Saturday, March 19, 2011
The Grindleford Gallop- Event Report
My apologies, I've been a bit late writing this one up! It's tough to know how to prepare when you have two events on two consecutive weekends. I didn't want to just do nothing but didn't want to go mad either, so went for a couple of 4- 5 mile brisk walks and the gym. I also did some swimming- still got a triathlon in mind one day so I got my sister Katie (who's a competitive swimmer who has represented Leicester) to teach me proper front crawl.
Maybe with a bit of practice I'll be able to do a length without nearly drowning myself...
But I digress. I wanted to start around 8am (it's a rolling start between 7:30am and 9am with runners starting later). By the time I parked up and registered it was 8:06am- exactly the same as last year. The weather was looking a bit grey and misty but at least it wasn't raining. There seemed to be quite a few folks setting off and I overtook some of them in Froggatt.
Froggatt Bridge
I had printed out a route description but as the route doesn't change I knew it pretty well, so didn't actually need it. I knew that we would be faced with our first steep climb quite early on and it was just as steep as I remembered it! I decided to jog downhill into the plague village of Eyam.
Approaching Eyam
I have likely mentioned Eyam and the Plague before but it is a most fascinating village- I keep meaning to go back and explore it properly one day instead of just passing through but haven't so far. I stopped in the little shop and bought a cappucino like last year and sipped it as I walked through the village looking at the plaques outside the old stone cottages commemorating the victims of the plague who had died there (not sure whether I'd feel quite comfortable living in one...)
Plague Cottages
Stocks in Eyam
As I clipped my tally card at the self clip check point and climbed out of the village it was still quite misty. I knew we had a stretch of track leading mostly downhill to a busy road, so once I finished my coffee I jogged most of it. Then there was the long gradual climb onto Longstone Moor. The route went through a field with three ponies in it, two of them shetlands, and they were pretty taken with one of the walkers as he was offering them mints.
Climbing Towards Longstone Moor
There is a manned checkpoint on one of the roads crossed, offering water, but nobody stays long as it's quite open and exposed. Quite a few runners had come past me, including a lady I chatted with briefly before she disappeared into the distance, so they must have entered as walkers.
Once on Longstone Moor it started to brighten up, the going was a lot drier than I expected too. I found the next self clip and jogged the track downhill into the village of Great Longstone. The route then follows the Monsal Trail ( I think it's the Monsal Trail, doesn't say on the route description...) to the next manned checkpoint. This bit always feels a bit endless but I ate one of the mars bars pocketed on the Belvoir Challenge and felt strong enough to jog most of the way. The runners were starting to come past, including the lady I'd been chatting with before who said she'd got lost and it had taken her 45 minutes to get back on route!
There was coffee and cakes at the checkpoint, which were very welcome. The sun was out by this time- it always seems to brighten up on the old railway- and I left the checkpoint for Bakewell and another steep climb up through the golf course. This was the muddiest part of the whole route but not as bad as last year. A few of the hardiest runners were actually trying to jog up this path!
After another self clip checkpoint the route becomes a lot easier- across a huge meadow, mostly downhill so very runnable.
Looking Towards The Edges
I noticed that a lot of the runners who were now going past in force were calling 'well done!' as they passed and realised that they were just addressing me and not the other walkers. It dawned on me that they thought I was a 'proper' runner who had set off with them and had managed to maintain a lead on them until now... I felt quite guilty about earning praise under false pretences!
There were some lovely views of Chatsworth as we descended towards Edensor, but most of it appears to be covered in scaffolding and plastic which detracted from its charms.
The path through Chatsworth estate to Baslow always seems quite long, and my legs were starting to tire. I tried to walk bristly and then managed to jog to the next checkpoint- who were serving coffee and cakes. I decided to forego the coffee but selected a piece of flapjack and left. I wasn't feeling great when I left the checkpoint- my legs were aching and I felt slightly sick- I nibbled on the flapjack but couldn't finish it, so put the rest away in my bumbag.
