Tuesday, September 20, 2011
The Ponton Plod- Event Report
I haven't done a proper long walk since the Malvern Midsummer Marathon, but the Ponton Plod is kind of a must-do for me- it's local, a great route and a really friendly event, plus the sun always shines!!
So I drove towards the sleepy village of Great Ponton, parked up in the field used for the event and treated myself to toast and marmalade after registering. The organiser, Stuart, said that a shower had been forecast for around 11am but all we had were a few spots of rain which didn't come to anything- it was a glorious warm sunny day!
The 27 and 17 milers set off at 8:30am, with the 12 milers setting off an hour later. I remeber taking part in the inaugural Ponton Plod, and it's certainly grown since then, I think the introduction of shorter options was a wise move as it has made the event appeal to local running clubs.
As we walked along the bridleway and through the golf course, it struck me that looking at the trees it is definitely Autumn now;
The Obelisk
It was here that the two routes split, the longer route going through the Stoke Rochford Estate and through the village of Stoke Rochford, before heading across fields to Skillington. As I haven't done this distance for some time, and have been having a few knee twinges I decided to take it nice and steady. I walked for a while with a chap called John, but he was much faster than me. He dropped his jumper though, and the couple behind me picked it up and handed it in- I must have walked straight past it without seeing it, but I think I was texting at the time!!
Once through Skillington I followed the track to Buckminster Water Tower and the first checkpoint (and cake!!) The couple behind me overtook and said that they remembered me from last year (everyone said that... I must be quite notorious!) I didn't take too many photos cos I have already taken a load over the years so check back over previous reports if you want to see more.
The next part of the route follows fields before climbing steadily to the village of Sproxton, I was really warm by now and although we had felt a few drops of rain and saw ominous looking clouds throughout the day, it stayed dry, sunny and warm.
Open Views Near Sproxton
There was more field walking to the village of Saltby. The terrain is a little challenging around here as there are some quite rutted fields and tracks, so I had to watch my ankles as I'm not too sure-footed at the best of times. Another advantage to doing this walk each year is that I know the route pretty well so are (theoretically) less likely to get lost!
After Saltby the route crosses a wide open field and passes between two ponds, before traversing several more fields via some fairly uneven paths. These lead to one of the most rutted paths in the whole area, and the one I always dread!
Autumn Colours
The Rutted Track!
Sadly I think it is the victim of motorbiking activity, which of course spoils it for anyone else who wants to use it...
After this it's an easy gradual descent to Croxton Kerrial and the half way point. I passed a chap who was deliberating which way to go, so pointed him in the right direction. He said that some folks had gone the wrong way; I noticed the couple who had passed me at the first checkpoint so stood there waving madly at them as they were out of shouting range. As I walked on I could see them coming back towards us so knew they'd be ok.
The half way checkpoint is always a welcome sight and as usual they had done us proud with lovely sandwiches, cakes and coffee. It was a pleasure to see Sheila waiting to greet the walkers in with a warm welcome as she has done every year I've done it.
It was a bit of a wrench to leave, but I heaved myself up and out the door... and out of the village and across the fields. Although much of this walk is in Lincolnshire there are a fair few hills to negotiate!
Croxton Kerrial Church
Descending To The Woods
After negotiating a ploughed field, I spotted some huge boulders near the path, some of which appeared to have fossils in them so stopped for a closer look;
The next part of the route is fairly straightforwards, passing through Harston and following the road to Sewstern Lane and the cycle track. I passed a couple of walkers quite happily sitting having lunch in the bus shelter.
Railway Bridge
There's a bit of a road walk into Denton, but as it's downhill I jogged it to get it over with. Denton is a pretty village, but quite busy traffic wise.
The route passes Denton Reservoir; it started to get a bit cloudy at this point but luckily stayed dry!
Looking A Bit Ominous!!
Denton Reservoir
The reservoir water levels were looking a little low, but there were loads of water birds around- I spotted three cormorants sitting on a branch but they were too far away for me to get a good photo.
A track led up the the A607, but I was rather disappointed to see that someone had dumped a couple of large piles of building rubble right across it.
I had another coffee at the next checkpoint at Harlaxton, and my favourite challenge walk dish of cold rice pudding! I felt I needed my strength for the big hill I knew was coming next...
After the steep hill there is a bit of a road walk along a quiet road, I passed a chap who was suffering from blisters and seemed to be in a bit of pain but said that he intended to just take his time.
Hungerton Hall
On leaving the road the route passes the impressive Hungerton Hall, and crosses a picturesque valley to reach the last checkpoint at the exposed village of Wyville. The lady there said that she thought there were more ladies doing the long route than men and said that it was a victory for the ladies!
My legs were aching by now, but this part of the route is really pretty, following a lovely valley, so it took my mind off my aches and pains;
Pretty Countryside
After some more quiet road walking, there are just some bridleways to negotiate. I spotted this sign on a gate- lucky horse eh!!
Looking Towards The A1
I could hear the A1 for quite a while before I could see it, luckily there is a footbridge over it which saves a mad dash on tired legs! I finished in 8 hours 23 minutes; although that's slower than last year I'm quite pleased as I took it steady and stopped to have coffee/ take photos.
The food at the end is lovely- I had the apple and parsnip soup which was absolutely delicious- and apple pie and custard for pudding- all hand made! It struck me how much better value these challenge walks are than road races... enter a road race and you can pay £30- £40 for the priviledge of running on tarmac for an hour or so, and being handed a cup of cold water with a medal at the end if you're lucky, but for £11 you can walk in the countryside all day, be fed sandwiches and cake, have a cooked meal at the end and the profits go to a good cause- in this case Besso Childrens' Home in India.
As I was driving home the heavens opened and it poured which showed an uncharacteristic good timing on behalf of the weather as I understand everyone had finished! Another great day out, I'd definitely recommend the Ponton Plod, it's a great event, well organised and really friendly.
