It's all over for another year

SSo that's it, Juneathon 2015 is over 

It's been a glorious day, unfortunately I'm not acclimatised to this heat. The juniors had their last championship handicap race, so I ran up to Marshall, my legs did not want to work. One coach had bought ice lollies for everyone, they were very welcome. The youngsters did well in the heat.

I ran back to club and my legs were still not working.

I made up my mind to change groups for the clump annual ultra social run on Saturday. I really don't believe that I can keep up with the faster runners at the moment and if I did it would take too much out of me. So I asked Matt to move me.

The adult group run was along the river to be as shady as possible before heading to Studley, we did just short of 6 miles, I really struggled with my leg and achilles  being tender from yesterday's cramp.

Daily totals

Walk 1.5 miles

Swim 0 miles

Bike 0 miles

Run 7.8 miles

Juneathon totals

Run 176.3 miles

Swim 14.9 miles

Bike 452.5 miles

Walk 54.8 miles

698.2 miles

If you don't push your limits, how do you know where your limits are?

Cramping my style

Yesterday I was shattered, so In went to bed a bit earlier, this meant I woke up earlier. No point wasting training time so I went for my runstreak run, 1.6 miles. A lovely dry sunny still morning a great start to the day.

I cycled to work and again it was a lovely day for cycling, shame I had to go to work. Then as I took on Well Bank, it was like I'd left my legs in bed. Yesterday's hills had taken their toll, but I fought onwards and upwards and was shattered again when I got to work.

The ride home was nice, weather wise again, but my legs were tired, I slogged it out and was home in just over an hour. 

A swim before tea, so we went to Ellerton. As we arrived you would not believe the difference in the lake since Saturday, weed, loads of it had erupted from the water. Eek. At least it's not nasty hedge like weed, it breaks easily.

4 laps was the plan, I'd left my watch at home so I would take my distance from Billy and he would sort my time. Off we swam, it was lovely and calm, Billy swam off and I got into my rhythm and aimed not to be lapped by him. It was a nice swim for a change, I felt in control and I was working hard, but not busting a gut. On the last lap Billy had not passed me, I was pleased with my effort. On the last stretch I was slowly increasing my pace and BANG! It was like aid been punched or stabbed in the calf, I let out a yelp, cramp. I looked around, there was no one to help, I was in the middle of the lake, I flapped around a bit with my ineffective breaststroke, breathing the pain away and calming my initial panic. Then I slowly swam crawl, dragging my legs behind me. 

Another experience for the mental armoury.

Totals today

Walk 1.5 miles

Run 1.6 miles

Bike 28 miles

Swim1.2 miles

Long bike with lots of hills

Over the last few weeks most of our cycling has been entered around Richmond and Leyburn, this has helped with pace over a reasonably hilly course. But Billy and I felt it was time to take on a monster again. Masham to Lofthouse. So last night I planned a hilly route of 75 miles and let Martin Jeff Jill and Hayley know the planned route. Jill chose not to come as she had done 100 miles around Bolton yesterday. Hayley is new to the gang, we met her at Ellerton and is also training for Ironman UK.

We got up this morning, shocked it was dull, drizzly and the wind had picked up.

Today was Ripon Revolution Sportive and we would be sharing the route at times. My route started as it meant to go on with Well Bank to warm the legs and as we hit the Masham road the first sportive riders were passing us. As we approached Masham the weather deteriorated as we mixed with more event riders. The road to Lofthouse is like a roller coaster, up down up down and the big climbs, Potts Lane and Trapping Hill, we slogged our way up them and then the down. I'm scared of downs, I'm scared in cars, busses and on the bike, and this descent into Lofthouse is one of the scariest. My first attempt earlier in the year I had to walk, the next attempt I un clipped one shoe and kept having to stop, my aim today was to not unclip. I managed it, it actually helped that it was so drizzly and misty, you couldn't see the other side or the bottom of the valley, even if the roads were damp and my headset needs looking at, every time I brake it feels like I'm going over the handlebars.

The run into Pateley Bridge was nice even if the road surface on this stretch is abysmal. A loo stop and onwards and upwards, up out of Pateley before a nice quick stretch towards Ripley. Turn and back upwards towards Bishop Thornton, Jeff cut off home and a few miles later Martin did too, the had cycled to our house before the ride though. 

Now there was just Billy, Hayley and I, we were now going the opposite way to event riders as we headed for Grantley, and after Grantley riding amongst them for a while again, befor heading through Kirkby Malzeard to Grantley and turned up again, this was our last big hill, not very steep but long, before heading down on another rubbish road to Masham via Wathermarske.

