Looking forward to Saturday run from Black Dog, will be there 8.30
NLN
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
New Post Has Arrived...
...but unlike the Peugeot, things didn't stop there. Got home last night to find the phone working, but no 1571 facility, even though it had taken a message from me earlier (more of this later). Apart from that, all seemed well until I logged on for my internet fix at about 10:00 pm, to find I had no connection. Tried all the usual stuff, unplug, reset etc, but to no avail. Rang a lady in India who had me doing all the same stuff again, and then some other things, but still no access. She said she'd ring me back, but she didn't (another clue here).
Rang India again and spoke to guy with an even stronger accent (I'm not racist, but [there's always a 'but'] if folk are going to be given help desk jobs, we at least ought to be able to understand what they say ~ also applies to doctors). However, accent or no accent, he latched onto the answer. He spotted that the number that I said I was ringing from wasn't the one showing on his screen ~ a little thought lead me to the conclusion that the pole man had wired me up to someone else's connection. Hence no email, no 1571 and no return call from the earlier lady!
They fixed it this morning, but I won't know whether I've got www access until this evening ~ I do hope so, as I've got a tax return to get in before midnight Saturday.
It goes to show that a bit of English frost, a French car and a pole can really play havoc with high technology ~ anyone got a carrier pigeon?
...but unlike the Peugeot, things didn't stop there. Got home last night to find the phone working, but no 1571 facility, even though it had taken a message from me earlier (more of this later). Apart from that, all seemed well until I logged on for my internet fix at about 10:00 pm, to find I had no connection. Tried all the usual stuff, unplug, reset etc, but to no avail. Rang a lady in India who had me doing all the same stuff again, and then some other things, but still no access. She said she'd ring me back, but she didn't (another clue here).
Rang India again and spoke to guy with an even stronger accent (I'm not racist, but [there's always a 'but'] if folk are going to be given help desk jobs, we at least ought to be able to understand what they say ~ also applies to doctors). However, accent or no accent, he latched onto the answer. He spotted that the number that I said I was ringing from wasn't the one showing on his screen ~ a little thought lead me to the conclusion that the pole man had wired me up to someone else's connection. Hence no email, no 1571 and no return call from the earlier lady!
They fixed it this morning, but I won't know whether I've got www access until this evening ~ I do hope so, as I've got a tax return to get in before midnight Saturday.
It goes to show that a bit of English frost, a French car and a pole can really play havoc with high technology ~ anyone got a carrier pigeon?
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Lyth and damn Lyth
The LDWA That's Lyth event is always a good run, well organised and with a testing, interesting and scenic route. So it was a great pity that I did not rise to the occasion, especially as the forecast snow did not materialise. In truth I was just not prepared physically for 23.5 miles with a fair degree of tough climbing. The weather was probably the best I have experienced on that event and the going just about the muddiest.
Fortunately, aided by a two day programme of drug taking (ibuprofen) the sciatica problem was kept at bay for the first half, not materialising until the second checkpoint at Witherslack. Progress up to that point had been steady, if slow and already I was six minutes behind my schedule when FSS marshalling at the first check point came in to view.
From there the route went over Whitbarrow Scar where an alternative descent is available for use in bad weather. I decided to recce the alternative for future reference and a GPS check later showed it to be only a quarter of a mile further. Two runners who were behind me, but within sight, at the start of the detour were just ahead of me when the routes merged. As they later proved to be much better descenders I cannot claim to have lost much time by my change of route. The dilemma is which to use next year. It was certainly a much safer way down the escarpment.
From 14 miles onwards the sciatica problem increased but was not wholly responsible for the slow pace. It just made for a painful drive home.
The final checkpoint at Cinderbarrow was well served as charmingly as ever by NLN. By that time the run was a dead cause and no amount of tea and biscuits was going to resussitate the deteriorating runner.
The final time of 5 hr 6 min was nearly 40 minutes slower than last year and 30 minutes slower that my previous worst. Not much prospect of good run at Anglezarke, another PW being likely.
