Thursday 16th July 2020
We have now been told we need to wear masks in shops! what a carry on it all is, very tedious , but still somewhat dangerous and at my age still fills me with horror should I pick it up, not knowing how my body will react, what I do know is when I get a cold I suffer badly even after vaccination. So all I can do is carry on , trying to avoid small spaces with people, no cafes or pubs etc. I have found another use for the many Buffs I own, currently 15!!
After that some good news on the running club front, we met for the first time last Tuesday evening, social distancing and running in groups of no more than 6, it was good to se people I haven't seen for 3 months! and as a group leader I chose the route! it was only 4.6 miles and several of the group did struggle and the paces was only 10:30 minute miles. but I was nice to catch up.
I met up with two Harriers last Sunday and we did a lovely route over Cheddar Gorge and Beacon Batch, the highest point on the Mendips, a tough hilly route of 9.2 miles, my legs certainly felt it by the end, as well as being very hot .
So far this year I have managed to run 827 of my 1000 miles, so quite pleased with that, way up on last year. But, as I may have said before, its at the expense of my cycling, the weather this year has been so erratic, with very windy days of 26 mph + winds making cycling very uncomfortable. I have managed a couple of longer rides 50 miles plus when taking and collecting my van for more repairs and its MOT and expensive cycle ride. I still need to consider new shorts and a new saddle as discomfort is also putting me off cycling , seems worse this year, maybe its the lack of miles on my bike. I must try harder to get out rather than running. No clubs locally is a disadvantage, as I am always 'Billy No Mates'
anyway just a quick up date that I may edit later.
Thursday, 16 July 2020
Thursday, 18 June 2020
bit of cycling and running during lockdown
Thursday 18th June 2020
Well we are still in a period of 'grotiness' with all this Covid business, and to my mind there is a long way to go before anywhere near normality returns. But there are some idiots out there who seem to think 'its all over' and going about as though nothing has happened, no following social distance rules, no following gathering in larger groups etc, which people of my age find very difficult to accept as catching the virus for us could mean life or death!
Anyway, following that you should only worry about the things you can change and the things you cant, I should be more concerned about whether I can get out to run or cycle or dare I say go out in the van! which at the moment is at the menders as the window has decided to drop out as well as the need for its annual MOT and service, however, there has been little mileage over the past year and made worse by the virus! even the new battery last year is starting to fail with lack of use:-(
The last month has been wonderful weather wise, each day shorts and tee being the norm thing to wear, and decision as to whether to run or cycle! I have had some lovely runs, my favourite route being over to Brent Knoll via the fields and out down a track which eventually goes off road, there are usually cygnets, goslings and baby ducks as well as expansive views across the levels, flag irises lining the local 'Rhynes' before eventually crossing Berrow dunes to the expansive beach near the wreck of the Norgen which sank in 1837. the beach uptill now has been deserted, but think its on borrowed time wth more visitors attracted to the area as the lockdown recedes! I have met up with several Harriers for Social Distance runs on occasions, running up Brent Know of an evening, giving great views across the county and running round the coast following the River Parrett to the Huntspill river and lonely and wild place to run, but, beautiful.
I did manage to get to the Quantocks last Sunday, a nice early start saw me running from Great wood at 7:00 am, over to Deadwomans ditch after a long climb, before descending down one of my favourite combes Holford, zig zagging my way down before Holford and the climb up the Great road from the dog pound near the green, its a two mile climb and on a humid hot day, even with cloud cover it meant lots of walking and running! Beacon Hill was finally reached and chatted to a lone MTBer about the area whilst topping up with a muesli bar The ridge along to Triscombe was my next target, but as I went along on the ups and downs, seeing very few people, I started to feel the tiredness that comes from two big climbs and the lack of climbs over the last couple of months, despite the odd foray up Brent Knoll. As I approached Hurley Beacon, doubt crept into my head, Triscombe seemed a long way, and maybe, Crowcombe Park gate, and descent down Ramscombe would be enough to satisfy my outdoor hill cravings!!! as I got to the Trig point on Black hill above Crowcombe gate, decision was made, I was very hot, very tired and had back ache after only 8.5 miles!! down Rambscombe I went knowing full well it was down hill all the way back to the car, Great wood was now busy with other cars and dog walkers, as I finally got back to a welcome flask of coffee in the car! 10.5 miles covered, and 1500 ft of climbing, pleased with that and a lovely morning out.
Cycling wise I have kept fairly local, other than when I had to cycle the 39 miles home from Chard when I took the van to be repaired, it is a nice ride, but again the several hills, the main one Pedwell hill did cause me some trouble, cycling on the levels does not prepare you for hills!!
The weather has now turned and this week has been stormy, making it difficult to get out without the threat of getting soaked, its very humid and thunder is in the air. I do hope it turns back to being more settled so putting back uncertainty about going out running or cycling :-(
Sorry no photos I did delete from my phone without thinking! I must save next time to add photos, the above photos were taken close to home down a place called Brent Broad which is a track that leads over to Brent Knoll and gives a nice 10 k route to the top of the Knoll and back.
Well I am managing to Blog once a month which is great running wise I have now covered 712 miles of my 1000 mile target for the year! running about 20 miles a week.
Well we are still in a period of 'grotiness' with all this Covid business, and to my mind there is a long way to go before anywhere near normality returns. But there are some idiots out there who seem to think 'its all over' and going about as though nothing has happened, no following social distance rules, no following gathering in larger groups etc, which people of my age find very difficult to accept as catching the virus for us could mean life or death!
