A forced recovery day ! - Thursday 5th May 2011

Not what you are thinking.....this is not because I trained in Billy's group last night but because, shock horror, I have a blister :-(

And, as you can see, it is right in the middle of the underside of my foot.....this is not good !

Not sure how best to deal with this, really do not want another day of non-running...feel some DIY is required.....tomorrow's blog will reveal the results !

Helm Training - Wednesday 4th May 2011

So with pressure from both above and below I finally bow and decide to join Billy's 'elite' group for training tonight; I am daunted by this....

This is not helped by Billy suggesting that I start further down the hill, close to Tom (he came 5th at Coniston and has represented England at International level !); however, I am surprised at the pace, I keep up and overtake many of the others in the group.

We run 3 sets of 3 reps from bottom to top of Helm, each set via a different route. I did begin regret cycling to and from work and running to the Helm from home after about the 5th ! But I kept going; what is notably different is the short, or lack of, recovery and the fact that we trained for a full hour.

The run home was hard but I was glad I stepped up...not sure this will happen every week but I was not put off.

Inov-8 X-Talon 212 Review

Inov-8 X-Talon 212's: I have been wearing these for a month or so now and initial thoughts are that they are a great summer fell racing / running shoes. They are ideal for light, fast movement over rough ground.

Initially the fit was a little close for my liking; however, being very minimalistic in their design they soon adapted and moulded to my feet; I am now very happy with the fit (usual size 8.5's, as is the case with all Inov-8's).

They sit somewhere between the Bare Grips and the heavier Mudclaws or Mudrocs and provide some cushioning but still feel fast and allow your feet to stay in touch with the ground. This is someway towards the bare foot style of running and, for me, is an excellent compromise between this and the heavier shoes.

The grip is great, the lacing positive and durability is reasonable. I probably won't be wanting to wear these during the winter but for the next few months at least they have become my firm favourites.

Canal / River Run - Tuesday 3rd May 2011

So back at work after 11 days off...!

Need a post work run so head from the office along the river as far as Hawes Bridge. Return along the canal path to Levens Park. The bluebells are beautiful and the evening is fantastic - wish these runs could go on forever.

Fairfield Horseshoe - Monday 2nd May 2011

Although my legs are keen for another rest day, the mind is saying other things...so off to Rydal for a quick zip around the Horseshoe.

Another fine day but still windy. Very few people about and I climb steadily to the summit of Fairfield. Glad of my Montane windtop and Inov-8 Wrag on the summit, the wind is cold. On to Hart Crag and Dove Crag and then stay on the lee side of the wall to get shelter from the wind.

Decide to cut off right between High Pike and Low Pike and drop to Rydal Beck, definitely no one about down here, this is a good thing. Run along beck to the pools, looks tempting for a dip but I'm sure it's cold in there !

Join track for easy run to car; quick change and then into Rydal Hall tearooms for a much needed coffee and cake.

A day of rest - 1st May 2011

Not much to add here.....I have rested !

Coniston Fell Race - Saturday 30th April 2011

So I decide to race, the day is sunny but still very windy in Kendal.

Arrive in Coniston with plenty of time to spare, don't like to be in a rush before a race. Less windy here, conditions look good but struggling to decide what to wear. In terms of footwear, there is no choice - I have only brought my Inov-8 X-Talon 212's - these are perfect for this type of fast race.

Russ has already built the pressure, he expects me to finish in under 1hr 30 mins, I can't see that this is possible. Another big Helm turn-out....Steve B, Russ, Dave Appleyard, Garry, Ben, Kath, Caroline, Lindsay, Jayne, Ali, Paul & Chris Tuson, Tom...sorry if I have forgotten you.

Having recce'd the route on Thursday I was confident of the route choice and hoped for a good race. The start is fast and steep, no Adder today, too many heavy footsteps from the 200+ runners. Good to see Gary at the top of the Bank shouting encouragement. The race starts well, I am moving fast, perhaps too fast !

Make good progress to Wetherlam, but it is hard, I stay lower than the route I took on Thursday, began to wish I stayed higher. Soon at CP 1 on Wetherlam and take different lines to the Hawse, much better, avoiding the rough path. Yvonne & Bethan are there to give encouragement, this is much appreciated.

Now the second and last main climb, Prison Band to Swirl How. I like this climb, I dig deep and make good prgoress. Billy is at the top, again gives plenty of support and a helping shove up the backside - thanks Billy. Head to Brim Fell now, just about runnable, stay slightly right of the summit and am soon at the summit of the Old Man. The marshall tells me I am 17th.

I have my descent route fixed in my mind and this goes exactly to plan. Even at the summit I do not think 1hr 30 is achieveable. My route works well, it brings me out level with a group of 5 or 6 runners who were well ahead of me at the summit - this is good.

Hard running on the lower path, passed by one or two faster runners but am still pleased with progress. Across the bridge and onto the track, not far now. I stride out, sharp left into the field and across the line.....14th, 1hr 22 mins - very pleased with this.

Tom had a great race, finsishing 5th. Good to see Helm members finishing, try to give as much encouragement. What a great race and great day. Stay for prize giving, pick-up a voucher and Helm ladies win the team prize, another great achievement for them :-)