Endurance Adventures

Not A Bad Start...

2012-01-15T20:39:00.000Z

Although I haven't posted I have been quite busy and progress has been made... I have been steadily building up the walking and running (well, for running, read slow shambling jog!) The knee problem which caused me to pull out of the Brecon Beacons Ultra disappeared, but the problem I experienced last year raised its ugly head again- in the form of a feeling that something has twisted in the left hand side of my right knee after exercise.

I have been very careful- I noticed that only running after being thoroughly warmed up helped (yep I know that is one of the basics or running...) and I have been running/ walking and gradually building up the running- slowly- not that there's any other way with me!!

Last week I covered 32 miles, in the form of 7- 8 mile walk/ runs, a gym session of 20 minutes running with top speed of 6 mph. I wore my knee support but this was less than successful as the top rolled over as soon as I started running and cut off the circulation above my knee!

Yesterday I did the 'big track' circuit I first did in summer, along the River Trent and Beeston Canal- with walking to the start and back it was 12.5 miles. It was a glorious day- crisp, clear, cold and sunny with the mists gently rising off the River Trent like Avalon. I had a pack on but managed to run a great deal of it. I took some photos;

The Suspension Bridge

Out Into The Country

Willows Over Beeston Canal

I have spotted a brand new event on the LDWA site- the Golden Fleece Circuit- which takes place in East Yorkshire. According to Routeplanner it should take me 1 hour 30 minutes to get there, which I think is achievable, and as well as being part of an inaugural event it will be another county ticked off the list!

I am feeling a lot more confident than I was two or three months ago...

Hello 2012!!

2012-01-02T17:48:00.000Z

I have decided that 2012 is going to be a great year! Since doing the MdS I have kind of let things slide and I think that that's because I haven't had a big scary goal to work towards...

Unfortunately I am not in a financial position to give myself another big scary goal yet, so I will just have to make do with a less big and less scary goal... namely the Bullock Smithy! This will be the year I conquer the beast, it beat me in 2008 and it's gotten away with it for far too long!

I am also going to lose weight this year. I have put some back on since MdS and am aiming to get back to goal weight!

Other challenges; I aim to undertake more challenge events this year, old favourites as well as some in other counties so I can cross off some more from my Marathon Challenge (to complete a marathon in each English County). I am aiming to cross of five more counties.

I don't yet know all of the marathons I intend to do as some are not advertised yet, I am definately entered into the Belvoir Challenge (mud, mud, glorious mud!!) and would like to revisit and old friend- the Charnwood Forest Marathon. In April I have the option of felling two counties in one weekend as the Bath Beat (Somerset) is on Saturday and the Pewsey Downsaround (Wiltshire) is on Sunday...

I will post links to events as I find them- watch this space!

Happy New Year!!!

2011-12-31T17:59:00.000Z

I wasn't organised to post over Christmas so would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year- here's to a great 2012, and hoping that everyone's plans/ goals/ dreams come true!

I have been doing some walking/ running and the knee problem seems to be ok. What is annoying though is that I have been getting a pain on the other side of the knee- almost as though something's twisted. Just have to continue to build up slowly as it doesn't happen when I walk. I haven't been to the gym for a while and guess it will be mega-busy for a few weeks now!

At some point over the next couple of days I will plan my challenges for 2012 and post them- what's everyone else got planned?

Getting Better... I think!!

2011-12-11T17:52:00.000Z

I just don't know where this month's going... I can't believe it's Christmas a fortnight today!! I am surprisingly organised this year though so- bring it on!!

The knee- well, a couple of weeks ago it got worse- I don't know whether it was due to walking 3 miles into Nottingham and then home, and then a further 3 miles later that day or whether it was because I bent it too far back that night getting into bed which caused sudden and excruciating pain. But when I woke up the next day the whole of the knee cap area was painful and the knee was very 'clicky' for a couple of days.

Cursing this fresh set back I rested it for a week and then since then I have been building up verrrryyy slooowwlyy... apart from a slight tenderness if I bend the leg back too much it- touch wood- feels much better. Wednesday night I went for a 5 mile walk/ run and Friday night I went to the gym and did some treadmill work for the first time in ages- so far so good! I am going to take it very easy though- oh I have already entered the Belvoir Challenge for next year as it gets full very quickly.

Rich successfully completed the Racing the Planet Nepal Race, and it sounds like the most amazing experience- he is writing his race report on his blog.

I hope everyone has a great week!

Rich's Nepal Race

2011-11-21T19:38:00.001Z

I very nearly forgot, Rich (Desert Racer) is currently running the Racing The Planet Nepal 2011- what an experience, I am quite jealous I admit!! You can email competitors on their website.

The scenery looks absolutely spectacular and this would have been right up there on my wish list if I hadn't just read the web site and discovered that they do this race in a different location each year and so it may not be in Nepal again :-(

Looking forwards to reading Rich's race report anyway!

Baby Steps...

2011-11-21T18:07:00.000Z

I'm gutted to have missed the Brecon Beacons Ultra... again... sounds as though it was a great weekend. Next year... sigh...

My knee is still doing funny things when I kneel, but I haven't really ran on it, just been walking and using the Wii Fit. I intend to build back up slowly and see how it goes.

To cheer myself up I have been thinking of some events for next year. As well as all the 'usual suspects' I would like to knock off some more county marathons, and next year will be the year I complete the Bullock Smithy! The event I didn't complete and which has been hanging over me ever since September 2008!

I am planning on having a fairly cheap year next year travelwise as if I don't save up and swap the car it's likely to fall to bits!!

Ah well- time to inspire myself and go and trawl some events!

Injury!!!

2011-11-06T21:43:00.000Z

Well- it was all going so well. I really felt as though I was getting back to my former fitness- I was running 6 miles, completed the Spires and Steeples in 7 hours flat and it all seemed to be easy.

But now- an injury has struck! It started off when I knelt down a couple of weeks ago- I felt a sudden sharp pain just below and to the right of my right knee. I first thought that I had knelt on something, but couldn't find anything. After this it became more and more noticeable, and the pain spread to a wider area every time I knelt.

Running didn't seem to actually cause pain, but the last couple of times I have ran, I have felt a tenderness in the affected area, and it seems slightly swollen. The sharp pain only occurs when I kneel, although I can replicate it by beding my leg right back and pressing lightly on the skin.

I have no idea what it is... the nearest thing I have found which matches the symptoms is Jumper's Knee- but I haven't done any jumping!!

It means I have had to make some tough decisions... the Brecon Beacons Ultra is only a fortnight away and I was starting to hope I may be able to actually complete the whole thing. But I really don't fancy pushing myself for 45 miles and possibly doing long term harm- even one lap would be risky, as I felt it more when I was running uphill and the Beacon's course is most definately not flat!!

Another deciding factor is the fact that my nephew is waiting to have major surgery to correct severe scoliosis at any time- we are just waiting on a date- and I will be needed to go up to Blackpool and lend my sis a hand during his initial recovery period.

So I have reluctantly decided to pull out of the race- I am gutted as I missed it last year due to a nasty cold/ chest infection. I am determined that next year I will return and complete both laps!!

I went to the gym today, but only stuck to the weights and the elliptical trainer. Afterwards I popped upstairs to the DW Sports shop and ran gently on the treadmill whilst they analysed my gait. Turns out that I don't over pronate as badly as I thought, but the guy serving (who also runs) suggested I stick to the wider fitting control shoe makes such as Brookes (which I tend to use), Asics and New Balance. He said that Nike control shoes don't provide the same protection as other makes so he would advise against them. I don't think this was sales patter as they were selling Nike shoes.

The spooky thing is I have been running in a pair of Nikes for ages- in fact, I have been making them last longer than they should- could this have caused the knee problem!?!

I bought a pair of New Balance shoes as they don't sell Brookes, but they seem very comfy and I even got to try them on and have a wee jog on the treadmill first.

I am going to ease off the running for a couple of weeks to see how the knee responds and then build back up slowly. Hope everyone else is ok and injury free!

The Spires And Steeples- Event Report

2011-10-17T22:56:00.001+01:00

The weather looked promising for the day and indeed it was- this is another event which always seems to attract good weather. I got up at the unearthly hour of 5:30am- on a Sunday- to drive through the dark to Sleaford. No wonder people think I am mad!!

As usual, I overestimated how long it would take me to get there, so had half an hour to kill, luckily the Hub was open so I could use the loo before getting settled on the bus. After a few minutes of waiting, one of the event officials boarded and told us there had been a bit of a snag; there were to be two buses to take us all to Lincoln- a larger one for the runners and a smaller one for us walkers- and the wrong one had turned up! So we had to traipse off and wait for the smaller one to come...

Of course, this meant we left Sleaford late, and for reasons I can't understand our driver took us through all the villages rather than pick up the main road... still, at least we got there and registered. There is a choice of two distances- 26 miles starting from Lincoln and 13 miles starting from Metheringham. The 26 mile walk starts in the Castle grounds, and it was quite atmospheric with the towers of the cathedral peeking through the early morning mist.

Lincoln Cathedral

Lincoln Castle- The Start

As we were set off, I glanced at the time on my phone- 8:36am. The start of the walk is spectacular- we descended down into the city, through ancient narrow cobbled streets, gradually giving way to wider thoroughfares with increasingly modern buildings.

The Start

A Church Passed En Route To The Centre

The route by passes the centre of Lincoln, and leaves the city by way of a track along the river, which eventually leads to Boston. Just before that there is a high bridge over the dual carriageway which gives a particularly impressive view back to the cathedral;

It was starting ot warm up as we walked the 2 miles along the river. On the other side of the track was typical fen scenery- flat fields and ditches with the mist gently rising into the sunshine. For some reason, on this event, the walkers don't really seem to spread out until the first checkpoint, which must have been a nightmare to any poor cyclist who had the misfortune to fancy an early morning ride to Boston.

Sculpture

Crossing The South Delph Drain

After a couple of miles, we left the river to walk through the village of Washingborough- there were officials on hand in most villages to signpost the way, but to be honest the route is quite easy to follow as it is way marked as well.

I noticed this lovely carved seat that I seem to have missed before;

We had some field walking before Branston, and the first check point. It clouded over at this point, and was quite chilly in the shade. Just before Branston the first of the runners, who left at 9:30am, came past with a cheerful greeting.

There were proper bottles of water on offer this year, rather than water in cups, which was a nice touch but possibly a disadvantage for the runners as I saw a trail of discarded bottles in fields all day (along with empty gel sachets... I'm sure there is no need to discard these in the countryside!!)

After the checkpoint the walkers spread out quite a bit, so I had a little bit of a jog, prompting one of the runners to ask if I wish I'd entered as a runner! I remembered this bit quite well, fairly easy field walking before Potterhanworth and its water tower.

Potterhanworth

It was still quite dull, but dry and fairly warm, the next village on the agenda was Nocton- there are quite a few artworks here including a carved snail which I didn't find! I did see the Dandelion Sundial though for the first time...

Dandelion Sundial

... and the rather impressive cow made by schoolchildren from parts of old farm machinery found in nearby fields;

After passing through Dunston, I was almost at the half way point- Metheringham- and had mentally promised myself some coffee from my flask when I got there. There is a bit of road walking to the checkpoint and as it was slightly downhill, I jogged it. As I reached the checkpoint I saw a load of kids holding out bottles of water to me amidst choruses of 'well done!' and 'keep going!'. It suddenly dawned on me that they thought I was a runner, so I felt to embarrassed to stop and break out the flask as I didn't want to disillusion them!

I looked at the route description and noticed that it was only anothe 2 1/2 miles to Scopwick with its lovely beck and decided it would make a lovely coffee stop, so marched on. The route from Metheringham to Blankney is very easy- along one straight path- but the route from Blankney to Scopwick seemed much longer than the 1 1/2 miles it was supposed to be. The sun came out and lit up the fields, and I was so eager to reach Scopwick and enjoy it I jogged most of this stretch.

Scopwick was just as lovely as I remembered, and I sank onto one of the benches near the beck, and enjoyed a couple of cups of coffee and a '9' bar, watching the ducks sleeping in the October sunshine.

Scopwick Beck

A man and woman jogged past, wearing the flourescent yellow jackets of event officials, and rather bizarrely asked me if I had set off from Metheringham. I answered no- Lincoln and the went off, seemingly satisfied. Considering the walkers and runners had started from Metheringham at 9:30am I would have racked up an impressive 2 1/2 miles in around 3 3/4 hours!!

I reluctantly heaved myself to my feet and resumed my journey to Sleaford and the next point of call- Digby. After an initial foray through fields, there is a fair bit of road walking through Rowston to get to Digby.

Rowston Church

I had meant to take today quite easy, but I must admit, I have a bit of a competitive streak in that if I have passed people I hate to be passed by them later! This made me jog most of the way to Digby and the next checkpoint.

Digby is a lovely village- I passed a rather impressive old Manor House;

Digby Manor

Before leaving the village by way of an ancient clapper bridge to fields (I'm sure I have taken a picture of this before so if you want to see it search past event reports!)

Digby

There was some more field walking to Dorrington- which was surprisingly hilly. I ran the downhill parts but was feeling my legs at this stage I sat on the stone bench in front of the Dorrington Demons statue and had another coffee.

Dorrington Demons

The path to the next village- Ruskington- was more of the same really. I noticed a strange group of sculptures on the sky line- almost like metal half arches- and remembered seeing them from the bus on route to Lincoln. I don't think the photo really does them justice as they were some distance away.

The sun had come out to stay by now and it was very warm. There were milky way type chocolate bars on offer at the Ruskington checkpoint, given out enthusiatically by children- it was great to see them getting so involved. Ruskington is quite a large village, and my legs were feeling quite tired at this point.

The route crosses over the railway using a quaint blue bridge- we had to detour last year as the path was being worked on.

I passed a couple of walkers shortly after this, and managed a shambling job down to the main road crossing. The last part of the route follows the river and then a 'navigation' (an existing waterway which is used for transportation rather than created like a canal) and always seems endless. I passed a couple of runners walking with an event official, all of whom appeared to be in good spirits.

Priory Ruins

Last year there was a checkpoint just before the path along the Navigation, but it wasn't mentioned on the route description so I wasn't sure if there would be one or not- I conserved some water just in case, but it turns out there was one.

The last three miles is the toughest I think as it basically follows the path beside the Navigation back to Sleaford. I passed quite a few people and felt the compulsion to run, so set off on my usual slow, shambling jog. God knows what I looked like!! Unfortunately a local walking group had chosen to walk this exact same path and their members had decided to string out across the entire path, so passing them was a bit entertaining!

The Navigation

After what seemed like an age, I reached Sleaford and picked up the path back to the Hub with its lovely mosaics.

Navigation Path Through Sleaford

I looked at my phone as I crossed the finish and was quite surprised to see it was 3:36pm exactly- giving a time of 7 hours. That is quite quick for me, especially given my current (lack of) fitness and quicker then I had done it before, although last year doesn't really count as I had done the Dave Lewis the day before. I think there are three reasons why this event is quite a quick one; 1) it's quite flat and easy to follow, 2) the route is measured from church to church and I'm not convinced it's actually 26 miles- I think it's probably nearer 24 or 25, but I could be wrong, and 3) as there is only really water on offer at the checkpoints I tend to pass through them without stopping.

I collected my medal and certificate and joined a fellow finisher on a bench to drink the last of my coffee. His wife came over with a flask of hot chocolate and gave me a cup, which was really nice of her.

It was a good day out- I enjoy this event. When I got home I found snall blisters on the sides of several toes, and feel a bit stiff today, but apart from that I feel fine. Next event is the Brecon Beacons Ultra- although I don't think I am fit enough to attempt the full 45 miles...

Turning The Corner!

2011-10-15T20:56:00.001+01:00

I have really struggled with motivation the past few months. I have found it really difficult to get back into a training schedule and to make myself get out there and do stuff- surfing the net, reading or just plain slobbing out seems to be a much more attractive proposition! I have been out running/ walking but feeling a lot less fit left me discouraged, and I wouldn't go out again for a couple of days so it was like starting from scratch every time...

I think that I was so motivated to train for the MdS because just thinking about it made me so scared I was motivated to put the hours in- I knew how I'd have felt if I hadn't made it, and the thoughts of telling everyone I'd failed spurred me on. But I haven't got an MdS to aim for at the moment... I'd love to set myself another big audacious goal like that but unfortunately my bank account says no way Jose!

However- I have had a much more promising week this week! Monday I decided to go out for a 5 miler, but assumed I'd have to run/ walk it. But no- apart from a brief 3 minute interlude of walking due to a twinge in my foot, I ran all of it! Ok it was slow, but it was one of those great times where your breathing evens out, you get into your stride and just keep going!

Thursday I did another run- slightly shorter at about 4 1/2 miles- and ran it all again, followed by a gym session Friday!! It felt good...

And tomorrow is the 26 mile Spires and Steeples Challenge. I really like this event a lot. It's a linear event, from Lincoln to Sleaford, which is quite unusual, but I actually find it more inspiring than a circular route- it feels as though you are going somewhere and that there is a purpose. Hopefully the weather should be fine too- I'm going to make up a flask of coffee and just have a grand day out. Hope everyone else is enjoying the sunshine!

Training...

2011-10-04T20:52:00.000+01:00

I have been stumbling my way back into training- it was so lovely at the weekend that I went out on a couple of walks. One Friday night, to Holme Pierrepont, down to the A52 and back through fields to Bassingfield. As I was walking through a field with horses, I chatted to one of the owners for a few minutes, who was filling up the water barrels. Sadly she said that they are having trouble with people stealing electric fencing, batteries and turning the horses' water barrels upside down so they have no water. I can't believe the mentality of some people!