So I drove towards the sleepy village of Great Ponton, parked up in the field used for the event and treated myself to toast and marmalade after registering. The organiser, Stuart, said that a shower had been forecast for around 11am but all we had were a few spots of rain which didn't come to anything- it was a glorious warm sunny day!
The 27 and 17 milers set off at 8:30am, with the 12 milers setting off an hour later. I remeber taking part in the inaugural Ponton Plod, and it's certainly grown since then, I think the introduction of shorter options was a wise move as it has made the event appeal to local running clubs.
As we walked along the bridleway and through the golf course, it struck me that looking at the trees it is definitely Autumn now;
It was here that the two routes split, the longer route going through the Stoke Rochford Estate and through the village of Stoke Rochford, before heading across fields to Skillington. As I haven't done this distance for some time, and have been having a few knee twinges I decided to take it nice and steady. I walked for a while with a chap called John, but he was much faster than me. He dropped his jumper though, and the couple behind me picked it up and handed it in- I must have walked straight past it without seeing it, but I think I was texting at the time!!
Once through Skillington I followed the track to Buckminster Water Tower and the first checkpoint (and cake!!) The couple behind me overtook and said that they remembered me from last year (everyone said that... I must be quite notorious!) I didn't take too many photos cos I have already taken a load over the years so check back over previous reports if you want to see more.
The next part of the route follows fields before climbing steadily to the village of Sproxton, I was really warm by now and although we had felt a few drops of rain and saw ominous looking clouds throughout the day, it stayed dry, sunny and warm.
There was more field walking to the village of Saltby. The terrain is a little challenging around here as there are some quite rutted fields and tracks, so I had to watch my ankles as I'm not too sure-footed at the best of times. Another advantage to doing this walk each year is that I know the route pretty well so are (theoretically) less likely to get lost!
After Saltby the route crosses a wide open field and passes between two ponds, before traversing several more fields via some fairly uneven paths. These lead to one of the most rutted paths in the whole area, and the one I always dread!
Sadly I think it is the victim of motorbiking activity, which of course spoils it for anyone else who wants to use it...
After this it's an easy gradual descent to Croxton Kerrial and the half way point. I passed a chap who was deliberating which way to go, so pointed him in the right direction. He said that some folks had gone the wrong way; I noticed the couple who had passed me at the first checkpoint so stood there waving madly at them as they were out of shouting range. As I walked on I could see them coming back towards us so knew they'd be ok.
The half way checkpoint is always a welcome sight and as usual they had done us proud with lovely sandwiches, cakes and coffee. It was a pleasure to see Sheila waiting to greet the walkers in with a warm welcome as she has done every year I've done it.
It was a bit of a wrench to leave, but I heaved myself up and out the door... and out of the village and across the fields. Although much of this walk is in Lincolnshire there are a fair few hills to negotiate!
After negotiating a ploughed field, I spotted some huge boulders near the path, some of which appeared to have fossils in them so stopped for a closer look;
The next part of the route is fairly straightforwards, passing through Harston and following the road to Sewstern Lane and the cycle track. I passed a couple of walkers quite happily sitting having lunch in the bus shelter.
There's a bit of a road walk into Denton, but as it's downhill I jogged it to get it over with. Denton is a pretty village, but quite busy traffic wise.
The route passes Denton Reservoir; it started to get a bit cloudy at this point but luckily stayed dry!
The reservoir water levels were looking a little low, but there were loads of water birds around- I spotted three cormorants sitting on a branch but they were too far away for me to get a good photo.
A track led up the the A607, but I was rather disappointed to see that someone had dumped a couple of large piles of building rubble right across it.
I had another coffee at the next checkpoint at Harlaxton, and my favourite challenge walk dish of cold rice pudding! I felt I needed my strength for the big hill I knew was coming next...
After the steep hill there is a bit of a road walk along a quiet road, I passed a chap who was suffering from blisters and seemed to be in a bit of pain but said that he intended to just take his time.
On leaving the road the route passes the impressive Hungerton Hall, and crosses a picturesque valley to reach the last checkpoint at the exposed village of Wyville. The lady there said that she thought there were more ladies doing the long route than men and said that it was a victory for the ladies!
My legs were aching by now, but this part of the route is really pretty, following a lovely valley, so it took my mind off my aches and pains;
After some more quiet road walking, there are just some bridleways to negotiate. I spotted this sign on a gate- lucky horse eh!!
I could hear the A1 for quite a while before I could see it, luckily there is a footbridge over it which saves a mad dash on tired legs! I finished in 8 hours 23 minutes; although that's slower than last year I'm quite pleased as I took it steady and stopped to have coffee/ take photos.
The food at the end is lovely- I had the apple and parsnip soup which was absolutely delicious- and apple pie and custard for pudding- all hand made! It struck me how much better value these challenge walks are than road races... enter a road race and you can pay £30- £40 for the priviledge of running on tarmac for an hour or so, and being handed a cup of cold water with a medal at the end if you're lucky, but for £11 you can walk in the countryside all day, be fed sandwiches and cake, have a cooked meal at the end and the profits go to a good cause- in this case Besso Childrens' Home in India.
As I was driving home the heavens opened and it poured which showed an uncharacteristic good timing on behalf of the weather as I understand everyone had finished! Another great day out, I'd definitely recommend the Ponton Plod, it's a great event, well organised and really friendly.
Labels: Ponton Plod
Wednesday, September 07, 2011
More Training!!
Spurred on with my success at going for a walk, I have managed to carry it on!! I went to the gym on Friday (steady on there...) before heading to Wells-Next-The-Sea for a more relaxing weekend spend pottering around the town, eating, drinking coffee and dodging showers on the beach.
Bit Black Over Bill's Mother's...
Looks A Bit Like Rain, Jake!!
The weather's been quite changeable- last Thursday I had planned to go to the gym, but it was a glorious day- hot, sunny and cloudless and it seemed such a waste to spend it inside with loads of sweaty people (or is that just me...) so I went for a walk/ run instead... I passed the Water Sports Centre, and jogged up to Holme Pierrepoint, following a byway to the A52 and crossing through fields back through Bassingfield- about 6 miles and I managed to run a lot of it (more of a lumbering jog) so I am happy. I couldn't resist taking my camera;
It really feels like Autumn now...
