Thursday, December 13, 2012
A Really Long Overdue Update!
I have not updated this blog for far too long! And shall we just say my exercise routine has been somewhat sporadic. Oh it has existed... just not as much or as consistently as it should have done.
I have entered the 21st Century and made my first foray into the Smartphone world, and I think I am just about getting used to it- even if I did manage to get the predictive text function in French earlier.It takes pretty good photos, almost makes taking my camera out with me redundant!
The Woods near Holme Pierrepont- Taken By My Phone!
Next year I intend to blast off with some proper training and have already entered a couple of events to spur me on... I have entered the Three Shires Challenge again and would love to include the Shutlingsloe loop this time and complete the full 29 miles.
I suddenly realised I hadn't got around to entering the Belvoir Challenge, which is a must do event for me and usually the first one of the year! It usually fills up really quickly- round about now in fact- so not wanting to take any chances and trust the dodgy Royal Mail this near to Christmas I drove over to Harby and hand delivered my entry!
I would love to do a longer challenge next year- say a 40 miler, oh yes there's the Bullock Smithy as well... watch this space! I promise that next year is going to be a lot more eventful than this year turned out to be!!
I have entered the 21st Century and made my first foray into the Smartphone world, and I think I am just about getting used to it- even if I did manage to get the predictive text function in French earlier.It takes pretty good photos, almost makes taking my camera out with me redundant!
Next year I intend to blast off with some proper training and have already entered a couple of events to spur me on... I have entered the Three Shires Challenge again and would love to include the Shutlingsloe loop this time and complete the full 29 miles.
I suddenly realised I hadn't got around to entering the Belvoir Challenge, which is a must do event for me and usually the first one of the year! It usually fills up really quickly- round about now in fact- so not wanting to take any chances and trust the dodgy Royal Mail this near to Christmas I drove over to Harby and hand delivered my entry!
I would love to do a longer challenge next year- say a 40 miler, oh yes there's the Bullock Smithy as well... watch this space! I promise that next year is going to be a lot more eventful than this year turned out to be!!
Labels: Belvoir Challenge, Three Shires Challenge
Saturday, February 25, 2012
The Belvoir Challenge- Event Report
Well I always seem to start off by describing the mud... but today there was very little! I only got one foot wet once... I am almost disappointed... almost! In fact, it was a total contrast to last year as it was warm and sunny for most of the day.
As usual, I reached Harby in planty of time, got a coffee and met Kevin, who had been in the next door tent from me in the MdS, and his wife; they were doing the 16 mile route. After a welcome catch up, I wandered up to the school, where the event starts, went to the loo and heard an announcement that there was an aerobics warm up on the school field, so I went and joined in- I need all the help I can get!!
This year both routes started off together for the first 7 miles, and so I had my strategy to try to avoid 25 mile waits at stiles and boggy morasses- I decided to position myself ahead of the main mass of people but not too near the front so as not to p*ss off the serious runners, jog as much of the route as possible until the two routes split and spend as little time at the first checkpoint, which was to serve both 16 and 26 miler as possible. I was a bit apprehensive as the last time the routes stayed together for so long, I lost 25 minutes waiting to go over a stile and loads more time at the first checkpoint and ended up not finishing.
In the end I needn't have got too worried, as apart from a short wait to go through a gate at the first field, the organisers had chosen a route which followed good tracks with hardly any stiles, and had arranged for a gate to be opened near to each stile- and the muddy morass I had envisioned didn't happen!
I did run/ jog up to the first check point, overtaking walkers I knew would overtake me again later, and gulped down a couple of cups of juice, taking a slice of flap jack with me. The route gradually climbed towards Belvoir Castle and I was still trying to keep up a shambling, lurching kind of jog.
Belvoir Castle
As we approached the castle, the two routes split- the field had thinned out quite a lot by now but a few people ahead were reassuringly taking the 26 mile route, which wound by the castle on the road. My stategy had worked in so far as keeping me ahead of the main mass of people, but there was only one problem with it.
I was knackered. After only 7 miles.