The next part of the route was the last steep climb of the day- up onto the Edges. I felt as though I was walking really slowly and it seemed a real effort. Runners were passing me, walking, so I must have been quite slow! The first part of the edge doesn't seem too bad (although if I am struggling I would rather not know how many miles I have done because I am always disappointed, but there is always someone who comes up behind you and casually informs her friend not only exactly how many miles you have done (and it's always less than you think) but works out how long it will take then to finish- and as they are about to pass you and disappear into the distance, you know that however long it will take them, it will take you far longer...)
The second part, though, after dropping down to cross a minor road and climbing back up again, seems endless... and also includes a bit of light scrambling! I usually have a backlog of runners behind me, patiently waiting for me to pick my way down.
View From The Edge
After this it is just an easy rocky descent- but I was feeling really rough. My legs felt very wobbly and I felt almost light headed. I was really ready to finish and started to worry whether I was going to be able to do it. Maybe it was the combination of the Belvoir Challenge the week before and not much food- I forced the rest of the flapjack down and just gritted my teeth and tried to get on with it.
I don't think I was the only one though- a couple of runners passed me and as they ran by I heard the chap say to the woman 'Come on- we can sub four hours!' She replied 'I don't give a shit anymore!'
By the time I crossed the road and started to descend through the woods towards Grindleford I started to feel much better and actually managed to overtake some walkers and manage a shambling jog finish. I finsihed in 6 hours 9 minutes, faster than last year's time of 6 and a half hours, so I was chuffed.
Soup and cheese is served at the Village Hall but it was packed and pretty impossible to find a seat, but I collapsed into one somehow and by the time I'd polished it off with three chunks of crusty bread I felt quite normal (relatively speaking for me!) again...
I have had a quieter week as I developed a headache Tuesday and Thursday- some walking and some gym work. I had another swimming lesson from Katie today- proper breast stroke this time, does wonders for bingo wings I hope! It's amazing just how tiring it is doing the strokes properly. Managed a little 6 miler this morning across fields too- gorgeous morning.
It's the Charnwood Forest Marathon next Saturday but I am probably not going to do it as a) I am skint as I am going to Italy in under a fortnight and need to find some spends and b) Katie is swimming Saturday night and I'd like to go and watch. I will also be able to step up the training this week- doing events every weekend does limit what you can do in between.
Maybe with a bit of practice I'll be able to do a length without nearly drowning myself...
But I digress. I wanted to start around 8am (it's a rolling start between 7:30am and 9am with runners starting later). By the time I parked up and registered it was 8:06am- exactly the same as last year. The weather was looking a bit grey and misty but at least it wasn't raining. There seemed to be quite a few folks setting off and I overtook some of them in Froggatt.
I had printed out a route description but as the route doesn't change I knew it pretty well, so didn't actually need it. I knew that we would be faced with our first steep climb quite early on and it was just as steep as I remembered it! I decided to jog downhill into the plague village of Eyam.
I have likely mentioned Eyam and the Plague before but it is a most fascinating village- I keep meaning to go back and explore it properly one day instead of just passing through but haven't so far. I stopped in the little shop and bought a cappucino like last year and sipped it as I walked through the village looking at the plaques outside the old stone cottages commemorating the victims of the plague who had died there (not sure whether I'd feel quite comfortable living in one...)
As I clipped my tally card at the self clip check point and climbed out of the village it was still quite misty. I knew we had a stretch of track leading mostly downhill to a busy road, so once I finished my coffee I jogged most of it. Then there was the long gradual climb onto Longstone Moor. The route went through a field with three ponies in it, two of them shetlands, and they were pretty taken with one of the walkers as he was offering them mints.
There is a manned checkpoint on one of the roads crossed, offering water, but nobody stays long as it's quite open and exposed. Quite a few runners had come past me, including a lady I chatted with briefly before she disappeared into the distance, so they must have entered as walkers.
