It’s never good to get behind with a blog, and I have, it’s now a chore to catch-up and a summarised version will have to do.
Mon 21st: An early yoga class with Rebecca and then, later, a puncture on the M6 on the way home from an evening meeting.....I arrive home with the Merc on the back of a tow truck, and it’s a late night.
Tues 22nd: Just a lunchtime run.
Wed 23rd: Circuits at lunch and the training in the evening.
Thurs 24th: Exciting I head to Tayvallich for morning ferry to Jura :-)
Fri 25th: Ferry to Craighouse, Jura and a day to relax.
Sat 26th: Jura Fell Race, a real toughie but I loved it. What a place and cracking weekend.
Sun 27th: Leisurely morning and then head home.
Mon 28th: An early start for circuits and then a run over Loughrigg and back along the coffin route with KA.
Tues 29th: Pilates.
Wed 30th: In Glasgow for business and then home in time for training on the Helm.
Thurs 31st: A very long drive to Uig, Skye to catch the ferry to Harris, Outer Hebrides for the LAMM with KA.
TBC........
Friday 27 July 2018
Sunday 20 May 2018
Mountain Biking - Sunday 19th May 2018
Up and away early from my overnight camp. And then head into Grizedale; 29.3k / 621m.
Buttermere Sailbeck Race - Saturday 19th May 2018
Another hot one which is unusual for this race. I take it steady, it’s uneventful but ends up being not the best of days out.
I nee head up to Lingmoor Fell in the evening for a wild camp, it’s good to get away.
Ride - Friday 18th May 2018
A quick ride after work; Heversham, Milnthorpe, Arnside, Sandside; 23k / 208m.
Circuits and Training - Wednesday 16th May 2018
Another tough circuits session and then a tough training session on Helm.
Run and Pilates - Tuesday 15th May 2018
Another tempo run, 10k at lunchtime from the office; another scorcher. And then back to Pilates in the evening, a good class.
Training - Monday 14th May 2018
I ride to training, just under 8k round trip but tough on the way home after 18 reps at training.
Ride - Sunday 13th May 2018
Hot again, I head out late afternoon from Natland. The full Silverdale loop and no time to stop for tea and cake. 40.3k / 496m.
Pendle Cloughs Fell Race - Saturday 12th May 2018
A new race, and a good one. About 14 miles up, down and around Pendle Hill. Another hot day and excellent visibility but still need to navigate, plenty of route choice and need for map and compass. We run well and, as always, finish strong. Downham is a beautiful village and very pleasant place to enjoy and ice cream after the race.
Run - Thursday 10th May 2018
A short run after work from Sizergh Castle; a complete contrast from yesterday, I feel slow and heavy.
Road Run - Tuesday 8th May 2018
Head out from Natland for a 10k road run. Across and back of Helm, Sedgwick and back to Natland; a high tempo training run.
Grizedale Mountain Biking - 7th May 2018
Head over to Ambleside for a mountain bike ride into Grizedale. A mixture of on and off road and a stop at the visitor centre for tea and biscuits. Another hot day and good to be out.
Staveley walk - Sunday 6th May 2018
A catch-up day but manage a quick walk late afternoon from Staveley; a hot day and very pleasant to be out.
Stuc A’Chroin Hill Race - Saturday 5th May 2018
It’s Bank Holiday weekend and a warm and sunny one, except in the Southern Highlands ! It’s a bit damp, a bit cool, and bit breezy and a bit cloudy, but maybe better than very hot for racing. KA and I run together, I am keen to finish the race this year, that will be an improvement on last year as kidney infection got in the way.
We climb well, the ground is wet and conditions a bit tough but we do well and finish strong. A good race.
Circuits and Training - Wednesday 2nd May 2018
A tough circuit session and then more downhill training on Helm in the evening.
Ride - Monday 30th April 2018
Have a ride out from Natland; to Crosscrake, Viver, Milnthorpe, Heversham, Hincaster, Sedgwick and back to Natland. 23.5k / 256m climb. A good evening.