By the time I reached the second checkpoint at Woolsthorpe my legs were aching quite badly and I cursed myself as I realised I had forgotten my paracetamol. There was a long, really steep climb straight after the checkpoint, which didn't help, and I promised myself a sit down and a cuppa at the 14 mile checkpoint at Denton.
Woolsthorpe
Looking Back To Belvoir Castle
After this the route followed several long tracks- easy walking but boring after a while, and it gave me too much time to think about how much my legs were aching and how rough I generally felt. Added to this the fact that walkers were now overtaking me (as I knew they would, but there is something rather demoralising about being overtaken by someone who then strides effortlessly off into the distance) and I was at a pretty low ebb- in fact, the possibility of having to retire swept across my mind in a fleeting moment. I hadn't actually done a 26 miler since the Ponton Plod and the fast (well fastish) start had taken it out of me.
We reached Denton reservoir, and followed the footpath to Denton. It was really warm and sunny, totally unlike the constant drizzle of last year.
Denton Reservoir
I heard someone close behind me when I started to climb a stile, so tried to rush and ended up giving my knee a good clout- I have a lovely bruise now!
I was so glad to reach Denton and sit down with a lovely cuppa, cheese and pickle sandwiches and the last but one piece of millionaire's shortbread. I knew I was now over halfway, and as I climbed out of Denton on the Harston road, my legs started to feel much better- it was as though they had suddenly realised what we were doing and thought 'Ok, it's a challenge walk... ' We followed the road to Harston, but a footpath keeps walkers off the road and through the fields for a lot of it.
I guessed that the next part of the route was the Ponton Plod in reverse until Croxton Kerriel and the 18 1/2 mile checkpoint, and was mostly right. Unfortunately knowing what's coming is not always so great as I couldn't stop thinking about the steep climb I had to face!
We ended up going through Croxton Kerriel to the Village Hall a different way than on the PP, and I had a welcome cake. I was chatting to one of the volunteers about the lack of mud and she mentioned that we would probably all want our money back!
Rather unusually, this was the last checkpoint so we had a 7 mile stretch back to Harby. I stocked up on a couple of pieces of mars bar but lost one when I got my camera out to take a photo.
The Croxton Water Spout
The route followed a lo-o-ong track, which I recognised from the Waltham Winder one year, to Branston. This track was actually a little- gasp- muddy!
Approaching Branston
After Branston, the route skirted Eaton, going through a gateway that was so muddy I actually got a wet foot- this was more like it!! Quite a few people passed me, and as we climbed up through a wood, I was them take a sharp right and then pick their way down the hill. What confronted me was a really steep descent down a loose, soil path. That was more than I could manage on my feet, so, to the amusement of the people in front, I walked down it crab style, belly uppermost, on my hands and feet!
Shortly after this I was faced with descending the infamous 'iron staircase' which tends to feature on the Belvoir Challenge quite a lot;
I had had enough by now. I wanted to finish- my legs were aching and it wasn't fun anymore! The last stretch from Eastwell, down the ridge and along tracks to Harby seemed endless. A few people had overtaken me and I decided that nobody else was going to, so actually put on a bit of a lurch along the track.
I really though I'd slowed up badly, but to my great surprise I finished in around 7 hours 40 minutes- a PB for the walk, but I am under no illusions that it was mainly due to the lack of mud and easier terrain!! Still... not bad...
My only little gripe with the catering is that the organisers tend to dish up different puddings and leave them on the table with a jug of custard for people to help themselves, rather than dishing up to order, which means that your pudding tends to be luke warm. They are also rather zealous about clearing up- I found a table, put my things on it, went to the loo, and came back to find it had been cleared away and my stuff was on the floor!
It is a grand day out, and my first event of the year completed, I guess next year will be business as usual with the mud!
As usual, I reached Harby in planty of time, got a coffee and met Kevin, who had been in the next door tent from me in the MdS, and his wife; they were doing the 16 mile route. After a welcome catch up, I wandered up to the school, where the event starts, went to the loo and heard an announcement that there was an aerobics warm up on the school field, so I went and joined in- I need all the help I can get!!
