Ninety Days In
Today saw the completion of three months of my Joss preparation. My feelings of well-being, however came to an abrupt halt when I reached home after the morning's run and, having taken my Inov8s off on the step (as per standing orders), I entered the house to find water cascading (dripping actually, but cascading sounds better) down from the hall ceiling. Further, and rapid, investigation disclosed that the boiler (central heating that is, not the Old Speckled Hen) had blown a gasket and drenched the contents of my wardrobe in the bedroom above. My blue suede shoes were wet through and the dye had wreaked weird chromatographic patterns up my pink shirt. Thankfully my cowboy boots were unharmed and the rest of my tramps' outfits (as my children describe my clothes) were only mildly damp. Currently we are without heating or hot water (can't get the parts at weekend, see, mate), but can have hot showers; but there is a limit to how many showers it is reasonable to have in a 24 hour period.
But back to the main subject. Being fairly conservative (my politics are right of "fairly") I got 18 miles for today, which gave me 161 miles for February, giving me the planned weekly average of 40 for the month. No weight loss, although TF tells me that a pound of muscle weighs more than a pound of fat (she didn't actually say that) so although I'm just as heavy, I'm actually lighter ~ but should muscle hang over my belt the way that the fat did?
Seriously though, it is coming together; I am running better and I'm sure that another month will see some more noticeable improvement.
Enjoyed this morning, got home with 10 minutes to spare (12:20), if I'd carried on to Great Hill, my cowboy boots may have been spoiled as well!
EtU
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
End of an Era
The earliest mention that I can find in my training diaries, of a group Thursday evening run is an entry on 19th January 1989 which reads "A58 with Gary (Harold) and John (Coope) 7 miles".
My understanding is that the Saturday morning runs were developing at about the same time, but I didn't join those until later. Perhaps JtE can add something to the early history of the Saturday runs.
But back to Thursdays. The drive over to the UP has recently been less and less fruitful, with only the occasional meeting with Steve or the Galloping Major. Resort to Norman's sessions is not giving me the miles I am now seeking, so in future I will be running from home.
If anyone does fancy a Thursday UTUP run, please get in touch; perhaps there will be more interest after the clocks change.
Not checked the diaries that closely, but in that score of years, I've probably UTUPed approaching 900 times.
See you Saturday?
EtU
The earliest mention that I can find in my training diaries, of a group Thursday evening run is an entry on 19th January 1989 which reads "A58 with Gary (Harold) and John (Coope) 7 miles".
My understanding is that the Saturday morning runs were developing at about the same time, but I didn't join those until later. Perhaps JtE can add something to the early history of the Saturday runs.
But back to Thursdays. The drive over to the UP has recently been less and less fruitful, with only the occasional meeting with Steve or the Galloping Major. Resort to Norman's sessions is not giving me the miles I am now seeking, so in future I will be running from home.
If anyone does fancy a Thursday UTUP run, please get in touch; perhaps there will be more interest after the clocks change.
Not checked the diaries that closely, but in that score of years, I've probably UTUPed approaching 900 times.
See you Saturday?
EtU
Early Birds
I think 8:30am is an early enough start for you all. From a purely altruistic standpoint, it means I get a bit of a lie-in and will have chance to read my paper and have a cup of coffee while I wait for your arrival at Slipperlowe, no rush!
I'll have an early enough start on Sunday to make up for it. Having seen the start details I've noticed that I'm the only female doing the 4.5hr score event solo all the others are paired up. (You could have chosen to do a 3.5hr option or a 'scoreless' one). So a bit worried now that they know something I don't.
TF
I think 8:30am is an early enough start for you all. From a purely altruistic standpoint, it means I get a bit of a lie-in and will have chance to read my paper and have a cup of coffee while I wait for your arrival at Slipperlowe, no rush!
I'll have an early enough start on Sunday to make up for it. Having seen the start details I've noticed that I'm the only female doing the 4.5hr score event solo all the others are paired up. (You could have chosen to do a 3.5hr option or a 'scoreless' one). So a bit worried now that they know something I don't.
TF
Missing till March 14th
Won't be out with you for the next couple of weeks. Going to a Bach Partita this Saturday morn. Sounds pretty gruesome when you think about it. He's been gone for over 250 years.
The Saturday after I'm doing the Half Tour of Pendle. This means that compared with the Full Tour, I only get half the opportunity to lose my; way, glasses, drink, hat, tags, teeth etc.
Enjoy your Saturday outings.