Police Fell Race Recce - Sunday 29th April 2018
Another long day out, down to Buxton with KA for a recce if the Police Fell Race at Shining Tor, starting at Errwood Reservoir. It’s about 10 miles and we take it steady after my long race yesterday. But it’s a good route and good day out.
Three Peaks Race - Saturday 28th April 2018
So my second time here and I don’t feel I have trained specifically enough or hard enough, but can’t let that stop me. The weather is good and all goes ok, but as always the first climb is the hardest. From Ribblehead I feel stronger and run well; a further boost from Craig, Paul and Marcia as I head up Ingleborough gives me a further boost but the run to the finish is long and tough. I’ll settle with my 4:17 butbfeel sure there’s a sub 4 in me one year.
Tuesday 1 May 2018
Broga and Run for Matt - Thursday 26th April 2018
An early Broga session, hardwork but good and then after work KA and I head to Ambleside for the ‘Run for Matt’ event; a sad occasion but worthwhile to remember him and raise money for his chosen cause. But run too fast, 7 miles at 10k pace.....3 Peaks on Saturday !
Swim - Wednesday 25th April 2018
Anothet long and busy day ahead, including a trip over to Skipton in the evening for a talk by two guys who completed the Spine Race. But I manage to squeeze in a quick swim.
FRA Relays Leg 1 Recce - Tuesday 24th April 2018
I head over to Grasmere with KA & JA, JA racing and KA and I just having a steady run around the route. A cool and then muggy evening, we head up the to Grisedale Hause and then the short steep climb to Seat Sandal; it’s then a great descent back to the road. It’ll be a great, fast leg.
Lilly Tarn Walk - 22nd April 2018
Definitely not as hot and not as dry; but it improves and I head over to Skelwith for a wonder up to Lilly Tarn; good to be out.
Anniversary Waltz - Saturday 21st April 2018
A warm day, actually a hot day, as is often the case for this race. A real classic and sadly, for many reasons, the last time it will be run.
It hot and hardwork on the run out and first climb, but then, with a wee breeze, I run better and enjoy. The views are glorious and I pick up some places.
But slower than last year, anyway I enjoy it, and it’s a great day out.
Saturday 21 April 2018
Arthur’s Seat - Friday 20th April 2018
As is tradition, when in Edinburgh I head out early for a quick run up Arthur’s Seat; I’m usually there in winter so it makes a change for it to be warm and light. The views are amazing.
Circuits and Helm Training - Wednesday 18th April 2018
Another tough circuits session, I expect and want nothing less. Then to Helm training in the evening, part 3 of Billy’s downhill training, it’s a cracker.
TWA Recce - Monday 16th April 2018
Head out after work with Craig, he is keen to recce the Teenager With Altitude race (just the AW for me). We park at Stoneycroft, decide the miss out Causey Pike, and head up Stoneycroft Gill to Outerside, and a look back to the descent line from Causey.
Then to Coledale Hause and the long climb to Grasmoor, a big hill with a very flat summit plateau. We get good lines and head out to Whiteless Pike before a brutal descent to Mill Beck and a steady pull up to Newlands Hause. Had hoped to hitch a lift back, but there are no cars so we run the 4.5 miles back to the car.
And then into the Royal Oak in Braithwaite for much needed food and beer. A good evening out.
Sunday 15 April 2018
Russ's Downhill Race - Sunday 15th April 2018
My usual role, and that's fine by me, summit starter of Russ's downhill race. I am less confident about the weather than Russ, although he proves to be correct, and so go well prepared, including tent. This is useful as I am on the summit of Yarlside for close to two hours, but comfortable with plenty of coffee and then the runners appear; I start them with one minute intervals and soon all 14 are off and I pack kit and head down collecting flags on the way. A good morning followed by lunch in the Three Hares on the way home.
Eskdale Elevation Fell Race - Saturday 14th April 2018
KA and I are back over to Boot for the race, the weather is near perfect. Only about 70 runners, low key and a tough race ahead. Strange how having recce'd it last week, we end up running almost an entirely different route, some of which doesn't sit comfortably with me. We do ok, in the main follow the crowd although not convinced this was the quickest or most efficient way. But we do ok, finish in about 3:15.
