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!

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# posted by Steph Cooke @ 5:48 PM 6 comments

Monday, September 17, 2007

 

The Ponton Plod

Buckminster Water Tower

I completed the Ponton Plod yesterday- a 27 mile walk around the Grantham area. I managed not to get a speeding ticket on the way over, and got to the starting point at Great Ponton village in plenty of time to buy a round of toast and jam. This is a fairly new challenge walk, only the second year it's been held, so there wasn't a big field. There was a shorter route of 17 miles which most had opted for, with about 35 doing the full route.

As we set off, it was apparent that most of them were runners, and quickly left me in their dust! We were very lucky with the weather, it was dry and mostly sunny, and turned very warm in the afternoon.
Great Ponton is right next to the A1, so at the start we had to cross it using a footbridge. Good bridleway tracks took us through a golf course and through the estates of a large country house currently being restored. The routes split here, most opting for the 17 mile route (they don't know what they're missing!!) After passing an ornamental lake, we walked through the sandstone village of Stoke Rochford before a mile of road walking. As most of the route is in Lincolnshire, it is fairly gentle with some climbs but nothing too taxing.

We passed through Skillington before taking a track leading to Buckminster water tower. Last year it seemed endless, but this year I was prepared for it so it wasn't too bad! I stopped to take a photo of the water tower (above), and decided to jog to the check point just past it. Justas I nearly got there, I went to check my route description... to find I hadn't got it anymore! Thinking I must have dropped it where I took the photo, I ran back to the spot and luckily it was there- it was quite windy so got knows what I would have done had it blown away!
Cursing myself I ran back- again- to the check point and had some cake and a banana, whilst some other folks checked in.
The next part of the route followed the Mowbray Way, and went across fields to Sproxton village. The terrain was quite interesting; it is a very agricultural area so there was lots of walking through ploughed fields and very uneven ground. Good training though for different types of terrain that could be encountered on the MdS!



Glider Being Towed, Near Sproxton
The next bit of the route took us past gallops (being used by a lone horseman) and past an isolated church. There must have been a motorbike ralley on, as they could be heard for miles. When the route left the road and climbed uphill, I could just make them out in a nearby field.
The route reached the pretty little village of Saltby and turned down a hidden footpath (which I walked straight by last year). The countryside was lovely here, wide open fields, lots of little woods and ponds.

Ponds Near Saltby

The halfway point was a little further on, after an extremely rutted track and more ploughed field walking, at Croxton Kerrial Village Hall. There was a lady marshalling the crossing point over the main A607 Melton to Grantham road, and her grandson directed me to the hall, he seemed quite proud of his responsibilities and told me he recognised me from last year, which is slightly worrying!
There was substantial food here, sandwiches, malt loaf, mini mars bars etc, plus a very welcome cup of coffee. A couple came in and joined me, the lady walks regularly with the Lincolnshire LDWA group. Apparently there were three others being us, a chap and two girls; they all came in whilst I was there.
It was a bit of a wrench leaving but I left just ahead of the others. The route was quite undulating from here, and once it reached Harston there was more road walking to reach Sewstern Lane. This is an ancient track, but instead of going down here we turned onto a cycle track following the course of an old railway. It made for some easier walking.
Once at Denton, the route took us up to Denton Reservoir, sparkling in the sun.
Denton Reservoir
More big field walking brought us to the village of Harlaxton, where there was another check pint and cuppa! It was really warm at this point and I was feeling a little dehydrated. My legs had also started to ache a bit, but nothing too serious.
After the check point, there was quite a sustained climb, with a great view back over the crop fields to Harlaxton. I remember looking back for signs of other walkers, and feeling surprised thatI couldn't spot anybody, but looking at the photo I can clearly see four others starting the climb! (may be a bit small to spot here though!)


Looking Back To Harlaxton
There was another bit of road walking before another footpath through field filled with loads of timid sheep, including a much heavier, thickset breed I'd not seen before.
The last checkpoint was at Wyville, a small hamlet boasting a church, couple of houses and not much else. I was asked how many were behind me, and replied five, but was then told that there were eleven people unaccounted for!
I left the check point, wanting to finish. The last bit of the route was gently undulating and finished on bridleways; I amazed myself by actually jogging most of the last mile!


Footbridge Over The A1
The meal at the finish was soup- parsnip and apple, which was surprisingly tasty- and apple pie and custard, which really hit the spot. I heard that all walkers had now been accounted for, and the five who were behind me arrived.
My time was 8 hours 21 minutes- 22 minutes quicker than last year's time so I'm quite chuffed with that! I was a little stiff afterwards, and am today, but not too bad. I treated myself to a light pack, so was only carrying waterproofs and two small bottles of drink.
All in all- good day and good result!





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# posted by Steph Cooke @ 10:42 PM 0 comments

Monday, September 03, 2007

 

The Charnwood Round

I decided against doing the Bullock Smithy Hike this weekend as a; it's a massive jump up in distance with quite a tough route, b; there is navigation work involved, and I'm notoriously sh*te at using a compass and c; I would have struggled to get there.

So I instead opted for the Charnwood Round anytime challenge walk I picked up a few years ago, and have been meaning to do ever since. There are opportunities for shortening the route, but I opted to do the full 33 miles. As there would be no check points, I had to take my own water and food- 3 litres of water, a lucozade drink and flask of coffee, so my pack was quite heavy (although it did lighten as the day went on!)