Saturday I had an 8 1/2 mile walk/ jog in the heatwave! I had to feed a friend's cat so walked there first, and then joined up with one of my regular routes across fields towards Cotgrave, before doubling back to the canal. Sometimes I extend it by walking up to Clipston Woods or into Cotgrave itself but not today... I saw a chap acting suspiciously in a field I was about to walk through- he appeared to be walking backwards and forwards, occasionally bending over. I was getting a little worried until I got closer and realised he was just metal detecting!

I put my running gear in the car this morning and stopped at the Regatta Lake at Holme Pierrepont before my body realised what I was doing- and got in two circuits of the lake- slightly over 6 miles (I stopped to walk a couple of times but it was an improvement on the last time I did this!) I saw a little flock of tufted ducks merrily bobbing away on the water and a few crested glebes.

My next event is the Spires and Steeples on October 16th- 26 miles from Lincoln to Sleaford. I really like this one, it's another friendly one with some lovely views, plus there's something quite satisfying about doing a linear route. Like the Ponton Plod, it's usually sunny, but I heard that they are forecasting snow!!

The Ponton Plod- Event Report

2011-09-20T21:30:00.002+01:00

I haven't done a proper long walk since the Malvern Midsummer Marathon, but the Ponton Plod is kind of a must-do for me- it's local, a great route and a really friendly event, plus the sun always shines!!

So I drove towards the sleepy village of Great Ponton, parked up in the field used for the event and treated myself to toast and marmalade after registering. The organiser, Stuart, said that a shower had been forecast for around 11am but all we had were a few spots of rain which didn't come to anything- it was a glorious warm sunny day!

The 27 and 17 milers set off at 8:30am, with the 12 milers setting off an hour later. I remeber taking part in the inaugural Ponton Plod, and it's certainly grown since then, I think the introduction of shorter options was a wise move as it has made the event appeal to local running clubs.

As we walked along the bridleway and through the golf course, it struck me that looking at the trees it is definitely Autumn now;

The Obelisk

It was here that the two routes split, the longer route going through the Stoke Rochford Estate and through the village of Stoke Rochford, before heading across fields to Skillington. As I haven't done this distance for some time, and have been having a few knee twinges I decided to take it nice and steady. I walked for a while with a chap called John, but he was much faster than me. He dropped his jumper though, and the couple behind me picked it up and handed it in- I must have walked straight past it without seeing it, but I think I was texting at the time!!

Once through Skillington I followed the track to Buckminster Water Tower and the first checkpoint (and cake!!) The couple behind me overtook and said that they remembered me from last year (everyone said that... I must be quite notorious!) I didn't take too many photos cos I have already taken a load over the years so check back over previous reports if you want to see more.

The next part of the route follows fields before climbing steadily to the village of Sproxton, I was really warm by now and although we had felt a few drops of rain and saw ominous looking clouds throughout the day, it stayed dry, sunny and warm.

Open Views Near Sproxton

There was more field walking to the village of Saltby. The terrain is a little challenging around here as there are some quite rutted fields and tracks, so I had to watch my ankles as I'm not too sure-footed at the best of times. Another advantage to doing this walk each year is that I know the route pretty well so are (theoretically) less likely to get lost!

After Saltby the route crosses a wide open field and passes between two ponds, before traversing several more fields via some fairly uneven paths. These lead to one of the most rutted paths in the whole area, and the one I always dread!

Autumn Colours

The Rutted Track!

Sadly I think it is the victim of motorbiking activity, which of course spoils it for anyone else who wants to use it...

After this it's an easy gradual descent to Croxton Kerrial and the half way point. I passed a chap who was deliberating which way to go, so pointed him in the right direction. He said that some folks had gone the wrong way; I noticed the couple who had passed me at the first checkpoint so stood there waving madly at them as they were out of shouting range. As I walked on I could see them coming back towards us so knew they'd be ok.

The half way checkpoint is always a welcome sight and as usual they had done us proud with lovely sandwiches, cakes and coffee. It was a pleasure to see Sheila waiting to greet the walkers in with a warm welcome as she has done every year I've done it.

It was a bit of a wrench to leave, but I heaved myself up and out the door... and out of the village and across the fields. Although much of this walk is in Lincolnshire there are a fair few hills to negotiate!

Croxton Kerrial Church

Descending To The Woods

After negotiating a ploughed field, I spotted some huge boulders near the path, some of which appeared to have fossils in them so stopped for a closer look;

The next part of the route is fairly straightforwards, passing through Harston and following the road to Sewstern Lane and the cycle track. I passed a couple of walkers quite happily sitting having lunch in the bus shelter.

Railway Bridge

There's a bit of a road walk into Denton, but as it's downhill I jogged it to get it over with. Denton is a pretty village, but quite busy traffic wise.

The route passes Denton Reservoir; it started to get a bit cloudy at this point but luckily stayed dry!

Looking A Bit Ominous!!

Denton Reservoir

The reservoir water levels were looking a little low, but there were loads of water birds around- I spotted three cormorants sitting on a branch but they were too far away for me to get a good photo.

A track led up the the A607, but I was rather disappointed to see that someone had dumped a couple of large piles of building rubble right across it.

I had another coffee at the next checkpoint at Harlaxton, and my favourite challenge walk dish of cold rice pudding! I felt I needed my strength for the big hill I knew was coming next...

After the steep hill there is a bit of a road walk along a quiet road, I passed a chap who was suffering from blisters and seemed to be in a bit of pain but said that he intended to just take his time.

Hungerton Hall

On leaving the road the route passes the impressive Hungerton Hall, and crosses a picturesque valley to reach the last checkpoint at the exposed village of Wyville. The lady there said that she thought there were more ladies doing the long route than men and said that it was a victory for the ladies!

My legs were aching by now, but this part of the route is really pretty, following a lovely valley, so it took my mind off my aches and pains;

Pretty Countryside

After some more quiet road walking, there are just some bridleways to negotiate. I spotted this sign on a gate- lucky horse eh!!

Looking Towards The A1

I could hear the A1 for quite a while before I could see it, luckily there is a footbridge over it which saves a mad dash on tired legs! I finished in 8 hours 23 minutes; although that's slower than last year I'm quite pleased as I took it steady and stopped to have coffee/ take photos.

The food at the end is lovely- I had the apple and parsnip soup which was absolutely delicious- and apple pie and custard for pudding- all hand made! It struck me how much better value these challenge walks are than road races... enter a road race and you can pay £30- £40 for the priviledge of running on tarmac for an hour or so, and being handed a cup of cold water with a medal at the end if you're lucky, but for £11 you can walk in the countryside all day, be fed sandwiches and cake, have a cooked meal at the end and the profits go to a good cause- in this case Besso Childrens' Home in India.

As I was driving home the heavens opened and it poured which showed an uncharacteristic good timing on behalf of the weather as I understand everyone had finished! Another great day out, I'd definitely recommend the Ponton Plod, it's a great event, well organised and really friendly.

More Training!!

2011-09-07T22:37:00.000+01:00

Spurred on with my success at going for a walk, I have managed to carry it on!! I went to the gym on Friday (steady on there...) before heading to Wells-Next-The-Sea for a more relaxing weekend spend pottering around the town, eating, drinking coffee and dodging showers on the beach.

Bit Black Over Bill's Mother's...

Looks A Bit Like Rain, Jake!!

The weather's been quite changeable- last Thursday I had planned to go to the gym, but it was a glorious day- hot, sunny and cloudless and it seemed such a waste to spend it inside with loads of sweaty people (or is that just me...) so I went for a walk/ run instead... I passed the Water Sports Centre, and jogged up to Holme Pierrepoint, following a byway to the A52 and crossing through fields back through Bassingfield- about 6 miles and I managed to run a lot of it (more of a lumbering jog) so I am happy. I couldn't resist taking my camera;

It really feels like Autumn now...

Saturday I walked along the cliff walk at Radcliffe to Shelford and back, a 13 mile route I've not done for a while, and I saw this fellow;

I managed more slow lumbering jogging, but felt a twinge in my knee so took it a bit easier, and stuck mainly to the elliptical in the gym on Sunday. It seemed okay last night though- I went round the Regatta Lake at the Watersports Centre and felt quite strong.

I had intended to do the Birmingham Canal Canter this Saturday but think it would pushing myself too much too soon, so I am going to aim for the Ponton Plod on 18th September instead- it's nice and local and one of my old favourites so I'll just take my time and have a good day out.

Don't Faint... But I Have Actually Done A Walk!!

2011-08-26T14:27:00.001+01:00

I decided it was high time I actually got back out there and did some proper training, and as I have been off work for a few days I had a bit of a clear out and dug out a little booklet I must have picked up some time ago, detailing a 10 mile cycle/ walking route following the River Trent and Beeston Canal in a big circle.

I had an eye test booked at West Bridgford so decided to set off after this. When I first woke though I nearly changed my mind- it was absolutely pouring! I was tempted to put it off until today, but then it started to clear so I went for it- looking out at the weather right now I reckon I made the right decision!

It turned out to be a very pleasant walk with a fair bit of wildlife and history. I started near to Trent Bridge and hopped over to the road island where the remains of the former bridge over the Trent are preserved- it would have been very low and near to the water!

The Remains Of The Old Bridge

The Big Track (as it was called) route description told me to turn left and follow the Trent, crossing the Suspension Bridge so that the river was on my left.

The Memorial On The Embankment

Suspension Bridge

At this stage I was following the river on a path with a large green verge, but after a while the river path disappeared and I had to follow the river along a path next to the busy road. This was probably the worst part of the route, although before too long a little path led away from the road and under the busy A52 flyover. I got destracted by lots of blackberry bushes bearing lovely big juicy berries.

The path originally followed a minor road but a new path had been built by the river, and soon after this I lost the sense of being in the city and found myself walking by fields- I saw loads of swans and also baby glebes, it was also very warm!

The Trent South Of Nottingham

It was hard to believe that over the top of the bank on the other side of the river was the busy suburb of Clifton with its main road to the M1. Clifton Hall, a relic of the old village which no longer exists, appeared on the hillside, standing guard over the river and the flat fields surrounding it.

Clifton Hall

I was having a wee run at this point, and passed a couple of ladies with around five dogs between them which they appeared to be struggling to control. As I went to run past I heard a couple of the dogs go charging into the river, and the saw them wading around the feet of a rather disgruntled fisherman!

After what seemed an age I reached Beeston Canal, which was to accompany me back to the Trent.

Weir Before Beeston Canal

I ran/ walkedalong the canal, which passed a housing estate before reaching back into the city and passing the Boots complex and relics of an industrial era which has now largely disappeared. I wanted a wee by now but the canal path is very popular- it didn't exactly help passing this;

When I reached Castle Warf I stopped at a family pub for a latte, drinking it outside so as not to offend fellow patrons as I wasn't feeling at my freshest and most fragranced!

By now the canal was snaking its way through the city, passing the Magistrates Court and this pub with a crane for loading trade goods onto canal barges still in situ;

It was just a case of following the canal back to West Bridgford to join up with the Trent- all in all a good route and one I would do again. It would also make a good cycle route.

Back To The Trent

Flood Marks

Trent Bridge

I reckon I probbaly walked around 12 miles as I walked from home to the start and back but feel ok today- in fact I topped it by going to the gym! Didn't go too mad but I did do hill work on the treadmill and also on the elliptical so I am feeling quite chuffed...

Going away to Wells tonight until Sunday night, although Katie has asked me to pack my jogging gear in case we decide to get up early and go for a run (which isn't actually too likely...)

Hope everyone has a great Bank Holiday- despite the typically Bank Holiday weather!

Getting Back Into It...

2011-08-23T22:28:00.000+01:00

Just thought I'd fight my way through the layers of thick dust that have settled on my key pad and remove the nest of spiders who appear to have made their home under the space bar... just give me a second or two for the dust to settle so I can see my monitor screen again- cough cough- that's better!

Now where was I? Oh yes- taking a bit of an absence, eating far too much and doing hardly any of the activities collectively known as 'exercise'...

Well the wedding is history, my visitors are now back in Spain and so there is no excuse for me to get back out there and back into it!

Apart from a slight loss of motivation and a mind that keeeps trying to tell me it would much rather sit in front of the TV screen with a bar of chocolate thank you very much!

I know I need another stupid challenge to motivate myself to get off my bum and train but my finances just won't stretch to anything beyond a daily challenge walk at the moment (although I do have the Beacons Ultra in November) so I am just going to have to motivate myself without...

I have at least found my way back to the gym and did a fairly passable workout which left me aching for two days, and have ventured out for a few walk/ runs so I am getting there... baby steps!

A Little Absence...

2011-07-28T17:52:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone, I've not forgotten my blog- I just have visitors at the moment. My Dad and Step Mum are on their holidays (they live in Spain) and are staying with me for a fortnight so I am spending time with them rather than sitting on my computer for hours! It's lovely to spend time with them as I don't get to see them too often.

However this does mean that I am not going out to the gym or running/ walking and we are going out for lots of meals etc... so I think I will have some serious work to do once they have gone home!

Hope everyone else is ok!

Malvern Midsummer Marathon- Event Report

2011-07-06T20:46:00.001+01:00

This was a lovely event, but has to be one of the toughest 26 mile events I've done yet! The Malvern Hills rise up out of the middle of a vast flat plain, straddling Worcestershire and Herefordshire. They are an amazing sight- no foothills or anything, just a long ridge of high hills with views for miles around. I've wanted to walk in them ever since I saw them in the distance on my way to Wales. So today was my chance to walk the Malverns- well, when I say the Malverns, I mean literally all of them. This event takes you along the whole ridge! But the really cunning part is that you get to do most of the climbing from about 19 miles onwards, when you are already nice and knackered...

It was pouring when I left home for the 95 mile drive to The Wyche School in Malvern where the event starts. I was a bit dismayed as it would have been horrendous had it rained all day, but by the time I reached the M5 it started to clear up and when I parked the car and walked to the school I could see promising blue sky.

I queued for a cuppa (which took a while as I think there were problems with the urn) and as I was waiting outside to start Ross came over and we walked the event together, which was great. It makes a lovely change when you have someone to walk with and Ross was great company.

As we made the first ascent to Worcestershire Beacon it started to get quite warm, and when we reached the summit we could see walkers already on the summit of the next hill, North Hill (which appears to be the northernmost Malvern).

Looking Back Towards Malvern

Summit Of Worcestershire Beacon

On The Way To North Hill

There was a short steep pull onto North Hill and a control point- some poor soul standing in the teeth of a gale, checking everyone through. Thoughout the day the marshalls were brilliant; really encouraging and friendly.

We descended quite steeply, then left the Malverns to walk across farm land and meadow to reach the first proper checkpoint at Cradley. There appeared to be a village fete going off that day, as there were lots of stalls, bunting etc and I'm pretty sure it wasn't just in our honour!

After cake and squash we left, shortly meeting a lady runner coming the other way, asking us where the checkpoint is as she had got lost. The route description was fairly vague in places, and it was quite easy to go wrong- especially if you are talking and not really concentrating!

After walking through more fields with crops, and passing a lovely old ruined house that could be made amazing, we had a steep pull up to the trig point on Oyster Hill. It was really warm by now, and me and Ross admired the view from a seat at the top- it was fantastic, we could see for miles!

Lovely, But Derelict, House

Oyster Hill

The next part of the route dropped down to enter West Frith Wood. I felt a sudden sharp pain in my left hand, and looked down to see what looked like a horse fly attached to the skin between my thumb and finger. I flicked it off, and was ok for the rest of the day, but Sunday my whole hand swelled up like a balloon!

As we walked along the long track through the woods to the pretty town of Ledbury and the half way checkpoint, I felt a little light headed and put it down to dehydration. Luckily the check point served proper food- quiche, cold pizza and crisps- heaven! I had a coffee and forced myself to drink 3 1/2 large mugs of squash. It seemed to do the trick, as I felt fine for the rest of the day. Other people were coming into the checkpoint- a couple with two dogs, who had started late (and who overtook us later) and a group of people which included a mother and daughter (mum looked really tired!)

Ledbury Church

Ledbury

We left the checkpoint and walked through Ledbury- I felt horribly out of place amongst the day trippers and tourists as none of them were red faced and sweaty!

We got a bit lost on the next section- or rather I did! The route description was a bit vague (well, that's my excuse!) Luckily we managed to retrace our steps and find the right path. The next part of the route went through private lands on a permissive path, passing through fields. There was another marshall making sure everyone went the right way- it was still scorching hot, he must have been out there for hours.

We walked through what appeared to be parkland at Chase End, passing a lake and what looked like a stately home to reach the 19 mile checkpoint.

Chase End

There were some lovely cakes at this checkpoint- the shortbread was to die for- and we rather reluctantly left to face the toughest part of the day- climbing the rest of the Malverns! The views were outstanding, but unfortunately most of the hills were not in a continuous ridge- so they could only be negotiated by climbing very steeply, dropping right down to the road and facing another steep climb to the next one.

The first climb, to Chase End Hill, wasn't too bad, then it went uphill from there!

Me On The Summit Of Chase Hill

The next climb, up Ragged Stone Hill, was truly tortuous. Ross didn't feel well at this point and thought he may have to stop at the next checkpoint, but luckily he soon felt much better and decided to carry on. It was certainly tough, climbing in the heat after already covering over 20 miles- it's amazing what the human body can put up with!

