Yarlside Downhill & Lyth Valley Ride - Sunday 23rd April 2017

I help Russ at his Yarlside Downhill race, 24 runners, a good turnout. My legs are tired and although I do not compete, I do ascend and descend the hill twice.

Then soon after getting home I head over to Natland for a ride around the Lyth Valley. 

Anniversary Waltz - Saturday 22nd April 2017

One of my favourite races and a glorious day. I run ok, quicker than last time but a long way off my PB, but that's still progress. 

Rest day - Friday 21st April 2017

A much needed rest day; just a steady dog walk in the evening.

Circuits - Loughrigg - Circuits - Thursday 20th April 2017

A very tough one-to-one circuit session at lunch. Then a steady run towards Loughrigg, finished off with another circuit session on Kendal Green; a tough day. 

Loughrigg Fell Race - Wednesday 19th April 2017

A big field and I run ok, but the evening is marred by a very sad incident.

Training session - Tuesday 18th April 2017

Meet with KA for a structured training session around Elterwater; a steady warm-up, then sets of sprints and recovery; hard work but soon recovered, a good session. 

Anniversary Waltz Recce - Easter Monday 17th April 2017

Six of us, Craig, Amanda, Karl, Marcia, Kath and I, head to Stair for a recce of next week's AW race. Sunny to start but cooler on the tops, vis good too so no problems getting the race lines. A good morning out, with good company. 

Sadgill Ride - Easter Sunday 16th April 2017

A cold and wet day; eventually I head out on bike, usual route to Sadgill and back; dry there, wet on the way back. Bump into Rick & Ali so have some company for a short way. 

Loughrigg and some of Silver Howe - Saturday 15th May 2017

I head out earlier today and park at Brathay. Head up to Lilly Tarn, Loughrigg and towards Silver Howe; come back via Loughrigg Tarn and Lilly Tarn; close to 10 miles, felt good and enjoyed being out. 

Coniston Fell Race Recce - Good Friday 14th April 2017

The day starts wet and cloudy, but soon improves. I head over to Coniston and recce the race route. The cloud lifts on Wetherlam and stays clear, but cold and windy. 

However, as I descend, very directly, from the Old Man the sun comes out and I'm sheltered from the wind; I get some good lines but am overheating....phew !

Then into the village and I try out a new wee Artisan bakery.....very impressed.

River / canal run & Circuits - Thursday 13th April 2017

So I'm home and head back to work; but head out at lunchtime for a run along the river and back along the canal. And then in the evening I head to a new session of circuits in Kendal Green, aimed at runners - a good session. 

Meall Chuaich - Wednesday 12th April 2017

This Munro, at 951m, is just to the East of the A9, not far from Dalwhinnie. It's a fairly easy walk, along a service track to a wee power station and then soon after on to the climb to the ridge and summit. It's a another cold day, very windy and wintry showers again too. 

It's a fairly quick outing and I decide to head home; I've lost the battle with the elements ! Just 2 Munros climbed and one Corbett, and no chance of my walking the first part of the CWT. 

Bynack More - Tuesday 11th April 2017

I stayed the night at Glenmore, great location, excellent showers but very expensive. I head down to Glenmore Lodge and park there, ready to tackle the 50mph winds which are forecast on the summits. 

It's a long walk in, towards Ryovan Pass but then before the Bothy head east to Bynack Stable and the climb to the summit. It's very windy, a Scottish lass who had set off before me was heading back, she had turned around as she was uncomfortable in the conditions. I pushed on, actually I don't think it got a lot worse, to the summit at 1090m; the 54th highest Munro. 

I don't stop long on the summit, quickly head back the same way; I catch up with the friendly Scottish lass, she was disappointed to have not made the summit, but I did say that sometimes you have to go with that inner feeling, and that's it's always there for another day.......I talk from experience, I have been there too.

Sgurr Mhic Bharraich - Monday 10th April 2017

A chilly start to the day; I device to climb a Corbett, Sgurr Mhic Bharraich, 779m. I head out from Shiel Bridge, along Gleann Undalain and then climb to Loch Coire Ann Crogachan. It's then a short and steel pull up to the summit, and limited views of the surrounding peaks. The weather could have been worse, but it was cold, breezy and some wintry showers for fun. 

A quick descent, tea at camper and then decid to head East, via Fort William, in order to avoid tomorrow's forecast heavy rain. 

Scotland - Sunday 9th April 2017

A long drive North, I am staying at Morvich. The weather is poor, wet and windy. I manage just an hours run, along a valley and back; a disappointing achievement. 

Staveley Run - Saturday 8th April 2017

A beautiful day, but it doesn't go to plan which is a shame, but finishes on a better note. 

I head back to Staveley late afternoon and have a run from Barley Bridge to Brunt Knott, Potter Fell and Potter Tarn, it really is glorious weather. 

Then just as I get home the Grand National winner flashes on my phone news alert.....so it's back to the bookies to collect my winnings.......lucky in money, unlucky in love, as the saying goes :-(

The DOMS....and a swim - Friday 7th April 2017

It's even worse today, the DOMS have really set-in. And I spend too long sat in car and at a desk, I can barely walk today ! So after a trip to the bookies I head for an early evening swim, it helps ease my poor, poor quads. 

Circuits and Run - Thursday 6th April 2017

Is was right, I'm in pain, quads are v.tender ! Fortunately Adam takes this into account at circuits and we focus on upper body and core, but no less tough. 

Then after work and a run for Force Bridge; along the canal to the edge of town and then back along the river.....very enjoyable apart from the pain I'm in !!

Grisedale Grind - Wednesday 5th April 2017

Another new race, only 4km and 480m climb.......sound easy....hmm !!

KA and I head up to Whinlatter, it's a cool evening but dry and clear. A big field, 109, good for a mid-week race. Really not my sort of race, steep up and then steep, and nowt inbetween. After a initial dash on forest track we are out on open fell and an unrelenting climb to the summit. I'm ahead of friendly rival Sean Robinson at the summit, but only just and he's a cracking descender. He soon dashes past me and off into the distance, but I'm climbing ok, just need to improve downhill confidence and technique. 

Anyway it's painful but soon over; I finish 50th in just over 34 mins. I know this descent is going to trash my legs and I'll suffer tomorrow. 

Then into Braithwaite for a drink and dinner, a pleasant way to round off the evening.

Results

Pilates - Tuesday 4th April 2017

Only time for pilates today.....a good session.

Scar Run - Monday 3rd April 2017

I again head to London on the 06:21, that's too early. 

But back just after 6, so have time for a short run on the Scar, and make it round just before the rain starts. It's good to stretch my legs after a long day on the train and in the office, but it was hard going. 

High Fells - Sunday 2nd April 2017

KA and I head to Honister, it's another glorious day. We head to Blackbeck Tarm to pick up the Ennerdale race route and then follow this to Green Gable, Kirkfell and Pillar. Conditions are ideal: warm in the sun, cool on the tops and the ground dry. 

From Pillar we double back to Black Sail Pass and drop into the valley and stop for a cuppa at the hostel......now that was a good idea :-). Then climb to Scarth Gap and rejoin the race route, skirting Haystacks then to Innominate Tarn and down to Blackbeck Tarn, again. Then just a short up and down to Honister. 

Great to be out. 

Longsleddale Ride - Saturday 1st April 2017

So we are already a quarter of the way through the year and it's Aprils Fools day - so Montane are offering to deliver good by drone within a few minutes.....good one :-)

But on with the ride, it's a showery day, but it would be, it's April. Usual route out and back route to Sadgill. 32.6k / 287m ascent and a bit wet in places.