Sunday, July 21, 2013
A Double Whammy In The Heat
Last Saturday saw the running (well, walking) of the White Peak Challenge, which I promise I will write up soon... I will just sum it up in one word for now... HOT!!!
The weekend before I had a rare weekend with nothing planned and no demands on my time, so I decided to go out Saturday and Sunday... it was well and truly into the heatwave, so scorching temperatures. I packed plenty of water and slathered on the sun block.
For Saturday's route I intended to follow the 10 mile Big Track route, along the banks of the River Trent, to Beeston Canal and back along the canal to the Trent. It's 10 miles, plus another three to walk to the start at County Hall and back. I could feel the sun beating down on my back as I set off, and realised I was sweating already- we don't often get weather like this in the UK!
I set off over the Suspension Footbridge and jogged along the path by the embankment;
Suspension Footbridge
There is a brief spell walking along a bike path by the road, before leaving the traffic to pass under the huge high bridge carrying the A52 over the canal, and then, mercifully, open countryside is reached with views over the heavily wooded banks to Clifton Hall. I passed a gorgeous field of red poppies.
I made myself jog as much as I was able, and soon found myself sweating and blowing in the heat. I had promised myself a cup of coffee at the cafe at Beeston Locks, but was so thirsty I had to chase it with a cool coke.
I followed Beeston Canal back into Nottingham, passing narrow boats, canoes, baby geese and cygnets, as it became increasingly busier. Loads of people were out taking advantage of the hot weather, so it was quite a surprise to come across this chap, who didn't seem at all bothered by me walking past him.
I was almost too embarrassed to call in and get some milk in West Bridgford as I was so sweaty and probably smelt so bad...
Funnily enough, I walked up my stretch of canal later on and saw another heron.
Sunday I decided to go through the fields, past Tollerton, up through Clipston Woods, into Cotgrave and then to Holme Pierrepont- it was the annual Outlaw Triathlon and I wanted to see it.
It was another blisteringly hot day, and I felt for those brave souls doing the Outlaw- it's an Iron distance course, so undertaking a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and 26.2 mile run in these temperatures would be brutal!
The fields were lovely, with a smattering of poppies;
Some paths through crops were better maintained than others though...
Bad Path
Good Path
It was marginally cooler in the woods, although only slightly, and I made myself run uphill.There was a glorious view over Cotgrave.
I found a lovely spot in a field for lunch, with a vantage point over the fields and Tollerton airfield towards Nottingham;
Unfortunately we need to treasure this view while we can... it is green belt land, but the council are intending to build up to 4,400 houses on the airfield by 2026, so there will be a huge housing development, factories etc right in the middle of this view...
But not today. I savoured it as I made my way back down and across the fields to Cotgrave, stopping to buy some more water to replenish my diminishing supplies.
I carried on past the canal, towards the A52 and the track leading to Holme Pierrepont and the Watersports centre.
Grantham Canal
As I reached the road a steady stream of cyclists passed me sporting Outlaw race numbers... I cut through to the lake, and walked along the grass, cheering the runners on- what an amazing feat, especially in this heat. It was too early for finishers yet, so I walked round the foot of the lake, past the bike transition area, clapping and cheering athletes coming in from the bike leg to start the run.
As I turned for home for a meal and a cool shower, I said to myself- 'one day...'
The weekend before I had a rare weekend with nothing planned and no demands on my time, so I decided to go out Saturday and Sunday... it was well and truly into the heatwave, so scorching temperatures. I packed plenty of water and slathered on the sun block.
For Saturday's route I intended to follow the 10 mile Big Track route, along the banks of the River Trent, to Beeston Canal and back along the canal to the Trent. It's 10 miles, plus another three to walk to the start at County Hall and back. I could feel the sun beating down on my back as I set off, and realised I was sweating already- we don't often get weather like this in the UK!
I set off over the Suspension Footbridge and jogged along the path by the embankment;
There is a brief spell walking along a bike path by the road, before leaving the traffic to pass under the huge high bridge carrying the A52 over the canal, and then, mercifully, open countryside is reached with views over the heavily wooded banks to Clifton Hall. I passed a gorgeous field of red poppies.