Anyway, following that you should only worry about the things you can change and the things you cant, I should be more concerned about whether I can get out to run or cycle or dare I say go out in the van! which at the moment is at the menders as the window has decided to drop out as well as the need for its annual MOT and service, however, there has been little mileage over the past year and made worse by the virus! even the new battery last year is starting to fail with lack of use:-(
The last month has been wonderful weather wise, each day shorts and tee being the norm thing to wear, and decision as to whether to run or cycle! I have had some lovely runs, my favourite route being over to Brent Knoll via the fields and out down a track which eventually goes off road, there are usually cygnets, goslings and baby ducks as well as expansive views across the levels, flag irises lining the local 'Rhynes' before eventually crossing Berrow dunes to the expansive beach near the wreck of the Norgen which sank in 1837. the beach uptill now has been deserted, but think its on borrowed time wth more visitors attracted to the area as the lockdown recedes! I have met up with several Harriers for Social Distance runs on occasions, running up Brent Know of an evening, giving great views across the county and running round the coast following the River Parrett to the Huntspill river and lonely and wild place to run, but, beautiful.
I did manage to get to the Quantocks last Sunday, a nice early start saw me running from Great wood at 7:00 am, over to Deadwomans ditch after a long climb, before descending down one of my favourite combes Holford, zig zagging my way down before Holford and the climb up the Great road from the dog pound near the green, its a two mile climb and on a humid hot day, even with cloud cover it meant lots of walking and running! Beacon Hill was finally reached and chatted to a lone MTBer about the area whilst topping up with a muesli bar The ridge along to Triscombe was my next target, but as I went along on the ups and downs, seeing very few people, I started to feel the tiredness that comes from two big climbs and the lack of climbs over the last couple of months, despite the odd foray up Brent Knoll. As I approached Hurley Beacon, doubt crept into my head, Triscombe seemed a long way, and maybe, Crowcombe Park gate, and descent down Ramscombe would be enough to satisfy my outdoor hill cravings!!! as I got to the Trig point on Black hill above Crowcombe gate, decision was made, I was very hot, very tired and had back ache after only 8.5 miles!! down Rambscombe I went knowing full well it was down hill all the way back to the car, Great wood was now busy with other cars and dog walkers, as I finally got back to a welcome flask of coffee in the car! 10.5 miles covered, and 1500 ft of climbing, pleased with that and a lovely morning out.
Cycling wise I have kept fairly local, other than when I had to cycle the 39 miles home from Chard when I took the van to be repaired, it is a nice ride, but again the several hills, the main one Pedwell hill did cause me some trouble, cycling on the levels does not prepare you for hills!!
Sorry no photos I did delete from my phone without thinking! I must save next time to add photos, the above photos were taken close to home down a place called Brent Broad which is a track that leads over to Brent Knoll and gives a nice 10 k route to the top of the Knoll and back.
Well I am managing to Blog once a month which is great running wise I have now covered 712 miles of my 1000 mile target for the year! running about 20 miles a week.
Saturday, 23 May 2020
Some lifting of lockdown, but! keep on running and cycling
Saturday 23rd May
Well there has been some lifting of the lockdown, people are now allowed to travel where they like in England, but not Wales or Scotland ! which I have to say locally has caused real problems as people flock here to the coast in large numbers. The implications for us runners and cyclists are that we now have to dodge more cars and more people trying to keep the 'distance' to avoid any contact, otherwise the last ten weeks will have been a waste of time!! it does make me very angry that people are so inconsiderate not staying local, even one of my friends I notice on Strava drove to Saunton sands to go surfing!! which is a good 70-100 miles, irresponsible in my eyes and unnecessary. especially as the roads were jammed and nothing was open.
Anyway enough of the virus more about running and cycling along with the campervan, sadly I had to charge the battery on the van as it had not been out on a long journey regularly, I daren't go out as locals think you are an outsider giving you horrible looks as though you shouldn't be there!
On the beach at Berrow
Burnham low lighthouse
Cygnets on a local Rhyne
wreck of SS Norgen 1897
Running wise I have now managed to complete 621 miles or 1000 km since the start of the year, I now need to complete my 1000 miles by the end of the year. I have been running regularly either early mornings on my 10 k route or in the afternoons round my 9-10 mile route that is away from crowds and has some lovely off road sections but! has no hills and over ten miles I can have a maximum of 60 feet! which is probably over the train bridge and up from the beach. Although I did include the ascent of Brent Knoll last week, on my long run, the weather however has been very hot making long runs very sweaty! the wind has been a constant niggle and chilly at times. I did manage a good time for a 10k last week recording 56 min 43 secs which I was pleased with. I have been heart rate running this week trying to keep it down in zone 3, difficult at times when running into the wind.
Although I can now drive the 20 mins down the road to the Mendips, or the Quantocks, I have made a decision to avoid until we are all released and the threat has subsided considerably, at 69 I wish to do everything possible to continue life for a good few years yet!
It is a wonderful area for wild life and over the past few runs have seen goslings, cygnets and baby ducks, sadly I have the photos on my ipad and unable to download at the moment.
Cycling wise I have managed a few rides when the wind has dropped and my 'sore' bum has now recovered!! the roads getting busier each week both with cars but mainly cyclists. I am surprised my cycling fitness is still good although I havnt tried many hills yet, the local Polden hills are not really a challenge and I don't feel at the moment I want to venture on the Mendips and Cheddar Gorge which by accounts is very busy with cyclists and people visiting now we have all been 'let out'
The running club have been proactive in trying to keep spirits up with a daily challenge of wearing a different tee each day you run that matches the colour of the rainbow, to celebrate the NHS along with a runner spotting competition, where you get a point if you see another Harrier and photo them :-) with a league each week . this combined with a weekly quiz via the Face Book page.
