A crazy night - Tuesday 11th June 2013

Out on the fells and late home !

Training - Monday 10th June 2013

Head to training, another warm and dry evening. Decide to wear the Salomon Sense Ultra tonight: http://www.salomon.com/uk/product/s-lab-sense-ultra.html .....they are impressive, light and responsive....just what I need. 

A good session, 800m, 600m, 400m, 200m, 200m, 400m, 600m, 800m, 800m, 600m, 400m, & 200m......and then a few laps to warm down. 

For once I actually enjoy the training :-) 

Fairfield Horseshoe - Sunday 9th June 2013

Another hot day and I wait to late afternoon before heading out. Over to Rydal and a quick blast around the Horseshoe. The last of the walkers are heading down Nab Scar as I manage to run all the way to the top. My calfs are tight from yesterday's 10k but energy level is high......at last !

The sky has clouded over and it is sultry and looks very stormy; I don't like the thought of getting caught in a thunder storm on the fells so decide to out run it !

I am trying out a new bit of kit, an Ultimate Direction SJ: http://www.ultimatedirection.com/p-601-sj-ultra-vest.aspx?category=signature-series .....what a pack, soon available at The Outdoor Warehouse: http://www.outdoorwarehouse.co.uk/ ......and a detailed review from me to follow soon.

The ground is very dry and the running fast, it grows ever more stormy, but I am soon at the summit of Fairfield. I don't stop and keep running well. I make it round without the a storm developing and finish in about 2hrs 15mins; I am pleased with this, ran well and feel good. 

Bendrigg 10k - Saturday 8th June 2013

A race I have always wanted to run but has always clashed with the LAMM; however, as there is no LAMM this year this is my opportunity. 

It is a hot day and the tarmac will be radiating heat. A good Helm turn out and a friendly atmosphere at the summer fete. The race starts promptly at 2pm, it's hot and hard work. I set off fast and for a short distance am in 2nd position. This doesn't last and I settle into 5th position which I maintain through the race. 

Heartbreak Hill, as it is affectionately known, is at the end of the race, I gain on the 4th place guy and think I can overtake him, I am working flat out, he realises this and digs a little deeper, managing to hold me off. 

So I settle for 5th (in about 38:40), Shaun, John, Phil and Brian all race well, as does Victoria and Ian. I pick up 1st V40, and form part of the winning Team and Vet Team; come away with some good prizes. 

A race to do again, just hope it doesn't clash next year with the LAMM. 

Potter Tarn Run - Friday 7th June 2013

Meet with Russ and Kath in Staveley for an early evening run. We head along river and then up to Potter Tarn. It is a hot and sunny evening, this makes the climbs hard work. Getting worried about Russ, he keeps falling over !

Then towards Dubs before heading off over Potter Fell and the Brunt Knott, direct descent and then lanes and fields back to Staveley. A glorious evening to be out. 

A quick pint in the Hawkshead Brewery and then fish & chips - a good way to finish a pleasant evening out. 

Lyth Valley Ride - Thursday 6th June 2013

Head out straight after work from Natland for usual Lyth Valley route. Another hot and sunny evening, it's good to be out. 

Scout Scar Run - Wednesday 5th June 2013

Working tonight so will miss training and the Blencathra fell race. So head out at lunch for a run on the Scar. Not run this route for a while, have missed it. A hot, sunny day and its great to take in the view from that special place. Energy levels are ok but serious pain from Achilles, need to get this looked at.