Sunday, June 28, 2009
A Productive Weekend!
This has been quite a productive weekend! I thought it was about time I went for a decent length walk/ run, so chose the two routes from 'Short Walks in Nottinghamshire'I last did in January- 8 miles round Lambley and 4 1/2 miles round Gunthorpe and Caythorpe.
It was warm and muggy and there was a few spots of rain, but nothing serious. I followed a bridleway, which in January had been really boggy, but was just overgrown. I thought I'd try to run most of the routes (well, jogged)even though this bit was uphill- I didn't fancy meeting any horses as it was so narrow!
Nottinghamshire Countryside
There was a long road descent to Epperstone and its Dovecote;
Dovecote At Epperstone
The route follows another attractive bridleway, climbing up to an ancient woodland.
Looking Over Woodborough
There was a long descent through fields, before crossing a church yard and main road back to Lambley. I was sweating buckets, but jumped into the car and drove to Caythorpe to start my second route. This went across fields to Gunthorpe, before returning to Caythorpe by the River Trent.
The River Trent
It was quite busy- loads of people round Gunthorpe locks, plus an ice cream van which I had to make myself pass. Apart from walking up the hill in the third photo and a couple of walks for snacks/ drinks, I did jog most of the 12 1/2 miles.
Today I had seen a 'Bingo Wings' workshop on the classes noticeboard which sounded interesting... so I waited by the entrance as instructed, and a girl called Carmen came out. I was the only one there, so she went through some bingo- wing blasting exercises with me. I confessed my fears that there appears to be no muscle in the bingo wing part of my upper arm to tone, and she told me that she used to be really heavy, but had lost loads of weight. It had left her with a load of loose underarm skin, which she hated and use to cover up.
She said that she even went to her doctor to ask for an operation to remove the skin, and he refused, saying she would just have to learn to live with it for the rest of her life.
But she decided to do something about it... and her arms are now really toned- no loose wobbly bits at all! She said that it was purely down to doing bingo wings exercises... if that isn't an inspiration I don't know what is! I'll be doing these on a regular basis now- so watch this space (and these bingo wings!!!)
It was warm and muggy and there was a few spots of rain, but nothing serious. I followed a bridleway, which in January had been really boggy, but was just overgrown. I thought I'd try to run most of the routes (well, jogged)even though this bit was uphill- I didn't fancy meeting any horses as it was so narrow!
Nottinghamshire Countryside
There was a long road descent to Epperstone and its Dovecote;
Dovecote At Epperstone
The route follows another attractive bridleway, climbing up to an ancient woodland.
Looking Over Woodborough
There was a long descent through fields, before crossing a church yard and main road back to Lambley. I was sweating buckets, but jumped into the car and drove to Caythorpe to start my second route. This went across fields to Gunthorpe, before returning to Caythorpe by the River Trent.
The River Trent
It was quite busy- loads of people round Gunthorpe locks, plus an ice cream van which I had to make myself pass. Apart from walking up the hill in the third photo and a couple of walks for snacks/ drinks, I did jog most of the 12 1/2 miles.
Today I had seen a 'Bingo Wings' workshop on the classes noticeboard which sounded interesting... so I waited by the entrance as instructed, and a girl called Carmen came out. I was the only one there, so she went through some bingo- wing blasting exercises with me. I confessed my fears that there appears to be no muscle in the bingo wing part of my upper arm to tone, and she told me that she used to be really heavy, but had lost loads of weight. It had left her with a load of loose underarm skin, which she hated and use to cover up.
She said that she even went to her doctor to ask for an operation to remove the skin, and he refused, saying she would just have to learn to live with it for the rest of her life.
But she decided to do something about it... and her arms are now really toned- no loose wobbly bits at all! She said that it was purely down to doing bingo wings exercises... if that isn't an inspiration I don't know what is! I'll be doing these on a regular basis now- so watch this space (and these bingo wings!!!)
Labels: bingo wings, gym, running, walking
Monday, June 01, 2009
300th Post!
300 posts! Can't quite believe that!! Quite a lot seems to have happened since I first put fingers to buttons...
I decided enough of the malingering at the weekend, and have kind of got back into an exercise routine! I went to the gym Friday, and followed my new program- but I am really struggling to run 3 miles at 6mph! I'm up to 2 miles at 5.3mph to 6mph and that seems really hard work... it's quite distressing to think that just a short while ago it would have been easy!
It was such as gorgeous day Saturday I went for a 7 mile stroll to Colwick Park, around the lakes and back.
Colwick Park
I lingered at the edge of the lake for a while, watching baby moorhens and baby geese, and a confrontation between an angry swan and protective geese parents.
Confrontation!
In the end the geese decided that discretion was the best part of valour and beat a retreat.
Baby Geese!
Colwick Hall
The evening was so lovely I decided to go for another short stroll, on paths nearby leading to Netherfield Lagoons Nature Reserve; I had a 4 miler planned out, but had a bit of a shock... I had completed my circuit and was walking back along the footpath, when I saw a bloke standing up on the path in the distance, with a push bike on the ground in front of him. Nothing unusual you may think... it was only when I drew nearer that a realised that he was completely naked, and, erm, lets just say he was enjoying an activity more appropriate to the privacy of his own bathroom...
I was in shock- not the usual thing you expect to see when walking, especially along a popular path! Then came the realisation that I was going to have to walk past him... I just marched past, looking straight ahead, fixing my gaze on the horizon- when I past him he said "Lovely evening!"
I did call the police as soon as I was out of sight, and a chap came round to file a report. He said that there had been similar complaints last year, and that this bloke doesn't seem to approach women... still, it's put me off using that path a bit, which is bloody annoying as it's a main route to a lot of walks!
After that shock I stuck to the gym Sunday and had quite a good workout- I have downloaded a marathon training schedule and am using a combination of that and my gym work outs plus a dash of imagination...
I am also going to eat less rubbish- it's definately not a good sign when you walk into the local chinese and they recite your order before you even open your mouth...
I decided enough of the malingering at the weekend, and have kind of got back into an exercise routine! I went to the gym Friday, and followed my new program- but I am really struggling to run 3 miles at 6mph! I'm up to 2 miles at 5.3mph to 6mph and that seems really hard work... it's quite distressing to think that just a short while ago it would have been easy!
It was such as gorgeous day Saturday I went for a 7 mile stroll to Colwick Park, around the lakes and back.
Colwick Park
I lingered at the edge of the lake for a while, watching baby moorhens and baby geese, and a confrontation between an angry swan and protective geese parents.
Confrontation!
In the end the geese decided that discretion was the best part of valour and beat a retreat.
Baby Geese!
Colwick Hall
The evening was so lovely I decided to go for another short stroll, on paths nearby leading to Netherfield Lagoons Nature Reserve; I had a 4 miler planned out, but had a bit of a shock... I had completed my circuit and was walking back along the footpath, when I saw a bloke standing up on the path in the distance, with a push bike on the ground in front of him. Nothing unusual you may think... it was only when I drew nearer that a realised that he was completely naked, and, erm, lets just say he was enjoying an activity more appropriate to the privacy of his own bathroom...
I was in shock- not the usual thing you expect to see when walking, especially along a popular path! Then came the realisation that I was going to have to walk past him... I just marched past, looking straight ahead, fixing my gaze on the horizon- when I past him he said "Lovely evening!"
I did call the police as soon as I was out of sight, and a chap came round to file a report. He said that there had been similar complaints last year, and that this bloke doesn't seem to approach women... still, it's put me off using that path a bit, which is bloody annoying as it's a main route to a lot of walks!
After that shock I stuck to the gym Sunday and had quite a good workout- I have downloaded a marathon training schedule and am using a combination of that and my gym work outs plus a dash of imagination...
I am also going to eat less rubbish- it's definately not a good sign when you walk into the local chinese and they recite your order before you even open your mouth...
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Phew!!! My Heart Is Fine... And I'm An Athlete!!
I braved the GP surgery- again- to have my ECG redone, then had to wait for ages as the doctor was running half an hour behind, and apparently had trouble getting his computer to print the data. But when I walked in he said it's fine- he said that my heart rate is low (60 Bpm) but this is perfectly normal given the training I've been doing. So he has signed, dated and stamped the ECG, and completed the certificate- although when I got back to work I noticed he didn't tick the little box on the form to confirm I 'have no objections' to undertaking a multi- stage race in arid conditions... d'oh!! Now, if he'd just used a normal black pen, I could have just added it myself, but no- he used a fountain pen with a shade of blue ink I could never hope to replicate.