This year both routes started off together for the first 7 miles, and so I had my strategy to try to avoid 25 mile waits at stiles and boggy morasses- I decided to position myself ahead of the main mass of people but not too near the front so as not to p*ss off the serious runners, jog as much of the route as possible until the two routes split and spend as little time at the first checkpoint, which was to serve both 16 and 26 miler as possible. I was a bit apprehensive as the last time the routes stayed together for so long, I lost 25 minutes waiting to go over a stile and loads more time at the first checkpoint and ended up not finishing.
In the end I needn't have got too worried, as apart from a short wait to go through a gate at the first field, the organisers had chosen a route which followed good tracks with hardly any stiles, and had arranged for a gate to be opened near to each stile- and the muddy morass I had envisioned didn't happen!
I did run/ jog up to the first check point, overtaking walkers I knew would overtake me again later, and gulped down a couple of cups of juice, taking a slice of flap jack with me. The route gradually climbed towards Belvoir Castle and I was still trying to keep up a shambling, lurching kind of jog.
As we approached the castle, the two routes split- the field had thinned out quite a lot by now but a few people ahead were reassuringly taking the 26 mile route, which wound by the castle on the road. My stategy had worked in so far as keeping me ahead of the main mass of people, but there was only one problem with it.
I was knackered. After only 7 miles.
By the time I reached the second checkpoint at Woolsthorpe my legs were aching quite badly and I cursed myself as I realised I had forgotten my paracetamol. There was a long, really steep climb straight after the checkpoint, which didn't help, and I promised myself a sit down and a cuppa at the 14 mile checkpoint at Denton.
After this the route followed several long tracks- easy walking but boring after a while, and it gave me too much time to think about how much my legs were aching and how rough I generally felt. Added to this the fact that walkers were now overtaking me (as I knew they would, but there is something rather demoralising about being overtaken by someone who then strides effortlessly off into the distance) and I was at a pretty low ebb- in fact, the possibility of having to retire swept across my mind in a fleeting moment. I hadn't actually done a 26 miler since the Ponton Plod and the fast (well fastish) start had taken it out of me.
We reached Denton reservoir, and followed the footpath to Denton. It was really warm and sunny, totally unlike the constant drizzle of last year.
I heard someone close behind me when I started to climb a stile, so tried to rush and ended up giving my knee a good clout- I have a lovely bruise now!
I was so glad to reach Denton and sit down with a lovely cuppa, cheese and pickle sandwiches and the last but one piece of millionaire's shortbread. I knew I was now over halfway, and as I climbed out of Denton on the Harston road, my legs started to feel much better- it was as though they had suddenly realised what we were doing and thought 'Ok, it's a challenge walk... ' We followed the road to Harston, but a footpath keeps walkers off the road and through the fields for a lot of it.
I guessed that the next part of the route was the Ponton Plod in reverse until Croxton Kerriel and the 18 1/2 mile checkpoint, and was mostly right. Unfortunately knowing what's coming is not always so great as I couldn't stop thinking about the steep climb I had to face!
We ended up going through Croxton Kerriel to the Village Hall a different way than on the PP, and I had a welcome cake. I was chatting to one of the volunteers about the lack of mud and she mentioned that we would probably all want our money back!
Rather unusually, this was the last checkpoint so we had a 7 mile stretch back to Harby. I stocked up on a couple of pieces of mars bar but lost one when I got my camera out to take a photo.
The route followed a lo-o-ong track, which I recognised from the Waltham Winder one year, to Branston. This track was actually a little- gasp- muddy!
After Branston, the route skirted Eaton, going through a gateway that was so muddy I actually got a wet foot- this was more like it!! Quite a few people passed me, and as we climbed up through a wood, I was them take a sharp right and then pick their way down the hill. What confronted me was a really steep descent down a loose, soil path. That was more than I could manage on my feet, so, to the amusement of the people in front, I walked down it crab style, belly uppermost, on my hands and feet!