Saturday I walked along the cliff walk at Radcliffe to Shelford and back, a 13 mile route I've not done for a while, and I saw this fellow;
I managed more slow lumbering jogging, but felt a twinge in my knee so took it a bit easier, and stuck mainly to the elliptical in the gym on Sunday. It seemed okay last night though- I went round the Regatta Lake at the Watersports Centre and felt quite strong.
I had intended to do the Birmingham Canal Canter this Saturday but think it would pushing myself too much too soon, so I am going to aim for the Ponton Plod on 18th September instead- it's nice and local and one of my old favourites so I'll just take my time and have a good day out.
The weather's been quite changeable- last Thursday I had planned to go to the gym, but it was a glorious day- hot, sunny and cloudless and it seemed such a waste to spend it inside with loads of sweaty people (or is that just me...) so I went for a walk/ run instead... I passed the Water Sports Centre, and jogged up to Holme Pierrepoint, following a byway to the A52 and crossing through fields back through Bassingfield- about 6 miles and I managed to run a lot of it (more of a lumbering jog) so I am happy. I couldn't resist taking my camera;
It really feels like Autumn now...
Saturday I walked along the cliff walk at Radcliffe to Shelford and back, a 13 mile route I've not done for a while, and I saw this fellow;
I managed more slow lumbering jogging, but felt a twinge in my knee so took it a bit easier, and stuck mainly to the elliptical in the gym on Sunday. It seemed okay last night though- I went round the Regatta Lake at the Watersports Centre and felt quite strong.
I had intended to do the Birmingham Canal Canter this Saturday but think it would pushing myself too much too soon, so I am going to aim for the Ponton Plod on 18th September instead- it's nice and local and one of my old favourites so I'll just take my time and have a good day out.
Labels: Ponton Plod
Monday, September 20, 2010
The Ponton Plod- Event Report
Yesterday was the Ponton Plod- which happens to be one of my favourite events, so I decided to get my arse in gear and go and do it! I had gone to the gym the day before, to try to train for my October challenge of undertaking the Dave Lewis Challenge and Spires and Steeples in the same weekend. As usual, I completely overestimated the time it would take me to get there and arrived a whole hour before the 8:30am start. As I had loads of time I decided to treat myself to toast and marmalade as a sort of second breakfast to the porridge I'd had earlier... need all the energy I can get! The PP was started by Stuart Ashley, a keen (and very fast) long distance walker, and has really grown in popularity- I can understand why though as it's a good route and a really friendly event.
There are three distances- 27 miles, 17 miles and 11 1/2 miles. I registered for the 27 mile; I did it in just under 7 hours in 2008 but knew I wasn't going to finish anywhere near that time this year, and figured I'd be happy with 8 1/2 hours. The weather forecast was pretty dire, but most of the rain actually missed us and it was a pretty good day- cloudy but ideal temperatures for walking.
We set off at 8:30, along tracks and through the golf course;
and by a really posh building...
We were walking through the grounds, and as the route passed between two lakes I spotted a really odd-looking bird;
What's This?? Answers On A Postcard...
The Lake
The route emerges at the village of Stoke Rochford;
Stoke Rochford
There followed a mile of road walking, which I tried to jog although it was slightly uphill, before the route headed across fields to the village of Skillinton. I was jogging the flat bits and downhills and trying to power walk the rest. I noticed a lady in a pink top fairly close behind me and moving quite fast, in fact she was behind me for much of the way.
After Skillington there is a fairly long walk along a track to reach the first checkpoint at Buckminster water tower;
The Water Tower
The folks at the check point recognised me (happens a lot!) and I had some juice and half a hot cross bun. I didn't stay long, and jogged down the road to Buckminster.
Buckminster
I remembered the next part of the route quite well, and it's really pleasant- I really wanted to have a quick wee but realised that there were a few people close behind so thought better of it! One of the toughest parts of the route was on this stretch- we had to walk across a very long, uphill ploughed field, made up of the kind of mud that stuck to your shoes and made you feel like a carthorse on stilts!
Shortly after this the route passed gallops and a church;
Before crossing fields to Saltby. There were a few dicey electric fences to negotiate but luckily I emerged unshocked although it was a near thing. On this stretch is the dreaded rutted track that seems to delight challenge walk organisers from miles around- I last did it on the Belvoir Challenge and it was awful- completely muddy and slippy but was a lot better than I expected today! I was overtaken by two chaps, and took a slow jog down towards Croxten Kerrial and the half way point.
I decided I was going to have a bit of a rest here, and a coffee. There were sandwiches with the crusts cut off- very posh! As usual, everyone seemed to remember me from previous years... once seen and never forgotten... the lady in the pink top came in, and I saw Sue, who does a lot of the challenge walks in the area.
I left after about 15 minutes, and set off uphill and the down a steep descent into the woods;
Descending
There was another lovely long and uneven ploughed field to cross- I was so glad it was dry! The route passes through Harston before following the road up towards Sewstern Lane. We don't actually go down the lane- the route follows an old railway (and cycle route) to the road to Denton. I jogged down hill into the village but was feeling quite tired and cursed myself for not bringing painkillers as my legs were aching quite a bit.
The lady in the pink top caught me up at Denton Reservoir;
Denton Reservoir
We walked the rest of the route together, which was really nice, it's amazing how much faster the time goes and how you forget aching legs when you are chatting. It turns out that she works very near me (the next building!) and is a runner.
We stopped for a brief drink and cake at the checkpoint at Harlaxton Village Hall, and I remembered that there was quite a climb coming up. There were a lot of cows with calves, but luckily they didn't seem too preturbed by our prescence!
There is a bit of a road walk to the last checkpoint at Wyville, and we noticed a chap lying down on the verge with a border collie. We weren't sure if he had collapsed, but he said that he was just having a rest. He had a clip card so I gathered he was doing the event.