Working on the presumption that as he wished me good luck for it when I left, he has no medical objections, I took it back and left it with the receptionist to get him to tick it. The amount of stress these bloody ECG's and medicals cause is beyond belief!!
My ECG states that I have 'Sinus Bradycardia'- I googled this, and it basically means 'abnormally' slow heart rate. It is common in athletes, apparently, so it is official- I have a bit of the athlete's heart syndrome! I'm quite proud of that, and am pleased that this training is showing somewhere!!
So- where am I at in terms of training? I have been taking it easier these past two weeks. I have been keeping up the gym work, and did shorter walks last weekend- last Saturday I fitted in 6 hilly miles in Bradgate Park between visiting mum and my mate in Loughborough. Sunday I originally planned a 7 miler along local routes but extended it to 12 miles by continuing along the River Trent to Colwick Park. The first half of the walk was absolutely sh*te; raining, hailing and freezing!
This week has been a combination of gym and walking; walked to Sainsburies about 4 miles away Thursday night but felt a bit of pain in my foot/ ankle yesterday so rested.
I have to pick up a parcel from the sorting office this morning, which I am hoping will be my velcroed shoes and gaiters, so will walk there- it's amazing, the amount of people who can't believe I would willingly walk 3- 4 miles to the shops; I reckon years ago folks would be quite used to walking those distances to the next village etc, and were a lot fitter as a result- the average person should be able to walk that distance without thinking anything of it... if people walked more and left their cars at home a wee bit more, we'd all be much fitter and less polluted!
Working on the presumption that as he wished me good luck for it when I left, he has no medical objections, I took it back and left it with the receptionist to get him to tick it. The amount of stress these bloody ECG's and medicals cause is beyond belief!!
My ECG states that I have 'Sinus Bradycardia'- I googled this, and it basically means 'abnormally' slow heart rate. It is common in athletes, apparently, so it is official- I have a bit of the athlete's heart syndrome! I'm quite proud of that, and am pleased that this training is showing somewhere!!
So- where am I at in terms of training? I have been taking it easier these past two weeks. I have been keeping up the gym work, and did shorter walks last weekend- last Saturday I fitted in 6 hilly miles in Bradgate Park between visiting mum and my mate in Loughborough. Sunday I originally planned a 7 miler along local routes but extended it to 12 miles by continuing along the River Trent to Colwick Park. The first half of the walk was absolutely sh*te; raining, hailing and freezing!
This week has been a combination of gym and walking; walked to Sainsburies about 4 miles away Thursday night but felt a bit of pain in my foot/ ankle yesterday so rested.
I have to pick up a parcel from the sorting office this morning, which I am hoping will be my velcroed shoes and gaiters, so will walk there- it's amazing, the amount of people who can't believe I would willingly walk 3- 4 miles to the shops; I reckon years ago folks would be quite used to walking those distances to the next village etc, and were a lot fitter as a result- the average person should be able to walk that distance without thinking anything of it... if people walked more and left their cars at home a wee bit more, we'd all be much fitter and less polluted!
Labels: gaiters, gym, running shoes, walking
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Weekend Thoughts!
The weeks seem to fly by! It won't be long before a certain frolic in the desert is upon us...
I have had a productive week this week- after Tuesday's speedy 6 miler I followed it up with a gym session Wednesday and forced myself to do the most boring of my suggested sessions... the 3 mile run at 2% incline. This seems absolutely interminable, there's nothing worse than watching the tenth miles tick off slo-o-owly... I am supposed to do this at 5 mph but would quite frankly be there all sodding night, so tend to cheat a little and up the pace to 5.3 mph, 5.5 mph and some faster (short!) bursts at 6 mph and 6.3 mph. I did my usual core work and finished up with 10 hard minutes on the stepper.
I have my program review tomorrow at 6pm which should be interesting!
I had tea with mum and stepdad Thursday, and we watched the MdS documentary which had been on a few nights before. My mum couldn't watch the blister treatment bits (and there were lots!) and said "Did you know what it would be like when you entered?" (Yes!!)
She did ring me the next day to say she thinks I will be ok as I am determined!
I did the hill run Friday, with a bit of a twist in that when I reached the top of the last, and worst, hill, I walked down the other side and ran back up for another steep ascent.
I have decided to try two shortish back to back walks this weekend, with a heavyish (8 Kg) pack, as I haven't really done this... I put two walks together from my book of short walks; the first was an 8 miler from Lowdham to Epperstone, Woodborough and back to Lowdham. I'd done some of the route before, on a longer walk, but some of the tracks (bridleways) were glutinous mud so I was cursing rather loudly. The later part was good though, down good tracks; it was sunny and I was having a chat to my cousin's husband on the mobile, as my cousin has just undergone a back operation (she's recovering well). I had a few slow shambling jogs when it wasn't too muddy- mostly downhill!
I finished at 2pm so headed off to Caythorpe Village just down the road, for a 4 1/2 miler. I have been here before- for the Millenium 10k. It's quite a pretty village, and I jogged most of the way through fields and tracks to Gunthorpe, where I joined the River Trent. I had to find a footpath from the river through fields back to the road, and with sinking heart realised that the first field contained bulls with rather large horns and rings through their noses... I saw a runner coming up behind so mentally decided to sacrifive him if needed, but they didn't turn a bovine hair.
I reached the road and started walking back to the car, but decided to detour off on another footpath to make the distance up to 13 1/2 miles (plus I needed a wee and the footpath had been a little exposed!)
It was cloudy when I got back, and quite windy so I was glad of my flask of coffee. I am not sure where I will go tomorrow yet, but it will be a similar distance and no doubt just as muddy.
Oh, yeah- I have paid the final installment for the MdS- so no backing out now...
I have had a productive week this week- after Tuesday's speedy 6 miler I followed it up with a gym session Wednesday and forced myself to do the most boring of my suggested sessions... the 3 mile run at 2% incline. This seems absolutely interminable, there's nothing worse than watching the tenth miles tick off slo-o-owly... I am supposed to do this at 5 mph but would quite frankly be there all sodding night, so tend to cheat a little and up the pace to 5.3 mph, 5.5 mph and some faster (short!) bursts at 6 mph and 6.3 mph. I did my usual core work and finished up with 10 hard minutes on the stepper.
I have my program review tomorrow at 6pm which should be interesting!
I had tea with mum and stepdad Thursday, and we watched the MdS documentary which had been on a few nights before. My mum couldn't watch the blister treatment bits (and there were lots!) and said "Did you know what it would be like when you entered?" (Yes!!)
She did ring me the next day to say she thinks I will be ok as I am determined!
I did the hill run Friday, with a bit of a twist in that when I reached the top of the last, and worst, hill, I walked down the other side and ran back up for another steep ascent.
I have decided to try two shortish back to back walks this weekend, with a heavyish (8 Kg) pack, as I haven't really done this... I put two walks together from my book of short walks; the first was an 8 miler from Lowdham to Epperstone, Woodborough and back to Lowdham. I'd done some of the route before, on a longer walk, but some of the tracks (bridleways) were glutinous mud so I was cursing rather loudly. The later part was good though, down good tracks; it was sunny and I was having a chat to my cousin's husband on the mobile, as my cousin has just undergone a back operation (she's recovering well). I had a few slow shambling jogs when it wasn't too muddy- mostly downhill!
I finished at 2pm so headed off to Caythorpe Village just down the road, for a 4 1/2 miler. I have been here before- for the Millenium 10k. It's quite a pretty village, and I jogged most of the way through fields and tracks to Gunthorpe, where I joined the River Trent. I had to find a footpath from the river through fields back to the road, and with sinking heart realised that the first field contained bulls with rather large horns and rings through their noses... I saw a runner coming up behind so mentally decided to sacrifive him if needed, but they didn't turn a bovine hair.
I reached the road and started walking back to the car, but decided to detour off on another footpath to make the distance up to 13 1/2 miles (plus I needed a wee and the footpath had been a little exposed!)
It was cloudy when I got back, and quite windy so I was glad of my flask of coffee. I am not sure where I will go tomorrow yet, but it will be a similar distance and no doubt just as muddy.
Oh, yeah- I have paid the final installment for the MdS- so no backing out now...
Labels: gym, Marathon des Sables, MdS, walking
Friday, May 23, 2008
A Quiet Week...
I really haven't done much this week! Due to a combination of feeling knackered and having a headache that lasted for two days...