Ragged Stone Hill

We had to drop right down to the road and climb Midsummer Hill- another steep climb!

View From Midsummer Hill

After the summit we had to leave the hill on a path which plunged steeply down through trees- I mean steep! I had to stumble and pick my way down. Unfortunately, of course, it meant losing all our height and dropping down to the road before the killer climb to Swinyard Hill.

Quarry At Swinyard Hill

There were people swimming in the quarry pool- we could hear their whoops and yells of delight and were really tempted to join them! This was the toughest climb of the lot and seemed to go on for miles...

Views From Swinyard Hell, Sorry, Hill

Luckily it was a bit easier from here onwards- there wasn't so much descending between summits so we didn't lose too much height. We had to climb Millenium Hill and the British Camp, which had an oddly shelved appearance and was obviously an ancient hill fort. We marvelled at the efforts of those early people, who managed to dig such impressive earth works with what must have been very basic tools.

The last checkpoint was near the road following the descent from British Camp, and we stocked up on more cake and squash.

British Camp

After the brief respite of the checkpoint, it was time to climb back onto the ridge and over Black Hill, Jubilee Hill, Pinnacle Hill and Perseverence Hill, or as we christened it 'Not Another F******* Hill!'

Finally we topped the final summit and started the descent down into Malvern and the school to a very welcome jacket potato with cheese and beans- it tasted better than any 5 star meal! In all it took 11 hours 7 minutes which shows how tough it was, and there were still a fair few folks to come in after we finished. I'd recommend this one though as despite being tough it was a great day out with spectacular scenery.

The Baslow Boot Bash- Event Report

2011-06-12T14:40:00.007+01:00

I have somehow managed to miss this event before now, but it's an enjoyable one- lots of climbing but lovely scenery and friendly people. This event is slightly different in that there is no route description to follow, but a list of checkpoints which must be visited with some notes on the recommended route to take. This meant... map reading!!

I decided to be ultra-prepared and on Friday night spread out my White Peak map on the floor to mark the route (not an easy feet as the map is nearly as large as my spare room floor!

The start was a very reasonable 9am and after realising that my car was obviously running out of oil, buying more, being unable to remove the oil cap (what a girl!) and having to enlist the assistance of a male runner, I made it to the Village Hall, bought a cuppa and noted with relief that their recommended route almost exactly matched the one I’d high-lighted on mine.

I spotted Rich, who was completing the Boot Bash as the first event since his injury and surgery, if you are reading this Rich and Wendy, I hope you both have a good day!

There was a mass start from Chatsworth Park in front of the kissing gate, and we set off in brilliant sunshine through the park towards the bridge in front of the house. I hoped it would stay like this all day- but needless to say it didn’t!

Chatsworth House

The route climbed through Edensor Village to Carlton Pastures- the first real climb of the day. I knew this bit as it is part of the Grindleford Gallop route in reverse, but it was a lot harder going up than coming down!!

Edensor Village

After crossing Carlton Pastures, we climbed to a wood and followed a lovely path through the wood to the first check point near Bowling Green Park. I was talking to a lady whose husband was running the route- it was her first foray into longer distance walking.

After a drink of squash and a digestive the route veers right before following a narrow, nettle-strewn path to the front of Haddon Hall which was hidden by trees. We crossed the A6 and started climbing again, on a track and then across fields towards the village of Over Haddon- when I looked back Haddon Hall was revealed in all its glory.

Haddon Hall

Peak District Scenery

Over Haddon is a lovely village, I’ve parked there before when I walked Lathkill Dale. The second checkpoint was in the car park, and the marshals were very apologetic at the poor selection of biscuits- they’d sent for more and invited us to wait but I made do with a Nice and some squash and went on my way.

The next part of the route was across fields- lots and lots of fields- towards Sheldon. There seem to be three main ways of leaving each field; either one of those aptly named squeeze stiles the Peaks do so well, which consist of two slabs of stone with a tiny gap between them which, if you are lucky, just about allow you to squeeze one leg through; the step approach which consists of stones jutting out of a wall which allow you to heave yourself up and over (killer on the legs after a few miles ); or little wooden gates on loaded springs which snap shut, trapping the fingers of the unwary!

Disused Mine Near Sheldon

Here Comes The Rain!!

We experienced our first shower- which blew over soon enough, but as we were nearing Sheldon, walking past an old disused mine, I saw huge dark clouds heading swiftly towards us. Realising we were in for a soaking I thought at least I may make the village where there might be a bit of shelter. I reached the checkpoint just as the rain hit- only to discover that it was the most exposed checkpoint of the day, the only shelter being a nearby bus shelter which was already full of miserable looking souls wearing rain coats.

It was awful. The driving rain turned to hail, and the wind was blowing everyone all over the place as we scrabbled in our packs for our waterproofs. I was already soaked before I got mine on! I decided to press on, fortified by a custard cream, and set off into the teeth of the gale. I reached the footpath to Deepdale just in time to see a poor lad with a school party slip off the stile and do a rather impressive forward roll into the road- luckily he was okay!

The next part was the most miserable of the whole day for me- freezing cold, walking through wet fields, trying to keep my hood up against the driving hail, feet getting soaked from walking through the long grass. Luckily it cleared up by the time I reached the dale, and became warm again.

Deepdale

Monsal Dale Viaduct

This part of the route was lovely- walking through Deepdale and then Monsal Dale. I couldn’t see anyone around who looked as though they were doing the Boot Bash at this point, but enjoyed the solitude. This was shattered though when I reached the viaduct- the one usually seen above, from Monsal Head- and joined the Monsal Trail. I think that everyone had decided to teach children and the unconfident how to ride a bike! I had quite a few narrow misses and a couple of times heard the thud of bodies hitting gravel (nothing to do with me!!).

I’m sure when I last walked this way, several years ago, the tunnel was closed off and the trail detoured round it. It was well and truly open now, but disappointingly I didn’t get to walk through it as our path veered off to the right just before, gently descending to Cressbrook Mill and the rather lovely named Water-Cum-Jolly Dale.

View From The Viaduct

The Tunnel- Our Path Went Right

Water-Cum-Jolly Dale

There was a bit of uphill road walking to the next checkpoint and some other Boot Bashers overtook me. We passed a group of school kids with huge packs, two of whom were straggling behind- when I passed them one was expressing a wish to die!

After the checkpoint I needed to find the entrance to Cressbrook Dale- luckily there were a group of four people in front, 3 ladies and a man, who looked like they knew where they were going. We started out on a narrow windy path through trees, with the scent of wild garlic- passing a large group of young school kids, who, amidst cries of ‘People! People!’ moved aside for us.

After this the path opened out into a wide track through the dale. It started to spit again, and the group in front of me stopped to don waterproofs. As I couldn’t be bothered, I decided to sit it out and hope it wouldn’t come to anything, and it immediately stopped. I was talking to the group, who do the Boot Bash every year, but it’s the only long distance walk they do. Each year they look for easier/ shorter variations on the route so had a few they were putting into practice today.

Cressbrook Dale

Threatening Clouds- But Didn't Come To Much!

After leaving the Dale, we were back in fields again, en route to Foolow and the checkpoint by a lovely duck pond. There were 7 checkpoints in all, which is quite a lot, but the only food served was biscuits. I had lots of other stuff with me but in the end I only ate a mars bar and half a cereal bar.

The group of four left the checkpoint before me, so I ended up following them across the fields, catching up with them near Eyam. This part of the route was not that memorable- fields, stiles and threatening black clouds which luckily didn’t drop any further rain on us.

Pretty Flowers And Dark Clouds!

Once we reached Eyam, I knew the next bit of the route to Froggatt bridge as again it was part of the Grindleford Gallop in reverse. The recommended route was to climb on the track past the Riley Graves, but the group of four had decided to follow the road, which is relatively flat.

Me being stupid, I decided to stick to the original route and take the climb, so, fortified by a cappuccino from the village shop, I set off up the track, past the Riley Graves and down through woods and a field. As I descended towards the road I saw a whole load of people strung out along the road and realised I must have been the only one to do the climb! Ah well… good training…

After meeting the road, there is a massive downhill to Froggatt Bridge (one of the worst climbs coming the other way on the Grindleford Gallop). I ran all the way down- great fun- and reached the Froggatt Bridge checkpoint just behind the group of four. A marshal said that there were around 70 people left to come through which was great news as I thought I was one of the last.

Froggatt Bridge

Walking By The River

I set off down the river towards Calver, feeling quite tired at this point. Now, Calver is only a short hop from Baslow but the organisers had decided we would love to detour up a massive great hill… it was definitely the toughest climb of the day- I was gasping for breath by the time I reached the top and must have been going at 0.02 miles per hour!

Luckily the path through Bank Woods, while seeming never ending (especially as I kept getting glimpses of Baslow in the distance, and my mind kept screaming that we were walking AWAY from it!) was actually quite pleasant, and mostly downhill.

Facing The Last Steep Climb!

Track Towards Bank Woods

Petal Strewn Pathway!

The last checkpoint was at the end of the track, and I filled my water bottle and set off down the road, actually managing to jog downhill. I passed two of the group of four, who said that their companions had gone on ahead. The last part of the walk was quite pleasant, downhill through fields with Baslow in full view.

Baslow- A Welcome Sight!

I looked at my watch and realised I had a passing chance of making 8 hours 45 minutes if I got a shift on, so jogged the rest of the way back (it was downhill!) The last bad moment of the day was realising that rather than arriving in the middle of Baslow, as I thought, I was dumped by the footpath at the other end of the village- and it is a long village!

I finished in exactly 8 hours 45 minutes, which I’m happy with, especially as I heard several people say that they had clocked the route at 28 miles. I recovered with lovely vegetarian pie and mushy peas and two cups of coffee.

Baslow

I am aching a bit today- it was quite a toughie but one which I would definitely do again. Next challenge is the Malverns Marathon…

Where Does The Time Go!?!

2011-06-02T20:26:00.000+01:00

I honestly don't know where the last month has gone. Did we really just have May or did I just blink and miss it?

What with preparing for a wedding (not mine! My little sisters...) and being in some demand socially lately I just seem to have had no time at all.

Ok, that's the paltry excuse for the lack of entries over- so what's been happening lately on the endurance adventures front?

Well... not an awful lot... I have been out and about, walking, running and to the gym but it has been a bit sporadic. The crowning achievment was a 14 mile walk/ run in the rain Bank Holiday Monday. I went by Holme Pierrepont, along the cliff top walk at Radcliffe-on-Trent and onto Shelford, returning through some fields back to the cliff path. The rain never let up once- I think it may have turned to light drizzle for a couple of minutes, but that was the only respite. Trouble is, although it was wet, it was also quite warm, so I was in my t-shirt.

On the way back to the house I remembered some stuff I needed from Morrisons, and, knowing I wouldn't be bothered to go out later on, I limped up the canal to the store, absolutely soaking wet and rather fed up by this time. I passed a lady in waterproofs walking her dog- as she walked by she smiled and said 'Isn't it refreshing walking in the rain!'

My next little venture is going to be the Baslow Boot Bash on Saturday June 11th, I have also started to follow a training plan in a magazine (Trail Runner I think) with a view to finally settling my score with the Bullock Smithy...

Looks A Lot Like Spring!

2011-04-27T21:50:00.001+01:00

We had a very rare occurence this weekend- a Bank Holiday collided with a mini heatwave! I took advantage quick and got out on one of my regular routes round Clipston Woods, to Cotgrave and back along the canal- it's about 12 miles and I ran a fair bit of it. Here are a few spring photos...

Unfortunately, my knee was bothering me when I got back. It's not a pain exactly- a kind of discomfort on the left side of my left knee. I do feel it whilst I'm out but it doesn't get any worse. When I am home I can feel it more, especially if my leg twists, but it's always gone next day. I don't want to risk making it worse so have been taking it a bit easier since.

I had a gym session Sunday and walked Monday- no running! No problems- so tonight I walked to the Regatta Lake at Holme Pierrepont and had a few running stretches round the lake. Touch wood- so far so good! The Regatta Lake is a rectangular artificial lake built for watersports and is ideal for running round as it's flat and there's a good track- it's just over 3 miles all the way round. There are also loads of geese- and loads of little baby goslings with very protective parents which made for very interesting running...

Baby Geese With Protective Parents!

The Regatta Lake- It's Long!

More Baby Geese

The Valleys And Views- Delayed Event Report

2011-04-22T23:51:00.002+01:00

Just realised I haven't got round to writing this one up! It was on the 10th April, two days after I got back from Italy, and as I spent a week pottering around eating pizza and ice cream I thought I may as well do it to shock my body back inot exercise mode...

It was a lovely day- the mist was just lifting off the fields as I drove to Wilbarston, and it promised to be hot. One good thing about this walk is that you can start any time between 7:30am and 9:00am. The other good thing is that at £3.50 it's extremely reasonable. I parked up, bought an egg sandwich from the volunteers manning a cafe at the start, had a coffee and set off into the sunshine.

Looking at the route description, it became apparent that the route had been changed since I last did this walk. Instead of heading off to the left out of the village, we headed right, passing through the church yard. After walking through Stoke Albany, the route passed through fields planted with crops.

The countryside round here is gently undulating, with expansive views over green and yellow fields. It was already very warm. After walking through fields and tracks I passed this rather unusual footpath sign.

According to the route description, we were now on the Macmillan Way. Shortly after, the route descended into the lovely village of Weston by Welland.

Approaching Weston by Welland

Still on the Macmillan Way, the next part of the route was a 3k road walk, which was a bit of a drag but luckily quiet. I passed a chap who said that this road walking was the worst bit for him.

Passing Under A Disused Railway Bridge

As the road became a track, I briefly caught up with another guy who was a very fast walker- I only caught him up because I had a little jog although I didn't run too much as I was worried about my knee. He told me he had helped design the new route, which was changed as they wanted to keep it interesting for folks. He was doing the 15 mile route- both routes went to Hallaton, but the 25 mile route which I was doing followed a big loop out of Hallaton and then back into it.

Hallaton

The first checkpoint was in Hallaton. There were two check points in the village- one for 25 mile walkers and one for 15 mile walkers and which formed a second checkpoint for 25 mile walkers after they had finished the additional loop. I stopped for a drink- one of the volunteers was radioing the second checkpoint as they had found a fiver and had an idea who it belonged too. He went on to describe the owner as wearing the most hideous pair of shorts he had ever seen. There were 2 chaps sitting in the shade, one of whom seemed to be in pain, and they set off just after me.

We seemed to be walking along a high ridge with some lovely views;

I came to a road and realised I had left the 3 chaps behind. The route went through more fields and passed between two lakes before reaching a track- part of the Mid Shires Way. This seemed familiar and I realised that we were on the old route but in reverse. We followed the track almost to Cranoe, passing a lovely little pond.

Here the route doubled back on itself, passing through more fields towards a farm. At one point it was a little confusing, and I came across a man and woman who were trying to figure it out. The route description instructed us to turn right for 30 metres and then left through a gate, but the gate was straight in front of us. The chap pointed out that the route description had instructed us to keep the hedge on our left, but we had followed a track straight across the field, and it was about 30 metres from the field corner to the gate we were standing in front of. When he said that it made perfect sense to me, and I could see the little wooden gate we needed to find at the far side of the next field, which I pointed out.

The woman was less convinced, and said that the description was not making sense for her. A runner passed us and confirmed that it was straight on, and I followed him- when I looked back the couple were also following.

After walking through many more fields, most of which quite frankly looked ,uch the same, I saw Hallaton again in the near distance and started to have visions of hot coffee and sandwiches.

Hallaton Church (Or it Could Be Blaston)

Hallaton (Or Blaston)

I was not disappointed. Cheese sandwiches with optional pickle, coffee and lovely lemon cake! I spotted a chap wearing the largest walking boots I had ever seen, and a really bright, patterned pair of shorts- I was tempted to ask him if he had got his fiver back!

I left the checkpoint with a younger couple, who were doing the 15 mile walk and expressed surprise when I told them I was doing the 25 mile option. They were a lot fresher than me though and were walking faster. From this point on, we were following the old route so a lot of it was familiar.

The route ascended to Neville Holt, and I walked passed a magnificent residence which looked just like a private school or college. As I walked past the gates, I spotted a giant disembodied horse's head, which was slightly disconcerting as I wasn't quite sure whether I was hallucinating or not.

Freaky!

Another footpath brought me to the road descending to Drayton and the smallest consecrated church in Leicestershire- St James. There was an unmanned checkpoint here, some kind soul had left orange juice, water and biscuits on a bench outside the church.

The Church Of St James

Then it was off to Middleton to pick up the Jurassic Way after a bit of a road walk. I was feeling a little rough by this point and couldn't wait to finish. My legs were aching and I could feel the discomfort in my knee, which hasn't gone away despite a rest. The Jurassic Way should be really pleasant but after 23 miles you just want it to end!

The Jurassic Way From Middleton

It was such a relief to finish and sink into a chair with a cuppa and piece of cake. I noticed that there was a chap running round the field and heard one of the volunteers say he was making the distance up to a full marathon. I had contemplated bringing my Garmin so I could add another mile on, but as the route was partly in Northamptonshire and partly in Leicestershire I wouldn't have been able to count it towards my marathon challenge anyway. I finished in about 7 hours 20 minutes, which I was happy with as I hadn't ran much of it. I quite enjoy this event- lovely views, friendly volunteers and usually lovely weather.

Italy Part Two...

