http://runkeeper.com/user/runCJH/activity/63567905

http://runkeeper.com/user/runCJH/activity/63567905

Pre-Christmas run while the weather was good. Fine round albeit in very windy conditions. Rolling mist over the top and an atmospheric decent down Jacob's Ladder.

http://runkeeper.com/user/runCJH/activity/62615679

http://runkeeper.com/user/runCJH/activity/62615679

Well I haven't been updating my blog recently so here is one of the last of the year before we kick off into the New Year. Following a great night out with the Striders at the Christmas Dinner I'm resolved to getting my fitness back so I can give some of the young guns a run for their money. Stay tuned.

Running Activity 9.97 km | RunKeeper

Running Activity 9.97 km | RunKeeper

Escape the crowds with this lovely run on a pedestrian only route down by the river. A hot and humid evening in Hong Kong running in vest and shorts in late October. Bliss.

Running Activity 8.05 km | RunKeeper

Running Activity 8.05 km | RunKeeper

Running Activity 15.26 km | RunKeeper

Running Activity 15.26 km | RunKeeper

Running Activity 16.12 km | RunKeeper

Running Activity 16.12 km | RunKeeper

Running Activity 15.26 km | RunKeeper

Running Activity 15.26 km | RunKeeper

A drizzly, wet afternoon but temps not too bad so what better than an run in the rain?

Running Activity 8.05 km | RunKeeper

Running Activity 8.05 km | RunKeeper

Running Activity 4.81 km | RunKeeper

Running Activity 4.81 km | RunKeeper

Running Activity 13.81 km | RunKeeper

Running Activity 13.81 km | RunKeeper

Running Activity 8.05 km | RunKeeper

Running Activity 8.05 km | RunKeeper

Running Activity 9.89 km | RunKeeper

Running Activity 9.89 km | RunKeeper

Running Activity 15.32 km | RunKeeper

Running Activity 15.32 km | RunKeeper Controlled pace run in the autumn sunshine. Good fat burner.

Running Activity 4.81 km | RunKeeper

Running Activity 4.81 km | RunKeeper

My first Parkrun 5K for quite some while. Hamstring survived but well down on pace and time. Lots to do to get back on track for my personal goal of sub 19 minutes. Will it ever happen or are those days behind me?

Running Activity 12.41 km | RunKeeper

Running Activity 12.41 km | RunKeeper

A Lyme Park outing to test out my hamstring. It held up OK so it's on to winter training to regain some sort of fitness. Oh the pain of it all.

Running Activity 8.05 km | RunKeeper

Running Activity 8.05 km | RunKeeper

Rickys Race 11th August

Following on from the Teggs Nose disaster my leg was feeling a bit better so I thought I'd try out another race to see how things were going. I hadn't done this one for a couple of seasons but I knew it not to be too challenging. The outcome - a sore leg today but as it's raining there's a good chance for some rest. Here's a description of the course from Matlock AC:-

"The course is a fairly tough 5 miles with 700 feet of ascent. It starts on the minor road from Darley Bridge which goes up to Stanton but the race leaves the road after only 100 yards. It ascends through Clough Wood and returns by a parallel route to dip down a footpath by a ruined tennis court and then back up the other side of the valley to emerge at Cross Green. It then takes the direct route up Oker Hill via the Trig Point and along the ridge passing the famous Oker Tree before descending the side of the hillside to finish in a field approximately 200 yards from the Three Stags Heads."

 A time of 37.20 was only half a minute off my last outing. There's hope yet!

Teggs Nose Fell Race

A muggy, sweaty afternoon as we all assembled on the Trials Field. I wasn't too sure how this one would go as I was running with a pulled muscle in my right leg. It's one of those injuries that you think you can run off but it never works out that way. Suffice to say I had a poor race. The first 20 minutes or so were great running along with Brian from GVS but soon after that the pain started and my fitness dropped like a stone. Thankfully Brian stayed with me and this gave me enough incentive to keep bashing on but the hills were taking their toll. All in all I suffered for my art and the finishing time was a disaster. A good six minutes down on the last outing. Still it was great to be out and about, just have to learn to nurse my injury back to good health.
Here's a link to Google maps that outlines the course if anyone's interested.
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&t=h&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=108311311813057967381.00043630a676e45c9cd6c

Running Activity 12.53 km | RunKeeper

Running Activity 12.53 km | RunKeeper

Friday afternoon in Lyme Park

Running Activity 9.89 km | RunKeeper

Running Activity 9.89 km | RunKeeper

After work run, very hot and humid. A good fat burner but felt very tired at the end. Still no pain no gain I suppose. Sore back though, can hardly walk after sitting in a chair.

Running Activity 8.05 km | RunKeeper

Running Activity 8.05 km | RunKeeper A faster time than Saturday but just shows how far there is to go.

Running Activity 8.05 km | RunKeeper

Running Activity 8.05 km | RunKeeper

My latest training run - a hot one and I'm sooooo unfit it going to take some dedication to get back.

And now for a bit of Nostalgia!

10th July and the Bollington Nostagia Race that is! I've been doing this race every year since it started ( 7 years) and it's always a great event, well marshalled and well attended. A real mixture of road and fell and tracks and trail so knowing which shoes to wear is always a bit of a nightmare. Well here I am at the start (the good looking bloke in the GVS vest on the right - no not Tony Hulme who I always get mistaken for - as if!!).