Won't be out with you for the next couple of weeks. Going to a Bach Partita this Saturday morn. Sounds pretty gruesome when you think about it. He's been gone for over 250 years.
The Saturday after I'm doing the Half Tour of Pendle. This means that compared with the Full Tour, I only get half the opportunity to lose my; way, glasses, drink, hat, tags, teeth etc.
Enjoy your Saturday outings.
Its make your mind up time
We obviously need someone to organise us. Can I propose that we meet at the Lower Barn at the usual time (8.30) and proceed as described in the earlier posting. That would have us at the end of the track near Slipper Lowe at 10.00. On the other hand if EtU thinks we should be there by 9.30 I am happy to start at 8.00. Shall we have a show of hands?
We obviously need someone to organise us. Can I propose that we meet at the Lower Barn at the usual time (8.30) and proceed as described in the earlier posting. That would have us at the end of the track near Slipper Lowe at 10.00. On the other hand if EtU thinks we should be there by 9.30 I am happy to start at 8.00. Shall we have a show of hands?
Carnival Races Quiz Tonight (26/2)
Just noticed on the Harriers' site that tonight is the Carnival Quiz night. In the past I've been ably joined by the likes of Ed, Watters, and the Pres in a team. However, tonight I've a TT match so I'm going to have to miss it. Let me know how you get on - if you partake.
Running wise, February has been a dead loss for me. The shingles caused a reduction in acivity so I've not been getting in much mileage - did half an hour last night and although the time wasn't too bad, knees have started to feel it, no doubt due to restoring the 6 or 7 lbs that I'd lost last year.
I'll look to see whether I'm up to getting out on Saturday, other duties permitting but I think I've now run out of time to be in a fit state for t'hobble.
Just noticed on the Harriers' site that tonight is the Carnival Quiz night. In the past I've been ably joined by the likes of Ed, Watters, and the Pres in a team. However, tonight I've a TT match so I'm going to have to miss it. Let me know how you get on - if you partake.
Running wise, February has been a dead loss for me. The shingles caused a reduction in acivity so I've not been getting in much mileage - did half an hour last night and although the time wasn't too bad, knees have started to feel it, no doubt due to restoring the 6 or 7 lbs that I'd lost last year.
I'll look to see whether I'm up to getting out on Saturday, other duties permitting but I think I've now run out of time to be in a fit state for t'hobble.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Saturday 28th Feb Run
Spot on with 90mins YJ to Slipperlowe (6m point), I managed 90mins on Sunday to the gate at the end of the track. Total time on Sunday was 3hr40, slow I know, but needed a bit of time on my feet. I'm sure the quicker ones could do 3hrs.
Following your suggested route YJ, very roughly measured it's about 13.5m back to Horden Stoops. Back to the Lower Barn retracing your steps makes 16m. If you go back via the Mast and 2 Lads that's 18m.
Anyone else utuping on Saturday? Or have we put you off? Short route option available for those with injuries/pressing engagements/lazyitis.
TF
Spot on with 90mins YJ to Slipperlowe (6m point), I managed 90mins on Sunday to the gate at the end of the track. Total time on Sunday was 3hr40, slow I know, but needed a bit of time on my feet. I'm sure the quicker ones could do 3hrs.
Following your suggested route YJ, very roughly measured it's about 13.5m back to Horden Stoops. Back to the Lower Barn retracing your steps makes 16m. If you go back via the Mast and 2 Lads that's 18m.
Anyone else utuping on Saturday? Or have we put you off? Short route option available for those with injuries/pressing engagements/lazyitis.
TF
Midweek run
My midweek run (Tuesday) was very much, to borrow a phrase from Richard Askwith, a case a feet in the clouds. Approaching Rivington the tops of the Pike and 2 Lads were shrouded in mist and clag and by the time I got there a strong cold wind was blowing down Coal Pits Lane, conditions which left very few people attracted onto the moors -- just one over optimistic walker with a pair of binns round his neck and a couple of workmen up near the mast.
Conditions did not put a dampener on performance with the average pace being 13mins 07sec compared with 14mins 31 secs the previous week and 13mins 51 secs two weeks earlier. So some progress there.
Plan for the new month is to move to a new midweek route (probably heading out towards the Nab) and up the mileage to 10 or 11. I am going to try to settle on Tuesday for the midweek run so if anyone wants to join me we can discuss start times.
Saturday's outing was a route decided by committee but was nevertheless interesting if covering familiar territory. Pace, for the benefit of those involved, was 13mins 20 secs per mile. And I just about managed to keep up.
