Baby Steps - learning to navigate

Being sensible enough to realise that it's not particularly wise to venture out into the hills with no navigation skills at all I decided to do something about it.  So I booked myself on the navigation course which was being held the day after the Lakeland50 recce in Ambleside at the beginning of November.  Now being me I also decided to take the opportunity to spend a couple of nights in a B & B so that I could combine the course with a day of Christmas shopping.  Booked a B & B online, always a bit of a gamble, but it turned out to be perfect, just a stone's throw away from the venue and very well appointed.  I was even given an upgrade to a double room woop woop.    

I travelled down immediately after our village craft fair at which I was helping.  Settled in to new home and went out looking for sustenance which I found in a lovely Fish and Chip cafe'.  Didn't think I'd feel out of place as it was quite quiet and seemed to be populated by locals which was in contrast to the more up market eateries which looked like they will full of couples or groups.  Anyway food was lovely and I headed back to B & B armed with some wine and had a nice relaxed shower, drinkie and read of my book bliss.

Next morning up bright and early, lovely breakfast which I couldn't do justice as I was extremely nervous about the day to come ( I know not like me to not be able to eat).  One of the other guests was also on the course so we walked up to the hall together.  I was terrified I wouldn't be able to keep up, cope etc on the course, but no worries as they say in Oz.  The leaders had it all sussed out and we were very neatly slotted into groups according to ability and ability plus pace.  On of my former clubmates was one of the instructors, he led the very good, very fast group.   My group was taken by the very lovely Stuart Smith who's jokes and laid back teaching manner made the whole day a joy. 

The whole day was very hands on , learning from doing rather than sitting being taught.  Almost immediately we were out onto Loughrigg Fell getting stuck into orienting the map, learning the symbols and how to apply what we were seeing with our eyes to what was on the paper in front of us.   As you can see it was a beautiful day which certainly helped. 

Bottom photo shows Stuart demonstrating the correct way to steady your compass.  We had just had lunch at this point, and found out more about each other.  One of the chaps was another Lakeland 50 guy, he was accompanied by his wife who was a keen walker.  One of the girls was a fell runner and Keith in white was also a keen long distance walker who had never learned any navigation as he normally went on guided walks, but was now wanting the spread his wings a bit, so you can see we were all fairly clueless.  However apparently (according to Stuart who could have been using psychology on us) we were doing so well that we progressed past what he thought he'd be teaching us and were branching out taking  and walking on bearings and all sorts LOL.

Walking on our bearing brought us to the top of the hill, now, there's a view.  By this time it was getting on in the afternoon and time to start making our way back down to Ambleside.  Practicing our new navigation skills as we went.  Once back in the hall we made ourselves some coffee and waited for the others to get back in.  I caught up with Jessica who is another 50 person and we had a chat about the recce the day before which I hadn't been able to go to.  She is giving serious thought to what Mark said in his lecture and is planning a re-organisation of her training programme.  Me I'm staying with what I do I'm a tortoise, plodder call it what you will and will probably always be that.  

Really chuffed with my day I decided to treat myself to a nice pub dinner and headed to The Unicorn for a hearty steak pie and chips.    Then back to the B & B for another nice relaxing night.  I did my next day breakfast justice by the way.  Unfortunately the lovely weather of Sunday did not carry on into Monday and it rained and rained and rained which made Christmas shopping a bit of a soggy adventure.  Cut the day short and headed home.  All in all a brilliant weekend.  Thanks to Nav4 Advenutre and Stuart in particular.

On the training front I have just been kicking back and taking it easy.  Heading to running on Monday nights and doing between 3 and 3.5 miles>  Walking with the dogs on Sundays is still going on, we've had some cracking walks of about 5 miles each time.  Managed to get up to Glenkiln a couple of Sunday's ago, somewhere Ive not been in years, but somewhere I'll be back again to very shortly.  I can see navigation practice taking place up as it's not an area I know well so plenty of map and compass practice to be had.

So that's about it.  Very Very busy at work, and also trying to get my SVQ finished to so that can concentrate on plans for next year.