The first section is a road climb through the village, across a mini roundabout turning right and then another long road climb. Once this is out of the way we drop down a side lane to some fields before taking a raking traverse and climbing up the fields and along the edge of the wood. Hot, sultry and flippin' flies a buzzing everywhere - lovely. (That's an Andy P photo - thanks).


Not long after this point the track turns, flattens, dips to a road crossing and then climbs again. What a tinker!
I was doing battle with Paul from Wilmslow Running Club who is a bit younger than me and was ahead on the climbs. Then I saw my chance, a flat section followed by a downward trending stony trail. In an audacious move I'm past Paul then CRASH as I do a swan dive to the floor. "Are you OK?" was the shout. Blood everywhere (knees, thigh, forearms) I shouted back "It's only a graze" - Ouch!
Still we are fell runners and we fear no pain. Pressing on I managed to grab a sponge from one of the water stations and effected some running repairs. Once I hit the canal towpath I knew it was just a matter of digging in and holding my lead over Paul (yes I had passed him again!) before the final climb to the top road above Bollington All was going well until the familiar figure of Julian passed me on the uphill. Bugger, and Paul was right behind too! Well switch into road racing mode and the over ever trending 1 mile downhill road stretch I managed to eke out a 20 second advantage but never could never quite catch Julian. The final few yards descend really steeply down a cobbled street before the final turn under the finishing banner. 29th finisher out of 118 starters, 52mins 20secs, bloodied but unbowed. Mind you there were some choice comments at the end!

A Waltz, A Pudding and then A Wake?

Wednesday 29th June and we're all meeting up in Hope for the annual Wakes fell race. These races are attached to the well dressing calendar and over the course of the week there are various village events culminating with a fete, bar-b-que, etc. 

A massive 262 runners lined up this year for what is a tough and challenging course. From the off it's fast paced, cutting across fields and dropping into the lane before heading off for the first climb over the shoulder of Hope Brink. This is a real tester and I soon found myself struggling a bit. Still got to keep pressing on. Once over the crest the path drops down towards the reservoir in a series of twists and turns with the odd uphill bit thrown in. It's not until you're right down nearly at the shores of Ladybower that you turn sharp right and the long toil begins all the way to the summit of Win Hill. Man this is one hell of a slog. But I really like it. Sweating like a (insert your own image here!) I finally gained the Trig point on the summit. No time to admire the view though (and it is great from here looking over the Hope Valley or back towards Kinder) as the downhill charge begins straight away. So on jelly legs I was off like a startled rabbit. Pumping thighs were the order of the day down to Twitchill Farm and then the long run down the drive back to Hope. Fading fast towards the end I had just enough in me for a final flourish over the finish line. Phew! 54mins and 56 secs. Free orange juice and flapjack to finish off a great evening.

After a Waltz comes a Pudding

The next day following on from the Waltz I drove over to Bakewell to take part in one of the "nicest" races in the fell running calendar, The Bakewell Pudding Race. (I'm in there somewhere!!)


This scenic tour of the hills around Bakewell starts and finishes on the recreation ground and it's always a hot day. Sunday 26th June was no exception. The 115 starters were soon off haring around the perimeter of the field before exiting via footpaths onto the lane and the first climb  past the golf course and into the woods. A tough singletrack with little chance of passing until it opens out to a wider trail still climbing. Plateauing out as we emerged from the trees it was then a swift run / decent across glorious fiels with the town spread out below. I'd run this course a couple of times in the pas so knew what was coming, another wooded climb, this time a wide track but a longer ascent. Thankfully the trees provided some cooling shade but once over the top we emerged again into searing heat as we chased down narrow tracks and lanes that seemed to go on forever. Soon though there were just a few stiles and the road before the river crossing and back on to the park. A chasing finish saw a time of 49.56, slower than last year but satisfying nevertheless.

Catching Up with a Waltz

It's been a bit of an up and down time (excuse the pun) since my last post. I've had real trouble with a couple of teeth and they're only just getting fixed now. Plus it's been full on at work and I've had a really bad cold so all in all my fitness is shot to pieces and it's going to be some painful rebuilding starting this weekend.
But in retrospect here's a round up of the last few outings.....

Whaley Waltz. Always brilliant fun and a carnival atmosphere to boot. A great turnout from GVS and with the water splash at the end there's something for everyone. It was a good run again this year, 176 entries and pretty good underfoot. The climb up to Windgather was a real sod as usual but I mainly held it together just running out of steam a bit on the final section. Swooping down from the summit and across the ridge is always great and I even managed to pull a few places back this year. On the fginal run in I was just being pipped by Julian who too a slightly wrong turn (blaming the marshal!) so I got the jump on him at the river and finished in a respectable time of 47mins 26secs. Check this out.... 

Need I say more!!

Dunham Massey 5k Part Two

Same as last time really apart from having two races in my legs from the past two nights. Cool conditions prevailed in what ultimately turned out to be a bit of a disappointing run. 19.59 for the 5k but I was feeling tired so I shouldn't complain really. 3 races in 3 days. A rest now before some hill work on Sunday.

