Bringing it all up to date - with an eye to the future,

It took a while for me to gather myself together after the cow incident at the Lakeland 50, physically the bruises came and went and mentally I must admit to getting a lot of it out of my system by talking about it and finding out that I am not alone and that lots of people out there are not too keen on getting up close and personal with the Bovine Mafia.   One of the things that I found refreshing was how some people took the piss a bit in a friendly way, Lots of mooing and pretend matador stuff.  The saga continues though.......

Spent August mainly pottering about doing small walks , dog sitting, Guide Dog planning etc.,  Linda and I did a fantastic walk  near Wanlockhead in a place called Glenim, very quiet and peaceful.

It was a beautiful sunny day just right for a paddle and yes I did.  Lots of scope for more walking up here, super place for map and compass practice too.

September and instead of taking part in The Grand Tour of Skiddaw Kim and I pitched up to camp and help out wherever we were needed.  So after a stint of gatekeeping at the start we went off on a pootle with Sabine.  Parked at Latrigg car park and went off up and down the Glendaterra Valley (so that's another bit of the Lakeland 100 route ticked off - don't ask).

round Blencathra Centre and back to Latrigg for another chat with the crew there.  Sabine's partner Jakob was going that fast that we just missed getting her back to the finish to see him crossing the line.  

The day after Linda and I had an adventure day in Ayrshire visiting Auchinleck House and then Crossraugel Abbey.  Guess who feel asleep in the car on the way home - clue we are still alive so it wasn't the driver.  

My club's new Jog Scotland course started and I have committed to taking a friend along for the duration.  Love doing this, just getting folk into getting out and about doing stuff is such fun. 

Another stint of helping out, this time at The Cumbria Way Ultra, Kim Bev and I were at Keswick again, great place to be and so much fun.  Very rewarding too knowing you are helping someone with their individual challenge.  It was brilliant for me this year also because my club had a team entered into the relay.

So I managed to round of September very nicely with a weekend away with OH in Edinburgh attending something called The Presidents Cup, which is a invitation only Sombo competition. There were teams from Russia, Spain, Italy, The Netherlands, Scotland and France. Lovely to be involved in something that OH is very keen on makes a change for him as he is normally trailing round assisting me with my goals.  We had a lovely hotel room in The Holiday Inn with two fantastic breakfasts and a dinner laid on for officials and the contestants on the Friday evening.  OH spent the day on the scoring table with a fantastic view of the action on the mats.

Thoroughly rested and restored now and as Autumn settles in and turns to Winter then my thoughts turn to next year, well actually they turned to next year quite a while ago if I'm honest.  Plans are afoot for some more adventures one definitely new and one is some unfinished business.  

A case of doing everything right and it still goes tits up.

Starting at the end of.......and It's been some journey indeed.  Thank you Lakeland 50 and Lakeland Family.

I started my Lakeland 50 journey in 2011 in secret.  Didn't tell anyone in case I failed miserably, then no-one would know.  It is no exaggeration to say that what I experienced that day in July changed me. It gave me a confidence in myself that I always felt I lacked, the confidence to try new things, other years were to teach me new lessons too none more so than this year.  I've made fantastic new friends, a couple of whom I've gone on the share new adventures and experiences with.  In 2011 I joined the Lakeland family, it's a brilliant family full of diverse characters and people of all abilities but it's good job I don't have to buy them Christmas presents. It's rather a big family lol.

So with over 5 years of my life wrapped up in one way or another in this event I felt it was time to perhaps step back and let other people have the joy.  So because I had a place due to checkpoint duties in the previous year and didn't have to battle to get in on the mad morning entry dash, I decided this was to be my last year, so I was determined to make it count and enjoy every minute of it.

 Got down in plenty of time to see the 100 runners off.  My friend Vicky was taking part and I think I caught a glimpse of her as they all sped past in Coniston.  I then went to watch the children do their own little Lakeland run.  Lovely to see Vicky's children taking part, in fact I rather think her little girl was giving the friend, who was "keeping her company"  a bit of a run for her money.   A future star maybe?

The registration process went well as usual and it's nice to be recognized by the some of the marshals. A lot of the marshals are past participants giving something back to the event  So Friday night was spent chilling, chatting and eating. All nice and relaxed. 

Saturday morning and all went according to plan, tried to catch up with Vicky's progress, bad news, it wasn't going so well.  Gutted for her.  Met up with club mates who were supporting both Vic and Dawn.  Said goodbye to Dawn at the start line, knowing I wouldn't see her again as it would be wheee and gone for her.  Into start pen and off round that blasted estate, which I suppose at least gives you a chance to warm up properly.  Met a couple of chaps, one was an Ozzie who chatted for a while and then was gone, but the other was Mark who will feature large later on. 

