Wednesday, December 30, 2009
White Christmas!
Hope everybody had a fantastic Christmas- I did, it was lovely to see my dad and stepmum and spend Christmas with them and my sister's family.
And it was officially a White Christmas!! Ok, it didn't actually snow on Christmas Day, but there was so much of the white stuff around that we officially designated it a white Christmas...
It started snowing heavily late on the 23rd...
Yes- SNOW- In Blackpool!
... and there was still a good few inches around on Christmas Day- I went for a walk in it.
Proof!
It's very unusual as Blackpool doesn't usually get snow due to all the salt in the air.
Frosty!
I got the most fantastic present ever- a Wii console and Wii Fit Plus! So now I can workout without running outside in the cold... or will be able to once I set it all up!
I haven't actually been too bad over Christmas, and went out for a 4 miler last night in the pouring (icy) rain. Of course, things are on hold a wee bit over the New Year.
Happy New Year to everybody- I will be back very soon when I summon the motivation to set some goals for 2010.
And it was officially a White Christmas!! Ok, it didn't actually snow on Christmas Day, but there was so much of the white stuff around that we officially designated it a white Christmas...
It started snowing heavily late on the 23rd...
Yes- SNOW- In Blackpool!
... and there was still a good few inches around on Christmas Day- I went for a walk in it.
Proof!
It's very unusual as Blackpool doesn't usually get snow due to all the salt in the air.
Frosty!
I got the most fantastic present ever- a Wii console and Wii Fit Plus! So now I can workout without running outside in the cold... or will be able to once I set it all up!
I haven't actually been too bad over Christmas, and went out for a 4 miler last night in the pouring (icy) rain. Of course, things are on hold a wee bit over the New Year.
Happy New Year to everybody- I will be back very soon when I summon the motivation to set some goals for 2010.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Happy Christmas!!!
I'm not sure I will get the chance to post before Christmas- off to pick up presents from mum tomorrow and then I'm off to sunny Blackpool for Christmas to spend it with my sis and her family, plus Dad and stepmum who have flown over from Spain (bet they're freezing!)
Had a good gym session Sunday, with some interval work on the treadmill, but the hardest part was walking down there- we had had a thin covering of snow, which had frozen to ice rink like consistency, and I discovered that running shoes do not grip ice at all well!
When I came out I popped into Morrisons (along with the rest of Nottingham) and walked out into blizzard conditions! Well not quite, but it was certainly coming down thick and fast- I was even feeling a little festive! Unfortunately the next thin covering we had also froze, and the pavements still resemble an ice rink, so the walk I planned to do tonight has been postponed (although I did walk to the chip shop...)
I am actually worrying about spending four days with no exercise- maybe I am becoming a bit obsessed!!
Anyway- hope you all have a fantastic Christmas!
Had a good gym session Sunday, with some interval work on the treadmill, but the hardest part was walking down there- we had had a thin covering of snow, which had frozen to ice rink like consistency, and I discovered that running shoes do not grip ice at all well!
When I came out I popped into Morrisons (along with the rest of Nottingham) and walked out into blizzard conditions! Well not quite, but it was certainly coming down thick and fast- I was even feeling a little festive! Unfortunately the next thin covering we had also froze, and the pavements still resemble an ice rink, so the walk I planned to do tonight has been postponed (although I did walk to the chip shop...)
I am actually worrying about spending four days with no exercise- maybe I am becoming a bit obsessed!!
Anyway- hope you all have a fantastic Christmas!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Another Good Week!
Not feeling too bad at all this week... I really feel like I am getting back into it despite feeling rough again over the weekend. I decided to go out Tuesday night for a 6 mile run/ walk around the next village, and ended up running all of it (although slowly!) I called into Tesco Direct for a few Christmas present ideas and got a few strange looks...
Wednesday I went to the gym, and although I didn't push myself too much, I felt really strong. The trainer who usually reviews my program with me- Helena- came over for a chat. Sadly (but not for her) she's been promoted, which means she will be on the gym floor instead of handling the reviews. I could use another trainer but I have quite a varied selection of workouts at my disposal, so will probably just mix and match as I go along. I am not working towards anything specific at the moment, the plan is to keep a good level of fitness ticking over to do various LDWA events and runs next year.
I need to save some money before I plan my next big jaunt!!!