I cant believe its nearly 3 years since my Manche to Med cycling trip
That's brought the Blog up to date, not a lot to say but I am trying to keep it uptodate and also keep a diary of this extraordinary time .
Well there has been some lifting of the lockdown, people are now allowed to travel where they like in England, but not Wales or Scotland ! which I have to say locally has caused real problems as people flock here to the coast in large numbers. The implications for us runners and cyclists are that we now have to dodge more cars and more people trying to keep the 'distance' to avoid any contact, otherwise the last ten weeks will have been a waste of time!! it does make me very angry that people are so inconsiderate not staying local, even one of my friends I notice on Strava drove to Saunton sands to go surfing!! which is a good 70-100 miles, irresponsible in my eyes and unnecessary. especially as the roads were jammed and nothing was open.
Anyway enough of the virus more about running and cycling along with the campervan, sadly I had to charge the battery on the van as it had not been out on a long journey regularly, I daren't go out as locals think you are an outsider giving you horrible looks as though you shouldn't be there!
On the beach at Berrow
Burnham low lighthouse
Cygnets on a local Rhyne
wreck of SS Norgen 1897Running wise I have now managed to complete 621 miles or 1000 km since the start of the year, I now need to complete my 1000 miles by the end of the year. I have been running regularly either early mornings on my 10 k route or in the afternoons round my 9-10 mile route that is away from crowds and has some lovely off road sections but! has no hills and over ten miles I can have a maximum of 60 feet! which is probably over the train bridge and up from the beach. Although I did include the ascent of Brent Knoll last week, on my long run, the weather however has been very hot making long runs very sweaty! the wind has been a constant niggle and chilly at times. I did manage a good time for a 10k last week recording 56 min 43 secs which I was pleased with. I have been heart rate running this week trying to keep it down in zone 3, difficult at times when running into the wind.
Although I can now drive the 20 mins down the road to the Mendips, or the Quantocks, I have made a decision to avoid until we are all released and the threat has subsided considerably, at 69 I wish to do everything possible to continue life for a good few years yet!
It is a wonderful area for wild life and over the past few runs have seen goslings, cygnets and baby ducks, sadly I have the photos on my ipad and unable to download at the moment.
Cycling wise I have managed a few rides when the wind has dropped and my 'sore' bum has now recovered!! the roads getting busier each week both with cars but mainly cyclists. I am surprised my cycling fitness is still good although I havnt tried many hills yet, the local Polden hills are not really a challenge and I don't feel at the moment I want to venture on the Mendips and Cheddar Gorge which by accounts is very busy with cyclists and people visiting now we have all been 'let out'
The running club have been proactive in trying to keep spirits up with a daily challenge of wearing a different tee each day you run that matches the colour of the rainbow, to celebrate the NHS along with a runner spotting competition, where you get a point if you see another Harrier and photo them :-) with a league each week . this combined with a weekly quiz via the Face Book page.
I cant believe its nearly 3 years since my Manche to Med cycling trip
Sunday, 10 May 2020
life goes on.......
Sunday 10th May 2020
Here we are 7 or 8 weeks into lockdown and life goes on, trying to avoid contact with other people and the weekly grind of getting food without spending time in a supermarket queue! using farm shops, local campsite shops [as campsites are shut the onsite shops are open to outsiders] and we did manage to get an AS|DA delivery last week, even though one of the subsidies was a 20 packet pack of prawn cocktail Skips!!!
I finished April well ahead of my target for my 1000 miles run by the end of the year with 515 miles run since January 1st, April saw me run 123 miles whilst I also managed to start cycling again in April getting another 238 miles in. so a successful month of activity, then the weather has been lovely, long sunny days, and somedays with a gentle easterly breeze meant a fast cycle back over Tealham moor. Running wise I ran nearly every day,the longest run was 10.60 miles, the route very flat with only 67 feet of climbing! taking in Brent Knoll village, Middle Lane which goes into a lovely bridleway part way along followed by crossing the Dunes at Berrow, which are remote, making the beach very quiet at the moment, very deserted! before running back along the lovely flat, hard sand for 3-4 miles before crossing the dunes back to the road. A great multi terrain run, which keeps the interest more than general road running. Its also nice to get away from the sea front as in the day time now it is getting busier as people are taking their 'Boris exercise' or taking the dog for a walk! I did manage a couple of very early runs 6 am starts! which were god for lack of people, beautiful sun rises etc. but! I haven't managed to keep them up, my preferred time to run being late afternoon.
I have been lucky with no injuries and generally feeling good on runs and cycle rides, my pace is way down at present, although the multi terrain run is not easy to go fast as its good ankle twisting terrain, and the beach slows you up. but! I did manage 58 minutes for a 10k run! I did no hill work in April so when I did Brent Knoll hill the other day, it was a shock to the leg muscles, finding myself walking rather than running at times, whereas, training for the Grizzly I was running all the way up to the top!
The Harriers have been proactive in keeping things positive with a daily challenge of wearing a rainbow colour each day when you run and there is also a 'Harrier Spotting' contest where if you spot a harrier and photo you get a point! which goes towards a weekly score. We have also had a quiz each week through the Harriers FB page, it was our turn this week to present the questions, it went well and all enjoyed it [I think].
