beacons in December, run by Likeys. This is going to be great, as nearly everyone doing the MdS in 2009 are going to be there so we can have a kind of MdS pre-union!
Tuesday I skived a bit and watched telly- I love 'The Secret Millionaire'- when I am a millionaire I will be very generous with my time and money... I did use my stepper while I watched, though, and did some arm work with my weights in the commercial breaks!
Last night I went out for 8 1/2 miles with the trusty MP3 player, at the usual 'Sahara Shuffle' pace. I think I will go to the gym tonight and give the treadmill and 'Brian' a whirl... felt a bit off this week though- really tired and as though I may be coming down with a cold, but not actually getting one! A couple of colleagues have succumbed and are either off or coughing and spluttering away in the office- so getting one may be pretty much inevitable... unless all this training has boosted my immune system to superhuman strength!!
I have entered a couple of events- The Ponton Plod on Sunday, 27 miles near Grantham for the third year running (and walking!!) and the Starkholmes Stagger next Saturday. That's a 30 miler from Matlock- 5000 ft of ascent. I did this one a couple of times about 11 years ago, until it stopped, and have always wanted to do it again. It is a mile longer and used to be in March, but looks as though it pretty much follows the same route, so I am really looking forward to this one. Nice distance too- just a bit more of a challenge than the 26 milers, but not too much of an Ultra.
I have another couple of 26 milers lined up, then have entered an Ultra in the Brecon Beacons in December, run by Likeys. This is going to be great, as nearly everyone doing the MdS in 2009 are going to be there so we can have a kind of MdS pre-union!
Labels: Beacons Ultra, Ponton Plod, Starkholmes Stagger
Thursday, September 11, 2008
All Paid Up!
Well- not all- just the first proper installment of £1000 towards the MdS!!
Suddenly it seems so close and so scary... one great bit of news is that Rach now has a proper confirmed place after being on the waiting list for so long!
I have been to the gym today- and done a fairly gentle work out, just 22 minutes on the treadmill, with a top speed of 6.7 mph, and the legs are feeling surprisingly back to normal- well, almost!
Well, there's no backing out now...
Suddenly it seems so close and so scary... one great bit of news is that Rach now has a proper confirmed place after being on the waiting list for so long!
I have been to the gym today- and done a fairly gentle work out, just 22 minutes on the treadmill, with a top speed of 6.7 mph, and the legs are feeling surprisingly back to normal- well, almost!
Well, there's no backing out now...
Labels: Marathon des Sables
Monday, September 08, 2008
The B*ll*ck Smithy- NOT!
The Bullock Smithy was renamed on the MdS forum, and seems rather more appropriate... especially as I didn't manage to finish. Yes, I am gutted...
We started off ok- I found Hazel Grove, parked up and walked to the start where I met three guys from the MdS forum who are doing the MdS next year too, plus joined Rose, who I met on the Kent 50 and we decided to pool our resources- my navigational skills and Rose's knowledge of run/ walk ratios.
I had been undecided about footwear- the only footwear I had was my running shoes, and I figured it was going to be very wet and boggy underfoot, so after a lot of consideration decided to wear my walking boots and carry my running shoes. I took a load of food and all the essential items listed for the event. I had thought about buying a new head torch, as mine is quite antiquated and I hadn't been able to purchase a new bulb for it, but decided to chance it as I hadn't changed the bulb that long ago- well, that decision was to bite me on the bum later! In all, my pack weighed 6 kg!
I was dreading the kit check before that start as I hadn't got the aforementioned spare bulb plus a couple of the first aid items- but all they told me to do was read through the kit list and sign to say I had everything! Looking at some of the other entrants with their tiny bum bags, there's no way they could have had all the kit items!
We started off well, running and walking, and hit bog quite early on- Rose had been wearing running shoes so changed to her trail shoes. We left Stockport and climbed through Lyme Park, where they filmed Pride and Prejudice (where's Mr Darcy when you need him!?!) Then had a long, gradual ascent to the first check point at Bow Stones.
The Climb To Bow Stones
We had a drink at the checkpoint and I changed out of my long sleeve top as I was sweating. Rose had foldable walking poles, but they kept falling off her front pack, and I think she got a bit fed up with them in the end!!