The Long Run Home

Grindleford

Last night Kettleshume, tonight Grindleford. I hadn't done this race for a couple of years so it was good to see that it hadn't changed at all. Two laps of the cricket pitch to sort the men from the boys (I'm still a boy!), out onto the road, across the bridge and onto the lane at the start of the climb up into the woods. It's very important to get a good position early on because after about 10 minutes of tough climbing the track narrows down to a steep single track with no overtaking possibilities. I did OK but should have pushed harder. Topping out beyond the treeline the route tracks across a swampy field that is another singletrack affair. From here you turn left onto good bridleways through Hay Wood with a chance of catching and overtaking. The climbing is all over so you can cut loose knowing there's a good stretch of downhill to come. Then decent through Windses Wood is fast and technical. You need strength left because you take quite a hammering coming down through here. Emerging from the wood and the route flattens out across fields and a race back toward the playing field. Keeping form and concentration are key here. There's just one more obstacle, the river crossing. Scurry down the bank and across the rocky bed. It's not very deep and there are nice wooden stairs at the other side now (a change from the slippy mud bank of previous years.). Onto the cricket field and it's another sprint for the line. You don't want to be passed here! 40.38. Two down one to go.

Kettleshume

The last in the series of the Lyme Park races and a bottle of Bollington Beer to celebrate running in all three (Vanessa Chappell and Boars Head as well). The race was really good. Again starting from the Moorside it follows well marked tracks and paths all the way down into Kettleshume. With no serious climbs it was fantastic to be running with the faster guys and being able to keep pace. All was going well until the BIG climb. This happens at about two thirds distance and rises from Kettleshume to the Bowstones ridge and is really two distinctive climbs. The first and steepest up to Higher Lane and then the second, less brutal but still strength sapping to the ridge itself. Anyway I kept going, digging in behind Rob from Stockport. The faster guys had pulled away and Julian who had passed me on the climb was not too far in the distance. Once onto the ridge proper I could gauge my reserves and begin to put the power down. I love running along the top with views over the Cheshire plain to the left and Kinder and Shining Tor to the right. Inspired by the moment I had a great run and even better descent to the Moorside. Hop over the stream (well there's a bridge but it sounds more exciting) and a short climb back up to the finish. 51.24. Pleased with that!

Tansley

Yesterday it was the Boars Head and today it's Tansley. A little known fell race of 4.3 miles and just 600ft of climbing. It starts from the pavilion on the playing fields in the centre of the village and the first half is mainly track and road. It's a fast and furious dash downhill around The Knolls before the long climb up Oaksedge Lane and then through woods before emerging onto Foxholes Lane. There now follows a stretch of road running where I was able to claw back some places lost on the climb. It's a good way though and not to be underestimated. After the road section thankfully we turn again onto footpaths and fields. The terrain had levelled out and it was almost time to begin the descent. Last year I made the mistake of taking it too cautiously down here. Well to hell with that! Full speed and hang the consequences I say. It turned out OK and I even passed a few (phew!). Once back onto the playing fields it was sprint finish to cross the line in 32.03 some 35 seconds quicker than last time out. Not bad!

Boars Head

Always one of my favourite races and this one didn't disappoint. I know the course well because it's my regular training run so there are no surprises. It was a cool evening as the 150+ runners lined up for the familiar start on the canal bridge. Quickly underway the route takes in a wide track on the way to Lyme Park so there's always a good getaway and it's easy to fall into a steady rhythm. Splashing across the stream (a short cut)  the track was soon rising to The Cage and I was feeling OK. Around the tower and back across the Park before the first climb up to Bowstones. Now here's a dilemma. To take the slightly longer but well marked path or the rising traverse line across the heather strewn hillside? I opted for the former and it proved a good choice on this occasion as I gained vital yards on those ahead. A glorious section followed along the ridge and then turning off the track we climbed once more over fields to the top of the park adjacent to Sponds Hill. Chocks a way and it's frantic dash down towards Park More Cottage before crossing a wall stile and back into the Park proper. Still plunging downhill on mainly singletrack until Poynton Brook in the bottom. Again decision time. Climb straight up the steep bank or go around on better, but much longer paths. I chose the climb and it served me well. All that was left was the last climb to the Pepper Pot (and this was a killer, only a slight gradient but on tired legs.....) Now onto the finishing section, mainly downhill, 56.52 at the finish and it was all over for another year.

Castleton & Wincle Trout

June is one of the busiest months in the Peak fell racing calendar with races coming in thick and fast. Sometimes you just don't have enough time to recover before the next one is upon you (especially if it's the next day!) Let's kick off with Castleton. I always reckon this to be one of the hardest races in the Peak and so it proved again. There were a few Striders present notably Claire, Andy P and Lee who were up for the challenge. (There were others but my memory is fading - sorry!!) Still suffering from the effects of pain killers for my toothache I knew that I wasn't in the best of shape, and so it proved. The route is a very fast start along the lanes from the playing field before heading up the long climbing traverse to the shoulder of Losehill. It was here that I knew that I was in trouble, losing ground and generally feeling sluggish. Once onto the final climb to the summit of Losehill I elected to walk along with most around me. Off the top and then it was a fast descent over the lumps and bumps to Hollins Cross. Ahead was the paved climb to the summit of Mam Tor. Here it's just a case of digging in and keeping going on a track that seems to go on forever, up, up and up. The front runners were already on the descent and I was keeping an eye out for Andy P to give him a shout (more of that later). I eventually reached the summit and had gotten into a battle with an eager young lass. On the way down I closed up on quite a few runners (including said lass) passing them and holding them behind me as I clattered down the narrow stone pocked path from Hollins. The final track / road section really takes it out of your legs. Don't go too early or you'll blow and thankfully I managed to keep my form to the finish. Phew. A couple of minutes slower than last year. Lee was ahead and Andy P had crashed out at a stile! No real harm done but he retired to be on the safe side. One year I will have a good one here, but not this year.
That was my Friday night and now on to Sunday and the Wincle Trout race. Always a great crowd and it gets booked early so you need to get your entries in sharpish. This year it was the tough course (just my luck)! We all amassed at Burnt House Farm amid the sideshows, marquees and Maypole. Plenty of Striders Neil, Julian, James, Clare, Wayne, Matthew, Rik, Jo & Sally. First up a blast around the field to string the field out a bit before entering the fete and then exiting down a steep bank. We were soon racing along across farmland and on to the infamous river crossing. Check out the photo.