So what's been happening since Sunday... not a lot... Monday I used the stepper whilst catching up on telly, watched a documentary on Alfred Wainwright, he of the Fell Walking guides to the Lakes... bit sad maybe, but did make me want to dash off to the Lakes! I love the Lakes- really must try to spend more time up these...
Tuesday I went for a cross country walk with a lightish pack. I decided to try a route I'd not done before, and all was going fine until I reached a bridge and saw the field where my path was leading.
Cows.
Young stocky bullocks with horns- all gathering round the gate, staring at me! I skirted around, hoping that the path actually went a different way, but knew deep down it went straight through the field, so I steeled myself, took a deep breath and waded in...
They were fine! Very curious and did follow me a bit, it was quite funny. I'd walk a few paces and sense them following me, so I'd turn round and they'd instantly freeze, like some kind of statue. They soon got fed up and just watched me go- I don't mind that, it's just when they run, jostle and mock charge!
My Garmin told me I'd done about 8 1/2 miles in all. Did nothing Wednesday cos it was my mate's birthday so a few of us went out for tea, and yesterday was the second day of the mystery headaches!
I had intended to run, but wasn't feeling great, so went and walked Jake, mum's crazy dog (I had to have words with him as he pulled me over- luckily out of sight of the kids nearby). I plugged into my music and walked around the next village after I returned him, probably another 6 miles in all. I am going to the gym in a bit as soon as I feel motivated!!
Hopefully will be definately back to normal this week, guess the rest may have done some good! I won't be here for the next few days as am going to mum's caravan in Wells-next-the-Sea but will update on the sand/ dune running!!
So what's been happening since Sunday... not a lot... Monday I used the stepper whilst catching up on telly, watched a documentary on Alfred Wainwright, he of the Fell Walking guides to the Lakes... bit sad maybe, but did make me want to dash off to the Lakes! I love the Lakes- really must try to spend more time up these...
Tuesday I went for a cross country walk with a lightish pack. I decided to try a route I'd not done before, and all was going fine until I reached a bridge and saw the field where my path was leading.
Cows.
Young stocky bullocks with horns- all gathering round the gate, staring at me! I skirted around, hoping that the path actually went a different way, but knew deep down it went straight through the field, so I steeled myself, took a deep breath and waded in...
They were fine! Very curious and did follow me a bit, it was quite funny. I'd walk a few paces and sense them following me, so I'd turn round and they'd instantly freeze, like some kind of statue. They soon got fed up and just watched me go- I don't mind that, it's just when they run, jostle and mock charge!
My Garmin told me I'd done about 8 1/2 miles in all. Did nothing Wednesday cos it was my mate's birthday so a few of us went out for tea, and yesterday was the second day of the mystery headaches!
I had intended to run, but wasn't feeling great, so went and walked Jake, mum's crazy dog (I had to have words with him as he pulled me over- luckily out of sight of the kids nearby). I plugged into my music and walked around the next village after I returned him, probably another 6 miles in all. I am going to the gym in a bit as soon as I feel motivated!!
Hopefully will be definately back to normal this week, guess the rest may have done some good! I won't be here for the next few days as am going to mum's caravan in Wells-next-the-Sea but will update on the sand/ dune running!!
Labels: Cows, Wainwright, walking, Wells-Next-The-Sea
Saturday, April 19, 2008
13 Miler
I reeeally didn't want to go out today... I kept procrastinating, finding other jobs that needed doing, and the thought of a long walk or run just did not appeal at all... sometimes it is just so hard to motivate yourself to get out of the door...
In the end I bribed myself with a snickers and Ben and Jerrys ice cream and picked a route from my copy of John Merril's Long Circular Walks in Nottinghamshire. The only criticism I have with John's books is that he wrote them some time ago and some of the routes have changed slightly since, which can lead to me getting a little lost, or nearly getting arrested on suspicion of being a terrorist at Radcliffe Power Station...
I decided on a 13 miler starting and finishing at Cotgrave, a village fairly near Nottingham. It is absolutely freezing at the moment, and really grey, I just want Spring to come!! I pulled my gloves on and started on the road out of the village, with my pack weighing around 5 kg. My body was still sulking at being dragged out, so decided to make it a steady walk, no running.
The first 6 miles were along the Nottingham to Grantham canal, and were really pleasant. There is a really good path running alongside the canal, which was empty for most of the way. It is 33 miles from Nottingham to Grantham- I did it, once, years ago as a challenge walk, and it's amazing how walking along the flat for this distance hurts the muscles. I thought to myself that it may be good practice for walking along those Saharan salt flats!
I stayed on the canal past Cropwell Bishop and left it at Kinoulton, I was a bit bored of the scenery by then and ready for a change. The snickers was history... The next stage was through fields and skirting a wood, it was a bit of a climb and quite muddy. There was a short stretch along the A46 after this, which is an extremely busy road, I stayed on the verge but it was a bit unnerving, having the wind from speeding lorries whistling round my ears.
The next part was lovely- a bridleway through Cotgrave woods, which I never knew existed. A final walk through Clipston-on-the-Wolds and field brought me back to Cotgrave. I will definately do that one again- easy to follow, and no cows! Would be a good route to run, especially in drier weather.
I popped into Aldi on the way back and bought 2 base layer t-shirts, a running top and long sleeved running top, plus sports ear phones that will actually stay in my ears all for under £25! Ok, they may not be the best quality but will do to train in!
So- total miles this week, including today and the 4 miles I walked last night... 35. May do more tomorrow, will see.
I was looking forward to doing the Valley n Views again this year on Sunday 27th April... it's a good route and I was planning to run part of it, but Katie turns 21 on the 30th April and is having a party on Saturday the 26th... it will be a late night, plus all the family will be here on the Sunday so looks like it's a no go... I have had my place in the Ridgeway Walk confirmed though.
I have been hunting through the old route descriptions I've kept from various challenge walks over the years, and plan to do some of the routes again this year.
It's that time of the month, curse of all womanhood, where I just want to disapear into a mound of chocolate, ice cream etc so am feeling slightly sick...
In the end I bribed myself with a snickers and Ben and Jerrys ice cream and picked a route from my copy of John Merril's Long Circular Walks in Nottinghamshire. The only criticism I have with John's books is that he wrote them some time ago and some of the routes have changed slightly since, which can lead to me getting a little lost, or nearly getting arrested on suspicion of being a terrorist at Radcliffe Power Station...
I decided on a 13 miler starting and finishing at Cotgrave, a village fairly near Nottingham. It is absolutely freezing at the moment, and really grey, I just want Spring to come!! I pulled my gloves on and started on the road out of the village, with my pack weighing around 5 kg. My body was still sulking at being dragged out, so decided to make it a steady walk, no running.
The first 6 miles were along the Nottingham to Grantham canal, and were really pleasant. There is a really good path running alongside the canal, which was empty for most of the way. It is 33 miles from Nottingham to Grantham- I did it, once, years ago as a challenge walk, and it's amazing how walking along the flat for this distance hurts the muscles. I thought to myself that it may be good practice for walking along those Saharan salt flats!
I stayed on the canal past Cropwell Bishop and left it at Kinoulton, I was a bit bored of the scenery by then and ready for a change. The snickers was history... The next stage was through fields and skirting a wood, it was a bit of a climb and quite muddy. There was a short stretch along the A46 after this, which is an extremely busy road, I stayed on the verge but it was a bit unnerving, having the wind from speeding lorries whistling round my ears.
The next part was lovely- a bridleway through Cotgrave woods, which I never knew existed. A final walk through Clipston-on-the-Wolds and field brought me back to Cotgrave. I will definately do that one again- easy to follow, and no cows! Would be a good route to run, especially in drier weather.
I popped into Aldi on the way back and bought 2 base layer t-shirts, a running top and long sleeved running top, plus sports ear phones that will actually stay in my ears all for under £25! Ok, they may not be the best quality but will do to train in!
So- total miles this week, including today and the 4 miles I walked last night... 35. May do more tomorrow, will see.
I was looking forward to doing the Valley n Views again this year on Sunday 27th April... it's a good route and I was planning to run part of it, but Katie turns 21 on the 30th April and is having a party on Saturday the 26th... it will be a late night, plus all the family will be here on the Sunday so looks like it's a no go... I have had my place in the Ridgeway Walk confirmed though.
I have been hunting through the old route descriptions I've kept from various challenge walks over the years, and plan to do some of the routes again this year.
It's that time of the month, curse of all womanhood, where I just want to disapear into a mound of chocolate, ice cream etc so am feeling slightly sick...
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
A Week Off... (Work That Is, Not Training!!)