After the checkpoint was a lovely grassy track with amazing views over the Dark Peak;
Lovely Views
We jogged when we could, ie good tracks and down roads. There was a lot of climbing in the first twenty miles or so though, and at times the route wasn't apparent so I found the map essential. We had another long climb up to the second checkpoint at Chinley Churn, just below the summit edge.
The Posed Photo- taken By Rose!
We started off ok- I found Hazel Grove, parked up and walked to the start where I met three guys from the MdS forum who are doing the MdS next year too, plus joined Rose, who I met on the Kent 50 and we decided to pool our resources- my navigational skills and Rose's knowledge of run/ walk ratios.
I had been undecided about footwear- the only footwear I had was my running shoes, and I figured it was going to be very wet and boggy underfoot, so after a lot of consideration decided to wear my walking boots and carry my running shoes. I took a load of food and all the essential items listed for the event. I had thought about buying a new head torch, as mine is quite antiquated and I hadn't been able to purchase a new bulb for it, but decided to chance it as I hadn't changed the bulb that long ago- well, that decision was to bite me on the bum later! In all, my pack weighed 6 kg!
I was dreading the kit check before that start as I hadn't got the aforementioned spare bulb plus a couple of the first aid items- but all they told me to do was read through the kit list and sign to say I had everything! Looking at some of the other entrants with their tiny bum bags, there's no way they could have had all the kit items!
We started off well, running and walking, and hit bog quite early on- Rose had been wearing running shoes so changed to her trail shoes. We left Stockport and climbed through Lyme Park, where they filmed Pride and Prejudice (where's Mr Darcy when you need him!?!) Then had a long, gradual ascent to the first check point at Bow Stones.
The Climb To Bow StonesWe had a drink at the checkpoint and I changed out of my long sleeve top as I was sweating. Rose had foldable walking poles, but they kept falling off her front pack, and I think she got a bit fed up with them in the end!!
After the checkpoint was a lovely grassy track with amazing views over the Dark Peak;
Lovely ViewsWe jogged when we could, ie good tracks and down roads. There was a lot of climbing in the first twenty miles or so though, and at times the route wasn't apparent so I found the map essential. We had another long climb up to the second checkpoint at Chinley Churn, just below the summit edge.
The Posed Photo- taken By Rose! There was a drinks station on the road, and we had a welcome cup of coffee and a Jaffa Cake bar. Following this was another climb up onto the moors and the third checkpoint at Edale Cross; lovely Moorland scenery, I forgot how lovely this part of the country is;
Climbing to Edale Cross
View From Near Edale Cross
The Descent From Edale Cross
Rose Descending Jacob's Ladder
Mam Tor
Looking Down To Castleton
Climbing to Edale CrossWe overtook quite a few folk on the ascent, and I was pleasantly surprised by the weather- I fully expected to get soaked but it held up all day and was actually quite sunny.
View From Near Edale CrossAfter Edale Cross came the descent into Edale, via Jacob's Ladder.
The Descent From Edale CrossThis is a set of stone steps, reputedly build in the 1700's by a local farmer named Jacob. It was quite slippery- Rose fell and hurt her shoulder.
Rose Descending Jacob's LadderThere was the first 'proper' check point in Edale Village Hall, with that Challenge Walk mainstay, cold rice pudding, and more coffee. I went to the toilet and noticed my urine was quite concentrated (nice!!) so made myself drink two more cups of squash. It was starting to get dusky as we left, and I was keen to make Castleton before dark.
The next part of the route was up and over Hollins Cross, which is in the middle of a popular ridge walk from Mam Tor to Lose Hill. There was a straightforward, if steep, track up to the top, with views over Castleton and back towards Edale.
Mam TorI pointed out the road below Mam Tor, which had to eventually be closed due to the number of rock slides- you can clearly see where the road has been completely swept away in parts.
Looking Down To CastletonThis was the last photo I took, as it was soon too dark to take more. We found a good path down towards Castleton, then this ended in what looked like a stream. We were undecided which way to go, until a group overtook us and informed us that it was, in fact, the path! One of the girls in the group has done the MdS, and we had seen her on the Kent 50. Me and Rose jogged the road into Castleton, and could see the bulk of Peverill Castle looming out of the near darkness.
