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
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Not A Bad Week...
I have actually done some (gasp) training this week!! Been out for a few runs and even motivated myself to hit the gym! That surprised a few muscles from their slumber!
Today was a cold but rather glorious day. I wanted a walk but didn't fancy getting too muddy so decided to stick mainly to paths and pavements (wimp!)
I ummed and ahhed over taking the camera but decided to in the end as I thought I might get some shots of the lovely Autumn colours... and as it turned out I was really glad I had it with me.
I walked to Holme Pierrepont and took in a circuit of the Regatta Lake, going off the path to walk up hills and around the little nature reserve. I kept seeing signs for the 'Spooky Sprint' whatever that is- I'm intrigued!
Autumn Colours
It was a beautiful walk.
After the lake I headed to the Trent with the intention of following it to Lady Bay bridge. As I walked towards the yacht club I noticed something strange over the other side of the river. There were a lot of swans but amongst them was a strange looking bird... it looked like a swan but a lot darker.
The swans swam towards me and I saw that it was in fact a black swan- the first I've seen. A cyclist stopped and got his camera out and we both took a few snaps of it;
I think they are native to Australia so it had either flown a heck of a long way or else had escaped from somewhere.
After watching it for a little while I carried on down to Lady Bay bridge and diverted to the retail park before heading up the Trent and to the old railway track back home. I was feeling a bit lazy so no running, just walking...
Autumn On The Old Railway Track
I am intending to complete a lot more events next year, including a few longer ones, so over this winter I really want to get my fitness back on track!
Today was a cold but rather glorious day. I wanted a walk but didn't fancy getting too muddy so decided to stick mainly to paths and pavements (wimp!)
I ummed and ahhed over taking the camera but decided to in the end as I thought I might get some shots of the lovely Autumn colours... and as it turned out I was really glad I had it with me.
I walked to Holme Pierrepont and took in a circuit of the Regatta Lake, going off the path to walk up hills and around the little nature reserve. I kept seeing signs for the 'Spooky Sprint' whatever that is- I'm intrigued!
After the lake I headed to the Trent with the intention of following it to Lady Bay bridge. As I walked towards the yacht club I noticed something strange over the other side of the river. There were a lot of swans but amongst them was a strange looking bird... it looked like a swan but a lot darker.
The swans swam towards me and I saw that it was in fact a black swan- the first I've seen. A cyclist stopped and got his camera out and we both took a few snaps of it;
After watching it for a little while I carried on down to Lady Bay bridge and diverted to the retail park before heading up the Trent and to the old railway track back home. I was feeling a bit lazy so no running, just walking...
I am intending to complete a lot more events next year, including a few longer ones, so over this winter I really want to get my fitness back on track!
Labels: black swan, Holme Pierrepont
Tuesday, October 04, 2011
Training...
I have been stumbling my way back into training- it was so lovely at the weekend that I went out on a couple of walks. One Friday night, to Holme Pierrepont, down to the A52 and back through fields to Bassingfield. As I was walking through a field with horses, I chatted to one of the owners for a few minutes, who was filling up the water barrels. Sadly she said that they are having trouble with people stealing electric fencing, batteries and turning the horses' water barrels upside down so they have no water. I can't believe the mentality of some people!
Saturday I had an 8 1/2 mile walk/ jog in the heatwave! I had to feed a friend's cat so walked there first, and then joined up with one of my regular routes across fields towards Cotgrave, before doubling back to the canal. Sometimes I extend it by walking up to Clipston Woods or into Cotgrave itself but not today... I saw a chap acting suspiciously in a field I was about to walk through- he appeared to be walking backwards and forwards, occasionally bending over. I was getting a little worried until I got closer and realised he was just metal detecting!
I put my running gear in the car this morning and stopped at the Regatta Lake at Holme Pierrepont before my body realised what I was doing- and got in two circuits of the lake- slightly over 6 miles (I stopped to walk a couple of times but it was an improvement on the last time I did this!) I saw a little flock of tufted ducks merrily bobbing away on the water and a few crested glebes.
My next event is the Spires and Steeples on October 16th- 26 miles from Lincoln to Sleaford. I really like this one, it's another friendly one with some lovely views, plus there's something quite satisfying about doing a linear route. Like the Ponton Plod, it's usually sunny, but I heard that they are forecasting snow!!
Saturday I had an 8 1/2 mile walk/ jog in the heatwave! I had to feed a friend's cat so walked there first, and then joined up with one of my regular routes across fields towards Cotgrave, before doubling back to the canal. Sometimes I extend it by walking up to Clipston Woods or into Cotgrave itself but not today... I saw a chap acting suspiciously in a field I was about to walk through- he appeared to be walking backwards and forwards, occasionally bending over. I was getting a little worried until I got closer and realised he was just metal detecting!