TF's new route linking Roddlesworth with Great Hill is one I have had in mind for some time and in fact discussed with a walker in that area a couple of weeks ago and was waiting for an opportunity to try it out before inflicting on the squad. So having been pre-empted I'm happy to give it a go on Saturday.
Here's a suggested route: Lower Barn, Top Barn, Ammo Corner, allotments, Dog Bucket Farm,
Slipper Lowe, follow TF's guidance to Great Hill, Spittlers Edge, Horden Stoop and then, depending on time and energy either back by the outward route to the Lower Barn or up the diagonal ( for the climb) and then via 2 Lads and back to the Lower Barn . Would someone like to measure the distance(s)?
We should be able to make Slipper Lowe car park in 90 minutes from the Lower Barn.
My midweek run (Tuesday) was very much, to borrow a phrase from Richard Askwith, a case a feet in the clouds. Approaching Rivington the tops of the Pike and 2 Lads were shrouded in mist and clag and by the time I got there a strong cold wind was blowing down Coal Pits Lane, conditions which left very few people attracted onto the moors -- just one over optimistic walker with a pair of binns round his neck and a couple of workmen up near the mast.
Conditions did not put a dampener on performance with the average pace being 13mins 07sec compared with 14mins 31 secs the previous week and 13mins 51 secs two weeks earlier. So some progress there.
Plan for the new month is to move to a new midweek route (probably heading out towards the Nab) and up the mileage to 10 or 11. I am going to try to settle on Tuesday for the midweek run so if anyone wants to join me we can discuss start times.
Saturday's outing was a route decided by committee but was nevertheless interesting if covering familiar territory. Pace, for the benefit of those involved, was 13mins 20 secs per mile. And I just about managed to keep up.
TF's new route linking Roddlesworth with Great Hill is one I have had in mind for some time and in fact discussed with a walker in that area a couple of weeks ago and was waiting for an opportunity to try it out before inflicting on the squad. So having been pre-empted I'm happy to give it a go on Saturday.
Here's a suggested route: Lower Barn, Top Barn, Ammo Corner, allotments, Dog Bucket Farm,
Slipper Lowe, follow TF's guidance to Great Hill, Spittlers Edge, Horden Stoop and then, depending on time and energy either back by the outward route to the Lower Barn or up the diagonal ( for the climb) and then via 2 Lads and back to the Lower Barn . Would someone like to measure the distance(s)?
We should be able to make Slipper Lowe car park in 90 minutes from the Lower Barn.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
March's Running Diary
I'll be out this weekend but only putting in a brief appearance as I've got a 4.5hr navigating event on Saddleworth Moor on Sunday. The 7th and 14th March are Black Coombe and Trollers Trot respectively. So that means 21st and 28th March are the next Saturdays when I'd be available for guiding the Watson's Farm - Wheelton section and doing the full route.
Alternatively, if any one fancies a crack at this route on Saturday, I could meet up with you all en-route at the end of the track on the Tockholes Road (GR 666192), and run with you to White Coppice (GR 627191) where I would then depart left up towards Great Hill and then back to the car park. This would give me about 7-8m, and about 1hr45, which would be the most I'd be looking for this Saturday.
Other permutations are possible, but depends on who's running and how much they want to do.
TF
I'll be out this weekend but only putting in a brief appearance as I've got a 4.5hr navigating event on Saddleworth Moor on Sunday. The 7th and 14th March are Black Coombe and Trollers Trot respectively. So that means 21st and 28th March are the next Saturdays when I'd be available for guiding the Watson's Farm - Wheelton section and doing the full route.
Alternatively, if any one fancies a crack at this route on Saturday, I could meet up with you all en-route at the end of the track on the Tockholes Road (GR 666192), and run with you to White Coppice (GR 627191) where I would then depart left up towards Great Hill and then back to the car park. This would give me about 7-8m, and about 1hr45, which would be the most I'd be looking for this Saturday.
Other permutations are possible, but depends on who's running and how much they want to do.
TF
Sunday, February 22, 2009
The Gas Man Cometh...
but unfortunately with the wrong part. Not Tony's fault, I should hasten to add, as getting replacement parts for a 10yr old gas fire was always going to prove troublesome. The omens were there when none of the phone numbers on the instruction manual existed any longer. Might turn out to be a 'paper-clip' job.