The race then climbs for a bit before following the river through the woods which is quite undulating but very runnable. At the turning point the track takes a steep climb before exiting the tree line high up with a great view. I was going backwards at this point being passed by some runners who I normally beat so all was not well. Anyway once we hit the sandy tracks along the skyline I started to feel better and picked up some lost places. Past Luds Church and then we turned for home. A great descent, down, down and down to the Dane Valley. Brilliant running here. Soon we were back in Wincle at the site of the original fete so I knew what was coming - a big climb (or two)! The first challenge isn't too bad, running and walking with some effort you reach the top before a chase across the parkland and then there is the second climb to the finish at the hill top. A real killer but for the climbers one to savour. 51.46 and the third Strider back. Will it ever get any easier?

Dunham Massey 5k

There's a series of 5k's organised by Altringham AC and Spectrum Striders known as the North Cheshire Grand Prix 5k series. Rather grand and I only enter the two run around the beautiful drives and parkland of Dunham Massey. The first one is always useful to be able to put down a marker to see how things are shaping up. Unfortunately I was (and at this point still am) suffering from a cracked filling and some root canal stuff. All really painful and requiring a bucketful of Ibuprofen so I wasn't at my best. Ah well I'd pre-entered (you have to as it's limited to 300 in the park) so I thought I might as well give it a go. The course is basically three long straights with tight haipin turns so a good time can be had. The only small downside is the deceptive climbing gradient up the long straight (which is also the finishing straight on the last lap.) A massed start again in front of the house and I soon dropped into my regular 5k pace. Unfortunately everyone else's pace was that bit quicker! Time to up the stakes. First lap completed and on to lap 2. Pushing as hard as I could up the long drag I managed to keep station with those around me. Turning at the top onto the park paths (a little off road section and slightly downhill), I pull in a couple of places and steeled myself for the last run in. The toothache also kicked in at this point as well as the tired legs and panting breath. Not good. Still I was spurred on by seeing lots of other runners suffering who were a fair bit younger than me. 19.25 and it was all over until the next time. Now if only I can find those extra 25 seconds I might be able to break into the sub 18 category. Look out to see how I do in a couple of weeks time.

Vanessa Chappell May 25th

A fantastic GVS turnout for the second revival of this classic Lyme Park series race. A cool night but dry underfoot meant that it would be fast going. As usual there was plenty of pre race banter with all the familiar excuses being rolled out. A mass start and a mad dash down to the first bridge and stile meant some bottlenecking before a quick dash along the road section. Everyone was going like the clappers and I was trying to hold a bit in reserve for the climbs. Wrong tactic as it turned out because the queues at the stiles on the climb up to the Bowstones meant that I lost quite a bit of time to the leading pack. Pressing on over the ridge we plunged down into Lyme Park over hard and stony ground before taking a sharp right across the top of Hampers Wood. I could still see Julian and Al not too far ahead but with the climbs to come I knew I was in for a hiding. Up through Lantern Wood and not losing too many places before topping out on the ridge again and turning sharply left, dodging the trees and roots, then emerging onto the fellside for the fast decent to the track leading to East Lodge. Shortly after the Lodge we took a new detour to avoid some repair works at Bollinghurst Bridge that saw us heading up and over the Gritstone Trail to exit on Mudhurst Lane just after Bolder Hall. Again a short road section and my legs were feeling the pace. Oh dear another climb to come up past Rocks Farm before ascending to the ridge behind the Moorside. Here's where I really suffered. I asked all the right questions but got no answers ans so began a painfully laborious jog up, up, up. After the summit there only remained the last descent to the road again before returning to the start / finish area. At least I held on to my position and it was great to hear everyone cheering at the end. Time 50.02; Posn 44th out of 179. Onwards and upwards as they say!