Once on Longstone Moor it started to brighten up, the going was a lot drier than I expected too. I found the next self clip and jogged the track downhill into the village of Great Longstone. The route then follows the Monsal Trail ( I think it's the Monsal Trail, doesn't say on the route description...) to the next manned checkpoint. This bit always feels a bit endless but I ate one of the mars bars pocketed on the Belvoir Challenge and felt strong enough to jog most of the way. The runners were starting to come past, including the lady I'd been chatting with before who said she'd got lost and it had taken her 45 minutes to get back on route!
There was coffee and cakes at the checkpoint, which were very welcome. The sun was out by this time- it always seems to brighten up on the old railway- and I left the checkpoint for Bakewell and another steep climb up through the golf course. This was the muddiest part of the whole route but not as bad as last year. A few of the hardiest runners were actually trying to jog up this path!
After another self clip checkpoint the route becomes a lot easier- across a huge meadow, mostly downhill so very runnable.
I noticed that a lot of the runners who were now going past in force were calling 'well done!' as they passed and realised that they were just addressing me and not the other walkers. It dawned on me that they thought I was a 'proper' runner who had set off with them and had managed to maintain a lead on them until now... I felt quite guilty about earning praise under false pretences!
There were some lovely views of Chatsworth as we descended towards Edensor, but most of it appears to be covered in scaffolding and plastic which detracted from its charms.
The path through Chatsworth estate to Baslow always seems quite long, and my legs were starting to tire. I tried to walk bristly and then managed to jog to the next checkpoint- who were serving coffee and cakes. I decided to forego the coffee but selected a piece of flapjack and left. I wasn't feeling great when I left the checkpoint- my legs were aching and I felt slightly sick- I nibbled on the flapjack but couldn't finish it, so put the rest away in my bumbag.
The next part of the route was the last steep climb of the day- up onto the Edges. I felt as though I was walking really slowly and it seemed a real effort. Runners were passing me, walking, so I must have been quite slow! The first part of the edge doesn't seem too bad (although if I am struggling I would rather not know how many miles I have done because I am always disappointed, but there is always someone who comes up behind you and casually informs her friend not only exactly how many miles you have done (and it's always less than you think) but works out how long it will take then to finish- and as they are about to pass you and disappear into the distance, you know that however long it will take them, it will take you far longer...)
The second part, though, after dropping down to cross a minor road and climbing back up again, seems endless... and also includes a bit of light scrambling! I usually have a backlog of runners behind me, patiently waiting for me to pick my way down.
After this it is just an easy rocky descent- but I was feeling really rough. My legs felt very wobbly and I felt almost light headed. I was really ready to finish and started to worry whether I was going to be able to do it. Maybe it was the combination of the Belvoir Challenge the week before and not much food- I forced the rest of the flapjack down and just gritted my teeth and tried to get on with it.
I don't think I was the only one though- a couple of runners passed me and as they ran by I heard the chap say to the woman 'Come on- we can sub four hours!' She replied 'I don't give a shit anymore!'
By the time I crossed the road and started to descend through the woods towards Grindleford I started to feel much better and actually managed to overtake some walkers and manage a shambling jog finish. I finsihed in 6 hours 9 minutes, faster than last year's time of 6 and a half hours, so I was chuffed.
Soup and cheese is served at the Village Hall but it was packed and pretty impossible to find a seat, but I collapsed into one somehow and by the time I'd polished it off with three chunks of crusty bread I felt quite normal (relatively speaking for me!) again...
I have had a quieter week as I developed a headache Tuesday and Thursday- some walking and some gym work. I had another swimming lesson from Katie today- proper breast stroke this time, does wonders for bingo wings I hope! It's amazing just how tiring it is doing the strokes properly. Managed a little 6 miler this morning across fields too- gorgeous morning.
It's the Charnwood Forest Marathon next Saturday but I am probably not going to do it as a) I am skint as I am going to Italy in under a fortnight and need to find some spends and b) Katie is swimming Saturday night and I'd like to go and watch. I will also be able to step up the training this week- doing events every weekend does limit what you can do in between.
Labels: Grindleford Gallop
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, March 13, 2010
Grindleford Gallop Event Report
I decided to take this slower than when I did it in 2008, as I am not particularly training for anything and am not particularly fit! As it is a rolling start I decided to aim to start around 8am. There was a big, rather steep field to park in and I was a little disappointed on registering to discover that although there were cups set out enticingly in the pavilion, there was a barrier of chairs and red tape blocking the way to them so a coffee before starting was not on offer.