And so to next Saturday's Anglezarke recce. I will be at Belmont at the appointed time. If we are to beat last year's time we will need to be back at the cars inside 3 hr 35 min.
The LDWA That's Lyth event is always a good run, well organised and with a testing, interesting and scenic route. So it was a great pity that I did not rise to the occasion, especially as the forecast snow did not materialise. In truth I was just not prepared physically for 23.5 miles with a fair degree of tough climbing. The weather was probably the best I have experienced on that event and the going just about the muddiest.
Fortunately, aided by a two day programme of drug taking (ibuprofen) the sciatica problem was kept at bay for the first half, not materialising until the second checkpoint at Witherslack. Progress up to that point had been steady, if slow and already I was six minutes behind my schedule when FSS marshalling at the first check point came in to view.
From there the route went over Whitbarrow Scar where an alternative descent is available for use in bad weather. I decided to recce the alternative for future reference and a GPS check later showed it to be only a quarter of a mile further. Two runners who were behind me, but within sight, at the start of the detour were just ahead of me when the routes merged. As they later proved to be much better descenders I cannot claim to have lost much time by my change of route. The dilemma is which to use next year. It was certainly a much safer way down the escarpment.
From 14 miles onwards the sciatica problem increased but was not wholly responsible for the slow pace. It just made for a painful drive home.
The final checkpoint at Cinderbarrow was well served as charmingly as ever by NLN. By that time the run was a dead cause and no amount of tea and biscuits was going to resussitate the deteriorating runner.
The final time of 5 hr 6 min was nearly 40 minutes slower than last year and 30 minutes slower that my previous worst. Not much prospect of good run at Anglezarke, another PW being likely.
And so to next Saturday's Anglezarke recce. I will be at Belmont at the appointed time. If we are to beat last year's time we will need to be back at the cars inside 3 hr 35 min.
Pole Dancing or What?
In these days of high technology and my increasing dependence on a (twice) daily internet fix, it was a bit of a shock to my system when a patch of black ice and an out of control Peugeot contrived to cut me off, not only from my telephone land line, but also from the internet.
Yesterday morning the car in question had gone out of control outside Watters' place, slid along the stone wall and then was brought to a halt by a good old wooden telegraph pole, right outside my front window. The pole moved slightly and in doing so had disconnected the BT wires serving all the houses in our terrace. Fortunately the driver was unhurt and didn't even seemed shaken up.
Subsequent discussions with BT resulted in them mobilising the "pole" team, who turned out and declared that a new pole was needed. This was due today, and as I write (from work) it could all now be sorted. But I can't tell, because the missus is out, and despite the disconnected wires the system was still taking messages on the BT 1571 facility, so when I ring and get the "leave a message" message I don't know whether it's because there's no-one in, or because the wires are still dangling.
Isn't life difficult?
EtU (unconnected that is)
In these days of high technology and my increasing dependence on a (twice) daily internet fix, it was a bit of a shock to my system when a patch of black ice and an out of control Peugeot contrived to cut me off, not only from my telephone land line, but also from the internet.
Yesterday morning the car in question had gone out of control outside Watters' place, slid along the stone wall and then was brought to a halt by a good old wooden telegraph pole, right outside my front window. The pole moved slightly and in doing so had disconnected the BT wires serving all the houses in our terrace. Fortunately the driver was unhurt and didn't even seemed shaken up.
Subsequent discussions with BT resulted in them mobilising the "pole" team, who turned out and declared that a new pole was needed. This was due today, and as I write (from work) it could all now be sorted. But I can't tell, because the missus is out, and despite the disconnected wires the system was still taking messages on the BT 1571 facility, so when I ring and get the "leave a message" message I don't know whether it's because there's no-one in, or because the wires are still dangling.
Isn't life difficult?
EtU (unconnected that is)
Monday, January 26, 2009
The Half Dozen
Six of us set off last Saturday from the Lower Barn in the direction of Darwen Tower. TF, who had another engagement, left us at Hordern Stoops. The rest carried on via Belmont and Catherine Edge. EtU and Matt, wanting to be back by 12.00, left us on Darwen Moor. That left me to follow NLN and NicO around the rest of the course. They were, however, very considerate. At Darwen Tower we had our usual picnic after which we went via Hollinshead Hall, Great Hill and Spittlers. I managed to do a YJ type fall on a stoney path but finished up with no more than a grazed leg. We arrived at the barn at about 12.25 and NLN's device showed 15.97 miles. We agreed that this was 16 miles in our books! A good morning out.
