Dentists Make Me Nervous...
...especially female ones, four feet twelve tall, one place behind me in a fell race. And so it was at Aggie's Staircase tonight at Darwen. OK, I've had to get used to T'Yorkshireman beating me in fell races; but TF had always been a reasonable distance behind, not a worry, just our protege, bobbing along and no imminent threat.
Tonight was different, she had me worried. I felt like Butch and Sundance when they were on the run to Bolivia; every time they thought they were clear, they'd stop and listen, and the Pinkerton Agents were still behind them, and every time, a little closer. So it was with the little figure in the blue cag. TF didn't beat me, but it was a close call.
But mustn't get downhearted, or neurotic; it's no good having a protege if you get upset when they are ready to beat you. But it was worse than that, I broke the golden rule of fell running: don't race the guy behind, race the guy in front. Tonight I was racing the guy(!) behind.
More generally, the night was even wetter than last year's race, with so much water that it was more like gill scrambling than fell running. There was a good Horwich turnout, with Dennis Mason first home for Horwich in what we think was eighth place. Suzanne, third lady overall and first o45. No prize for her at first, but a bit of barracking from the wfdbwgua squad, when the second open lady (fourth lady overall) was awarded a prize, secured her a bottle of wine.
Colin Waterworth, having cycled to the race from Bury, beat Richard Longlands and all our little squad, and T'Yorkshireman beat me by about a minute and a half. Several other Horwich runners beat Colin but I'm afraid I didn't know any of them. (No results at time of posting).
Marks out of ten for this race? Six I think, not enough open running and twice past the Tower stop it ever being a classic.
EtU
Thursday, June 26, 2008
What No Cake!
I also had wondered about Eddie's Revenge (something about the name I guess) but what with a dearth of home make cakes and the need to cut the lawns before heading north on Saturday, I decided on a short road run from home instead and will do Aggie's tonight now the grass has been seen to.
Think we should start scoring races out of ten. So to aid next year's planning, what would TF rate E's R?
EtU
I also had wondered about Eddie's Revenge (something about the name I guess) but what with a dearth of home make cakes and the need to cut the lawns before heading north on Saturday, I decided on a short road run from home instead and will do Aggie's tonight now the grass has been seen to.
Think we should start scoring races out of ten. So to aid next year's planning, what would TF rate E's R?
EtU
Fair exchange, no robbery
This week's a reduced mileage week, so a good opportunity to do a few short races. The FRA calendar had a good selection of races for last night. But the one that caught my eye was advertising free entry if you provided a homemade cake for the raffle. It also had the benefit of being the closest to get to from work. So 'Eddies Revenge' it was, a 3.8m blast round Crompton Moor, Shaw nr Oldham.
Here's a map of the route. Can any of you work out which way it went?
This week's a reduced mileage week, so a good opportunity to do a few short races. The FRA calendar had a good selection of races for last night. But the one that caught my eye was advertising free entry if you provided a homemade cake for the raffle. It also had the benefit of being the closest to get to from work. So 'Eddies Revenge' it was, a 3.8m blast round Crompton Moor, Shaw nr Oldham.
Here's a map of the route. Can any of you work out which way it went?
Thankfully there were plenty of flags and Middleton Harriers and the local Scout Group out marshalling, so no one got lost. And some chap called Eddie definitely had his revenge 'cos when checking my watch at the highest point, 20mins had elapsed. So the return was bound to be less. How wrong can you be! A hefty 41:55mins on crossing the finish line.
Having dropped off a Victoria Sponge & Sticky Toffee Pudding to claim my free entry, I came away with a can of Carlsberg and a box of chocolates (spot prize).
TF
I'm afraid I wont be able to make Saturday this week, but will out for a trot round next Thurs and Sat.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Saturday 28th June '08
I shall be running from the Lower Barn at about 7 a.m. on Saturday. Most of the regulars are otherwise engaged (holidays) but if anyone else indicates (via blog or e-mail) that they will be turning out I will happily return to the Lower Barn for 8.30, otherwise I will just keep running off into the distance!
YJ
I shall be running from the Lower Barn at about 7 a.m. on Saturday. Most of the regulars are otherwise engaged (holidays) but if anyone else indicates (via blog or e-mail) that they will be turning out I will happily return to the Lower Barn for 8.30, otherwise I will just keep running off into the distance!
