Didn't manage to get to Liver Hill last night, but still planning to UTUP Thursday ~ physio clinic Chorley Old Road 6:30.
Saturday, breaking with tradition and not Scafell Piking. Planning to UTUP, unless someone comes up with something more adventurous, but must be back in time to register for the Pike Race.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Did he eat it?
YJ says “I’ll bet he doesn’t”.
Erica says “Go on, eat it”.
Peter says “I’m very worried”.
FSS says “If he does I’ll have a picture”.
Christina says “I daren’t look”.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Last Week Next Week
John, glad you enjoyed Friday, I'm sure we all did, apparently the Thatch is advertising for a new chef, was it something we said?
Apologies to new Ray who wasn't aware of the do, and thank-you to him for these photos of Saturdays run.
...when we visited Healey Nab:-
Apologies to new Ray who wasn't aware of the do, and thank-you to him for these photos of Saturdays run.
...when we visited Healey Nab:-
Then Great Hill
Then we decided not to visit the Tower of Terror.
Some of us visited the Bomber Memorial.
Before gradually dispersing as we neared home. An excellent morning.
Tuesday I'm doing Liver Hill from the Marlpits.
Thursday I'm doing my lonely UTUP from the physio clinic on Chorley Old Road at 6:30 and celebrating the first light Thursday evening of 2010.
Saturday, not sure yet.
John, did that bird carry that fish all the way from Africa?
Saturday, March 27, 2010
The bird is back
The same female osprey has arrived back at Loch Garten for the eighth successive season, bang on time, and having flown probably from Senegal. Marvellous isn’t it?
Thanks
Many thanks to all the members of our gang for making my 75th. such a memorable occasion. I was not very happy about my age as I woke up on Thursday but the efforts of everyone in the ensuing days made it more than bearable. Thanks EtU for organizing things at the T & T including the provision of the cake and the arrangements for the supplying of the candles. That was a scream! Thanks also to TLoB for that very eloquent blog posting. I am sure it was all undeserved.
Thanks to you all for dragging me along and please remember that whilst I have passed this milestone I am still 21 in my head - so watch out!
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Just Your Luck EtU?
Now would I try a thing like that? Actually, since seeing your posting, I have tried very hard but have not come up with anything else worth publishing!
Birthday Greetings
I feel it would be remiss of me to let the occasion pass without saying a few words on JtE’s 75th birthday.
I have had the privilege of knowing JtE a long time and have spent many a happy hour in his company, whether it be running on the moors or sitting having a drink or enjoying a meal or just having a chat.
There is no doubt that JtE is one of life’s gentlemen. Unlike the rest of the Thursday night mob (historical note; my running days up north finished in 1999 and so all references refer to the 90s) his world does not revolve around beer, women and football (perm any combination you like) and he can be relied upon to try and raise the tone (probably easier now that I am down south).
His enthusiasm for running is just as strong as ever and there have been many occasions when JtE (and EtU) have nursed me back from a long back-induced lay-off, with both kindness and encouragement – something I am truly grateful for. His own comeback from serious illness is an example to us all.
So tonight please raise a glass in honour of JtE ~ Happy Birthday John.
TLoB
I have had the privilege of knowing JtE a long time and have spent many a happy hour in his company, whether it be running on the moors or sitting having a drink or enjoying a meal or just having a chat.
There is no doubt that JtE is one of life’s gentlemen. Unlike the rest of the Thursday night mob (historical note; my running days up north finished in 1999 and so all references refer to the 90s) his world does not revolve around beer, women and football (perm any combination you like) and he can be relied upon to try and raise the tone (probably easier now that I am down south).
His enthusiasm for running is just as strong as ever and there have been many occasions when JtE (and EtU) have nursed me back from a long back-induced lay-off, with both kindness and encouragement – something I am truly grateful for. His own comeback from serious illness is an example to us all.
So tonight please raise a glass in honour of JtE ~ Happy Birthday John.
TLoB
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Just My Luck
Just to spoil JtE's fun before he turns his anagrammatical talents in my direction, I have decided to come out and declare that I am, using my Sunday name, the "Widest Dwarf".
Anagrams
Mr. Beesley’s rudeness to our friend T’Y prompted me, some time ago, to look at a few other anagrams of a more kindly nature. I don’t know if T’Y had been in a band in his youth but, if so, they would have done rot song. If he does his mountain marathon it will be one strong do. If anyone reading this worries that they might occasionally jump a traffic light they shouldn’t because tons go on red. They say that T’Y was godfather to a boy who took up singing and became a tenor godson. Finally, the advice given by many a Yorkshireman, in his vernacular, is “Ner nod to dogs”.