I put my running gear in the car this morning and stopped at the Regatta Lake at Holme Pierrepont before my body realised what I was doing- and got in two circuits of the lake- slightly over 6 miles (I stopped to walk a couple of times but it was an improvement on the last time I did this!) I saw a little flock of tufted ducks merrily bobbing away on the water and a few crested glebes.
My next event is the Spires and Steeples on October 16th- 26 miles from Lincoln to Sleaford. I really like this one, it's another friendly one with some lovely views, plus there's something quite satisfying about doing a linear route. Like the Ponton Plod, it's usually sunny, but I heard that they are forecasting snow!!
Labels: Bassingfield, Holme Pierrepont, Spires and Steeples Challenge
Thursday, June 02, 2011
Where Does The Time Go!?!
I honestly don't know where the last month has gone. Did we really just have May or did I just blink and miss it?
What with preparing for a wedding (not mine! My little sisters...) and being in some demand socially lately I just seem to have had no time at all.
Ok, that's the paltry excuse for the lack of entries over- so what's been happening lately on the endurance adventures front?
Well... not an awful lot... I have been out and about, walking, running and to the gym but it has been a bit sporadic. The crowning achievment was a 14 mile walk/ run in the rain Bank Holiday Monday. I went by Holme Pierrepont, along the cliff top walk at Radcliffe-on-Trent and onto Shelford, returning through some fields back to the cliff path. The rain never let up once- I think it may have turned to light drizzle for a couple of minutes, but that was the only respite. Trouble is, although it was wet, it was also quite warm, so I was in my t-shirt.
On the way back to the house I remembered some stuff I needed from Morrisons, and, knowing I wouldn't be bothered to go out later on, I limped up the canal to the store, absolutely soaking wet and rather fed up by this time. I passed a lady in waterproofs walking her dog- as she walked by she smiled and said 'Isn't it refreshing walking in the rain!'
My next little venture is going to be the Baslow Boot Bash on Saturday June 11th, I have also started to follow a training plan in a magazine (Trail Runner I think) with a view to finally settling my score with the Bullock Smithy...
What with preparing for a wedding (not mine! My little sisters...) and being in some demand socially lately I just seem to have had no time at all.
Ok, that's the paltry excuse for the lack of entries over- so what's been happening lately on the endurance adventures front?
Well... not an awful lot... I have been out and about, walking, running and to the gym but it has been a bit sporadic. The crowning achievment was a 14 mile walk/ run in the rain Bank Holiday Monday. I went by Holme Pierrepont, along the cliff top walk at Radcliffe-on-Trent and onto Shelford, returning through some fields back to the cliff path. The rain never let up once- I think it may have turned to light drizzle for a couple of minutes, but that was the only respite. Trouble is, although it was wet, it was also quite warm, so I was in my t-shirt.
On the way back to the house I remembered some stuff I needed from Morrisons, and, knowing I wouldn't be bothered to go out later on, I limped up the canal to the store, absolutely soaking wet and rather fed up by this time. I passed a lady in waterproofs walking her dog- as she walked by she smiled and said 'Isn't it refreshing walking in the rain!'
My next little venture is going to be the Baslow Boot Bash on Saturday June 11th, I have also started to follow a training plan in a magazine (Trail Runner I think) with a view to finally settling my score with the Bullock Smithy...
Labels: baslow boot bash, Holme Pierrepont, Radcliffe on Trent
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Looks A Lot Like Spring!
We had a very rare occurence this weekend- a Bank Holiday collided with a mini heatwave! I took advantage quick and got out on one of my regular routes round Clipston Woods, to Cotgrave and back along the canal- it's about 12 miles and I ran a fair bit of it. Here are a few spring photos...
Unfortunately, my knee was bothering me when I got back. It's not a pain exactly- a kind of discomfort on the left side of my left knee. I do feel it whilst I'm out but it doesn't get any worse. When I am home I can feel it more, especially if my leg twists, but it's always gone next day. I don't want to risk making it worse so have been taking it a bit easier since.
I had a gym session Sunday and walked Monday- no running! No problems- so tonight I walked to the Regatta Lake at Holme Pierrepont and had a few running stretches round the lake. Touch wood- so far so good! The Regatta Lake is a rectangular artificial lake built for watersports and is ideal for running round as it's flat and there's a good track- it's just over 3 miles all the way round. There are also loads of geese- and loads of little baby goslings with very protective parents which made for very interesting running...
Baby Geese With Protective Parents!
The Regatta Lake- It's Long!
More Baby Geese
Unfortunately, my knee was bothering me when I got back. It's not a pain exactly- a kind of discomfort on the left side of my left knee. I do feel it whilst I'm out but it doesn't get any worse. When I am home I can feel it more, especially if my leg twists, but it's always gone next day. I don't want to risk making it worse so have been taking it a bit easier since.