I didn't fancy anything to eat at the last checkpoint, but took a mars bar for later and refilled my water bottle for the last 3 1/2 miles. I was feeling quite tired now and glad to finish, there is a steepish climb along the road to the bridleway back to the footbridge over the A1. I was quite amused to see some sheep poking their heads through a gate, watching us, with a note on the gate saying that the stallion who is usually in the field 'is not with us at the moment as he is preforming matrimonial duties!'
We finished in 8 hours 7 minutes which I was very pleased with. I saw the chap who had been lying in the verge and his dog- they hadn't passed us so presume he had retired at Wyville. Home made soup and apple pie was on the menu, which was absolutely delicious!
I am off to Wells-Next-The-Sea Wednesday to Saturday with mum and Katie so won't be doing an awful lot. Sadly Jake will not be coming- as mum reckons she will get more of a break without him! He will be staying with his Dad- I will miss him though.
There are three distances- 27 miles, 17 miles and 11 1/2 miles. I registered for the 27 mile; I did it in just under 7 hours in 2008 but knew I wasn't going to finish anywhere near that time this year, and figured I'd be happy with 8 1/2 hours. The weather forecast was pretty dire, but most of the rain actually missed us and it was a pretty good day- cloudy but ideal temperatures for walking.
We set off at 8:30, along tracks and through the golf course;
We were walking through the grounds, and as the route passed between two lakes I spotted a really odd-looking bird;
The route emerges at the village of Stoke Rochford;
There followed a mile of road walking, which I tried to jog although it was slightly uphill, before the route headed across fields to the village of Skillinton. I was jogging the flat bits and downhills and trying to power walk the rest. I noticed a lady in a pink top fairly close behind me and moving quite fast, in fact she was behind me for much of the way.
After Skillington there is a fairly long walk along a track to reach the first checkpoint at Buckminster water tower;
The folks at the check point recognised me (happens a lot!) and I had some juice and half a hot cross bun. I didn't stay long, and jogged down the road to Buckminster.
I remembered the next part of the route quite well, and it's really pleasant- I really wanted to have a quick wee but realised that there were a few people close behind so thought better of it! One of the toughest parts of the route was on this stretch- we had to walk across a very long, uphill ploughed field, made up of the kind of mud that stuck to your shoes and made you feel like a carthorse on stilts!
Shortly after this the route passed gallops and a church;
Before crossing fields to Saltby. There were a few dicey electric fences to negotiate but luckily I emerged unshocked although it was a near thing. On this stretch is the dreaded rutted track that seems to delight challenge walk organisers from miles around- I last did it on the Belvoir Challenge and it was awful- completely muddy and slippy but was a lot better than I expected today! I was overtaken by two chaps, and took a slow jog down towards Croxten Kerrial and the half way point.
I decided I was going to have a bit of a rest here, and a coffee. There were sandwiches with the crusts cut off- very posh! As usual, everyone seemed to remember me from previous years... once seen and never forgotten... the lady in the pink top came in, and I saw Sue, who does a lot of the challenge walks in the area.
I left after about 15 minutes, and set off uphill and the down a steep descent into the woods;
There was another lovely long and uneven ploughed field to cross- I was so glad it was dry! The route passes through Harston before following the road up towards Sewstern Lane. We don't actually go down the lane- the route follows an old railway (and cycle route) to the road to Denton. I jogged down hill into the village but was feeling quite tired and cursed myself for not bringing painkillers as my legs were aching quite a bit.
The lady in the pink top caught me up at Denton Reservoir;
We walked the rest of the route together, which was really nice, it's amazing how much faster the time goes and how you forget aching legs when you are chatting. It turns out that she works very near me (the next building!) and is a runner.
We stopped for a brief drink and cake at the checkpoint at Harlaxton Village Hall, and I remembered that there was quite a climb coming up. There were a lot of cows with calves, but luckily they didn't seem too preturbed by our prescence!
There is a bit of a road walk to the last checkpoint at Wyville, and we noticed a chap lying down on the verge with a border collie. We weren't sure if he had collapsed, but he said that he was just having a rest. He had a clip card so I gathered he was doing the event.
I didn't fancy anything to eat at the last checkpoint, but took a mars bar for later and refilled my water bottle for the last 3 1/2 miles. I was feeling quite tired now and glad to finish, there is a steepish climb along the road to the bridleway back to the footbridge over the A1. I was quite amused to see some sheep poking their heads through a gate, watching us, with a note on the gate saying that the stallion who is usually in the field 'is not with us at the moment as he is preforming matrimonial duties!'
We finished in 8 hours 7 minutes which I was very pleased with. I saw the chap who had been lying in the verge and his dog- they hadn't passed us so presume he had retired at Wyville. Home made soup and apple pie was on the menu, which was absolutely delicious!
I am off to Wells-Next-The-Sea Wednesday to Saturday with mum and Katie so won't be doing an awful lot. Sadly Jake will not be coming- as mum reckons she will get more of a break without him! He will be staying with his Dad- I will miss him though.
Labels: Dave Lewis Challenge, Ponton Plod, Spires and Steeples Challenge
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Today Was The Robin Hood Marathon...
... but I hadn't entered it! Rather unfortunately I could hear the loud speaker from my house when I was still in bed, so this motivated me to get my arse out of bed and off for a walk/ run in preparation for next Sunday's planned Ponton Plod.
I decided to go up Tollerton Lane past the air field to the footpath towards Cotgrave, then took a detour up to Clipston Woods. There is a handy sort of square route which follows bridleways and public rights of way tracks through the woods, and back towards Cotgrave.
Berries In The Woods
Toadstools
I usually turn off the byway onto a footpath towards Cotgrave, picking up the earlier footpath and following it ot the canal and then home, but today I wanted a longer route, so I followed the byway back to the road at Clipston and retraced my steps to the footpath to Cotgrave.
Looking Towards Cotgrave
Nearing Clipstone
For the first time ever I followed it all the way into Cotgrave instead of turning off down to the canal.