The route starts at Newtown Linford, a pretty stone village at the end of Bradgate Park (childhood home of Lady Jane Grey). It was a lovely morning as I left the village and walked through the fields, the dew soaked my running shoes. I decided to wear these as wearing walking boots over this kind of distance just knackers my feet.

Field near Newtown Linford

This was part of the Charnwood Marathon I did in March, but in reverse. I made my way up the road to the impressive ruins of Ulverscroft Priory (much of which were under some kind of plastic covering).


Ulverscroft Priory

From here, the route went through the busy hamlet of Copt Oak before a long gradual ascent towards Bardon Hill.

Old Rise Rocks
I didn't go up the the summit of Bardon Hill (it was off route and not part of the mileage). Although it's the highest point in Leicestershire, there were apparently paths leading over the summit and a large deer park at one time. Now, sadly, it's just a shell as most of it has been quarried away. From the trig point marking the summit, the view beyond is just vast expanses of quarry.
I made my way through the edge of Coalville and up through the lovely permissive path over the rocky Warren Hills. As I stopped for a coffee and biscuit (bit of luxury!) it clouded over which was a shame. The route then dropped down to Mount St Bernard's Abbey, which is a modern order so still in use. The route takes an 8 mile loop back to this point, so I set off over Blackbrook Reservoir and up to the woods and deserted railway track near Shepshed. I remembered that there has recently been a (genuine!) panther sighting here by an off duty policeman out running.
The route then dropped down by the furthest point of the reservoir, and it was here I saw something strange; a dead fox, but twisted as though it had died in agony. Bits of it had been torn away and it had been mostly eaten, down to the bone on tail and paws. I'd never seen anything like this before, could have been a dog but you never know...
I stopped for lunch in a field and then had a mile of road walking. This was new territory for me so was quite interesting, although I nearly missed the next footpath. This took me through woods, I was a bit concerned as there were lots of different paths leading off, but I used my judgment and emerged on the road in the right place!
The route touched the town of Whitwick before turning back towards Mount St Bernard's Abbey; the path skirted a quarry, apparently there was a volcano here which erupted over 570 million years ago, and they are blasting the original core.
Once back at the Abbey there was a mile of road walking to the tiny hamlet of Oaks In Charnwood, before a climb to the top of Lubcloud. It was quite windy at this point and started to spit with rain, but didn't come to anything. This was also part of the Charnwood Marathon, and I dropped down to walk under the M1 before climbing to the road to Nanpantan. This wasn't very pleasant as it was road walking, and it's amazing the number of cars who refuse to slow down or move over at all for walkers!
A permissive path I'd not used before took me over a small, rocky promontory called Buck Hill, which had quite impressive views over Loughborough and Longcliffe Hall.


Longcliffe Hall
A walk along the ridge and descent and trudge along the valley floor brought me to the ascent to Beacon Hill. My legs were aching a bit at this point, and once I'd climbed to the trig point, I rested for a few minutes and ate my remaining roll. A long gradual descent (which I jogged) took me to Woodhouse Eaves, where I met an old gentleman pushing his bike. He explained he couldn't make the hill, as he'd done half an hour on his rowing machine as well, and asked me how far I was walking. He seemed amazed when I told him!


Beacon Hill And The 'Devil's Profile'
A nice easy route took me through Woodhouse to Quorn, the whole route to Bradgate Park was now following the Charnwood Marathon route in reverse. The path from Quorn follows the stream and is quite narrow, and I was most preturbed to round a bend and come face to face with a massive red and white bull with large horns, right in the middle of the path! Luckily it was very docile, and just watch me.
As I reached Swithland woods, it started to rain. I passed through the woods, as quickly as I could as the soles of my feet were burning a bit and I just wanted to finish. A walk across a huge meadow field brought me to Bradgate Park, and I followed the tarmac path running through the Park to Newtown Linford. This is a drag at the best of times, and the rain decided to really go for it (where is this Indian summer we were promised!?!) My mate rang, and it was quite good to be able to chat as I was walking, but by the time I got back to the car I was soaked as I decided I couldn't be bothered to put waterproofs on!
My lovely mum had saved me a Sunday dinner, which was very very welcome... my legs were aching a bit, but not too bad, I'm just a little stiff. The soles of my feet are a little sore still and I have a blister, but all in all, I'm in pretty good shape. The walk took me 11 1/2 hours, which is quite slow, but I wasn't rushing, I just wanted to do the distance with a decent pack weight, and it's all time on the feet.
At least the rain won't be a problem in the desert!!




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# posted by Steph Cooke @ 9:51 AM 1 comments

Saturday, August 25, 2007

 

Weekend Update

It's the weekend again, can't believe how fast the year's going! Well, so far this week I have done another 6 miler, completely Achilles heel problem free! I really think I can start to build up the distances now, but will take it slowly. I am planning to build back up to half marathon distance.

I have also done the usual work out at the gym, and quite a lot of walking. Plus multi tasking; using my mini stepper whilst watching telly!