We reached the Castleton checkpoint just as it got completely dark, and were given jam butties- I needn't have taken so much food with me! As the website had stated that we would be put into groups of at least three for the night stage, we fully expected to be joined up with others, but they seemed happy to let us continue. A girl was at the checkpoint waiting to join a group but said she didn't want to join us as she didn't fancy running! She waited for the group with the MdS girl who we had overtaken on the road.
Me and Rose got out our head torches, I put fresh batteries in mine, and set off- but couldn't find the path we needed, so had to go back to the check point and ask. It was at this point that my head torch packed in!! I couldn't believe it! The next stage was quite tough- climbing out of Cavedale through water dashed rocks in complete and utter darkness. I had to rely on the light from Rose's head torch, which was fine when we could walk side by side, but not so good in single file- she had to keep turning round to light the path for me. Luckily we were overtaken by some blokes, so were able to follow them over Oxlow Rake, and eventually I was able to walk alongside Rose.
We reached the checkpoint at Peak Forest, and left behind another group. The next bit of the route was along the grassy tracks of the Limestone Way, and I had assumed they would be easy walking. Some were- most, however, were just ankle deep, gluttinous, slippery mud, which really slowed us up! I was so grateful for my walking boots, as although they were less flexible than running shoes, I had much better grip, and my feet kept mainly dry. This was so far my lowest point though, but luckily one guy in a group who overtook us took pity on me and lent me his small hand held torch, which was invaluable!
We reached the half way checkpoint near Chelmorton at midnight, and had a very welcome cup of soup and painkillers. I was slightly concerned as I realised it had taken us 12 hours to reach this point, leaving us only 12 hours to complete the hike. I realised then that it was going to be a tall order...
We left shortly behind a large group, and climbed out of the village on a track. We reached a road, and I assumed we needed to turn right, but hadn't gone too far when a voice called out of the darkness "Don't follow us- this isn't your way!" It was eerie as we couldn't see anybody- we called out "Are you sure?" and they replied "Trust us- we are on our way home from the pub- you need to go the other way!"
I got out the map, and discovered that they were right- so we retraced our steps and picked up a footpath, which soon degenerated into the by now familiar gluttinous mud. We caught up with a couple and passed them on the road before the next check point. I was rather demoralised to hear one of the officials announce that they "had the last four" on his mobile. We quickly left, and was able to make good time on roads and tracks to Earl Sterndale, reaching it at 3am. It had rained on and off since darkness fell, and we had a pretty heavy shower. I don't know what was wrong with me though, maybe I was hydrating too well, but I had to keep stopping for a pee all night!!
There were quite a few people at the Earl Sterndale check point, including one lady having an asthma attack, and her husband insisting that she couldn't possibly complete another 21 miles. we had another drink, and left behind a large group. I had heard one of them say that the next section was awful, with a steep, muddy descent, so when I heard somebody else say that they were going to stick to the roads to Brand Top and the next check point, I made the fatal error of deciding to go with them... I assumed that they knew a way, but didn't realise that they were hoping to be able to cut across to Brand Top...
The group split, and me and Rose ended up following three people- the MdS girl, a guy, and the girl who hadn't wanted to join us in Castleton. She appeared to be in charge, and we set off down a track- which soon petered out. She felt that if we crossed a field we could reach the check point, so we set off along a very rock uneven field- this was hell, as the batteries in my borrowed torch had packed in. There was a stream at the bottom we couldn't cross, and other paths we tried petered out. We decided to retreat back to the road - this was really the lowest point for me, I felt so annoyed at myself for following them blindly but at 3am you are just looking for the easy way out. Rose said it was one of the worst experiences of her life so far!
We stuck to the road, and eventually found the check point at Brand Top, but we had lost nearly two hours. The other group decided to retire, but me and Rose elected to carry on. The guy at the check point showed us a road route that would cut out some of the bog on the next stage, which was good as I had changed into my running shoes as my feet were hurting. They were serving hot dogs, but being veggie I just had the bun and tomato sauce! It was light when we left, at 6:30am, and set off back up the road. There was a light drizzle and visibility was down to practically zero. I felt quite low- really tired and my feet were hurting quite badly so I swallowed a couple of pain killers.
After about a mile, the minibus who had picked up the others pulled up along side us. The driver advised us that we would not make the finish by 12pm, I had already suspected this. He said that they couldn't keep the check points open and we would be walking unsupported; well, given that choice and getting into a nice warm minibus, it was no contest really! We settled in and dozed off whilst he picked up more retirees at the next checkpoint- quite a lot of folks retired judging by the results. It was quite touching as we hadn't realised that some of the forum members were following the live results, even losing sleep, and I had some lovely messages from some of them!