Back On The Footpath
The road from Cotgrave leads down towards the canal and I had originally planned to return home along the canal- but I was feeling good so decided to carry on past the canal to return across the fields to Bassingfield. I bought a very welcome lemon iced tea drink from a petrol station and set off along the pavement/ cycle track- to be overtaken by an ex work colleague and his wife out on a bike ride.
The rest of the walk was familiar and pleasant- it was sunny but quite breezy so not overwarm. I managed to run a fair bit of it, not sure how long it was as I forgot my Garmin but I'd guestimate 14- 15 miles. Must do it again and measure it...
I popped into Morrisons for a few bits and bobs- not sure what the other shoppers thought, maybe they were under the impression that I had just completed the marathon! Must be time for chocolate...
I decided to go up Tollerton Lane past the air field to the footpath towards Cotgrave, then took a detour up to Clipston Woods. There is a handy sort of square route which follows bridleways and public rights of way tracks through the woods, and back towards Cotgrave.
I usually turn off the byway onto a footpath towards Cotgrave, picking up the earlier footpath and following it ot the canal and then home, but today I wanted a longer route, so I followed the byway back to the road at Clipston and retraced my steps to the footpath to Cotgrave.
For the first time ever I followed it all the way into Cotgrave instead of turning off down to the canal.
The road from Cotgrave leads down towards the canal and I had originally planned to return home along the canal- but I was feeling good so decided to carry on past the canal to return across the fields to Bassingfield. I bought a very welcome lemon iced tea drink from a petrol station and set off along the pavement/ cycle track- to be overtaken by an ex work colleague and his wife out on a bike ride.
The rest of the walk was familiar and pleasant- it was sunny but quite breezy so not overwarm. I managed to run a fair bit of it, not sure how long it was as I forgot my Garmin but I'd guestimate 14- 15 miles. Must do it again and measure it...
I popped into Morrisons for a few bits and bobs- not sure what the other shoppers thought, maybe they were under the impression that I had just completed the marathon! Must be time for chocolate...
Labels: Ponton Plod
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
Not Much Doing!
Life has been quite ordinary lately... I have been recovering from the Nottingham Ultra, going to work, going to the gym but not as often as I'd like, walking/ running but not quite as often as I'd like...
Event wise, it's the Ponton Plod a week on Sunday, which I intend to do as it's local and a very well run, friendly event and then I will be gearing up for my double whammy I have planned for October- the Dave Lewis Challenge on 16th October (27 miles) and the Spires and Steeples on 17th October (26 miles).
I have sort of half formed a challenge for next year in my mind, but am still trying to work out whether it will be feasible... so I will write more about this soon....
Event wise, it's the Ponton Plod a week on Sunday, which I intend to do as it's local and a very well run, friendly event and then I will be gearing up for my double whammy I have planned for October- the Dave Lewis Challenge on 16th October (27 miles) and the Spires and Steeples on 17th October (26 miles).
I have sort of half formed a challenge for next year in my mind, but am still trying to work out whether it will be feasible... so I will write more about this soon....
Labels: Dave Lewis Challenge, Ponton Plod, Spires and Steeples Challenge
Tuesday, August 04, 2009
Event Report- The Dove Dale Dipper
I decided it was high time I actually took part in something a bit more endurancy than a run up the road, so hauled myself to Hartington to take part in this year's Dipper. I didn't do this last year as I opted for the Kent 50 instead, so was quite looking forward to it.
I parked up and grabbed a coffee, seeing a few folk I know including Sue, who is a stalwart at these events, and Stuart, who organises the Ponton Plod.
It is usually very, very hot but this year was a bit of an exception- as we were crowded in the street, ready for the blast of the horn to signal the 'off', one of the organisers said he wasn't going to give his usual speech on using enough sunscreen (although I had put some on) and warned that as July had been so very wet, parts of the course was very slippery, particularly the stone path down into Milldale (I am so notoriously bad at going downhill I worried about this all day!) I had opted to wear my newish running shoes as my old ones have truly had it and need chucking.
We set off- I am not going to give a detailed description of the route as I have covered this before in 2007 event reports. We started to climb, and I saw Ian, who I met on the Waltham Winder and Spires and Steeples last year. Stuart passed me, and I assured him I will be putting in my entry for the Ponton Plod very soon! He is a very fast walker.
We reached the High Peak Trail and I had a little jog along here to the checkpoint at Sparklow- I passed Stuart and his friend, and ended up leapfrogging them a few times throughout the day before they lost me for good!
The High Peak Trail
The weather was a little cloudy but dry, and luckily remained dry all day- though sadly not underfoot! A lot of the fields had very muddy patched which were impossible to avoid. There were also a lot of fields with cows in- some were indifferent but others were quite curious, crowding and making loud sniffing noises (I expect I stunk!) I adopted a strategy of dealing with cows... jog to catch up with the person in front and use them as a shield!
Descending
The route to Longnor is quite undulating, I ran some of the flatter and downhill bits (although some were rather muddy). We ran into a little trouble- I was following a few others downhill through a field towards the road, on a clearly defined path through the grass, when some walkers ahead turned back- apparently we had missed the path, and the landowner was waiting at the bottom, with a camera- we retraced our steps and found a very unobvious stile which led into a field full of cows!
Ominous Clouds!
You Can See The Path Ascending To Longnor On The Left Of The Photo
There is a sharp ascent on a track into Longnor and the second checkpoint, where the angry landowner was berating the poor checkpoint volunteers about all the walkers and runners clambering over his gate. I totally wasn't concentrating when I left the checkpoint and nearly missed the turning- luckily a couple of blokes called me!
This part of the route was extremely wet- at one point we had to follow a path through a patch of gorse, and my feet just sunk in the water up to ankle level- I ended up with wet feet for most of the day. Just before the third checkpoint, we had to wade through a field of crops which was practically a pool!
The chap at the checkpoint reckoned that you could tell the runners from the walkers as the runners had mud higher up their legs!
This was half way, and there was still the climb up Ecton Hill to come- but first there was more mud to be negotiated.