I have the week off work and so have made the usual to- do list which as usual isn't having much effect! One of my chores was to update the blog, so at least I can cross this off!
Had quite a busy week training wise... Tuesday I had planned a run, but Katie came round and wanted to go out with me. She tends to exercise sporadically at best, so we managed a 3 mile walk/ run. She was impressed with the Garmin, but asked if it had a light (no she doesn't smoke- it was dark!!) I told her it hadn't, then pressed a button on it the other day and the screen lit up, so guess it has...
Due to working later I didn't go to Body Toning class Wednesday but ran a steady 10 miles round my village and the next. It's quite a good circuit, quite a few runners use it. Thursday was the usual gym session, with elliptical work and treadmill; 3 miles faster running and 1 mile jogging on increasing incline. Plus the weights.
Friday was a rest (and pizza!) Saturday I did a cross country route I'd done before, and guesstimated to be 7 miles. Well, as I had the Garmin with me, I can confirm that it was... 7.02 miles!
I decided on a walk Sunday with a heavier pack. Realistically I am going to end up walking much (if not most) of the MdS so want to keep up my walking muscles as well as the running ones... I also haven't done a challenge walk lately so thought a 16 miler would just ease me in nicely. I even wore my walking boots to make sure it was a walk!
The route I chose was one in my 'Long Circular Walks in Charnwood Forest' book by John Merrill. The only drawback is that he appears to have written his guides some time ago and things tend to change...
I set of from the small village of Radcliffe-on-Soar, a non descript but pretty village famous for the hulking great power station looming over it.
Power Station
The first part of the route was lovely- following the River Soar and passing through several marinas and locks. The weather was perfect- crisp, clear and sunny.
Redhill Marina
There's something quite peaceful about walking near water.
Near Kegworth Shallow Lock
Had quite a busy week training wise... Tuesday I had planned a run, but Katie came round and wanted to go out with me. She tends to exercise sporadically at best, so we managed a 3 mile walk/ run. She was impressed with the Garmin, but asked if it had a light (no she doesn't smoke- it was dark!!) I told her it hadn't, then pressed a button on it the other day and the screen lit up, so guess it has...
Due to working later I didn't go to Body Toning class Wednesday but ran a steady 10 miles round my village and the next. It's quite a good circuit, quite a few runners use it. Thursday was the usual gym session, with elliptical work and treadmill; 3 miles faster running and 1 mile jogging on increasing incline. Plus the weights.
Friday was a rest (and pizza!) Saturday I did a cross country route I'd done before, and guesstimated to be 7 miles. Well, as I had the Garmin with me, I can confirm that it was... 7.02 miles!
I decided on a walk Sunday with a heavier pack. Realistically I am going to end up walking much (if not most) of the MdS so want to keep up my walking muscles as well as the running ones... I also haven't done a challenge walk lately so thought a 16 miler would just ease me in nicely. I even wore my walking boots to make sure it was a walk!
The route I chose was one in my 'Long Circular Walks in Charnwood Forest' book by John Merrill. The only drawback is that he appears to have written his guides some time ago and things tend to change...
I set of from the small village of Radcliffe-on-Soar, a non descript but pretty village famous for the hulking great power station looming over it.
Power StationThe first part of the route was lovely- following the River Soar and passing through several marinas and locks. The weather was perfect- crisp, clear and sunny.
Redhill MarinaThere's something quite peaceful about walking near water.
Near Kegworth Shallow LockI even managed to overtake a narrow boat after I took this photo!
Zouch Locks
Zouch LocksThis was Zouch Cut, branching off the main river. I turned away from the water at Zouch and crossed soggy, flooded field to Sutton Bonington before headeing uphill to West Leake. I was quite warm by this point! After West Leake, the route climbed quite steeply uphill, following a bridleway. I walked along the escarpment with really clear views over East Leake, the area is very close to East Midlands airport so the planes pass over quite low.
The last part of the route was where it got quite interesting... the last footpath went through the grounds of the power station and just disappeared at the gates. I thought if I walk right through, I should at least find a road back to Radcliffe Village as I knew I couldn't be that far away. I found myself right near the base of one of the great cooling towers, and so Einstein here decides it would make a great photo. gets her camera out and snaps away... never considering the amount of surveillance hardware surrounding the area...
I kept on walking through the seemingly endless power station complex, and finally was a young guy driving towards me in a jeep marked 'security'. I flagged him down and told him where I was heading for. He said he knew the general direction of the village but would radio through for directions. He then said "You haven't got a camera, have you?"
Before I had chance to think, my mouth had said, in the most innocent terms possible, "Camera? No!"
"Oh", he said, "Only we've had reports of somebody taking photographs". "Ah no" I gabbled, pointing at my now battered and grubby guide book and assuming a innocent-lost-rambler expression, "I'm just trying to follow this walk and got a bit lost".
Just then his colleague radio'd through the directions, and he offered me a lift back to where I came in- where, if I'd just taken the road to the left, I'd have been back at the car in 5 minutes! It was very nice of him, especially as I was rather muddy, but I was on tenterhooks in case he was radio'd through a description of the rogue photographer!!
Anyway, total walking, running and narrowly avoiding being arrested as a suspected terrorist has brought my weekly total to 40- a new high!!
I will perhaps aim for a slightly more modest total this week, I'm going out for the day Saturday anyway so will lose that day. Right, I'm off for a quick 7 or 8 miler before Shameless!!
Ps. I daren't post the offending photo although it did come out rather well!
Labels: John Merrill, walking
Saturday, January 12, 2008
First 30 Mile Week!!
Well, this week is my first 30 mile week! I have decided to include walking, when part of the training, as I want to build up that walking as well as the running.
As well as the steady 10 miles on Monday, I walked/ ran 4 1/2 miles Tuesday; Wednesday was back to Body Toning class, and she had made it harder- I actually felt it on my legs! Still, this is no bad thing! I ran there and back, plus round the village 4 miles approx, with a pack containing a pair of shoes, keys/ purse/ phone, and two 1 litre water bottles filled with water- it is amazing how much water actually weighs you down!
Thursday I intended going to the gym, but developed a headache which just got worse during the day. I had visions of it developing into the sickness thingy currently doing the rounds, so just walked the 3 miles to have my eyebrows waxed and tinted (ouch- extreme torture!!) I ended up going to bed at 8:30pm and woke up at 2:30pm with a really banging head. My befuddled brain suggested I might be dehydrated, so I drank loads of water and popped a couple of paracetamol, and luckily it had gone by 6am. I was annoyed at missing the gym, but I guess I have to listen to my body sometimes when it's demanding rest, as it's so easy to get obsessed! (Most of my mates think I already am...)
Friday was a rest (and cimema and eat out) day, but still felt tired this morning, so decided on a 12 mile run/ walk with the same pack as Wednesday but with fleece, gloves and camera as well as the shoes and water. It was a route from John Merril's book 'Long Circular Walks in Charnwood Forest', and started at the top car park at Beacon Hill. It was a lovely sunny day but cold, conditions under foot were quite boggy and slippery at times but I tried to persuade myself it was similar to running through fine sand.
The start was all easy downhill to the bottom car park and road, then some climbing to Woodhouse Eaves. The route twisted through a large golf course, before a long, steep and squelchy climb up to Bradgate Park. The suggested route took the path right round the edge of the park to Newtown Linford, but I added another steep climb up to the memorial before dropping down. Hadn't suffered enough obviously!
There are some lovely thatched cottages in Newtown Linford, but I dread to think how much they would cost! The next part of the route I'd done before, on the 33 mile Charnwood Challenge. The photo below was taken here, you can see how much the stream is swollen. Note the mud!
Near Newtown Linford
A bit of road walking took me to Ulverscroft Priory, skirting round a farm before another long and wet ascent.
I got a bit lost after here; I crossed a road and found the footpath markings, but the book advised me to keep to the left of the fields after this and I just couldn't find any way through into the next field. I followed a farm track all the way to a dead end at the farm, then turned and went downhill the other way, but nothing. So finally, cursing to myself, I went back to the last known marker and noticed a stile to the top of the field to my right- obviously the route kept to the right of the field not the left!! I reckon I must have added 1/2 mile on! I had started to have a couple of twinges from my right knee too, which wasn't good news.
