"Don't be so soft" ! - Saturday 30th January 2016

Defo need to man-up.....but really not up to much today. Hopefully an easy day will allow me to be strong and well for tomorrow....I hope so. Make it over to Ambleside late afternoon, why is it so difficult to find anywhere open for coffee after 5pm.....I think I could make a fortune opening a coffee shop that only opens between 5-7, there must be demand for shoppers,walkers and workers to go somewhere for coffee at this time of day ??? 

Man-flu - Friday 29th January 2016

Well having had a lingering cold for well over a week, I did think yesterday that I had finally shaken it off; but late last night a start with a chesty cough and today I wake feeling like death warmed up. This is not good and flippin frustrating. I only last to lunchtime, then home, chicken soup and bed. 

Run and Pilates - Thursday 28th January 2015

It's forecast to rain p.m. so I head from the office at lunchtime. The usual loop, out along the river and back along the canal; I make it back just before the rain arrives, not too wet underfoot either. 

Then this evening along to Pilates, a catchup session having missed Tuesday. 

Training - Wednesday 27th Januray 2016

Another busy day in London, breakfast meeting with client at Le pain Quotidien, St Pancras, then back to the Curzon Street office for another meeting; train home leaves at 15:30 and is due in at 18:10, training starts at 18:45, should work out !

But train is late and parking at KK school is a nightmare, but I manage to tag on to the back of Shaun's group, although for all I know it could be another club, barely recognise any faces !

A brisk pace to the golf course and then 5 long hard reps, not really in the mood for this tonight. 

All work and no play, again - Tuesday 26th January 2016

In London, morning at the Savoy, afternoon with clients in Primrose Hill and evening out with an old mate in the City. A busy day. 

Work - Monday 25th January 2016

All work and no play today; now on train to London but was fortunate enough to have had lunch with clients at the Drunken Duck earlier :-)

Ride - Sunday 24th January 2015

Things don't go completely to plan today but only myself to blame for that. But I have a Sportive fast approaching and need to get out in my bike. A rapidly changing plan and route sees me arriving in Grange, having set off from home and headed through Brigsteer, Sampool Bridge, Witherslack and Lindale. 

Then back through Meathop, Witherslack, Sampool Bridge and Brigsteer; just home as light fades. Guess at about 30 miles, much needed training. 

Bob Graham Leg 1 - Saturday 23rd January 2016

So the Helm ladies are again planning to take on the Billy Bland Challenge.....I have a feeling they might do well, actually very well :-)

So the first of the recces has been planned, leg 1. Nine of us out, myself, Craig and 7 ladies to keep us company. We leave Cali at Threlkeld and head into Keswick and the start of the BG. We head off up the lane towards Latrigg and then into the steep climb up Skiddaw; this is not one of my favourite climbs, I find this really tough; but the pace is comfortably and soon we are in the mist and then the snow. The summit is not a place to stop today so we head due North, then North East to cross the fence and pick up the trod to Hare Crag. 

Then it's up Great Calva, this climb goes well but again it's chilly on the top. Steep descent, and then a boggy trod to the Caldew, not too difficult to cross today but a wee bit chilly. Tough going from here, a steep tiring climb into the mist, compass in use, and then the weather turns grim, wet and windy, which makes it feel very cold. 

Eventually across Mungrisedale Common and pick up the larger path to Foule Crag, I think this the much better route. It's even more grim up here and, again on a bearing, we head to the summit. Decision quickly made, Halls Fell Ridge is not the place for this group today, so we head to Doddick Ridge. That's not quite so easy as it sounds, it is not due East as one might suspect, but NNE for a short distance before then heading East, I over shoot this a little and soon realise my mistake; frustratingly back track and then get it right; this makes me uber cautious to pick up the ridge first time, which I do. 

This is a much better descent route in this weather, only a short distance on rock and then on much easier grass. Once down its amazing how quickly hands and feet warm up, then some easy running back to Threlkeld, and Cali.

Tea tastes good and KA's cake delicious......she's defo Star Baker :-) A good day out and, for some, important lessons learnt. 