I am planning a longer walk for next weekend, after my Dad and stepmum have returned to Spain. I have a route plan for a 34 mile Challenge walk around the Charnwood area in Leics which I'm thinking of doing.

I think my plan will be to build up a good endurance base this year, building up the long walks and runs up to half marathon distance, then next year concentrate on building distances and gradually increasing pack weight. I will also need to try out equipment too, and drinks/ powders etc. I will really need to up the distances over Christmas/ New Year 2008/9 and taper in the weeks leading up to the event.

Rich came up with a good suggestion- duathlons! I am definately going to look into this. I am going to try with the swimming, too, but cannot ever imagine being able to swim a mile front crawl! I couldn't even make a pool length without nearly drowning!

It's a lovely day for a change... think I will make the most of it and go for a walk later!

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# posted by Steph Cooke @ 2:52 PM 0 comments

Monday, August 06, 2007

 

The Dovedale Dipper

Yesterday was the Dovedale Dipper, and it was, surprisingly, a scorching hot day. Just like the last two years, but I’d been wondering due to summer we have(n’t) had so far!

I packed my large rucksack with a pair of trainers, waterproofs, fleece and about 3 litres of water- Just to build up strength, not because I thought I’d need them! I think it was quite a bit heavier than last year’s pack.

It only took me about 1 ¼ hours to get to Hartington, and I drove through the village without realising the car park had changed this year! I got to the Village Hall in plenty of time to have a coffee and apply loads of sunscreen. This is certainly a popular event, there were loads of walkers for both the 26 and 15 mile routes.

We set off, to the blast of the horn, and started climbing steadily to Parsley Hay. The route was undulating until we reached the High Peak trail which took us to the first checkpoint. I ended up following walkers or runners virtually all the way around, and hardly needed my route description. The organisers had sign-posted much of the route, too, with red and white ‘DD’ signs.

The High Peak Trail

I had a quick drink (and biscuits- for carbs) at the first checkpoint and headed off along the High Peak trail before descending from it and climbing once more to cross an old railway. After this was quite a long downhill stretch, and it was along here that the first of the runners came past me. It was really hot now, and I was sweating buckets, but then I always do- at least my own personal cooling system is efficient, which is good, as I am going to need it in 2009!!

A guy with a fat cocker spaniel came past me, and I caught them up at a wooden stile; the poor dog was trying to heave himself through a small gap and was never going to fit, so I lifted him up and over the top! There are loads of stiles on this route, and the greatest variety I’ve seen, ranging from the usual wooden variety, to rocky steps up the side of a dry stone wall, the narrow stone ‘v’ type (which are very hard to negotiate when you’ve got short legs), small wooden gates with very powerful springs, plus an odd combination of ‘v’stiles and gates.

A climb out of the valley on a farm track brought us to the second check point at Longor, I was so hot I drank about 4- 5 cups of water. The following stretch had amazing views across the Peaks, before descending up through gorse bushes on a really wet, muddy track.

Views Across The Peaks


A steady climb along the road led to checkpoint three, at Revidge; Rich came in as I was having a drink; he is doing the MdS next year. We had a chat, and compared experiences, it was good to meet you too Rich!

I left the check point shortly after (behind Rich, who went off looking very strong) and soon reached the biggest climb of the day- Ecton Hill. It has got to be one of the steepest climbs in the Peaks! I had some flapjack to fortify myself, and decided to walk straight up without stopping. The gradient is very steep at first, but does ease off slightly; I managed to overtake quite a few people, including some runners!

Steep Hills Around Wetton

The path contoured around the hill before another quite steep ascent brought us to checkpoint 4 at Wetton. I was quite lucky here; the volunteers manning the checkpoint had obviously had a picnic lunch and realised they had far too much food, so decided to offer it to us starving walkers, the cheese and onion quiche went down very well!
The next checkpoint wasn’t too far; the route took us along a delightful path around the hillside with great views into the valley, before descending to Castern Hall and checkpoint 5. Last year, the check point was in a lovely spot with chairs, and, as my legs had started to ache, I decided to have a sit down. However, this year it was in a slightly different place and had no chairs, so I sat on a stone step. Unfortunately, this caused one of the volunteers to think I was struggling (there was a chap sitting down a bit further away, in quite a rough state, and they were awaiting transport for him) and he proceeded to fuss over me, bringing me over drink and biscuits! He looked at my pack and remarked on the size of it, before saying "You could do with making it lighter". I didn't quite have the courage to tell him exactly what I was training for so just made vague noises about 'training for other events'.

View From The Path To Castern Hall


A group of walkers had a quick drink and passed through, and I left just behind them. It kept alternating between sunny and cloudy, but was still very warm, We had a climb then a fairly steep descent to Milldale, which was packed with tourists; I stopped at the little shop and bought an Orange Maid lolly, which revived me! The last check point, number 6, was down the road from Milldale and at the start of Beresford Dale. I was told that there were still quite a few runners (and walkers) to come through, and so far about 15 folk had retired. There were hula hoops on offer here, which made a welcome change from custard creams. I drank plenty and made sure my water bottle was full- I don’t think you can drink enough on days like this!