Six of us set off last Saturday from the Lower Barn in the direction of Darwen Tower. TF, who had another engagement, left us at Hordern Stoops. The rest carried on via Belmont and Catherine Edge. EtU and Matt, wanting to be back by 12.00, left us on Darwen Moor. That left me to follow NLN and NicO around the rest of the course. They were, however, very considerate. At Darwen Tower we had our usual picnic after which we went via Hollinshead Hall, Great Hill and Spittlers. I managed to do a YJ type fall on a stoney path but finished up with no more than a grazed leg. We arrived at the barn at about 12.25 and NLN's device showed 15.97 miles. We agreed that this was 16 miles in our books! A good morning out.
The Dozen
It seems that to do the round anti-clockwise is a Coope's Dozen and clockwise is a Zod Sepooc. It is, of course, permissable to do the round in some random order, that is, neither clockwise nor anti-clockwise. Perhaps such a round could be a ' Do Cope Zones' or 'Do Zones Cope?' or 'Sod Cope Zone'. Has anyone a better Idea?
It seems that to do the round anti-clockwise is a Coope's Dozen and clockwise is a Zod Sepooc. It is, of course, permissable to do the round in some random order, that is, neither clockwise nor anti-clockwise. Perhaps such a round could be a ' Do Cope Zones' or 'Do Zones Cope?' or 'Sod Cope Zone'. Has anyone a better Idea?
Flying the flag at the Northerns (XC)
I'd looked at the entry list in advanced and noticed the absence of both TF and YJ so knew I would be the only one from the group making the trip to St. Helens. Had to do the shopping so rushed off to Tesco at 9 o'clock with the unusual sight of Mr Charters running down our road - yes road!
Anyway got back and along with J and Parker (the current hound), headed off hoping to get there in time to watch the ladeez racing. Just made it as they were into the first lap, all ready to cheer on the big club contingent and of course, duaghter Diane who had travelled directly from York. Gave a cheer to Denise Wakefield - didn't recognise the vest but sure it was her, then Audrey Foster came past, wearing the colours of Northern Vets, and then doing quite wel came Diane, in her new colours of Saltwell Harriers but no red and black chevrons to be seen. Cheered Diane an as she took a couple of places finishing strongly, only 20 seconds adrift of Audrey. Diane's target was sub 50, making up the team - she almost broke 40 and was their second counter. Okay they were the last complete team, but they finished a team!
Plenty of time now time to find my clubmates and get my number from Pete or whoever had collected them. Had a wander round the tent village - got to 30 minutes before the start time so went to the tannoy van where they put a call out - after 10 minutes of nobody turning up, Diane suggested she went to the leisure centre whilst I hung around the van in case someone turned up. Diane returned with the numbers to Billy No-mates. So at 10 minutes before the start I appeared to be the sole representative of this proud club. Aha but where's Bazza - true to form he turns up - Diane had returned the numbers to the leisure centre - so hotfoots to get his and just makes the start lane. He beats but is lucky not to be dq'd, having mislaid his vest.
As you may have noticed I've not been doing much running of late, but was still happy with my performance, think I beat a few more than last year. I think the course was short - 12k in 58:03 is not much slower than my road pace - and it was very muddy with the odd hill.
But hope to be out Tuesday and Thursday this week as my TT match is on Wednesday (results are on the bolton tt site as well as in the BEN for anyone with time on their hands) and the Amble recce sounds like a good idea for next Saturday if I can get a pass out before probably going to the Galpharm.
Thought I may have seen you in T&T on Saturday, but some reasn you wer in the Bob Smithy!
I'd looked at the entry list in advanced and noticed the absence of both TF and YJ so knew I would be the only one from the group making the trip to St. Helens. Had to do the shopping so rushed off to Tesco at 9 o'clock with the unusual sight of Mr Charters running down our road - yes road!