And worse today - Friday 22nd January 2016

Save myself and hopefully felt better tomorrow :-(

Not feeling great ! - Thursday 21st January 2016

Not actually felt great all week,so decide against running, swimming or biking today :-(

Lakes Orienteering Club, Cunswick Scar - Wednesday 20th January 2016

Russ invites me along to the LOC event on Cunswick; it's a fabulous evening, clear starry sky and frost forming as we run. It's simple, we register, we pay £4, we get our map and set off when we are ready......how good is that. 

Russ has a head start, a few minutes after I set off; I know Cunswick reasonably well, that helps a lot, and I'm soon passing Russ having taken a direct line rather than the safe option. I push on, only having one small blip and finish 6th; I'm happy with that. 

Only out for 35 mins and home before 7pm, much easier and more enjoyable than a Helm training session. 

Results

Pilates - Tuesday 19th January 2016

A long day out so I arrange to join the later class; toys tonight, that's a bit different but good fun, as well as feeling a hard workout. 

Scout Scar - Monday 18th January 2016

A dry and chilly evening, little misty at times; I heard up to Scar early evening for a 5 and a bit mile loop; really enjoyed this, four legged Sweetie for company too. 

Black Combe Race Route - Sunday 17th January 2016

Well the snow definitely settled yesterday and after a few minutes clearing and gritting the drive I head to Silecroft, via KA. I had thought there might be less snow 'out west' but that's not really the case, Black Combe is very white, it's cold and breezy too, with cloud below the summits. 

It's a hard initial climb and the angle eases but it's a long pull to the summit; the cloud closes in and it's difficult to even to follow the main path. Once at the summit it's time to grab and use the map and compass, but that's only after dealing with a minor kit malfunction, the zip pocket on the pack has frozen solid ! Our jackets and faces are also encrusted with ice !

Anyway we head off North'ish on a bearing, and reassuringly following footsteps. The clouds clear a little and we are soon heading round the head of the horseshoe towards White Combe, again on a bearing. Then to the sheep feeder, which ain't no more !, and a steep descent to the valley bottom. Here it's time to have a wee hot drink........matching flasks, how sweet, and a choccie bar. We need this as the second climb up to the South summit of Black Combe is a BB ! Again on a bearing, with barely any vis, but we get to within a few metres of the summit cairn (that was a relief !). 

Then another bearing for the straight line to the main path and back down to Silecroft. A great route and although testing conditions a good run out. 

Wot no Cali ! 

Loughrigg Walk - Saturday 16th January 2016

A busy day, lots of life admin to achieve at home and then sneak in 20 lengths are the pool. Then To Ambleside for a late afternoon walk over Loughrigg and back along the Terrace; it's snowing heavy and a setting atmosphere as dusk arrives. A very special walk :-( :-( 

Carnethy Race Route, Howgills - Friday 15th January 2016

A stunning day and can't let this pass without a run on the fells; so I take the morning off and head to Sedbergh to run the "Carnethy race training route". It's chilly, but glorious sunshine and snow covered fells. Steady going up Crook, across to Arrant How, greeted by an arctic blast, great descent, following ski tracks, and then the steady climb up Winder and a final steep descent back to the village. 

What a fantastic route, and a fantastic day, followed by a fantastic full English too !

Not such an epic ! - Thursday 14th January 2016

Another outing with Bryn; the weather is better......dry, a clear night and plenty of fresh snow on the fells. We aim for the Fairfield Horseshoe, but soon after Nab Scar realise that the knee / thigh deep fresh snow is making the going very hard and tiring, so I quickly prepare a B plan.

We drop down to Alcocks Tarn, with stunning views of the twinkling lights of Grasmere and the snow covered fells, White Moss, Loughrigg Terrace, Loughrigg and back to Rydal; it works well and is enough of an adventure from Bryn who is still suffering from a serious bug !

A 'Bryn Epic' ! - Wednesday 13th January 2016

So Bryn heads North and the plan is to run a 17 mile section of the Lake 100 route, which he will be running in it's entirety in July !