The next 3 miles were through Beresford Dale. This is actually a lovely walk; good paths, level, lovely views and a river, but after 22 miles it tends to drag a bit! My feet felt quite sore at this point, and while not exactly suffering, I was just focussing on finishing. I passed two women, one of whom was lying prone on the ground with an ice pack pressed to her neck. Her companion said to me “I remember seeing you at a checkpoint and wondering whether you’d make it, and you will!” I racked my brains and remembered they were part of the group that went through checkpoint five.

I asked her if her friend was ok, and she replied that she’d fallen, hurt her neck and now felt sick and dizzy. They’d sent another friend off for help; I asked them if they were ok where they were and they both said yes, so I went on.
Beresford Dale

I was so glad to see the path out of the dale, which was surprisingly sandy (more good training!) After that it was just a fairly gentle walk back along lanes to Hartington, I was glad to finish. My time was 8 hours 30 minutes, I beat last year’s time by 8 minutes! They were serving jacket potatoes with cheese, beans or chilli, I was rather cheeky and asked for cheese and beans.

I felt fine after the food, and thanked them as I left, as it is a really well organised event. I’m aching slightly today, but not too bad! All good training, and the all important time on the feet. No exercise today though…

Hartington, Approaching The Finish






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# posted by Steph Cooke @ 6:09 PM 1 comments

Saturday, May 05, 2007

 

Weekly Totals

Right, weekly totals for last week, as I am very bad at remembering to post them...

Running
5 1/2 miles slow, cross country

Elliptical Trainers
20 minutes easy
10 minutes increasing resistance
50 minutes on home cross trainer

Steppers
20 minutes
50 minutes on home stepper

Bike
5 minutes

Rower
5 minutes

Strength Training

Walking
40 minutes easy
7 minutes on incline on treadmill
26 miles challenge walk!

Not a great deal, it will be better when I am running again. I had thought about building up to running the challenge events, but having read that walking and running use different muscles, and that people walking some of the MdS are struggling as they are only used to running, I think that the long walks are still going to be essential. Let's face it, I will not be able to run all of the MdS!

Had a nice day today, a friend paid for the adoption of two shetland ponies, at the Blue Cross Rescue Centre at Rolleston-on-Dove for Christmas. We went to see them today, and got to groom them. They are called Misty and Star- you can see them here. No piccies from me, though, as Asda had ran out of batteries for my camera! My mate took some, but she hasn't yet explored the realms of digital photography, so I may have to wait a while before I see them.

Went to the gym last night, it feels strange not running. At least the elliptical trainers give the illusion of running without the impact. When I adjust the tension I can really feel the muscles in my glutes etc working which may not be a bad thing! I love the ellipticals... unfortunately so does everybody else, and as there is only two, this can cause a bit of a problem for me!

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# posted by Steph Cooke @ 8:36 PM 0 comments

Monday, April 30, 2007

 

Valleys 'N' Views Event Report

Yesterday was the 'Valleys & Views' walk organised by the Waendel Walking Club. I'd done this one for the past two years, and it's quite an easy one; good paths, gentler rolling hills etc, so decided to go for it! No piccies I'm afraid... I got my camera out and it was deader than a dead thing. I suspect flat batteries but it was very nice of it to let me know they were on the way out... not...

Anyway, it was a rolling start, with walkers starting anywhere from 7:30am until 9am. There were 3 distances; 6 miles, 17 miles and my route 26 miles... I got to the start point at the Village Hall in the village of Wilbaston, and had a cuppa before setting off at 8:09am. The weather had been glorious Saturday, but typically enough it was grey, cloudy and bloody freezing!

The route is in a quite lovely part of the Welland valley, and very colourful with the yellow rapeseed fields providing quite a stunning backdrop. The beginning of the walk took me up and over a series of hills, through various fields, before dropping down to the first checkpoint in Ashley for a cold drink and lump of cake.

there was then a bit of road walking before turning onto a bridleway, I must say, there are a lot of good bridleways in this area. Saw quite a lot of mountain bikers taking advantage. A couple of faster walkers overtook me, and I had to have an unscheduled pee stop! My Achilles was making itself felt, but not actually hurting, but I wondered if I was being a bit silly.

The next check point (and more cake!) was at the point where our bridleway exited onto the road, then our route climbed through Cranoe and onto the Midshires Way. One of the chaps who'd overtaken me was just ahead, and as we crossed over a rough road to rejoin the track, another chap passed me and assured me the route went straight ahead until Tugby.

Only I studied my route description and wasn't sure. The first year I did it we went straight ahead, but last year we turned left off the track, and the route description seemed to me to point this way. The two chaps had strode off into the distance by this point, but another group of four came up and saw me dithering. "It's straight on" the leader said, a guy wearing a burgundy Waendel Walking Club top covered in cloth badges depicting various walks/ events. I voiced my doubts, and he said "You see that chap who went ahead... that's Roger. He helps organise this so he would have picked up on it if we needed to turn off".

It would have just been easier to have gone along with it... but it didn't feel right, so I explained why I thought we should turn left. The guys looked thoughtful, then looked at the route I was indicating, down the edge of a field. "People have been down there today" one noted. So they all followed me down the field and thankfully it became apparent that I was right, so they all thanked/ congratulated me before striding off into the distance!

I caught up with the guy with the badges- he did introduce himself but I can't remember his name! He said he had been out the night before and had a skinful, and so was finding it a little hard going. I left him chatting at the checkpoint in Tugby and left along with another chap who had driven up from down South to complete the walk.