YJ
Thursday 26th June
I'm doing Aggie's Staircase (as I think is TF) and JtE is in Scotland.
Will anyone be in the usual place at the usual time and how about 3rd July when I'm in the Lakes?
EtU
Saturday 12th July ~ Wasdale
This is my Big One this year, although I'm not running anywhere near how I should be, with the extra miles I've put in; perhaps it will be all right on the night, as it were.
Anyway, as it stands, I'm travelling up on the day, on my own, and would be happy to give a lift to anyone either doing the race or just fancying a wander round the Wasdale fells. Leaving at about 7:30, hoping to be back 8 ish.
EtU
I'm doing Aggie's Staircase (as I think is TF) and JtE is in Scotland.
Will anyone be in the usual place at the usual time and how about 3rd July when I'm in the Lakes?
EtU
Saturday 12th July ~ Wasdale
This is my Big One this year, although I'm not running anywhere near how I should be, with the extra miles I've put in; perhaps it will be all right on the night, as it were.
Anyway, as it stands, I'm travelling up on the day, on my own, and would be happy to give a lift to anyone either doing the race or just fancying a wander round the Wasdale fells. Leaving at about 7:30, hoping to be back 8 ish.
EtU
Thought I’d just share this one with you.
Yesterday a parent came in to make an appointment for his 6 year daughter who had toothache. The family is Chinese, and the parent didn’t speak very good English, so he was asked to bring someone with him who does speak English in order to help translate.
Anyway Dad and daughter arrive for the appointment today whilst I’m seeing to another patient. Our receptionist informs me that dad has come with another adult, so I ask her to get them to complete a medical form whilst they are waiting.
On returning to reception I see Dad sat talking to another man in the waiting room. This bloke is of Afro-Caribbean origin and I’m therefore suitably impressed that he’d be able to speak Mandarin.
They are all ushered into the surgery and the little girl sits on the dental chair and lets me have a look at her teeth. It’s fairly obvious what’s causing the problem – loads of grotty teeth, but I need to ask a few questions to decide whether anti-biotics are required. At this point I look at the adult who’s come with Dad and say ‘can you ask her Dad how long she’s had the toothache and whether it’s been keeping her awake at night’
He then turns to Dad and in English repeats what I’ve just said, verbatim. I’m gobsmacked. Immediately realising that this bloke is going to be no use whatsoever, I then repeat the question addressing it to Dad this time, speaking slower and in somewhat stilted English. Our would-be ‘translator’ then repeats everything I’ve said in exactly the same manner. At this point my nurse leaves the room, unable to control her laughter for any longer. Being the true professional that I am, I manage to see it through to the end, just. Dad finally understood that his daughter needed a prescription and a referral for extractions under general anaesthetic, I think.
Reservoir Bogs 7m/1100ft
A bit of background info. It’s the 2nd race of part of a 3 day race series organised by Calder Valley Fell Runners. The route changes every year, maps with check-points are handed out with your number at registration. Last year I started, but wasn’t allowed to finish as I didn’t make the cut-off time.
Although desperately upset by this (it was my first ‘dnf’) I wasn’t the only one this affected. The rest of my associate retirees were from two clubs from Leicester and Essex who come ‘up north’ for a weekend of traipsing the Pennine Moors, while being refreshed by the local ales. Being dnf’d in the middle race would affect their standing in the whole series. In retrospect, instead of leaving in a huff, I should have stayed last year to add my two-penny-worth to the post-race discussion. Just as well I didn’t, as we got a generous 45 min early start option for this years’ race; I’d have argued for 30 mins.
So this is how 9 of us came to stand ready for the off at 10:45am on a drizzly Saturday morning, complete with our very own sweeper-marshall just to make sure we didn’t stray too far off course.
It was all a bit ‘Fred Karnos’ in the first 10 mins though. First, one runner started to spill his stash of mini mars bars, so we got slowed up whilst he scooped them up. Then the faster runner at the front turned to follow the flags marked out for the return route, no one shouted him back as it was obvious he shouldn’t have been with us anyway. And then when we reached the start of the moor and the first check-point, we’d got there before its marshall. Bet Thirza, our sweeper for the day, wondered what she’d let herself in for!
Thankfully for me the rest of the race passed uneventful. I was 2nd slow one, first lady and 9th back overall. Definitely very weird, and not wishing to be confused as a good runner, had to point out that I’d had an early start as I crossed the finish line. As if they didn’t know!