I followed Beeston Canal back into Nottingham, passing narrow boats, canoes, baby geese and cygnets, as it became increasingly busier. Loads of people were out taking advantage of the hot weather, so it was quite a surprise to come across this chap, who didn't seem at all bothered by me walking past him.
Funnily enough, I walked up my stretch of canal later on and saw another heron.
It was another blisteringly hot day, and I felt for those brave souls doing the Outlaw- it's an Iron distance course, so undertaking a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and 26.2 mile run in these temperatures would be brutal!
The fields were lovely, with a smattering of poppies;
It was marginally cooler in the woods, although only slightly, and I made myself run uphill.There was a glorious view over Cotgrave.
But not today. I savoured it as I made my way back down and across the fields to Cotgrave, stopping to buy some more water to replenish my diminishing supplies.
I carried on past the canal, towards the A52 and the track leading to Holme Pierrepont and the Watersports centre.
As I reached the road a steady stream of cyclists passed me sporting Outlaw race numbers... I cut through to the lake, and walked along the grass, cheering the runners on- what an amazing feat, especially in this heat. It was too early for finishers yet, so I walked round the foot of the lake, past the bike transition area, clapping and cheering athletes coming in from the bike leg to start the run.
Labels: Beeston Canal, big track, Cotgrave, Holme Pierrepont, Outlaw Triathlon
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Nice Out Again...
I have still been quite active! Decided to do an 18 miler Sunday, which actually ended up being 18.75 miles (probably cos I got a bit lost!)
I followed the Trent Valley Way past Holme Pierrepont to Radcliffe-on-Trent, and then along the path at the top of the cliff, through the fields and by the River Trent to Shelford as before, then left the village by a footpath leading up to the Radcliffe/ East Bridgford Road.
Shelford
The path zig zagged round crop fields before climbing up to the road, giving an excellent view over the Trent Valley;
Trent Valley
I intended to take a Bridleway which eventually leads to the A46. I figured it would be closed off at some point, but a footpath leads from it down to Saxondale Village and the A52 road. The path lead towards some RAF buildings; I had noticed that it skirted some houses, which I had assumed were the abandoned and derelict ones originally occupied by RAF staff and their families. I was busy scoffing an energy bar, so when I saw hoof prints travelling left along the field edge, I didn't bother looking at the map and followed them past the RAF buildings.
I realised I was nearing the houses, and instead of the derelict, empty shells I was expecting, I was quite surprised to see washing hanging out and cars in drives! All the houses looked very much occupied, and I started to imagine I had gone back in time! I passed a garden with an elderly couple sitting in the sun- they called a cheery hello and I was tempted to ask them what year it was!
I stopped and consulted the map- and discovered I was in the village of Newton- the abandoned houses were further on- Newton is very much alive and kicking! The trouble was, I shouldn't have been there... I should have turned right instead of left when I saw the hoof tracks. I retraced my steps, and, sure enough, there were markers directing riders around the RAF site.
A new dog training centre had been built where the footpath branches off, and the path wasn't signed, so I followed a track to the corner of the wood where the map reassured me I would pick the path up- and I did, so my navigational skills can't be all that bad!
The path was well signed following this, and I reached the A52 without any problems. This was the least fun part of the walk as I had to walk/ run alongside the busy road- luckily there is a footpath/ cycle path.
When I got back to Radcliffe-on-Trent, I ran through the town centre and retraced my route home, I actually managed to run quite a lot of it so am quite happy.
I went out for another run/ walk Tuesday night- more walking than running cos I was chatting to both sisters for most of it. I walked up the road towards Tollerton to pick up the footpath to Cotgrave. Some good paths had been created through the crop field- unfortunately one had overgrown so much it was almost impassable- I felt like Indiana Jones creeping through the jungle! I took a photo with my phone;
Somewhat Overgrown Path!
The paths were ok after this, and I managed to run quite a bit;
I took a different path just before Cotgrave, and cut through field to the canal, then back home along the canal- about 6 1/4 miles.