Looking Towards The Folly And Ecton Hill
Finally I could see Ecton Hill in front of me and after a little more mud sliding downhill, attempted the climb- which is just long and steep, and a bit of a slog. I could tell I hadn't done this in a while!!
Ascending Ecton Hill
There is a fantastic view from the top though, but difficult to do justice in a photo. There is a lovely scenic walk along the side of the hill before dropping to the road.
I had remembered a certain part of the route here I thought may possibly be muddy- well, it wasn't just mud- it was ankle deep, wet, gluttinous, extremely sticky mud! A few lady runners ahead were struggling to keep their balance and I failed miserable, landing on my bum. One of the runners took a photo of her feet in the mud and I was tempted to do the same, but my hands were covered in mud and I was worried about getting it all over my camera!
I tried to walk forwards and ended up on my bum for a second time. I put my hands out to save myself so looked as though I was wearing a pair of elbow high dark gloves! I am so glad I had the foresight to take a plastic sleeve for the route description or it would have been unreadable! (And my comments are sadly unprintable!!)
I must have looked a sight, as after the final steep ascent to Whetton I passed a group of walkers going the other way, who looked at me in amazement and said 'Where have you been!?!'
A nice chap at the Whetton checkpoint helped me to wash my hands- I thought I'd better before spreading mud over the cake on offer!
The route to Castern Hall and the next checkpoint was pretty straightforward, I had a little run downhill but a group of walkers caught me up at the checkpoint. There were crisps on offer which made a nice change from sweet stuff and offered some salt. I had a chocolate flavour energy bar with me but didn't really like it.
Finally, after more fields full of cows...
Cows...
... it was time for the descent to Milldale which had been giving me concern all day. I had to pick my way down, as the limestone stones were covered in mud, making them very slippery, and my by now completely mud covered running shoes offered no grip at all. I had to stop and let loads of folk go by and was rather put out when one woman just ran downhill as though it was nothing!
I knew that the route was easy from Milldale to the end, and had a little (very slow) jog to the last checkpoint. I followed a group of walkers up Wolfscote Dale who were keeping a very good pace, which I tried to match- I was too tired to jog at this point. The path through Wolfscote Dale is around 3 miles, and would usually be lovely, but after 23 miles it becomes a bit of a drag and seems endless!
Finally we turned off, and were on the fields and tracks back to Hartington. A few runners passed me, and when we went downhill I looked at my watch and realised it was nearly 5pm- I decided it would be good to try to get in dead on 5, so started a slow, shambling jog, passing the group of walkers I'd been trailing through the dale. As I neared the village, I heard footsteps behind me, and the group had all decided to go for a jog finish, so we all finished together in 8 hours exactly!
I grabbed a coffee and realised that the queue for jacket potatoes was growing, so thought I'd best join it. It didn't appear to be moving, and somebody said that they were waiting for more potatoes to be delivered. This took 10 minutes- a long time when all you want to do is sit down! There was a huge sigh of relief and the queue started to move again- but just as I got to the counter and was about to request cheese and beans they ran out again! I felt ready to murder the woman who'd been in front of me as she had taken two- one for her and a friend! It took nearly half an hour to get one- but they were nice...
When I got home, I realised that my previous Dipper PB had been 8 hours 30 minutes, so I had beaten it by half an hour! I know I had a really heavy pack when I last completed it but I was quite pleased as I haven't done anything for a while!
Not that I will be doing a lot this week as I am off to Wells tomorrow to spend some time with mum and my little sis- and the dogs...
I parked up and grabbed a coffee, seeing a few folk I know including Sue, who is a stalwart at these events, and Stuart, who organises the Ponton Plod.
It is usually very, very hot but this year was a bit of an exception- as we were crowded in the street, ready for the blast of the horn to signal the 'off', one of the organisers said he wasn't going to give his usual speech on using enough sunscreen (although I had put some on) and warned that as July had been so very wet, parts of the course was very slippery, particularly the stone path down into Milldale (I am so notoriously bad at going downhill I worried about this all day!) I had opted to wear my newish running shoes as my old ones have truly had it and need chucking.
We set off- I am not going to give a detailed description of the route as I have covered this before in 2007 event reports. We started to climb, and I saw Ian, who I met on the Waltham Winder and Spires and Steeples last year. Stuart passed me, and I assured him I will be putting in my entry for the Ponton Plod very soon! He is a very fast walker.
We reached the High Peak Trail and I had a little jog along here to the checkpoint at Sparklow- I passed Stuart and his friend, and ended up leapfrogging them a few times throughout the day before they lost me for good!
The High Peak Trail
The weather was a little cloudy but dry, and luckily remained dry all day- though sadly not underfoot! A lot of the fields had very muddy patched which were impossible to avoid. There were also a lot of fields with cows in- some were indifferent but others were quite curious, crowding and making loud sniffing noises (I expect I stunk!) I adopted a strategy of dealing with cows... jog to catch up with the person in front and use them as a shield!
Descending
The route to Longnor is quite undulating, I ran some of the flatter and downhill bits (although some were rather muddy). We ran into a little trouble- I was following a few others downhill through a field towards the road, on a clearly defined path through the grass, when some walkers ahead turned back- apparently we had missed the path, and the landowner was waiting at the bottom, with a camera- we retraced our steps and found a very unobvious stile which led into a field full of cows!
Ominous Clouds!
You Can See The Path Ascending To Longnor On The Left Of The Photo
There is a sharp ascent on a track into Longnor and the second checkpoint, where the angry landowner was berating the poor checkpoint volunteers about all the walkers and runners clambering over his gate. I totally wasn't concentrating when I left the checkpoint and nearly missed the turning- luckily a couple of blokes called me!
This part of the route was extremely wet- at one point we had to follow a path through a patch of gorse, and my feet just sunk in the water up to ankle level- I ended up with wet feet for most of the day. Just before the third checkpoint, we had to wade through a field of crops which was practically a pool!
The chap at the checkpoint reckoned that you could tell the runners from the walkers as the runners had mud higher up their legs!