TF
Yesterday a parent came in to make an appointment for his 6 year daughter who had toothache. The family is Chinese, and the parent didn’t speak very good English, so he was asked to bring someone with him who does speak English in order to help translate.
Anyway Dad and daughter arrive for the appointment today whilst I’m seeing to another patient. Our receptionist informs me that dad has come with another adult, so I ask her to get them to complete a medical form whilst they are waiting.
On returning to reception I see Dad sat talking to another man in the waiting room. This bloke is of Afro-Caribbean origin and I’m therefore suitably impressed that he’d be able to speak Mandarin.
They are all ushered into the surgery and the little girl sits on the dental chair and lets me have a look at her teeth. It’s fairly obvious what’s causing the problem – loads of grotty teeth, but I need to ask a few questions to decide whether anti-biotics are required. At this point I look at the adult who’s come with Dad and say ‘can you ask her Dad how long she’s had the toothache and whether it’s been keeping her awake at night’
He then turns to Dad and in English repeats what I’ve just said, verbatim. I’m gobsmacked. Immediately realising that this bloke is going to be no use whatsoever, I then repeat the question addressing it to Dad this time, speaking slower and in somewhat stilted English. Our would-be ‘translator’ then repeats everything I’ve said in exactly the same manner. At this point my nurse leaves the room, unable to control her laughter for any longer. Being the true professional that I am, I manage to see it through to the end, just. Dad finally understood that his daughter needed a prescription and a referral for extractions under general anaesthetic, I think.
Reservoir Bogs 7m/1100ft
A bit of background info. It’s the 2nd race of part of a 3 day race series organised by Calder Valley Fell Runners. The route changes every year, maps with check-points are handed out with your number at registration. Last year I started, but wasn’t allowed to finish as I didn’t make the cut-off time.
Although desperately upset by this (it was my first ‘dnf’) I wasn’t the only one this affected. The rest of my associate retirees were from two clubs from Leicester and Essex who come ‘up north’ for a weekend of traipsing the Pennine Moors, while being refreshed by the local ales. Being dnf’d in the middle race would affect their standing in the whole series. In retrospect, instead of leaving in a huff, I should have stayed last year to add my two-penny-worth to the post-race discussion. Just as well I didn’t, as we got a generous 45 min early start option for this years’ race; I’d have argued for 30 mins.
So this is how 9 of us came to stand ready for the off at 10:45am on a drizzly Saturday morning, complete with our very own sweeper-marshall just to make sure we didn’t stray too far off course.
It was all a bit ‘Fred Karnos’ in the first 10 mins though. First, one runner started to spill his stash of mini mars bars, so we got slowed up whilst he scooped them up. Then the faster runner at the front turned to follow the flags marked out for the return route, no one shouted him back as it was obvious he shouldn’t have been with us anyway. And then when we reached the start of the moor and the first check-point, we’d got there before its marshall. Bet Thirza, our sweeper for the day, wondered what she’d let herself in for!
Thankfully for me the rest of the race passed uneventful. I was 2nd slow one, first lady and 9th back overall. Definitely very weird, and not wishing to be confused as a good runner, had to point out that I’d had an early start as I crossed the finish line. As if they didn’t know!
TF
Monday, June 23, 2008
World Silver Medallists
There were four teams toed the line in Lee Lane Horwich at about 5:00 pm on Sunday 22nd June for this, the inaugural World Railway Sleeper Carrying Relay Championship. Each member of the team had to carry the sleeper along the 50 metre course and put it down on the "bale station" to be picked up by the next runner who then ran back up the course with it for the third runner to take it back again before the last man ran the final 50 to the finish. Two teams ran against each other with the winner decided on the overall fastest time. First two teams to go were Dragonfly Landscape Gardeners and Sue's Hayesmen.
The Gardeners were all sturdy lads and must have been sprinters in their day, because as soon as the hooter sounded the "off" it was clear all the rest of us were running for second place. Geoff Holloway went first for Sue's team, and classy runner that he is, he was significantly hampered by the sleeper. The gardener must have taken 15 metres out of him in the 50 metre course. Second to go for Sue was Sue herself, who adopted the slightly strange technique of cradling the sleeper like a baby. Sue handed over to Tony Varley, who tore a calf muscle on his second stride and stopped dead. Then, as if from nowhere, Kev Gaskell leaped the barrier, picked up the sleeper and finished his leg for him. Unfortunately by the time Kev had handed over to Doug (Mr Sue) the fourth gardener was crossing the finishing line.