If I don't blog again before Christmas, have a good one.

Not quite that time of year yet.....

Gosh it seems a lifetime away since my last post here.  Time to take a mini stock of things.   I will be doing the whole new plan thing just after Christmas as usual so hence the title- not quite that time of year yet.

I am spending from now until Christmas just kicking back and enjoying things.  No pressure, just relaxing stuff.  I defered my place for Glen Ogle until next year as I just can't get my fitness up in time plus one or two other factors prompted the decision and honestly it's like a weight has been lifted.  I am getting down to finishing my SVQ for work it's all coming together nicely now.  Thank God.

Yesterday I took the mountain bike and the dog and let loose in Ae Forest which is very close to where I live.  It was brilliant, a lovely day, coldish when I started out, but halfway up the first climb I had to disrobe a layer LOL.

 

I headed off on the blue route but at the top of the climb I saw a post which said, escape route to car park, so not knowing how much further blue route when I opted for that.  I have since discover that there's not that much difference in length. (Downloaded 7Stanes map of Ae)so will be giving that a go next. Think I may have done about five miles or so.  Managing gears a bit better now, I suppose it's only practice really.   Kona had an absolute ball, she had plenty of undergrowth to root in and more than enough water for her to splash about in.  I must admit Ae is lovely, but huge, and proably a bit scary if you get lost.  I did have a proper map and compass with me and stuck to marked routes, but well I get a bit experimental at times.   Now one thing I did this time was leave a note of where I was going and how long I expected to be.  So brownie points for me.

 

Kona found a scabby old ball in the car park and was not leaving without it.   I managed to foil her plans though, after all how many scabby old balls does one dog need to litter my house with.   That's Margaret bike on the bike rack there.  A present from a friend and we've already had a couple of adventures.   We entered the Kielder RunBikeRun, bike and I.    It was a lovely day which showed off Kielder very well and I thoroughly enjoyed it.  A lass from Newcastle area and I came in joint last but what does that matter.   It did however show me that I have a lot to learn about biking.

 

So  what's next.  I was about to say not much but I have booked myself on a Navigation course in the Lakes, Ambleside in fact.  Having two nights in a B & B down there and am really looking forward to it.  I have much to learn navigation wise.  Bring it on.   Hopefully will get some Christmas shopping done too.

 

So that's a quick catch up on things.  I have plans in my head for next year, just need to get them down on paper ready for the start of training, but as I said just relaxing now until after Christmas.   When I think about it, it's been a hectic year and as I am not getting any younger LOL I think it's taken quite a lot out of me, more mentally than physically perhaps.  Re-charge batteries methinks.

 

 

 

 





My Lakeland 50.......

Pre Event
Unlike last year I didn't have to work on the Friday, so Billy took the day off too and we left home in plenty of time to get down to Coniston to see the 100 milers setting of on their journey.   I looked for a couple of people I knew were entered, but didn't catch sight of them at the shool, so headed up the road to take some pictures.  It was only then that I spied Flip's backpack heading on up already past me, Ah well. Still no sign of Tony though.
Did the registration thing, weigh, bag check, collect envelope of stuff, Oh wow lovely buff given out this year.
Then went for a walk around Coniston and queued in the chip shop for ages for quite frankly mediocre chips and burgers that they'd cooked when we'd entered the shop yonks before.  I rather think the staff were getting a little frazzled at the edges because of the amount of customers they had had.

Good sleep, up early, breakfasted and up to school for the pre-race briefing and in no time I was ready for the bus.
Found myself sitting next to a chap called Andrew, and we yattered all the way to Dalemain, turns out he follows a former club mate of mine on Twitter (small world eh).  Andrew had a very respectable marathon time and was hoping to do quite well.  (He did, came in at around 12 hours I think).  Dis-embarked the bus and straight into toilet queue.  Spent the rest of the time chatting to Anna, who I'd met last year and have been in touch with on facebook ever since, took pics of the scene and of Jon and the wonderful Otto dog. who's race was cut short because his human suffered badly with stomach problems during the event.