Tonight I have done... nothing! But I have had an incredibly difficult day...
I followed the Trent Valley Way past Holme Pierrepont to Radcliffe-on-Trent, and then along the path at the top of the cliff, through the fields and by the River Trent to Shelford as before, then left the village by a footpath leading up to the Radcliffe/ East Bridgford Road.
The path zig zagged round crop fields before climbing up to the road, giving an excellent view over the Trent Valley;
I intended to take a Bridleway which eventually leads to the A46. I figured it would be closed off at some point, but a footpath leads from it down to Saxondale Village and the A52 road. The path lead towards some RAF buildings; I had noticed that it skirted some houses, which I had assumed were the abandoned and derelict ones originally occupied by RAF staff and their families. I was busy scoffing an energy bar, so when I saw hoof prints travelling left along the field edge, I didn't bother looking at the map and followed them past the RAF buildings.
I realised I was nearing the houses, and instead of the derelict, empty shells I was expecting, I was quite surprised to see washing hanging out and cars in drives! All the houses looked very much occupied, and I started to imagine I had gone back in time! I passed a garden with an elderly couple sitting in the sun- they called a cheery hello and I was tempted to ask them what year it was!
I stopped and consulted the map- and discovered I was in the village of Newton- the abandoned houses were further on- Newton is very much alive and kicking! The trouble was, I shouldn't have been there... I should have turned right instead of left when I saw the hoof tracks. I retraced my steps, and, sure enough, there were markers directing riders around the RAF site.
A new dog training centre had been built where the footpath branches off, and the path wasn't signed, so I followed a track to the corner of the wood where the map reassured me I would pick the path up- and I did, so my navigational skills can't be all that bad!
The path was well signed following this, and I reached the A52 without any problems. This was the least fun part of the walk as I had to walk/ run alongside the busy road- luckily there is a footpath/ cycle path.
When I got back to Radcliffe-on-Trent, I ran through the town centre and retraced my route home, I actually managed to run quite a lot of it so am quite happy.
I went out for another run/ walk Tuesday night- more walking than running cos I was chatting to both sisters for most of it. I walked up the road towards Tollerton to pick up the footpath to Cotgrave. Some good paths had been created through the crop field- unfortunately one had overgrown so much it was almost impassable- I felt like Indiana Jones creeping through the jungle! I took a photo with my phone;
The paths were ok after this, and I managed to run quite a bit;
I took a different path just before Cotgrave, and cut through field to the canal, then back home along the canal- about 6 1/4 miles.
Tonight I have done... nothing! But I have had an incredibly difficult day...
Labels: Cotgrave, Newton, radcliffe-on-trent
Saturday, April 19, 2008
13 Miler
I reeeally didn't want to go out today... I kept procrastinating, finding other jobs that needed doing, and the thought of a long walk or run just did not appeal at all... sometimes it is just so hard to motivate yourself to get out of the door...
In the end I bribed myself with a snickers and Ben and Jerrys ice cream and picked a route from my copy of John Merril's Long Circular Walks in Nottinghamshire. The only criticism I have with John's books is that he wrote them some time ago and some of the routes have changed slightly since, which can lead to me getting a little lost, or nearly getting arrested on suspicion of being a terrorist at Radcliffe Power Station...
I decided on a 13 miler starting and finishing at Cotgrave, a village fairly near Nottingham. It is absolutely freezing at the moment, and really grey, I just want Spring to come!! I pulled my gloves on and started on the road out of the village, with my pack weighing around 5 kg. My body was still sulking at being dragged out, so decided to make it a steady walk, no running.
The first 6 miles were along the Nottingham to Grantham canal, and were really pleasant. There is a really good path running alongside the canal, which was empty for most of the way. It is 33 miles from Nottingham to Grantham- I did it, once, years ago as a challenge walk, and it's amazing how walking along the flat for this distance hurts the muscles. I thought to myself that it may be good practice for walking along those Saharan salt flats!