Next it was the Lostock Losers versus the Anne Fan Club (that's us). Alan (that's him on the left in the dark top) went off first for us against Lostock's John Smith who unfortunately managed to fall over (been having lessons from YJ?). However Alan's run wasn't without problems, in that when he picked the sleeper up, he managed to slide his hand under the baling twine and nearly took off with the bale as well. Alan handed a good lead over to me (white top, silly grin), but I fumbled the pickup slightly and was nearly caught by a muscular youth running Lostock's second leg. I handed over to Dean (Lonsdale top), who was both fast and technically near perfect. Dean ran against Alan Jones, who's even older than me, so it was no contest, and he opened up a good lead. Dean handed over to Robin (big lad on the right) who stormed home, but unfortunately, having played a bit of league, didn't know how to stop. He over-ran the bale station at the finish and had to come back and place the sleeper before he was timed in. Albert trailed in some time after for Lostock.
There were four teams toed the line in Lee Lane Horwich at about 5:00 pm on Sunday 22nd June for this, the inaugural World Railway Sleeper Carrying Relay Championship. Each member of the team had to carry the sleeper along the 50 metre course and put it down on the "bale station" to be picked up by the next runner who then ran back up the course with it for the third runner to take it back again before the last man ran the final 50 to the finish. Two teams ran against each other with the winner decided on the overall fastest time. First two teams to go were Dragonfly Landscape Gardeners and Sue's Hayesmen.
The Gardeners were all sturdy lads and must have been sprinters in their day, because as soon as the hooter sounded the "off" it was clear all the rest of us were running for second place. Geoff Holloway went first for Sue's team, and classy runner that he is, he was significantly hampered by the sleeper. The gardener must have taken 15 metres out of him in the 50 metre course. Second to go for Sue was Sue herself, who adopted the slightly strange technique of cradling the sleeper like a baby. Sue handed over to Tony Varley, who tore a calf muscle on his second stride and stopped dead. Then, as if from nowhere, Kev Gaskell leaped the barrier, picked up the sleeper and finished his leg for him. Unfortunately by the time Kev had handed over to Doug (Mr Sue) the fourth gardener was crossing the finishing line.
Next it was the Lostock Losers versus the Anne Fan Club (that's us). Alan (that's him on the left in the dark top) went off first for us against Lostock's John Smith who unfortunately managed to fall over (been having lessons from YJ?). However Alan's run wasn't without problems, in that when he picked the sleeper up, he managed to slide his hand under the baling twine and nearly took off with the bale as well. Alan handed a good lead over to me (white top, silly grin), but I fumbled the pickup slightly and was nearly caught by a muscular youth running Lostock's second leg. I handed over to Dean (Lonsdale top), who was both fast and technically near perfect. Dean ran against Alan Jones, who's even older than me, so it was no contest, and he opened up a good lead. Dean handed over to Robin (big lad on the right) who stormed home, but unfortunately, having played a bit of league, didn't know how to stop. He over-ran the bale station at the finish and had to come back and place the sleeper before he was timed in. Albert trailed in some time after for Lostock.
The results: Sue's Hayesmen were disqualified for using an unregistered runner (Kev). The Lostock Losers lost ~ well they would, wouldn't they? And we placed second, just two seconds behind the Gardeners. Now, if Alan hadn't lost a second getting caught up in the baling twine, and if I hadn't lost a second with the fumble and if Robin hadn't lost a second over-running...
The prediction for next year is that there will be lots more teams and folk will be doing some serious training.
Ed
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Message 1 from Nicole
Been to Canada and survived trip. Didn't see much of Canada as it was a full time job looking after my mum, but she enjoyed it very much and has come back much more alert. I doubt she will go again and I am certain I will never do it again.
The foxgloves look good, thanks for pic. (Nicole had given me some foxglove seedlings and they are now flowering, so I had emailed a piccy. Ed) Not seen any white ones here yet, actually very few flowers have come up so I must have done a good job digging them out last year. I'll keep looking though.
Seeing a specialist on Thursday so can let you know how it goes if I find out anything. Really miss you all. Congrats to John on his Josh N and good luck to Ian on his 55 next week. Been a bit too jealous to read the blog lately but will get back to keeping up with the Whiners.