2011-04-16T20:56:00.001+01:00

We had a free day on Tuesday and so decided to brave the public transport and explore Capri. There are three main areas to Capri; Anacapri, where our hotel was, Capri and Marina Grande, where the ferry docked. The buses are tiny orange ones which whiz fearlessly around the hairpin bends and sheer drops, and usually absolutely packed with about 30 people jostling for a little bit of standing room and a tiny piece of metal pole to cling on desperately to.

Me and Anne caught the bus to Capri, which is a lovely little town with a square, and little alleyways revealing the kind of boutique shops which don't display the prices in the windows.

We found a lane which wound between houses and hotels and ended at a viewpoint;

We retraced our steps and found the Saint Augustine gardens. It was a gloriously hot, sunny day at this point;

Path Leading Down To The Shore- We Didn't Take This But It Would Have Been Fun!

Looking over Faraglioni Rocks

After a capuccino we headed downhill towards the Marina Grande, and took a boat trip around the island- it takes around an hour, and as we headed out it was still glorious sunshine...

Tiny Statue On The Rocks

Natural Arch In The Faraglioni Rocks- Which We Went Through

When we were about halfway round the island, all of a sudden the sun just disappeared into thick, swirling cloud- just as if someone had flicked a switch. The wind got up and it felt really chilly- a total contrast to how it had been just an hour before. I thought it looked stormy, and just as we reached dry land, it started to rain. We took refuge in a Pizzeria before catching the bus back to Anacapri- we were just walking back down to the hotel when there was a terrific crash of thunder!

Wednesday we were a little concerned that the weather may have broken, but we woke to a lovely blue sky. We had a quite early start as our bus driver needed to get up down to the harbour at breakneck speed just so we could wait for 20 minutes to catch a ferry to Sorrento.

Leaving Capri

Sorrento was lovely too- roads lined with wild orange trees and lemons everywhere. We had our included drive up the Amalfi Coast this morning, and as we boarded the bus we picked up a couple of Brits who had landed in Sorrento on another tour. Lambros announced that all of the spectacular views would be on the right- which was a bit of a bummer as me and Anne were sitting on the left! But as we were due to come back the same way we figured we'd get the views coming back.

The Amalfi Coast is spectacular- rocky cliffs reaching out to turquoise seas with little whitewashed villages clinging to them. We had a couple of 'view stops' on route to Amalfi;

Looking Towards Positano

Local Produce!

We had some free time in Amalfi, which is a pretty little town, so had an obligatory pizza and ice cream lunch... god it was such hard work...

A Shop- Either World Of Lemon or Lemon Planet...

When it was time to return to Sorrento, me and Anne clambered back on board the bus to find the new Brit couple had taken our seats- they had been on the right before so that they obviously decided that they would like the views going back as well, thank you very much! After making our feelings known, they decided to return to their original seats. Then Lambros informed us that due to the size of our vehicle, the police requested that instead of returning the way we had come, we carry on further along the coast road- which meant that we would see more of the coast road but the views would still all be on the right!

Everyone sitting on the right immediately offered to swap places with those of us on the left... except for the new couple, who stayed resolutely in their seats! Not impressed...

It was difficult to take pictures from a moving vehicle but we stopped for a view over Sorrento;

Thursday we had an optional excurtion to Naples (or should I say Napoli!) Naples is very busy and bustling- at first sight it doesn't appear to have the history of Rome, but Lambros told us that this isn't the case- everytime they try to build something in Naples they end up tripping over more ancient Roman or Greek antiquities.

After a drive through of Naples, we had a stop at a couple of places for a view over the Bay of Naples;

We had a quick guided tour and then some free time in one of the main shopping areas.

This Shopping Centre Had High Arched Glass Ceilings And Mosaic Floors

We were told that the restaurant owned by the chap who invented the very first Margherita pizza was nearby- Brandi's- and found it up a little alleyway. We initially thought it would be way to expensive to eat there, but it was actually very reasonable... I had a Margherita, for history's sake, and when it came it was like a bloody wheel!

The story is that Raffaele Esposito created a pizza for Princess Margherita of Savoie in 1871 and as Italy had recently been unified into one country he decided to make it in honour of the new tri-colour flag- red tomato sauce, white mozzarella and green basil.

While we were eating possibly the most authentic pizza we could ever hope to eat, we were serenaded by a guitar player, who sang 'Amore'- doesn't get any more authentic than that!

Oh, and Italian ice cream is to die for...

It was our last night in Italy, and so we had a walk around downtown Sorrento, sipping Cafe Lattes in the square and snapping up souvenirs. I would love to go back to Sorrento again someday...

Back From Italy

2011-04-13T13:34:00.001+01:00

Italy is lovely. Especially Capri, Sorrento and the Amalfi coast- rocky headlands jutting out into turquoise waters, revealing lovely little coves, tiny villages perched high on the cliffs, defying gravity, punctuated by loads of lemon and orange trees. We did see plenty, although sadly it wasn't a walking tour so not really an endurance adventure. but an adventure in it's own right.

It was tiring traveling down, as we needed to check in for our flight at 6am, which necessitated catching a National Express coach at 12:15am from Leicester and travelling through the night- meaning very little sleep! We arrived at Naples airport and we met by our tour leader, Lambros, for a taxi ride to Rome. We recovered a little and made our way up the road for a slice of pizza;

Saturday we had two tours, an optional one of the Vatican and one included tour of the Colisseum and Forum. Both me and Anne had opted for the Vatican one, which included the Vatican museums and the Sistine Chapel. The Vatican is a city within a city- completely separate from Rome. As we walked through hall after hall decorated with richly decorated ceilings, ornate tapestries and ancient marble statues, I was struck by how much wealth is held by the church. We didn't see the Pope though.

After a peek at the Sistine Chapel (complete with guards constantly telling everyone to shut up and respect the silence) we were taken into St Peter's Basilica, which is huge- resplendent in marble and statues. There is a bronze statue of St Peter here, with a queue of people waiting to touch his right foot as it is supposed to bring luck. As a result, the right foot of the statue is wearing away.

The Bronze Statue of St Peter

We walked out through the square of the Vatican, looking back at the impressive facade of St Peter's Basilica;

We could see the 'mile long queue' of people waiting to get in- sometimes it pays to book with a tour company!

The next tour was one I had been looking forwards to- the Colisseum and Roman Forum. I have wanted to see the Colisseum for such a long time, and it was every inch as impressive as I'd imagined, although the stone blocks which made up its construction were full of holes, as the bronze 'pins' which had been placed to keep them together had been robbed out centuries before and melted down.

Arch Of Constantine

As we went inside I noticed that there are two levels to the Colisseum, an upper and lower level. Our guide explained that there are stairs to access the upper level, and that although there are signed advising that these should not be used (I don't think they are ancient but they are quite steep and slippery so it's a health and safety thing), most people ignore them- there is even an exhibition at the top.

Of course, I decided to go up the stairs and walk all the way around the top deck, trying to visualise the Colisseum (or the Flavian Amphitheatre to give it its original name) in its heyday; if I closed my eyes I could just about imagine that the chatter of people were the excited murmuring of some long dead Roman audience.

Following the Collisseum we walked through the area of the Roman Forum, one of the main areas for people doing business etc in ancient Rome. It seemed a huge jumble of fallen stones and bits of buildings, but what was still standing was quite impressive, including one building with its original bronze doors. I tried to get creative with a few black and white shots;

Anne has some mobility difficulties due to a severe back injury so I kept her company by walking at the back of the group with her. We went on an optional meal that night, and afterwards were guided to the Trevi Fountain to see it lit up- I threw a coin over my shoulder, facing away from the fountain, to guarantee my return to Rome.

Trevi Fountain At Night

Sunday we decided to take an optional little trip to the Porta Portese fleamarket- quite a lot like an English one really, lots and lots of stalls selling the same kind of things- clothes, 'pound shop style' electical items and a few antiques. We did get a few bargains, but as we only had a set amount of time before the bus was due to collect us, we knew trying to see all of it was impossible. Anne said 'you could spend all day here', but once we reached the top of the road we had been walking up, we decided to walk down the opposite road a little way before cutting across to our original road.

At least, that was what we intended... what actually happened is that we realised we were hopelessly lost! After wandering for what seemed like ages and asking Italian policeman and being directed into circles ('we have passed that beggar with one arm three times!'), we bumped into another guy from our tour group, Mike. Unfortunately, Mike was just as lost as we were!

By the time we had made it back to our staring point the bus was long gone- Porta Portese was far enough from the centre of Rome to be off the maps in our guide books, so Mike suggested catching a bus. We saw one coming and clambered on board, asking the driver if it went to the centre. Unfortunately he couldn't speak English so just kind of grunted and drove off with us on board. So now we were on a bus, without a clue how to buy a ticket or where it was going!

After a while we noticed that people seemed to be just hopping on and off. I also realised we were nearing the Colisseum, where there was sure to be a Metro station, so when the bus stopped, we scrambled off. I know now that we should have bought a ticket at a kiosk and the driver could have asked to see it... but we survived! The Metro seems to be a very good way of seeing Rome- we bought an all day ticket for 4 Euros and carried on exploring (Mike returned to the hotel as he was taking an optional dinner extension).

Me and Anne went to St Paul's Basilica- not quite on the same scale as St Peter's but nice. We also had our first proper ice cream here- Italian ice cream is to die for...

St Peter's Basilica

We went to see the Trevi Fountain again in daylight, and as they were nearby, took in the Spanish Steps. This is a popular meeting place- I walked all of the way up them to the church at the top, which gave a fantastic view over the square and surrounding streets.

Trevi Fountain

Spanish Steps

Monday was a busy day, as we were travelling to Vesuvius, Pompeii and then taking a ferry over to the Isle of Capri. This meant leaving the hotel at 7am, we managed it- just- even though we managed to lock ourselves out of our hotel room putting the cases outside the door!

It was another lovely sunny day in Rome, but as we drove south, the sun disappeared into cloud and it became quite chilly. By the time we drove up the windy road around the lower sloped of Vesuvius, we drove through the cloud cover to glorious sunshine. The bus dropped us off at a place known as the 'checkpoint', where there were shops and a row of portaloos. Lambros advised us that there is a track to the summit crater, which takes about 20 minutes walking.

Ascending Vesuvius

Anne decided not to do it, but she knew I would! The path was quite a steep climb, covered with loose black soil and loads and loads of school groups. I made it up the the top quite quickly, which I think surprised most of the group as they had been used to me walking at Anne's speed! The summit was amazing- a huge crater, filled not with lava but gravel (I suspect that the lava would be at a lower level). It was so huge I had trouble getting a shot of the whole thing.

The Summit Of Vesuvius

Interestingly enough, if Vesuvius were to erupt with the same fury as AD79, when Pompeii was destroyed, most of modern day Naples would be in the danger zone! I read that they can monitor volcanic activity on the mountain and would have chance to evacuate, but this would mean potentially evacuating some 500,000 people!

There is a path along the lower rim of the crater, which looks as though it carries on further, but the way is blocked by a shop and no entry sign, although I did see a group of people walking along the higher rim so presumably walking tours may be available.

I was eager to get back down to look in the large shop at the 'checkpoint', so had a brilliantly exhilirating run down the track, dodging tourists!

After lunch, it was time to visit Pompeii... another place I'd always wanted to see. The clouds had by now completely melted, leaving another hot and sunny day. There was certainly an atmosphere at Pompeii, but unfortunately it was slightly spoilt for me by the hordes of tour groups, especially rowdy, bored kids who weren't really interested. There was also a lot more modern metalwork then I anticipated- I realise that they have to protect the ruins but there seemed to be a fair few metal ramps, barriers and road work type signs.

Tombs Cut Out Of The Rock

Shop Selling Hot Food

It is still very atmospheric though, and a snapshot of Roman life that suddenly ended on a fateful day in AD79. I did manage to embarrass myself though as we walked through a brothel, then further up the street Anne and I caught up with the group and I noticed that several of them were taking photos of a small carving on a wall. I asked one of our group members what it was, and he told me it was a 'symbol of the street'. I said 'But what is it?' he leaned fowards and whispered- 'It's a dick!'

Pompeii Street

Artifacts And Pottery From Pompeii

Just off the Forum was a building housing lots of pottery urns and columns which had been found during excavations. There were also plaster casts of the victims, including a poor dog twisted in agony.

Pompeii Forum

We were at Pompeii for almost 2 hours, yet I felt as though there was a lot more to see.

Howver we were due to catch the 4:30pm ferry from Naples to Capri. The crossing was smooth and took around an hour, I was very impressed by my first sight of Capri- it was beautiful.

Capri

Off To Italy!

2011-03-31T14:42:00.000+01:00

Right, I am packed and ready to go... won't be doing any running for the next week which is probably a good thing as I've had a niggling at the side of my right knee when I've ran lately- not a pain as such and it doesn't get worse, but maybe a couple of weeks without running and more gentle walking will give it chance to heal... don't want it to get any worse.

I am back next Friday so will update and will hopefully have some good photos to upload! See you all soon!

A Quieter Week...

2011-03-28T19:35:00.000+01:00

This last week has been a fairly quiet one... decided not to do the Charnwood Forest Marathon as I am off on holiday on Friday and so am a little financially challenged at the moment... I hadn't actually entered it so no money lost.

At least the nights are getting lighter now which means more walks/ runs in the countryside and less pounding pavements! Last Tuesday I took my running gear to work and after my afternoon appointment I drove to Holme Pierrepont Watersports Centre, changed in the loos and ran twice round the lake- without stopping- just over 6 miles. Feels like I am building back up slowly! I have had a couple of fairly hefty gym sessions too- one concentrating on speed on the treadmill (getting up to the heady heights of 6.5mph then experiencing a woman getting onto the treadmill next door and immediately cranking it up to 9mph without even breaking sweat- I hate it when that happens!)

I practiced my swimming on Friday too, front crawl was difficult as my goggles kept letting water in and I feared for my contact lenses and I seem to pull and kick at the same time in breaststroke and apparently you are not supposed to. Now that I am doing it (slightly more) properly, my mum can swim faster than me!

I needed to go into town on Saturday so decided to walk in and back- a good 3 miles each way and I was back and forth across the city centre. One of my first ports of call is always Hotel Chocolat- they are usually giving away free samples!

I am going to Italy Friday- not trekking but sight seeing. It's a coach tour, we start in Rome, go to Versuvius and Pompeii before crossing over to the Isle of Capri, transferring to Sorrento and finaly driving up the Amalfi Coast. I am going with a friend- the same friend I went to Greece with 10 years ago, and although there won't be any real walking we will still have to walk round the sights so not entirely sedentary... so I may have a passing chance of burning off all that pizza, pasta and ice-cream... ooh feeling hungry!

The Valleys and Views takes place on Sunday 10th, and we get back late Friday 8th, so I will see how I feel...

The Grindleford Gallop- Event Report

2011-03-19T21:39:00.001Z

My apologies, I've been a bit late writing this one up! It's tough to know how to prepare when you have two events on two consecutive weekends. I didn't want to just do nothing but didn't want to go mad either, so went for a couple of 4- 5 mile brisk walks and the gym. I also did some swimming- still got a triathlon in mind one day so I got my sister Katie (who's a competitive swimmer who has represented Leicester) to teach me proper front crawl.

Maybe with a bit of practice I'll be able to do a length without nearly drowning myself...

But I digress. I wanted to start around 8am (it's a rolling start between 7:30am and 9am with runners starting later). By the time I parked up and registered it was 8:06am- exactly the same as last year. The weather was looking a bit grey and misty but at least it wasn't raining. There seemed to be quite a few folks setting off and I overtook some of them in Froggatt.

Froggatt Bridge

I had printed out a route description but as the route doesn't change I knew it pretty well, so didn't actually need it. I knew that we would be faced with our first steep climb quite early on and it was just as steep as I remembered it! I decided to jog downhill into the plague village of Eyam.

Approaching Eyam

I have likely mentioned Eyam and the Plague before but it is a most fascinating village- I keep meaning to go back and explore it properly one day instead of just passing through but haven't so far. I stopped in the little shop and bought a cappucino like last year and sipped it as I walked through the village looking at the plaques outside the old stone cottages commemorating the victims of the plague who had died there (not sure whether I'd feel quite comfortable living in one...)

Plague Cottages

Stocks in Eyam

As I clipped my tally card at the self clip check point and climbed out of the village it was still quite misty. I knew we had a stretch of track leading mostly downhill to a busy road, so once I finished my coffee I jogged most of it. Then there was the long gradual climb onto Longstone Moor. The route went through a field with three ponies in it, two of them shetlands, and they were pretty taken with one of the walkers as he was offering them mints.

Climbing Towards Longstone Moor

There is a manned checkpoint on one of the roads crossed, offering water, but nobody stays long as it's quite open and exposed. Quite a few runners had come past me, including a lady I chatted with briefly before she disappeared into the distance, so they must have entered as walkers.

Once on Longstone Moor it started to brighten up, the going was a lot drier than I expected too. I found the next self clip and jogged the track downhill into the village of Great Longstone. The route then follows the Monsal Trail ( I think it's the Monsal Trail, doesn't say on the route description...) to the next manned checkpoint. This bit always feels a bit endless but I ate one of the mars bars pocketed on the Belvoir Challenge and felt strong enough to jog most of the way. The runners were starting to come past, including the lady I'd been chatting with before who said she'd got lost and it had taken her 45 minutes to get back on route!