Back at the finish, we caught up with two of the forum guys, Ivan and Matt, who had completed it. Another guy, Shiz, had made the sensible decision to retire with an injured knee. I got us a coffee, and the guy driving the minibus came over and apologised for pulling me and Rose out, presenting us with a pair of running socks each! I had a little kip in the car and headed for home.
I am rather gutted not to have completed it, and am thinking of going back next year for another bash, as it's unfinished business for me- I think the lessons to be taken from this are;
- Get as much done in daylight as possible- it would be good to try to get to Peak Forest before dark as Cavedale was horrendous
- Keep pack weight light! Take less stuff
- Take a head torch that bloody works!!!
- Don't trust and blindly follow anybody who says that they are taking a different route without at least checking the map beforehand and understanding exactly where they are proposing to go (although Shiz had said that the suggested route from Earl Sterndale to Brand Top is a devil to navigate in the dark anyway so we may still have become lost)
- Reccying the route between Earl Sterndale and Walker's Barn may be an idea for next year
But- the positives are;
- We covered about 45 miles (Brand Top was 41 miles, but we estimated that we covered around 3/ 4 extra miles getting lost, and had covered another mile before being picked up) in very challenging conditions
- With a pack weighing 6kg
- We have now had the experience of walking through the night- so all in all a good step towards the MdS.
- I am only aching a little and my feet are fine- no injuries- I guess I have to keep in mind that the MdS is the main focus and all that matters- all other events are expendable, and it is better to know when to withdraw and fight another day rather than keep pushing and risk injuries that could push training back for weeks. The Bullock Smithy will be there next year, and it won't matter so much if I injure myself doing it... I will be back...
Labels: Bullock Smithy Hike, Peak District
Friday, September 05, 2008
Thoughts On The Bullock Smithy...
Well, it's the eve of the Bullock Smithy, and I am getting rather nervous about it... it's a 56 mile walk, starting and finishing from Hazel Grove in Stockport (or Bullock Smithy as it used to be known- hence the event name). We are allowed 24 hours to complete it, and the organisers have cunningly made the start 12pm tomorrow, so we need to walk through the night.
So, not only is it the longest distance I have so far done, but my first time of walking all night- I am a walking-through-the-night virgin...
Plus, it is quite a tough route with a lot of climbing and some navigational skills needed... the essential items list includes maps, compass (although I don't really know what to do with it!!) a whistle and something luminous to wear (I have a lovely flourescent yellow tabard which I knew would come in handy some day). We head out through Lyme Park, up to Bow Stones, then onto Chinley Churn before heading toEdale, then to Castleton over Hollins Cross, most of the climbing is, I think, in the first 30 miles.
Plus, of course, I think we are going to get very slightly wet... the weather has been atrocious the past few days, and the forecast is for heavy showers and bright spells... all character building stuff hey!!
** Stop reading if you're squeamish** Plus, my two big toenails have decided to give up the ghost and partially come off- the right one more than the left. The right one lifted right up, but is still securely in the nail bed, and is actually rather sore at the corner- b*gger!! On the advice of a guy on the forum, I have cut it right back to a stub and filed it, and will put tape over it tomorrow.
I have loads of stuff such as snickers bars, peanut m & m's etc- great excuse to eat them! I think there will be food at some check points too, but not sure what. I am only taking one water bottle as drinks shouldn't be a problem.
I am off to mark the route on the map and try to have an early night...
So, not only is it the longest distance I have so far done, but my first time of walking all night- I am a walking-through-the-night virgin...
Plus, it is quite a tough route with a lot of climbing and some navigational skills needed... the essential items list includes maps, compass (although I don't really know what to do with it!!) a whistle and something luminous to wear (I have a lovely flourescent yellow tabard which I knew would come in handy some day). We head out through Lyme Park, up to Bow Stones, then onto Chinley Churn before heading toEdale, then to Castleton over Hollins Cross, most of the climbing is, I think, in the first 30 miles.
Plus, of course, I think we are going to get very slightly wet... the weather has been atrocious the past few days, and the forecast is for heavy showers and bright spells... all character building stuff hey!!