But all does not go to plan, should have known this would happen, and I do feel a little responsible for this. Had planned to meet Bryn at Dalemain and, as he's staying in Windermere, suggested he heads over Kirkstone to get there. Well as KA and I battle through blizzards on the M6 over Shap, he calls and I can sense from the drama in his voice, all is not well ! In a nutshell, Kirkstone is v.snowy and he's in a rear wheel drive car = bad combination ! I suggest he heads back down and goes up M6 to meet us; meanwhile we wait in a layby just outside Penrith, watching the snow get heavier and the A66 get whiter !

The phone goes again, Bryn is now stuck, or close to being stuck, on the A6 (wy not the M6,...sat nav !!), I suggest he gets to the M6 and heads back to the safety Windermere; he does, might get to see / run with him tomorrow !

Anyway, we have come this far, so decide to follow A66 to Threlkeld, it's still snowing heavy. We manage a 10 mile run, some on track, some on road and partly on the old railway line (well up to the missing bridge !), and visit the Stone Circle too.

Its hard going in the snow and slush and tootsies are a wee bit chilly. However, the open fire and delicious supper in the Horse & Farrier makes up for this and the drive home passes without incident...but pleased to have 4WD and winter tyres !

Pilates - Tuesday 12th January 2016

It's PJ night ! Another good class, but wish they would cheer up and 'engage' a bit more :-)

Scar Run - Monday 11th January 2016

A long day working but make it out for a short, steady run on the Scar; cold, dry but v.muddy.

"King of the Castle" - Sunday 10th January 2016

A race that's just 2.5k and only 200m of ascent, is that really for me......defo ! It's a long journey for a short race, but the other way of looking at it is a 5k race with the positions decided at the half way point !

Actually it's pretty good really. A good Helm turnout as first of the club champs and a great atmosphere at Borrowdale Youth Hostel. It's a timed uphill only race, starting from a the bar in Borrowdale hostel to the summit of Castle Crag, setting off at 30 second intervals. 

I go near the back, keen to chase rather than be chased. It's about 1.5km along the river, gnarly.....rocky, roots and mud all thrown in, then a km uphill. It's tough, I set off at full whack and hope to keep going like that; but as soon as I hit the climb it hard work. I push hard though, overtake some Helm and dig deep in the last section, steeply up a scree path. 

I feel physically sick at the finish and chest hurts a the day after but was pleased with my result and position. The steady run back down is welcome, as are the copious cups of tea and pieces of cake back at the hostel; hot showers too. 

Well worth the trip.

Coniston Fells - Saturday 9th January 2016

A mixed forecast, could be wet, could be cold, might not be windy, will be misty - i.e. Could be a bit of everything 😌 So that means lots of kit decisions and lots of faffing, well no surprise there. 

First stop, More, need to be well fuelled and then to Coniston. It's a bit wet and the cloud is down, chilly too ! Head out on the race route and climb well to Wetherlam; then a wee bit of disorientation, quickly corrected by using compass and then over to Prison Band and Swirl How. 

Then to the Old Man, via another wee bit of disorientation and more compass use....always trust the compass, it never fails. But vis is poor and defo snow on the ground. Onto Brim Fell, no disorientation, and final pull to the Old Man; see another person, the first so far on the fells today. 

Then a hybrid descent back to Coniston; want to avoid the slippery pitched and slate paths and also choose to avoid the road from Walna Scar; so opt for some steep grass but a reasonable line and soon back to Cali for lemon tea and cake. 

Then to Chesters for more tea, more cake and savoury treats 😄 A good day out.

River / canal run - Friday 8th January 2016

Another wet and gloomy day. I head out at lunchtime on the river / canal route. The mud is depressing, more than ankle deep in places; need to hose myself down before I shower !

Swimming - Thursday 7th January 2016

So trying my best to get back into swimming and lunchtime is a good time to do this. A warm and quiet pool,  manage 25 lengths today. 