I set off at around 8:07am (precisely!) it had been gloriously sunny all the way there but the cloud was starting to come down. I had a fairly light pack, my trusty Raidlight with a spare fleece and waterproofs. The first part of the route goes through the woods to Froggatt village before climbing steeply- I had a route description on me but didn't need to look at it as I remembered the route quite well.
Climbing Out Of Froggatt
It was a little less muddy than 2008. I reached the top of the hill and followed the lane down to Eyam, past the Riley Graves and the cottages with memorial plague plaques on them.
Eyam
I passed a little shop, and noticed they had a coffee machine so bought a large cappucino for £1. The girl serving was quite interested about the event, as she had only just heard of it, but said she couldn't see herself taking part! There is a self clip checkpoint in Eyam, before the route follows a track down to a main road. I had a second breakfast of cappucino and a banana whilst following the track.
There is a short detour keeping competitors away from the road, before the long pull up to Longstone Moor, through several fields and past a checkpoint serving cold drinks. The weather was closing in at this point- really misty and damp. There is usually a lovely view from the top of the moor- but not today.
Longstone Moor
Thankfully the wind wasn't too strong, although the marshall directing us said he was freezing! Once the top of the moor is reached, there is a descend past the next self clip checkpoint to a track leading to Great Longstone. There were a few motorbikers waiting, obviously intent on riding up the track, think they chose the wrong day! I have to admit I'm not the greatest fan of motorbikes- they make huge ruts in tracks like this, making them almost unusual. Parts of the Ridgeway are hell!
The next part is easy- a walk down the disused railway to the checkpoint at Hassop Station. The runners, who set off en masse at 10am, started to come past, and I had a little jog myself. I stopped for a cuppa and flapjack, talking to a runner I'd seen on a few events before. He'd remembered I had been in training for the MdS last year so I was telling him about the race.
The Disused Railway
I was just finishing my drink when a friendly robin hopped onto a bush near me- he didn't seem at all afraid, just very curious as to what we were all up to.
After this the route passes through part of Bakewell and another stiff, muddy climb through the golf course and walkers warning bell, which quite a few folks couldn't resist ringing!
The Golf Course
I was being overtaken by a steady stream of runners, and the sun had come out at last. I was feeling pretty good, at least, once the climb was over! There is a final self clip at the top of the climb, before the route crosses a large meadow towards the Chatsworth Estate.
Although this is quite long, it is also quite easy as it is mostly downhill, so I jogged a lot of it.
There were great views over Chatsworth
Chatsworth House
The route descends through Edensor before crossing Chatworth grounds to Baslow. This bit always seems rather endless so I jogged some of it. Runners were still streaming past, including one chap who, seeing my pack, said 'Hast tha got t' kitchen sink in there?'
There were hot drinks available at the Baslow checkpoint, as well as more flapjack, both of which were very welcome. I stopped for another cuppa, and heard someone say we had another 5 miles to go. I was still feeling pretty good but knew we were facing the final big climb of the day- up onto the edges.
I crossed the road next to an Italian restaurant oddly named 'Il Lupo' (Why would anyone call an Italian restaurant The Wolf?) The pull up onto the edges seemed to go on for ages, several runners overtook me but they were all complaining so I didn't feel too bad!
Looking Back To Chatsworth
Nearly At The Top!!
I decided to take my time along the edges and enjoy them, as there were some great views, so I stuck to walking.
The Eagle Stone, Curbar Edge
Looking Towards Froggatt Edge
There is a slight descent to a road before walking along Froggatt Edge. The path passes quite close to the edge on Froggatt, so I took a few snaps.
Looking Back To Curbar Edge
The path gradually descends towards a road, past some amazing rock formations.
Finally Grindleford came into view, bout time too as my legs were starting to ache!