Having consigned the long run to Sunday this week, I stuck with the plans. This gave me the chance to test out a new variation on a tried and tested route. YJ took a few of you on a circuit last year that went through Tockholes Wood to Abbey Village and then onto Wheelton Plantation. Having looked at the map I wondered if I could find a route that avoided the road section from Abbey Village. A green dashed line from Watson's Farm (GR SD656209) looked promising.
And so it proved. So setting off from Rivington Barn my route took me via Hordens Stoop, Belmont and Catherines Edge. At the little bridge (path junctions) in Tockholes Wood I headed straight up to the road and Watson's Farm. It was a bit 'sticky' in the first two fields after the farm, but when I turned left towards 'Stepping Stones' it became a nice runable trod all the way to Wheelton Plantation. At this point, rather than take the path through the woods I decide to follow the trod alongside the top edge of the wood to a stile (GR SD627203) and then beared very slightly uphill following the trod to the wall, it then contoured round the hill (along the wall) to the point where it met the path going down to White Coppice (GR SD627191). From there the usual route back to Rivi Barn. Not alot of climbs, but got it close to 15m on the map.
I have to say I really enjoyed this today. I'd wanted to pick a route that I could run at a nice steady continuous pace, and this certainly fitted the bill. A good route for a bad weather day when you don't want to be on the tops but still want a good run out with a minimal amount of tarmac.
TF
but unfortunately with the wrong part. Not Tony's fault, I should hasten to add, as getting replacement parts for a 10yr old gas fire was always going to prove troublesome. The omens were there when none of the phone numbers on the instruction manual existed any longer. Might turn out to be a 'paper-clip' job.
Having consigned the long run to Sunday this week, I stuck with the plans. This gave me the chance to test out a new variation on a tried and tested route. YJ took a few of you on a circuit last year that went through Tockholes Wood to Abbey Village and then onto Wheelton Plantation. Having looked at the map I wondered if I could find a route that avoided the road section from Abbey Village. A green dashed line from Watson's Farm (GR SD656209) looked promising.
And so it proved. So setting off from Rivington Barn my route took me via Hordens Stoop, Belmont and Catherines Edge. At the little bridge (path junctions) in Tockholes Wood I headed straight up to the road and Watson's Farm. It was a bit 'sticky' in the first two fields after the farm, but when I turned left towards 'Stepping Stones' it became a nice runable trod all the way to Wheelton Plantation. At this point, rather than take the path through the woods I decide to follow the trod alongside the top edge of the wood to a stile (GR SD627203) and then beared very slightly uphill following the trod to the wall, it then contoured round the hill (along the wall) to the point where it met the path going down to White Coppice (GR SD627191). From there the usual route back to Rivi Barn. Not alot of climbs, but got it close to 15m on the map.
I have to say I really enjoyed this today. I'd wanted to pick a route that I could run at a nice steady continuous pace, and this certainly fitted the bill. A good route for a bad weather day when you don't want to be on the tops but still want a good run out with a minimal amount of tarmac.
TF
The Saturday after....
Yesterday the depleted 'team' was NicO, YJ and me. An easy run was readily agreed upon at the start, bearing in mind the rigours if the previous Saturday. I think YJ and I were basically tired and NicO suffered a sore knee brought about by a downhill pounding in the company of NLN last week. The route was a reverse Coope's Dozen as far as White Coppice then Waterman's Cottage and continuing along the tarmac road and gravel path to the area of the bomber memorial. From there it was the forestry road and other paths to Ammunition Corner and the finish. YJ said it was 11 miles and that was good enough for NicO and me.
Yesterday the depleted 'team' was NicO, YJ and me. An easy run was readily agreed upon at the start, bearing in mind the rigours if the previous Saturday. I think YJ and I were basically tired and NicO suffered a sore knee brought about by a downhill pounding in the company of NLN last week. The route was a reverse Coope's Dozen as far as White Coppice then Waterman's Cottage and continuing along the tarmac road and gravel path to the area of the bomber memorial. From there it was the forestry road and other paths to Ammunition Corner and the finish. YJ said it was 11 miles and that was good enough for NicO and me.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Report from the Brother (Notso) Swift
Go on then, although I was hoping to be able to lick my (metaphorical) wounds alone.
I did it all wrong, didn't I. Moderate drinking on Friday night, and got me to the start on time. Not my usual preparation! Started off steady (with the ever present Matt), but we weren't together for very long. He soon realised that he was backing a loser and from the top of the Pike, off he went.