Message 2 ~ Went to see specialist on Thursday. In ages. Anyway the advice was to run through the pain but they are sending me to biometrics for gait analysis to support me. Quite encouraging really although ran round the 2 mile moors run at night and it hurt all the time. Still no pain no gain.
Seems like I could have done the marathon after all. Felt like I was running with lead weights on legs, have lost so much fitness. Might take me a few weeks to build up to Saturday mornings but am looking forward to seeing you all.
We might all come to track soon. See you soon.
Nic'O
Been to Canada and survived trip. Didn't see much of Canada as it was a full time job looking after my mum, but she enjoyed it very much and has come back much more alert. I doubt she will go again and I am certain I will never do it again.
The foxgloves look good, thanks for pic. (Nicole had given me some foxglove seedlings and they are now flowering, so I had emailed a piccy. Ed) Not seen any white ones here yet, actually very few flowers have come up so I must have done a good job digging them out last year. I'll keep looking though.
Seeing a specialist on Thursday so can let you know how it goes if I find out anything. Really miss you all. Congrats to John on his Josh N and good luck to Ian on his 55 next week. Been a bit too jealous to read the blog lately but will get back to keeping up with the Whiners.
Message 2 ~ Went to see specialist on Thursday. In ages. Anyway the advice was to run through the pain but they are sending me to biometrics for gait analysis to support me. Quite encouraging really although ran round the 2 mile moors run at night and it hurt all the time. Still no pain no gain.
Seems like I could have done the marathon after all. Felt like I was running with lead weights on legs, have lost so much fitness. Might take me a few weeks to build up to Saturday mornings but am looking forward to seeing you all.
We might all come to track soon. See you soon.
Nic'O
Friday, June 20, 2008
Two Lads ~ Thursday 19th June
A fine evening, following just enough rain to soften the ground without making it significantly slippery.
Another night for Horwich success, with the club taking first overall, courtesy of Darren Kay in 31:43, just one second in front of Danny Hope, brother of the course record holder Rob. Horwich also took the open and vets' men's team prizes. But only two Horwich ladies?
Salford men took 5th open team and 4th vets', but as with Horwich, seem to have been let down by their ladies.
It was interesting to see the Galloping Major run so close by his brother Mike, both clocking 45:02 ~ I trust it was a close race and they didn't just jog round holding hands (whatever happened to sibling rivalry?).
Further down the field (much further) T'Yorkshireman clocked 51:19 and I managed 52:24, closing last night's gap somewhat on this, my preferred terrain.
Back in the Bridge the bad news was that they now only sell one cask ale, and it's Holt's; the good news being that it's only £1.80 a pint. I bought two pints, one for me and one for my friend. The bad news was that I didn't have a friend (ahhhhh) the good news was that I got to drink his beer.
Just for the record, the course did go straight on at the waterworks and then turned right down the road for about 75 yards.
EtU
A fine evening, following just enough rain to soften the ground without making it significantly slippery.
Another night for Horwich success, with the club taking first overall, courtesy of Darren Kay in 31:43, just one second in front of Danny Hope, brother of the course record holder Rob. Horwich also took the open and vets' men's team prizes. But only two Horwich ladies?
Salford men took 5th open team and 4th vets', but as with Horwich, seem to have been let down by their ladies.
It was interesting to see the Galloping Major run so close by his brother Mike, both clocking 45:02 ~ I trust it was a close race and they didn't just jog round holding hands (whatever happened to sibling rivalry?).
Further down the field (much further) T'Yorkshireman clocked 51:19 and I managed 52:24, closing last night's gap somewhat on this, my preferred terrain.
Back in the Bridge the bad news was that they now only sell one cask ale, and it's Holt's; the good news being that it's only £1.80 a pint. I bought two pints, one for me and one for my friend. The bad news was that I didn't have a friend (ahhhhh) the good news was that I got to drink his beer.
Just for the record, the course did go straight on at the waterworks and then turned right down the road for about 75 yards.
EtU
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Jubilee ~ 18th June '08
The wet weather failed to daunt prospective entrants, and 173 runners completed the course in what was both the second Jubilee of the year and the second race in the 2008 "Tour".
Tour participants were identifiable by wearing their tour number on their back, so if you could see such a number you were behind a runner who had raced the day before!