Anyway got back and along with J and Parker (the current hound), headed off hoping to get there in time to watch the ladeez racing. Just made it as they were into the first lap, all ready to cheer on the big club contingent and of course, duaghter Diane who had travelled directly from York. Gave a cheer to Denise Wakefield - didn't recognise the vest but sure it was her, then Audrey Foster came past, wearing the colours of Northern Vets, and then doing quite wel came Diane, in her new colours of Saltwell Harriers but no red and black chevrons to be seen. Cheered Diane an as she took a couple of places finishing strongly, only 20 seconds adrift of Audrey. Diane's target was sub 50, making up the team - she almost broke 40 and was their second counter. Okay they were the last complete team, but they finished a team!
Plenty of time now time to find my clubmates and get my number from Pete or whoever had collected them. Had a wander round the tent village - got to 30 minutes before the start time so went to the tannoy van where they put a call out - after 10 minutes of nobody turning up, Diane suggested she went to the leisure centre whilst I hung around the van in case someone turned up. Diane returned with the numbers to Billy No-mates. So at 10 minutes before the start I appeared to be the sole representative of this proud club. Aha but where's Bazza - true to form he turns up - Diane had returned the numbers to the leisure centre - so hotfoots to get his and just makes the start lane. He beats but is lucky not to be dq'd, having mislaid his vest.
As you may have noticed I've not been doing much running of late, but was still happy with my performance, think I beat a few more than last year. I think the course was short - 12k in 58:03 is not much slower than my road pace - and it was very muddy with the odd hill.
But hope to be out Tuesday and Thursday this week as my TT match is on Wednesday (results are on the bolton tt site as well as in the BEN for anyone with time on their hands) and the Amble recce sounds like a good idea for next Saturday if I can get a pass out before probably going to the Galpharm.
Thought I may have seen you in T&T on Saturday, but some reasn you wer in the Bob Smithy!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Fourteen Months Later
It was 12th November 2007 when I wrote my last review on the Black Horse at Limbrick, shortly after it had re-opened as an Italian style gastro-pub. Not many months after, it had closed again, the new proprietors having "done a runner" according to folk at the Adlington Bay Horse.
Then, last week, I was informed by our roving reporter, TF (nice pics, shame about the opening time) that it was to re-open on Friday 23rd January. So, not being one to miss an occasion, there I was, complete with the Old Speckled Hen, the youngest daughter Meredith, Dean ( 25% of our World Silver Medal winning sleeper carrying squad) and Henry, the youngest grandson, peering through the window, at ten past six, only to see the new landlord, paintbrush in hand, behind the locked door. I pointed to my watch and he mouthed "seven o'clock".
Not being one to wait 50 minutes for a drink, I dragged the team off to the TaT to slake our thirsts. Saturday evening is, for some reason that I don't understand, Bob's Smithy, so it wasn't until tonight that we were back in Limbrick (sans youngsters).
This time it was open, and the new licensee (who could pass for a slightly butch Matt Lucas in a poor light), last seen in the Newhall Tavern at Salmesbury, now without paintbrush, was obviously keen to please. He seemed to have brought both his team and his menu with him, and the pub has reverted back to a more traditional British theme. The menu looked sensible and reasonably priced and the chips looked good. We didn't eat, but the beer (I tried the Ansells) was good and was priced at £2.50, which seems to be fairly standard locally.
It's good to see a pub reverting to a traditional style and I wish them well. Perhaps someone else could give it a try and offer a view on its suitability for the Vernal Equinox gathering.
It was 12th November 2007 when I wrote my last review on the Black Horse at Limbrick, shortly after it had re-opened as an Italian style gastro-pub. Not many months after, it had closed again, the new proprietors having "done a runner" according to folk at the Adlington Bay Horse.