The sun had started to come out, and it was getting quite warm. The route went along more fields and tracks- it was very good underfoot, it may be a good one to run next year! Me and the other chap got a little lost near Hallaton and ended up taking a slight short cut. The check point was lovely... cheese and pickle sarnies, and coffee... and loos...

There were others here who were doing the long route, the guy from down south left, and the guy with the badges came in. I left him drinking tea and fully expected him to pass me later on as he was a fast walker, but he didn't. I also saw Roger, who was entreating people not to tell anybody he went the wrong way! As I left the checkpoint, I passed a guy who seemed to be suffering with his feet, and slowly ascended to Blaston. I could feel my Achilles quite a bit, although it still wasn't painful... I was cursing myself a bit though and kept imagining it snapping suddenly!

There was a water point by the church in Drayton- the smallesr consecrated church in Leicestershire apparently. Some of the folk from the Tugby checkpoint were there with spare cake, which was very welcome! After this, the route went down a track, where I overtook a group of three walkers. We entered Middleton, and turned onto the Jurassic Way back towards Wilbaston. This has been revamped since last year, and is now a wide gravel track. I overtook another group of three, one of which kept bending over as though in pain.

I felt in suprisingly good shape though, apart from the Achilles sensation. I was wearing my old running shoes, and only ended up with a tiny heel blister! The last bit of the route was more fileds and tracks back to Wilbaston- I finished in 7 hours 47 minutes, not sure of last year's time but I'm sure it was quite a lot slower. The guy from down south had finished just ahead of me; I had a very welcome cuppa before driving home.

I had tea at mum's as it's little sis's 20th birthday today. My heel was quite sore and 'creaky', which was really frustrating. I put a bag of frozen peas on it before mum needed to cook them. When I got home, I iced it again, took a long hot bath, did my exercises and massaged it with Deep Heat. (dunno what they put in that but Lucky finds it strangely addictive).

It feels surprisingly good today! Back to normal, no grinding! Even my legs aren't aching that much! I really feel as though I could go out again and walk, which is encouraging, as of course in the MdS I will have to! I'm not, though- today needs to be a rest day to let my heel heal (sorry!!)

Plan of action... once I have got rid of this Achilles problem, I will keep on pushing myself to complete these walks faster, then gradually increase the weight of my pack. Next year I will introduce running/ walking, and try to build more emphasis on running. The MOB (Marathon of Britain) looks to be a possible warm up for the MdS- as well as being a hell of a challenge in it's own right. Plus it ends in Nottingham- and I work in Nottingham.

So far, my thoughts are; 2007... build up running mileage, build up speed on challenge walks. Complete the Bullock Smithy Hike in September (56 miles over 24 hours)

2008; build up pack weight, run or run/ walk challenge events. Complete the LDWA 100 (100 miles over 48 hours!!) Plus, of course, the MOB...

Oooh noo, 2009 feels closer already!!

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# posted by Steph Cooke @ 5:43 PM 0 comments

Wednesday, March 28, 2007

 

Not Another Chesty Cough!

Once again, I have yet another chesty cough- I am plagued by them! This is the third one since Christmas!! Had Monday off work, and haven't done an awful lot (apart from help a friend rip up her carpets, which, on reflection, probably didn't exactly help my chest).

I have also been amazingly bad at logging my exercise totals for the week! I have last weeks though...

Running;
10 miles, slowish

Walking;
26 miles, good pace
4 1/2 miles

Other;
1 hour on home cross trainer

Swimming;
Erm, ah, umm... none

No gym this week due to feeling ill Thursday.

I feel I ought to do something today but it may be a bad idea to run as I still feel quite chesty and am still coughing up stuff (lovely!!) Maybe I will use my cross trainer whilst I watch the new series of The Apprentice- that program is addictive, I love Alan Sugar!

Oooh, yeh- I have been offered a permanent job in the team I am working in now, which is excellent as it gives me much greater security!!

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# posted by Steph Cooke @ 7:53 PM 0 comments

Sunday, March 25, 2007

 

Charnwood Marathon; Event Report

Well, yesterday was the Charnwood Marathon; a 26 mile walk from Quorn. Despite feeling so poorly earlier on in the week, I particularly wanted to do this one as it’s so local for me- only a 15 minute drive.

Luckily I didn’t feel too bad yesterday morning, and had a bowl of porridge in bed (a girl’s gotta have some luxuries!!) before getting to the venue for 7:30. Us walkers had an 8am start and the runners were off at 9am.

Bang on 8am we were sent on our way by the town crier in full regalia. We were quite lucky; the weather reports had said rain, but although it was dark and misty, we never had more than slight drizzle.
Looking towards Broombriggs Hill

We set off down farm tracks to the village of Woodhouse Eaves, before the first climb of the day; Broombriggs Hill, where the self clip check point was sighted. (We each had a tally card, and had it punched at each check point. At the self clip points, there is a clipper for us to punch our own cards to show we haven’t cheated!) It was high enough to be misty at the top. I was feeling really demoralised at this point as everybody seemed to be passing me and my legs were already starting to ache!