Cressbrook, Crowden, Burbage and Mount Famine

It's been a while since I last wrote my blog and there have been quite a few races, some good, some so so, but all worth the effort. Kicking off was the Cressbrook Crawl. I arrived early to grab a parking spot on the road rather than in the field at the bottom of the village. One climb up that hill was going to be enough. As usual there was a great atmosphere and easy changing in the club but the weather was against us this year. It was dreary and rain was threatening. A massed start on the road soon had us heading up the lane before turning sharply left onto tracks and a fast descent to the valley floor. Next came the big climb out. I was feeling OK and managing to hold my place against familiar faces. Once over the top the course descends again along great tracks and paths that allows for some pacey running. Feeling good-ish I pushed on and scampered through the woods and then set about falling into my rhythm along the river and the disused railway. The cool, damp air was perhaps a little too cool for me but there was the big climb to come. Hitting the road for a final time I set about tackling the "grind" back up to the club. Managed to catch a fellow runner and was only passed by one so finished in some style. 54.13, a tad outside a PB but pleasing all the same. Onto the Crowden Horseshoe tomorrow.
Back to back races are tough but can be a great way to gain some fitness and race pace just so long as you don't go looking for great times. The Horseshoe proved thus. I really toiled over the first section, first over Laddow Rocks and then up to Black Hill, but the views were spectacular. This is a great race, a real feeling of wilderness. At the Trig point we turned and started to head for home. Here I found my second wind and began the chase to claw back some of the time lost on the climbs. It's great running through the groughs, a labyrinth of pathways luckily all marked with red flags as you lose sight of the runners ahead. The long grind over the moors into the teeth of the wind were strength sapping, thankfully underfoot conditions were a dry as you can often be in ankle sucking moss making it twice as exhausting. The final bone jarring descent back to Crowden  is a bit heart in the mouth as you desperately want to finish in a good time but your legs are tired and you don't want to fall here. 1 hour 19mins just doesn't tell the whole story. Burbage next.
The Burbage Skyline is a classic and it seems to get more popular each year as it's one of the first mid week races in the Peak. This year there was a record entry of 353 runners that led to a frantic start with much pushing and jostling up the short track and then bodies flying everywhere as you plunge downhill to the stream crossing. Organised chaos really. Once over the stream there follows a short climb and then some contour running this year through calf high heather which took a little more out of the legs. The first climb over Mothercap always sorts a few out and then you gather your breath for the stride across the plateau to Higgar Tor. Again a steep ascent, hands on rocks towards the top before a fast descent to the woods and the stream below. Again conditions were much drier than in previous years making the ascent back up to the bridge at the head of the valley somewhat more straightforward. Crossing the stream for a third and final time the course continues to climb to the crest of the skyline. The track here is good and you can often make up some time and places if you're nimble on your feet. Climbing all done there is a single track path through the heather and some rocks parts back to the main valley path. This is a wide track and brings out the road runner in me. Bombing down here it's possible to make up quite a few places before the welcoming relief of the finishing line. Phew, another one done in a shade over 50 minutes. Nice .
OK so another weekend and a surprise in store. I gained an entry into the Manchester 10K under a pseudonym but more of that later there was the matter of Mount Famine and the Dragons Back first.
This is another of the Peak classics. A unique start straight up a wooded bank (I do mean straight up, no paths, find you own route) to the ridge. Lungs bursting at the top you need to kick into a jog / run along the path before a fast plunge down through the woods. At the bottom you turn 180 degrees and climb all the way back up again. Cruel but it gets worse. Over the lumps and bumps of the Dragons Back, climbing, climbing all the time and then a short downhill burst before the next climb up South Head (nee Dread). Topping out only to see stretching out ahead a long and fast descent to the bottom of Dimple Clough. All that height gained only to see it all to do again. On the climb out of Dimple I knew I was struggling, well let's be honest I was going backwards, you know what I mean! Finally back on the ridge after what seemed like an age of leg knackering climbing (the force wasn't flowing for me at this point I can tell you) it started to rain. Great. Still I found a bit more energy from somewhere so I tried my hardest to claw back lost minutes. By the time I reached the final descent I was feeling much better. The long run in through the woods was great and the final canter along the road before turning into the recreation ground went well and I even managed a short burst to the line. 58.44. Not my best but not my worst and enjoyable nevertheless.

Manchester 10K

This was a surprise. Due to an injury to Mat's cousin I gained an entry to the race albeit running under a nom de plume as they say. I didn't know what to expect having never done one of these mass events before but I have to say it was very well organised and thankfully I was off in the first wave of runners.
Lots and lots of people and some famous names running too so I was in good company. Off we went on the gun and I soon got into my stride pattern. I didn't know how I'd do having done Mount Famine the day before so in my mind I though that 42 minutes would be good. It was very congested in the first kilometre and I was weaving through the pack to keep my pace even. Was that a Goyt Valley vest ahead. I didn't know of anyone running the event. Anyway he was going at a good pace so I thought I'd try and keep in touch. Road running is very different to the fells. It's all about pace and rhythm. I settled into a good stride and found myself in company of others who I judged to be of similar ability. Stick with it and there's something a bit more familiar about that white vest with the green band. 5K came up and I was feeling quite good. I glanced at my watch, 19.55. I couldn't help but give a wry smile. If I could keep this pace up then a sub 40 would be on the cards. Surely not possible and there was still that vest ahead. Around 7K I caught up with Jonathan. We exchanged some banter and I pressed on. Stay focussed and hold your form was the mantra that I kept repeating to myself. Last two clicks and I was holding on to the guys ahead. Final kilometre and I could feel it beginning to hurt. The countdown begins and I daren't look at my watch. Around the final corner with 200 to go and a quick glance down shows 39.something (my eyes can't focus and I'm not going to slow down now). Can I break the 40 minute barrier? Gathering myself I just gave it all I had left. Bingo! 39.53. I couldn't believe it, not after yesterday. Don't you just love it when a plan comes together. Running, the best thing in the world.