There was a bit more climbing to the view point below;
Beacon Hill
I set off down a muddy track, and veered right, back towards Beacon Hill, dropping down through a large squelchy field. After this the footpath passed through a field with two large horses in, and things got a bit fraught! One horse just watched me go past, but the other was very excitable, and repeatedly charged at me at full gallop, before wheeling away at the last minute, bucking and kicking its heels in the general direction of my head. Now I am not scared of horses, but this was quite intimidating, as I really didn't fancy a kick in the head and strange horses aren't predictable. Plus it was big!! I kept to the edge of the field, and walked slowly, but as I ventured across to the stile it followed me very closely, ears flat back, which was a sign that he was definately not au fait with my prescence!
I leapt over the stile, half expecting to be knocked sprawling to the mud at any second, landed in the next field, heaved a great sigh of relief, only to see there was another exciteable horse charging towards me! Luckily it wasn't quite so lairy as the first one, but I just climbed out over the fence at the corner of the field as it was stood right in front of the stile and I felt disinclined to ask it to move. I am not quite sure of the best thing to do in this situation but it was quite scary! Be interesting to know if anyone else has had problems on that path!
It was all uphill to the car, and I walked the last bit of the last ascent. Took me around 3 hours 20 minutes, however my knee is a bit sore I am hoping I have just twisted it... hoping to get to the gym tomorrow although the knee will have to dictate what I do when I'm there.
As well as the steady 10 miles on Monday, I walked/ ran 4 1/2 miles Tuesday; Wednesday was back to Body Toning class, and she had made it harder- I actually felt it on my legs! Still, this is no bad thing! I ran there and back, plus round the village 4 miles approx, with a pack containing a pair of shoes, keys/ purse/ phone, and two 1 litre water bottles filled with water- it is amazing how much water actually weighs you down!
Thursday I intended going to the gym, but developed a headache which just got worse during the day. I had visions of it developing into the sickness thingy currently doing the rounds, so just walked the 3 miles to have my eyebrows waxed and tinted (ouch- extreme torture!!) I ended up going to bed at 8:30pm and woke up at 2:30pm with a really banging head. My befuddled brain suggested I might be dehydrated, so I drank loads of water and popped a couple of paracetamol, and luckily it had gone by 6am. I was annoyed at missing the gym, but I guess I have to listen to my body sometimes when it's demanding rest, as it's so easy to get obsessed! (Most of my mates think I already am...)
Friday was a rest (and cimema and eat out) day, but still felt tired this morning, so decided on a 12 mile run/ walk with the same pack as Wednesday but with fleece, gloves and camera as well as the shoes and water. It was a route from John Merril's book 'Long Circular Walks in Charnwood Forest', and started at the top car park at Beacon Hill. It was a lovely sunny day but cold, conditions under foot were quite boggy and slippery at times but I tried to persuade myself it was similar to running through fine sand.
The start was all easy downhill to the bottom car park and road, then some climbing to Woodhouse Eaves. The route twisted through a large golf course, before a long, steep and squelchy climb up to Bradgate Park. The suggested route took the path right round the edge of the park to Newtown Linford, but I added another steep climb up to the memorial before dropping down. Hadn't suffered enough obviously!
There are some lovely thatched cottages in Newtown Linford, but I dread to think how much they would cost! The next part of the route I'd done before, on the 33 mile Charnwood Challenge. The photo below was taken here, you can see how much the stream is swollen. Note the mud!
Near Newtown LinfordA bit of road walking took me to Ulverscroft Priory, skirting round a farm before another long and wet ascent.
I got a bit lost after here; I crossed a road and found the footpath markings, but the book advised me to keep to the left of the fields after this and I just couldn't find any way through into the next field. I followed a farm track all the way to a dead end at the farm, then turned and went downhill the other way, but nothing. So finally, cursing to myself, I went back to the last known marker and noticed a stile to the top of the field to my right- obviously the route kept to the right of the field not the left!! I reckon I must have added 1/2 mile on! I had started to have a couple of twinges from my right knee too, which wasn't good news.
There was a bit more climbing to the view point below;
Beacon HillI set off down a muddy track, and veered right, back towards Beacon Hill, dropping down through a large squelchy field. After this the footpath passed through a field with two large horses in, and things got a bit fraught! One horse just watched me go past, but the other was very excitable, and repeatedly charged at me at full gallop, before wheeling away at the last minute, bucking and kicking its heels in the general direction of my head. Now I am not scared of horses, but this was quite intimidating, as I really didn't fancy a kick in the head and strange horses aren't predictable. Plus it was big!! I kept to the edge of the field, and walked slowly, but as I ventured across to the stile it followed me very closely, ears flat back, which was a sign that he was definately not au fait with my prescence!
I leapt over the stile, half expecting to be knocked sprawling to the mud at any second, landed in the next field, heaved a great sigh of relief, only to see there was another exciteable horse charging towards me! Luckily it wasn't quite so lairy as the first one, but I just climbed out over the fence at the corner of the field as it was stood right in front of the stile and I felt disinclined to ask it to move. I am not quite sure of the best thing to do in this situation but it was quite scary! Be interesting to know if anyone else has had problems on that path!
It was all uphill to the car, and I walked the last bit of the last ascent. Took me around 3 hours 20 minutes, however my knee is a bit sore I am hoping I have just twisted it... hoping to get to the gym tomorrow although the knee will have to dictate what I do when I'm there.
Labels: John Merrill, walking
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Moving On...
Does anybody else struggle to come up with suitably original and descriptive titles for their blog posts?
I haven't done an awful lot since I last posted, apart from a steady 10 miler last night. I had to stop a few times to answer texts, maybe I should leave the phone at home!!
I am considering doing a fairly long walk Saturday, with a pack- in the region of 17 miles or thereabouts... the next suitable LDWA walk looks to be the Belvoir Challenge in February so need to keep my hand (and legs!!) in.
Am considering doing something tonight but not sure what as should have been going for a meal but my mate has succumbed to this sickness bug that's doing the rounds!
I haven't done an awful lot since I last posted, apart from a steady 10 miler last night. I had to stop a few times to answer texts, maybe I should leave the phone at home!!
I am considering doing a fairly long walk Saturday, with a pack- in the region of 17 miles or thereabouts... the next suitable LDWA walk looks to be the Belvoir Challenge in February so need to keep my hand (and legs!!) in.
Am considering doing something tonight but not sure what as should have been going for a meal but my mate has succumbed to this sickness bug that's doing the rounds!
Labels: Belvoir Challenge, walking
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Saturday...
I've been quite easy on myself this week, what with not being well. Went to the gym Thursday, and probably did a bit too much, as I felt knackered afterwards; I ran my usual 3 miles, plus 20 minutes on the stepper and ellipticals, round of weights and back on the treadmill for walking on incline.
So I had a rest day yesterday and went out for a meal in the evening with my mate- so taxing!
Actually, it was quite a cheap night out, as we were walking back to my car and I spotted something on the ground. You know how sometimes you convince yourself it's a fiver and it turns out to be a sweet wrapper or something... well, I don't know what made me pick it up, but it turned out to be two fivers folded together!
There was nobody around, and we reckoned that if we were to hand it in, the staff would probably pocket it anyway, so I split it and we had a fiver each, which was very welcome.
I have just walked a fairly brisk 6 miles, and have the 27 mile Ponton Plod tomorrow. I am thinking of being kind to my poor old body and taking a light pack; if I remember rightly from last year, there will be rolls, cake, coffee etc half way round so no need to take much.
I am going to try not to get a speeding ticket this year too- got flashed by a camera in Melton Mowbray on my way to last year's event!
So I had a rest day yesterday and went out for a meal in the evening with my mate- so taxing!
Actually, it was quite a cheap night out, as we were walking back to my car and I spotted something on the ground. You know how sometimes you convince yourself it's a fiver and it turns out to be a sweet wrapper or something... well, I don't know what made me pick it up, but it turned out to be two fivers folded together!
There was nobody around, and we reckoned that if we were to hand it in, the staff would probably pocket it anyway, so I split it and we had a fiver each, which was very welcome.
I have just walked a fairly brisk 6 miles, and have the 27 mile Ponton Plod tomorrow. I am thinking of being kind to my poor old body and taking a light pack; if I remember rightly from last year, there will be rolls, cake, coffee etc half way round so no need to take much.
I am going to try not to get a speeding ticket this year too- got flashed by a camera in Melton Mowbray on my way to last year's event!
Labels: gym, Ponton Plod, walking
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Weekend Update
It's the weekend again, can't believe how fast the year's going! Well, so far this week I have done another 6 miler, completely Achilles heel problem free! I really think I can start to build up the distances now, but will take it slowly. I am planning to build back up to half marathon distance.
I have also done the usual work out at the gym, and quite a lot of walking. Plus multi tasking; using my mini stepper whilst watching telly!