I had a gym session Sunday and walked Monday- no running! No problems- so tonight I walked to the Regatta Lake at Holme Pierrepont and had a few running stretches round the lake. Touch wood- so far so good! The Regatta Lake is a rectangular artificial lake built for watersports and is ideal for running round as it's flat and there's a good track- it's just over 3 miles all the way round. There are also loads of geese- and loads of little baby goslings with very protective parents which made for very interesting running...
Labels: Holme Pierrepont
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Lovely Weekend!
It's gorgeous today- hopefully Spring has well and truly sprung. I walked along the canal to Morrisons earlier and saw some tiny, fluffy baby coots.
I haven't been all that active I have to admit, although I have been for some shortish runs. I went for a walk last Saturday- about 10 miles round Bassingfield, Holme Pierrepont and the Trent.
Bassingfield is a small hamlet nearby, set into the green belt. Unfortunately there are plans to build a massive football stadium and hotel, park and ride, plus a development of over 4,000 new houses on the green belt! Apparently the government are leaning on the council to authorise so many new housing developments on rural land... this will be an absolute nightmare, and such a shame. We are losing too much of our countryside- I am not disputing that more housing is needed but surely there are lots of brownfield sites which could be developed instead??
I took some photos of the area which could soon be buried under the proposed development;
Bassingfield
There is a footpath from Bassingfield to the A52...
The A52 is a busy nightmare of a dual carriageway but at least there are traffic lights and crossing places where the footpath brings you out. Straight opposite a byway passes the fishing lakes and leads to Holme Pierrepont.
It looked lovely with the spring blossom out. I ambled along the road a bit and then took a walk up to the drive to see Holme Pierrepont Hall;
Holme Pierrepont Hall
Unfortunately the grounds are private- I was leaning over a locked gate to take the photo!
I followed a road round the top of the boating lake, which became a track and eventually led past some smaller lakes before reaching the River Trent;
The path followed the River Trent all the way back to Trent Locks and the Watersports Centre. I could look over to the other side and see the paths I used to take when I lived in Netherfield... it's a shame that there isn't a crossing point over the Trent for pedestrians here as it would be great to be able to wander over to Colwick Park.
Trent Locks
I walked back along the White Water rapids- these look terrific fun!
I have decided to do the 10th 'Valley and Views' tomorrow from Wilbarston near Market Harborough. Time I got my lardy arse moving again!! It is going to be a lovely day again tomorrow and I know I will regret it if I don't do it. Luckily you can just turn up any time between 7:30 and 9:00am, pay and collect a route description. It's only £3.50 so good value- should be a good day!
I haven't been all that active I have to admit, although I have been for some shortish runs. I went for a walk last Saturday- about 10 miles round Bassingfield, Holme Pierrepont and the Trent.
Bassingfield is a small hamlet nearby, set into the green belt. Unfortunately there are plans to build a massive football stadium and hotel, park and ride, plus a development of over 4,000 new houses on the green belt! Apparently the government are leaning on the council to authorise so many new housing developments on rural land... this will be an absolute nightmare, and such a shame. We are losing too much of our countryside- I am not disputing that more housing is needed but surely there are lots of brownfield sites which could be developed instead??
I took some photos of the area which could soon be buried under the proposed development;
There is a footpath from Bassingfield to the A52...
The A52 is a busy nightmare of a dual carriageway but at least there are traffic lights and crossing places where the footpath brings you out. Straight opposite a byway passes the fishing lakes and leads to Holme Pierrepont.
Unfortunately the grounds are private- I was leaning over a locked gate to take the photo!
I followed a road round the top of the boating lake, which became a track and eventually led past some smaller lakes before reaching the River Trent;
I walked back along the White Water rapids- these look terrific fun!
I have decided to do the 10th 'Valley and Views' tomorrow from Wilbarston near Market Harborough. Time I got my lardy arse moving again!! It is going to be a lovely day again tomorrow and I know I will regret it if I don't do it. Luckily you can just turn up any time between 7:30 and 9:00am, pay and collect a route description. It's only £3.50 so good value- should be a good day!
Labels: Holme Pierrepont, Valleys and Views
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Grand Prix Race 1; Holme Pierrepont
Well, last night was the first in the Holme Pierrepont Running Club 'Grand Prix' series... we kicked off with a 10k around Holme Pierrepont Watersports Centre in West Bridgford.
I wasn't sure what to expect, as I have been concentrating on going long and slow rather than shorter and faster runs. As I had a late visit for work, it wasn't worth going home, so I grabbed a sandwich and ate it in the car, before going into the Watersports Centre to get changed and get demoralised looking at how fit and fast all the club runners looked. My race number for the series is 462, which, funnily enough, was my Stepdad's number when he was in the police force...