Of course, that thing called Christmas is upon us once again (is it me or are the years getting shorter!) so everything kind of slows down but we also seem to get incredibly busy. I notice that the only day my gym is shut over Christmas is Christmas Day; it's usually nice and quiet between Christmas and New Year- then come Jan 1st it's bloody heaving!!
Sigh... suppose I had better set some fitness goals at some point to keep my current motivation up!
Wednesday I went to the gym, and although I didn't push myself too much, I felt really strong. The trainer who usually reviews my program with me- Helena- came over for a chat. Sadly (but not for her) she's been promoted, which means she will be on the gym floor instead of handling the reviews. I could use another trainer but I have quite a varied selection of workouts at my disposal, so will probably just mix and match as I go along. I am not working towards anything specific at the moment, the plan is to keep a good level of fitness ticking over to do various LDWA events and runs next year.
I need to save some money before I plan my next big jaunt!!!
Of course, that thing called Christmas is upon us once again (is it me or are the years getting shorter!) so everything kind of slows down but we also seem to get incredibly busy. I notice that the only day my gym is shut over Christmas is Christmas Day; it's usually nice and quiet between Christmas and New Year- then come Jan 1st it's bloody heaving!!
Sigh... suppose I had better set some fitness goals at some point to keep my current motivation up!
Labels: gym, motivation
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Event Report- The Beacons Ultra
Last weekend saw the second Beacons Ultra, where once again us mad ultra-types descended upon peaceful Welsh villages!
This year the route had changed, starting from Talybont-on-Usk rather than Brecon. Us MdS vets stayed in the White Hart Bunkhouse, attached to the White Hart Inn in Talybont- small, cosy but rather cold, especially at night! It was great to see everyone again and we had our usual communal cook Friday night followed by a couple of drinks in the pub.
The Beacons Ultra course consists of two laps, which together make 45 miles. Due to my dodgy knee I had already decided on just aiming to complete one lap, which would still make a respectable 22/ 23 miles. Registration and start was at the Leisure Club just outside the village, where we were greeted by Sue and Martin of Likeys, who are top people, and Al Silcock and Kobus who were marshalling the course.
This year the event started at 7am rather than 8am so there was a mad dash for the 2 bathrooms from 5:30am onwards! It was still pitch black when we reached the start- in fact, it felt like the middle of the night as I don't think any of us slept too well. Once we were off I slipped into my usual place- right at the back- as everyone else fast disappeared into the distance! Ah well- I had decided to just take my time and enjoy it.
The Start!
The first part of the route was easy- 3 miles along the canal- and I jogged a lot of it. We left the canal just after dawn broke properly and were faced with the major new addition to the route- a 500 metre climb!
Views On The Climb
It started off desceptively gently but it was only when I passed a farm and rounded a bend did the full extent of the climb present itself! I was faced with a seemingly verticle climb, with tiny dots moving way in the distance which I assumed were my fellow runners. The following photo doesn't really do the climb justice;
The First Climb!
In fact, that wasn't even the top- when I reached the highest point in the above photo, yet more steep climb revealed itself- and we still weren't done! It was very windy and rather cold- I had to break out my gloves. There was a check point at the top but by the time I got there they had prudently decided to descend slightly to a more sheltered spot and were attempting to erect a shelter.
There was quite a good descent from the top, and the sun actually came out.
The Event Was Well Supported By The Locals
Rare Sunshine!
This was quite pleasant walking, although we then had to leave the road at the next checkpoint and descend a muddy track to join the fire road through Talybont Forest.
Descending Towards Talybont Forest
From here on the route was the same as last years. I spotted a kit bag full of food lying beside the track and was considering taking it with me to hand in at the next checkpoint when it suddenly occured to me that someone may have stashed it there for the second lap and I may be depriving them of much needed supplies which may just prevent them from completing the race, so I left it where it was.
The fire road seemed even more endless than last year, even though part of it had been cut out- possibly because I was on my own so didn't have the opportunity to chat to anyone (apart from a few stray sheep and between you and me I don't really think they were listening).
It was a relief to see the next checkpoint and start the long pull up to the Gap.
The Gap
It was a lot wetter underfoot than last year and very muddy in places. Sadly, that was the last we saw of the sun and the clouds started to gather. The climb up to the gap seemed quite gentle after the last climb, and luckily this year there was no ice!
The Gap Road
I actually kept upright this year and managed what was quite a speedy descent for me!