At Masham we stopped for a quick break and set off home on an undulating course where we managed to catch a big of time up.

After the ride, we ran 5km to finish the day's training.

It was a good day, tough but fun in a wierd way and nice to ride out with someone new.

After walking the dog and getting cleaned up, we went to the Freemasons Arms at Nosterfield for a lovely roast dinner. 

And rest.

Till tomorrow

3 weeks today will be Ironman UK.

Totals

Wak 3 miles

Swim 0 miles

Bike 72 miles

Run 3.1 miles

Almost a rest day

Today was the Gr8 swim Iron challenge swim at Ellerton. I have done 2 miles open water this year but this was to be the furthest swim this year for me. Billy and I were both doing it.

I got up to a lovely sunny dry day with just a soft breeze. I decided to wear my tri suit for the swim as it's longer legs tend not to roll up when I put on my wetsuit, and I have decided to do Ironman in it as wearing a 2 piece at LochLoMan was not particularly comfortable. Yes it's not convenient for comfort breaks, bug at the end of the day I'm not up for winning the race or even my age group, so a couple of extra minutes in a portaloo won't make that much difference and and being comfortable for 17 hours is important.

We arrived at Ellerton in good time and registered and socialised with other competitors. We got our wetsuits on just before briefing at 08:45 as it was already warm and we didn't want to overheat.

It was a deep water start, where you enter the water there is very little room to walk before the bottom drops suddenly away and you're in deep water. 

I aimed to face my fears of swimming close to others, I waited towards the back and planed to swim on the toes of the main group, the horn sounded and they were gone, the lead group, I couldn't keep up and was soon on my own, slowly passing a few stragglers but never catching up. The first leg was up the side where the water gets choppy in the wind, it was not too bad today. I got into my stroke and swam to the first buoy, kept it on my let, searched for the next one and swam to that, kept it on my right and turned into easier waters but there was weed here, but not nasty thick hedge like weed like at Ripon, this weed was light and easy to break. The next buoy I turned and searched for where to go, Id misunderstood the course (unlike me) I thought it was start buoy, then the other three buoys in a loop 4 times. The sun was in my eyes but I could see the lead group heading back to the start buoy, which was barely visible in the bright sun. I followed but sighting was difficult until I was about halfway there. Soon I was there, I turned, 1 lap down 3 to go. This time this next section was choppy, I concentrated on not getting into a pickle over it and even though I could feel the water hitting my head, I concentrated hard but was relieved to change direction again. I felt comfortable, I was pushing myself but not busting a gut, I was being overtaken but the swimmers were not really near me, there were 2 laps to go, the third lap was choppy again but the fourth was not to bad. On the fourth and final lap I was overtaken and I decided as it wax the last lap to try and draft on the swimmers toes, I found it very disorientating with the bubbles and I had to trust they were going the right way. I was swimming harder now as it was the last lap. At one point I tried to overtake and we swam side by side for a while, befor I went back to drafting for a while before the swimmer pulled away as we reached the final buoy.

On exit I checked my watch and found Thai I had swum faster than ever before, only by seconds, but a PB is a PB 1:27:57.

Afterwards I ran a mile and a half for runstreak before going home.

This afternoon has been a peaceful afternoon gardening in the sunshine and planning tomorrow's bike ride.  What a lovely day, all finished with a BBQ

Totals

Walking 2 miles

Swim 2.42 miles

Cycle 0 miles

Run 1.5 miles

Just getting it done

Runstreak 177 rest day run was a humid 6 am run down the lane and back, 2.3 miles and then rest.

Well until school, school had a sports for all day, all the students participated it was a great day. Being injured didn't stop me having a go at the climbing wall, I didn't complete it, but now climbing wall is in my bucket (list) when I am un injured without an upcoming event, I plan to have a go at a climbing wall and make it all the way to the top. 

It was great having a day watching the youngsters enjoying themselves, challenging themselves and each other.

After work was a visit to Libby for a sports massage. Aches and niggles have been dealt with and a couple of knotted muscles straightened out, that should keep me going another couple of weeks.

176 days of running complete

The runstreak continues, it was at risk today with me getting a sore back, at the other side this time.

I cycled to work, Billy worried I would be late and then we'd be a but rushed to go swimming, but I assured him I would be home in time. I made good time getting to work, 14 miles in 56 minutes.