** Stop reading if you're squeamish** Plus, my two big toenails have decided to give up the ghost and partially come off- the right one more than the left. The right one lifted right up, but is still securely in the nail bed, and is actually rather sore at the corner- b*gger!! On the advice of a guy on the forum, I have cut it right back to a stub and filed it, and will put tape over it tomorrow.
I have loads of stuff such as snickers bars, peanut m & m's etc- great excuse to eat them! I think there will be food at some check points too, but not sure what. I am only taking one water bottle as drinks shouldn't be a problem.
I am off to mark the route on the map and try to have an early night...
Labels: Bullock Smithy Hike, toenails
Monday, September 01, 2008
A Busy Weekend!!
Last week was a quite good week, training wise- a 41 mile week!! I got the 10 miler in on Wednesday night- shock, horror, the new Brookes got a little dirty!! I only went quite slowly and had a loo break but was quite pleased with the result!
Thursday was more gym- 30 minutes running on the treadmill, I felt quite tired but pushed through, popping a 5 minute inclination walk in the middle. Then back to 20 minutes on Brian and the elliptical (hmm sounds like a bad pop group...'introducing Brian and The Ellipticals...' Then the usual strength training- but how come whichever weight machine I leave til last suddenly attracts loads of attention just when I am ready to use it...
Friday was rest and pizza day, but had intended a 16 miler Saturday... however it is that time of the month... when all I want to do is slob around and eat chocolate and do the sloth thing, so was completely lacking in motivation. Stricken with guilt over eating so much rubbish, I did strap on a 4 kgish pack and haul myself up to Swithland Woods to walk through them into Bradgate Park (economics- it costs £2.50 to park in Bradgate and £1 to park in the woods!)
It is about 1 1/2 miles through the woods to Bradgate if you don't get lost and end up wandering aimlessly- suffice to say it was about 3 for me!! It was lovely and sunny, and I did a good circuit of the park, finding the steepest climbs I could to try to prepare my legs for next weekend's Bullock Smithy. I didn't take my Garmin as intended to stick to walking but estimate I did 8 to 8 1/2 miles.
Sunday, the weather forecast gave sunny spells with heavy showers moving in towards the evening- perfect conditions for the 16 miler! This was another route in my 'Long Circular Walks in Charnwood Forest' book by John Merrill, and one I had planned to do for a while. The walk starts in the hamlet of Zouch, just outside Loughborough, and I walked through fields to neighbouring Normanton-on-Soar (friendly cows in the field who just ignored me).
The route soon joined the River Soar, marking the boundary between Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire, and, although the day had started misty, the sun was just starting to break through the clouds- I was naively anticipating a scorcher... I ran through the fields when the terrain wasn't too bad, and my pack was around 5 kg.
The River Soar
Shortly after crossing a railway line, the route again followed the river before turning a sharp left up to Stanford-on-Soar. Unfortunately it wasn't well signed, and I turned left too late, so had to scramble over a fence and bank to the road.
Impressive Railway Bridge
The next stage was along the Hoton Hills, a stretch I did on my 'Barrow Bash' in June; a bridleway that traverses a grassy ridge, with sweeping views over Stanford Hall. As I joined the path, I passed a chap walking his two dogs, who told me to keep a look out for the cherry trees at the top. I managed to run (slowly!!) up onto the ridge, and kept an eye out for the cherry trees. I found them and picked small, sweet black cherries and blackberries to snack on.
I ran the rest of the ridge, dropping down into Hoton and then picking up the road to Prestwold. The route followed a path which snaked through woods before doubling back through a field before heading back towards Prestwold Hall. I think the route had changed since John Merrill last walked it, as I got slightly lost for a few minutes!
As I passed the front of Prestwold Hall, it started to rain- the promised showers had arrived about 5 hours early!
Prestwold Hall And Church
I made my way through the woods and along the road to a footpath running through fields to the Cotes Road- the rain had eased off slightly but returned in earnest as soon as I reached the road, I was alternating running and walking. The final stages of the route followed the canal through Loughborough back to Zouch- you can see the rain in the picture below!
Loughborough Canal
Thursday was more gym- 30 minutes running on the treadmill, I felt quite tired but pushed through, popping a 5 minute inclination walk in the middle. Then back to 20 minutes on Brian and the elliptical (hmm sounds like a bad pop group...'introducing Brian and The Ellipticals...' Then the usual strength training- but how come whichever weight machine I leave til last suddenly attracts loads of attention just when I am ready to use it...