Training - Wednesday 6th January 2016

Back to training and I think it might try to make this a more regular feature this year ! A dry and cool evening, we head up to the golf course and have 1 steady rep, followed by 5 tough ones. I work hard, legs feel heavy, but I do ok - thanks Ben. 

Pilates - Tuesday 5th January 2016

A depressing day watching stock markets tumble but at least the thought of Pilates keeps me going. It's the first class of the year, and a good one - thank you Rebecca, you are a ⭐️

No motivation - Monday 4th January 2016

Well it's a bit early in the year to have lost my motivation, but that's just how it is today; legs feel tired too, so achieve no more than my 10 minute Pilates session and some stretching today. 

LDWA Fells, Tarns & Gingerbread - Sunday 3rd January 2016

On the basis that just about every fell runner in the land will be at Scout Scar race today, I thought it a good opportunity to get out for a longer run on the fells.

It's a gloomy day, low cloud, cold and forecast to turn wet by midday. We park in lay-by just outside Grasmere and climb to Allcocks Tarn, then cut across to join the main Fairfield Horseshoe route and climb to Heron Pike and Great Rigg. Then double back and descend to Stone Arthur. I never seem to get the next bit spot on, and today was no different. Not far out but could have taken a better line. Anyway we are soon down to the beck and are pleased to have carried wee flasks, a quick coffee did the trick.  

It had turned wet, and we headed down to the road and then along to the Greenburn Valley; it's even wetter here and we trudge on and up, soon cutting left to join the main ridge which joins Calf crag with Helm Crag. It's an undulating path along the ridge, very muddy in places and slippery rocks in others, slow progress. At Bracken Hause we see no point in climbing to the summit so we drop steeply, and slippery, down to Stythwaite Steps and then up and round to Easedale Tarn. 

We are are bit cold and wet and decide that's enough for today, the Blea Rigg / Silver Howe ridge would be hard going today and we are tired from having raced on Friday. So down to Grasmere and back to Cali, it's good to get changed and drink tea. Then into Grasmere to sausage rolls and to Ambleside for hot chocolate and 'seriously' ginger cake. A good day, but grim conditions. 

Bike ride - Saturday 2nd January 2016

The early planned bike ride doesn't materialise, needed some essential shopping in Ambleside !

But I eventually get out, just as the rain starts, and finish just as it stops ! But a good ride, not been out for an age, and remembered why that is......biking in winter is not much fun; cold feet, wet bott and some elderly idiot pulling straight out in front of me in Bowston, and I had a mega bright yellow cycle jersey on ! 

Anyway, a good circuit from home: Burneside, Potter Tarn Fell road, the higher road loop, Staveley, Bowston, Burneside and the delights of Hollins Lane to finish. The stats are recorded in Strava if you are interested, I'm not.  

Nine Standards Fell Race - Friday 1st January 2016

So I need to get use to writing 2016 on my blog ! Yes, another year ticks past, is that really a reason to celebrate, I think not !

Anyway on with it, maybe a happier year for me ?!

But in the meantime, a fell race to get on with. Nine Standards, half road, half fell, but actually one of my favourite races. And, amazingly, it's a dry day, chilly too :-) It's a midday start, not that I had a late night, in fact a clear head and up for the race.....but first, I need to decide on kit, wind proof gilet is the answer today....Montane of course, can't afford Arc'teryx !!!

I set off feeling strong and climb well. It's chilly and breezy, the ground is relatively frozen, but icy which is less of an issue on the way up, but might be treacherous on the descent. I stay ahead of a few rivals, friendly ones, all the way to the summit but then their descending skills / confidence is greater than mine and I loose a few places. But I keep fighting, and gain some ground, just needed another climb at the end !

Despite my thinking I had a good race, I'm slower than two years ago, despite the better conditions and my remembering the short cuts. 

But still a good day. Helm ladies do well, Catherine, Carrie & Kath winning the team prize :-)

Results

Turbo - Thursday 31st December 2015

Pushed for time today, been at work and want to get to Zeffs to 'grab a movie' ! So just 20 minutes on the turbo trainer, actually that's enough anyway, it's mind numbing !