Then, last week, I was informed by our roving reporter, TF (nice pics, shame about the opening time) that it was to re-open on Friday 23rd January. So, not being one to miss an occasion, there I was, complete with the Old Speckled Hen, the youngest daughter Meredith, Dean ( 25% of our World Silver Medal winning sleeper carrying squad) and Henry, the youngest grandson, peering through the window, at ten past six, only to see the new landlord, paintbrush in hand, behind the locked door. I pointed to my watch and he mouthed "seven o'clock".
Not being one to wait 50 minutes for a drink, I dragged the team off to the TaT to slake our thirsts. Saturday evening is, for some reason that I don't understand, Bob's Smithy, so it wasn't until tonight that we were back in Limbrick (sans youngsters).
This time it was open, and the new licensee (who could pass for a slightly butch Matt Lucas in a poor light), last seen in the Newhall Tavern at Salmesbury, now without paintbrush, was obviously keen to please. He seemed to have brought both his team and his menu with him, and the pub has reverted back to a more traditional British theme. The menu looked sensible and reasonably priced and the chips looked good. We didn't eat, but the beer (I tried the Ansells) was good and was priced at £2.50, which seems to be fairly standard locally.
It's good to see a pub reverting to a traditional style and I wish them well. Perhaps someone else could give it a try and offer a view on its suitability for the Vernal Equinox gathering.
Saturday 31st Jan
I like to join in for part of this. I hadn't planned on doing much (if anything) on Saturday next week as I'm entered in the Kinder Trial on Sunday (likely to be 4hr+).
I did the Belmont to Plantation bit this afternoon, so the only section I've not run is the Plantation to Cadshaw.
So Plan A - Leave car at car park at Reservoir. Run the route backwards until bump into Belmont group (hopefully at A666!). Run with Belmont group until Cadshaw. Say 'ta ra' to Belmont group. Run back to car.
I like to join in for part of this. I hadn't planned on doing much (if anything) on Saturday next week as I'm entered in the Kinder Trial on Sunday (likely to be 4hr+).
I did the Belmont to Plantation bit this afternoon, so the only section I've not run is the Plantation to Cadshaw.
So Plan A - Leave car at car park at Reservoir. Run the route backwards until bump into Belmont group (hopefully at A666!). Run with Belmont group until Cadshaw. Say 'ta ra' to Belmont group. Run back to car.
Plan B - only required if don't bump into Belmont group
Holiday Snaps
Tested out my new camera. The view on the west coast whilst having lunch, a sumptuous paella. You might just be able to make out the road as the faint white line ending at the 'half - moon' shaped opening half way up the picture.
This is a little village called Masca situated on the SW part of the Island. This only became accessible by car once the road was built in 1991. An amazing piece of civil engineering considering the state of some of the other roads on Tenerife. Need to allow plenty of time for lunch to settle before tackling this route.
TF
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Amble Recce. Saturday the 31st.
It has been suggested that next Saturday we do a recce of the Amble route from Belmont taking in The Strawberry Duck, Cadshaw, Darwen Tower then Catherine Edge back to Belmont. It is suggested that we start from The Black Dog at 8.30. I'm not saying who made these suggestions but if you disagree with the idea you're likely to get kickboxed. Please confirm agreement or otherwise.
It has been suggested that next Saturday we do a recce of the Amble route from Belmont taking in The Strawberry Duck, Cadshaw, Darwen Tower then Catherine Edge back to Belmont. It is suggested that we start from The Black Dog at 8.30. I'm not saying who made these suggestions but if you disagree with the idea you're likely to get kickboxed. Please confirm agreement or otherwise.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Zod Sepooc ~ Another Satisfied Customer
Thanks for a grand day out – although it was really a baker’s dozen as we did counting hill twice. It’s usually good to get more than you bargained for. I was really pleased to get round and get a long run under my belt with all your support.
HAL (AKA Mary W ~ Mary's nom de plume is a reference to her bad knee)
Thanks for a grand day out – although it was really a baker’s dozen as we did counting hill twice. It’s usually good to get more than you bargained for. I was really pleased to get round and get a long run under my belt with all your support.
HAL (AKA Mary W ~ Mary's nom de plume is a reference to her bad knee)
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
In Search of Speed
Just in case anyone else fancies a 10k on Sunday (25th Jan), I'm letting you know that I've entered Chernobyl (the one at this end of the M65, not the one in Russia). I believe you can enter on-line, see John Schofield's site.