T’Y, as many of you know, supports Huddersfield Town, also known as the Derided Woefuls: HTN.
Has Spring Sprung?
The (probably not so) old ditty goes:
Spring has sprung,
The Grass is riz,
I wonder where the birdy is.
The bird is on the wing;
But that's absurd,
The wing is on the bird.
Any more known?
But seriously (only slightly more so) when does spring actually begin? My understanding is that it traditionally starts on the vernal equinox, which is on the 21st of March, although the popular press now seems to favour the 1st of March; perhaps that's just if there is a shortage of news or a surfeit of lambs to photograph - YJ will tell you how, as a cub reporter, he was the one sent out with the photographer to throw an unwilling lamb into the air to be pictured as if it were leaping, full of the joys of spring.
But checking (now he's starting a paragraph with a conjuntion!) on http://www.canterburyweather.co.uk/sun/ukmap.php?d=13&m=2&y=2010 I now find that the equinox in Manchester was on 17th March (sun rose 6:18 set 18:17) so when did spring start?
Moving on, my spring starts when the clocks change and I can get onto the fells in the light after work.
Would anyone like to celebrate this with me by joining me UTUP on Maunday Thursday 1st April? I'll be there.
By the way, (or even, by the wayside) I saw my first trace of green on a hawthorn hedge this morning, perhaps that means that spring really has sprung.
Spring has sprung,
The Grass is riz,
I wonder where the birdy is.
The bird is on the wing;
But that's absurd,
The wing is on the bird.
Any more known?
But seriously (only slightly more so) when does spring actually begin? My understanding is that it traditionally starts on the vernal equinox, which is on the 21st of March, although the popular press now seems to favour the 1st of March; perhaps that's just if there is a shortage of news or a surfeit of lambs to photograph - YJ will tell you how, as a cub reporter, he was the one sent out with the photographer to throw an unwilling lamb into the air to be pictured as if it were leaping, full of the joys of spring.
But checking (now he's starting a paragraph with a conjuntion!) on http://www.canterburyweather.co.uk/sun/ukmap.php?d=13&m=2&y=2010 I now find that the equinox in Manchester was on 17th March (sun rose 6:18 set 18:17) so when did spring start?
Moving on, my spring starts when the clocks change and I can get onto the fells in the light after work.
Would anyone like to celebrate this with me by joining me UTUP on Maunday Thursday 1st April? I'll be there.
By the way, (or even, by the wayside) I saw my first trace of green on a hawthorn hedge this morning, perhaps that means that spring really has sprung.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
The Great Comeback
It was all the mother-in-law’s fault. If she hadn’t fallen off her broomstick and broken her hip, I would have spent my weekend in Bristol not Bolton. Anyway as a result of her accident we headed north on Friday, the M6 was its usual self so by the time we reached Bolton I was in need of beer. So I immediately thought of EtU and headed for the T&T. After recovering from the shock of getting change from a fiver for two pints, I said to EtU that I had been given the all clear to try a slow run after a 26 month lay-off. A run was duly arranged.
The next morning , (Saturday in case anyone is not paying attention), I parked up at the bottom of the rough track leading to the Pigeon Tower, and set off – walking. That track was steep enough when I could run and was used to the hills (geographical note; no such thing as hills in Berkshire), so in my present palsied state there was no way I was even going to attempt to run it. However, once I reached Georges Lane, I broke into a slow jog and managed to get as far as the Pike Race gate without walking, which, before anyone starts scoffing, was a great achievement considering how bad I was a year ago. By this time it had started raining, the clag was down and I was getting cold, so I started down the Pike Race route and soon saw three figures coming up the hill, EtU, JtE and a lady, and further off in the distance the unmistakeable figure of Rondest Goon. I was introduced to Pauline, and I was delighted to meet up again with JtE after almost five years. Such was my joy that I was equally glad to see Drongo Tones again, although of course this did not prevent me from insulting him. One of the great features of Thursday nights used to be Goon baiting, and I had a lot of catching up to do. It really isn’t anything personal, but I do like traditions and I feel it would have been remiss of me not to hurl a few (?) insults in the direction of the Strong No Ode.
Of course, as soon as we started the ascent of the Pike, the insults had to stop – too knackered to talk. At the top we sheltered from the rain before setting off down. We headed up Georges Lane and then peeled off to Noon Hill. At was at this point I realised just how unfit I had become, and I decided to turn back along with EtU who had to be home by 11. An undignified clamber over a fence and a nice run across and down the slope soon brought me back to the car, tired and wet but happy.