Shortly after this I was faced with descending the infamous 'iron staircase' which tends to feature on the Belvoir Challenge quite a lot;
I had had enough by now. I wanted to finish- my legs were aching and it wasn't fun anymore! The last stretch from Eastwell, down the ridge and along tracks to Harby seemed endless. A few people had overtaken me and I decided that nobody else was going to, so actually put on a bit of a lurch along the track.
I really though I'd slowed up badly, but to my great surprise I finished in around 7 hours 40 minutes- a PB for the walk, but I am under no illusions that it was mainly due to the lack of mud and easier terrain!! Still... not bad...
My only little gripe with the catering is that the organisers tend to dish up different puddings and leave them on the table with a jug of custard for people to help themselves, rather than dishing up to order, which means that your pudding tends to be luke warm. They are also rather zealous about clearing up- I found a table, put my things on it, went to the loo, and came back to find it had been cleared away and my stuff was on the floor!
It is a grand day out, and my first event of the year completed, I guess next year will be business as usual with the mud!
Labels: Belvoir Challenge
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Apologies For The Absence... Again!
Seriously, I must write more often... the last couple of weeks has been filled with work, training (not too hard) and a trip to Blackpool to see my sister. Luckily her and my Brother-in-Law are a lot keener on walking than sight seeing on Blackpool prom, so we did a little amble in the Forest of Bowland area- they are so lucky, they live within an hour's drive of the Forest of Bowland, the Dales and the Lakes...
It was a bit overcast, we set off on an 8 mile route my Brother-in-Law devised which took in fellside, fields and a cafe.
Forest Of Bowland Scenery
After climbing and traversing fell side, we had quite a lot of squelching through fields and farmland. I was particularly impressed with one exclusive looking housing estate that had the best footpath signs I have ever come across.
They obviously like horses too judging by the sign and the rather classy statue at the end of the drive...
We were seriously impressed... until we reached the end of the drive and saw the massive Man United emblems built in to the wrought iron gates... kind of spoilt the effect rather!
After a welcome cuppa and teacake at The Applestore in Wyresdale, we tackled Nicky Nook fell. I've been up here several times before, but we came down by a differen route, past Grize Dale Reservoir and through a lovely permissive path back through the woods to the car.
The good news is I have been going out for 5 mile more runs than walk, and so far so good with the knee. I wanted to do a longish walk prior to the Belvoir Challenge, but this hasn't really happened- I felt rough on Sunday with a cold so only did 10 miles, and my social life has been rather hectic too.
The Belvoir Challenge route is on their web site... and I must say, it's not great news. Both the 15 and the 26 mile routes follow each other for around 8-9 miles, and share the first checkpoint. Given that there will be hundreds and hundreds of entrants, many of them runners (and therefore faster than me) that means that the first few miles, and the checkpoint, will be extremely busy and very churned underfoot. The last time the routes stayed together for so long was the only year I didn't complete the event, and I think it was partly due to me losing so much time waiting for over 20 minutes to cross a stile (ok that and the fact that I was pathetically unfit...)
In my opinion it would have been better to have reversed one of the distances so we are not all setting off in the same direction... but it is what it is and I will just have to make the best of it!
It was a bit overcast, we set off on an 8 mile route my Brother-in-Law devised which took in fellside, fields and a cafe.
After climbing and traversing fell side, we had quite a lot of squelching through fields and farmland. I was particularly impressed with one exclusive looking housing estate that had the best footpath signs I have ever come across.
They obviously like horses too judging by the sign and the rather classy statue at the end of the drive...
After a welcome cuppa and teacake at The Applestore in Wyresdale, we tackled Nicky Nook fell. I've been up here several times before, but we came down by a differen route, past Grize Dale Reservoir and through a lovely permissive path back through the woods to the car.
The Belvoir Challenge route is on their web site... and I must say, it's not great news. Both the 15 and the 26 mile routes follow each other for around 8-9 miles, and share the first checkpoint. Given that there will be hundreds and hundreds of entrants, many of them runners (and therefore faster than me) that means that the first few miles, and the checkpoint, will be extremely busy and very churned underfoot. The last time the routes stayed together for so long was the only year I didn't complete the event, and I think it was partly due to me losing so much time waiting for over 20 minutes to cross a stile (ok that and the fact that I was pathetically unfit...)