I am planning a longer walk for next weekend, after my Dad and stepmum have returned to Spain. I have a route plan for a 34 mile Challenge walk around the Charnwood area in Leics which I'm thinking of doing.
I think my plan will be to build up a good endurance base this year, building up the long walks and runs up to half marathon distance, then next year concentrate on building distances and gradually increasing pack weight. I will also need to try out equipment too, and drinks/ powders etc. I will really need to up the distances over Christmas/ New Year 2008/9 and taper in the weeks leading up to the event.
Rich came up with a good suggestion- duathlons! I am definately going to look into this. I am going to try with the swimming, too, but cannot ever imagine being able to swim a mile front crawl! I couldn't even make a pool length without nearly drowning!
It's a lovely day for a change... think I will make the most of it and go for a walk later!
I have also done the usual work out at the gym, and quite a lot of walking. Plus multi tasking; using my mini stepper whilst watching telly!
I am planning a longer walk for next weekend, after my Dad and stepmum have returned to Spain. I have a route plan for a 34 mile Challenge walk around the Charnwood area in Leics which I'm thinking of doing.
I think my plan will be to build up a good endurance base this year, building up the long walks and runs up to half marathon distance, then next year concentrate on building distances and gradually increasing pack weight. I will also need to try out equipment too, and drinks/ powders etc. I will really need to up the distances over Christmas/ New Year 2008/9 and taper in the weeks leading up to the event.
Rich came up with a good suggestion- duathlons! I am definately going to look into this. I am going to try with the swimming, too, but cannot ever imagine being able to swim a mile front crawl! I couldn't even make a pool length without nearly drowning!
It's a lovely day for a change... think I will make the most of it and go for a walk later!
Labels: Challenge walks, training, walking
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Lovely Summer Walk...
Today I decided to go for a longish walk, as I've been a bit lazy and unmotivated lately! (Did make the gym Thursday...) I have a copy of John Merrill's long circular walks in Nottinghamshire, and picked a 19 mile route round Gotham (not batman fame, alas- it's pronounced Goatam!)
I though it would be very wet and boggy underfoot, and guess what... I wasn't disappointed! I didn't take my camera with me as I thought it might get ruined, and I photocopied the relevent page of the walk to take so the book wouldn't get trashed. I did have a pack, and put waterproofs, a pair of trainers and 3 litres of water in it.
I parked up in Gotham, by the church; the first part of the walk wasn't too bad, but soon degenerated into a mass of slippery mud and ankle deep water. Following a path uphill, I was sliding all over the place and cursing the 'summer'- it was actually more like a mid winter walk!
A couple of times I lost the path and ended up on the road to early, and had to detour through East Leake as my path was completely flooded. As I passed the playing field, I noticed that it was completely submerged- I must have been crazy doing a walk like this after having a month's worth of rain in a day!
In fact, all the way round, part of me was sorely tempted to just give up and find the quickest route home, but no- I stuck to my plans and did what I set out to do- after all, the real test of character comes when things aren't easy, and there are obstacles to surmount; after all, I can't just give up in the MdS. Plus, getting used to walking in a little discomfort will pay dividends. (That's what I was telling myself anyway!!)
I followed what would have been, in normal July conditions, a lovely little path alongside the river. However, in July 2007 I actually found myself wading knee high in places! Nice... the conditions were obviously very favourable to stinging nettles too...
The whole area is on the flight path for the East Midlands airport, so there was something very eerie of hearing the loud hum of jet engines and seeing a huge jet appearing out of the clouds, landing gear engaged.
Disaster struck about 3 miles from Gotham. I was following a bridleway, and according to the book and my map, the route should go straight on along a well defined track towards a wood. However, the bridleway sign was pointing to the left, in a direction I shouldn't have been going, and there was a 'private, no right of way' sign on the track. Weighing it up, I decided to chance it and go along the track, figuring it must have been changed recently. To cut a long story short, it petered out and I ended up wandering around in the woods for ages.
I finally found way out, and headed towards a farm track, figuring it would have to lead to a road eventually. It did- ages later- and I ended up with quite a bit of road walking. I arrived at the spot where I should have joined the road in the end, and decided to rejoin the route over Gotham hill for the last 2 miles.
I'm not sure of my time, but is was shamefully slow anyway. I reckon I ended up doing about 22/ 23 miles taking into account all detours, which is good, as it's the longest walk I'll get to do before the Dipper. I'm not aching much, and still felt I had plenty of 'go' in my legs at the end- in fact, I jogged the last track into Gotham.
I though it would be very wet and boggy underfoot, and guess what... I wasn't disappointed! I didn't take my camera with me as I thought it might get ruined, and I photocopied the relevent page of the walk to take so the book wouldn't get trashed. I did have a pack, and put waterproofs, a pair of trainers and 3 litres of water in it.
I parked up in Gotham, by the church; the first part of the walk wasn't too bad, but soon degenerated into a mass of slippery mud and ankle deep water. Following a path uphill, I was sliding all over the place and cursing the 'summer'- it was actually more like a mid winter walk!
A couple of times I lost the path and ended up on the road to early, and had to detour through East Leake as my path was completely flooded. As I passed the playing field, I noticed that it was completely submerged- I must have been crazy doing a walk like this after having a month's worth of rain in a day!
In fact, all the way round, part of me was sorely tempted to just give up and find the quickest route home, but no- I stuck to my plans and did what I set out to do- after all, the real test of character comes when things aren't easy, and there are obstacles to surmount; after all, I can't just give up in the MdS. Plus, getting used to walking in a little discomfort will pay dividends. (That's what I was telling myself anyway!!)
I followed what would have been, in normal July conditions, a lovely little path alongside the river. However, in July 2007 I actually found myself wading knee high in places! Nice... the conditions were obviously very favourable to stinging nettles too...
The whole area is on the flight path for the East Midlands airport, so there was something very eerie of hearing the loud hum of jet engines and seeing a huge jet appearing out of the clouds, landing gear engaged.
Disaster struck about 3 miles from Gotham. I was following a bridleway, and according to the book and my map, the route should go straight on along a well defined track towards a wood. However, the bridleway sign was pointing to the left, in a direction I shouldn't have been going, and there was a 'private, no right of way' sign on the track. Weighing it up, I decided to chance it and go along the track, figuring it must have been changed recently. To cut a long story short, it petered out and I ended up wandering around in the woods for ages.
I finally found way out, and headed towards a farm track, figuring it would have to lead to a road eventually. It did- ages later- and I ended up with quite a bit of road walking. I arrived at the spot where I should have joined the road in the end, and decided to rejoin the route over Gotham hill for the last 2 miles.
I'm not sure of my time, but is was shamefully slow anyway. I reckon I ended up doing about 22/ 23 miles taking into account all detours, which is good, as it's the longest walk I'll get to do before the Dipper. I'm not aching much, and still felt I had plenty of 'go' in my legs at the end- in fact, I jogged the last track into Gotham.
I did see loads of rabbits, a couple of stoats and a couple of hares, so was worthwhile!
So- not bad, although my ankles are on fire with nettle stings, and I don't think my shoes are going to recover!Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Mad Panic!!
Phew, not sure how I'm going to get everything done... I have laid stuff out on the spare bed and am having the usual 'what to take' dilemmas... work is very busy, so have that to deal with too!
This week has been a kind of taper; Tuesday me and my sis went to Bradgate Park for a 2 hour yomp around the hilly parts (and were overtaken by a large running club!) I wanted to get used to my boots, and- touch wood- they were fine... I did have a small pack on with about 2 1/2 litres of water and some shoes (for the weight!!)
Today we are going to take the dogs for a gentle stroll across the fields, think Alex is deteriorating slowly bless him...
Gym tomorrow with a lighter work out, then I think I will just do a gentle walk/ bike ride Saturday as I will probably get quite enough exercise charging around the house, attempting to pack...
This week has been a kind of taper; Tuesday me and my sis went to Bradgate Park for a 2 hour yomp around the hilly parts (and were overtaken by a large running club!) I wanted to get used to my boots, and- touch wood- they were fine... I did have a small pack on with about 2 1/2 litres of water and some shoes (for the weight!!)
Today we are going to take the dogs for a gentle stroll across the fields, think Alex is deteriorating slowly bless him...
Gym tomorrow with a lighter work out, then I think I will just do a gentle walk/ bike ride Saturday as I will probably get quite enough exercise charging around the house, attempting to pack...
Labels: Bradgate Park, gym, walking
Monday, May 28, 2007
Busy Weekend!!