Rivington Pike & Errwood 10K

Two very different races with two very different outcomes. Rivington Pike was warm (around 15C) and was short(ish) and very sharp. Basically straight up and down this 3.25miles and 700ft course. As always there was a mass start up Lever Park Avenue before turning left and the start of the climb. It's a good 'un and I'd recommend it to anyone. One the Pike comes into view the hard slog sets in. Runnable all the way for some and i just walked the last bit right at the top. Then around the Pike and a madcap, helter skelter race down the grassy slopes and bridleway before hitting the road at the bottom. It's a case of holding form until the finish line which can't come soon enough. 23mins 57secs was a PB and the injury held up OK.
Then onto the 10K and a completely different story. Setting off from the Errwood sailing club we made steady progress along the trail. I was keeping up a good tempo with Julian and Pete W just ahead. There were plenty of other GVS all around but more of them later. Turning the corner at Taxal church still feeling reasonably strong the climb began and I soon lost touch with Pete and then Julian. My hill strength was fading and it wasn't long before Trevor came alongside and then started to pull away. Next up was Alistair followed in quick succession by Brian and Steve Bull. I had to dig in but there wasn't much in the tank. Still I managed to keep within striking distance of the pack and even pulled the place back from Steve. It was the penultimate climb before the dam that did it for me. It doesn't look much (and it isn't!) but I was shot and I lost much ground to everyone. Still I managed to stay on my toes for the last climb up to the top of the dam and it was only just near the line that Steve came back and pipped me by 2 seconds. Not a PB this time, around 45seconds slower than last year, but still carrying an injury I guess it wasn't that bad. Must do some more hill work!!

Part 2 - Kinder Downfall

Number 126 for the 30th Anniversary Kinder Downfall Fell Race. In a break with tradition the start was at 11.30am rather than at the more usual time of 11.00am to coincide with the last peel of bells from the church tower. It was a hot day, and it was only going to get hotter! The 300 lucky entrants gathered on the bridge in Hayfield in a jocular mood, plenty of banter and good humour. At the prescribed time we were off. I was lucky enough to get away near the front and was feeling good. The initial climb up the road was swiftly dispatched before we turned off road onto the bridleway over the rising mound of the Snake Path. The climbing was hard but runnable, passing a few of the GVS lads and holding on to Chris at this point, my plan was to try to get a good position before William Clough. Once over the top, and by way of a traversing line across a slope of heather (quicker than it looks if you're prepared to go for it) we quickly dropped down to the start of the long climb up the Clough.It was here that I felt my calf muscle twang, really painful. What to do, retire hurt or press on for as long as possible? I decided to press on but upward movement was pretty painful and I developed a lop sided limping action for a while. The tortuous path with few passing opportunities meant that I could at least hold my place against those who are better climbers than me who were hopefully bottle-necked somewhere behind. By heck it was a hot one and the steps up to the top of the Ashop were unforgiving and my calf was throbbing with pain. Still I'd made it this far and hearing a few cheers decided to press on to the plateau. Who runs this final steep climb? I can't that's for sure but walking strongly we crested by the final cairn and on to slightly easier ground across the top of Sandy Heys. I started to jog again, pressing on to the Downfall and my calf was not getting any worse so fingers crossed at this point. Clearing the stream next came Red Brook and the boulder strewn terrain was taking it's toll. I knew that I was losing time but there wasn't much I could do. Eventually the trig at Kinder Low came into view. Lee had caught me by this stage and a few had passed on the ascent. Caz and Katy were on top shouting encouragement (thanks girls, sorry I didn't say anything but it was all a bit too much). Finally some downhill. I knew to stand a chance of a PB I would have to go for it. So that's what I did. Opened up my stride pattern and started to motor. The leg was still holding up, a little easier on the downhill. On and on we went, it's a good way to Tunstead Clough Farm. All I knew was to run as hard and fast as I could and if anyone came past well good luck to them! Once we hit the road (hi Steve by the way) it was just a case of establishing a good rhythm and holding form. I was actually enjoying it now, even though there was a dull reminder in my right leg that all was not well. The last little hill saw me pass a couple of chaps and there was even enough left for a final effort over the finish line. Phew,made it in 1hr 29mins and 43 secs for 66th position and 2nd V55 (I think). Was it a PB? Well about equal to my PB anyway. And a cool down in the river after made me think of the question "How do those elite athletes manage an ice bath?" because let me tell you that water was flippin' cold!!

A couple of races In April - Part 1

You know when the season has started when more and more weekends become filled with the opportunity to get out and have a tussle with old friends and familiar faces.

First up was Lad's Leap. This gnarly race takes in part of the Peak not often used by racers. Starting from the campsite at Crowden the massed ranks blast out of the site and onto the lane, rising slightly before dropping down to the refurbished Outdoor Centre. (I can remember it when it was the original Centre before it was burn out in a fire. It stood that way for may years but has now been fully refurbished and brought back to its former glory). Once past the centre the race is on in earnest. Today the weather was being kind and I'd soon broken out into a sweat up the first climb. Atop the false summit there were two more ascents to follow in quick succession.  It was just a case of grit your teeth and get on with it. I knew the next section was fairly level but was often very boggy. This year however it was much drier and as a consequence everyone was running much faster. Bugger! After the first section the course gradually climbs through heather and bog on tricky little sheep trods and single tracks. Overtaking is very difficult through the deep heather and you often use up so much energy you quickly lose the place you've just gained. (Don't we all know that feeling!) With a keen wind off my left shoulder I made my way to the high point in good order. It was then over a stile and a steep and tricky descent off the plateau following a wall and a deeply rutted track. Not easy but you need to attack if you can. Once at the bottom the course turns back to head for home. Then it hits you, a wide land track meandering upo through the old quarry. Its steep but not too steep and therefore grindingly runnable. I was in hanging on mode, trying to maintain a rhythm, while trying to hang on to the guys in front and all the while feeling that others were catching me up. My tactic had been to get a good start, keep up across the moor and just hang in there for this bit. Not bad as it turned out, only losing a couple of places to much younger foes. Once atop the climb there was another short uphill section, a twisty stream crossing and then on to the flat plateau. Time to kick in the afterburners and open up. So it was, overhauling a few before the crazy, helter skelter decent back to the campsite. My thighs were really burning but the end is always in sight so it just serves to spur you on. Finally onto level ground, quickly get into the groove before a final burst across the line. 63 mins and some seconds (the results are on the website yet) but looking back over last years time it was a good PB so I'm happy with that.