I met Meryl, who knew loads of the other runners, and we ambled to the start, which was a few minutes walk away. It wasn't too hot, luckily, just a bit humid. We set off, along quiet roads near the centre, and I tried to get into a stride. At the beginning there was the usual jostling for position before the field spreads out, there were a fair few running tonight. I passed a few folks walking at around 2k, and at 3k we turned off the road and followed the track around the lake; well, when I say lake it's a long rectangular man made lake for boat races etc. There was another smaller lake to the right, with some lucky soul water skiing- I'd love to try that!!
I passed a few folk, but had to avoid all the duck sh*t which could potentially get slippery underfoot. We were running against the wind, and as I had my mouth open, a fair amount of midges flew right in- yeuch, not too good for a veggie!! The water point was just before the 5k mark and I slowed down for a few gulps.
We ran down the far side of the rectangle, and could see the winning runners coming in to the finish on the other side! I also saw the ambulance driving up the direction we had been running, blue lights flashing, so hope whichever poor soul it was needed for is ok! Then we were turned off the track and back onto the roads for the second lap. I overtook a girl at around the 6.5k mark, but she kept really close behind me, I could hear her breathing down my neck. I was determined she wasn't going to get past, so kept up my pace for the next 2k, and she gradually dropped back. God, it was getting quite painful at this point though!
There was a slight uphill just before the 9k marker, then down and along the other side of the rectangle. As I hit the track, another girl drew up along side me, and we raced neck and neck almost to the end, but it was becoming really difficult to keep going and I was struggling to breathe, so had to drop back a bit just before the end. as I passed the line, I glanced at the clock and was really surprised to see I PB'd!!! My official time was 55 minutes and 13 seconds!
This was amazing as my last PB was the Millenium Run in December, which I did in 55 minutes 46 seconds. Interestingly, when I did this run last year my time was 59 minutes 24 seconds so quite a lot better!
I got a juice and went back to the start to cheer Meryl in. Her friend who often races with us but is recovering from injury arrived to cheer her in. Just as she finished it started to rain, so good timing!!
The next run is a 5k at Wollaton Park in Nottingham; it's short but vicious- a few good climbs!
I wasn't sure what to expect, as I have been concentrating on going long and slow rather than shorter and faster runs. As I had a late visit for work, it wasn't worth going home, so I grabbed a sandwich and ate it in the car, before going into the Watersports Centre to get changed and get demoralised looking at how fit and fast all the club runners looked. My race number for the series is 462, which, funnily enough, was my Stepdad's number when he was in the police force...
I met Meryl, who knew loads of the other runners, and we ambled to the start, which was a few minutes walk away. It wasn't too hot, luckily, just a bit humid. We set off, along quiet roads near the centre, and I tried to get into a stride. At the beginning there was the usual jostling for position before the field spreads out, there were a fair few running tonight. I passed a few folks walking at around 2k, and at 3k we turned off the road and followed the track around the lake; well, when I say lake it's a long rectangular man made lake for boat races etc. There was another smaller lake to the right, with some lucky soul water skiing- I'd love to try that!!
I passed a few folk, but had to avoid all the duck sh*t which could potentially get slippery underfoot. We were running against the wind, and as I had my mouth open, a fair amount of midges flew right in- yeuch, not too good for a veggie!! The water point was just before the 5k mark and I slowed down for a few gulps.
We ran down the far side of the rectangle, and could see the winning runners coming in to the finish on the other side! I also saw the ambulance driving up the direction we had been running, blue lights flashing, so hope whichever poor soul it was needed for is ok! Then we were turned off the track and back onto the roads for the second lap. I overtook a girl at around the 6.5k mark, but she kept really close behind me, I could hear her breathing down my neck. I was determined she wasn't going to get past, so kept up my pace for the next 2k, and she gradually dropped back. God, it was getting quite painful at this point though!
There was a slight uphill just before the 9k marker, then down and along the other side of the rectangle. As I hit the track, another girl drew up along side me, and we raced neck and neck almost to the end, but it was becoming really difficult to keep going and I was struggling to breathe, so had to drop back a bit just before the end. as I passed the line, I glanced at the clock and was really surprised to see I PB'd!!! My official time was 55 minutes and 13 seconds!
This was amazing as my last PB was the Millenium Run in December, which I did in 55 minutes 46 seconds. Interestingly, when I did this run last year my time was 59 minutes 24 seconds so quite a lot better!
I got a juice and went back to the start to cheer Meryl in. Her friend who often races with us but is recovering from injury arrived to cheer her in. Just as she finished it started to rain, so good timing!!
The next run is a 5k at Wollaton Park in Nottingham; it's short but vicious- a few good climbs!
Labels: Grand Prix, Holme Pierrepont