Just got back from (not so) sunny Blackpool, good but hectic weekend with my older sis and her family.
Saturday, my sis, brother-in-law and me went for a walk... her two lads are now at the age when it is uncool to join in family activities and elected to stay home and hang out with their mates. We decided to 'do' Helvellyn, in the Lakes, as my sis hasn't been there. Plan was to ascend by Striding Edge, and descend via Swirral Edge, taking in Catstyecam.
We parked in Patterdale, amidst the Bank Holiday throng, and started to ascent the path zig zagging up the hillside. We had lovely retrospective views over Ullswater.
Ullswater
Striding Edge
Striding Egde is a famous scramble, a real sharp ridge (or Arete if I remember my geography lessons). There is a path just below the crest of the ridge, but bro-in-law insisted that we go more hardcore and walk along the very top of the ridge. At one point, there are two large rocks separated by a cleft; my sis managed to jump this, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it! Luckily there was away around. Well, I've only got short legs- that's my excuse!!
Classic view of Striding Edge
The summit of Helvellyn is very broad (and popular!) and so it is a trek to the edge to get the best views; most of the Lakelend peaks can be seen as it occupies a central point. We could even see into Scotland.
Me at the summit of Helvellyn (my hair is not really like that!)
Looking across at Striding Edge, we could see a queue of people across the ridge, particularly behind the bad step; you can just make them out on the photo below. My sis said it looked like a queue for a NHS dentist!!
Queue on Striding Edge
After a steep ascent and descent of Catstyecam (a cone-shaped hill which rises at the end of Swirral Edge) we picked up a lovely path back round the fell side to Patterdale. This was great; nice gentle descent with gorgeous views. I love the Lakes.
Path to Patterdale
Once back at the car, we called in to the cafe in the car park; 'Fellbites', for a coffee and wedge of cheesecake.
Sunday me and my sis had a riding lesson. This is good exercise as we always help out beforehand... this time of year the ponies are out most of the time, so one lovely job we had was 'poo picking'- literally picking up piles of pony poo out of the field using rubber gloves!
A regular was riding the pony I usually ride, so I opted for Bobby, a solid brown pony. I was warned he tends to take off like a rocket when he canters and bends round the corners of the indoor school like a motorbike on the wall of death! So I was actually quite nervous- but he wasn't that bad, he must have been having a lazy day!!
My legs and arms are aching quite a bit now though... not so much the walking, but a combination of the scrambling, plus the riding... good training though, particularly as I'm in Morocco in a fortnight! However, my walking boots are starting to split at the heel and sole, and I'm concerned that they may not last the Atlas trek... I need new ones but my washing machine decided to pack in last week, typically, so will have to sleep on it and decide over the next few days...
Saturday, my sis, brother-in-law and me went for a walk... her two lads are now at the age when it is uncool to join in family activities and elected to stay home and hang out with their mates. We decided to 'do' Helvellyn, in the Lakes, as my sis hasn't been there. Plan was to ascend by Striding Edge, and descend via Swirral Edge, taking in Catstyecam.
We parked in Patterdale, amidst the Bank Holiday throng, and started to ascent the path zig zagging up the hillside. We had lovely retrospective views over Ullswater.
UllswaterMost encouraging for me was the fact that I didn't find it particularly hard work, so the training must be paying off! My bro-in-law is very fit, he does a lot of mountain biking, and sis is also quite fit; they left me standing when we did a similar walk three years ago... but not today!!
There were quite a few walkers around, and it was quite satisfying to see them stop, gasping for breath, whilst we just walked by. We had our lunch stop just before the start of Striding Edge- what a view! We could see the bulk of St Sunday Crag and Fairfield, and make out the sea. I want a view like that every lunch time!
Then it was onto Striding Edge...
Striding EdgeStriding Egde is a famous scramble, a real sharp ridge (or Arete if I remember my geography lessons). There is a path just below the crest of the ridge, but bro-in-law insisted that we go more hardcore and walk along the very top of the ridge. At one point, there are two large rocks separated by a cleft; my sis managed to jump this, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it! Luckily there was away around. Well, I've only got short legs- that's my excuse!!
It was quite hairy, I'm not one of life's natural scramblers and at times it felt like we were clinging to rock with nothing below us. At rhe end is the famous and aptly named 'bad step'; a cleft in the rock, which must be navigated. Both me and my sis had assistance from my bro-in-law, and he then had the job of assisting another couple down; he should have hired himself out!
A fairly steep scramble brought us to a scree path and up onto the summit ridge. There is a large, star shaped shelter just below the summit, and we stopped for a second lunch, chatting with the couple we'd helped down the bad step.
Classic view of Striding Edge
The summit of Helvellyn is very broad (and popular!) and so it is a trek to the edge to get the best views; most of the Lakelend peaks can be seen as it occupies a central point. We could even see into Scotland.
Me at the summit of Helvellyn (my hair is not really like that!)
It was freezing on the summit, in fact it started to sleet, so we quickly descended vie Swirral Edge, which is another sharp ridge but not as pronounced or prolonged as Striding Edge. I am not as my best descending on steep paths with lots of loose rocks or stones! Good practice though...
Looking across at Striding Edge, we could see a queue of people across the ridge, particularly behind the bad step; you can just make them out on the photo below. My sis said it looked like a queue for a NHS dentist!!
Queue on Striding EdgeAfter a steep ascent and descent of Catstyecam (a cone-shaped hill which rises at the end of Swirral Edge) we picked up a lovely path back round the fell side to Patterdale. This was great; nice gentle descent with gorgeous views. I love the Lakes.
Path to Patterdale
Once back at the car, we called in to the cafe in the car park; 'Fellbites', for a coffee and wedge of cheesecake.
Sunday me and my sis had a riding lesson. This is good exercise as we always help out beforehand... this time of year the ponies are out most of the time, so one lovely job we had was 'poo picking'- literally picking up piles of pony poo out of the field using rubber gloves!
A regular was riding the pony I usually ride, so I opted for Bobby, a solid brown pony. I was warned he tends to take off like a rocket when he canters and bends round the corners of the indoor school like a motorbike on the wall of death! So I was actually quite nervous- but he wasn't that bad, he must have been having a lazy day!!
My legs and arms are aching quite a bit now though... not so much the walking, but a combination of the scrambling, plus the riding... good training though, particularly as I'm in Morocco in a fortnight! However, my walking boots are starting to split at the heel and sole, and I'm concerned that they may not last the Atlas trek... I need new ones but my washing machine decided to pack in last week, typically, so will have to sleep on it and decide over the next few days...
Labels: Helvellyn, horse riding, Lake District, scrambling, walking
Monday, May 07, 2007
I Love Bank Holidays...
Every weekend should have one!! Trouble is, that extra day of just seems to make it harder to go back to work!
Right... let's get organised here (for a change)... exercise totals for this week just gone.
Running
None. But I've got a sick note!
Walking
5 1/2 miles cross country with ruck sack
5 miles brisk
Total 20 minutes inclination work on treadmill
Other
40 minutes elliptical trainer easy
38 minutes elliptical trainer (hard- increased resistance)
20 minutes bike
40 minutes stepper
8 minutes rower
(all over two gym visits)
Strength training
50 minutes on home mini stepper
Not that great, I'll admit, but hopefully after my next visit to the physio I'll be able to push things on a bit. Achilles has been ok, slightly creaky after the gym yesterday but I iced it.
I am going on a bike ride with my mate today, I don't think we will be going that far, probably to the nearest pub for a pub lunch!! Perhaps just as well, my bike tyres are so bald they are down to the canvas in places...
Right... let's get organised here (for a change)... exercise totals for this week just gone.
Running
None. But I've got a sick note!
Walking
5 1/2 miles cross country with ruck sack
5 miles brisk
Total 20 minutes inclination work on treadmill
Other
40 minutes elliptical trainer easy
38 minutes elliptical trainer (hard- increased resistance)
20 minutes bike
40 minutes stepper
8 minutes rower
(all over two gym visits)
Strength training
50 minutes on home mini stepper
Not that great, I'll admit, but hopefully after my next visit to the physio I'll be able to push things on a bit. Achilles has been ok, slightly creaky after the gym yesterday but I iced it.
I am going on a bike ride with my mate today, I don't think we will be going that far, probably to the nearest pub for a pub lunch!! Perhaps just as well, my bike tyres are so bald they are down to the canvas in places...
Labels: cycling, gym, walking, workout
Saturday, April 28, 2007
It's the Weekend!