Cycling might be curtailed for a couple of weeks as I have a sore, in an inconvenient place for cycling! I need this to heal before I do more as its very uncomfortable, even with two pairs of shorts, I suspsct the hot weather and frequent wearing of lycra etc has contributed to it!
But, cycling has been good with quieter roads, and more courteous drivers, as there are a lot of 'new' cyclists and families out on bikes, who aren't the most road aware people! There has been no 'resurfacing ' yet, either which is good new, I am hoping the Covid 19 delays any of this as its a real problem for cyclists. I did a couple of hilly rides taking in 100ft which for a 40 mile round the levels is very good, without going on the Mendips is would be hard to get much climbing in. Besides its best to stay very local with this virus about.
I am hoping with another month or so we will be able to meet up with other runners and my cycling friends again, I don't thing Parkrun or other events will be back before October at the earliest, just fingers crossed they might.
The campervan is well and truly stuck on the drive! I daren't drive locally as people think you are a visitor and give you grief!! now I can decide if its better or worse to start it up and run it.
No hill or Fell walking either!
All we can do is stay safe ourselves and be optimistic the return to some normality wont be too far off.
Still no photos added as I am typing this on the laptop and photos are on the ipad or phone, so sorry its boring text!
I am quite pleased I have done another blog in a short time!! I hope I can maintain the momentum !!!
Here we are 7 or 8 weeks into lockdown and life goes on, trying to avoid contact with other people and the weekly grind of getting food without spending time in a supermarket queue! using farm shops, local campsite shops [as campsites are shut the onsite shops are open to outsiders] and we did manage to get an AS|DA delivery last week, even though one of the subsidies was a 20 packet pack of prawn cocktail Skips!!!
I finished April well ahead of my target for my 1000 miles run by the end of the year with 515 miles run since January 1st, April saw me run 123 miles whilst I also managed to start cycling again in April getting another 238 miles in. so a successful month of activity, then the weather has been lovely, long sunny days, and somedays with a gentle easterly breeze meant a fast cycle back over Tealham moor. Running wise I ran nearly every day,the longest run was 10.60 miles, the route very flat with only 67 feet of climbing! taking in Brent Knoll village, Middle Lane which goes into a lovely bridleway part way along followed by crossing the Dunes at Berrow, which are remote, making the beach very quiet at the moment, very deserted! before running back along the lovely flat, hard sand for 3-4 miles before crossing the dunes back to the road. A great multi terrain run, which keeps the interest more than general road running. Its also nice to get away from the sea front as in the day time now it is getting busier as people are taking their 'Boris exercise' or taking the dog for a walk! I did manage a couple of very early runs 6 am starts! which were god for lack of people, beautiful sun rises etc. but! I haven't managed to keep them up, my preferred time to run being late afternoon.
I have been lucky with no injuries and generally feeling good on runs and cycle rides, my pace is way down at present, although the multi terrain run is not easy to go fast as its good ankle twisting terrain, and the beach slows you up. but! I did manage 58 minutes for a 10k run! I did no hill work in April so when I did Brent Knoll hill the other day, it was a shock to the leg muscles, finding myself walking rather than running at times, whereas, training for the Grizzly I was running all the way up to the top!
The Harriers have been proactive in keeping things positive with a daily challenge of wearing a rainbow colour each day when you run and there is also a 'Harrier Spotting' contest where if you spot a harrier and photo you get a point! which goes towards a weekly score. We have also had a quiz each week through the Harriers FB page, it was our turn this week to present the questions, it went well and all enjoyed it [I think].
Cycling might be curtailed for a couple of weeks as I have a sore, in an inconvenient place for cycling! I need this to heal before I do more as its very uncomfortable, even with two pairs of shorts, I suspsct the hot weather and frequent wearing of lycra etc has contributed to it!
But, cycling has been good with quieter roads, and more courteous drivers, as there are a lot of 'new' cyclists and families out on bikes, who aren't the most road aware people! There has been no 'resurfacing ' yet, either which is good new, I am hoping the Covid 19 delays any of this as its a real problem for cyclists. I did a couple of hilly rides taking in 100ft which for a 40 mile round the levels is very good, without going on the Mendips is would be hard to get much climbing in. Besides its best to stay very local with this virus about.
I am hoping with another month or so we will be able to meet up with other runners and my cycling friends again, I don't thing Parkrun or other events will be back before October at the earliest, just fingers crossed they might.
The campervan is well and truly stuck on the drive! I daren't drive locally as people think you are a visitor and give you grief!! now I can decide if its better or worse to start it up and run it.
No hill or Fell walking either!
All we can do is stay safe ourselves and be optimistic the return to some normality wont be too far off.
Still no photos added as I am typing this on the laptop and photos are on the ipad or phone, so sorry its boring text!
I am quite pleased I have done another blog in a short time!! I hope I can maintain the momentum !!!
Saturday, 25 April 2020
We have lockdown
Saturday April 25th
Well the updating didn't last long!!! as its 3 months since I posted. A lot and not much has happened since the last post. The worst thing has been the spread of the Virus from China Covid 19 which has shut the world down!!! we are on lockdown with social distancing of 2 metres, so any activity with others other than those you are living with is not happening, hence no running club, no cycling with Wobbly wheelers or Brent Knoll Velo old gits!! its been five weeks now and doeant look to end soon. we are isolating, only visiting the shop once a week, so hope to avoid any nasty virus!!