Leg one Dalemain to Howtown.
Standing in the pen ready for the off, I caught the eye of Gaynor Prior, who came across and wished me luck, (long story involving a very lost message).  Now  you've no idea how much that meant and how much it shows that this event and  the Ultra Running community are special.

Picture courtesy of Kristof  Nowicki

The pre-amble round Dalemain was lovely only faffing came when my strap fell off my backpack and I had to spend about 10 mins fixing it back on.  Down through Pooley Bridge and up over the hill and down to Howtown, feeling great, kept sort of company for a while with Pete a 100 man who advised me to take it easy as there was a long way still to go.  He pulled out after Howtown, I did see him coming back the way but it was confirmed when one of his friends mentioned it in a facebook post to me.  Changed socks here as my feet were sponging. Very pleased with progress so far.

Leg two Howtown to Mardale Head
What can I say about Fusedale, it's never going to be my friend I think.  I had company up the long slog though, Kim and I struggled up together, mind I don't think she sat down for a rest like me, she managed hers standing up.   Must admit that once I passed the waterfall things eased and once on the top it was like thank god that's over, but at least I didn't think I was going to die, like I did last year.
Beautiful run down to the bracken, once again I met up with a 100 mile chap who more or less trail blazed the way through the bracken and down over the rough ground for me, all I needed to do was follow in his footsteps.  He was  another of the lovely 100 people I came across during the event.  Amazing.
I found the route around Haweswater rough and hard.  Kim, Laura and Sue overtook me and charged on, goodness me those girls could walk.    Made it into Mardale and all I could think of was Tomato Soup, I'm so glad they had some.   I bought lightweight poles to use this year and can say that I think they helped me, they did save me from going over once or twice on the rough patches and they did help up Fusedale and were light enough to just carry in one hand when not required.

Leg three Mardale Head to Kentmere
Now the strange thing is the Gatesgarth Pass does not fill me with dread like Fusedale, I just took it easy, had a few breathers and made it to the top.  Laura and Sue once again breezed past, allowing Kim to take her time.  It was here that the weather changed for the worse, driving rain and gusty wind.  I was getting quite blown about and was pleased to get down the other side and out of the worst of the wind.  The girls were ducked down in the lee of a dyke waiting for Kim, who would join them soon. The track was extremely rough, it may have been like this last year but It was dark when I came along here LOL.  Up through Sadgill Woods, no wrong turns this year, just a long slog up the hill.   Once again Kim had been slower than the others on the hill but still managed to overtake me on the road down to the Kentmere bracken stage.   I ran along the road mainly to keep her in sight to confirm I was going the right way, found the style and ran down through the bracken, slipping and sliding most of the way onto the firm track which leads up to the Kentmere checkpoint, I was still running when I got there.   Had lovely rice pudding and tea, sat for a while and chatted to one of the chaps I'd been meeting off and on, had a bit of a rest but decided to crack on.

Leg four Kentmere to Ambleside
Garburn in the dark again.  No problems up and over, just an extremely rough descent, had a bit of a panic that I'd gone too far along the track, but it was Ok as I soon recognised the place where I fell arse for tit last year, then in no time I was out onto the road through Troutbeck and up Robin Lane, straight through kissing gate and down the track which leads past the farm to Jenkins Wood.  Met up with yet another 100 runner, this time I was very relieved as I wasn't too keen on the scary woods on my own.  He was having a bit of a wobble and was also a bit worried, he said he knew it was happening and that it would pass but it was still a bit scary for him.  I offered coffee sweeties but he had coffee beans LOL, much better.  A group of about four or five 100 people came along and we all stayed together until Ambleside.  Imagine how I felt coming through Ambleside in the dark with a group of amazing 100 runners.
It was here I met Greg, Tony from last years brother who explained why Tony wasn't on the start line of the 100, badly wrecked feet from some sort of African adventure were to blame.
Stayed perhaps a little too long here, but it was just so inviting in the nice warm, food filled, cheery shop.
Once more I was here with Laura, Sue and Kim who left about 10 mins before me. I was not to see them again until the end.