Grindleford
There was just the rather muddy descent through the woods left which became a track down to the village. I saw a large group of walkers coming up to the path towards me and my first thought was that they were a rambling club. It was only when I noticed some of them had numbers on that I realised I was walking past the car park field- they were all finishers going back to their cars! I finished in 6 hours 40 minutes, an hour slower than 2008 (when I was really pushing it!) and the same time as 2007 so that was ok with me.
I got a cup of coffee, some soup and cheese (surprisingly good combination) and just one cake- didn't want a telling off this year!!
I have had a bath and a chinese takeaway and feel human- although that's up for debate! I do enjoy the Grindleford Gallop though- the scenery is superb and the steep ascents must make it equal to a 26 miler over flat terrain. Looking forward to a lie in tomorrow! I will need to find something else to work towards, although will need to get moved first!
I set off at around 8:07am (precisely!) it had been gloriously sunny all the way there but the cloud was starting to come down. I had a fairly light pack, my trusty Raidlight with a spare fleece and waterproofs. The first part of the route goes through the woods to Froggatt village before climbing steeply- I had a route description on me but didn't need to look at it as I remembered the route quite well.
It was a little less muddy than 2008. I reached the top of the hill and followed the lane down to Eyam, past the Riley Graves and the cottages with memorial plague plaques on them.
I passed a little shop, and noticed they had a coffee machine so bought a large cappucino for £1. The girl serving was quite interested about the event, as she had only just heard of it, but said she couldn't see herself taking part! There is a self clip checkpoint in Eyam, before the route follows a track down to a main road. I had a second breakfast of cappucino and a banana whilst following the track.
There is a short detour keeping competitors away from the road, before the long pull up to Longstone Moor, through several fields and past a checkpoint serving cold drinks. The weather was closing in at this point- really misty and damp. There is usually a lovely view from the top of the moor- but not today.
Thankfully the wind wasn't too strong, although the marshall directing us said he was freezing! Once the top of the moor is reached, there is a descend past the next self clip checkpoint to a track leading to Great Longstone. There were a few motorbikers waiting, obviously intent on riding up the track, think they chose the wrong day! I have to admit I'm not the greatest fan of motorbikes- they make huge ruts in tracks like this, making them almost unusual. Parts of the Ridgeway are hell!
The next part is easy- a walk down the disused railway to the checkpoint at Hassop Station. The runners, who set off en masse at 10am, started to come past, and I had a little jog myself. I stopped for a cuppa and flapjack, talking to a runner I'd seen on a few events before. He'd remembered I had been in training for the MdS last year so I was telling him about the race.
I was just finishing my drink when a friendly robin hopped onto a bush near me- he didn't seem at all afraid, just very curious as to what we were all up to.
After this the route passes through part of Bakewell and another stiff, muddy climb through the golf course and walkers warning bell, which quite a few folks couldn't resist ringing!
I was being overtaken by a steady stream of runners, and the sun had come out at last. I was feeling pretty good, at least, once the climb was over! There is a final self clip at the top of the climb, before the route crosses a large meadow towards the Chatsworth Estate.
There were great views over Chatsworth
The route descends through Edensor before crossing Chatworth grounds to Baslow. This bit always seems rather endless so I jogged some of it. Runners were still streaming past, including one chap who, seeing my pack, said 'Hast tha got t' kitchen sink in there?'
There were hot drinks available at the Baslow checkpoint, as well as more flapjack, both of which were very welcome. I stopped for another cuppa, and heard someone say we had another 5 miles to go. I was still feeling pretty good but knew we were facing the final big climb of the day- up onto the edges.
I crossed the road next to an Italian restaurant oddly named 'Il Lupo' (Why would anyone call an Italian restaurant The Wolf?) The pull up onto the edges seemed to go on for ages, several runners overtook me but they were all complaining so I didn't feel too bad!
I decided to take my time along the edges and enjoy them, as there were some great views, so I stuck to walking.
There is a slight descent to a road before walking along Froggatt Edge. The path passes quite close to the edge on Froggatt, so I took a few snaps.
The path gradually descends towards a road, past some amazing rock formations.