Touch wood, the back stood up to it all ok, and I am very grateful to the others for their support. I look forward to the next time.
The Lord of Brentford
The next morning , (Saturday in case anyone is not paying attention), I parked up at the bottom of the rough track leading to the Pigeon Tower, and set off – walking. That track was steep enough when I could run and was used to the hills (geographical note; no such thing as hills in Berkshire), so in my present palsied state there was no way I was even going to attempt to run it. However, once I reached Georges Lane, I broke into a slow jog and managed to get as far as the Pike Race gate without walking, which, before anyone starts scoffing, was a great achievement considering how bad I was a year ago. By this time it had started raining, the clag was down and I was getting cold, so I started down the Pike Race route and soon saw three figures coming up the hill, EtU, JtE and a lady, and further off in the distance the unmistakeable figure of Rondest Goon. I was introduced to Pauline, and I was delighted to meet up again with JtE after almost five years. Such was my joy that I was equally glad to see Drongo Tones again, although of course this did not prevent me from insulting him. One of the great features of Thursday nights used to be Goon baiting, and I had a lot of catching up to do. It really isn’t anything personal, but I do like traditions and I feel it would have been remiss of me not to hurl a few (?) insults in the direction of the Strong No Ode.
Of course, as soon as we started the ascent of the Pike, the insults had to stop – too knackered to talk. At the top we sheltered from the rain before setting off down. We headed up Georges Lane and then peeled off to Noon Hill. At was at this point I realised just how unfit I had become, and I decided to turn back along with EtU who had to be home by 11. An undignified clamber over a fence and a nice run across and down the slope soon brought me back to the car, tired and wet but happy.
Touch wood, the back stood up to it all ok, and I am very grateful to the others for their support. I look forward to the next time.
The Lord of Brentford
Monday, March 22, 2010
Ras Yr Aran (10m/2500ft) Saturday 20th March
Well I'm still none the wiser as to how it's pronounced, as I meant to ask but forgot. I'm equally none the wiser as to the view from the top as I didn't linger long and you could only see about 10m ahead. It was handy then that there was a fence to follow all the way up. Although I was getting a bit worried as to whether I should be on the left or the right.
Rightly too, as just before the final summit, the fence came to a 'T' junction. Not too critical this year as there was a snow drift allowing me to walk over the top of the last part, so technically I didn't 'climb' the fence. For reference (and not to upset the organiser/farmers) you need to be on the left side as you near the summit to gain access to the last ladder stile.
A runner ahead with local knowledge, helped me avoid the worst of the rocks on the way back down. Once we'd come out of the mist I could then finally enjoy the view coming down the lovely grassy descent. I think taking in the view was why I managed a spectacular cartwheel at one point. So eyes firmly fixed on the terrain ahead after that. I'd set myself a target of 3hrs, and think I managed about 2:52/2:53, no results published as yet.
TF
Well I'm still none the wiser as to how it's pronounced, as I meant to ask but forgot. I'm equally none the wiser as to the view from the top as I didn't linger long and you could only see about 10m ahead. It was handy then that there was a fence to follow all the way up. Although I was getting a bit worried as to whether I should be on the left or the right.
Rightly too, as just before the final summit, the fence came to a 'T' junction. Not too critical this year as there was a snow drift allowing me to walk over the top of the last part, so technically I didn't 'climb' the fence. For reference (and not to upset the organiser/farmers) you need to be on the left side as you near the summit to gain access to the last ladder stile.
A runner ahead with local knowledge, helped me avoid the worst of the rocks on the way back down. Once we'd come out of the mist I could then finally enjoy the view coming down the lovely grassy descent. I think taking in the view was why I managed a spectacular cartwheel at one point. So eyes firmly fixed on the terrain ahead after that. I'd set myself a target of 3hrs, and think I managed about 2:52/2:53, no results published as yet.
TF
Even More on the Two Crosses
Had a great morning. The Two Crosses was great fun. Managed to finish in 2 hours 53 minutes. Got a bit lost at the top with the mist.
Did the 18 miles which was really just short of 17 miles.
Great company as usual as you would expect at a fell run. The feeding stations were excellent with brandy and whiskey provided at the naughty corner.
NR
Did the 18 miles which was really just short of 17 miles.
Great company as usual as you would expect at a fell run. The feeding stations were excellent with brandy and whiskey provided at the naughty corner.