Anyway, back to more pleasant things! From xmas up to and after the Grizzly[more later] I didn't cycle at all, a combination of awful weather wind and rain and trying to keep the miles up training for the Grizzly. So cycling only resumed as the lockdown took effect, as the weather improved drastically when it started, light winds and sunshine, even though the winds seem to have been from the ENE but! keeping it cool to run and cycle, and even better it gives a tailwind home over Tealham moor.
My training for the Grizzly went well, building on my 1000 mileage from 2019. I started my preparation on December 22nd with a 6 mile run on the Quantocks, round Smiths Combe, if I remember it was a damp outing, especially under foot! which was to be a common Factor over the next few months! I had planned roughly 10 outings in the hills leading up to the even, at least one of those on the Quantocks and a reasoneable distance, not worrying about pace as the isaed was to get round the 20 mile 3000ft ascent of the Grizzly.
I did various runs out on Crook Peak, round Cheddar Gorge, up the Strawberry line for a half marathon distance, which I felt a long way on that day!!. I had two nasty bouts of a heavy cold, which got in the way of training taking some time to recover. we were also hit with three storms which caused disruption to training plans, Storm Ciara, Storm George and Storm Jorge, I was lucky that four other Harriers were also entered for the event, so we managed several training runs together, but! they were much younger and faster than me, but the training we did together worked well as I had a good knowledge of the Quantocks. I also had to order newshoes at short ntice as I noticed my Fell raisers looking decidedly worse for wear! I ordered some Speed Cross 4, which were wonderful on several training rns , but a week before the event after only 68 miles that had a hole in the uppers, so I returned them for a refund and bought a pair of ACICS Trabucos, I wore my Fellraisers for the event.
The day of the event arrived after weeks of very poor wet and windy weather, I drove down to Seaton in the Campervan, very early to park on the seafront, which I was pleased worked well, arriving early, relaxing, having breakfast etc, before it started to rain ;-( which it continued to do as we lined up on the start line, as we were all dressed in waterproof coats, it then decided to stop, and the sun came out at the hooter sounded for the start. I was on my own very soon, not finding Rosie a local cycling friend I had agreed to run with, the Harriers all finding their own pace. I decided on a no rush race race to take iteasy as many came past me on the beach and back on the first hill, there was after all 20 miles to go!!! as we hit the first off road hill out of the caravan park it was clear this was setting the scene for what was to come, a very muddy, slippery, wet underfoot race. I met up with Rosie on Beer Head but after about 10 miles it was clear I wouldn't be able to keep up with her so let her run on and I continued at my pace. the tracks and paths were dreadful, trying to stay up right on the down hills and lacking traction on the up hills, I found myself walking more and more. By the time I got back to the Branscombe beach section before the stairway to heaven I was exhausted, showers continued throughout, with a particular nasty one hitting as I ran the beach, fortunately it was behind me. I struggled on till the finish the final hills seeming to go on forever, I had food, energy drink etc but it made no difference,I was exhausted, the weather, ground conditions etc had taken their toll, even though I felt very prepared for the event. I was glad to see the finish, and pleased to cross the finish line approximately an hour behind last years time 19.5 miles, 3132 feet of climbing in 5hrs 29 mins 1208th out of 1465. I was very disappointed with how it went, but it was the worst conditions I have known and many others said the same. doing it again next year!! I said no way on the day,but! time is a great healer and it would be nice to make it my last one and run it three weeks after my 70th birthday!! the rest of the Harriers did well coming in considerably earlier than me, all having good times and all seemingly to have enjoyed it despite the rubbish weather!! Rosie and her bloke finished well nearly an hour ahead of me, not one of my best performances, I am just glad I did the preparation and avoided a DNF .
After a few days rest, I entered the Big Cheese a hilly 15mile off road event in Cheddar and the Round the Tor 10k road run. so set about training for these, but alas! it was not to be with all events cancelled because of the virus. we are in lockdown so only allowed out locally. I am doing well, especially in April, with several 9- 10 mile runs a week along with 30 mile cycle rides on very quiet roads. But I do miss the company of others.
No one knows how long we are stuck with this as the country has basically shut. Lets hope it sorts itself out before the end of the summer so we can enjoy it with friends and family. we had planned to take the van to the Peak District tomorrow for the week, but everywhere is shut, I was looking forward to using the van again as well as some hill walking and running.
I think that's caught up for the time being, the weather since lockdown has been fabulous leaving no excuses not to go out running or cycling, I have been either cycling or running everyday in April as part of a local 1 mile a day challenge. I am well on my way with my 1000 mile challenge with 499 miles run before the end of April, so pleased with that !!!!according to Strava I am well over a 1000 miles run in the last 12 months around 1200 miles.
I hope I am able to keep up the blog, I noticed in 201 I blogged 69 times! sorry about photos but they are on my ipad and I tend to do this on my laptop, its a lot of fuss to download them across, but they are mostly on my Strava account or my Face Book page for those interested.
that's all for now.
Well the updating didn't last long!!! as its 3 months since I posted. A lot and not much has happened since the last post. The worst thing has been the spread of the Virus from China Covid 19 which has shut the world down!!! we are on lockdown with social distancing of 2 metres, so any activity with others other than those you are living with is not happening, hence no running club, no cycling with Wobbly wheelers or Brent Knoll Velo old gits!! its been five weeks now and doeant look to end soon. we are isolating, only visiting the shop once a week, so hope to avoid any nasty virus!!