Horwich had a virtual whitewash with 1st and second men overall (Gareth Booth and James Kevan) first O50 (Paul Muller) and 1st team, courtesy of these three plus Steve Nolan. We also took the men's vets' (discuss placing of apostrophes) award and a scattering of individual vets' awards. Horwich ladies took both the open and the vets' team awards.
Further down the field T'Yorkshireman clocked 37:17, YJ exactly one minute behind in 38:17, followed by Chrissie (the Whippet) Sweatman (1st F50) in 40:36 with, as has become the norm, Yours Truly trailing in in 42:08 (Things Can Only Get Better).
EtU
The wet weather failed to daunt prospective entrants, and 173 runners completed the course in what was both the second Jubilee of the year and the second race in the 2008 "Tour".
Tour participants were identifiable by wearing their tour number on their back, so if you could see such a number you were behind a runner who had raced the day before!
Horwich had a virtual whitewash with 1st and second men overall (Gareth Booth and James Kevan) first O50 (Paul Muller) and 1st team, courtesy of these three plus Steve Nolan. We also took the men's vets' (discuss placing of apostrophes) award and a scattering of individual vets' awards. Horwich ladies took both the open and the vets' team awards.
Further down the field T'Yorkshireman clocked 37:17, YJ exactly one minute behind in 38:17, followed by Chrissie (the Whippet) Sweatman (1st F50) in 40:36 with, as has become the norm, Yours Truly trailing in in 42:08 (Things Can Only Get Better).
EtU
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
TF's Marathon Training (2)
Thanks for your response TF. I didn't build up to 11 laps on the basis of one additional lap at a time. I think that would have caused too much boredom, particularly as I did my training on my own. I, perhaps, started by doing about 5 laps, then 7, 9 and 11, but I was doing other training as well. As you know, mental attitude comes more easily with company. I wouldn't have been able to run a marathon distance on a "self sufficient" basis. I have found, over the years, that provided that there is a basic fitness, the human body behaves rather like a car. You put fuel in and it goes!
Why not try an initial 5 laps with some company and see how you feel.
Thanks for your response TF. I didn't build up to 11 laps on the basis of one additional lap at a time. I think that would have caused too much boredom, particularly as I did my training on my own. I, perhaps, started by doing about 5 laps, then 7, 9 and 11, but I was doing other training as well. As you know, mental attitude comes more easily with company. I wouldn't have been able to run a marathon distance on a "self sufficient" basis. I have found, over the years, that provided that there is a basic fitness, the human body behaves rather like a car. You put fuel in and it goes!
Why not try an initial 5 laps with some company and see how you feel.
JtE, I’m in awe, 11 times along Plodder Lane and Salford Road, I’m still struggling running them once! Did you build up to the full 11 laps, say by adding a lap each week? I only ask, as I’m just trying to decide on the required mental attitude to approach the task. I’ll admit that I’ve been trying to sort out routes which make my laps large enough so that I only have to run round them once. I take the point about refreshments, and although I've been assured that there are numerous water stations at Snowdonia, I have decided to train to be 'self-sufficient' just in case.
TF
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Who Ever Heard of Such a Thing?
With reference to JtE's previous post, I am a 61 year old property owning accountant, possessing neither a gun, a hooded sweatshirt (see below) nor a criminal record. As, such I would not wish to be descibed as a "gang member".
Would this preclude me from assisting TF if she were adopt the proposed training route? What do other members of our co-operaive think?
EtU
PS Although I belive that my elder brother does possess such a garment.
With reference to JtE's previous post, I am a 61 year old property owning accountant, possessing neither a gun, a hooded sweatshirt (see below) nor a criminal record. As, such I would not wish to be descibed as a "gang member".
Would this preclude me from assisting TF if she were adopt the proposed training route? What do other members of our co-operaive think?
EtU
PS Although I belive that my elder brother does possess such a garment.
Monday, June 16, 2008
TF's Marathon Training
In response to EtU's request for additional suggestions in his posting of 03 June, how about this:
Locally to TF is a circuit from Four Lane Ends on the A6, via Plodder Lane, Watergate Lane, and Salford Road (A6) back to Four Lane Ends. The distance is 2.4 miles. 11 laps are, therefore, a marathon, more or less. Parking a car anywhere on the circuit marks a starting point and, of course, provides a drink and food station at 2.4 mile intervals. It also provides a point where the number of laps completed can be recorded. This can be very useful as tiredness creeps in. I did as I have described when training for The London and found it to be a very good system. If Julie were to try it, gang members could work out a rota system to accompany her.