Finally Grindleford came into view, bout time too as my legs were starting to ache!
There was just the rather muddy descent through the woods left which became a track down to the village. I saw a large group of walkers coming up to the path towards me and my first thought was that they were a rambling club. It was only when I noticed some of them had numbers on that I realised I was walking past the car park field- they were all finishers going back to their cars! I finished in 6 hours 40 minutes, an hour slower than 2008 (when I was really pushing it!) and the same time as 2007 so that was ok with me.
I got a cup of coffee, some soup and cheese (surprisingly good combination) and just one cake- didn't want a telling off this year!!
I have had a bath and a chinese takeaway and feel human- although that's up for debate! I do enjoy the Grindleford Gallop though- the scenery is superb and the steep ascents must make it equal to a 26 miler over flat terrain. Looking forward to a lie in tomorrow! I will need to find something else to work towards, although will need to get moved first!
Labels: Grindleford Gallop
Friday, March 12, 2010
Preparing For The Grindleford Gallop
Ok I'm not actually doing anything right at this minute (apart from eating sweets) but I have been preparing... honest...
Had a good result last Sunday- I went for a 7 mile walk and then had quite a tough session in the gym, pounding the ellipticals and the treadmill. I have taken it easier since then, just went out Tuesday for 5 miles or so and then to the gym last night.
I have done the Grindleford Gallop a few times so think I know the route fairly well, but I've also printed it off just in case. It's been raining today so will probably be lovely and muddy. I'm not going to plan for a time or anything, cos when I last did it I ran quite a lot of it as I was a fair bit fitter, but then got stuck in the shopping traffic in Chesterfield, so there are advantages to being slower.
Hoping for some decent weather tomorrow!
Had a good result last Sunday- I went for a 7 mile walk and then had quite a tough session in the gym, pounding the ellipticals and the treadmill. I have taken it easier since then, just went out Tuesday for 5 miles or so and then to the gym last night.
I have done the Grindleford Gallop a few times so think I know the route fairly well, but I've also printed it off just in case. It's been raining today so will probably be lovely and muddy. I'm not going to plan for a time or anything, cos when I last did it I ran quite a lot of it as I was a fair bit fitter, but then got stuck in the shopping traffic in Chesterfield, so there are advantages to being slower.
Hoping for some decent weather tomorrow!
Labels: Grindleford Gallop
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
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Event Report; The Grindleford Gallop!
Well, I sometimes think that we can underestimate our fitness and our bodies are actually capable of doing much more than we realise...
I really didn't know whether I should be doing the Gallop... I woke at 5:45am and felt like going back to sleep. Even on the drive up by brain kept trying to tell me to turn around and go back to bed! But I can be a stubborn so and so, so found myself at the start point in the pavilion at Grindleford, drinking a cuppa and eating my banana ready for an 8:30am start...
It's a staggered start- walkers can start at any time between 7am and 9:30am, with a mass start for runners at 10am. I'm afraid there are no pictures as my camera decided it had run out of battery power and once again hadn't bothered to give me any warning, so if you want an idea of what the route is like, read last year's report here, only imagine it dull and grey rather than sunny...
I set off and was overtaken by a group of people running even though it was only 8:30am. Now, the walking fraternity seem to take umbridge at people who enter these events as walkers and then run, but I can understand as there must be lots of folks who fall into the category of wanting to run and walk an event but wouldn't see themselves as runners and feel that they may need more time. Anyway, it inspired me to run a bit at the start, before getting to Froggatt. I deliberately kept the pack quite light, only carrying waterproofs, fleece, hat, golves, useless camera and two full 1 litre water bottles.
I walked up the first hill, and overtook a few walkers, then had a gentle jog/ walk down to Eyam, and the first self clip point. It was dull, windy and threatening rain, but luckily we didn't get more than the odd blustery shower all day. After Eyam came a walk along a walled lane and then the road before a long gradual climb up onto Longstone moor. There was a drinks checkpoint before the final pull onto the moor, which was quite boggy in places.