Leg five Ambleside to Chapel Stile.
An almost uneventful little leg, I'm glad I know this bit quite well now as I was completely on my own in the dark for all of it.  Once I hit the road section I ran all the way down to Skelwith Bridge and quite a way along the flat section to Elterwater.  Up to the cave, turn down the slatey path, over the bridge, up past Wainwrights Inn. The church clock was chiming 4 a.m. when I passed the Inn, very pleased with progress so far then it was
down walled lane and ooops, not up main flaming road Susan.  How the heck I managed it I really don't know I'd read the instructions, watched John Kynaston's vid. and even switch on the GPS, but I still got lost and spent ages backtracking and still couldn't find the checkpoint.   Well not until you've guessed it two 100 runners came along, I was relieved to know I just hadn't travelled far enough down the track to spot the lights.   What an oasis of calm, didn't however avail myself of comfy sofa.  Apparantly they had been expecting me ages ago as the girls had said I was just coming in behind them by about 10 mins.  The checkpoint was very quiet, one chap was sparked out on a sofa and another chap was waiting for the rest of his party.  Had some coffee and soup and then headed out into the soft light of dawn breaking.  


Leg six Chapel Stile to Tilberthwaite.
Although my legs felt like lead when I left the checkpoint they soon good back to work and made good time along the next stretch, even the hill before the Blea Tarn  wasn't as bad as I'd remembered.  Round the back of the Tarn was where the hard leg sapping stuff really bit me, this section was rough and wet and where it wasn't rough and wet it was rough and boggy, some of the step ups were almost too much for my wee legs and I didn't get high enough in the bracken to come out exactly right for the dibber point, so had to trudge uphill, by the looks of it I wasn't the only one though.   Onto the road and past the NT house, up and over the public footpath to Tilberthwaite.  That checkpoint looked miles away along the road, made it though.
Soon others were coming in, one chap wanted to give up, but the combined bullying of everyone at the checkpoint ensured he didn't and he finished.

Last bit Tilberthwaite to Coniston.
No getting lost this time, I knew exactly where I was going, mind you I did have company, but it's amazing what you remember.  That rocky bit you have to climb over scared me a bit because all the others were up and over and gone, what if I fell backwards, they wouldn't miss me I bet.  I made it silly goose.  Cold wind and rain was now the order of the day.  Now I'm sure someone measured this section wrongly, it's much much more than 3.5 miles really.  I know it isn't, just feels never ending, and then there's the descent, eeek not as bad as last year, not as tired at this point. The chap who wanted to quit was having problems here so I overtook and carried on.  Thank Goodness down safely to the road.  Once past the Miners Bridge I decided I better try and run so as not to take even longer, so I ran into Coniston, walked over bridge and then ran all the way to the finish.  I was so pleased.  Unfortunately my phone conked out coming over Blea Tarn so Billy had no idea I was home.   A very tall man guided me into the hall, where I received my cheer, my T. Shirt and my medal.   Hobbled off to tent to surprise Billy.   Then insisted on going back for my free meal.

I finished 1 hour 20 mins up on my time from last year and to say I was well chuffed is an understatement,


I've now read nearly all the blogs written and can understand why they reckon they take nearly as long to write as to do the event.   I can't really find the words to express how I feel about this event.  I was afraid it wouldn't feel the same and that to do it again would somehow ruin my memory of the first one, but it didn't each has it's own feel about it.  The route may have been the same but the conditions underfoot and the weather were much different, so was the company kept and fellow competitors met along the way.  What did remain the same however was the spirit of the event, the friendliness and approachability not only of the organisers, but of the really great runners.  I will be back.

Nearly there

Well only 4 weeks to go and time to bring blog up to date and take stock of things.

Success - to me means finishing - in one piece - preferably quicker than last year.

Things have been going well up to now so it's just a case of ticking over until the event - not falling down a hole and breaking my ankle would be good.