Swim and Rollering - Friday 13th April 2018
An early swim and then to a foam rollering / core strength class in the evening.
Scar Run and Pilates - Thursday 12th April 2018
Late afternoon I head onto Scar for a steady run and then to Pilates.
Circuits and Training - Wednesday 11th April 2018
A tough circuit class and then to training on the Helm for part 2 of Billy's downhill training session, another good one.
Short run and Pilates - Tuesday 10th April 2018
Late afternoon I head out from work for a run along the canal path and back along the river; I cut short as I feel faint, lack of food, should know better. I fuel up and then head to Pilates; all is out right by a tai curry on the way home.
Run with Ricky - Sunday 8th April 2018
KA and I head to Keswick to join George Fisher's 'Run with Ricky', Salomon's sponsored athlete. We gear up with Salomon demo shoes and packs. Ricky leads us out, down to Derwent and then a steady climb up, to Walla Crag. It's a beautiful day and steady pace, then to Ashness Bridge and back to Derwent and Fishers for bacon sandwiches. A good morning out, followed by a potter around Keswick and coffee in Fellpack.
Eskdale Elevation Recce - Saturday 7th April 2018
KA and I head over the passes to Boot to recce next week's Eskdale Elevation fell race. We stick to the suggested route but then decide to skirt Illgill Head on the 'Wasdale' trod and cut down to cross the valley; it's then a tough climb to Sca Fell, but we get a good route, then Slight Side and a direct route to Eel Tarn, it's tough ground and navigation is needed, but a good run out and reasonably well prepared for the race.
Monday 9 April 2018
Scar Run - Thursday 5th April 2018
Out at lunchtime from Sizergh Castle, a long loop to the trip point on Scout Scar; a beautiful day to be out.
Training - Wednesday 4th April 2018
Back to the Helm and a downhill coached session, very useful. But a windy and cold night to be out.
Circuits & Run - Tuesday 3rd April 2018
Back to circuits today, another good session. Then a steady run along the river and back along canal from Natland in the evening.
Monday 2 April 2018
Wansfell 10k Race Route - Monday 2nd April 2018
A wet and cold day with wet snow from the lower slopes up. Head over to Ambleside and settle on the Wansfell 10k race route. It's wild up high, driving wet snow and very slippery under foot. But good to be out.
Sunday 1 April 2018
Fairfield - Sunday 1st April 2018
A day of contrasts, Spring in the valley and lower slopes and winter on the higher fells; but this makes for a good day to be out on my favourite run; it doesn't disappoint, good running on crisp snow higher up and relatively dry underfoot lower down; and I even feel a bit better today.
Coledale Horseshoe - Friday 30th March 2018
A dry and clear day with some fresh snow on the higher fells. KA and I head to Braithwaite for a walk around Coledale Horseshoe, neither of us are up to running, but good to be out.
Wednesday 28 March 2018
Run - Tuesday 27th March 2018
Got the lurgy, try a short run along the canal and back along the river from Natland, not sure that did me any good.
Wednesday 21 March 2018
Training - Wednesday 21st March 2018
1 mile loops of Aynam Road / River path x 4; good session and run there from / to home.
Circuits - Tuesday 20th March 2018
Another hard and rewarding circuits class, this time with the added treat of two workouts on the Watt bike !
Training - Monday 19th March 2018
Training again, this is becoming a regular feature. Hard work but must be doing me good.
Skelwith Run - Sunday 18th March 2018
Another cold and windy day but a lack of snow in the Lakes compared with Kendal. From Skelwith, Lilly Tarn, Loughrigg, Loughrigg Tarn, Skelwith Bridge, Chesters for cake and coffee, towards Tarn How's, Black Crag and back to Skelwith; about 13 miles and then into Ambleside for lunch.
Circuits - Friday 16th March 2018
An early session and full on circuits at 7am, the coffee and pastry at More is a well deserved treat.
