Staveley Run - Sunday 21st August 2016

Head out with Chris S from Staveley, along the river, up to Potter Tarn, Potter Fell'ish and Brunt Knott (where I camped earlier in the week). Weather much better today and good to be out running with Chris, feel strong too. 

Pendle 3 Peaks Fell Race - Saturday 20th August 2016

Well to be honest I wasn't looking forward to this race, not sure why, just wasn't. And the poor forecast doesn't help to change that. 

But it's a new race for me and an FRA Championship race, I head down to Barley in Cali and get myself sorted. Actually I feel ok and the weather is not great but could be worse. 

Ladies are away at 11am and we are off at 11:15; there is no pressure, I run my own race and see how it's goes. It about 1.5k along the track from the start, across the dam and then a short steep climb. From there, a long gradual climb, through boggy ground, to Spence Moor. I'm going ok, feel reasonably good, and enjoying it too. 

Down to CP2 then a steep climb up onto Pendle plateau; the weather turns grim up here, but no worse than expected. It's then a roller coaster, steep drops down and then straight back up onto the plateau, the second one leads to the summit and then it's a great gradual downhill to the track and back along to the dam. 

I run well, finish in1:44:18, 13th in my category. A good race, pleased I was there.

Results

River / Canal Run - Friday 19th August 2016

I wait until mid-afternoon in the hope that the rain might stop - I think it eases so head out, but it doesn't ! A three-quarter loop of the river / canal, very wet, but pleased I went.

Circuits & Swim - Thursday 18th August 2016

7am Circuits - now that's tough; but I'm glad I make the effort - exhausted by the end though.

Then after work head for a swim, and some helpful advice.

Training - Wednesday 17th August 2016

I head to Helm, not been here for a while. I get there early, this gives me time to see the wee fella :-). Then into the session, I join Russ's group; shorter reps, less of them and more recovery, but this doesn't stop me working hard. Thanks Russ.

Pilates and a Mid-week 'Micro-adventure' - Tuesday 16th August 2016

I head to Pilates, a small class, but we work just as hard.

Then I head out on my 'micro-adventure'; it was a bit of a late decision, but sort kit before Pilates, and head off from Barley Bridge to Brunt Knott. It had been a glorious day and the evening and night were forecast to stay that way.

I take a leisurely walk up, weighed down by 2.5l of water and a bottle of beer :-). The summit is breezy, so I pitch just North in a sheltered spot, fantastic view from here to the whole of the South and Mid Lakes, plus the Shap Fells, Howgills, Bowland and Morecambe Bay.

The sunset is spectacular, as is the full moon. I have my beer and curry, custard for dessert, then for supper, hot chocolate, Baileys and a choccie bar - life is, on occasions, good.

I sleep well, a new set-up - flysheet and groundsheet only, it works well, more space and less weight. I leave the door open and on the few occasions I wake I peer out to the silhouetted fells.

I'm up early, quick coffee, tent down and back at car soon after 7, then home, showered and in work by 8 - coolio ;-)

Training - Monday 15th August 2016

Monday night training is back to be a regular fixture - it's a good discipline for me and, hopefully, over time will serve me well. 

18 varied reps, as usual; I feel good, despite my racing yesterday.