There was coffee and cakes at the checkpoint, which were very welcome. The sun was out by this time- it always seems to brighten up on the old railway- and I left the checkpoint for Bakewell and another steep climb up through the golf course. This was the muddiest part of the whole route but not as bad as last year. A few of the hardiest runners were actually trying to jog up this path!

After another self clip checkpoint the route becomes a lot easier- across a huge meadow, mostly downhill so very runnable.

Looking Towards The Edges

I noticed that a lot of the runners who were now going past in force were calling 'well done!' as they passed and realised that they were just addressing me and not the other walkers. It dawned on me that they thought I was a 'proper' runner who had set off with them and had managed to maintain a lead on them until now... I felt quite guilty about earning praise under false pretences!

There were some lovely views of Chatsworth as we descended towards Edensor, but most of it appears to be covered in scaffolding and plastic which detracted from its charms.

The path through Chatsworth estate to Baslow always seems quite long, and my legs were starting to tire. I tried to walk bristly and then managed to jog to the next checkpoint- who were serving coffee and cakes. I decided to forego the coffee but selected a piece of flapjack and left. I wasn't feeling great when I left the checkpoint- my legs were aching and I felt slightly sick- I nibbled on the flapjack but couldn't finish it, so put the rest away in my bumbag.

The next part of the route was the last steep climb of the day- up onto the Edges. I felt as though I was walking really slowly and it seemed a real effort. Runners were passing me, walking, so I must have been quite slow! The first part of the edge doesn't seem too bad (although if I am struggling I would rather not know how many miles I have done because I am always disappointed, but there is always someone who comes up behind you and casually informs her friend not only exactly how many miles you have done (and it's always less than you think) but works out how long it will take then to finish- and as they are about to pass you and disappear into the distance, you know that however long it will take them, it will take you far longer...)

The second part, though, after dropping down to cross a minor road and climbing back up again, seems endless... and also includes a bit of light scrambling! I usually have a backlog of runners behind me, patiently waiting for me to pick my way down.

View From The Edge

After this it is just an easy rocky descent- but I was feeling really rough. My legs felt very wobbly and I felt almost light headed. I was really ready to finish and started to worry whether I was going to be able to do it. Maybe it was the combination of the Belvoir Challenge the week before and not much food- I forced the rest of the flapjack down and just gritted my teeth and tried to get on with it.

I don't think I was the only one though- a couple of runners passed me and as they ran by I heard the chap say to the woman 'Come on- we can sub four hours!' She replied 'I don't give a shit anymore!'

By the time I crossed the road and started to descend through the woods towards Grindleford I started to feel much better and actually managed to overtake some walkers and manage a shambling jog finish. I finsihed in 6 hours 9 minutes, faster than last year's time of 6 and a half hours, so I was chuffed.

Soup and cheese is served at the Village Hall but it was packed and pretty impossible to find a seat, but I collapsed into one somehow and by the time I'd polished it off with three chunks of crusty bread I felt quite normal (relatively speaking for me!) again...

I have had a quieter week as I developed a headache Tuesday and Thursday- some walking and some gym work. I had another swimming lesson from Katie today- proper breast stroke this time, does wonders for bingo wings I hope! It's amazing just how tiring it is doing the strokes properly. Managed a little 6 miler this morning across fields too- gorgeous morning.

It's the Charnwood Forest Marathon next Saturday but I am probably not going to do it as a) I am skint as I am going to Italy in under a fortnight and need to find some spends and b) Katie is swimming Saturday night and I'd like to go and watch. I will also be able to step up the training this week- doing events every weekend does limit what you can do in between.

The Belvoir Challenge- Event Report

2011-03-07T19:35:00.001Z

As I have said before, the Belvoir Challenge is usually characterised by containing mud, mud and yet more mud- slippery mud, glutinous mud and plain muddy mud. And the 2011 Belvoir Challenge certainly did not disapoint!

As usual, I over-estimated how long it would take me to drive there and reached Harby at around 7:50am (for a 9am start). The weather looked slightly promising at this stage, almost as though the sun was considering coming out. There was a car park for the even on the Colston Bassett Road, which was the way I was coming in, so I decided to park there, quickly followed by several other people. Someone had decided to build an impressive metal stag close by;

As usual, it was very well attended, I think over 2000 people completed both routes although more completed the 16 mile than the 26 mile- I bet the residents of Harby dread this day! I checked in, was given a yellow tag with my number on and took a basic map of the route- the route changes each year and there is no route description, the route is marked by red and white tape and red and yellow signs. I took a cup of coffee and noticed that the 16 mile entrants had been given green number tags, most of them seemed to be runners.

Although the check in is at the Village Hall, the start is at the school which is just up the road. There was a split start this year- the 26 milers and the 16 milers were starting on different directions, under either a green or yellow banner. I very nearly went wrong right away, as I assumed that as the 26 milers had been given yellow tags we would be starting under the yellow banner and the 16 milers with the green tags starting under the green banner. Wrong!! Luckily I realised my mistake just in time...

We headed off down the canal towards Hose and the runners started to snake off into the distance. I decided to jog the canal path as it would probably be the easiest terrain all day.

We turned off into fields, making our way towards Long Clawson, I was still jogging quite a bit at this stage so was actually ahead of most of the walkers. It started to drizzle and apart from a few clearer spells it was more or less set in for the day. We were taken around Long Clawson through the first real mud of the day- I was following a girl through until she lost a shoe!

The first checkpoint was here and the faster walkers started to overtake me. We were soon headed up and over a steep hill before dropping down into Old Dalby. The next few miles were undulating and there would have been some pretty good views if it hadn't been so misty.

There was also some more rather spectacular mud- one guy just ahead of me ended up losing his shoe! It felt as though everyone else was passing me now as the mud was really slowing me up.

The second checkpoint, at Grimston, was quite a civilised affair- there were toilets and hot coffee! I saw Stuart Ashley, who organises the Ponton Plod, and heard someone telling the organisers that there was a runner in trouble further back, with a suspected hamstring injury.

The route kind of set off at a sharp angle after the checkpoint, and I must admit I was following three guys in front- we missed one of the markers and realised that we had picked up the track we had followed into the checkpoint (at least I took their word for it as it didn't look that familiar to me!) One of the guys got out the map provided and realised he'd picked up the shorter route- apparently he is a scout leader so was in for a bit of ribbing from his friends!

Once we were back on track, it seemed a really long stretch to the next checkpoint at Scalford at 15.7 miles. We went through Ab Kettlebly and by it's quaint church;

Soon after I could see a village in the distance I assumed was Scalford and we seemed to be heading for it; I had visions of hot coffee and sandwiches dancing around in my head, but to my utter dismay we were suddenly directed away from the village (which I realise now was Holwell) and through more mud! The rain was keeping up a steady drizzle, and after what seemed an eternity of muddy wet fields we reached the outskirts of Scalford.

Scalford Primary School

I'm not sure whether they got the distance wrong but I heard several people comment that it felt a lot longer than it should have done. The checkpoint was in the Village Hall, and although I did get a hot coffee, the sandwiches had been donated and there were no veggie ones so I improvised by taking the last ham and cheese one and removing the ham. I'm an adaptable veggie! The cakes did make up for the lack of sandwiches...

I almost didn't want to get going again and must have looked rough as when I passed the guy outside the Hall taking numbers, he said 'Do you want to carry on?' before giving me directions for the next part!

I must say, this next part went quite quickly and was slightly easier as although it was undulating it followed quite a lot of tracks. Unfortunately the rain started to come down in earnest and I was grateful to reach Eaton. I allowed myself another cuppa here (trying to delay the inevitable plunge back out into the rain and mud) and ignoring shouts of 'We have a vehicle leaving if anyone wants to give up here!'

But the remaining 5 miles needed to be done, so I forced myself back out into the cold, conscious that the rain would mean darkness would come early, and came upon this sign which amused me;

We followed a track towards the woods, which then became a very steep, slippy and muddy downhill path. We were now on the route taken by the 16 milers earlier, and dropped down into Stathern. All that was left was a few more muddy fields and tracks to Harby- I looked at my watch and realised I could be on track for an 8 hours 30 minutes finish, so started jogging- yep even through mud! I reached the village at the same time as a chap, and we power-walked to the finish, finishing in 8 hours and 31 minutes, so I am happy with that. Five minutes slower than last year, but it was a different route and I did linger over a cuppa at Eaton...

I no longer had shoes- just two blocks of mud! They are clean now but I am expecting a bill from Severn Trent for blocking the drains!

Grindleford Gallop next weekend...

17 Mile Walk Round Sherwood Forest

2011-02-28T19:13:00.000Z

I wanted to do a decent distance Saturday before tapering for the Belvoir Challenge, so remembered the John Merrill walk round the southern parts of Sherwood Forest I'd done in January 2009. It's 17 miles and starts (and finishes) near Blidworth. Whilst I was getting ready it was absolutely pouring, so I just resigned myself to getting wet and made a flask of coffee as a bit of a treat.

I remembered a few route finding difficulties from last time so managed to borrow a map from the library and this time I even found the right car park! There was only one other vehicle in it and I had to dodge some pretty huge puddles. By the time I followed the track into Blidworth and stopped at the Tesco Express to buy my lunch though the rain had stopped and that was pretty much it for the rest of the day.

The route leaves Blidworth by fields and follows them through a shallow valley but I thought that it would be extremely muddy so in an effort to keep my feet dry I decided to follow what I thought was a track which was part of the Robin Hood Way which ran roughly parallel. Had I looked at the map properly though I would have realised it was a minor road rather than a track and wouldn't have followed the footpath sign next to it which just brought me out further up the village! I followed part of the John Merrill route through some muddy fields before managing to cut across to the Robin Hood Way.

Leaving Blidworth And The Distant Windfarm

The next part of the route followed a bridleway through fields towards Harlow Wood. I expected it to be muddy but it wasn't too bad... I managed to run and had an audience!

The Wind Turbines

I stopped for a coffee in Harlow Wood, before attempting the death-defying dash across the A60. The next part of the route, through Thieves Wood, I remembered getting a bit wrong before but managed to follow the 'Great Way of the King' to the car park. I sat at a bench and got out my egg sandwiches and a coffee, feeling slightly guilty as there was a hot food and drinks van parked nearby!

I looked at the map and realised I still had quite a way to go so decided to press on, along good but slightly muddy tracks past Newstead Abbey;

The Abbey

After the Abbey there was a long section down tarmaced tracks, past a lodge and down into the village of Papplewick;

The Sun Made An Appearance!

Walking through the village I picked up the path to the A60 which I'd followed in reverse during the Nottingham Ultra- only it was all uphill this way. I had another dash across the A60 before entering the grounds of the Park Hospital and Burnstump Country Park. My legs were feeling rather tired by this point but I was still managing to run a little- mainly downhill.

The latter stages of the walk are very pleasant, through Sansom and Blidworth forests.

I did get a little lost when trying to reach the car park at Blidworth Bottoms though. John Merrill instructed me to follow the main track, ignoring all turnings, and I'm sure I remembered doing just that before and ending up at the car park, but this time I was faced with a junction of tracks- none of which went particularly straight on. I was following a woman and her young son, and figured that they were likely to be heading to the car park too, so followed them to the left, only to see them stop and sit on a bench at the end of the track- which led into a field with no cars in sight...

I turned left, following a muddy horse track downhill which eventually led to the car park and the road. I was thinking that if it was muddy here then it's going to be hell on Saturday!

I saw loads of snow drops in the woods, there seemed to be a thick carpet of them in places- the sun had well and truly come out by now and it was the best part of the day.

The walk took me 6 hours, which I was quite pleased with- What with getting a bit lost I reckon it was nearer 18 miles anyway and has hopefully set me up ok for the Belvoir Challenge- I have certainly done my time wading through mud!

I think that the best part of any event is the taper just before (and the rest afterwards!)

Finally- Proper Training!

2011-02-19T16:39:00.000Z

Since my last post I have actually been training more than I have done for ages! I have been to the gym and done a combination of speed work (well, slightly faster work) and hill work on the treadmill, and on Tuesday I ran for 5 miles on pavement which was much more than I had done for a long while. Still a long way to go but feels as though I'm getting there!

Last Friday I had the day off work, so walked down to Radcliffe-on-Trent to meet a colleague who wanted me to show her the cliff path. We walked the length of it but didn't cross the fields to the Trent as it was rather muddy- we walked back and paid a surprise call to an ex-colleague and had a look at the Devon Rex cats she breeds.

I jogged home and made up the distance by running round the lake at the watersports centre.

I woke up this morning knowing I had to do 13/ 14 miles today at least- it was absolutely pouring with rain, I could hear it dripping off the roof and hitting the ground. I really didn't want to go out but managed to find some motivation hiding somehwere (back of the wardrobe I think!) and, steeling my resolve, I braved the elements.

It wasn't too bad once I'd got out there- which is always the case- I decided on as mud-free route I could find as I didn't fancy getting caked, so set off up the canal, running and walking. I emerged near Cotgrave, and took a left towards Radcliffe, cutting up the byway connecting the A52 with the back road to Radcliffe past Holme Pierrepont.

It had actually stopped raining by now but was a bit chilly. I took a left down to the watersports centre and ran most of the way round the lake again- noticing quite a few cormorants gliding over the water. To make the route a bit further, I followed the Trent down under Lady Bay Bridge (part of the Robin Hood Marathon route) before following the intermittent path by the canal parellel with the A52. This was my least favourite part of the walk though as all I could hear was the constant roar of cars- makes you wonder where everyone is going!

I lengthened the route even more by walking up to Morrisons as I needed a few bits- fought my way around the store looking like god-knows-what, found a counter that wasn't too busy, plonked my stuff on the conveyer belt, took my bum bag off so that I could get my purse out to pay... purse? Oh b*gger! It's still in my hand bag at home!

I had to abandon my shopping and limp home empty handed...

The Belvoir Challenge is two weeks today and hopefully I have done enough to prepare for it- I am hoping that the rain holds off for a couple of weeks though to give the fields chance to dry out a bit!

A Better Week!

2011-02-10T18:39:00.000Z

I have not had too bad a week training wise! Last Friday my friend invited me round for takeway pizza, so I told myself that I could only go provided I put in a tough workout at the gym first (quite handy as the gym is on the way to my friends!)

I ran for 30 minutes, pushing the speed a little, then did 35 minutes on the elliptical, at quite high power levels. My fitness is not what it once was- the highest speed I managed on the treadmill was a singularly unimpressive 6mph and I found that tough!

Saturday was a marathon wedding shopping session. We did manage to get the bridesmaids dresses ordered, and Katie's shoes sorted, and I must have burnt a few calories trudging round Leicester for several hours (although we did stop for an essential cherry scone so maybe not...)

Sunday I decided to do a long walk in preparation for the Belvoir Challenge, so chose a route I'd done once before, ages ago, a 17 miler which starts at Burton Joyce, follows the Trent to Hazleford Ferry and the crosses fields and bridleways to Lambley and back to Burton Joyce.

Rather amazingly for me, I was up and walking by 9am, and I had the river path to myself when I set off. I got the camera out to take some pics for the blog and discovered that once again my batteries had failed- why do I never get any warning? So I have dug out some old pics just to brighten things up and give you all some idea.

I started off jogging, and managed to maintain it until Gunthorpe which I was quite pleased with as it was my first long outing for ages.

The River Trent Past Gunthorpe

It is usually quite busy at Gunthorpe, but I only saw one man with his young son, probably as it was still quite early and cloudy. I had a flask of coffee with me and decided that when I reached Hoveringham I'd take a little break.

I mostly ran the next few miles, with a little walking, until Hoveringham, where the river path follows the road for a little while before regaining the river as the road bends away to the left. I sat on a handy stone and had my cuppa- which was very welcome! Once I stopped I realised that it wasn't actually that warm. I set off, joined by a few dog walkers, and detoured slightly to inspect a new 'Lancaster' memorial which had been placed as a memorial to two planes that had crashed near to that spot during the second World War, only days apart, sadly killing all the crew who were only in their teens and 20's.

I managed to keep up my combination of running and walking a little (ok, less of a run and more of a shambling jog!) and by the time I reached Hazleford Ferry I had done 7 miles. The next part of the route followed a footpath from Bleasby village to Thurgarton- easy to follow luckily and taken mostly at a jog. Thurgarton is on the main road to Southwell and when I did this walk before I had problems finding the bridleway, but remembered where it was this time.

This was when the walk began to get a little soul destroying- the bridleway was quite muddy and fairly tough going. It zig-zagged its way up a hill and climbed for quite a while before a long drag to distant Souther Woods. Running was not an option so I fortified myself with a Snickers I'd found in the back of the cupboard and a cuppa when I reached the wood.

This part of the route had been confusing when I last did it, but I had the advantage of knowing where I was going this time. I passed a horse and rider- the horse leapt two feet into the air when it saw me- I didn't realise I looked quite so bad!

After this there was a downhill road stretch into Epperstone, which I managed to jog. Epperstone seems to be a pretty village.

Epperstone Dove Cote

A negotiation of fields and a busy road crossing brought me to Woodborough, I was feeling quite tired when I reached the bridleway, which, of course, was all uphill. I met a couple of friendly ladies on horses, who soon left me behind.

I was feeling quite tired now, and it seemed to be an endless uphill trudge. Finally I reached the outskirts of Lambley, passing a grass airstrip, windsock and one plane sitting beside an outbuilding- smallest airport I have ever seen- smaller even than the one at Coventry!