In my opinion it would have been better to have reversed one of the distances so we are not all setting off in the same direction... but it is what it is and I will just have to make the best of it!
Labels: Belvoir Challenge, Forest of Bowland, Nicky Nook
Monday, January 02, 2012
Hello 2012!!
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!
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!
Labels: Belvoir Challenge, Challenge walks
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Getting Better... I think!!
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!
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!
Labels: 10k running, Belvoir Challenge
Monday, March 07, 2011
The Belvoir Challenge- Event Report
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...
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.
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...
Labels: Belvoir Challenge
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Finally- Proper Training!
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!
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!
Labels: Belvoir Challenge
Thursday, February 10, 2011
A Better Week!
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...
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.
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.
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...
Labels: Belvoir Challenge, Burton Joyce, Epperstone
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Getting There... Slowly...
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!
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...
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!
Labels: Belvoir Challenge, elliptical trainer
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Move Along People, Nothing To See Here...
... 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.
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.
Labels: Belvoir Challenge, illness
Saturday, January 01, 2011
Happy New Year!! Here's To 2011!!!!
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?
... 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?
Labels: Belvoir Challenge, Grindleford Gallop, New Year
Saturday, February 27, 2010
The Belvoir Challenge- Event Report
Now the Belvoir Challenge is usually renowned for being extremely wet and muddy underfoot... usually... and this year was certainly no exception!! Can't believe that I haven't done this one since 2007. It is quite high in my affections, being the very first LDWA event I ever did, way back in 1996 (interestingly enough, I don't think I have ever bettered the time I did it in then). It is also the only 26 mile event I had to pull out of in 2004- I was near my top weight and not very fit. I lost quite a lot of time in a horrendous queue for a stile and ended up at the back of the field- the routes split a lot later that year and everyone around me disappeared down the 15 mile route, leaving me completely alone. I limped along at the rear and finally had had enough at 21 1/2 miles- it was dark and snowing and I gave up at the last checkpoint.
I haven't done a 26 miler like that for some time so was slightly apprehensive about today... especially seeing how much rain we had this week!
It only took me about 25 minutes to drive to Harby so I got quite a central parking space. Registration and the finish point were at the Village Hall this year, rather than the school (the event is run to raise funds for Harby Primary School). It was quite manic when I got there- there are around 1,200 people doing either the 26 or 16 mile route, and this year was rather special, being the 20th Belvoir Challenge. Apparently 74 people did the first ever one!
They did have portaloos this year, I think they have learnt from previous years. I had my usual cuppa and banana before wandering to the start line at the school further along the road. We don't get a route description for this one, they always mark the routes with ribbons of red and white tape- I suspect this is because they get special permission to go through the grounds of the Belvoir Estate so don't want people walking it again or recciing it.
The route changes each year- this year I noticed that the long and short routes stay together for the first few miles, so positioned myself very carefully at the start- not too near the front to piss off the runners, but ahead of the mass of 16 mile walkers in case of stiles!
I haven't done a 26 miler like that for some time so was slightly apprehensive about today... especially seeing how much rain we had this week!
It only took me about 25 minutes to drive to Harby so I got quite a central parking space. Registration and the finish point were at the Village Hall this year, rather than the school (the event is run to raise funds for Harby Primary School). It was quite manic when I got there- there are around 1,200 people doing either the 26 or 16 mile route, and this year was rather special, being the 20th Belvoir Challenge. Apparently 74 people did the first ever one!
They did have portaloos this year, I think they have learnt from previous years. I had my usual cuppa and banana before wandering to the start line at the school further along the road. We don't get a route description for this one, they always mark the routes with ribbons of red and white tape- I suspect this is because they get special permission to go through the grounds of the Belvoir Estate so don't want people walking it again or recciing it.
The route changes each year- this year I noticed that the long and short routes stay together for the first few miles, so positioned myself very carefully at the start- not too near the front to piss off the runners, but ahead of the mass of 16 mile walkers in case of stiles!