A second climb to the top of Beacon Hill (so called as it was one of the sites of the series of bonfires let across England to signal the approach of the Spanish Armada) brought us to the trig point on the top, which I touched for luck. Our first proper check point, and cake, was nearby and, as I was overtaken by yet more people, figured my cold must be really slowing me down!
Blackbrook Reservoir
We walked close enough to the M1 motorway to clearly see the cars and lorries frantically racing along, and the first of the runners came by. Our route went under the M1 and up another hill to Lubcloud farm. After a bit of a road walk, we crossed over the reservoir and climbed to Mount St Bernards Abbey and a drink stop… and more cake!
Mount St Bernards Abbey

We kept climbing; up and over the Charnwood hills, and yet more walkers overtook me. I was convinced I was going to be last and was slowing up, so tried to push my aching legs into some kind of action! The biggest climb of the day brought us to the half way stage; Bardon Hill. This is the official highest point in Leicestershire, but unfortunately it has been extensively quarried, so the view from the top mainly looks out over the quarry and an industrial estate, which is a crying shame. The nice kind(?) organisers had put a self clip point right at the trig point at the summit!

Bardon Hill; walkers can be seen at the self clip point on the summit

After this, it was more or less downhill to the next proper check point at the village of Copt Oak. There were chairs (bliss) cheese rolls (double bliss) and… coffee… (double, double bliss!) There were a few bods around so I decided to rest up for a few minutes. I had no idea of the time as I don’t tend to wear a watch on these walks, but decided I’d rather not know!!

I reluctantly left the checkpoint as it was freezing; really icy wind, I had to stop and pull my gloves on. Unfortunately, although they are warm, they are quite bulky so I had the dexterity of an arthritic gorilla. We had a bit of road walking and the last of the runners went by. As we neared Newtown Linford, I actually started to gain on a couple of guys.

The last big climb was to the highest point of Bradgate Park; The Old John tower before dropping down to the checkpoint at the other side of the park. Now, it is possible to walk through on a flat, tarmac road… except for the fact that- yep- there was a self clip on the Old John so cheating was not really an option!

I had another welcome coffee at the last checkpoint, at 21 miles. There were still other people around, and I was cheered to hear that, not only were there still around 32 people to come through, 2 had only just left Copt Oak. I wasn’t going to be last!!

It was quite drizzly now, and my feet were starting to rub blisters, but we were on the last stretch. I actually overtook somebody, and then the two lads I’d been following. The last stretch, a path along the river, always seems endless when you’re tired and aching, but I finally reach Quorn and walked back through the village to the starting point at the Village Hall.

And had quite a shock!! It wasn’t quite 4pm… which meant I’d actually done the 26 miles in 7 hours 56 minutes, which is quite fast for me!! So, all the time I thought I was slowing up, I wasn’t! I reckon this event attracts a fast field. Nice surprise though!

After some lovely zingy red pepper and Chile soup, with hot cross bun to follow (well, it is nearly Easter!) I went home to soak my blisters. I have got to get me some comfy shoes!!

All in all, good walk, quite hilly, I reckon we visited all the climbs in Leicestershire! I am aching a fair bit today. Also got a cough, which I am hoping amounts to nothing. Feeling tired too- could really do with a day off work tomorrow!

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# posted by Steph Cooke @ 8:11 PM 1 comments

Friday, March 23, 2007

 

Long Time No Post!

It's been a while since my last post! What with internet connection problems and sickness...

Touch wood, my connection seems to be fine now, but as for the sickness... I went out for a slow 10 mile run Wednesday night and felt fine, (rat gone thank goodness!) woke up Thursday morning with a slight sore throat, and by the end of the day, had such a bad head that driving home I really thought I was going to throw up!

I didn't, but did end up spending the evening in bed; I slept til 9:30pm and then went back to bed- so much for my original plans of going to the gym!

Feel a bit odd today, tired and slightly spaced out, I seem to have a bit of a cough too... trouble is, I have a 27 mile walk tomorrow, The Charnwood Marathon, and it's one I'd particularly like to do, as it's very local for me... my mum thinks I'm doing too much as it is!

I have come to the inevitable conclusion that, in between trying to get fit(ter), socialising, keeping on top of the day to day running of the household, leisure time (what's that??) plus the additional training I will need for longer, endurance events... I don't actually have the time to go to work!!

News flash; I have the results for the Rushcliffe 10k- and my official time is actually 59 minutes and 18 seconds- wohoo!!!

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# posted by Steph Cooke @ 8:13 PM 0 comments

Sunday, March 11, 2007

 

Race Reports; Grindleford Gallop and Rushcliffe 10K

Wew, what a weekend!! Grindleford Gallop yesterday, Rushcliffe 10K today!

I drove to the small Peak district village of Grindleford for an 8:15am start. It was a rolling start, with walkers starting from 7:30 to 9:30 and a mass 10am start for runners. I had done this one in 2004, after the disastrous Belvoir Challenge drop out, and managed to complete it in a morale boosting 7 hours 40 mins.

I set off through the woods to the village of Froggatt, before a steep climb with views over the valley and the descent to Eyam.