Also UTUPing Thurs 22nd and Saturday 24th ~ word on the street is that JtE is looking for a long one ~ Darwen Tower, brace yourself!
Just in case anyone else fancies a 10k on Sunday (25th Jan), I'm letting you know that I've entered Chernobyl (the one at this end of the M65, not the one in Russia). I believe you can enter on-line, see John Schofield's site.
Also UTUPing Thurs 22nd and Saturday 24th ~ word on the street is that JtE is looking for a long one ~ Darwen Tower, brace yourself!
Too much of a good thing
Saturday's combination of a three-hour morning fell run and an afternoon cross country race was never going to be a good combination. However, the morning was most enjoyable marred only by a slow run back to the Top Barn from Spittlers Edge which did not bode well for the Mid Lancs fixture. The convoluted course at Worden Park was heavy going in places and good running in others. At least I was not last, by quite a long way. As ever there is a price to pay for such silliness and severe tiredness and lack of motivation has been the result.
Sunday brings the LDWA That's Lyth event which means I will not be running with the squad on Saturday. For once common sense has taken over and a quiet day (that means only a short run) is planned.
Saturday's combination of a three-hour morning fell run and an afternoon cross country race was never going to be a good combination. However, the morning was most enjoyable marred only by a slow run back to the Top Barn from Spittlers Edge which did not bode well for the Mid Lancs fixture. The convoluted course at Worden Park was heavy going in places and good running in others. At least I was not last, by quite a long way. As ever there is a price to pay for such silliness and severe tiredness and lack of motivation has been the result.
Sunday brings the LDWA That's Lyth event which means I will not be running with the squad on Saturday. For once common sense has taken over and a quiet day (that means only a short run) is planned.
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Congratulations Coope's Dozeners
Sorry to have missed the event. Well done everybody. Enjoyed similar weather on the Duddon Fells reccying the Cumbrian Traverse, as recommended by Paul Murray. We hope to do the full route in April with our mate Keith. Incredible storms on Friday and Saturday night but amazingly didn't get wet during the days, although the wind was challenging on the high fells.
Saturday saw us abandoning Keith's car at Broughton Mills and traversing a couple of Wainright's outliers before tackling Caw. Keith took the decision to go at a more leisurely pace at this juncture whilst we cracked on to White Maiden along the Duddon Race route over to Dow Cragg, Coniston Old Man, along the ridge to Swirral How before picking up the Old County Tops route down to Cockley Beck and along the valley back to High Moss. This gave us just under 16 miles and about 5,000ft climbing.
Back to the hut for hot showers and afternoon tea before indulging in the five course dinner prepared by the meet leaders Kath and John. Chance to get to know a few more Rucksackers - over several bottles of wine - well there were eight of us.
Sunday was a slightly more leisurely pace back over Caw, which for a little fell, does seem to go on for a bit, retracing our steps of yesterday to pick up Keith's car.
Harter Fell after a sprinking of snow on Saturday night
Harter Fell again, but a better image of High Moss in the bottom right hand corner
NLN
Zod Sepooc ~ Another Man’s View
Hi gang, THANKS for a great time, first LONG run of the year .. and very pleased with how the old body went after various bugs over the last few months ... The only after effect being a little nick on a toe where my nail dug in .. even managed to get down stairs unaided this morning. Off for a gentle 4 miles with Diane later ... WHERE is the snow?
A WINTER WANDER LAND !!!!!!
After a slightly later than planned arrival at the top barn .... bumped into Peter Kevan getting ready for his Saturday run ( sorry Pete ... hope you’re not too sore today ) .. so an extra FRIEND to chat to.
Off we set on the challenging Coope's Dozen ?? spirit's where high and chatter of quick times could be heard .... It's my second attempt and was really looking forward to what lay ahead .. although my lack of miles would be a problem .. so ran at a reasonable pace as most of out group BLASTED off ... mention here of Tony ( the SPEED KING ) ...