The full force of the wind hit, and it was quite tough going. We passed another self clip, which two guys who had just overtaken me had missed, so I shouted them back. I was quite glad to have the moor over with, and started to jog again down the walled track into Great Longstone village, with the serious runners starting to overtaking me.
I felt quite good, so when we hit the Monsal Trail I kept going at a slow, steady jog, not near as fast as the runners but overtook lots of walkers. There was a check point near to The Country Bookstore, I selected a piece of cake and had a few minutes before jogging off again.
I walked up the steep climb through the golf course at Bakewell, with the 'bell' to hit to warn golfers of walkers' prescence; one of the guys just ahead hit this and it certainly makes a din, mind you I don't see how the golfers can possibly have missed us!!
After this the route crosses a large sort of meadow, descending gently all the way to Edensor and through the Chatsworth Hall park. I surprised myself by keeping running all the way to Baslow and the check point there. There were a load of runners at the check point; a few were running and walking, and we were kind of leap frogging each other. I took a cup of tea and selected a flapjack for energy.
I resolved to walk the next bit; the steep climb onto the edges. At one point I passed a guy who was flexing his leg and looked to be in pain. A runner who had just overtaken me asked him if he was ok, and he told us he was. At the top, I saw a strange group of walkers approaching from the opposite direction, nearly all wearing identical red anoraks. They were obviously going our way, so I broke into a slow jog to keep them at bay! It was great running near to the edges, following the twisting path and jumping over the stones, although I was tired it was quite exhilirating! Several of us went right up to the edge and took in the amazing view.
I kept up a slow jog downhill to the final road, which seemed ages coming as I felt tired now. There was a final descent through woods back to Grindleford, and I managed to keep running to the end. A lady directed me to the finish, but I realised she had directed me to the runners finish, so had to double back to the walkers finish point.
My time was 5 hours and 30 minutes, which is amazing for me and 1 hour 10 minutes quicker than last year's time! I am also amazed I managed to run so much of it, especially after feling so rough all week! It was packed with runners in the pavilion; there was soup, chunks of bread and lovely looking cakes but I missed the sign saying only one piece of cake per person, so got told off for trying to take two! ( I wasn't the only one!)
So, I am pleased with that, as all I had done in the week was one 7 1/2 mile walk and using the stepper. Only thing is, I have developed a worse cough and a tight feeling in my chest, so may have a bit of a chest infection. Oh, and a stone chipped my windscreen on the way back along the M1, so am hoping that Autoglass can repair it.
My knees were aching last night, but are ok today, legs are aching but not too bad. I may have an easy day today though. Hope everyone has a good week!
I really didn't know whether I should be doing the Gallop... I woke at 5:45am and felt like going back to sleep. Even on the drive up by brain kept trying to tell me to turn around and go back to bed! But I can be a stubborn so and so, so found myself at the start point in the pavilion at Grindleford, drinking a cuppa and eating my banana ready for an 8:30am start...
It's a staggered start- walkers can start at any time between 7am and 9:30am, with a mass start for runners at 10am. I'm afraid there are no pictures as my camera decided it had run out of battery power and once again hadn't bothered to give me any warning, so if you want an idea of what the route is like, read last year's report here, only imagine it dull and grey rather than sunny...
I set off and was overtaken by a group of people running even though it was only 8:30am. Now, the walking fraternity seem to take umbridge at people who enter these events as walkers and then run, but I can understand as there must be lots of folks who fall into the category of wanting to run and walk an event but wouldn't see themselves as runners and feel that they may need more time. Anyway, it inspired me to run a bit at the start, before getting to Froggatt. I deliberately kept the pack quite light, only carrying waterproofs, fleece, hat, golves, useless camera and two full 1 litre water bottles.
I walked up the first hill, and overtook a few walkers, then had a gentle jog/ walk down to Eyam, and the first self clip point. It was dull, windy and threatening rain, but luckily we didn't get more than the odd blustery shower all day. After Eyam came a walk along a walled lane and then the road before a long gradual climb up onto Longstone moor. There was a drinks checkpoint before the final pull onto the moor, which was quite boggy in places.