Wolf's Pit March 20th and other bits

It's been a funny old week. Training with the team on Tuesday saw the Strollers outnumber the Striders but we had a good run out with Mark & Al leading us all astray before finishing up with a tempo blast along the canal from Buxworth to Tesco. Thursday was cancelled - no not the run, I just couldn't get away from work. Friday was a glorious run over Lyme Park on one of my regular training jaunts and Saturday was the local Parkrun (but I forgot my barcode so I didn't get a time) but it was a tad over 20mins. Going in the right direction at last.

Sunday and the main event. The Wolf's Pit - Shatton. Fantastic turnout, over 300 I think, with Lee and me waving the flag for the GVS. The mass start saw us flying down the field from the start to the lane, across the ford and then onto a lung bursting, leg straining, all in all a s-of a-b**ch climb that turned me to jelly by the summit. Still no time to pause, must get on! The run over the moor was delightful and fast. Sun was out, sleeves were rolled up and the chase was on. It was all going so well (apart from a minor tumble) until we hit the turning point at the bottom of the hill only to be shown the route going back up again. Pain and more pain followed. All the time I has made on the fast sections was being eaten away as I slowed to a crawl, walk, walk and more walk. Just had to dig in and grit my teeth. Finally the last descent, let the legs go, into the lane, jump the ford and then back into the finishing field. Now that slight decent at the start seemed like a 1 in 3 and some young whippersnappers were passing me. Well that just wouldn't do. One final effort and I was home, Lee right behind me (so equal really). Couldn't talk at the end. Completely spent. But isn't that how it should be? Bring on Lad's Leap (I think Lee is doing Mow Cop). Full info can be found at:-
www.wolfspitfellrace.org.uk

12th/13th March

Isn't it strange but sometimes you do everything right and the result is disappointing. Such was the Parkrun this weekend. Feeling ok but ran the exact same time as last week when I felt rubbish. Oh well there's always next week. Rounded the weekend off with 30 mins tempo after the rugby.

Weekly Round Up 11/3/11

It's time for that retrospective again. Tuesday was an hour out with the Striders over to Kettleshume lead by the ever keen Al Fitz. There were hills alright and after racing on Sunday I was running out of steam towards each summit. Still a good chance to catch up with all the banter from the weekend. Felt sorry for Claire who had to turn back still suffering from a chest infection. Hope it all goes well for Grindleford.

Thursday night was a wash out. No one turned up (saving themselves for the weekend) so after changing in a cold car park (again!) I decided to head off back home. On the way I was in two minds about running or just getting back for my dinner. It's kind of tough to motivate yourself sometimes but I was to let fate decide. If the traffic lane was empty turning right at Fiveways then I would run, if not then go home. It was clear and on green so that was that. Parking up near Bramhall I decided to do a few circuits of Bramhall Park. It turned out to be four laps, charging the hills, resting on the downs and tempo on the flat. 10k done and I felt like I'd earned my dinner! Let's see how the Parkrun turns out on Saturday.

Cloud 9

The first fell race of the year and I don't know why but I was a bit nervous, silly really, but I'd made some good improvments last season and I didn't know if I would be able to carry on from where I'd left off. A packed start, a quiet moment of remembrance for a departed runner and then we were off. Cracking start, Neil, Lee and Trevor were ahead and we were soon clear of the pack and up to a good tempo pace.

The start and first few kms are fast but I was hanging on to L & T. Soon it was the climb up the Cloud and, surprisingly, the two lads didn't pull away too much to begin with but they got away towards the Summit.

A madcap descent through the woods and I'd gained a little. Soon we were on the next climb and I felt my lack of hill training starting to tell. More ground lost but the sun was out and I was passing a few young 'uns. Road next, time to pour it on and make a big effort to get back in contention. Amazingly the legs held out and I pulled 20 m back. Keeping pace just needed to whittle away. Knowing the course really helps and I could judge the effort and distance left to go. I caught Lee and encouraged him to dig in. Chasing Trevor across the muddy fields I was joined by a lass from Sale Harriers. Knowing there was a trail and road section before the end my plan was to stick with her (just for the road speed you understand) and have something left for the little sting in the tail. As we rounded the bend on the final descent I knew I had to gain an advantage or Trevor (who I'd just snuck in front) would have me on the final 400m. Teeth gritted, lungs scorching I gained an advantage. Then on the run down to the trail I forgot to turn sideways through the stile thing. Oops and ouch! Still it's only pain. The final run on is all about holding you form and, gentlemanly to the last, I allowed the Sale lass the position. No really! A good start to the season, great club turnout and some fantastic individual performances. Solid. Time 68.54 ish I think.

