Ride - Sunday 23rd February 2014

It's wet and it's windy, just as forecast and not expected to ease. So rather than putting off the inevitable I get kitted up and head out from home on bike.  Across Queens Road and then climb Brigsteer Road which I follow to the village.

Then to Underbarrow, Crook and Staveley; had planned to stop for coffee but cold and wet and although it would have warmed me, setting off again would not have been much fun. So I push on, through Bowston, Burneside and then up Hollins Lane.

Home, wet and cold and a lot of soggy kit to sort. But once showered head back to Staveley, in the car this time, for a 'Big meaty breakfast' in Wilf's, it was worth the wait !

High Cup Nick Fell Race - Saturday 22nd February 2014

A club championship counter and, as organiser, my selection. Have run this once before, in 2010, when it was last in the club champs. Can only remember the main run up to the Nick and back along the top (Pennine Way), the out and the back had been wiped from the memory, must be an age thing.

Once again a good club turnout, maybe the champs will be a bit more competitive this year. A big field too on this blustery but relatively dry day (although there was a hail storm on the way to Dufton). I had talked this race up, as being fantastic scenery so I was pleased that the Nick was not shrouded in mist, I hoped fellow racers looked and the views and agree with me on this. 

There is more road and track at the start than I remember, it's hard going but as soon as we on to the fell it gets worse: mud, mud and more mud. It's hard going, at least for me, and both Sharon and Shaun pass me as if I'm standing still. I dig deep, why does everyone else seem to float over the mud and I sink deep into it ? 

The views are impressive and the final climb to the Nick is more of a scramble. Once up, we get the full blast of the wind which had been behind us on the climb. It's now 4 miles to the finish (5 to the Nick), mostly on the Pennine Way. I gain on Shaun and make sure that I build a reserve of energy before passing him; I want to stay in front this time and not just struggle past. 

I really do give it everything, I never look back but know he is breathing down my neck. The track is rough, the field muddy and the last track slightly uphill. But the end is in sight, I don't ease off and finish just 10 seconds or so ahead. 

Again some impressive Helm results. I enjoy the race, it's hard and I need to find the speed I once had. Photos and results to follow. 

River / Canal Run - Friday 21st February 2014

Head out at lunchtime for usual river / canal circuit. Stay dry, but the mud !!!!

Rest Day - Thursday 20th February 2014

Out to Wilf's to see Heather Dawes at a 'slide and supper' evening, just finished reading her book "Adventures in Mind". 

Orienteering - Wednesday 19th February 2014

So training this week is an orienteering event on the Castle, kindly and well organised by Ben. At last a dry Wednesday evening but the mud just keeps getting worse. I am paired with Imogen, Craig and Amanda's 13 year old daughter, a very good runner for her age.  

After registering, reading the rules and listening to the briefing we are off and I decide on a full-on climb to the castle to get us warmed up ! The first few controls are easy to find but number 11, the holly bush, proves illusive so we decide to push on and not waste any more time. All goes well. We are up and down the castle, down to the ski slope, onto Gooseholme, the scout hut, then the canal path beyond Parr Street. 

We are running well and I use map reading as an opportunity to catch my breathe, these youngsters are just too energetic. Back on to the castle and we have time to go back to the holly bush, we eventually find the control and head out towards the Castle stores for the last control. 

We are back in 49:30'ish and prove to be the 1st Junior / Senior Team - well run Imogen.  She is chuffed as she beat both her Mum and her Dad - sorry guys ! Hopefully she'll share some of her chocolate prize with you. 

Then to the Castle Inn for a quick pint and home to sort the very muddy kit. 

Pilates - Tuesday 18th February 2014

Week 2 of Set 2, still seem to be enjoying this and perhaps starting to gain from it.

Cunswick WL Route - Monday 17th February 2014

Head out from home with Russ, down Windermere Road and the cutoff towards Golf course and pick up the Winter League route. We run steady and it's surprisingly mild, but the mud.....it's getting too much. A good run out and then a hose off at home, more wet kit.