Froggatt


The village of Eyam is famous for a rather grim reason; in 1666 the plague came to England, and when it reached Eyam, the villagers made the brave decision to quarantine themselves to prevent the spread of the disease. One lady, Mrs Riley, lost her husband and her six children to the plague, and buried them all, one by one, in a little graveyard on the hill. Out route took us right past this spot, known as the 'Riley Graves'. In fact, a lot of the cottages in the village bear plaques as a testament to the villagers who lost their lives there.


 The Approach To Eyam


After a long pull over the bleak Longstone Moor, we joined the Monsal Trail, a disused railway line, and reached the checkpoint. At this point, the runners were passing us and I felt quite strong. There was a disappointing shortage of cakes, but I did get a cup of tea!

The Checkpoint

We had a steep, muddy climb up through a golf course out of Bakewell, good fun as there was a metal tube and hammer to strike it with to warn golfers of walkers' prescence, so I gave it a good whack, I swear my ears are still ringing!

Shortly after we dropped down through the village of Edensor and through the lovely Chatsworth estate, passing right in front of the impressive Chatsworth House.
Chatsworth House

The route passed through the park before reaching Baslow and the last checkpoint, where I had another cuppa and a rather stodgy lump of fudge. There was still a surprising number of runners coming through.


The last steep climb of the day took us up and along the spectacular Baslow, Curbar and Froggatt edges- literally long ridges where the earth drops away, topped with oddly weathered Grit stone boulder. My legs were aching by now, and my feet were hurting- must find some shoes which don't rub blisters- but I was still overtaking people every so often. Baslow Edge
Finally we descended a wood back to Grindleford, and I was quite shocked to discover I'd completed in 6 hours 40 minutes, much better than I expected!


Luckily I didn't ache too much, a hot bath helped! Plus chocolate of course... chocolate definately aids recovery...

So I drove to Ruddington Country Park near Nottingham for the Rushcliffe 10K this morning. I did this last year, and managed a then PB of 1 hour 1 minute 11 seconds, but just thought I'd do well to get round today. The event seemed much more popular this year, and as I lined up at the start with everybody else looking rested and fit, I was conscious of my aching legs and blisters feet!

The odd thing was, once we started, my aches seemed to disappear, and I found myself overtaking people. The route is two laps of the park, and by the time we got to the 5K point and water station, I felt tired but not too bad. I gratefully accepted a cup of Gatorade from a young lad and just kept overtaking people. I kept expecting to suddently run out of steam, but it didn't happen. It was amazing! I overtook one chap who was walking, only for him to run past me. A few minutes later, he slowed to a walk and I overtook him again, only for him to run past again a few minutes after that. He repeated this for a while, until I wanted to suggest he just tries a slow jog he can maintain; but he finally went past about 8K and I didn't see him after that. I still managed to overtake folk, and when I reached 9K I tried to put a bit of a spurt on, but everything was starting to hurt at this point!

Finally, I turned for the finish, and passed a marshall who said "Come on, sprint finish!" All right for him, I thought, but did grit my teeth and lurch forward to the finish. I saw the clock and was in a state of shock.... I PB'd!!!!! 59 minutes and 29 seconds!!!!!!!! Subbed an hour and PB'd- after a 21 mile walk the day before! (scuse me while I have a little smug moment!)

So, well happy this weekend! (although I managed to text my mate and tell her I did the run in 59 hours and 29 minutes, which definately wouldn't have been too impressive...) So- I'm feeling like an endurance athlete today! And am off for a lovely hot bath, with chocolate of course...

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# posted by Steph Cooke @ 8:34 PM 1 comments

Friday, March 09, 2007

 

People Think I'm Mad

...mad for entering the 2009 MdS!! Actually, I've been reading the blogs of some of the foolhardy folk who have put themselves through it, and notice that one of the essential items the organisers state has to be carried with you is a venom pump... for scorpion stings... ooer don't fancy coming face to face with one of those bu**ers!!!

I have a double whammy this weekend... the 21 mile Grindleford Gallop tomorrow, and the Rushcliffe 10K Sunday. No, I didn't actually plan that, just got carried away when booking events... I will try to complete them both but will have a good excuse for not getting a PB for the 10K!

I haven't done an awful lot this week, went to the gym yesterday but didn't go mad.

The provisional results for the Norton 9 are here! My time - 1 hour 29 minutes and 35 seconds- I'm well pleased with that!

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# posted by Steph Cooke @ 10:30 PM 0 comments

Monday, February 26, 2007

 

Belvoir Challenge; Event Report

Whew! I am aching so-o-o much!! Guess it’s time for a report on the Belvoir Challenge…

… it was muddy! Three main types of mud… the glutinous, slippery slidey kind that causes you to slither all over the place, often with huge puddles for added effect, the kind that sucks you in so that you have to pull your feet out with a large squelch at every step, and the kind that clumps around your feet with each step until your feet get heavier and heavier and you feel like a cart horse.

It’s a big event… over 800 people were doing the 15 mile route, and around 200 doing the 26 mile. After a welcome cuppa, banana and toilet stop, I manage to get near to the front of the field at the starting line; the two routes followed the same path for 400 metres before splitting and I didn’t want to get stuck behind everybody. In hindsight I should have been further back, as as soon as the starting horn sounded I had runners practically climbing over me in their efforts to get by!


The Start!