Mark and I coming into Dalemain after the loop.

Mark and I stayed together until Howtown, but because I know I'm extremely slow up Fusedale we went our separate ways.  The slog up Fusedale never gets any easier but once past the beck where I always have a wash and soak my hair it gets more do-able and I know I'm going to get to the top in the end.  Over the top and down to the next slog, ran all the way down, when I say ran I mean tottered I suppose.  I don't think I've ever seen it so beautiful as it was that afternoon and evening it was just spectacular. Round Haweswater which seemed almost easy this year for some reason. Into Mardale Head  (ultra legends - The Spartans assisted by another legend, Louise of Troll bridge fame)bang on my estimated time, had soup, sorted foot, chatted to Mark and his new companions, they left and I followed suit about 10 mins later.  Up and over Gatescarth, down to Sadgill where I looked up to check the bridge and down I went, bugger, hurt thumb but apart from that OK.  It was getting dark heading up to the col so head torch on.  Made a slight navigational error at the stiles before Kentmere, have no idea why or how.  Popped into Kentmere (Hogwarts) to be greeted by Marcus Scotney (ultra legend).  This where I met up with Mark and Co.  One of the chaps was pulling out and the other Darren insisted I go with them, he'd been listening to Mark Laithwaite about buddying up and decided I needed buddied. 

Last of the evening sun, Topping out over Gatescarth.

Up and over Garburn, stopping every now and again for a wee rest we were treated to the most amazing night sky with shooting stars and everything.  Through Troutbeck and down through the scary woods.  Met some 100 people along the way, they are just out of this world in my mind, what a feat.  

Into Ambleside checkpoint, Susan and Marian were waiting for Vicky who was still going, in fact she wasn't far behind (WOW). Now this event has something rather unique I think, if you've not guessed already,  that is checkpoints staffed by your actual heroes of the Ultra World who dress up in all sorts of amazing garb running around seeing to YOUR every need and being happy to do so. So in Ambleside we were met by Gaynor, Gerry  and Barefoot Alek's (who was wearing a dress and fetching wig set off nicely by his bushy beard. It's odd how good he looked, really.  Reminded by Gaynor about cut off times,the troops were gathered and off we trotted into the night.  I was dubious we (mainly about me)  that we would make it but Mark and I made it to Chapel Stile with enough time to have a good rest and take on some food and drink. Darren pulled out here which was a shame, but I think he had just had enough.

Gaynor  Prior (another Ultra legend and hero)as the Tattooed Lady .

It was here I met up with Vicky (now a legend) as she prepared to tackle the last 10 miles. Utterly amazing.  She was soon ready for the off and I watched her toddle off into the morning feeling very proud.  

Over the massive stiles, over the moss of trepidation, up to the dibber and down to what will be the last few miles.  It was at this point I KNEW (mmm) that I was going to make it, and was already imagining walking into the hall to the cry of 50 finisher, I saw me get my medal and t. shirt, yaay.  However the Gods have a habit of sticking an oar in the plans of we mere mortals and it wasn't to be.  At about half a mile off the steps of doom, I met Mrs Cow who decided, not "none shall sleep" but "thou shall not pass" and it was all over for me.  My own personal jury will probably be forever out on whether I should of kept on going and finished. (Mark did, he sensibly did not try and influence my decision either way).Without Mark, who sprang into action I would of come off a lot worse indeed and I thank my Guardian Angel for sending him to me. It happened, I walked away, no big post mortems, I did nothing wrong and the cow was only doing what instinct told her to. However I don't think I want to be that close to a cow again and will do everything in my power not to be. I have my own thoughts about livestock on public footpaths and they haven't changed in any way.  I have been in contact with the organizers and all has been discussed and is well.  I want to stress that it was just one of those things, my blip no-one else's.   

I was taken back to HQ by a lovely lady and seen by the medics, felt rather foolish and that people were making a fuss of me but at the same time grateful that they were if you know what I mean. All protocols were followed and I was well looked after. Have since seen my own Doctor too just in case. 

There is something I really need to say though and for people like me and  it is super important - 

THANK YOU.   Mark Laithwaite and Terry Gilpin for making this event accessible to us. Thank you Lakeland people because in all these years I've never been made to feel inferior to the super fitties. It's always been a journey we all undertake together.  Long may it continue to be so.