Thursday 15 March 2018
Run & Pilates - Thursday 15th March 2018
Short run along the river and back along the canal at lunchtime and then another good Pilates session in the evening.
Training - Wednesday 14th March 2018
Long reps on the Castle. I feel good and run well, don't say that very often !
Two of the Three Peaks - Sunday 11th March 2018
A much better day. KA and I head over to Horton and catch the 10:20 one stop to Ribblehead. This makes a shorter recce of the Three Peaks route possible. We take the walkers path up Whernside, cruddy descent and then climb to a cool and breezy Ingleborough. Then it's just the 4 miles or so back to Horton. 14.5 miles, slighter longer than I had suggested !!!
Fell Foot Parkrun - Saturday 10th March 2018
A wet and gloomy day, ideal for a short, fast run. So head to Fell Foot for Parkrun. I run well, finish 2nd and beat my previous time by a whole second.
Too wet later on for a ride, so hit the turbo for 30 mins, what fun.....not !
Swim & run - Friday 9th March 2018
An early morning swim and then late afternoon run along the canal and back along the river.
Circuits and Pilates - Thursday 8th March 2018
A full-on circuit class and then two of two Pilates session.
Training - Monday 5th March 2018
So I thow myself back into it, reps on the school playing fields; a cold night and firm ground.
Staveley Run - Sunday 4th March 2018
It was a late night and catch-up morning but time to try this running lark again. Actually, having not run for a week, it's flippin hard work. Head out from Staveley, Potter Tarn, Potter Fell, Brunt Knott and back to the village for tea and a hot cross bun :-)
Lighthouse Ride - Saturday 3rd March 2018
Up and out early today, flight to catch later on. It's breezy, no actually it's windy, v.windy. I decide to head out to the lighthouse again, the wind is unpredictable and, given the drops, a bit unnerving. But anyway I make it there and back ok, then time to shower, return bike, have lunch and chill before a see less journey home.
Friday 2 March 2018
The hills again - Friday 2nd March 2018
A bit cooler today; I head out to Pollenca, Campanet, Selva, Calmari, Coll de la Batalla, Pollenca and Cala de Sant Vincenc. 80.5km / 1,142m.
Longer ride - Thursday 1st March 2018
First day of Spring and the sun is shining, hear it's cold back home. I head to the hills: Pollenca, Coll de Femenia, Coll de sa Batalla and Coll de Cal Reis, and then back the same way. 80.2km / 1,484m.
Recovering ride - Wednesday 28th February 2018
A relaxed morning and then a steady ride after lunch, not that I'm eating much. Alcudia, Ermita de la Victoria, Alcudia, Pollenca, Cala de Sant Vincent. 50.7km / 604m climb.
Monday 26 February 2018
Steady ride to Cap de Formentor - Monday 26th February 2018
First ride, take it steady and a relatively short day; 40.1km out and back route to the lighthouse (and cafe) at Cap de Formentor; but with 1080m of climb it was still good training, longer day planned for tomorrow.
Glentress Half Marathon - Saturday 24th February 2018
Back to Glentress for another half marathon, different route this time. As before, it was a chilly night followed by a beautiful day. But it's a much harder route, 3/4's of it seems to be uphill, at least in terms of time; however, a great route, fanstastic views and I run ok; 50th (out of 478 runners) in 1:56:35.
Run and Pilates - Thursday 22nd February 2018
A run out along the river and back along the canal at lunchtime; decide to wear some new pumps, but is take, the mud hasn't improved but has changed, now stickier !
And then to Pilates in the evening, another good class.
And then to Pilates in the evening, another good class.
Training - Wednesday 21st February 2018
A good session on the Castle, steep to start and then a good run to the ruins....repeat x 6.
Circuits and Swim - Monday 19th February 2018
Another tough, solo class......I'm broken ! But make it for a steady swim in the evening.
Loughrigg Silver Howe Chase - Sunday 18th February 2018
An unofficial race organised by Ambleside AC. Good condition and just 19 runners, all men. I get the feeling at the start line that I might be last. But actually do ok, conditions reasonable and I am confident (but not complacent) of the route. I finish 9th in 1:39.