I reached a narrow fenced path skirting Lambley, a bit too narrow for comfort actually as I was almost touching the electric fence and had to walk leaning to the right! Following this was a lovely downhill path by a mysterious mound to the Nature Reserve at the bottom, where I sat on a bench and had my final cuppa.

The last part of the route, the bridleway back to Burton Joyce, goes very steeply uphill before dropping down into the village. I surprised myself by being able to run- although it was downhill!

Overall I felt quite strong and ran a lot more than I thought I would.

I ran another 3 miles on Tuesday and did intend to go out again last night but, erm, didn't... so I am off to the gym in a bit.

I am off work tomorrow so am walking with a colleague who wants to show me the cliff path in Radcliffe-on-Trent. It will make a nice change having someone to walk with, and as I am meeting her in Radcliffe I will walk there and back.

The Belvoir Challenge is just over three weeks away...

Not A Bad Week!

2011-01-31T20:30:00.001Z

I've had quite a good week 'back' for a change! After my walk/ run and gym session I took Friday a little easier with a 3 mile walk round the circuit I use in the dark (as it's lit by streetlamps... roll on Summer then I can run in the country and round Holme Pierrepont again!)

Saturday I did a 13 mile circuit past Holme Pierrepont along the back roads and fields to Radcliffe-on-Trent, along the top of the cliffs giving the village its name, and ending up following the River Trent to Shelford before looping back across the fields to rejoin the cliff path.

I had two unfortunate encounters- the first was when jogging along the road out of Holme Pierrepont- a cyclist rode past, decked out in multi-coloured lycra, riding a top of the range bike (a Cannondale). As he rode past, I thought to myself 'That's a proper biker'.

Seconds later I watched as he toppled over to the left and hit the ground with a crash! As I jogged nearer he picked himself up, dusted himself down, picked up his bike, jumped back on and rode away rather quickly!

The second encounter was on the footpath looping back from Shelford. I was following a track, which veered off to the right. My path carried straight on, but as I jogged past I noticed a couple of blokes following the path to the right. They had a large bundle with them and I realised to my horror that it was loads of dead rabbits strung up together!

As I ran off I made as much noise as I could and must have looked a sight, running along coughing, stamping, singing and clapping loudly but hopefully it made a few bunnies sit tight underground and away from their guns!

Sunday was another good gym session with some hill work on the treadmill. Today was going to be a rest day but the Biggest Loser is on so I may watch it from my elliptical trainer... I don't really like the format of that show. I don't think it's a good idea to force very overweight people to go from nothing to several hours exercise per day, and to exercise to the point of throwing up. They are not going to be abe to sustain that level of exercise when they go home.

Nor di I agree with the amount of weight they are expected to lose each week. Okay, 7lbs to 9lbs is achievable on the first week of a diet as it's mainly water loss, but expecting that kind of loss every week?!? And some of them were gutted to 'only' lose 7lbs! I don't think those losses are healthy as there is a risk that it will be muscle mass that's lost, ie the body will effectively start to eat itself...

However- it is strangely compulsive viewing!

Getting There... Slowly...

2011-01-27T18:28:00.001Z

I appear to have finally shaken off the never-ending cold and cough! I am now building up my training again slowly and, erm, what else has happened? Oh yes... I have turned *cough* 41...

Thanks Katie for the cakes. I am determined that I will regain my fitness this year and complete lots of wonderful events, plus complete my Marathon Challenge this year and next.

This week I have so far completed a 10 mile walk/ run round Clipston and Cotgrave. I spotted a strange looking bird by the canal on my way back but typically I didn't have my camera with me. Looking on t'internet I can only describe it as some sort of peahen- odd!

I went to the gym Saturday and sweated my way through a workout so am off there again tonight to push myself a little harder!

I also have me secret weapon...

The Elliptical Trainer!

This little tool is fantastic- it is so easy to drag it into position and jump onto it as I watch telly- I have used it for 1 hour on Monday and 1 hour last night. I thought that if it is something convenient and easy to use I will actually use it! It will also come in very useful if we get more snow and ice and I don't fancy doing my Bambi-on-ice impression outside.

Right... off to the gym now. First challenge of the year is likely to be the Belvoir Challenge- I am aiming to do this in around 8 1/2 hours- depending on the amount of mud!

Move Along People, Nothing To See Here...

2011-01-13T19:30:00.000Z

... for the time being at least! I honestly expected that January's blog would be filled with reports of successful runs and gym sessions, regained fitness and derring do.

But no...

I have instead been battling the longest ever cold and the only thing running has been my nose! Just as I think it's cleared up, and manage a short run, back it comes again!! I did see my GP Tuesday, who advised that she thinks it is just a series of viral infections, so they can't give me anything for it. I know I'm not as badly off as the poor souls who are battling the flu and other nasties, but- I want to get out there and train!

I have now developed a lovely chesty phlegmy cough (having tea?) so am not impressed...

... maybe next week I'll get out for a run! On a more positive note my entry for the Belvoir Challenge has been confirmed on their website, I am also going to look for a 'county' marathon for February to work towards. I have a feeling the Belvoir Challenge may cover parts of Leicestershire and Lincolnshire, but it's one of my favourites.

Happy New Year!! Here's To 2011!!!!

2011-01-01T17:34:00.000Z

A very Happy New Year to everyone... a brand new shiny New Year! I'm starting it feeling really cr*p with a streaming cold, and woke up feeling hungover even though I didn't drink any alcohol last night (unfair!) but hey...

... my running and long distance stuff seemd to kind of take a bit of a back seat last year and my fitness and waistline have bared the brunt of that, so this year I am going to change that. I did briefly mention the possibility of completing a marathon in each English county, something I would still like to do, but following advice and consideration I agree that completing this over two years rather than one would be more realistic, not to mention easier on the wallet.

It would certainly give me a life as well, as I would still like to be able to do my old favourites such as the Belvoir Challenge (providing I've got my entry in before it's full) and the Grindleford Gallop. Plus I do have a couple of other things happening this year which I can't miss, such as my sister's wedding (wouldn't go down too well especially as I'm a bridesmaid...) plus I have booked a holiday in April. Not a walking one sadly but a tour of Italy, with a friend, which should be good as it takes in some places I've always wanted to see, such as Rome and Pompeii. It will also help to get around the problems caused by several marathons being held on the same day.

So- first aim is to regain sufficient fitness to complete the Belvoir Challenge (providing I'm in) in a good time. However, I can't really start until this cold has gone! Did a 3 mile walk in the drizzle today to let the New Year in... it's a start. Also got a Sony Walkman for Christmas to make running more pleasurable.

What does everyone else hope to achieve in 2011?

Happy Christmas Everyone

2010-12-24T21:54:00.000Z

Hope everyone has a great Christmas! I promise that next year will be back to proper endurance adventure type ramblings as I intend to regain my fitness and get my ass back into gear!

Here's to a great 2011 for everyone!!

Snow!!

2010-12-06T20:39:00.000Z

Well, since my last post we have had a good few inches- not as much as other parts of Britain but enough to cause considerable disruption! Most of last week I left the car at home and walked to work, there's something quite satisfying about crunching through fresh snow.

We had had a covering Friday night and then quite a lot more fell throughout the week. The only thing is, it's really hampered my training as I am a wimp on all but the easiest terrain the best of times, but I am so frightened of skidding over and breaking a leg or something! A friend wanted to start going for walks, so a couple of times last week I walked to her house, walked a couple of miles with her and then carried on with my circuit, crunching for about 5-6 miles.

I have a problem now though... it rained Saturday which washed away a fair bit of the snow, leaving the rest to freeze into a lethal covering of ice so I am dreading going out there now! I made the mistake of driving the back way to mum's house last night and doing a quite impressive, impromptu, out of control skid down a steep hill, mercifully coming to rest in a handily placed farm gateway. God knows what I'll be like on my feet!

I braved the gym Sunday and decided to buy an elliptical trainer from Argos- at least that's something I can do without falling over! I naively expected to walk in, pay for it and walk away with it- but sadly no...

Apparently it's for home delivery only as they don't stock it. When I paid, the girl at the till asked me whether I wanted to pay the £8.99 delivery charge. I asked if there was any other way of getting it. She said no- they don't stock it so it was home delivery or nothing... lot of choice there then... then she said it would be delivered 'within 28 days'. 28 days!! I want it NOW!! Apparently someone will call me before Christmas Eve to arrange delivery...

I did go for a 10 mile walk Saturday morning to take some snaps of the snow before most of it got washed away, so I will share a few;

Walking Down To The Watersports Centre

Looking Towards Holme Pierrepont

The Fishing Lakes

The Canal

Rather Gutted...

2010-11-24T19:12:00.000Z

Sorry not to have updated for ages... I have been rather gutted! Last weekend should have been the Beacons Ultra- 46 miles round the rolling hills of the Brecon Beacons, and meeting up with fellow MdS nutters. And I wasn't there...

All due to the fact that I succumbed to the dreaded lurgy going around our office the week before... with juts days to go I was throwing lemsips down my neck, in a vain attempt to ward off a nasty cold and sore throat. But by Thursday it had developed to a wracking cough that was, er, let's just say 'productive' (in case anyone's trying to eat tea!) and felt so lousy it was obvious that even contemplating running 46 miles around soggy Wales was not going to be the greatest idea in the world. I couldn't even contemplate the drive down!

The way I felt when I woke up on Saturday it was the right decision. I wouldn't have been up for it and may have developed double pneumonia if I'd tried! I'm feeling much better now but still got a cough.

Really gutted as this is usually a great weekend :-(

Ah well, to compensate for a Beacons Ultra Race Report, here are a few Autum pics from my walk/ run the weekend before...

Back From Sunny Spain!

2010-11-07T17:10:00.000Z

And it was sunny too. Perfect weather, in fact- 26 degrees, hot and sunny, but not uncomfortably so. Although I didn't do much in the way of training out there we were still pretty active.

We went for some walks along the beaches of La Mata and Santa Pola, and Monday we took the train to Alicante and walked up to the castle, which is situated on a promontary overlooking the city. There is apparently a lift, which wasn't working- it's a pretty long climb so must have been good exercise!

I wasn't feeling too great when I got back though, and have had problems with an abcess under one of my teeth, which flares up from time to time- I guess the tooth will have to come out eventually.

I have the Brecons Ultra very soon and am not feeling all that confident to be honest! I seem to struggle to find time to train- people have got to stop having birthdays!!

I will leave you with a few pics from Spain...

La Mata

Sand Sculpture

Alicante Castle

Alicante Harbour

Orchid

Blow Hole At Torrevieja

Palm Tree With Dates

Santa Pola

Fishing Nets On Santa Pola Harbour

The Double Marathon Challenge- Event Report!

2010-10-21T20:45:00.000+01:00

Sorry for the long overdue update... I did actually manage to complete the Marathon double whammy challenge! The weather forecast wasn't brilliant, and I wasn't too happy to see heavy rain Friday night, as the paths would probably be quite muddy now.

The Dave Lewis challenge was only about 30 minutes drive away, so not too early start. Imade my flask and packed the waterproofs, before driving to Kelham Hall. I was quite early, so had a leisurely coffee, saw Sue who was walking it with a friend, and met Ross, who was walking with his friend Brian.

It was sunny but quite cold. The start is in the car park of the Kelham Fox, there weren't all that many walkers as it's quite a low key event. It is run every year, in commemoration of Dave Lewis, a keen runner and walker who tragically drowned whilst on holiday with his family. His widow saw us off, and I had a little jog up the road to get warm.

We turned off the roads, into fields. The weather was perfect at this point- it didn't last though!

We entered a wood, and I followed Sue and her friend along a track; it didn't feel right though, and we realised we'd gone wrong. So had everyone else, so we all back tracked in search of a 'new gate'. I found myself walking with Ross and Brian, and walked with them for the rest of the day which was good, it's amazing how much faster the time goes walking with others. The route was mainly across fields, some ploughed, and along tracks. Route finding was rather difficult, as there were no signs and the route description could be open to interpretation!

We had several showers throughout the day so I was glad of my waterproof.

Just before the second checkpoint we weren't at all sure we were on the right path- the route descriptions didn't appear to match what we were seeing. There were three girls just ahead who were looking rather lost. We spotted a couple of St Johns Ambulance guys on the road parallel to our path, so me, Brian and Ross cut across a field to them, whilst the girls retraced their steps. I'm not quite sure why the St Johns Ambulance folks were there as they weren't on route, but let us look at the map. As the road ran alongside the path, we opted to follow this into the next village and checkpoint.

Southwell Minster

After some more route finding problems, and being joined by the girls again, the route passed through part of Southwell. We could see the Minster from some distance away.

Rather Odd Looking House

Southwell

After this the route followed part of the last Dave Lewis Challenge I completed, but in the opposite direction. There was more substantial food than I remembered- lovely home made cakes.

We followed the River Trent for a long stretch, from Hazelford Ferry past Fiskerton. I was quite familiar with this section as I have walked it a few times.

Unfortunately it was that time in every event when it starts to drag... when you would much rather be home and have it over and done with. The rather uneven path by the river started to drag a bit and I rubbed a blister on my heel, which unfortunately pulled every time my foot twisted on the uneven ground.

By the time we left the river and reached checkpoint 6, which had also been check point 2, we agreed that it felt we had already done 26 miles. Unfortunately we hadn't reached the end of the walk... the next part retraced the path we should have come up earlier, so we decided to follow the road back.

The last part of the walk seemed endless. We caught up with the girls- they were sisters, living in different parts of the UK and had met up for the weekend to do this walk.

It took us 9 hours 58 minutes, when we finished the chap waiting for us said that the route was really 28 1/2 - 29 miles long, and they were thinking about taking a loop out for next year...

Didn't give me all that long to recover for the Spires and Steeples though, so I drank a recovery drink and ate a (horribly over sweet) recovery bar on the way home and had a soak in the bath.

Sunday was a really early start as I needed to be in Sleaford for 7:30am to catch the bus laid on to Lincoln. We were being picked up in a different car park from last time, and there were loads of walkers. The chap sitting next to me on the bus said 'It's time to break out the flask!' I agreed and we both got our flasks out and poured a drink. His looked like milk, and he wailed 'Oh no! I put the sugar in, put the hot water in, put the milk in... but I forgot to put in the coffee!'

We were disgorged onto the streets of Lincoln and made our way to the castle and the start. It was foggy and bitterly cold, but looks as though it was going to be a nice day once the fog lifted.

We started at 8:40am and set off downhill through Lincoln's cobbled streets before following a trail. I could feel my legs, but once I started moving I didn't feel too bad. I had dressed my blister and it wasn't giving me any problems. I was actually setting quite a good pace, and thought that the main thing would be to get to the half way point at Metheringham before the cut off time of 1:30pm.

Branston

Everyone spread out a little after the first checkpoint at Branston, and shortly afterwards the first runners started cpming past.

The sun had well and truly come out now and it was glorious! I had taken some painkillers and wasn't suffering too badly at all.

The Water Tower At Potterhanworth

I remembered quite a lot of the route and this part of it was very pretty- lovely old villages with ancient churches, the paths were good too- much easier than yesterday.

I passed a house in Dunston with a tray full of apples attached to the gate for folks to help themselves so I picked up a lovely juicy apple and muched it whilst I walked into Metheringham. I had made the cut off point with plenty of time to spare so got the flask out and had coffee. There was no food at the checkpoints, apart from flapkack at Ruskington, so I had come self sufficient. Both feet were starting to hurt on the balls of each foot, and the big toe nail on my left foot had started to gently throb but I was still feeling pretty good as I left Metheringham.

Dunston

Blankney

Scopwick

Scopwick is really pretty, with it's stream running through the village. Shortly afterwards I walked for a while with Cath, who was running the event and was now walking. I walked with her until Ruskington, as her family were waiting to meet her there. We agreed that this part of Lincolnshire is really pretty.

Digby

Dorrington Demons

Ruskington

As soon as I reached Ruskington everything started hurting! My legs weren't too bad still, but my left toe was quite painful, and the balls of my feet hurt everytime I stepped on a stone- which was often! The last part of the walk I remembered quite well, as it's along a canal path back into Sleaford, and I knew it would feel endless!

The last checkpoint was just at the start of the canal path so I downed the last of my coffee before steeling myself for the last stretch. One of the checkpoint helpers had written '2 miles to go!' on the water cups.

My toe nail was really sore now and it was hurting to walk. I must have been walking funny, but had deliberately saved a snickers for this bit so I could comfort eat my way back to Sleaford.

I finally finished in 8 hours and 5 minutes- I was really pleased with this as it was only 20 minutes slower than my 2008 time and of course I had done the 28 1/2 mile Dave Lewis the day before!

Surprisingly enough my legs are fine- but my left toenail is a funny colour and is still throbbing a fair bit!

Off to Sunny (I hope!!) Spain tomorrow to see Dad, so will probably be a fairly easy week- give the feet chance to heal!

Ready For The Weekend?

2010-10-14T21:37:00.000+01:00

I've been tapering this week ready for the double marathon challenge this weekend. My last proper run was 8 miles Monday night, so have just had some shorter runs/ walks since.

I have a sort of strategy in my mind... when I last did the Dave Lewis I felt really ill afterwards- really bad headache, shakes, sickness. I put it down to the fact that there was biscuits and sweets on offer at the checkpoints rather than the usual cakes, and I hadn't taken anything with me, so it's probable that I just didn't eat enough. I have plenty of 9 bars, mule bars and other stuff which I'll take, and also a flask of coffee so I can have a cuppa before we start (and part way round! I'm such a caffeine addict...) I need to make sure I finish the Dave Lewis in as good a shape as possible if I'm to complete the Spires and Steeples the next day. This means that I will take it quite a bit slower than usual- probably won't run.