The Start- With The School
9 o'clock came and we were let loose on the unsuspecting village. It wasn't too long before we hit the first muddy track- Belvoir mud is quite unique- it is clay, so extremely sticky and slippery at the same time! I had chosen to wear my old running shoes and resigned to getting absolutely caked.
Luckily, there followed good tracks and no stiles- think they must have learnt from previous years on this too!
Loads Of Brightly Attired Runners In The Distance
It started to drizzle, which carried on for much of the day apart from a few dry (and sunny once) intervals. Shortly after this shot the two routes split and we had a steep muddy scramble up the escarpment in the distance before following lovely muddy fields to the first checkpoint at Scalford.
There are always loads of cakes on offer, baked by volunteers who must have been at it all week. The flapjack was to die for!!
Unusually Dry Fields
We had a brief respite, walking through fields and alongside some gallops on a thankfully dry path. All that was to end though... I noticed the people in front of me heading up a track and my heart sank as I recognised it from the Ponton Plod route. It is notoriously rutted and difficult, and today it was gluttinously slimey and slippery too! I am really not good in mud and everybody always comes past me as I slither about on the spot.
The path along the field edges to Croxton Kerrial was slippy too, I was passed by a lady striding along like she was on tarmac, advising me to 'keep high and walk on the grass'. Eventually I reached Croxton Kerrial- the half way point with coffee, sandwiches (the only veggie ones being jam unfortunately) and cold pizza. There were a fair few there- I heard one chap tell his friend that the route had been changed from here on, but looking at it now it wasn't. One of the helpers said that last year's event had been the driest one ever- there was hardly any mud and everyone finished much faster than usual! I said that it just wouldn't be the same without the mud...
As we left the village, we followed the Ponton Plod route for a while- along more really muddy, slippy paths. It was a relief to reach relatively dry fields;
Fields Near Harston
We had a bit of road walking after Harston, and I guessed they were going to take us down Sewstern Lane, which was correct. Sewstern Lane should be lovely but unfortunately isn't. It's used by off roaders and motor cyclists, so is rutted as well as slippy. I even came across a burnt out car on it a few years ago. Following this, we had a quite steep, grassy descent to Woolsthorpe, with good views of Belvoir Castle;
Belvoir Castle
There was another checkpoint here, with more yummy flapjack (not that I'm food obsessed or anything...) After this we had a long pull up to the castle.
After a bit of road walking, we dropped down a mostly good track, which turned out to be slightly demoralising as it went on for ages- you could see walkers who were just a tiny speck miles ahead.
The Never Ending Track
The track eventually turned uphill into the woods and became muddy (no surprise there!) We had quite a long climb before dropping down through the woods to the last checkpoint- it was in the middle of nowhere but they had a caravan and were offering coffee! One of the volunteers drove up and told the folks manning the checkpoint that the last walkers had just left the Woolsthorpe checkpoint. They were calculating how long it might take them to reach this one, reckoning on them doing 4 miles per hour, which I thought was a bit of wishful thinking as I hadn't been doing that and had had a few little jogs, plus the mud would slow them down and they would be getting tired.
I left the checkpoint behind two other walkers, and was frustrated to find that we had to follow another muddy, slidy path for a considerable distance through the woods. Eventually this became a slightly easier muddy track. I had stones in my shoes which were hurting so had to remove my shoes which was a very filthy operation, with me trying to work out how to undo my laces without actually touching them! (If anyone works this out let me know).
We came across a stile and footpath sign leading away from the track, which had lots of red and white tape around it and more tape in the field beyond. People were having a bit of a conflab- some thought it was straight on and others were in the field looking for more tape. I walked down the field a bit but couldn't see any more tape, so we all went straight down the track. It was a relief to see more red and white tape confirming our decision, obviously it had been somebody's idea of a highly unfunny joke!
We passed through Stathern and back into fields;
Glad This Wasn't Our Path!
Of course, they turned out to be very muddy fields! Was I really expecting anything else!?! I was hoping for a sub 9 hour finish, as I had done it in 10 hours 11 minutes in 2005, 8 hours 59 minutes in 2006, and 9 hours 10 minutes in 2007.