Whinlatter Parkrun - Saturday 17th February 2018
A new race, and a tough one. The first km is downhill and then the next four are, generally, uphill ! So not a quick time, set my benchmark at 23:29, 10th.
River / Canal Run - Friday 16th February 2018
Just a short run out after work and still in the light; the mud is horrendous.
Orrest Head - Thursday 15th February 2018
A much better night, KA and I head up Orrest Head.....4 times ! Twice from the front and twice from the back, all good training.
Swim (!) - Wednesday 14th February 2018
It's a wet night and I can't face this or the mud, so settle for another swim.
Pilates - Tuesday 13th February 2018
Swapped to Tuesday class, very good and then home for pancakes :-)
Sunday 11 February 2018
Kentmere Loop - Sunday 11th February 2018
Weather better then a forecast, head out from Barley Bridge, towards Skeggles, cut back down to Green Quarter, Kentmere Church, Kentmere Hall, then over to Ings, back to Staveley; my legs tell me that's enough but then we go up and down Reston Scar and another much smaller loop from Barley Bridge. 13.5 miles 'ish.
Carnethy 5 Hill Race - Saturday 10th February 2018
A classic race, over 5 of the Pentland Hills. The weather is onside, just a few tiny patches of snow, clear, dry and quite bright too. I run ok, not great but not bad either. A long day out.
Scout Scout Run - Friday 9th February 2018
Head out at lunch from Sizergh Castle, to the summit of Scout Scar and back, a glorious day.
Run & Pilates - Thursday 8th February 2018
After the snow comes the mud !! Late afternoon I head out from the office, out along river and back along canal, I finish in the dark, just adds to the fun ! Then a very quick shower straight to Pilates for another good class.
Potter Fell - Wednesday 7th February 2018
Head out in the snow for a run from Staveley; along the river, up to Potter Fell, Potter Tarn and back through Brunt Knott Farm.
Tuesday 6 February 2018
Brunt Knott - Sunday 4th February 2018
A glorious day; legs tired and I'm concerned about ice on the lanes so I settle for a steady walk from Staveley to Brunt Knott and back.....that was a good idea :-)
Wandsworth Trog - Saturday 3rd February 2018
An early start and a very wet one too. We almost decide to head North for the Keswick Park Run, 3 miles instead of 19 !
Anyway after some very snowy roads we arrive in Hebden Bridge, it's snowing and continues to all day. Well it was a tough race, 19 miles of horrendous underfoot conditions, the snow above is fine. It's runnable most of the way, we run well but are very relieved to finish.
Sunday 4 February 2018
Circuits - Friday 2nd February 2018
Both body and mind not focussed on the job in hand today, not sure why; will get in together for next week's class.
Scarborough & Dalby Forest - Wednesday 31st January 2018
Away for a couple of days, including a meeting in sunny Scarborough. Manage the 10k and the 5k running trails in Dalby Forest on the way back.
Swim - Tuesday 30th January 2018
An early morning swim, time against me this morning but must have managed 20 lengths or so.
Scar Run - Monday 29th January 2018
The muddiest I have ever seen the racecourse leading to the Scar, not pleasant to start and finish in; but the bit in the middle was good.
Sunday 28 January 2018
Tour du Helvellyn - Sunday 28th January 2018
Well not the whole route, but a true tour. From Dunmail, to Grisedale Tarn, Grisedale, Greenside Mines, Sticks Pass (like running in a treadmill.....so flippin windy), St Johns-in-the-vale, Thirlspot and Dunmail; about 15 miles and some climb too.
Park Run and Ride - Saturday 27th January 2018
This time to Fell Foot, a winter route due to wet ground - lots of tight turns so, in my opinion, a slower course.....well that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it: 6th / 21:10.
Then a afternoon ride out and back to Longsleddale.
Circuits and Training - Wednesday 24th January 2018
A hard circuits session and then training, start on golf course but then choose a high tempo run to Cunswick.