Parkrun 5/3/11

This was my first 5k since October last year, so, with a race the next day I was looking for a solid time rather than something special. 20.15 was good enough for 25th and as i've moved up category, good enough for a 1st in cat! More to come I hope. Let's see what happens

Weekly Round Up

Well I missed out on the Tuesday Striders run due to lack of motivation (and the fact it was cold, I'd had a stressful day at work and was suffering from low bio rhythms). But then only four of us showed up on Thursday for the Thrash, and so it came to pass that we enjoyed one of Andy's fast ones. Basically from the layby on Long Hill drop down the footpath to the bridge over the stream and then warm up with a run up past Taxal church - you know the one - and then carry on along the track until the dam at the end of the reservoir. This little uphill battle was to get out blood circulating. Well a good sweat later and we continued right along the road, past the entrance to the woods alongside the reservoir and uphill again (Andy does like his hills) to the first gate. Then, pausing for a moment to zero stopwatches, it was an all out blast on mainly flat (who's he kidding!) trails to The Street. 9mins and 57 secs later (I think) Shaun and I were propping up the gate, bent double, gasping for air and waiting for James and Andy (fair enough they did give us a head start). 1.2 miles legend has it, felt longer in the dark. A nimble jog down The Street followed and across the dam road (no resting on these jaunts note) and it was time for the second thrash. A 1 mile burn up along the opposite side of Fernilee. Without stopping Shaun was off and I had to hit top speed to catch him. Half a mile later Shaun did comment that we might have gone off a bit quick but all credit he kept up the pace with me hanging on just off the back. 6mins and 40 something and we'd arrived. Knackered. Legs like jelly but pretty pleased with our efforts. James and Andy followed up and as it turned out Shaun had set the fastest time. Now there's a turn up for the books. (Andy was surprised!) Cloud 9 looms on Sunday.....................

The Derwent Dash (more like stagger really).

Everyone had gone out and I'd just finished cleaning the house (extra Brownie points for the house husband). Time to change into my running gear and head out before the rugby at 5 o'clock. Drove over to Ladybower via Dinting Vale, Glossop and the Snake. Is it my imagination of has the bling dust been sprinkled around here? The run itself was a 2 hour 20 minute or so affair and it was great visiting all the climbs and tracks again as I haven't done this round for a couple of years. Took quite a few photos (a good way to stop and refresh - thanks again Brian!) and even a couple of videos (even more rest!!). I really like Abbey Brook, a great feeling of wilderness and would encourage others to get over there if you haven't already been. Saw a hare, or rather it saw me and dashed off, lots of cheeky grouse and the odd walker, especially along Derwent Edge. Stiff wind blowing against me on the outward leg but thankfully turned to a tail wind for the run back to the car on tired legs. Underfoot ranged from springy fields, rutted mud tracks, heavy bog (especially on the last climb up to the summit of Lost Lad - arrrgh) and calf wrecking flagstones. The water pouring over the dam on the Derwent reservoir was particularly spectacular. All in all a satisfying day out finished off with Fish and Chips in front of the telly. Marvellous! You can check out the photo album on my Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/fellrunnerV50

Friday Run

After being stuck in front of my laptop it was time to get out and suck in some fresh air. Following last night's Thursday Thrash I didn't have much in the tank but I needed to clear my head. Driving through Poynton the car temp guage showed +13C and I asked myself "Why are they digging up Poynton Main Road?" and "What is the Anson Engine Museum?" 

The run was OK, nice and relaxed, no pressure, time for photos (see my facebook page http://www.facebook.com/fellrunnerV50 ) and it was just good to let my thoughts wander where they liked. Hills are still a problem though - how do you run faster up hill? Ah well a park run tomorrow to really see how out of shape I've become over the winter. Cue song "Things can only get better........"

Thursday Thrashed

19.57 the time says it all. Got up today feeling tired, felt tired all day at work and then dragged myself up the hill to Pudding Stone (is that how you say it?) Brian went motoring past me like I was going backwards as did the rest of the crew. Still that's what training is all about. Somehow felt better afterwards but Cloud 9 is looming in the distance and there's a storm brewing. I think I'll explore Abney to put some miles in the tank.

Tuesday Night, easy run right?

9 miles, 90 minutes and four serious climbs. The numbers don't tell the whole story but it turned into a right good session. Well done to the intrepid bunch who turned out and thanks to Pete our summer fell champion for leading us astray. Roll on the light nights and some off road training these roads are killing me.

Saturday lunch

It's the indoor athletics this afternoon so just time for a tempo road run. 44 minutes at a steady 7 minute mile pace but my calf is feeling sore again. Must get in some fell time on Sunday. Not sure what I fancy. See what tomorrow brings!

Friday night

Seems like a long week so a snappy 8k to blow everything away. Better for that. Brings balance to life.

Running Famine

Sometimes things just conspire against you. Take tonight for instance. I should be out training with the Striders but instead I'm in a hotel in Derby entertaining some very nice people from one of our Chinese factories. It's not that I mind looking after these guys because they always offer great hospitality whenever I visit their country it's just that I miss my running as well - keeps me sane and all that. Still I suppose you can't have everything and there's always tomorrow. Think I'll go for a long one over the weekend to blow all the cobwebs away and refresh the batteries. If I can get my little camera to work more reliably then I post some pictures as well. I wounder if video works? Hmm.  Happy running until the next time.

Edale Skyline 2

This one had everything, warm sunshine, chilling winds and plenty of strength sapping peat bogs, oh yes and some stinging hail at the finish to make the run complete.
Great outing though with plenty of banter, a few curses and some injuries. Glad I'm not doing the whole race but good luck to everyone on the day.

South Dread

It's a tough one tonight - hope the leg holds up - will report back on how it goes later!

Well it's later and it was a tough one. Nice warm up to the start of the climb bt the pub and then a punishing 21 minutes to the top of South Head. Good job my new Black Diamond Sprinter headtorch was up to the job - unlike the wearer. Still looking to knock a minute or more off by the end of the season.

On the way back got all light headed and a real out of body experience. Chilled out on the drive back listening to the Mommas.