Friday was rest and pizza day, but had intended a 16 miler Saturday... however it is that time of the month... when all I want to do is slob around and eat chocolate and do the sloth thing, so was completely lacking in motivation. Stricken with guilt over eating so much rubbish, I did strap on a 4 kgish pack and haul myself up to Swithland Woods to walk through them into Bradgate Park (economics- it costs £2.50 to park in Bradgate and £1 to park in the woods!)
It is about 1 1/2 miles through the woods to Bradgate if you don't get lost and end up wandering aimlessly- suffice to say it was about 3 for me!! It was lovely and sunny, and I did a good circuit of the park, finding the steepest climbs I could to try to prepare my legs for next weekend's Bullock Smithy. I didn't take my Garmin as intended to stick to walking but estimate I did 8 to 8 1/2 miles.
Sunday, the weather forecast gave sunny spells with heavy showers moving in towards the evening- perfect conditions for the 16 miler! This was another route in my 'Long Circular Walks in Charnwood Forest' book by John Merrill, and one I had planned to do for a while. The walk starts in the hamlet of Zouch, just outside Loughborough, and I walked through fields to neighbouring Normanton-on-Soar (friendly cows in the field who just ignored me).
The route soon joined the River Soar, marking the boundary between Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire, and, although the day had started misty, the sun was just starting to break through the clouds- I was naively anticipating a scorcher... I ran through the fields when the terrain wasn't too bad, and my pack was around 5 kg.
The River SoarShortly after crossing a railway line, the route again followed the river before turning a sharp left up to Stanford-on-Soar. Unfortunately it wasn't well signed, and I turned left too late, so had to scramble over a fence and bank to the road.
Impressive Railway BridgeThe next stage was along the Hoton Hills, a stretch I did on my 'Barrow Bash' in June; a bridleway that traverses a grassy ridge, with sweeping views over Stanford Hall. As I joined the path, I passed a chap walking his two dogs, who told me to keep a look out for the cherry trees at the top. I managed to run (slowly!!) up onto the ridge, and kept an eye out for the cherry trees. I found them and picked small, sweet black cherries and blackberries to snack on.
I ran the rest of the ridge, dropping down into Hoton and then picking up the road to Prestwold. The route followed a path which snaked through woods before doubling back through a field before heading back towards Prestwold Hall. I think the route had changed since John Merrill last walked it, as I got slightly lost for a few minutes!
As I passed the front of Prestwold Hall, it started to rain- the promised showers had arrived about 5 hours early!
Prestwold Hall And ChurchI made my way through the woods and along the road to a footpath running through fields to the Cotes Road- the rain had eased off slightly but returned in earnest as soon as I reached the road, I was alternating running and walking. The final stages of the route followed the canal through Loughborough back to Zouch- you can see the rain in the picture below!
Loughborough CanalJust after I passed under the bridge in the picture, two narrowboats came towards me, full of folks who seemed to be dressed up as either pirates or convicts. One boat was moving steadily through the water, but the other one seemed to be weaving from side to side... there was a pirate and convict hanging off the side, whooping. As they passed me, I realised that they were headed towards a large clump of overhanging trees- the two 'hangers on' had to scramble along the sides of the boat and dive into the back before they were swept overboard! They were stuck in the trees for a few minutes before managing to reverse and pull out, hitting the second narrowboat in the process. Looked like fun!!
Loughborough Locks
Loughborough LocksIt was raining heavily now, and I ran along most of the canal. When I reach Normanton-on-Soar I slowed to a walk, as I felt quite tired, and realised I was just about to walk into a field full of cows (luckily they all ignored me too!)
The last stretch seemed endless, and I somehow missed the bridge up to the road at Zouch and came out at the other end of the village. I must say, it was a nice route, and would have been even better had it been sunny! My new shoes were absolutely soaked and appear to have turned a funny shade of yellow, and I have a lovely sore patch on my back where the rucksack rubbed...
I am going to have an easy week this week, and taper for the Bullock Smithy; it is absolutely pouring outside, I am really hoping it clears up before the weekend!!
Labels: Bullock Smithy Hike, John Merrill, Zouch