NR
Sunday, March 21, 2010
More on the Two Crosses
I staggered in even later than NicO - much later. I also started later, about thirty minutes later to allow last minute entries and late arrivals to set off. With fellow sweeper, we set off and were within about 20 yards of the back-markers where the two routes split (and they followed the 18 mile route). We continued on the full route but never actually caught the final 25 mile finishers due to a combination of their good speed, time spent at checkpoints checking over potential disappearances and me suffering from a blistered heal from about two hours in. I was also purposely carrying a fair sized pack of about 7kg for practice. BTW, we were walking not running and I shall be throwing the walking socks I wore into the bin as that was the diagnosis of the cause of my discomfort.
The weather varied from coldish fog early on to blazing sunshine in the early afternoon, finishing with a light shower in the final mile. Only 91 of the 214 who started actually took the full 25 mile route and I suspect a good proportion were runners.
Following two days of two hour (or more) runs, I found it a hard day out - much harder than last week's Hobble but it's all miles in the bank.
Changing the subject, Beesley was much better behaved in the evening as we ate at the Bay Horse where the food was quite good (although the menu a little limited) but the beer was unsurpassable.
The weather varied from coldish fog early on to blazing sunshine in the early afternoon, finishing with a light shower in the final mile. Only 91 of the 214 who started actually took the full 25 mile route and I suspect a good proportion were runners.
Following two days of two hour (or more) runs, I found it a hard day out - much harder than last week's Hobble but it's all miles in the bank.
Changing the subject, Beesley was much better behaved in the evening as we ate at the Bay Horse where the food was quite good (although the menu a little limited) but the beer was unsurpassable.
Pre London Fleet Half Marathon
Only half successful at the Fleet Half Marathon in that I was unable to improve on my Blackpool time. Hugely rewarding was the win in the over 70 group with a time of 1hr 42 min 23 secs which came on a much more undulating course on a day approaching 15 degs, so different from the snow and ice of a month ago.
An initial short lap round Fleet reminded me why I don't like these big entry marathons as bunching made the first mile painfully slow a pace which later picked up to average 7 mins 39 secs per mile.
Roger was the star of the day with a time of 1 hr 25 mins but beaten for the over 60 prize by a couple of seconds, losing out to a man he had battled with over the last few miles
Sally managed 2 hr 11 mins, slightly slower than her target, finishing strongly and looking good for her London debut.
Overall positions will have to wait until publication of the official results.
Next up is the Brighton Marathon in four weeks time.
Only half successful at the Fleet Half Marathon in that I was unable to improve on my Blackpool time. Hugely rewarding was the win in the over 70 group with a time of 1hr 42 min 23 secs which came on a much more undulating course on a day approaching 15 degs, so different from the snow and ice of a month ago.
An initial short lap round Fleet reminded me why I don't like these big entry marathons as bunching made the first mile painfully slow a pace which later picked up to average 7 mins 39 secs per mile.
Roger was the star of the day with a time of 1 hr 25 mins but beaten for the over 60 prize by a couple of seconds, losing out to a man he had battled with over the last few miles
Sally managed 2 hr 11 mins, slightly slower than her target, finishing strongly and looking good for her London debut.
Overall positions will have to wait until publication of the official results.
Next up is the Brighton Marathon in four weeks time.
Two Crosses
Just staggered in from the Two Crosses LDWA event. We managed the 18mile route (which is 16.6miles really) in 3 hours 22. It really was a lovely event. The dog was great but looked absolutely shattered when we got back. New Ray passed us fairly early on looking strong.
NicO, Mr K and Rafe.
NicO, Mr K and Rafe.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Today
NLN, T’Y and I started from the UP and ran to the Rivington and Blackrod School and then to the Pike. It was then back to the school and up the Pike again. The reason for this start was for me to consider the Pike Race seriously. On the second ascent of the Pike we met EtU who had started from home before visiting Two Lads and the Pike. Near the gate at George’s Lane we met Chris Beesley who greeted T’Y using his irreverent but long standing alternative name “Rondest Goon”, an anagram of his real name. I suppose that “T’Rondes Goon” might be another alternative Chris. I think T’Y is very tolerant. After visiting the Pike we all went to Noon Hill where EtU and Chris left for home and the rest of us went via Hordern Stoops to the Bomber Memorial area and then to Yarrow Reservoir, Rivington Green and to the barn.
A thoroughly wet morning with the clag down all the time, with George’s Lane awash and with frog spawn in virtually every large puddle. NLN’s Garmin device was not working. My map and wheel method gives 10 miles only.
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