Fairfield Horseshoe - 29th August 2011

I have not organised a run or posted on the Helm forum for some time - felt that both of these issues needed to change....so I organise and post.

Five of us (Russ, Victoria, Kath & Lindsay) head off around Fairfield Horseshoe - the weather is much better than forecast although it is cold and windy on the tops - already starting to feel like autumn - a great time of year.

A good steady run round with no discomfort in my foot - finish off with coffee and cakes, just like old times.

It's good to be back !

Whinlatter - Sunday 28th August 2011

Back to Whinlatter early - late yesterday afternoon was a good time to ride the trails and so is early morning. I tackle North Loop of the Red Route (Altura), not so much climbing but still very technical - some great downhill and not as rocky.

Finished soon after 9 and to Wilfs for a second breakfast.

Duathlon - Saturday 27th August 2011

A busy day - I head off early in camper to Dockray. I run the Dockray, Great Dodd fell race route. A bit cloudy on the tops but good weather, not the wind and rain that was forecast. 9 miles and 2,800' feet of climbing, my foot is fine, I have lost some fitness but perhaps not too much.

Then on to Whinlatter, I ride the Blue route to start - this is good single track and main track, not too technical - a good warm up.

Then on to the South Loop of the Red Route (Altura) - this is harder, more technical and I if any more uphill I would reach the summit of Grisedale Pike ! The descent is rocky in places, I lack confidence on this terrain - but good fun.

Back to camper and then over to Seathwaite for the night - it storms and this puts a stop to my trying out my new Kelly Kettle !

A walk and a ride - Friday 26th August 2011

The foot is still good so I head out at lunchtime for a brisk 1 hour walk to Sedgwick - out along the canal and back along the river.

Then when I get home I head out on bike for usual Lyth Valley route - a good day.

A RUN...... :-) - Thursday 25th August 2011

Yes, a RUN ! It all feels right today - no discomfort last night after my fast walk, no pain today, so I try a run. 6 or 7 miles, my old route through the park, along the river to Hawes Bridge and back along the canal path. I was prepared to stop and walk back at the first sign of pain but there was none, just a lack of fitness !

I needed this - I am happy.

A good lunch but a frustrating evening... Wednesday 24th August 2011

My foot feels good today so I go out at lunchtime for a fast 1 hour walk through the park as far as Sedgwick - no discomfort during or after - this is real progress.

After work I go out for a ride, the usual Lyth Valley route - frustrating to know that Helm runners are training tonight and I am, once again, missing out on a session.

Shipman Knotts Fell Race - Tuesday 23rd August 2011

I wish I could run this, I need it as a Championship counter - but I listen to advice and am sensible. Russ allocates me car parking duties - I soon lose control of this but ha ho everyone seems happy.

It is a glorious evening, the rain that was forecast does not materialise, all 43 runners have a good race. Nice one Russ, this is set to become a mini classic !

A ride to the seaside - Monday 22nd August

A sunny evening, I feel good so decide to cycle to Arnside via Stainton, Heverflatts, Milnthorpe and Storth.The views from the promenade are great, head back via Heversham, Hincaster and Sedgwick - about 21 miles, not bad for a quick after work zip.

A run (at last) - Sunday 21st August 2011

Do I or don't I......I do......try a run up onto Shipman Knotts, not that I hope to race it on Tuesday evening. I can feel my ankle every step of the way, it's not great but is not as bad as it has been.

A bit misty on the way up and the best line was not always clear. But at the top it clears and I pick a good descent route. It's good to stand in the beck at the pass to sooth my ankle. Back across the fields, out for a little over an hour. It's good to be out but ankle is not great now - an afternoon of 'RICE' for me :-(

Breakfast Ride - Saturday 20th August 2011

A danish pastry and latte at More Bakery is very appealing - driving would there would be too easy so I decide to cycle. Take direct route, through town, Burneside, Bowston and into Staveley. The breakfast does not disappoint.

Take a longer, back-road route home. Out the back of Staveley, eventually to Skelsmergh, Mealbank, Paddy Lane, across the Helm, Barrows Green and to make it 20 miles a lap of Natland Green.

Good stuff.

2 Walks - Friday 19th August 2011

At a loss as to what to do at lunchtime so decide to go home, get changed and head down to canal path and river - and enjoyable 40 minute walk, far more enjoyable than watching a screen full of falling share prices !

The evening is good so have a quick walk across the Helm - start to fell my ankle hurt, it is improving but I'm not there yet !