On a slightly sombre note but I think relevant - on the Friday morning before we left for Coniston I attended the cremation service of a club mate who went missing whilst out fishing, after an extensive search by inshore rescue etc. his body was found in the water.  We weren't best buddies or anything but I had known for years and had been on club outings with him etc, he used to rib me about my "running" but at the same time gave useful encouragement and advice. I thought of him as I topped out Fusedale and was sad that his running and walking days were over.  We must make the most of the time we have, it isn't long in the great scheme of things.  

So here was my "last" 50 I hit every checkpoint exactly when I planned in order to ensure a comfortable finish, I enjoyed every bit of it (one bit I could of done without).  I saw one friend do something amazing  and another almost skip through what I find hard, and yet this event has once more humbled me.  I will be back next year to help on a checkpoint and be part of this wonderful and life affirming event.  Plus I'm not really sure what else I would want to be doing on the last weekend of July.  

PS  I've recovered, I think, the quite frankly outrageous bruises have faded and in a way even although I didn't get that medal I did get an experience to add to the list.  I rather think I attract "experiences" somewhat.

I have plans in the making for more adventures. Can't wait.

Goodness, where has the time Gone.

Thought it was about time I brought this blog up to date, when I started to think about it, I at first thought that perhaps I didn't have much to put in it, but on reflection that's not really true.  Quite a lot has happened since the end of January.  One of the things about getting older is that the medical profession like to start screening for all sorts of things lol.  So in the last few months I've been boobed, bowel'ed, blood tested and undergone my last yearly smear, I get to go back on the 3 year list now yaay.  All tests wonderfully clear thank goodness.  However one thing I did have investigated was my lack of breath.  I've always had a problem with my lungs in the Winter, it was particularly bad early last year when I was floored completely with chest infections.  Back then I was recommended for a visit to the Asthma nurse which I didn't take up, but on coming back from holidays in November I just struggled on hills and even out gentle walks with my walking groups, so thought I'd maybe better go along.  Spirometry test showed a definite problem, was then packed off for an x.ray to rule bad things going on, thankfully the x.ray came back clear.  On discussion with nurse it was decided that I should have an inhaler to use before exercise.

So here's my round up of the year so far.

January

As mentioned in previous blog spent a day marshaling at the Grand Day out Cumbria.  We had great fun in the snow.

Our marshal spot at the Cockpit

Heading back down into Askham

  After driving home from here in a blizzard, I decided not to push my luck and withdrew from That's Lyth at the end of the month,the weather was horrendous and OH was not too happy about me going on my own and I didn't really want him to come and have to spend a day in Kendal in the rain and wind waiting for me.  So that was that for this year.  Kim would still like to do the route so this is something we can pencil in for later on and there's always next year.

February

Valentine Run - each year one of the members of our club organizes a brilliant day out of running and socializing at his house.  Called, Frank's Valentine's Run, it's a great day out of running, eating and laughing.  The weather this year was spectacular, warm and sunny in the open but with the bonus of the frost still lying in the shade.

Thank you to Stephen Mohan for the photo.

Then there was the club awards ceremony - ok it's not training but a great night of watching all the different people collecting their awards, then a bit of drinking and dancing yaay.

March

Getting on with my training in my own way.  Running club on Monday and when I can make it track on Thursday's. Since becoming "retired" I've dropped half of my monthly income (our monthly income i should say) so therefore some things have to take a back seat occasionally, I don't always have the petrol or the spare change etc., but the up side is I have time for lots and lots of walking and some trail and hills.  Doug, track coach organised a  "Devil Takes the Hindmost" competition, guess who was first to be taken lol. 

Lakeland Trails - Cartmel

One of the Lakeland Trails I hadn't done so basically just had to do it and what a great day out it was.  Another really warm and sunny day made it just perfect for running and seeing the wonderful views.  Met some clubmates before the start, both way faster than me though. 

In our club hoodies before the start.

April

Time for Spring in Lakeland, this is an LDWA walk I've wanted to do for a long time.  My friend Kim and I signed up ages ago, in fact I think we were about the first names on the list and I was really looking forward to it.  Marissa and Kona came down with me for a drive and to keep me company there and back. We had a fantastic journey down which because of the road closure we had to go up and over Kirkstone Pass.   Happy memories of my many journeys up and down marshaling at Lakes Sky Ultra last year.  We were nice and early and got a parking space but they soon filled up and poor Kim had to park about 2 miles away and walk in to the start.  Club mates Kim and Jo were also there and after the first few miles we all just stayed together.  I have to say this is the hardest walk I've ever done, it seemed to be un-relentingly up, there were downs but even they were hard lol.  The walk up through the waterfalls to Tarn Hows was spectacular and I'm going back to spend more time just savouring it.  We had, had to set off late and did have one or two navigation issues on the way so we did take quite a while.  The checkpoint guy at the last checkpoint asked if we wanted to quit.  Bossy boots here said hell no, quit 3 miles from the end, no way lol.  There is a possibility we were in the last few to finish., but finish we did, still within the time limit. There were an awful lot of runners on this event, but it's still a walk and the cut off reflects this thank goodness (in this case).  Oh and it was another stoater of a day as we say here in Scotland. Very warm and sunny yet again.  

