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.