In response to EtU's request for additional suggestions in his posting of 03 June, how about this:
Locally to TF is a circuit from Four Lane Ends on the A6, via Plodder Lane, Watergate Lane, and Salford Road (A6) back to Four Lane Ends. The distance is 2.4 miles. 11 laps are, therefore, a marathon, more or less. Parking a car anywhere on the circuit marks a starting point and, of course, provides a drink and food station at 2.4 mile intervals. It also provides a point where the number of laps completed can be recorded. This can be very useful as tiredness creeps in. I did as I have described when training for The London and found it to be a very good system. If Julie were to try it, gang members could work out a rota system to accompany her.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Kinder Trog 16m/3490ft
The balls of my feet* had a cracking race this year. Shame I can’t say the same for the rest of the body attached to them. I finished (well that’s a plus I suppose at the moment), but a good 15mins down on last year. I can’t blame the conditions for this one, as you couldn’t wish for better; not too hot, a bit of breeze and dry underfoot. I could blame Andy Howie (Race Organiser), as one of his parting comments on setting us off were ‘should have some fast times today’. But that would be unkind, especially as he’d laid on a well organised race and a delicious array of jam butties at the end.
At the end of the day this one was down to me. Starting back on structured training this week has left me more ‘wiped’ out than I realised. So I guess I‘m right in opting for the early start option for Reservoir Bogs next week. Could be a while before I get to report a gud’un!
*Last summer I suffered a lot with excruciating foot pain when running on hard surfaces after changing to new, albeit same model, of fell shoes. Kinder Trog stood out in this respect as there’s a long stretch of stone slabs early on in the route. Finally I managed to solve the problem by switching model of shoe and paying more attention to ‘careful’ foot preparation. Note ‘careful’, as this involves a scalpel and something akin to ‘wet&dry’ sandpaper. Having watched the Chiropodist a few times, I realised I had the wherewithal to save myself a few quid. Usual disclaimers about ‘don’t try this at home’ apply as it’s not for those of a nervous/squeamish disposition and requires a steady hand, particularly when wielding something sharp and pointy and usually involved in blood-letting.
The balls of my feet* had a cracking race this year. Shame I can’t say the same for the rest of the body attached to them. I finished (well that’s a plus I suppose at the moment), but a good 15mins down on last year. I can’t blame the conditions for this one, as you couldn’t wish for better; not too hot, a bit of breeze and dry underfoot. I could blame Andy Howie (Race Organiser), as one of his parting comments on setting us off were ‘should have some fast times today’. But that would be unkind, especially as he’d laid on a well organised race and a delicious array of jam butties at the end.
At the end of the day this one was down to me. Starting back on structured training this week has left me more ‘wiped’ out than I realised. So I guess I‘m right in opting for the early start option for Reservoir Bogs next week. Could be a while before I get to report a gud’un!
TF
*Last summer I suffered a lot with excruciating foot pain when running on hard surfaces after changing to new, albeit same model, of fell shoes. Kinder Trog stood out in this respect as there’s a long stretch of stone slabs early on in the route. Finally I managed to solve the problem by switching model of shoe and paying more attention to ‘careful’ foot preparation. Note ‘careful’, as this involves a scalpel and something akin to ‘wet&dry’ sandpaper. Having watched the Chiropodist a few times, I realised I had the wherewithal to save myself a few quid. Usual disclaimers about ‘don’t try this at home’ apply as it’s not for those of a nervous/squeamish disposition and requires a steady hand, particularly when wielding something sharp and pointy and usually involved in blood-letting.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Tebay 11th June
A short (! Ed) report on my excursion to the Northern Howgills.
Decided I'd have a go at an A medium for a midweek evening race and this fitted the bill. I was a bit concerned that I wouldn't finish before dark but decided that the terrain looked to my liking so gave it a go. 94 starters and a fairly swift gently uphill start. I wanted to keep at the back but also needed to take account of my poor descending so settled into a rhythm with maybe a dozen or so trailing as we headed to the first checkpoint at two and half miles in about 31 minutes before the first sharp descent into Uldale where of course I was overhauled by the majority.