Anyway, back to more pleasant things! From xmas up to and after the Grizzly[more later] I didn't cycle at all, a combination of awful weather wind and rain and trying to keep the miles up training for the Grizzly. So cycling only resumed as the lockdown took effect, as the weather improved drastically when it started, light winds and sunshine, even though the winds seem to have been from the ENE but! keeping it cool to run and cycle, and even better it gives a tailwind home over Tealham moor.
My training for the Grizzly went well, building on my 1000 mileage from 2019. I started my preparation on December 22nd with a 6 mile run on the Quantocks, round Smiths Combe, if I remember it was a damp outing, especially under foot! which was to be a common Factor over the next few months! I had planned roughly 10 outings in the hills leading up to the even, at least one of those on the Quantocks and a reasoneable distance, not worrying about pace as the isaed was to get round the 20 mile 3000ft ascent of the Grizzly.
I did various runs out on Crook Peak, round Cheddar Gorge, up the Strawberry line for a half marathon distance, which I felt a long way on that day!!. I had two nasty bouts of a heavy cold, which got in the way of training taking some time to recover. we were also hit with three storms which caused disruption to training plans, Storm Ciara, Storm George and Storm Jorge, I was lucky that four other Harriers were also entered for the event, so we managed several training runs together, but! they were much younger and faster than me, but the training we did together worked well as I had a good knowledge of the Quantocks. I also had to order newshoes at short ntice as I noticed my Fell raisers looking decidedly worse for wear! I ordered some Speed Cross 4, which were wonderful on several training rns , but a week before the event after only 68 miles that had a hole in the uppers, so I returned them for a refund and bought a pair of ACICS Trabucos, I wore my Fellraisers for the event.
The day of the event arrived after weeks of very poor wet and windy weather, I drove down to Seaton in the Campervan, very early to park on the seafront, which I was pleased worked well, arriving early, relaxing, having breakfast etc, before it started to rain ;-( which it continued to do as we lined up on the start line, as we were all dressed in waterproof coats, it then decided to stop, and the sun came out at the hooter sounded for the start. I was on my own very soon, not finding Rosie a local cycling friend I had agreed to run with, the Harriers all finding their own pace. I decided on a no rush race race to take iteasy as many came past me on the beach and back on the first hill, there was after all 20 miles to go!!! as we hit the first off road hill out of the caravan park it was clear this was setting the scene for what was to come, a very muddy, slippery, wet underfoot race. I met up with Rosie on Beer Head but after about 10 miles it was clear I wouldn't be able to keep up with her so let her run on and I continued at my pace. the tracks and paths were dreadful, trying to stay up right on the down hills and lacking traction on the up hills, I found myself walking more and more. By the time I got back to the Branscombe beach section before the stairway to heaven I was exhausted, showers continued throughout, with a particular nasty one hitting as I ran the beach, fortunately it was behind me. I struggled on till the finish the final hills seeming to go on forever, I had food, energy drink etc but it made no difference,I was exhausted, the weather, ground conditions etc had taken their toll, even though I felt very prepared for the event. I was glad to see the finish, and pleased to cross the finish line approximately an hour behind last years time 19.5 miles, 3132 feet of climbing in 5hrs 29 mins 1208th out of 1465. I was very disappointed with how it went, but it was the worst conditions I have known and many others said the same. doing it again next year!! I said no way on the day,but! time is a great healer and it would be nice to make it my last one and run it three weeks after my 70th birthday!! the rest of the Harriers did well coming in considerably earlier than me, all having good times and all seemingly to have enjoyed it despite the rubbish weather!! Rosie and her bloke finished well nearly an hour ahead of me, not one of my best performances, I am just glad I did the preparation and avoided a DNF .
After a few days rest, I entered the Big Cheese a hilly 15mile off road event in Cheddar and the Round the Tor 10k road run. so set about training for these, but alas! it was not to be with all events cancelled because of the virus. we are in lockdown so only allowed out locally. I am doing well, especially in April, with several 9- 10 mile runs a week along with 30 mile cycle rides on very quiet roads. But I do miss the company of others.
No one knows how long we are stuck with this as the country has basically shut. Lets hope it sorts itself out before the end of the summer so we can enjoy it with friends and family. we had planned to take the van to the Peak District tomorrow for the week, but everywhere is shut, I was looking forward to using the van again as well as some hill walking and running.
I think that's caught up for the time being, the weather since lockdown has been fabulous leaving no excuses not to go out running or cycling, I have been either cycling or running everyday in April as part of a local 1 mile a day challenge. I am well on my way with my 1000 mile challenge with 499 miles run before the end of April, so pleased with that !!!!according to Strava I am well over a 1000 miles run in the last 12 months around 1200 miles.
I hope I am able to keep up the blog, I noticed in 201 I blogged 69 times! sorry about photos but they are on my ipad and I tend to do this on my laptop, its a lot of fuss to download them across, but they are mostly on my Strava account or my Face Book page for those interested.
that's all for now.
Monday, 13 January 2020
Long time no see! Again!!
13 January 2020
Its been a long time since I last posted on here, 25th August 2019 !! no excuses other than laziness, given the weather today is dreadful I thought it a good time to catch up, list my events from last year and look back, as well as planning this coming year. Storm Brendan is about to arrive and given its only 3:30 in the afternoon its already very grey and the wind is picking up. I just hope its not a very high tide today!!!