This was half way, and there was still the climb up Ecton Hill to come- but first there was more mud to be negotiated.
Looking Towards The Folly And Ecton Hill
Finally I could see Ecton Hill in front of me and after a little more mud sliding downhill, attempted the climb- which is just long and steep, and a bit of a slog. I could tell I hadn't done this in a while!!
Ascending Ecton Hill
There is a fantastic view from the top though, but difficult to do justice in a photo. There is a lovely scenic walk along the side of the hill before dropping to the road.
I had remembered a certain part of the route here I thought may possibly be muddy- well, it wasn't just mud- it was ankle deep, wet, gluttinous, extremely sticky mud! A few lady runners ahead were struggling to keep their balance and I failed miserable, landing on my bum. One of the runners took a photo of her feet in the mud and I was tempted to do the same, but my hands were covered in mud and I was worried about getting it all over my camera!
I tried to walk forwards and ended up on my bum for a second time. I put my hands out to save myself so looked as though I was wearing a pair of elbow high dark gloves! I am so glad I had the foresight to take a plastic sleeve for the route description or it would have been unreadable! (And my comments are sadly unprintable!!)
I must have looked a sight, as after the final steep ascent to Whetton I passed a group of walkers going the other way, who looked at me in amazement and said 'Where have you been!?!'
A nice chap at the Whetton checkpoint helped me to wash my hands- I thought I'd better before spreading mud over the cake on offer!
The route to Castern Hall and the next checkpoint was pretty straightforward, I had a little run downhill but a group of walkers caught me up at the checkpoint. There were crisps on offer which made a nice change from sweet stuff and offered some salt. I had a chocolate flavour energy bar with me but didn't really like it.
Finally, after more fields full of cows...
Cows...
... it was time for the descent to Milldale which had been giving me concern all day. I had to pick my way down, as the limestone stones were covered in mud, making them very slippery, and my by now completely mud covered running shoes offered no grip at all. I had to stop and let loads of folk go by and was rather put out when one woman just ran downhill as though it was nothing!
I knew that the route was easy from Milldale to the end, and had a little (very slow) jog to the last checkpoint. I followed a group of walkers up Wolfscote Dale who were keeping a very good pace, which I tried to match- I was too tired to jog at this point. The path through Wolfscote Dale is around 3 miles, and would usually be lovely, but after 23 miles it becomes a bit of a drag and seems endless!
Finally we turned off, and were on the fields and tracks back to Hartington. A few runners passed me, and when we went downhill I looked at my watch and realised it was nearly 5pm- I decided it would be good to try to get in dead on 5, so started a slow, shambling jog, passing the group of walkers I'd been trailing through the dale. As I neared the village, I heard footsteps behind me, and the group had all decided to go for a jog finish, so we all finished together in 8 hours exactly!
I grabbed a coffee and realised that the queue for jacket potatoes was growing, so thought I'd best join it. It didn't appear to be moving, and somebody said that they were waiting for more potatoes to be delivered. This took 10 minutes- a long time when all you want to do is sit down! There was a huge sigh of relief and the queue started to move again- but just as I got to the counter and was about to request cheese and beans they ran out again! I felt ready to murder the woman who'd been in front of me as she had taken two- one for her and a friend! It took nearly half an hour to get one- but they were nice...
When I got home, I realised that my previous Dipper PB had been 8 hours 30 minutes, so I had beaten it by half an hour! I know I had a really heavy pack when I last completed it but I was quite pleased as I haven't done anything for a while!
Not that I will be doing a lot this week as I am off to Wells tomorrow to spend some time with mum and my little sis- and the dogs...
Labels: Dovedale Dipper, Ponton Plod, Wells-Next-The-Sea
Sunday, September 21, 2008
The Ponton Plod
I love the Ponton Plod- the sun always shines! This is the third year I've done this event (actually it's only been running for three years!) and every time it's been sunny. Today had the added bonus of being very warm.
I nearly didn't make it. Usually I drive to Grantham and pick up the A1 Southbound for three miles, as Great Ponton, the starting point, is just off the A1. Today, I turned towards the slip road for the A1 Southbound, only to find it had been closed for roadworks, so I had to turn back- no problem, I thought, I'll go Northbound and use the next junction to pick up the Southbound carriageway... this went according to plan, and I was soon headed South, until I reached the slip road where the road works were... and realised it wasn't just the slip road that was shut... but the whole A1 Southbound! I managed to find a way across country and arrived at 8:10am for an 8:30am start, but I wasn't the only one affected and they delayed the start by 15 minutes to allow folks to arrive.
There was a much bigger field this year- in fact, we parked in a field whereas the previous years we had used the village hall car park. Most folks still seemed to be doing the 17 mile route but there were more doing the long one, which our route descriptions advised is 27 1/2 miles.
We set off over the footbridge crossing the A1, and along the bridleways to a Stately Hall.
Track towards Hall
I started a slowish jog, and found that the 'proper' runners left me for dust, but I was still ahead of the walkers. Shortly after the pic above, the route split and a lot of people (including the two in the photo) took the 17 mile route.
I was still jogging downhill, over the bridge crossing the lake; it looked so lovely with the early morning sun filtering through the trees, I took two shots.
Saltby Village
Denton Reservoir
I nearly didn't make it. Usually I drive to Grantham and pick up the A1 Southbound for three miles, as Great Ponton, the starting point, is just off the A1. Today, I turned towards the slip road for the A1 Southbound, only to find it had been closed for roadworks, so I had to turn back- no problem, I thought, I'll go Northbound and use the next junction to pick up the Southbound carriageway... this went according to plan, and I was soon headed South, until I reached the slip road where the road works were... and realised it wasn't just the slip road that was shut... but the whole A1 Southbound! I managed to find a way across country and arrived at 8:10am for an 8:30am start, but I wasn't the only one affected and they delayed the start by 15 minutes to allow folks to arrive.
There was a much bigger field this year- in fact, we parked in a field whereas the previous years we had used the village hall car park. Most folks still seemed to be doing the 17 mile route but there were more doing the long one, which our route descriptions advised is 27 1/2 miles.