The full force of the wind hit, and it was quite tough going. We passed another self clip, which two guys who had just overtaken me had missed, so I shouted them back. I was quite glad to have the moor over with, and started to jog again down the walled track into Great Longstone village, with the serious runners starting to overtaking me.
I felt quite good, so when we hit the Monsal Trail I kept going at a slow, steady jog, not near as fast as the runners but overtook lots of walkers. There was a check point near to The Country Bookstore, I selected a piece of cake and had a few minutes before jogging off again.
I walked up the steep climb through the golf course at Bakewell, with the 'bell' to hit to warn golfers of walkers' prescence; one of the guys just ahead hit this and it certainly makes a din, mind you I don't see how the golfers can possibly have missed us!!
After this the route crosses a large sort of meadow, descending gently all the way to Edensor and through the Chatsworth Hall park. I surprised myself by keeping running all the way to Baslow and the check point there. There were a load of runners at the check point; a few were running and walking, and we were kind of leap frogging each other. I took a cup of tea and selected a flapjack for energy.
I resolved to walk the next bit; the steep climb onto the edges. At one point I passed a guy who was flexing his leg and looked to be in pain. A runner who had just overtaken me asked him if he was ok, and he told us he was. At the top, I saw a strange group of walkers approaching from the opposite direction, nearly all wearing identical red anoraks. They were obviously going our way, so I broke into a slow jog to keep them at bay! It was great running near to the edges, following the twisting path and jumping over the stones, although I was tired it was quite exhilirating! Several of us went right up to the edge and took in the amazing view.
I kept up a slow jog downhill to the final road, which seemed ages coming as I felt tired now. There was a final descent through woods back to Grindleford, and I managed to keep running to the end. A lady directed me to the finish, but I realised she had directed me to the runners finish, so had to double back to the walkers finish point.
My time was 5 hours and 30 minutes, which is amazing for me and 1 hour 10 minutes quicker than last year's time! I am also amazed I managed to run so much of it, especially after feling so rough all week! It was packed with runners in the pavilion; there was soup, chunks of bread and lovely looking cakes but I missed the sign saying only one piece of cake per person, so got told off for trying to take two! ( I wasn't the only one!)
So, I am pleased with that, as all I had done in the week was one 7 1/2 mile walk and using the stepper. Only thing is, I have developed a worse cough and a tight feeling in my chest, so may have a bit of a chest infection. Oh, and a stone chipped my windscreen on the way back along the M1, so am hoping that Autoglass can repair it.
My knees were aching last night, but are ok today, legs are aching but not too bad. I may have an easy day today though. Hope everyone has a good week!
Labels: Grindleford Gallop
Friday, March 07, 2008
The Grindleford Gallop... Should I Or Shouldn't I?
I am in a bit of a quandary... you see, it's the Grindleford Gallop tomorrow, and I really enjoy this one- 21 miles through really good scenic countryside. And it's supposed to be a lovely day like today was.
But I still have my cold, although it's not so bad now. And a slight cough. I went out for a 7 1/2 mile walk last night and felt quite tired afterwards, so now I am thinking... would it be stupid to even contemplate doing it?
To my colleagues, there's no contest. They can't understand why I am even contemplating getting up seriously early on a weekend and slogging 21 miles in one day, let alone with a cold!!
But I will feel terrible if I don't do it, and I guess it's an illness rather than an injury, so- I probably will!! Watch this space...
But I still have my cold, although it's not so bad now. And a slight cough. I went out for a 7 1/2 mile walk last night and felt quite tired afterwards, so now I am thinking... would it be stupid to even contemplate doing it?
To my colleagues, there's no contest. They can't understand why I am even contemplating getting up seriously early on a weekend and slogging 21 miles in one day, let alone with a cold!!
But I will feel terrible if I don't do it, and I guess it's an illness rather than an injury, so- I probably will!! Watch this space...
Labels: Grindleford Gallop
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.
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...
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 CheckpointWe 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 HouseThe 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 EdgeFinally 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...
Labels: 10k, Challenge walks, Grindleford Gallop, running