The reverse route leaves all the steep climbs ‘til the last few miles ... so the easy run out to Healey Nab was very enjoyable .. the first mile or so trying to avoid all the puddles ... but once my shoes and socks got wet it was more fun going through the water .. which was COLD .. can you get frost bite in your feet ?
We said goodbye to Julie there ... as she was off to another race (? Ed) the miles ticked over and I slowly remembered some of the landmarks as we reached them
I must thank the group again for arranging the weather .. although windy it was fair with some sunshine !! The going was soft but the lack of undergrowth really helped.
A few stops for water , wine gums and jelly babies ( thanks for the treats folks ) kept us all moving ... unassisted certainly made it all more interesting .. I dropped off a bottle of water at the cross over point on the road over Belmont ... next time something sweet as well (CAKES !! SCONES !! sorry no jam or cream planned).
We reached this point and lost (Y)John heading off the X Country race at Leyland (got reason) . With some tough climbs around the Winter Hill Fell race area to look forward too .. BRILL .. our heroes continued ...
All too soon the end was in sight .. I was very weary legged but very pleased too .. sorry for slowing the final group of three plus me down .. every body else looked so fresh .. Mary, Nicole and Ed .... Cheers ... wot next folks ??
Barry
Hi gang, THANKS for a great time, first LONG run of the year .. and very pleased with how the old body went after various bugs over the last few months ... The only after effect being a little nick on a toe where my nail dug in .. even managed to get down stairs unaided this morning. Off for a gentle 4 miles with Diane later ... WHERE is the snow?
A WINTER WANDER LAND !!!!!!
After a slightly later than planned arrival at the top barn .... bumped into Peter Kevan getting ready for his Saturday run ( sorry Pete ... hope you’re not too sore today ) .. so an extra FRIEND to chat to.
Off we set on the challenging Coope's Dozen ?? spirit's where high and chatter of quick times could be heard .... It's my second attempt and was really looking forward to what lay ahead .. although my lack of miles would be a problem .. so ran at a reasonable pace as most of out group BLASTED off ... mention here of Tony ( the SPEED KING ) ...
The reverse route leaves all the steep climbs ‘til the last few miles ... so the easy run out to Healey Nab was very enjoyable .. the first mile or so trying to avoid all the puddles ... but once my shoes and socks got wet it was more fun going through the water .. which was COLD .. can you get frost bite in your feet ?
We said goodbye to Julie there ... as she was off to another race (? Ed) the miles ticked over and I slowly remembered some of the landmarks as we reached them
I must thank the group again for arranging the weather .. although windy it was fair with some sunshine !! The going was soft but the lack of undergrowth really helped.
A few stops for water , wine gums and jelly babies ( thanks for the treats folks ) kept us all moving ... unassisted certainly made it all more interesting .. I dropped off a bottle of water at the cross over point on the road over Belmont ... next time something sweet as well (CAKES !! SCONES !! sorry no jam or cream planned).
We reached this point and lost (Y)John heading off the X Country race at Leyland (got reason) . With some tough climbs around the Winter Hill Fell race area to look forward too .. BRILL .. our heroes continued ...
All too soon the end was in sight .. I was very weary legged but very pleased too .. sorry for slowing the final group of three plus me down .. every body else looked so fresh .. Mary, Nicole and Ed .... Cheers ... wot next folks ??
Barry
A Clockwork Dozen
or A Dozen Coopes - If you can bear the thought.
Well done everyone who completed the course. I wish I could have stayed with you.
Are you sure EtU that you did add to the course length as a result of the Egg Hillock error? Whilst I've not measured it, I imagine that the route via the reservoir and the shooting hut etc. might in fact be longer. Perhaps we should get YJ or NLN to measure it properly.
or A Dozen Coopes - If you can bear the thought.
Well done everyone who completed the course. I wish I could have stayed with you.
Are you sure EtU that you did add to the course length as a result of the Egg Hillock error? Whilst I've not measured it, I imagine that the route via the reservoir and the shooting hut etc. might in fact be longer. Perhaps we should get YJ or NLN to measure it properly.
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