Have all the stuff I need now, lessons learnt from last year - new lighterback up gear - lightweight poles to help me up Fusedale, I know what food/fuel suits me so will get it all set out and checked next week.

Hopefully I will live fully and enjoy every moment - it's what I aim to do.

So here's a run down of what I've been up to.  It's more of a photo blog than an in depth  examination, there's only so much time in a girl's day. LOL  Talking of girls I seem to have become quite girly in my old age, a quick look in my wardrobe revealved lots and lots of pink. who'd have believed it.

The Not Recce-  Recce

This was meant to be a recce of some of the route, but the only place with camping pods that we found that would accomodate Kona was at Boot  So off to Boot we went.  Made a slight error in heading over the passes instead of down through Workington etc, just don't tell my OH please he'd have a screaming fit at me.  Never mind made it over unscathed, even daughter was amazed at my prowess, I'm normally (according to her) a well lets put it this way - bad driver, but she said my handling of the car was epic. LOL

Boot is a gorgeous place and one I'll be heading back to in the future.  We did some walking, some eating , some sightseeing and some mucking about.

 This verse is very special to me - I have it pinned to my backpack, but mostly I carry it in my heart.

 This is attached to a gatepost in St. Olaf's Wassdale Head - only 48, a reminder to live and enjoy when we can.

 It's hard to believe looking at these pictures that the weather was so beautiful that week.

 Kona, very knackered after a day spent exploring the hills and swimming in the Tarns LOL

Now isn't that just THE most amazing place to camp.  It was an excellent campsite too.

Ignis Women's 10K Glasgow

Had a lovely day out at this event.  Went in a mini bus with others from the club, nearly all women except for the driver and Doug from club who acted as chaperone, lol.   I'm sure he had a great time coping with all the scatty women.  Great range of abilities in bus, from girls who run regularly for their respective countries Scotland and Ireland to girls doing their first race of any kind.  Brilliant.

My time was as expected, not a PB, but perhaps not a PB event just one to be enjoyed.

Moffat Mountain Rescue Challenge - Durisdeer Hills

Two reasons for taking part in this one - get more training in and raise some money for a very worthy

organisation.   What can I say, one of the hardest days of my life - well ok that's an exaggeration, but it was a hard day.   Very rough terrain, almost completly trackless, mostly grass, heather and bog, with some cruel ascents and steep descents and the weather was atrocious.  At least I know my kit can withstand lots and lots of rain.  The route was well marked, and marshalled though so no navigation necessary .

 Looking back to Ballencleuch Law from Rodger Law, about 4 miles or so to go to the end.  This was one of the easiest sections, and would make a brilliant run, so I am heading back up here after Lakeland.

Yes, I realise I have a Trigpoint growing out of my head, but unknown to me the poor marshall was hurrying off to a call out when I asked him to snap me.   That's Queensberry, I'm ashamed to say it's taken me 53 years to get there and I have been able to see it nearly every day for most of those 53 years.   Not a great photo but I'm proud of it.

Run4Health - Dumfries

My beginner at running club, came because she had entered this and had never ran a step before.  She did it and was justly chuffed.  Also in picture is S. from club with her boys who also did it and her friend A, who ran with G and me.  I think I may have persuaded G And A to enter the Women's 10k next year.   S is a seasoned and experienced ultra and trail runner so this was just a wee stroll for her.

Other stuff since last blog - Dog walks have continued and so has Monday night beginner sessions.

I have taken part in the Grasmere 10 K Trail Run which was excellent, one for next years calender.

Also taken part in a couple of handicap trail runs in Mabie Forest - organised by Les from club, we pay an entry fee and it goes to a charity - first one was for mine Guide Dogs.  £81.00 Woop -woop.

He aslo made us do the last one watchless.

Been using my treadmill - perhaps not as much as I should.

One of the biggest changes I've made over the last month is to my diet.  No I'm not on a diet but I have changed what I eat or don't eat really.    Have cut out bread and milk.   Still have  milk in first cup of coffee of the day, but otherwise black coffee.   Very little bread consumed which is a change from several times a day.   Soya milk now with cereal etc and have replaced Yoghurt with Soya dessert.