At home time I was running late, I overstretched to grab my backpack and immediately felt pain in my back. I put it to the back of my mind ax I changed into my cycling gear and rode as hard as I could home. My back was a constant niggle, aggravated by carrying a backpack. I was worried that I would end up right back where I was in November and Ironman UK may not be possible. I made it home in 55 minutes, and got ready for swimming.

Before we swim when we go to Ripon we run around the lake before and after the swim. I setoff on the first run and it was not comfortable so I took it steady, I needed to do at least the first run for runstreak, so slowly and gently Runstreak was achieved 

I struggled into my wetsuit and got in the lake, it was not too cold and quite calm. I soon got into my rhythm and swam a whole lap, the water was murky tonight and the weed had grown loads in the last fortnight and was very close to the surface, wrapping itself around my hands and feet, YUK! I gate weed.

After the swim, my back had held up so I decided to do the second run, it was not quick bug a run's a run.

Totals today

Walk 1 mile

Swim o.97 mile

Cycle 27.9 miles

Run 2.5 miles 

Midweek split Tri

Last night I fell into bed exhausted, this morning, I awoke , not fully refreshed but feeling so much better than I felt yesterday or Monday.

I had woken early so I got the dog out early and set off to work early. On the way to work I stopped off at the Spa Baths in Ripon and went for a swim. I only had till 8 am in the pool to give me time to shower, change and get to work. There was a lane in so that was good, I went in the lane, swam 2 lengths and had to sort my leaky googles out. The a few more lengths and I had to sort my goggle strap out as it's a double strap and somehow half of it had come free and was now infront of the lenses. I concentrated on my pull today and found I was quicker with a slower stroke. I swam til 8 am which was just over 27 minutes and I had swum 1325 yds.

After work I went out with Billy on the bikes for a short loop around Well and Masham Road. 13.2 nmiles in just over 52 minutes. Then we ran down the lane and back as a brick session, 1.72 miles in just over 16 minutes.

Happy with training today, I'm still tired but not exhausted.

Hopefully another early night will get me back on track.

Tiring Tuesday

It's national school sports week and our head of PE thought it would be good to run the distance from Ripon to Edinburgh 192 miles, so during PE lessons the students have been running laps of the track and adding the miles up, after school it was open to staff too, so I put on my shorts and ran until the new target of Edinburgh to London 410 miles was reached. I did 17 laps, running on a 400 m track repeatedly was tough, but I found a rhythm and just kept going it was good to run with the students encouraging them to keep going.

So after my 4 miles I went to running club to run with the juniors we did a short route and some of the youngsters struggled on such an unusually warm afternoon.

The group I ran with wth the adults picked a flatter route, but I struggled, I had run 7 miles already and now the warmth was getting to me, but I managed a steady 6 miler.

Tired now again

Totals

Walk 1.72 miles

Swim 0 miles

Bike 0 miles

Run 13 miles

Tired

One of the downsides of Ironman training is laying down fatigue. From yesterday's blog you can see I got a fair bit of mileage in last week. I am very pleased with that. 

I've had a good few weeks lately, several running races all with PBs and a new event for me, a trail marathon which I completed in just over 5 hours. So now it's payback time. Today I rode to work, it's only 13.9 miles, but today it felt more like 30. It was just hard work, it was chilly and drizzly and a little breezy, but overall tired legs were the biggest problem, but I got to work in time to get changed and be ready to work before 08:30.

The ride home was horrible, as soon ax I turned out of work the wind hit me in the face and was predominantly in my face for the whole trip. My legs wouldn't respond and I was lucky to get 10 miles an hour. I was conscious of time and being later home than expected. I should have stopped to phone and let Billy know, but then I'd be even later, I was feeling very flat and knew the chocolate in my backpack would give me a boost, but I didn't want to waste time stopping.

I decided not to OW swim tonight, I was already cold and tired and I didn't feel it wise to go in like that. I decided to run whilst Billy swam instead and managed a gentle 5km. I had been worried about swimming on a windy day when tired. I had struggled on Thursday, it was a little choppy tonight but not too bad, but I don't regret not going in. There'll be other days.

Saw some lovely swans.

Relaxing now, but dreading the alarm going off in the morning.

Weekend, end of a tough week of training

LSR = Long Sunday Run or Long Slow Run, today's run was both.

I wanted to do 16 miles so that I've done the equivalent of a marathon this weekend. For a treat, we didn't set alarms and I had a lie in, 06:40. That's the latest I've slept in weeks.

You would think with over an hour's extra sleep that I'd be bouncing full of energy, bug I wasn't, I ached and felt tired from yesterday's training. 