I have been very good all week. Well, since Thursday! I went to the gym Thursday night, and did my usual 20 minutes on the elliptical and the stepper, 5 minutes rowing, 5 minutes on the bike, plus strength training... then I did about 7 minutes walking on incline on the treadmill, before going back on the elliptical for 10 minutes.
I discovered the ellipticals have different programs, and could set the resistance on it to simulate hills. They are a wonderful piece of kit, totally non impact so ideal for injuries. trouble is, everybody else thinks they are a wonderful piece of kit too!
I went out for a gentle 3 1/2 mile stroll last night and have been faithfully doing my exercises.
I have a bit of a dilemma though... I have entered the Valleys and Views walk tomorrow; a 25 mile LDWA walk. I have done it the last 2 years, it's fairly gentle, and I will be walking... the physio said it's ok to walk... ok, I didn't actually tell her about this walk, but she was very clear that it's the pounding and jarring associated with running that causes the problem...
I will chance it anyway, and wear my old running shoes, that may sort out the blister problem too! I may ice my Achilles when I get back and take it easy the next few days... touch wood, it's been fine.
I had entered the White Peak half marathon on May 19th with my colleague, but I don't think I will be able to do it. Even if I can run again in a couple of weeks, the physio advised me to build up slowly, and it wouldn'tleave me much time to build back up to 13 miles. Shame, but I don't want to risk a permanent injury and jeapardise my MdS chances...
I discovered the ellipticals have different programs, and could set the resistance on it to simulate hills. They are a wonderful piece of kit, totally non impact so ideal for injuries. trouble is, everybody else thinks they are a wonderful piece of kit too!
I went out for a gentle 3 1/2 mile stroll last night and have been faithfully doing my exercises.
I have a bit of a dilemma though... I have entered the Valleys and Views walk tomorrow; a 25 mile LDWA walk. I have done it the last 2 years, it's fairly gentle, and I will be walking... the physio said it's ok to walk... ok, I didn't actually tell her about this walk, but she was very clear that it's the pounding and jarring associated with running that causes the problem...
I will chance it anyway, and wear my old running shoes, that may sort out the blister problem too! I may ice my Achilles when I get back and take it easy the next few days... touch wood, it's been fine.
I had entered the White Peak half marathon on May 19th with my colleague, but I don't think I will be able to do it. Even if I can run again in a couple of weeks, the physio advised me to build up slowly, and it wouldn'tleave me much time to build back up to 13 miles. Shame, but I don't want to risk a permanent injury and jeapardise my MdS chances...
Labels: achilles tendonitis, physiotherapy, walking, White Peak half marathon
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Appointment Made
I have made an appointment to see a physio near work on Thursday, she has been recommended by a few colleagues. Although my Achilles hasn't actually been painful, it is still 'grinding' a little when I flex my ankle.
I went on the treadmill on Sunday and could feel it afterwards, although it wasn't uncomfortable. I have also been wearing my running shoes to work (any excuse!! But they do give extra support... honest...)
Right, weekly exercise totals;
Running
3.5 miles, fairly slow
4.5 miles, slow
6 miles on treadmill, top speed 7mph (over 2 sessions)
Other
40 minutes ellipticals
15 minutes bike
40 minutes stepper
7 minutes inclination work on treadmill, walking
10 minutes rower
(all over 2 sessions)
Strength training
Walking
2 brisk 15 minutes walks
Note the continued absence of swimming... oops!
I'd love to push the running distance up now, but it depends on my sodding Achilles- really hope that this physio is going to help. I may mention the MdS to her she may be able to check for any other problems.
Actually, I think I may try my (roughly) 5 1/2 mile cross country route- running and walking. Hopefully won't be too boggy although it did nothing but rain yesterday!
I went on the treadmill on Sunday and could feel it afterwards, although it wasn't uncomfortable. I have also been wearing my running shoes to work (any excuse!! But they do give extra support... honest...)
Right, weekly exercise totals;
Running
3.5 miles, fairly slow
4.5 miles, slow
6 miles on treadmill, top speed 7mph (over 2 sessions)
Other
40 minutes ellipticals
15 minutes bike
40 minutes stepper
7 minutes inclination work on treadmill, walking
10 minutes rower
(all over 2 sessions)
Strength training
Walking
2 brisk 15 minutes walks
Note the continued absence of swimming... oops!
I'd love to push the running distance up now, but it depends on my sodding Achilles- really hope that this physio is going to help. I may mention the MdS to her she may be able to check for any other problems.
Actually, I think I may try my (roughly) 5 1/2 mile cross country route- running and walking. Hopefully won't be too boggy although it did nothing but rain yesterday!
Labels: gym, Marathon des Sables, running, walking
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Good Signs
Went to the gym today, and did the usual 20 minutes on the elliptical trainer to warm up, then decided to try running and see how the achilles felt. So I hopped on the treadmill, and as I warmed up, I could feel it but it wasn't actually hurting. Over time it didn't get worse, but actually subsided, so I did more than I intended; 25 minutes running, but didn't go faster than 6.3mph.
After that I did the usual round of the weights, 20 minutes on the stepper, then used the bike and rower, with absolutely no problems. I can't feel my achilles at all now, so hopefully it is going to just do what the right one did last year, and the symptoms will disappear.
I have ordered a new pair of shoes, as I must have had my current ones for over a year! (oops) I have ordered a pair of Brookes Lady Addiction shoes from sportsshoes.com. I also aim to build up running distances sloooowly to prepare for the White Peak Half Marathon on May 19th.
I was considering running a 10K in Nottingham Wednesday evening, but think it will put too much pressure on my ankle so am giving that one a miss.
All righty then, as promised... weekly exercise totals...
Running
2.3 miles on treadmill, 25 minutes, top speed 6.3mph
Walking
Approx 6 miles, cross country including sand, slow
Approx 2 1/2 miles brisk, 15 minutes fast walking uphill on sand
Other
20 minutes elliptical trainer
10 minutes bike
5 minutes rower
Approx 50 minutes strength training
Not terribly impressive... but looking good hopefully for the old achilles...
After that I did the usual round of the weights, 20 minutes on the stepper, then used the bike and rower, with absolutely no problems. I can't feel my achilles at all now, so hopefully it is going to just do what the right one did last year, and the symptoms will disappear.
I have ordered a new pair of shoes, as I must have had my current ones for over a year! (oops) I have ordered a pair of Brookes Lady Addiction shoes from sportsshoes.com. I also aim to build up running distances sloooowly to prepare for the White Peak Half Marathon on May 19th.
I was considering running a 10K in Nottingham Wednesday evening, but think it will put too much pressure on my ankle so am giving that one a miss.
All righty then, as promised... weekly exercise totals...
Running
2.3 miles on treadmill, 25 minutes, top speed 6.3mph
Walking
Approx 6 miles, cross country including sand, slow
Approx 2 1/2 miles brisk, 15 minutes fast walking uphill on sand
Other
20 minutes elliptical trainer
10 minutes bike
5 minutes rower
Approx 50 minutes strength training
Not terribly impressive... but looking good hopefully for the old achilles...
Labels: achilles pain, gym, running, walking, White Peak half marathon
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Aargh- Dentist!
Uurgh, I've just been to the dentist to have a filling replaced. I reckon he must have used a sizeable amount of anaesthetic as my mouth and tongue feel as though they belong to somebody else, and I can't stop drooling- nice!!
It's tippng down outside, windier than a windy thing and I have to go out and do a slow(ish) 6 mile run... maybe I should stop being an endurance athlete and start being a tiddlywinks athlete...
... no I'm going to quit moaning and get out there, and think of the lovely hot shower I will have when I get back! I have stopped aching after Sunday, funnily enough the ends of my toes still hurt though. I just can't seem to find a pair of shoes or boots that are comfy for a whole day's walking, and don't rub blisters. If I am going to attempt the Bullock Smithy Hike this year, I am not going to want blisters after 18 miles!
Any recommendations, anybody?
It's tippng down outside, windier than a windy thing and I have to go out and do a slow(ish) 6 mile run... maybe I should stop being an endurance athlete and start being a tiddlywinks athlete...
... no I'm going to quit moaning and get out there, and think of the lovely hot shower I will have when I get back! I have stopped aching after Sunday, funnily enough the ends of my toes still hurt though. I just can't seem to find a pair of shoes or boots that are comfy for a whole day's walking, and don't rub blisters. If I am going to attempt the Bullock Smithy Hike this year, I am not going to want blisters after 18 miles!
Any recommendations, anybody?
Labels: dentist, running, walking