Up the other side where I could work a bit on the climb before hitting a a level path which followed the contour. Alas I found it difficult to run because of the narrowness of the path. Eventually a drop back down to the stream followed by a climb to Uldale Head (checkpoint 2) where I could see myself pulling back toward the runner in front of me. On the relatively gentle descent from Uldale Head, I caught up the runner and checked that he was okay to which he responded in the affirmative, although a bit knackered. We ran together trying to find the best line towards Wessell Gill and were caught by a group of three who all went away on the final steep descent into the gill.
Then a nice hill, 1,000 foot of climb in three quarters of mile to the top of Blease Fell where I pulled two of them back but the other two had held their lead and went away from the top. All down hill for the final 2 and a half miles from the last checkpoint but not steep so I was pulling back on the two ahead who'd caught up with another runner whilst keeping ahead of those I'd passed. Would have got them except for taking a wrong line at one point which probably only lost me a minute, two at most. In the end I was happy with a finishing time of 2:09:39 in 91st place. I'd climbed well, I was moving with decent speed over the last couple of miles and my knees hadn't broken down ~ and I wasn't last!
Pie & Peas and a Pint at the Tebay Club afterwards made for a good, if late, night, with a 70 minute drive home afterwards. Next year I believe the race will be on a Saturday and be an AM counter in the FRA Champs. Well recommended.
T'Yorkshireman
A short (! Ed) report on my excursion to the Northern Howgills.
Decided I'd have a go at an A medium for a midweek evening race and this fitted the bill. I was a bit concerned that I wouldn't finish before dark but decided that the terrain looked to my liking so gave it a go. 94 starters and a fairly swift gently uphill start. I wanted to keep at the back but also needed to take account of my poor descending so settled into a rhythm with maybe a dozen or so trailing as we headed to the first checkpoint at two and half miles in about 31 minutes before the first sharp descent into Uldale where of course I was overhauled by the majority.
Up the other side where I could work a bit on the climb before hitting a a level path which followed the contour. Alas I found it difficult to run because of the narrowness of the path. Eventually a drop back down to the stream followed by a climb to Uldale Head (checkpoint 2) where I could see myself pulling back toward the runner in front of me. On the relatively gentle descent from Uldale Head, I caught up the runner and checked that he was okay to which he responded in the affirmative, although a bit knackered. We ran together trying to find the best line towards Wessell Gill and were caught by a group of three who all went away on the final steep descent into the gill.
Then a nice hill, 1,000 foot of climb in three quarters of mile to the top of Blease Fell where I pulled two of them back but the other two had held their lead and went away from the top. All down hill for the final 2 and a half miles from the last checkpoint but not steep so I was pulling back on the two ahead who'd caught up with another runner whilst keeping ahead of those I'd passed. Would have got them except for taking a wrong line at one point which probably only lost me a minute, two at most. In the end I was happy with a finishing time of 2:09:39 in 91st place. I'd climbed well, I was moving with decent speed over the last couple of miles and my knees hadn't broken down ~ and I wasn't last!
Pie & Peas and a Pint at the Tebay Club afterwards made for a good, if late, night, with a 70 minute drive home afterwards. Next year I believe the race will be on a Saturday and be an AM counter in the FRA Champs. Well recommended.
T'Yorkshireman
Friday, June 13, 2008
Borrowdale
We did hear you! Entry list here Borrowdale Entries (for those that didn't believe him, no John though?). So how many do you reckon you'll beat then, not including the dns's & dnf's?
TF
We did hear you! Entry list here Borrowdale Entries (for those that didn't believe him, no John though?). So how many do you reckon you'll beat then, not including the dns's & dnf's?
TF
Thursday, June 12, 2008
A Sobering Thought (I've just got back from the Thatch)
The run we did tonight, that seemed to be a good distance, has been done by Rob Hope (that was his father who came past on the bike just before we set off) in 30 minutes and a few seconds.
For those that weren't listening (probably all of you) I've been accepted for Borrowdale ~ you don't have to go many years back and they were thanking you for entering.
EtU
The run we did tonight, that seemed to be a good distance, has been done by Rob Hope (that was his father who came past on the bike just before we set off) in 30 minutes and a few seconds.
For those that weren't listening (probably all of you) I've been accepted for Borrowdale ~ you don't have to go many years back and they were thanking you for entering.
EtU
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