I have a sachet of recovery drink powder so will put a water bottle in the car so I can have that when I have finished, plus I have a recover bar for the journey home. For the Spires and Steepls I have a snickers to look forwards to- as long as I beat the cut off time of 1:30pm at the half way check point at Metheringham. I will have 5 hours to get there so will hopefully be long enough!

I will be happy if I complete the Dave Lewis in under 9 hours and the Spires and Steeples in under 10 hours, anything quicker than that is a bonus. I'm sort of looking forwards to it in a perverse kind of way...

... bring it on...

My Challenge For 2011...

2010-10-13T20:07:00.000+01:00

Ok. I decided that I need a challenge for next year... something to aim for to frighten me into training a little harder... I decided that it has to be something challenging, something inspiring- but something relatively cheap. Because I'm skint.

So, inspired by Ross's amazing efforts to complete 20 marathons in 2010 I started to think that it could be possible to complete a marathon in each English county... so that will be my challenge. To complete a marathon in each English county in 2011...

I decided that as far as possible I would stick to marathons recognised by the 100 Marathon Club (which is handy as they recognise most of the LDWA 26 mile events, which are greatly preferable to road marathons. Plus they still recognise them if you run, jog or walk, which is really handy for me!)

It's not quite as easy to organise as I first thought- for starters, there seem to be some disagreement over how many counties there actually are, as several have disappeared over the years- but after some research I am using this map as my guide. Of course, another little problem is the fact that many race organisers have decided to organise their marathons on the same day- and I haven't quite perfected the art of being in two places at once. I think I will need to complete a few back to back ones though.

There are also a few counties (step forwards Durham and Herefordshire) where I haven't been able to find a marathon- I may need to resort to completing my own 26 mile route in these counties.

I will probably raise money for charity if I can, so will look at getting something sorted...

A Good Training Week; For A Change...

2010-10-10T21:01:00.002+01:00

I've had an unusually productive week! Partly because I've been reading Ray Zahab's book- 'Running for My Life'- which is an account of his transformation from beer swilling and chain smoking self destructiveness to awsome ultra runner. He has done MdS twice and has also crossed the entire Sahara on foot!

Ok, my week wasn't quite that impressive but not too bad training wise... last Sunday was a fairly tough session in the gym, and I was busy socially Monday and Tuesday night, so Wednesday I found my first night running route- I found a big loop around Gamston which is about 3 miles and lit the whole way, so I ran this twice and a little extra to make 6 3/4 miles. This was the furthest I had ran on pavements for quite some time and I felt ok.

Thursday I ran/ walked my Bassingfield and canal route with a little extra loop to make 4 miles. Friday I had a very tough session at the gym, pushing myself to cover a quite fast 30 minutes on the treadmill followed by 20 minutes on the ellipticals at a high resistance.

Saturday wasn't quite so arduous- I went with Katie and the Leicester Penguins Swimming Club Team swim in a gala in Aylesbury. Katie came 2nd and 3rd in her races and the team came 2nd overall, so a great effort. Today was a 12 miler around some old haunts; I parked at Morrisons in Netherfield and took my old route across the fields to Stoke Bardolph, then headed along the Trent to Burton Joyce. I picked up the bridleway which eventually connects with the river and returned along the river banks, eventually skirting Netherfield Lagoons. I encountered a few herds of young cows, but luckily they were obviously used to walkers and hardly batted an eye. My total distance was 12 miles, tomorrow I will go out and complete another 8 after work and then I will be on a taper for the weekend and my double whammy of the Dave Lewis Challenge and Spires and Steeples- hope the weather is just as nice as it's been today!

Hope everyone else has a good week!

All Set For The Double Whammy Challenge!!

2010-10-05T16:58:00.000+01:00

I am all set for the 'double whammy' challenge I have set myself for October- when I will complete two marathon events back to back.

They are the Dave Lewis Challenge in Nottinghamshire on Saturday 16th October and the Spires and Steeples in Lincolnshire on Sunday 17th October- I have had confirmation of both entries today so am good to go!

...suppose I'd better get training then...

A Relaxing Few Days!

2010-09-28T22:27:00.000+01:00

I have been down to Wells-Next-The-Sea with mum, Katie and Gemma- Jake stayed with his Dad, sadly :-(

Luckily it was the week following the Ponton Plod so I was still recovering, so was able to take it quite easy. Wednesday night we walked onto the beach and watched hundreds of geese fly overhead;

Thursday we had a mooch round Sheringham in the rain and wind;

Me and Katie went for a run Thursday evening, we covered about 4- 5 miles on flint lined tracks and a path by the woods, disturbing a muntjac deer which went crashing off into the trees. We went at quite a good pace and I felt quite strong.

Friday we had an extremely windy walk around Hunstanton and endurance 2 penny slot machine playing...

Saturday we had a last walk round Wells before eating chips in the car and driving home;

I have made up for it since being back though, with a toughish gym session Sunday and a 19 mile run/ walk today (got the week off work)! I stayed fairly local, taking the cliff path through Radcliffe-on-Trent to Shelford and up to the bridleway by RAF Newton down to Saxondale village- didn't get lost this time!! I extended the walk by taking in a circuit of the Regatta Lake at Holme Pierrepont Watersports Centre, my legs were truly aching by this time but I still managed to run the last half mile home.

I need to go out and cover around 13 miles tomorrow, to try to get my body used to long walks on two consecutive days if I am going to be able to complete the Dave Lewis and Spires and Steeples on the same weekend. Unfortunately I have commitments for the next two Saturdays, so will need to fit in some kind of back to back stuff, even if it's a tough gym session after or before a long walk.

The two marathon days should be good training for this year's Brecons Ultra, which is drawing ever closer!

The Ponton Plod- Event Report

2010-09-20T19:48:00.000+01:00

Yesterday was the Ponton Plod- which happens to be one of my favourite events, so I decided to get my arse in gear and go and do it! I had gone to the gym the day before, to try to train for my October challenge of undertaking the Dave Lewis Challenge and Spires and Steeples in the same weekend. As usual, I completely overestimated the time it would take me to get there and arrived a whole hour before the 8:30am start. As I had loads of time I decided to treat myself to toast and marmalade as a sort of second breakfast to the porridge I'd had earlier... need all the energy I can get! The PP was started by Stuart Ashley, a keen (and very fast) long distance walker, and has really grown in popularity- I can understand why though as it's a good route and a really friendly event.

There are three distances- 27 miles, 17 miles and 11 1/2 miles. I registered for the 27 mile; I did it in just under 7 hours in 2008 but knew I wasn't going to finish anywhere near that time this year, and figured I'd be happy with 8 1/2 hours. The weather forecast was pretty dire, but most of the rain actually missed us and it was a pretty good day- cloudy but ideal temperatures for walking.

We set off at 8:30, along tracks and through the golf course;

and by a really posh building...

We were walking through the grounds, and as the route passed between two lakes I spotted a really odd-looking bird;

What's This?? Answers On A Postcard...

The Lake

The route emerges at the village of Stoke Rochford;

Stoke Rochford

There followed a mile of road walking, which I tried to jog although it was slightly uphill, before the route headed across fields to the village of Skillinton. I was jogging the flat bits and downhills and trying to power walk the rest. I noticed a lady in a pink top fairly close behind me and moving quite fast, in fact she was behind me for much of the way.

After Skillington there is a fairly long walk along a track to reach the first checkpoint at Buckminster water tower;

The Water Tower

The folks at the check point recognised me (happens a lot!) and I had some juice and half a hot cross bun. I didn't stay long, and jogged down the road to Buckminster.

Buckminster

I remembered the next part of the route quite well, and it's really pleasant- I really wanted to have a quick wee but realised that there were a few people close behind so thought better of it! One of the toughest parts of the route was on this stretch- we had to walk across a very long, uphill ploughed field, made up of the kind of mud that stuck to your shoes and made you feel like a carthorse on stilts!

Shortly after this the route passed gallops and a church;

Before crossing fields to Saltby. There were a few dicey electric fences to negotiate but luckily I emerged unshocked although it was a near thing. On this stretch is the dreaded rutted track that seems to delight challenge walk organisers from miles around- I last did it on the Belvoir Challenge and it was awful- completely muddy and slippy but was a lot better than I expected today! I was overtaken by two chaps, and took a slow jog down towards Croxten Kerrial and the half way point.

I decided I was going to have a bit of a rest here, and a coffee. There were sandwiches with the crusts cut off- very posh! As usual, everyone seemed to remember me from previous years... once seen and never forgotten... the lady in the pink top came in, and I saw Sue, who does a lot of the challenge walks in the area.

I left after about 15 minutes, and set off uphill and the down a steep descent into the woods;

Descending

There was another lovely long and uneven ploughed field to cross- I was so glad it was dry! The route passes through Harston before following the road up towards Sewstern Lane. We don't actually go down the lane- the route follows an old railway (and cycle route) to the road to Denton. I jogged down hill into the village but was feeling quite tired and cursed myself for not bringing painkillers as my legs were aching quite a bit.

The lady in the pink top caught me up at Denton Reservoir;

Denton Reservoir

We walked the rest of the route together, which was really nice, it's amazing how much faster the time goes and how you forget aching legs when you are chatting. It turns out that she works very near me (the next building!) and is a runner.

We stopped for a brief drink and cake at the checkpoint at Harlaxton Village Hall, and I remembered that there was quite a climb coming up. There were a lot of cows with calves, but luckily they didn't seem too preturbed by our prescence!

There is a bit of a road walk to the last checkpoint at Wyville, and we noticed a chap lying down on the verge with a border collie. We weren't sure if he had collapsed, but he said that he was just having a rest. He had a clip card so I gathered he was doing the event.

I didn't fancy anything to eat at the last checkpoint, but took a mars bar for later and refilled my water bottle for the last 3 1/2 miles. I was feeling quite tired now and glad to finish, there is a steepish climb along the road to the bridleway back to the footbridge over the A1. I was quite amused to see some sheep poking their heads through a gate, watching us, with a note on the gate saying that the stallion who is usually in the field 'is not with us at the moment as he is preforming matrimonial duties!'

We finished in 8 hours 7 minutes which I was very pleased with. I saw the chap who had been lying in the verge and his dog- they hadn't passed us so presume he had retired at Wyville. Home made soup and apple pie was on the menu, which was absolutely delicious!

I am off to Wells-Next-The-Sea Wednesday to Saturday with mum and Katie so won't be doing an awful lot. Sadly Jake will not be coming- as mum reckons she will get more of a break without him! He will be staying with his Dad- I will miss him though.

Today Was The Robin Hood Marathon...

2010-09-12T16:56:00.000+01:00

... but I hadn't entered it! Rather unfortunately I could hear the loud speaker from my house when I was still in bed, so this motivated me to get my arse out of bed and off for a walk/ run in preparation for next Sunday's planned Ponton Plod.

I decided to go up Tollerton Lane past the air field to the footpath towards Cotgrave, then took a detour up to Clipston Woods. There is a handy sort of square route which follows bridleways and public rights of way tracks through the woods, and back towards Cotgrave.

Berries In The Woods

Toadstools

I usually turn off the byway onto a footpath towards Cotgrave, picking up the earlier footpath and following it ot the canal and then home, but today I wanted a longer route, so I followed the byway back to the road at Clipston and retraced my steps to the footpath to Cotgrave.

Looking Towards Cotgrave

Nearing Clipstone

For the first time ever I followed it all the way into Cotgrave instead of turning off down to the canal.

Back On The Footpath

The road from Cotgrave leads down towards the canal and I had originally planned to return home along the canal- but I was feeling good so decided to carry on past the canal to return across the fields to Bassingfield. I bought a very welcome lemon iced tea drink from a petrol station and set off along the pavement/ cycle track- to be overtaken by an ex work colleague and his wife out on a bike ride.

The rest of the walk was familiar and pleasant- it was sunny but quite breezy so not overwarm. I managed to run a fair bit of it, not sure how long it was as I forgot my Garmin but I'd guestimate 14- 15 miles. Must do it again and measure it...

I popped into Morrisons for a few bits and bobs- not sure what the other shoppers thought, maybe they were under the impression that I had just completed the marathon! Must be time for chocolate...

Not Much Doing!

2010-09-08T22:08:00.000+01:00

Life has been quite ordinary lately... I have been recovering from the Nottingham Ultra, going to work, going to the gym but not as often as I'd like, walking/ running but not quite as often as I'd like...

Event wise, it's the Ponton Plod a week on Sunday, which I intend to do as it's local and a very well run, friendly event and then I will be gearing up for my double whammy I have planned for October- the Dave Lewis Challenge on 16th October (27 miles) and the Spires and Steeples on 17th October (26 miles).

I have sort of half formed a challenge for next year in my mind, but am still trying to work out whether it will be feasible... so I will write more about this soon....

The Nottingham Ultra- Race Report

2010-08-23T20:21:00.000+01:00

I was expecting to get soaked yesterday- the whole week had been on and off showers, so I thought I'd err on the side of caution and pack my waterproof, a warm fleece and my gloves...

This was a really local event for me- there was transport from Nottingham Castle to the start of the race at Blidworth, it took me 10 minutes to drive to the castle and a couple of minutes to find a parking space on a rather steep hill; I spent part of the day wondering whether the car would still be where I left it as the handbrake's a bit dodgy. I was undecided whether to take one of both water bottles, but compromised on one and a half in case I got lost!

We boarded the bus in glorious sunshine which I didn't expect to last. We disembarked at Blidworth Leisure Centre, registered and received colour map print outs of the route along with a goodie bag containing a smart towel. I saw Jen at the registration at Blidworth and chatted to another runner, Anita, who is doing the MdS next year. At 8:45 we went out into the sunshine and received a pre-race briefing from Rory, before we were off- 56 ultra runners... and me! We set off downhill and then immediately started to climb before entering the forest. As I expected, I soon fell behind, and although I expected to be last it was a little demoralising. Finally I decided to not try to catch up, but to go at my own pace, do my own thing and enjoy the day. I got my camera out and took the time to take a couple of shots of the forest.

I reached a road Rory warned us would be busy, and was quite chuffed when a family clapped and cheered me as I jogged past! The route had been marked with stickers and red and white tape, but Rory and Jen said that they had had to redo these in some areas as they had been removed.

The route entered Burntstump Country Park and I caught up with Anita at this point as we ran past the Park Hospital. The route crossed the A60 before crossing fields to Papplewick- I was feeling quite strong at this point so went ahead. It was really hot by now, which was quite unexpected and caught a few folks out I think.

The Approach To Papplewick

Until this point my camera had been in my pack, but I found that I really didn't want to stop and get it out to take photos- so in the interests of this blog I carried it in my hand for the rest of the race! Checkpoint one and Rory and Jen were at Papplewick- I grabbed a bottle of water, but didn't replenish my water bottles, which I was to regret later.

I left the checkpoint slightly ahead of Anita, expecting that she'd catch me up, and jogged down the road, being cheered on by Jen as she drove past! Here the route took a curve through a farm with donkeys in a field before skirting Bestwood Village.

Baby Donkey!!

As the route neared a lake in Bestwood Country Park, I realised that I was running out of water and cursed myself for not topping it up at Papplewick. I was also feeling slightly sick and very hot. I was still jogging fairly slowly at this point- I ran over a bridge and slowed to a walk as I realised that I was in for a bit of a climb. There were some youths fishing in the river- one shouted 'Don't stop running, you've still got 31 miles to go love'. I was tempted to shout back 'I'd like to see you do it- love!'

Bestwood County Park

I was feeling quite sick by this point and actually wondered whether I was going to throw up. Luckily checkpoint 2 was very near, and I gulped down some water and filled both bottles- I figured it wasn't going to get any cooler and I would rather carry more water than I needed. I was very aware that I should try to eat something, and pickd up a recovery bar, but it tasted so sweet I couldn't stomach more than a few bites. I was pleasantly surprised to see another runner at the checkpoint- Louise. She said that she had also felt very sick, and had had to stop for some time by the side of the road. We set off together and managed to miss a sign, so had to retrace our steps. We met up with Anita, and the three of us stuck together from that point, which was really nice. Louise is on the waiting list for next year's MdS.

The next part of the route was very pleasant, winding through woods to the golf course. We lost the route a little here and had to retrace our steps- I think red and white tape had been put out for some other event as well! I still felt a little dodgy and headachey and I think Louise did too, so I took a couple of painkillers. We were mainly walking at a good pace with a few jogs thrown in, taking advantage of the downhills. I was feeling much better now as the pain killers appeared to be doing their job and no longer felt sick. After crossing the motorway;

the route headed towards Giltbrook before turning back towards Kimberley.

Looking Towards Kimberley

We had left the Robin Hood Way at this point and unfortunately there were no signs or tape- presumably they had been removed. A path appeared to turn left and lead uphill, but I expressed concern that we hadn't yet gone far enough. Louise and Anita listened to me so we carried on and discovered I was wrong... oops! We managed to get to checkpoint 3 using the road, and were told that loads of people had taken various unplanned detours...

It was still roasting but luckily there was a bit of shade, and some life saving fruit cake- funnily enough it was just what I fancied and I ate three slices! Ironoc really... I spend most of my life wanting to eat and trying not to, and then found myself in the position of not wanting to eat and trying to make myself! Oh, the irony of ultra racing...