After breakfast and walking the dog it was run time, it was so hard, my legs were unresponsive and Ijust could not get any pace or rythmn going. The run never got any easier, but I wasn't giving in, 16 miles was my target and 16 miles I would do.  My overall pace was a minute a mile slower than yesterday, but Icompleted 16 miles. The rest of the day has been doing very little.

Overall though this week was a good training week even though some sessions have been challenging.

At last, last long ride/run brick before Ironman UK

For the last couple of weeks we have attempted a 90 mile bike ride, but have been beaten by strong winds and heavy rain. 

Today when We opened the blinds we were greeted by the sight of an air balloon above the house over the road, no! not one, two.

And at the back of the house more.

We took the dog out for his walk and the sky was filling with balloons and the air was filled with the roar of their burners. I was filled with childish excitement taking loads of pics.

The balloons were being launched from Bedale sports fields on the Leyburn Road

This was my favourite, Lumpy.

And soon they drifted away

The balloons meant it must be a calmer day with less wind than previous weekends, the 90 miler was on. Martin arrived and the rain started, but it was not cold or windy. We headed out to Masham, then Leyburn, Billy had issues with his seat and we had a couple of stops for him to sort it. The rain came and went as we rode toCatterick and Richmond, but still we decided to try the route that I had mapped 3 weeks ago, we went to Redmire down a steep hill. The views of Castle Bolton were stunning from the top. Then we went on to Carperby, Askrigg and Hardraw before finally arriving in Hawes after a slow slog where we couldn't get much pace up. After a comfort break in Hawes we headed back by Bainbridge and Aysgarth. Now it was time, 62 miles in, to make some time back up. The pace was quick and the hills short and sharp and we soon slogged our way up to Leyburn from Wensley, ah! 11 miles home and mainly downhill. We made it home in 6 hr 48 after riding 91 miles with over 4000 ft of elevation. 6 hours 15 without stops.

Martin then went home, an injury means he is not running at the moment. Billy and I sorted our bikes and went for a 10 mile run, Billy had a nice 9 mile loop then we ran down the lane for the extra mile. I did fine until about 6 miles, then I had to really dig in, the last couple of miles were really tough, but I was happy to complete 10 miles in under 2 hours after such a tough ride.

The Athlete Guide for Ironman UK arrived today, 4 weeks to go. It's all very real now.

Rest day

Rest day today, so that meant just a 2 mile run this morning, trying to keep a good pace, averaged 9 min 17 sec pace, so happy with that.

This evening, I have spent planning tomorrow's bike ride and brick run, frustrated by Map my run crashing, I then tried Garmin. Finally I came up with a planned route.

Today is the anniversary of The Olympic Torch relay passing through Ripon, and I was a torch bearer. What a wonderful day that was, I still can't believe that out of all those applicants I was picked. 

I look at my torch everyday and feel proud to have represented my community in such an iconic event.

I blogged it 

http://torch3289.blogspot.co.uk

Everything is not going swimmingly

How to fit everything in was today's issue, there was no racecourse swim because Ripon Races were on, so we decided to go to Ellerton, that would mean no run swim run.

So I ran down the lane and back this morning, 1.6 miles for runstreak 169. Then I cycled 14 miles to work it was nice, only a slight breeze, and after work I cycled home by now the breeze was a head wind. 

We went to Ellerton and the wind was getting stronger bug the water seemed reasonably calm, bug it wasn't. Once in the water was chillier than of late and the water was quite rough, the second side of the triangle was awfull, swimming directly into the waves, I kept getting my breathing and sighting wrong and getting a nose and mouthful of water. On the second lap my goggles started to leak, I struggled on to the buoy but the wasted was really rough, so I headed to the shallows to sort my goggles. I set off again and the water seemed even more rough. If was aweful, I was remembering the IMWales swim, which I failed at. At one point I had to stop, compose myself and carry on in my ineffective breaststroke. The swim to the next buoy was not too bad as long as Ai only breathed to the right as the water also pushed me to the right! I managed to get round the buoy, common sense said stop, enough is enough, but I listened to that voice in Wales, No! I had to conquer this. So I set off for a third lap as I reached the buoy I was struggling to remain calm, yet again the water seemed even rougher, I set of at an angle from the buoy aiming towards the shore. If all else failed I could get out and walk around the lake back to the car park." Sit Up negative thoughts" I just had to keep going forwards, which I did, I swam along the shore so I could put my feet down if I was feeling overwhelmed, which I did, twice, soon there was no shore I had commit and to head to the buoy. I set of in crawl, then heads up crawl and eventually my useless breaststroke, I thought I'd never make it, I felt very alone. But at last I reached the buoy and headed for the last buoy and then the jetty. Where I felt very relieved to eventually beable to stand up on solid ground.