There were quite a few people around me, and we turned on to a depressingly slippery path, so of course they all passed me which was quite frustrating as I felt quite strong and would have been striding out had it been a good path (maybe my secret weapon of 2 nurofen at the half way point had more to do with this than my fitness!!) It started to rain heavier, and was just starting to get dark but I knew I would finish in daylight which is a plus (although I did have my head torch on me this year!).
Eventually we reached the village, and I managed to put a bit of a spurt on, passing folks and running to the end- my time was 8 hours 26 minutes which I am delighted with- I know the route changes each year but it was certainly no easier than previous years!
I had some cold bread and butter pudding with cold custard, which went down well. I actually had the foresight to take a change of clothing- talk about caked!! I think I will tackle my shoes tomorrow...
After a long hot soak in the bath I am feeling human again, damage is one blister on my right foot and slightly aching legs, so I'm well chuffed with today's result.
Labels: Belvoir Challenge
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Another Overdue Post!!
Another over due post... life seems to be a bit hectic lately what with training and trying to find somewhere to live!!
Although training hasn't been great, I have been doing some for Saturday's Belvoir Challenge. I have forced myself into the gym and out in the countryside- Saturday 13th February I covered 17 1/5 miles; I walked my usual route to Stoke Bardolph, and this time turned left alongside the River Trent, bypassing Burton Joyce (not completely... I needed to take advantage of the public loos!)
Gunthorpe Bridge
There is the option of taking a bridleway instead of following the river, a lane running a straight course compared to the river's meandering one, so I followed this, rejoining the river further up.
I followed the river under the bridge and past Gunthorpe.
Gunthorpe Bridge
I stayed with the river for a while longer before cutting across fields to the village of Caythorpe and back to Gunthorpe. As I made my way back to Burton Joyce along the river, it started to rain but luckily didn't come to much. This section of the river is quite attractive and I saw a bird of prey (buzzard?) near Burton Joyce.
Looking Across The River To Sheldon
I reached Stoke Bardolph again and joined my usual route by the Lagoons. I was feeling pretty tired and my legs were aching- not a good feeling considering I'd still have another 10 miles to go in the Belvoir Challenge!!
Last Saturday I got out for a 13/ 14 mile route, around Stoke Bardolph and Colwick Park, quite local and easy. I made myself run quite a lot of it and actually felt quite strong- hopefully a good sign!
This week I've been tapering really- just a shortish run Tuesday and I am putting off going to the gym at the moment so will get into gear as soon as I finish this cup of coffee!!
We've had just enough rain lately to make the Belvoir Challenge nice and muddy... the route is now on the site; there is a shorter option of 16 miles, and it looks as though both options follow the same route through tracks in the woods for the last few miles, so by the time I get there it will probably be a quagmire!!
Here's hoping I can do this... bit worried as I haven't done that distance for some time and the mud is bound to slow me down! Hope everyone else has a great weekend.
Labels: Belvoir Challenge
Friday, January 22, 2010
Nearly 40...
I have two more days left of being in my 30's... I am 40 on Sunday- how the f*** did that happen??? I feel as though I haven't even begun to do all the things I planned to do and now time is running out!!
Mentally I feel no different from when I was 20 but physically I am probably about to fall to pieces! Time certainly has a habit of creeping up on you without you noticing.
I suppose it's normal to feel like this (is it??) and I should just take a look at all those folks who achieve great things well into their 60's and even 70's- I know that there are many of them.
For now, I am off to Center Parcs in Sherwood Forest with the family for a weekend of fun, relaxing and hopefully some swimming. Then it's time to forget about being 40 and concentrate on training for the Belvoir Challenge! Hope everyone else has a good weekend.
Mentally I feel no different from when I was 20 but physically I am probably about to fall to pieces! Time certainly has a habit of creeping up on you without you noticing.
I suppose it's normal to feel like this (is it??) and I should just take a look at all those folks who achieve great things well into their 60's and even 70's- I know that there are many of them.