My current plan is to run the full Grizzly on March the 8th so desperately trying to get miles and hills in to prepare, I am managing a few hills but sadly not the miles! I did manage 9.5 miles last Friday but struggled, and that was around Burnham on Sea which is very flat!!! I have had two rounds of the lurgy since the beginning of December the last one hitting on Christmas day and is still in the back ground with some coughing and a very snotty nose :-( I think I am still not fully recovered and finding it hard to run any distance, I did manage a cycle ride across the levels last week, only 26 miles the first ride in over a month, I was very tired at the end taking a day to recover. I did do Crook Peak on Sunday 7 miles and 1000feet of climbing, but, I walked the ups and ran the downs, I think it was the slowest I have ever run it, weather was reasonable, bit windy going out but a tail wind back.
I am planning to run on Wednesday on the Quantocks with the running club, but unsure I will keep up with them, I maybe a little slow, I just hope by persevering I will overcome the fatigue I feel at the moment after each run, I must try to be positive, but it is hard. Its seemed a longdark damp and windy winter, not many frosty dry windless days [ in fact I don't think we have had any]
My plan for the next 8 weeks is to
Monday rest
Tuesday : Yoga in the morning [starting tomorrow] running club in the evening,run there and back as well 8 miles some tempo on club run
Wednesday : hills run 10 -12 miles or 40 mile cycle ride
Thursday : short run and running fitness in the evening
Friday: rest day
Saturday: Park run 7miles including there and back or other runs
Sunday : longer run 12-15 miles 'social run with club'
I hope as the event approaches I will be able to up the mileage to a maximum of about 16 miles [Grizzly is 19 miles with 2600 ft] and try to get up to 2000 ft and 4+ hours on my feet.
I will have a dress rehearsal two weeks before of about 12 miles on some of the route, as I no longer live near there its more difficult with an hours worth of travel each way.
I hope by updating the blog more regularly it might inspire me and help me be more positive about preparing, especially as I am struggling at the moment.
I am not planning to enter any events before the Grizzly.
looking back to last year
I ran 1056 miles meeting my target of 1000 miles in the year and achieving my 'Trail Running Magazine' goal of 1000 miles run in the year, really pleased with this as I have never run this far before. I now need to try to repeat it this year. BUT! it was at the expense of cycling miles where I only cycled 2210 miles
my events for last year were
Achieving 1000 miles running
the Grizzly Cub run 9 miles
Herepath half 13.1 miles
Glastonbury 10 k
Portishead coastal 10 k
Minehead Stumble 10 k - won my age category!
Quantock Beast 10 k
welsh 10 k won my age category again!
Wambrook Waddle 10 k
Paulett Plod 10k
Buckland Bolt 10k tail runner
Christmas Cracker 10 k Weston Super Mare
Christmas charity run BOS 10k
Charity Sportive 100k in Gloucester with Tim
Numerous Park runs at BOS
I enjoyed all the events winning my age category[over 65] twice this year, as well as running Park Runs I have volunteered on a number of occasion.
Last year I was on the verge of giving up on the local running club, but stayed with it and now try to run at least once a week with them as well as donning the Harriers tee on the races. I have also become a run Leader and will do my training on February 1st I hope. I do lead or trail the evening runs at the moment.
As far as Van usage, and fell walking, this hasn't happened, sadly I have neglected the van with only a few outs to tick over, I hope 2020 will bring more trips away as we are now more settled in our new home. we no longer need to 'camp' when visiting grandchildren as they are only an hour away now, so up and back in a day is no problem, unless!! there is another accident on the M5, which seems a regular occurrence from Bristol down to junction 22.
I have not managed a single outing to real mountains the Lakes or Wales for the last 2 years, so feeling a little sad each time I see pictures of those areas, must try harder to get away, especially being retired!!!!
I think this has brought me back up to date, not a lot of detail, but hopefully I can try harder to complete the blog weekly leading up to the Grizzly. looking back to my early Blog posts was really helpful. I have given up my computer spread sheets and rely on Strava to record my outings along with a handwritten diary which I started just before Christmas..
Its been a long time since I last posted on here, 25th August 2019 !! no excuses other than laziness, given the weather today is dreadful I thought it a good time to catch up, list my events from last year and look back, as well as planning this coming year. Storm Brendan is about to arrive and given its only 3:30 in the afternoon its already very grey and the wind is picking up. I just hope its not a very high tide today!!!
My current plan is to run the full Grizzly on March the 8th so desperately trying to get miles and hills in to prepare, I am managing a few hills but sadly not the miles! I did manage 9.5 miles last Friday but struggled, and that was around Burnham on Sea which is very flat!!! I have had two rounds of the lurgy since the beginning of December the last one hitting on Christmas day and is still in the back ground with some coughing and a very snotty nose :-( I think I am still not fully recovered and finding it hard to run any distance, I did manage a cycle ride across the levels last week, only 26 miles the first ride in over a month, I was very tired at the end taking a day to recover. I did do Crook Peak on Sunday 7 miles and 1000feet of climbing, but, I walked the ups and ran the downs, I think it was the slowest I have ever run it, weather was reasonable, bit windy going out but a tail wind back.
I am planning to run on Wednesday on the Quantocks with the running club, but unsure I will keep up with them, I maybe a little slow, I just hope by persevering I will overcome the fatigue I feel at the moment after each run, I must try to be positive, but it is hard. Its seemed a longdark damp and windy winter, not many frosty dry windless days [ in fact I don't think we have had any]
My plan for the next 8 weeks is to
Monday rest
Tuesday : Yoga in the morning [starting tomorrow] running club in the evening,run there and back as well 8 miles some tempo on club run
Wednesday : hills run 10 -12 miles or 40 mile cycle ride
Thursday : short run and running fitness in the evening
Friday: rest day
Saturday: Park run 7miles including there and back or other runs
Sunday : longer run 12-15 miles 'social run with club'
I hope as the event approaches I will be able to up the mileage to a maximum of about 16 miles [Grizzly is 19 miles with 2600 ft] and try to get up to 2000 ft and 4+ hours on my feet.