Luckily the routes split, and typically enough, ours goes down the boggiest, muddiest track. Luckily though this gave way to a decent track, it did give rain all day but we were jammy enough to get away with just the odd blustery splatter and even some sun.


The first checkpoint’s at Goadby Marwood, one of the many pretty villages in the Vale of Belvoir. The food is always good on this event- brown bread cheese and pickle sarnies, and my favourite; cold rice pudding! We pass quickly through, and then onwards- through the villages of Chadwell, Waltham and Bescaby, plus, of course, loads more muddy tracks, fields and hills. Any semblance of attempting to keep dry and clean quickly goes out of the window at this point!

Threatening rain!

I am following a chap in a red jacket; he climbs a stile and then collapses on the ground clutching his leg! Luckily, he’s not injured, just suffering cramp, and quickly recovers and strides off into the distance. I keep passing and are then passed by a few ladies who are alternatively walking and jogging.

The next checkpoint is Croxton Kerrial, at 11 miles. I’m ready for a cuppa and stop for a coffee and sandwiches. The organisers wisely tape vast quantities of cardboard over the floor at all checkpoints! There are also yummy home made cakes and flap jacks, I pick a large piece which turns out to be two stuck together- but don’t complain!

As I leave, I catch up with one of the ladies walk/ jogging, and chat with her for a bit. She lives in London, and has come up just for the event. She is slightly slower than me, which always leaves me in a dilemma- is it rude to leave folk you’re talking with and push on? We overtake a group of lads who are training for a 60 mile event, and she drops back; We get our first view of Belvoir Castle perched on a hill top with a commanding view of the Vale, and walk up the ancient Sewstern Lane to reach the next checkpoint; Woolsthorpe at 15 miles.


Belvoir Castle

From the on it’s fairly open country, and I can see walkers spread out ahead and behind. It’s tough going walking through mud, I’ve heard several people say it’s a harder route than last year- it’s certainly muddier and hillier! My legs are just waking up to the fact that it’s a long one, and I can feel a couple of potential blister spots on my feet.

As we walk uphill and join the point were the 15 mile route joins, I catch up with a chap who turns out to be the organiser of the Ponton Plod- I congratulate him on this considerable achievement and promise to do it again this year! I feel myself getting quite tired now, and it seems ages to the last checkpoint. The route takes us straight down a very steep bank and through yet more mud. We walk through Branston, and I’m convinced we’ve actually missed the checkpoint!

But we haven’t- and after negotiating the Iron Staircase- which is, quite literally, an iron staircase, as the name suggests, guiding the way down a steep bank (an escalator would have been more welcome, but there you go!) we pass a yappy Jack Russell terrier not quite brave enough to attack, and reach the last checkpoint at Eaton- 21.6 miles. I decide to rest up for a few minutes and have a cuppa- it’s quite entertaining watching folks try to walk at this stage, and quite encouraging that there’s still quite a lot to come through (I’m not last!!!)

I heave my aching bones up and leave the checkpoint just behind the Ponton Plod guy, as it’s just starting to get duskish, It will be nice to finish before dark, but if not, never mind… I can always use my head torch… except- damn! I have actually forgotten to bring the damn thing!! Guess that means I have to finish in daylight! Luckily the route follow a nice level track- going downhill!- and I manage to break into a gentle jog, overtake one of the other walk/ joggers and almost catch up with Mr Ponton Plod. We reach Stathern, with about 2 miles still to go, just as cars are switching their headlights on.

Great! I’m going to do this! Legs aching, feet hurting… but not too bad! This is ok… until we enter a field which is just literally a sea of the most glutinous, slippy mud! I am trying to hurry as by now the light is fading fast, but this has the unfortunate effect of wrenching my feet sufficiently to pull on my blister, and for a split second I can’t move for the sudden shock of pain. Luckily Mr PP is now too far away to hear my language!

I manage to hobble on- for some reason by toes are killing me too- and get to a track, which, to my dismay, turns out to be just as muddy as the field. I slosh and slide my way down it, desperately trying to take advantage of the last vestiges of day light. Finally, the route turns down the track we came up at the start of the day, and I see the lights of the village in the distance and gratefully stumble towards them.

As I walk/ hobble through the village I ring mum, who seems quite impressed. I stumble into the village hall and a young boy hands me my certificate- 9 hours and 10 minutes. That’s 11 minutes slower than last year… but I did stop for coffee at the last checkpoint… and it was a harder route, everybody said so… yep, I can justify with the best of ‘em!

I choose a bowl of bread and butter pudding, and pour custard liberally over it. As I eat, the London lady comes in, followed by the group of lads. I hear several people say their GPS clocked the route at 28 miles, so who knows…

It was a good day, though, as always! And a welcome, if muddy, first walk of the year. Wasn’t quite such fun cleaning my shoes though!! I ended up doing a walk yesterday with a friend too- we went round Watermead Country Park, which is close to me and flat. Still, we must have covered about 6 miles. Did a bit of fence traversing too, as the path was flooded. (fence traversing; the art of climbing onto a fence, and shuffling along it, until you are safely past the obstruction. Doesn’t do much for your street cred, however, especially if, like my mate, you are clutching a small handbag)

NO exercise today!!!



My shoes!!!


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# posted by Steph Cooke @ 6:24 PM 0 comments

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