Having made a steady start, I had a steady middle, and an even steadier finish. Ran the middle section with Bowland Wayne, but I lost him on Darwen Moor when nature called and I found out that whilst damp sphagnum makes a quite acceptable replacement for toilet paper, frozen sphagnum is a quite different and much more uncomfortable matter. Suffice to say, Wayne got clean away and the next familiar face I saw (apart from the marshals) was Richard Longlands (of Horwich) when I passed him on the run in by Anglezarke quarries.
Arrived at the finish to see Wayne with an empty plate, having taken enough out of me to finish his lunch before I got back.
Pleased to see so many friends, happy with their outstanding runs. For me, a good, but not great morning out, but at least it was another 24 miles in the bank. I think the problem was that it was too soon after the previous weekend, what with three hours on Saturday and Winter Hill on Sunday ~ perhaps we could move to an eight day week to give more recovery time.
If it's clear on Saturday morning, look north to see me waving from the top of Gable.
TF ~ hope you don't suffer from the gasman position ~ where you stay in all day, but nobody comes.
EtU
Go on then, although I was hoping to be able to lick my (metaphorical) wounds alone.
I did it all wrong, didn't I. Moderate drinking on Friday night, and got me to the start on time. Not my usual preparation! Started off steady (with the ever present Matt), but we weren't together for very long. He soon realised that he was backing a loser and from the top of the Pike, off he went.
Having made a steady start, I had a steady middle, and an even steadier finish. Ran the middle section with Bowland Wayne, but I lost him on Darwen Moor when nature called and I found out that whilst damp sphagnum makes a quite acceptable replacement for toilet paper, frozen sphagnum is a quite different and much more uncomfortable matter. Suffice to say, Wayne got clean away and the next familiar face I saw (apart from the marshals) was Richard Longlands (of Horwich) when I passed him on the run in by Anglezarke quarries.
Arrived at the finish to see Wayne with an empty plate, having taken enough out of me to finish his lunch before I got back.
Pleased to see so many friends, happy with their outstanding runs. For me, a good, but not great morning out, but at least it was another 24 miles in the bank. I think the problem was that it was too soon after the previous weekend, what with three hours on Saturday and Winter Hill on Sunday ~ perhaps we could move to an eight day week to give more recovery time.
If it's clear on Saturday morning, look north to see me waving from the top of Gable.
TF ~ hope you don't suffer from the gasman position ~ where you stay in all day, but nobody comes.
EtU
And then there were four...
As if being run ragged every Saturday by our ladies was not enough I dared to venture out onto the fells with daughter Sally on Wednesday, she being much improved over the last 12 months and fresh from a 10-mile race last Sunday in about 93 minutes. We tackled the route I had done the previous midweek and she pressed me on all the early climbs, not falling back until the descent to the wooden bridge and the drop down the Sheep's Back.
Our time was about 10 minutes slower than mine of the previous midweek and probably reflected the fact that I was not fully recovered from the Amble.
And what about the Amble. Congratulations to all who finished ahead of me and commiserations to those who came in behind. My time was about a minute a mile slower than last year in spite of feeling good during a 24-mile chase of Matt who passed me on the descent of the Ramp and stayed elusively in sight until Darwen Moor. I had no idea of where the rest of the squad were as I had not seen anyone ahead of me over the first couple of miles. So Nico and NLN must have had a very fast start that put them right out of sight by the time I reached the Pike and they continued to remain so until the finish. In other words another typical Saturday performance. Well done.
As far as next Sturday is concerned I shall be UTUPing not sure what I shall be fit for but ready to bow to the concensus.
As if being run ragged every Saturday by our ladies was not enough I dared to venture out onto the fells with daughter Sally on Wednesday, she being much improved over the last 12 months and fresh from a 10-mile race last Sunday in about 93 minutes. We tackled the route I had done the previous midweek and she pressed me on all the early climbs, not falling back until the descent to the wooden bridge and the drop down the Sheep's Back.
Our time was about 10 minutes slower than mine of the previous midweek and probably reflected the fact that I was not fully recovered from the Amble.
And what about the Amble. Congratulations to all who finished ahead of me and commiserations to those who came in behind. My time was about a minute a mile slower than last year in spite of feeling good during a 24-mile chase of Matt who passed me on the descent of the Ramp and stayed elusively in sight until Darwen Moor. I had no idea of where the rest of the squad were as I had not seen anyone ahead of me over the first couple of miles. So Nico and NLN must have had a very fast start that put them right out of sight by the time I reached the Pike and they continued to remain so until the finish. In other words another typical Saturday performance. Well done.
As far as next Sturday is concerned I shall be UTUPing not sure what I shall be fit for but ready to bow to the concensus.
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