I will have a dress rehearsal two weeks before of about 12 miles on some of the route, as I no longer live near there its more difficult with an hours worth of travel each way.
I hope by updating the blog more regularly it might inspire me and help me be more positive about preparing, especially as I am struggling at the moment.
I am not planning to enter any events before the Grizzly.
looking back to last year
I ran 1056 miles meeting my target of 1000 miles in the year and achieving my 'Trail Running Magazine' goal of 1000 miles run in the year, really pleased with this as I have never run this far before. I now need to try to repeat it this year. BUT! it was at the expense of cycling miles where I only cycled 2210 miles
my events for last year were
Achieving 1000 miles running
the Grizzly Cub run 9 miles
Herepath half 13.1 miles
Glastonbury 10 k
Portishead coastal 10 k
Minehead Stumble 10 k - won my age category!
Quantock Beast 10 k
welsh 10 k won my age category again!
Wambrook Waddle 10 k
Paulett Plod 10k
Buckland Bolt 10k tail runner
Christmas Cracker 10 k Weston Super Mare
Christmas charity run BOS 10k
Charity Sportive 100k in Gloucester with Tim
Numerous Park runs at BOS
I enjoyed all the events winning my age category[over 65] twice this year, as well as running Park Runs I have volunteered on a number of occasion.
Last year I was on the verge of giving up on the local running club, but stayed with it and now try to run at least once a week with them as well as donning the Harriers tee on the races. I have also become a run Leader and will do my training on February 1st I hope. I do lead or trail the evening runs at the moment.
As far as Van usage, and fell walking, this hasn't happened, sadly I have neglected the van with only a few outs to tick over, I hope 2020 will bring more trips away as we are now more settled in our new home. we no longer need to 'camp' when visiting grandchildren as they are only an hour away now, so up and back in a day is no problem, unless!! there is another accident on the M5, which seems a regular occurrence from Bristol down to junction 22.
I have not managed a single outing to real mountains the Lakes or Wales for the last 2 years, so feeling a little sad each time I see pictures of those areas, must try harder to get away, especially being retired!!!!
I think this has brought me back up to date, not a lot of detail, but hopefully I can try harder to complete the blog weekly leading up to the Grizzly. looking back to my early Blog posts was really helpful. I have given up my computer spread sheets and rely on Strava to record my outings along with a handwritten diary which I started just before Christmas..
Sunday, 25 August 2019
Second good run
Sunday 25 th August 2019
I seem to have messed up my last post before finishing it so adding a further post!
Today was a ‘social’ run with the running club. Many of the club were racing today and those that weren’t were looking for miles to run in preparation for half marathons later next month.
We agreed to do 12 miles along the Strawberry line cycle track near Axbridge, a victim of the Beeching cuts, the derelict railway line is a lovely cycle/walking route.
Six of us met on a beautiful if somewhat hot morning and ran steadily heading for a six mile out and six mile back run all was going well, steady running in the shade of trees until about 5 miles , it suddenly got very hot with no shade , when one of the group suddenly felt unwell. After a few minutes rest, drink and jelly babies she felt much better, but we all agreed to turn now and run back to the cars. It was a lovely run, quite busy with other runners, cyclists and walkers. Countryside views all around, a lovely running route. By the time we finished we had covered 11 miles at a steady pace, no more incidents ! It was now very hot 🥵
A lovely morning outand more miles to add towards my 1000 mile challenge. I am currently near 700 with 4 months to go !!
I also had a good cycle ride this week, starting from Langport meeting two old friends, heading over to Maunsel Lock, via Athelny Creech etc, beans on toast gave me the energy to return via Rock hill, very steep!! And Kingsbury Episcopi, where we had nice cold drinks, sat in the sunshine. 42 miles covered, yet another great morning ride.
I seem to have messed up my last post before finishing it so adding a further post!
Today was a ‘social’ run with the running club. Many of the club were racing today and those that weren’t were looking for miles to run in preparation for half marathons later next month.
We agreed to do 12 miles along the Strawberry line cycle track near Axbridge, a victim of the Beeching cuts, the derelict railway line is a lovely cycle/walking route.
Six of us met on a beautiful if somewhat hot morning and ran steadily heading for a six mile out and six mile back run all was going well, steady running in the shade of trees until about 5 miles , it suddenly got very hot with no shade , when one of the group suddenly felt unwell. After a few minutes rest, drink and jelly babies she felt much better, but we all agreed to turn now and run back to the cars. It was a lovely run, quite busy with other runners, cyclists and walkers. Countryside views all around, a lovely running route. By the time we finished we had covered 11 miles at a steady pace, no more incidents ! It was now very hot 🥵
A lovely morning outand more miles to add towards my 1000 mile challenge. I am currently near 700 with 4 months to go !!
I also had a good cycle ride this week, starting from Langport meeting two old friends, heading over to Maunsel Lock, via Athelny Creech etc, beans on toast gave me the energy to return via Rock hill, very steep!! And Kingsbury Episcopi, where we had nice cold drinks, sat in the sunshine. 42 miles covered, yet another great morning ride.
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