Potter Tarn - Sunday 21st January 2018
More running in soft snow, KA and I have a structured training session from Staveley, along river, Potter Tarn, toward Potter Fell and then back.....and no coffee and cake ! :-(
Loughrigg, Silver Howe, Grasmere, Coffin Route, Rydal Park - Saturday 20th Januray 2018
The title gives it away. KA and I head over to Ambleside, soft snow underfoot and cloudy overhead......but stunning once we finish and head home !
Howgills - Wednesday 17th January 2018
KA and I head to Sedbergh for hills reps on Winder....how tough was that but, as a reward, chips and curry sauce :-)
Scar Run - Monday 15th January 2018
Again, can't face the mud so head for a run on the Scar, but it is muddier there than I've ever seen before !
Howgills - Sunday 14th January 2018
A cold and breezy day; I run the Montane Howgill half route, but skip the river section at the end and, instead, opt for road, can't face the mud fest !
Park Run and Ride - Saturday 13th January 2018
Keswick Park Run, again, this time I'm 7th in 20:30; improving and hoping for a sub 20 before the end of Q1.
Then later in the afternoon and quick ride out from home; hit the hills, over to Underbarrow, loop of the Lyth Valley and Brigsteer Hill.....tough !
Swim & Run - Friday 12th January 2018
An early morning swim and then a run from Sizergh Castle at lunchtime with KA and Brams.
Kielder Trail Race - Saturday 6th January 2018
Black ice and a dusting of snow as KA and I drive from Newcastleton to Kielder. We are entered in the 10 mile trail race and I enjoy being back at Kielder Castle, it brings back good memories of Russ and I being there for the Kielder Borderer, Britains worst fell race, and the only one that I won......those were the days, for lots of reasons it would be good to be back there.
Anyway no time to reminisce or get down about life, the race was good, mainly forest track; we run well and finish in 1:24:06.
Results and video
Sunday 7 January 2018
Heading North - Friday 5th January 2018
A busy day at work and then head North to Scotland, via Keswick, to race in England tomorrow ?!
Thursday 4 January 2018
Swim - Thursday 4th November 2018
A long day out, up and out early for a meeting in Nottingham, just a round trip of 6 hours driving ! But meeting went well and lunch was pleasant.
Make it back in time for a relaxing 25 lengths.
Circuits & Training - Wednesday 3rd January 2018
Back to circuits today, it's tough and it hurts; but very rewarding.
Then just a few hours later to training, reps on the golf course.....not my finest hour !!
Then just a few hours later to training, reps on the golf course.....not my finest hour !!
Swim - Tuesday 2nd January 2018
Back to work today, but I'm up and out early for a quick 25 lengths.
Staveley / Kentmere - Monday 1st January 2018
A new day and a new year. Craig and I head over to Staveley early and have a steady 12 mile trail run around the Kentmere valley. Reasonable weather and feel good. Then into Wilf's for a coffee and NO cake.......day 1 of my New Year's resolution !!!!
Auld Lang Syne - Sunday 31st December 2017
Another new race, and defo the last of 2017. KA and I head over to Haworth, for this 9.6km / 300m race, it covers some of the Hobble route. We take it steady, no need to overdo it today. A good wee race. Then into Haworth for a potter and fish & chips.....there's that reoccurring theme again !!
Keswick Park Run - Saturday 30th December 2017
Up and out early, KA and I head to Keswick for the Park Run, and out and back along the old railway line. The snow and ice have mainly cleared and its relative good condition, but unfortunately that doesn't equal a sub 20 minute finish......20:50, work to be done.
Then into Keswick for a late breakfast.....maybe that's where I'm going wrong, there's a theme developing here !......and a potter around the sales.
Potter Tarn - Friday 29th December 2017
I finish work at lunchtime, and it's much whiter then than when I went into the office. KA and I head over to Staveley and have a short run to Potter Tarn, much easier going on off-road and it is in Millyard. Then into More for coffee and cake :-)
Carnethy Race Route - Thursday 28th December 2017
After a lot of wasted time, KA and I head over to Sedbergh and run the trading route, then into Three Hares for a late lunch.....delicious.
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