I feel much, much better in myself, less sluggish, less bloated and less inclined to crave sugar, so less sweets and cakes consumed.  All to the good.

That's about it for now so I'll put on one last photo.  I stole this from a friend's post on facebook.  Riss says it sums me up nicely.  Not one to ever take the easy way to do something.  Mind you she probably means if, there's an awkward way - I'll find it.





Ben Nevis Baby.

Sometime last year my daughter mentioned that for her birthday she would rather like to climb Ben Nevis. So, Mother duly arranged it, as Mothers do, hostel was booked, confirmation posted on my notice board and well that was sort of it really. For most of the rest of last year we more or less forgot about it. As the New Year dawned Rissa and I started to get out and about in the hills more, actually this was mostly base training for Lakeland but useful for an assault on Britain's highest mountain too. As these things do,time marched until our little recce in the Lakes where we made good use of the shops in Keswick buying bits and pieces for the forthcoming adventure.

The great expedition weekend dawned and Rissa her friend Laura and I set of in the trusty Astra with
the sat nav plugged in for a basically uneventful journey up to Fort William (only got tooted at once).
Sat Nav took me through Glasgow, not a place I like, and when doing this journey again I will choose a different route.   Settled into Youth Hostel and headed into Fort William which was mostly closed as was after 5 p.m.   Never mind still managed food and a mooch around.

Next morning we were up bright and early, feasted on porridge, fruit and bagels all good carbs to sustain us LOL.  Then popped into the visitors centre to a look around.  Were instantly spotted as a trio of mumpties by the chappie there and taken in hand, hauled  to the map and given a blow by blow account of what we could expect, where to rest, where to avoid, where to step and where not to step.   All this information proved to be invaluable.  April is still technically Winter at the top of the Ben a fact which we were to discover in a few hours time.  

Here are a few piccies which sort of form a sort of pictorial guide of our day.

 A quick stop in Glencoe on the way. 

Tomorrow's destination.

 Setting off from Glen Nevis YHA in the smirly rain, almost straight up something they call heart attack hill.

 Levelling off from "Heart Attack Hill" and we thought we were high at this point LOL

 Marissa having a breather.

 Lunch with a wee friend.  He belonged to a couple from Lancashire who we met.  Chap and dog made it to the top, the Lady turned back when we hit the snow.  Very oddly we met them the next day at Green Welly Stop in Tyndrum.  It was lovely to see them again.

 Just look at that view - magnificent.

 Laura - the mountain goat -  I swear that girl has  natural affinity with hills.  Check out the "man leg".

 We were warned how quickly the weather can close in.  At one point we just had to stand still until we could the faint shape of the next navigation cairn.  They were a godsend.

 Me at the summit -  really chuffed but about to be blown off the top so didn't linger too long.

 Heading back down.

 Look at the weather now.  Still a long way to go though.

About to have a well earned slap up meal in the Ben Nevis Inn.

All in all a fantastic weekend. The girls really enjoyed it and it was so wonderful to see Laura taking to the outdoor life so enthusiastically too.   She can't wait for the next expedition and has given me several good ideas for adventures later in the year.

Legs were a little cranky for a couple of days, but I did manage to go running on the  Monday which astonished me.  Treated them to a little sit in the Spa at the health club though which I'm sure they enjoyed.

Plans for the next few weeks.

Women's 10 K in Glasgow - should be a good day the club are laying on a bus so that helps with fuel costs and parking in the dreaded Glasgow.
Run4Health in Dumfries -  a 5k which I am doing with a beginner from the club.  It will be her first ever race.
Moffat Gala run -  I've pencilled this in but it all depends on work really.
Challenge Walk for the local mountain rescue team - can't resist this as it's on my doorstep and among my favourite hills.  Also a grand opportunity to support a very worthwhile organisation.  One which who knows I may just be in need of some day.

So enough there to keep me busy for the moment.