Descending From The Gap
Kobus and James were manning the last checkpoint, and as promised had got a roaring fire going. Kobus toasted me marshmallows- what a star! I had a sit down for a few minutes whilst I ate them and as I left they were putting chestnuts on to roast- got to hand it to Kobus, whatever he does, he does with style!
I reluctantly left and started down the rough, uneven track I remembered so well from last year- which this year had the delightful addition of ankle deep sections of water. This is where me, Rach and Carol were lapped last year- and where I was again lapped this year by the same guy- Mark Palmer, who finished the 45 miles in an astonishing 06:48:10!
Looking Towards Brecon
As I reached the road it started to rain- we had had a couple of showers but it was now clearly set in for the rest of the day so I got my waterproofs out and trudged along roads and through wet and muddy fields.
The last few miles was along roads and the canal back to Talybont. I was lapped by several people and expected to be lapped by one of the MdS folks at any time. It was absolutely pouring by this point so I took comfort in a Snickers and jogged a few times. It started to feel a bit endless but at last I reached Talybont and was directed off the canal to the finish at the Leisure Club by Al. I saw the finish sign and decided to run to the finish- then realised I had to run downhill, through trees and back up again to reach the line!
My time was a rather pathetic 8 hours something. I got a fantastic welcome from Sue and a goody bag containing a cap and a mug, plus mule bar and emergency blanket (funnily enough I had purchased one from Likeys the night before as it was on the kit list and the MdS had trashed mine!)
When I got back to the bunk house, I was surprised to see Sharky- I hadn't noticed him pass me on route. He hadn't-he said he had pulled out at 30 miles as he was feeling rough. Mike A had also pulled out with nausea after one lap, and poor Andy had been really ill, abandoning just short of one lap. Jo had decided to just complete one lap as she had injured her ankle, sensible decisions.
After a shower we sat in the pub and waited for everyone else to filter in. I have to say I really adnired them as I am not sure I could have done another lap in the dark and driving rain.
I felt my knee a couple of times when descending but it soon went off and it has been fine ever since- I have rested it this week, just doing a little walking. I achieved my onjective of completing one lap without injuring my knee, so I am quite happy with that. If I do this again next year I will definately aim to complete two though!
This year the route had changed, starting from Talybont-on-Usk rather than Brecon. Us MdS vets stayed in the White Hart Bunkhouse, attached to the White Hart Inn in Talybont- small, cosy but rather cold, especially at night! It was great to see everyone again and we had our usual communal cook Friday night followed by a couple of drinks in the pub.
The Beacons Ultra course consists of two laps, which together make 45 miles. Due to my dodgy knee I had already decided on just aiming to complete one lap, which would still make a respectable 22/ 23 miles. Registration and start was at the Leisure Club just outside the village, where we were greeted by Sue and Martin of Likeys, who are top people, and Al Silcock and Kobus who were marshalling the course.
This year the event started at 7am rather than 8am so there was a mad dash for the 2 bathrooms from 5:30am onwards! It was still pitch black when we reached the start- in fact, it felt like the middle of the night as I don't think any of us slept too well. Once we were off I slipped into my usual place- right at the back- as everyone else fast disappeared into the distance! Ah well- I had decided to just take my time and enjoy it.
The Start!
The first part of the route was easy- 3 miles along the canal- and I jogged a lot of it. We left the canal just after dawn broke properly and were faced with the major new addition to the route- a 500 metre climb!
Views On The Climb
It started off desceptively gently but it was only when I passed a farm and rounded a bend did the full extent of the climb present itself! I was faced with a seemingly verticle climb, with tiny dots moving way in the distance which I assumed were my fellow runners. The following photo doesn't really do the climb justice;
The First Climb!
In fact, that wasn't even the top- when I reached the highest point in the above photo, yet more steep climb revealed itself- and we still weren't done! It was very windy and rather cold- I had to break out my gloves. There was a check point at the top but by the time I got there they had prudently decided to descend slightly to a more sheltered spot and were attempting to erect a shelter.
There was quite a good descent from the top, and the sun actually came out.
The Event Was Well Supported By The Locals
Rare Sunshine!
This was quite pleasant walking, although we then had to leave the road at the next checkpoint and descend a muddy track to join the fire road through Talybont Forest.