We set off over the footbridge crossing the A1, and along the bridleways to a Stately Hall.
Track towards HallI started a slowish jog, and found that the 'proper' runners left me for dust, but I was still ahead of the walkers. Shortly after the pic above, the route split and a lot of people (including the two in the photo) took the 17 mile route.
I was still jogging downhill, over the bridge crossing the lake; it looked so lovely with the early morning sun filtering through the trees, I took two shots.
Then there was a bit of road walking through Stoke Rochford village, before picking up a footpath towards Skillington. I could still see some runners ahead of me at this point, and was keeping up my slow jog where I could, walking up hill or on rough ground, I'm not too good at going over dodgy terrain!
Past Skillington there was the long dirt track to the first checkpoint at Buckminster Water Tower, this always seems a bit endless but thankfully wasn't too muddy. I did walk quite a bit as there were quite a few uphill sections. I had loads to drink, refilled my water bottle and left munching a piece of millionaire's shortbread. there were a couple of ladies in front who were also running and walking, a bit quicker than me, so I followed them to Buckminster and across the fields past Sproxton before losing them.
There followed a long uphill section- considering the walk's in Lincolnshire it's surprisingly undulating! We came to Saltby, which seems a lovely picturesque village. The route was quite well signed with 'Ponton Plod' markers, which was good- the first year I did it there weren't any, which made it a bit difficult.
Saltby VillageThe next sections is quite picturesque, dropping down through fields to pass between two lakes (look at last year's report for a photo as the one I took this year is exactly the same!!) After this, it crosses huge fields of crops, winds past Gallops, before climbing again and dropping down towards a muddy track. Unfortunately, as with all dirt tracks in this area, scores of motorcyclists obviously use it on a regular basis, so it is extremely deeply rutted, and not at all pleasant to use. After this came a long but fairly easy section along the edge of fields to Croxton Kerrial; I felt something pulling at the top of my right leg at this point, but it wasn't hurting and didnt get worse so I just ignored it which probably wasn't the brightest move...
Croxton Kerrial is half way, and the site of the second checkpoint- with coffee, sandwiches, cakes and a loo... I stopped for lunch and a coffee break, and one of the helpers remembered me which seems to happen quite a lot... as I left, I was joined by one of the ladies I had followed; she had left the checkpoint behind her companion, but went the wrong way and lost her. Her name was Maggie, she was 62 and she said she used to run a lot, but was recovering from an illness so was getting back into these events. She asked me if I usually ran; I explained that I am training for an event, so she asked me what I am training for... I asked her if she'd heard of the Marathon des Sables, and she went a bit quiet so I assumed she was wracking her brains and would reply that she hadn't... but then I looked at her and she was staring at me with an expression I can only describe as incredulous, before she finally spoke and said "I have. You're doing that!!"
Turns out she had done a lot of running in her younger days. And I mean a lot. She once did the Coast to Coast in 3 1/2 days... as a warm up for the Bob Graham round!!
We chatted whilst we walked up the road to Sewstern Lane and turned onto the cycle track, and she sensed that I wanted to jog so suggested I went on. I left her, knowing full well that a few years ago she would have beat me hollow! I left the cycle track and jogged down the road to Denton, surprising a chap in a Landrover even though he had just passed a 'Caution, Runners' sign...
The route goes past Denton Reservoir, which is really picturesque... I stopped to take a photo and have just realised I took an identical one last year... ah well, here it is again, everyone's probably forgot it anyway...
Denton ReservoirI headed away from the Reservoir and veered towards Harlaxton and the third checkpoint. It was still very warm, and the organisers were sitting out in the sun. I went inside the village hall and drank lots, feeling in surprisingly good shape. The next part of the route I remembered quite well, as it must be the steepest climb in Lincolnshire!
Proof That Lincolnshire Is Not All Flat... This Hill Was Worse Than It Looks!!
Hungarton Hall
Proof That Lincolnshire Is Not All Flat... This Hill Was Worse Than It Looks!!It was quite a slog, so I walked up the hill. There was nobody in sight here, either in front or behind. There is a bit of road walking after, before passing through woods and fields at the back of Hungerton Hall. I could see a couple of fast walkers in front and still managed to keep up my slow, shambling jog. I was determined to see if I could push myself and keep going at a (rather laughable excuse for a) run.
The last chekpoint is at Wyville, a tiny place at the top of a hill; I was told I strode in very purposely! As I munched a piece of delicious ginger cake, I was informed by the check point volunteers that there were about 20 behind me, which is a great improvement on last year, when there were 3 or 4! There had only been one drop out so far- due to an injured knee.
The next part was through woods and then big long fields, finally leading up hill to the road. I managed to still jog (apart from the uphills), and when we turned off the road onto a bridleway I overtook the two walkers- who told me to save them some apple pie! This was the home stretch now, so I managed to keep jogging, even uphill! As I joined back up with the start of the route I saw a couple of horse riders struggling with a gate bypassing the cattle grid, so I held it open for them.
Then it was back over the A1 bridge to the Village Hall- I even managed a sprint finish (helps when it's downhill!!) and leapt into the Hall with a flourish to check in. My time was 6 hours and 57 minutes- which I am really happy with as last year's time was 8 hours 21 minutes so I have PB'd by 1 hour 24 minutes!!
There was gorgeous home made apple pie for all finishers, and I felt really good; so much so that when I left to go, somebody told me I was walking much to well to have done 27 miles! I saw Maggie come in, and we exchanged congratulations. I am ok today- only aching a little and the leg appears to be fine, and my feet are really good- no blisters!! I feel I have redeemed myself a little after the debarcle that was the Bullock Smithy!
Hungarton HallOn a sadder note, I have just had a phone call to inform me that next week's Starkholmes Stagger has been cancelled due to lack of entrants- damn, I was really looking forward to that! They are hoping to rerun it in February time if they get enough interest, so I would really urge people to support it!
Labels: Ponton Plod, Starkholmes Stagger