Good Grief another month nearly gone....

Well really now, how time is flying.  What have I been doing, time to take stock.  Since my last blog I've been actually quite constant, just chipping away at the training steadily and concentrating on getting to grips so to speak with all sorts of terrain.  I've even started swimming again yaaay.

RECCE'S  - POOLEY BRIDGE TO HOWTOWN AND HOWTOWN TO .... AH WELL....
At the end of March M. Kona  and I headed down to Keswick to stay in my favourite B & B,  Larry's Lodge, so that we could do the above recce's.   A great time was had in Keswick I recommend The Pheasant for a lovely and reasonably priced meal.  M announced the baby back ribs were the best she'd ever tasted.    Also did a bit of shopping an purchased a Last Drop 10l backpack.  

Day 1 Pooley Bridge to Howtown - Very  very hot almost as hot as last years race day.   Thoroughly enjoyable saunter across to Howtown and leisurely sail back on the steamer.

Glorious Ullswater and that's a heat haze as I said extremely hot for late March.

Late afternoon just after the steamer docked at Pooley Bridge.


Day 2 Howtown to - well it was supposed to be Mardale Head but.....

Well we got a little waylaid shopping in Keswick so only made it as far as the final push to High Kop, another hot day but an enjoyable one.




Did however have time for a short detour to Gowk Fell.   Now there's a view, splendid.

Must admit to being a little tired after our couple of days away and partly because of that, and partly because of the (so called) fuel crisis I cancelled my entry for the Coniston 14, in a way I was relieved but in another disappointed with myself as I had been looking forward to it.  Will enter again next year though.

This month has been mostly spent in the hills.   M, Kona and I have been exploring in our local hills at Durisdeer, getting to know them quite well now. 

We also had an excursion up to Green Lowther, now that was interesting, part of the way is home to a section of The Southern Upland Way, but it's also a Radar Station and has a private road running up to the masts and things.   So a mixture of hill and road very intriguing.

My running is doing what my running does, there have been some excellent runs and there have been some |OK runs and there has been at least one stinker of a run where I felt hellish, no mojo, sore legs, general CBA, but on checking my time it was actually not too bad so it must just have been one of those nights.

Dog walking on a Sunday has been continuing and we've had some cracking walks, some of which could become running routes for Kona and I very shortly.

Have also decided to stop lining Duncan Bannatynes pockets and getting nothing in return so have started swimming again.   Was amazed on my return to the gym to find that all well almost all of the machines have been replaced with new swanky things, on which you can play games eeek how amazing.  So will have to be getting back upstairs again to try them out.

Our next excursion was quite exciting.  I'll get cracking on that blog then LOL.





Update to 27th March.

Eeek having just written a blog about all this I pressed the wrong key and have just deleted all I wrote.  Very frustrating.  Suffice it to say End of February and into March have been busy.  So what I'm going to do is upload the photos again and write a few comments for each.

Training has been going along quite well, at my own pace and in my own way.  I've been walking, running and toddling up a few hills.  Hopefully you'll enjoy a look at the photos.  I will be blogging about our Lake District Adventure shortly.

Shortly after this photo was taken Josie bit Kona which resulted in an out of hours visit to the vet, hence we had one very expensive walk along the beach.   Brilliant beach for a training run though.   Added to must do list.  (Josie was "rounding" Kona up at the time, no nastiness intended.)

Club Run from Beattock to Ae.
The idea of this run was that the faster runners started at the bottom of the "Crooked Road" and the slower runners at the top.  The  premise was that groups would form naturally and everyone should finish is stages not too far apart.  This didn't exactly happen, I ran on my own expecting to be last back, but low and behold 2 groups got slightly lost and I wasn't last LOL.  Ran with full pack on for practice.

Garroch Recce
One very good thing about training for this run is that it's getting me out and about in my own backyard, exploring my local hills.   Here are a couple of pictures taken on a recce walk up Garroch.
Plenty of follow on routes to come from this one.

The first picture shows one of the many Burn crossings on the route and the second I call my very own Mini Garburn Pass.