Descending Towards Talybont Forest
From here on the route was the same as last years. I spotted a kit bag full of food lying beside the track and was considering taking it with me to hand in at the next checkpoint when it suddenly occured to me that someone may have stashed it there for the second lap and I may be depriving them of much needed supplies which may just prevent them from completing the race, so I left it where it was.
The fire road seemed even more endless than last year, even though part of it had been cut out- possibly because I was on my own so didn't have the opportunity to chat to anyone (apart from a few stray sheep and between you and me I don't really think they were listening).
It was a relief to see the next checkpoint and start the long pull up to the Gap.
The Gap
It was a lot wetter underfoot than last year and very muddy in places. Sadly, that was the last we saw of the sun and the clouds started to gather. The climb up to the gap seemed quite gentle after the last climb, and luckily this year there was no ice!
The Gap Road
I actually kept upright this year and managed what was quite a speedy descent for me!
Descending From The Gap
Kobus and James were manning the last checkpoint, and as promised had got a roaring fire going. Kobus toasted me marshmallows- what a star! I had a sit down for a few minutes whilst I ate them and as I left they were putting chestnuts on to roast- got to hand it to Kobus, whatever he does, he does with style!
I reluctantly left and started down the rough, uneven track I remembered so well from last year- which this year had the delightful addition of ankle deep sections of water. This is where me, Rach and Carol were lapped last year- and where I was again lapped this year by the same guy- Mark Palmer, who finished the 45 miles in an astonishing 06:48:10!
Looking Towards Brecon
As I reached the road it started to rain- we had had a couple of showers but it was now clearly set in for the rest of the day so I got my waterproofs out and trudged along roads and through wet and muddy fields.
The last few miles was along roads and the canal back to Talybont. I was lapped by several people and expected to be lapped by one of the MdS folks at any time. It was absolutely pouring by this point so I took comfort in a Snickers and jogged a few times. It started to feel a bit endless but at last I reached Talybont and was directed off the canal to the finish at the Leisure Club by Al. I saw the finish sign and decided to run to the finish- then realised I had to run downhill, through trees and back up again to reach the line!
My time was a rather pathetic 8 hours something. I got a fantastic welcome from Sue and a goody bag containing a cap and a mug, plus mule bar and emergency blanket (funnily enough I had purchased one from Likeys the night before as it was on the kit list and the MdS had trashed mine!)
When I got back to the bunk house, I was surprised to see Sharky- I hadn't noticed him pass me on route. He hadn't-he said he had pulled out at 30 miles as he was feeling rough. Mike A had also pulled out with nausea after one lap, and poor Andy had been really ill, abandoning just short of one lap. Jo had decided to just complete one lap as she had injured her ankle, sensible decisions.
After a shower we sat in the pub and waited for everyone else to filter in. I have to say I really adnired them as I am not sure I could have done another lap in the dark and driving rain.
I felt my knee a couple of times when descending but it soon went off and it has been fine ever since- I have rested it this week, just doing a little walking. I achieved my onjective of completing one lap without injuring my knee, so I am quite happy with that. If I do this again next year I will definately aim to complete two though!
Labels: Beacons Ultra, Brecon Beacons
Friday, December 04, 2009
Nearly The Beacons Ultra!
I have neglected this a bit lately... probably because the training has been a bit neglected too! I hadn't heard anything from those blood tests so asked the receptionist, who gave her notes a cursory glance and said 'They all came back as normal, no further action' so I have no excuse now!
I have actually managed to put in a few good gym sessions plus a hill climbing session on the notoriously hilly Arnold Lane- still got it!!
So I am only doing one lap of the Ultra this year- I think it would be crazy to attempt to do two, given my dodgy knee and resultant lack of training. But it will be nice- I can take my time, be a tourist, take some piccies, amble around for 23 miles and joing everyone else in the pub! Sounds like a plan...
It will be great to see the other MdS'ers again, plus the chaps and chapesses from Likeys- really looking forward to this!
I have actually managed to put in a few good gym sessions plus a hill climbing session on the notoriously hilly Arnold Lane- still got it!!
So I am only doing one lap of the Ultra this year- I think it would be crazy to attempt to do two, given my dodgy knee and resultant lack of training. But it will be nice- I can take my time, be a tourist, take some piccies, amble around for 23 miles and joing everyone else in the pub! Sounds like a plan...
It will be great to see the other MdS'ers again, plus the chaps and chapesses from Likeys- really looking forward to this!
Labels: Beacons Ultra, Brecon Beacons