I stayed on the canal past Cropwell Bishop and left it at Kinoulton, I was a bit bored of the scenery by then and ready for a change. The snickers was history... The next stage was through fields and skirting a wood, it was a bit of a climb and quite muddy. There was a short stretch along the A46 after this, which is an extremely busy road, I stayed on the verge but it was a bit unnerving, having the wind from speeding lorries whistling round my ears.
The next part was lovely- a bridleway through Cotgrave woods, which I never knew existed. A final walk through Clipston-on-the-Wolds and field brought me back to Cotgrave. I will definately do that one again- easy to follow, and no cows! Would be a good route to run, especially in drier weather.
I popped into Aldi on the way back and bought 2 base layer t-shirts, a running top and long sleeved running top, plus sports ear phones that will actually stay in my ears all for under £25! Ok, they may not be the best quality but will do to train in!
So- total miles this week, including today and the 4 miles I walked last night... 35. May do more tomorrow, will see.
I was looking forward to doing the Valley n Views again this year on Sunday 27th April... it's a good route and I was planning to run part of it, but Katie turns 21 on the 30th April and is having a party on Saturday the 26th... it will be a late night, plus all the family will be here on the Sunday so looks like it's a no go... I have had my place in the Ridgeway Walk confirmed though.
I have been hunting through the old route descriptions I've kept from various challenge walks over the years, and plan to do some of the routes again this year.
It's that time of the month, curse of all womanhood, where I just want to disapear into a mound of chocolate, ice cream etc so am feeling slightly sick...
In the end I bribed myself with a snickers and Ben and Jerrys ice cream and picked a route from my copy of John Merril's Long Circular Walks in Nottinghamshire. The only criticism I have with John's books is that he wrote them some time ago and some of the routes have changed slightly since, which can lead to me getting a little lost, or nearly getting arrested on suspicion of being a terrorist at Radcliffe Power Station...
I decided on a 13 miler starting and finishing at Cotgrave, a village fairly near Nottingham. It is absolutely freezing at the moment, and really grey, I just want Spring to come!! I pulled my gloves on and started on the road out of the village, with my pack weighing around 5 kg. My body was still sulking at being dragged out, so decided to make it a steady walk, no running.
The first 6 miles were along the Nottingham to Grantham canal, and were really pleasant. There is a really good path running alongside the canal, which was empty for most of the way. It is 33 miles from Nottingham to Grantham- I did it, once, years ago as a challenge walk, and it's amazing how walking along the flat for this distance hurts the muscles. I thought to myself that it may be good practice for walking along those Saharan salt flats!
I stayed on the canal past Cropwell Bishop and left it at Kinoulton, I was a bit bored of the scenery by then and ready for a change. The snickers was history... The next stage was through fields and skirting a wood, it was a bit of a climb and quite muddy. There was a short stretch along the A46 after this, which is an extremely busy road, I stayed on the verge but it was a bit unnerving, having the wind from speeding lorries whistling round my ears.
The next part was lovely- a bridleway through Cotgrave woods, which I never knew existed. A final walk through Clipston-on-the-Wolds and field brought me back to Cotgrave. I will definately do that one again- easy to follow, and no cows! Would be a good route to run, especially in drier weather.
I popped into Aldi on the way back and bought 2 base layer t-shirts, a running top and long sleeved running top, plus sports ear phones that will actually stay in my ears all for under £25! Ok, they may not be the best quality but will do to train in!
So- total miles this week, including today and the 4 miles I walked last night... 35. May do more tomorrow, will see.
I was looking forward to doing the Valley n Views again this year on Sunday 27th April... it's a good route and I was planning to run part of it, but Katie turns 21 on the 30th April and is having a party on Saturday the 26th... it will be a late night, plus all the family will be here on the Sunday so looks like it's a no go... I have had my place in the Ridgeway Walk confirmed though.
I have been hunting through the old route descriptions I've kept from various challenge walks over the years, and plan to do some of the routes again this year.
It's that time of the month, curse of all womanhood, where I just want to disapear into a mound of chocolate, ice cream etc so am feeling slightly sick...