A ride... Thursday 18th August 2011

Now getting into a pattern of alternating riding with walks - hopefully this will be back to running soon.

Head out on bike to usual Lyth Valley route - good to be out after stressful day.

A walk... Wednesday 17th August 2011

No running on the Helm for me tonight but I manage a walk down to the river and then a loop out and back along the canal path.

Usual cycle - Tuesday 16th August 2011

After a wet day the weather clears, I head out on my usual route - a headwind on the out but a tailwind on the way back - good to get out.

Another walk - Monday 15th August 2011

I manage to see the Physio today and progress is now being made. It is a pleasant evening so I head out along the canal path for a walk, back along the river - only out for an hour and leg starts to hurt towards the end but still better than it was.

A walk - Sunday 14th August 2011

I need to get out and do something different - so I try a walk. From Staveley I head up to Reston Scar and then follow the race route in reverse. It stays dry and my leg is not too painful - perhaps some progress at last.

A different route - Saturday 13th August 2011

Joined by Chris and Russ, we go from Natland to Arnside via the back roads - a very pleasant cup of tea and a cake before heading back a different route - a good ride out, I enjoy the company and the weather is at last kind.

Another wet ride - Friday 12th August 2011

Usual route, usual weather  - what more can I say - maybe one day I will be able to go running again !

No (or running) ! - Thursday 11th August 2011

More a day of eating - breakfast out, lunch out and dinner out - chubster !

Another ride - Wednesday 10th August 2011

A wet day, time is tight I heard out as soon as I get home from work, the weather is not great but I go regardless. Usual route but hard going in the rain.

Another ride - Tuesday 9th August 2011

A last minute change of plan changes my route...I head through Prizet, towards the Scar and then down to Brigsteer. Through to Levens, along the Lyth valley to Brigsteer then up the very big hill...a good route.

Nothing to say today - Monday 8th August 2011

....

A bit of a walk.... Sunday 7th August 2011

Head up to Keswick, plan is to walk from Latrigg carpark around Lonsdale Fell to Skiddaw House - however, I don't get far before the sharp pain in my ankle / shin strikes again - so it becomes a short walk.

Another Ride - Saturday 6th August 2011

Seems to be all I can do at the moment - usual route around the Lyth Valley - dodge the showers but the roads are wet and the slick tyres are twitchy.

More cycling - Friday 5th August 2011

Leg still not great so another ride. The evening is pleasant so I decide to head out further. I park on Elterwater Common and ride down Great Langdale, up to Blea Tarn and back along Little Langdale - not much more to say than this.

Lyth Vally Ride - Thursday 4th August 2011

It has been a long day and a lot of time driving - this has not helped my shin. Fortunately cycling does not aggravate the injury so I head round my usual route - no rush, take it easy and enjoy the summers evening.

Helm - Wednesday 3rd August 2011

Only a few days after my race but I feel the need for a run. I decide to cycle to the Helm and promise myself an easy session.

It is good to catch up with people and there is a lot of interest about my race - Craig, very nice man, gives me three bottles of my favourite beer :-)

Russ leads a pyramid session - I start strong but fade as the pain in my right shin returns - need to be careful with this - exactly the same injury that I suffered after my Bob Graham.

Easy ride down the hill to home afterwards - ice and rest leg.

Lyth Valley ride - Tuesday 2nd August 2011

About 4 hours driving today and feel the need to stretch my legs. A bike ride seems a good idea - head round my usual route but take it steady. This does me good and I like the fact that I am out exercising again.

Rest - Monday 1st August 2011

I go for an early massage - legs in reasonable shape but Sue goes gentle. One or two aches and pains but this is to be expected.

Then coffee and a croissant and to work.

No running or biking today, I enjoy a glass or two of wine in the evening - very chilled (the Chablis as well as me !)

Prize giving - Sunday 31st July 2011

to follow...

Lakeland 100 Ultra Marathon - Friday & Saturday, 29th & 30th July 2011

to follow...

Preparation for the big one - Thursday 28th July 2011

No running today - need to get my kit ready, pick-up camper and do some shopping - getting anxious, want to get started !

Orienteering on the Helm - Wednesday 27th July 2011

Russ has organised an orienteering competition for tonight's session. I meet with him early and we set out the course. Unfortunately due to school holidays not many people about tonight but those who are there seem to enjoy.

I go for a wonder and then collect the controls in later - a very warm and humid evening.