Other Runs have included.
The Dent Run -  14 miles of undulations, but nevertheless a brilliant club day out.  Was slow as usual but not as slow as last year which was a relief.
The usual Monday night club runs which are slow and short, but I love going out with the beginners. It's great to see someone who didn't think they'd ever be able to run complete their first mile then their second and then their third.  The woman I'm taking out just now is entering her first 5k event and I've said  I will run with her.
One or two medium distance (at present) road runs around home.  Longest being approx 8 miles.  One was especially challenging as it's uphill for 2.50 miles, well it's actually longer but the darkness was falling and I thought it best to start heading back down before it got completely dark.  Country roads are not the best to be running on without some sort of Hi Viz or headtorch. 

The One Show Sport Relief Mile.
A couple of club mates and I did our bit for Sport Relief by taking part in the above.  Must say it was great fun, the banter in the mini bus was amazing.  Not sure why I always bite my lip when getting photos taken.  I may look like I've no teeth.

So that basically has been that up until now.  I pulled out of the Coniston 14 mainly because of the fuel crisis, but also it's been a very hectic month workwise.  Also was just back from recceing in the Lakes so also probably tired and easily persauded.   

Blog about recce days to follow.

Valentine's

The Sunday before St. Valentine's Day saw myself and several club members descend upon the tiny hamlet of Glenmidge, for Frank's annual Valentine run and get together.  As usual a number of routes were available to run depending on how many miles you wanted to do.  I opted for 5 as this was the off road one, and one I know very well which as I thought I'd be myself seemed the best choice.  As it happened Donald and Satay joined me.  This was Satay's first off road adventure and she really enjoyed it.  Donald not so much as he doesn't relish off road, but as he felt the others were in the Gazelle category it was safer to stay with me and not get lost.  I have been doing this route for a couple of years and I rather think this was the quickest time to the ruin from the start I've ever done, must be getting fitter.  Some day I'll run from the start right to the ruin without stopping (some day lol).  I've put a couple of pictures on below just to show the view.  If I could build a house anywhere in the area I think it would be here.  A bit isolated perhaps but my what a place to live.  From the ruin the route snakes down through some pine trees to the Lag Tower, then on road for a while until a sharp right through an old farm steading and up a lovely steep grassy lane to some fields, across the fields and then down onto the road for the final half mile or so back to Glenmidge and a blissful hot shower.  Frank and his wife laid on such a spread, soup, rolls, pudding, drinks hot cold and alcoholic. We even had our youngest member V & P's baby girl,she was very good and had every one enthralled with her cuteness. Our oldest could have been Frank's Mum who must be well into her eighties not running of course but making sure we were all well fed and looked after. Much banter and club talk of races, runs and folk all in all a great day out.

Training for the rest of the week.
Monday Running club "Bring a friend" week, this is another thing which seems to have become an annual event.  Lovely to see new people, some of whom want to start running and some who are just curious about what their friend sees in this running lark.
Tuesday - rest.
Wednesday - Headtorch run at Mabie with Kerry.  4 miles.  Fastest yet, so getting better. Changing route and upping by a mile next week though.
Thursday - Speedplay - not a good night, since getting my new set of road shoes I've never really felt comfortable in them specially when I try to run faster, they just feel heavy, foamy and totally unresponsive.  Each footfall feels like I'm thumping down and the energy is going nowhere.  So after having a chat with one of the speedy guys I decided it was time to try something new.     Hence a trip to town next day to buy new shoes.   I am trying out an adidas pair which don't look too different from my Kanadias just a much brighter "pink" how girly.  Will be trying them out on Monday.


Several of daughters friends have booked into this "Tough Mudder" extreme adventure race at Drumlanrig Castle.  I've looked it up on the website and it looks awesome and very very tough.  Not for me with my lack of spatial awareness the potential for injury is quite high, but Riss and I have offered to guide Jax through my beloved Castle Woods, plotting the route and getting her familiar with both it and the terrain.    First outing planned for Sunday piccies to follow.