Jo P with a very familiar back drop.  Looking back over the L50 route.

Added excitement on the drop into Coniston and a reminder to me how and why I really dislike this descent. One of the runners fell and hurt her leg was unable to weight bear and had to have the  services of this big bird.

May

Time for the first big one of the year - Keswick to Barrow Walk.  Kim has had so many good things to say about this walk that I couldn't resist getting myself signed up as part of walking team Jaffa Cakes and Jelly Babies.  This was the 50th anniversary of the walk so was a rather special day.  New for his year was a slightly different route.  The road closures and safety concerns resulted in one or two route changes, with the addition of a rather nasty (well nasty to people who only walk on road, see pic) very rough section from Elterwater into Tilberthwaite.  I saw so many places in the Lakes that were new to me on this walk.  I loved it, although blisters made the last 10 miles agony and I sort of didn't really appreciate that part scenery wise as I had my head down and my teeth gritted just to make it to the end.  Kim pulled out after Lowick and I was on my own, I missed her being there at the end to share it, but a IT band problem added to family commitments meant it wasn't to be.  Perhaps next year.  

So there we have it a slightly more productive few months that I originally thought.  I enjoy what I do and know that I am getting older, some days things hurt lol, my fingers, my knees, my elbows I don't push it on those days, but other days all is well with the world. I love watching the dots, and am inspired by what people are doing out there.  Women pushing the boundries, like Jasmine Paris and Nicky Spinks are so wonderful and seeing what my own club mates are achieving this year is fantastic..........and there is more to come.

PS  Tried out the inhaler for the first time at Keswick to Barrow.  Red Bank - what Red Bank.  Made quite a difference so onwards and upwards.

PPS what is it about this year that it seems to have rained nearly every day except those days I had events.  The sun has shone on every outing this year so far.  

Where I'm at now and where I want to go.

It's been a while since my last blog - 7 months to be exact and to be honest I've not done a helluva lot since then.  Granted I did have 5 weeks in wonderful Australia in October and November then Christmas kicked in.  The run up to Christmas was busy as we decided to make a lot of our presents which does take more time and thought than just going and buying them.   However a chap called Tony decided to do this amazing challenge in December of doing a marathon a day for a month, he also challenged us all to join him wherever we were by doing at least a mile every day in December.  As it was a very doable challenge I decided to, well do it, and I did.  This was the first time ever that I have ran every day, granted most were very small runs of up to three miles but I did it and it certainly helped kick start me and made me want to make plans for next year.

January came and sort of went somehow.   The weather put paid to That's Lyth event which usually starts me off for the year, just didn't want to risk the drive down and back up.  Although I did drive all the way home from marshaling at The Grand Day out in heavy snow but decided not to chance my luck car wise again as we've spent enough on car stuff lately.    However as February rolled around I felt it was time to start buckling down and start on some sort of organized training regime.  So I have started running  more than my rather lazy 2 miles on a Monday night and have made a start on going to track again.  It's painfully slow going so far but will hopefully improve. I've also had a session with the lady who looks after my sports massage and discovered that something in my back was a little out of line, that explains the back pain.  She ironed out several knots and shifted some lymph that was hanging around. Must admit everything felt much better afterwards.

So my plans for this year are to take part in several small running events and one large walking event leading up to July when I will be doing the Lakeland 50 for possibly the last time,  Then there will be The Grand Tour of Skiddaw in September.  I WILL ring that bloody bell.   I haven't made any firm plans for after September but I hope to be heading to Coniston again in October for the Lakeland Trails Challenge,

I will be doing as many other walks and as much adventuring and cross training as I can possibly squeeze in and marshaling when I can.  My aim is to keep this blog up to date and have some interesting things to report and photographs to post.  All in all I'm looking forward to 2016.  Just wishing this rain would go away.  Don't mind the frost as this brings nice crisp clean clear days.  This rain is just annoying now.