For now, I am off to Center Parcs in Sherwood Forest with the family for a weekend of fun, relaxing and hopefully some swimming. Then it's time to forget about being 40 and concentrate on training for the Belvoir Challenge! Hope everyone else has a good weekend.
Labels: Belvoir Challenge, center parcs
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Getting A Bit Fed Up With It Now...
The weather that is. I mean, the snow is ok at first, it makes everywhere look pretty and is quite good fun to crunch through. But then it hangs around and freezes night after night, and turns the pavements and roads into a lethal ice rink.
It's so cold and frosty out my motivation for anything more strenuous than sitting watching telly and eating my own bodyweight in chocolate just goes out of the window.
I did venture out for a walk on Saturday- we had quite a lot of snow overnight Friday so I grabbed my camera and took a few pretty snowy pics on my usual 7 miler round Stoke Bardolph and the Lagoons;
Pretty Snow Pictures...
The Lake Had Almost Completely Frozen Over
We did have a bit of a thaw Tuesday night, as it was wet, most of the snow and ice had gone so I took the opportunity for a run, dodging the worst bits- I'm a bit of a wimp and not too good at keeping my feet on dodgy terrain! Unfortunately it froze overnight and was absolutely lethal yesterday, we had to stay in the office all day at work- then to add insult to injury it snowed again!
I think it's gone now though so I may even be able to walk to the gym without fracturing something...
I have entered the Belvoir Challenge, which is to be my first event of the year, so better get up to covering 26 miles in a day again! I have also entered the Grindleford Gallop, which is a fun one to do.
I have also booked to see a nutritionist- I figure that some professional advice on what I should be eating whilst exercising won't go amiss as I guess chocolate's not an ideal fuel! Although I have to keep a food diary before I go- and be honest...
It's so cold and frosty out my motivation for anything more strenuous than sitting watching telly and eating my own bodyweight in chocolate just goes out of the window.
I did venture out for a walk on Saturday- we had quite a lot of snow overnight Friday so I grabbed my camera and took a few pretty snowy pics on my usual 7 miler round Stoke Bardolph and the Lagoons;
Pretty Snow Pictures...
The Lake Had Almost Completely Frozen Over
We did have a bit of a thaw Tuesday night, as it was wet, most of the snow and ice had gone so I took the opportunity for a run, dodging the worst bits- I'm a bit of a wimp and not too good at keeping my feet on dodgy terrain! Unfortunately it froze overnight and was absolutely lethal yesterday, we had to stay in the office all day at work- then to add insult to injury it snowed again!
I think it's gone now though so I may even be able to walk to the gym without fracturing something...
I have entered the Belvoir Challenge, which is to be my first event of the year, so better get up to covering 26 miles in a day again! I have also entered the Grindleford Gallop, which is a fun one to do.
I have also booked to see a nutritionist- I figure that some professional advice on what I should be eating whilst exercising won't go amiss as I guess chocolate's not an ideal fuel! Although I have to keep a food diary before I go- and be honest...
Labels: Belvoir Challenge, Grindleford Gallop, nutritionist, snow
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Moving On...
Does anybody else struggle to come up with suitably original and descriptive titles for their blog posts?
I haven't done an awful lot since I last posted, apart from a steady 10 miler last night. I had to stop a few times to answer texts, maybe I should leave the phone at home!!
I am considering doing a fairly long walk Saturday, with a pack- in the region of 17 miles or thereabouts... the next suitable LDWA walk looks to be the Belvoir Challenge in February so need to keep my hand (and legs!!) in.
Am considering doing something tonight but not sure what as should have been going for a meal but my mate has succumbed to this sickness bug that's doing the rounds!
I haven't done an awful lot since I last posted, apart from a steady 10 miler last night. I had to stop a few times to answer texts, maybe I should leave the phone at home!!
I am considering doing a fairly long walk Saturday, with a pack- in the region of 17 miles or thereabouts... the next suitable LDWA walk looks to be the Belvoir Challenge in February so need to keep my hand (and legs!!) in.
Am considering doing something tonight but not sure what as should have been going for a meal but my mate has succumbed to this sickness bug that's doing the rounds!
Labels: Belvoir Challenge, walking