We set off again down to the A610, passing through a tunnel under the road, before a steep climb to Swingate. The route crossed the M1 for a second time, before winding past a canal and through Bramcote Hills to the massive bulk of the Hemstone and out fourth checkpoint.

The Hemstone

The checkpoint was just below, and we were told that two people had sadly had to drop out. I managed to put away two more slices of cake and some jelly babies, and we were off on the final leg. We were entering the City now, and then somehow managed to miss a sign, or it had been removed... but we ended up at the A52 and realised we had gone too far... we had quite a bit of road walking to get back on track! Louise had a Garmin and reckoned we ended up doing more than 31 miles!!

Eventually we were back on track and passed the QMC before heading towards the castle along the canal- the first glimpse of the castle was a welcome sight as my legs and feet had started to ache a couple of miles ago. The approach to the finish and the castle is a steep uphill- we managed a shambling jog to the finish which was a giant red inflatable. It was really great as there were lots of people sitting outside the pubs and cafes who were all cheering us in! Rory and Jen greeted us and gave us our medals- it was a lovely finish! Rory confirmed that this would now be an annual event, and I would definately do it again- hopefully I won't get lost next time!!! We finished in 9 hours 16 minutes and had brought up the rear- I had expected to come last so it was lovely to finish with Anita and Louise. It was a fantastic day all round- great support and organisation.

Robin Hood Statue At The Finish

I am aching today, but not too badly. I'm pleased I finished, but would like to be able to do it a bit quicker next year- back to the training!

I'm Still Alive!!

2010-08-18T20:45:00.000+01:00

Just!! Really must update more...

I have the Nottingham Ultra this Sunday- 50K starting in Blidworth and following the Robin Hood Way to finish at Nottingham Castle. Transport to the start from the castle is included. I would be looking forwards to it, but am suffering from the usual lack of training blues... I don't really feel as though I have done all that much.

Although I have been to the gym and I have been out; I went to Wells-Next-The-Sea for the weekend 7th to 8th August and didn't do much beyond the odd potter down to Wells and on the beach (I did run on the sand with Jake so that counts!). Luckily I booked a couple of days off work, so made up for it by doing a 15 mile walk/ run to Radcliffe-on-Trent and Shelford on Tuesday and a good gym session on Monday.

This weekend I went out for a 12 mile walk/ run Saturday and a yomp round my old stomping ground, Bradgate Park, before descending on mum for tea. Typical though- just because I had decided not to take a camera with me, a red deer stag bounded in front of me and posed for what would have been a great photo- sigh...

Does anyone else get those times in their lives when the motivation to train just isn't there? I will give it my best in Sunday, and at least there is no time limit, but I suspect that I will be last...

... in the meantime here are a couple of pics of my couple of days in Wells;

Rainbows And Boats

Dragonfly At Titchwell- A Ruddy Darter Apparently

Titchwell Nature Reserve

Gemma On The Beach

Jake- Sea And Shadows

Not Been A Great Week...

2010-07-31T13:17:00.001+01:00

I have been quite ill this week so haven't really done anything from Tuesday night onwards...

Sunday was the Race For Life at the Watersports Centre at Holme Pierrepont. I had never done this before as it seems a little cheeky asking people to sponsor me for running 3 miles when I got all that sponsorship for MdS, but mum and sis Katie wanted to do it so I agreed to do it with them.

The weather was perfect- sunny and dry, but not too warm. There were literally thousands of participants, mostly dressed in pink Most people had a pink square detailing names of loved ones they had lost to cancer, or who are currently battling the disease, it was quite humbling.

We were given a mass warm up before the 'off' and set off around the lake- I guessed that the route would be a circuit of the Regatta Lake and I was correct. We walked mostly, although mum did manage a few jogs, and crossed the line in 48 minutes 15 seconds which she was happy with- she now says she has a PB to beat!! As we were nearly finishing we could still see loads and loads of people behind us, I think it must have taken some folks quite a time to pass the Start line. Here are a few pics;

Katie, Mum And Me

At The Head Of The Lake

Looking Back

After The Finish!

Tuesday night was the night I had chosen to do the 'Gym For Heroes' challenge at the gym- 1 hour on the rower, 1 hour on the stationary bike and 1 hour on either the treadmill or elliptical, with monies raised going towards 'Help For Heroes'. Although I had got some sponsorship, I hadn't taken this that seriously and had 'panic trained' the Sunday before by going on the rower for 20 minutes and the bike for 30 minutes. I was rather sore in, um, certain areas next day and seriously considered taking a cushion in!!

The event wasn't too bad in the end... the rower was the worst, mainly because it was boring, although I did get to watch a spin class. At one point it felt as though the nerves down the back of both legs were being trapped, but I put a spurt on at the end and managed 8,000 metres. One of the gym staff was doing the challenge too, and another was doing the 12 hour challenge- he must have been mad or very fit or both!! His wife, who had done the 3 hour challenge on Sunday, was supporting him and was also very supportive of me, cycling and running with me and generally keeping my spirits up which was really nice of her.

The bike seemed fairly easy, I kept the resistance light and pedalled quite fast, managing 20 miles and watching Eastenders. My legs felt a little wobbly afterwards, and it was an effort to get going on the treadmill. I could have walked my hour on the treadmill, but that would have been too easy, so decided I'd run for the hour. I had mentally set myself a 5 mile target- the last 20 minutes was really tough. We had been provided with special t-shirts to wear, but they weren't technical ones so mine was absolutely soaked through at that point- I could wring it out! Ross finished his 12 hour challenge, and then I heard my name being announced over the tannoy (luckily the gym wasn't busy!!) so that gave me a little spurt of extra energy!

I managed 5 miles on the rower, 20 on the bike and 5 on the treadmill, so am happy with that, especially as I didn't really do any special training for it.

Next day I woke up with a headache- I assumed it was dehydration, and would go off if I drank plenty of water. It didn't- it got worse, to the point where nothing I did would relieve it, and I spent the morning and most of the afternoon throwing up! I don't think it was the challenge- I have done loads of physical stuff and nothing has ever made me physically sick, so I am convinced it was a bug of some sort. I have not felt that ill for absolutely ages- I am still not feeling 100% now- so am giving myself a few days rest from training.

Not for too long though- I have entered the Nottingham Ultra on 22nd August. This is a 50k race from Sherwood Forest to Nottingham Castle and is so local it would have been rude not to enter!

The Little John Challenge

2010-07-21T23:41:00.000+01:00

I actually did a long walk- for the first time in ages!! I decided on the Little John Challenge walk by John Merrill- 28 miles round Sherwood Forest and area starting and finishing in Edwinstowe. The weather was... changeable! I did get quite a lot of sun, and it was warm, but also quite showery earlier on. I took plenty of water with me- which turned out not to be enough- which made my rucksack heavy.

Although the walk starts from the Sherwood Forest Visitor's Centre car park, it finishes by walking right through the village back to the start, so I figured that if I parked just after the railway bridge I would do this at the beginning rather than the end (plus I was too tight to pay for parking! Well- they did get £3 out of me last week...)

I found the path I needed- the bridleway towards Gleadthorpe- without much effort and decided that I would jog when I could. The first part of the walk went right through the forest;

Sherwood Forest

There was a bit of route navigation needed here as I needed to turn off this bridleway onto another one, and then turn left along another track towards Church Warsop. All of the forest paths were very runnable, and actually very well sign posted;

It started to rain here, just as I was about to leave the forest and head across open fields and track into Church Warsop. I had done a lot of the earlier parts of the walk before at some point and remembered that the next bit, to Cuckney, had caused a problem before.

The route crosses the A60 and leaves Church Warsop via a foot path uphill, across field and into Oakfield Plantation. Although the kissing gate entrance to the path was strewn with rubbish the path was pretty clear. It had also stopped raining;

Leaving Church Warsop

It was in the plantation that I had problems before. The path marked on the map past Park House Farm towards Cuckney is not very apparent on the ground. I walked too far (feeling very angry at being passed by a couple of motorbike riders- on a public footpath- leaving deep tracks in the ground. This does make me cross because of the damage they do- parts of the Ridgeway are now almost unwalkable thanks to the deep ruts left by motorbike riders).

I found a path running in the right direction but came out too far to the right. Luckily I came out onto a path which led onto the track I needed. To reach Cuckney there is a funny little track over Mill Hill and down to Cuckney Dam. Cuckney is an attractive little village, although close to the A60 which I had to cross- again.

The path then crosses the River Poulter before heading onto the Welbeck Estate, home of Welbeck Abbey.

Cuckney Church

The next part of the route is a bit of a boring trudge up the road through the deer park. John Merrill suggested that I cut across to the A60 and walk along it for a 100 yards before turning off into Holbeck Woodhouse. I didn't really fancy this though- it is a very busy road although it probably wasn't when John devised the route. I opted to walk along the deer park road a bit further, crossing straight over th A60 (yet again!!) to reach the village. Surprise surprise, it was raining again!!

I knew the path along the fields to Cresswell Crags quite well, a good path had been created through fields of crops. I saw other people walking for the first time although nobody else looked quite as sweaty as me!

Cresswell Village

The crags are quite impressive- a huge limestone gorge, forming the border of Nottinghamhire and Derbyshire with caves which were used as a temporary camp for prehistoric man. It had stopped raining by this point so there were a few more folks around;

The Crags

Swans With Seven Cygnets!

Another View Of The Crags

A brand new visitor's centre has been built, so I took a peek in the shop and used the loo but didn't outstay my welcome as I probably didn't smell too fresh... up to that point I had jogged most of the level/ downhill parts of the route and was very hot!

I knew the next part of the walk very well too- across the fields to South Lodge, and through the woods to Truman's Lodge. I have since found out that the 5th Duke of Portland and heir of Welbeck was rather reclusive and had a network of tunnels constructed, running to various parts of his estate so he could travel without being seen. One of them runs to South Lodge and can actually be seen as the ridge in the middle of the picture below, covered by longer grass;

The Tunnel!

The next part of the route involved running along an easy track through the woods, through a sandstone 'gorge';

It was at this point I started to get a bit worried, as I realised that I was just over half way, but had drank a lot more than half of my water- and felt quite thirsty! The sun had come out and it was now quite hot, plus I had been jogging a lot- it was perhaps a good idea I didn't do this walk last weekend as it was scorching! There are not a lot of facilities on route so I was panicking slightly.

I reached Truman's Lodge and the entrance to Clumber Park;

It soon started to rain again, but I was heading back into the forest through Clumber Park towards the village of Hardwick. The sign pointing towards the village also suggested that refreshments may be available- which was now a necessity as my water was running rather low and I wouldn't have lasted the rest of the day. Unfortunately, when I reached the village, the sign for 'visitor's facilities' pointed in the opposite direction! I was pretty desparate so followed the road down to a car park and ice cream van- salvation!!

Unfortunately I had picked the only ice cream van which didn't sell drinks... the lady serving must have seen the look of despair on my face, as she pointed to a path along the lake and told me that the ladies loos had a water fountain and were only '5 minutes walk away'. I was not impressed as I thought I'd have to retrace my steps to reach Hardwick, but had no choice really so I marched on, found the loos, refilled my water bottles, had a really good drink and then realised the track had by passed Hardwick and connected with the route- so no step retracing necessary.

There is a ford and footbridge over the river;

The next part of the route was completely new to me- crossing the A614 (very busy) and through woodland with plenty of rubbish strewn along the path. I now had glorious sunshine again, and eventually left the woods to walk along a well defined track. I was still managing to run- slowly- at this point!

I thought route finding may be slightly tricky as I had to leave the track and turn onto a bridleway, and then leave the bridleway for a footpath leading to Bothamsall; luckily it was very well signed.

Motte And Bailey Mound

I had actually had enough at this point- I was pretty tired, my legs were aching and there was no more jogging...

The Other Side Of The Motte And Bailey

The next part of the route was through forest, (Conjure Alders and Blackcliffe Hill Plantation) but seemed endless. I met some young lads fishing on a footbridge, who were really polite and insisted on moving their equipment to let me pass easily.

Finally I reached the Walesby Forest and the road. The route John Merrill suggested follows the road to a farm and track to Ollerton but I was a bit worried about this as it is not shown as a right of way on the map. I chose to follow a bridleway following the river, which ran more or less parrallel. I could see the houses of Ollerton from the start of the bridleway but they didn't seem to be getting any closer! Finally I was walking through the village, to find the footpath back to Edwinstowe.

This follows the course of the railway line; I was very worried at first as the path was extremely overgrown and my arms and legs were geeting scratched- I couldn't face another mile of this. Luckily it soon gave way to a proper track through the fields, although to my dismay it did climb quite steeply at one point!

The Track Following The Railway Line- Impending Showers!!

Thoresby Colliery Signal Box

Eventually the houses of Edwinstowe crept close and closer until, to a blast of 'Summer Holiday' from a nearby garden, I reached the village and the car. It took me 9 hours 10 minutes- which to me seems incredibly slow considering I jogged a lot of it and didn't sit down at all (apart from on the loo!) It took John Merrill 9 hours apparently- he must be a pretty fast walker!

Rainy Day in Dovedale...

2010-07-11T16:07:00.001+01:00

How come we have had days and days and DAYS of heat and sun, and as soon as me and my mum decide to take time out of work to go to Dovedale... it rains!!

I knew this wasn't going to be much of an endurance challenge, as mum doesn't like to walk too far and was tired, so planned a 6 mile route through Dovedale to Milldale and back across the hill tops. Mum bought the dogs over and we piled them in my car. We had a slight drama over mum losing her phone when I dropped her off at Morrisons to get cash out, but luckily an honest member of staff had handed it into the store...

Many roadworks and tractors later, we drove down the narrow, twisty road into the car park and paid our two pounds to park (quite a bargain!) As we hoped, it wasn't too busy, and once we had the dogs sorted we set off eating home made ice cream from the kiosk in the car park. The stepping stones were apparently shut so we opted to use the bridge (quite hairy crossing with a kamikaze Jake eager to get to the water).

Walking Into Dovedale

The stepping stones had been sectioned off, and it looks as though what the workmen are doing is cementing thick stone slabs on top of the existing stepping stones... I appreciate that they must be at risk of being worn away but seems a bit of a shame as I'm sure it will detract from their original character.

We let the dogs off; Jake immediately took to the water like a duck and Gemma, as usual, didn't move more than a few inches from mum's feet.

Thorpe Cloud

It was a quiet day in Dovedale (bet it's murder at weekends!!) with only a few hundred schoolchildren in seemingly endless school parties. They all seemed to be walking the other way, and, as they filed past, there were the usual cries of 'Oh, look at that cute little dog!' Gemma got quite a lot of attention!

Me With Jake!

There is a good path through Dovedale, including a short climb with stone steps, a lot of which appear to have many fossils embedded in them- I do remember reading that these rocks were actually under the sea millenia ago!

Gemma has a unique way of walking... if she is tired, she will stop until she is carried for a few minutes (luckily she's a small dog- hope Jake doesn't get any ideas!) If she gets a piece of grass or vegetation stuck to her fur she will stop until it is located and removed. This can make progress rather painfully slow at times!

Doveholes

Just past the caves of Doveholes, it started to rain quite persistently. We took shelter under a large tree for a few minutes, until it eased, and then carried on to Milldale where we intended to eat lunch. There was a shelter with seats in it, but is was completely full of walkers wearing various brightly coloured waterproofs, so we elected to sit on a bench near the stream. I got us a coffee from the little shop which sells food, drinks and maps, and we sat in the drizzle. We were just about to eat our sarnies when Jake started coughing and brought up a wad of green water vegetation coated in white froth- don't you just love dogs!!

We defied the rain, which started again in ernest, and ate lunch- we even had a second cuppa! Typically enough, as soon as we finished the barn emptied. We made the decision to walk back the way we had come, rather than go up and over the hills, as we would have the shelter of the trees and Jake would be able to go back into the water.

We had a few showers on and off walking back, but were largely sheltered. We had a bit of excitement when
mum was convinced she had seen a kingfisher sitting on a stone, and in her eagerness to get a closer look stepped on Gemma- but it turned out to be a dipper (no, I don't know how she could confuse a brown and white bird with a kingfisher...)

Milldale And Viators Bridge

Jake Loving The Water!

We took our time on the way back, taking photos...

Mum And The Dogs

Gemma

We made it back to the bridge and had a welcome hot chocolate from the kiosk. Typically enough, as we drove away the sun bloody came out! Talk about rubbing it in... still, we did manage to have a good day and it was nice walking and chatting with mum.

Saturday I had originally intended to do the 28 mile Little John Challenge Walk, but my friend wanted to walk with me so I set my sights a little lower as she's not into walking distances. We walked about 5 miles in all, as she was feeling the heat, so not quite the training I had intended but still quite nice to walk and chat, and enjoy a coffee and a cake afterwards (and pub meal before!) I will do the Little John Challenge soon...

I have entered the Gym for Heroes challenge which my gym is participating in. There are two challenges for either teams or individuals- 3 hours non stop challenge (1 hour rowing, 1 hour on the stationary bike and one hour on the treadmill or elliptical) or 12 hours non stop challenge (4 hours on each) I was seriously intrigued by the 12 hour challenge, but seriously don't think I'd be up to that (it's more Jo's thing!) so I have registered for the 3 hours, which has to be completed between 24th and 30th July.

I have had quite a tough gym session this morning and have started to use some of the training schedule which was drawn up for me for the MdS, and I managed to do a lot more than I thought I could- so it looks as though the training isn't going so badly!