0.96 of a mike I had managed to swim, it was cold hard work, more mentally actually. But I have to face up to the fact that with the winds we have had all year, it's likely to be windy and rough at Pennington Flash on 19 July. I need to get a grip.

Today's miles

Swim 0.96 miles

Cycle 28 miles

Run 1.6 miles 

Walk, none recordable 

Hope I haven't peaked too soon

Another race tonight. The last proper race in the Harrogate District Summer Race League. It was at a village called Sicklinghall and hosted by Wetherby runners. The course is undulating. I last ran this course 2 years ago so I checked my time this morning. I did 43:22 last time, so now I had my target.

My DOMS from Swaledale Marathon are totally gone but the sciatica remains slight back ache, tingling in my glute and numbness in my calf and foot. Similar to how it was 3 months ago. 

I arrived early and there was a fair breeze keeping it cool. I walked around to ket everything moving and warmed up. There were loads of Ripon Runners again tonight, tester meant to their commitment to the club after a hard weekend of mainly long distance racing for many.

We were told yo head to the start then as soon as the majority of runners were on the road, we were started, it was congested to start, well for about a mile, a gentle climb then a long down to get us warmed up, the rest of the race was basically if you weren't going up, you were going down. So as the wide multicoloured ribbon of runners stretched out as far as I could see, I slowly worked my way though the field, downs were toughest on my sciatica, But I concentrated on firmly placing my feet and soon found I was no longer overtaking but was not being overtaken neither. The karst incline looked far worse than it was, especially with the promis of a long downhill to the finish. As I ran down past the starting point into the village, I started to struggle, I had to have a hard word with myself as a couple of runners over took me. I couldn't believe I was finding it so tough, so close to the end, 400 m, 200m nearly there and then finally I turned into the village hall for the finish.

4.89 miles in 41:52. Yey! Course PB.

A good challenging race which was well marshalled and then the best bit, food. There was loads of it, a great variety of savoury food and more importantly cake. Yum yum, calories replaced, a bit of socialising before coming home. 

Tomorrow it's back to Ironman Training, on tired legs. I hope all these PBs and good running events are not me peaking too soon. My biking and swimming are ok but not improving at the same rate as my running.

Slowly returning to normal

This morning I went for an early ride along the bypass. It was hard work, My legs are still recovering from the Swaledale Marathon on Saturday and my Sciatia will not stop being a pain in my butt, leg and foot. Still it was 12 miles in the bag.

This evening was Ripon Runners, the juniors gad thief race so I ran there, marshalled, I stretched while marshalling, and ran back.

When the adult runners gathered there were not as many runners as usual, maybe because loads of us raced on the weekend and also we gave a league race tomorrow night. For these reasons my group was mainly tired legged runners and we just did a steady 7 bridges. A nice gentle 5 miler to break my new trainers in.

Totals today

Walk 0 miles

Swim 0 miles

Cycle 12.8 miles

Run 7.2 miles

There is a snag in my invincibility cloak

Oh no what's happened, I've got DOMS. Normally I don't get overly sore after a big event but yesterday sore quads and glutes affected my whole day, and they're still sore today.  I think it's because I have not been doing any proper long runs for months. 

Regardless of DOMS I have still continued training but it is also reduced in volume and effort.

Today I did an OW swim instead of my usual run to pool, swim, run home routine. So I didn't bike to work as I wanted to get home quickly, so planned to go for a ride after swimming.

Ellerton was quiet and the water cool, still and clear. Getting into my wetsuit was a effort and I had to push the memory of my back seizing in November, after swimming as recovery for a 23 mike trail run that was not as tough as Swaledale. I took the swim steady and completed 5 laps, I was starting to feel cold so I stayed near the jetty waiting for Billy to finish his 8 laps. Getting out of my suit was done tentatively too, desperate not to trigger a back issue.

On the way home Billy suggested I bin the bike ride and just do a short run. I agreed, I was feeling cold and I know that is a sign that I am tired. 

I don't want that snag in my cloak to turn into a gaping hole, so listening to my body is the best thing todo. Tomorrow is another day and I remain tentatively....

INVINCIBLE

Soggy Sunday

Awoke this morning, tired and a little sore after yesterday's efforts. I looked out of the window to see that normal service had resumed with regards to weather, wet and windy again. I planned to bike 60-90 miles today, no wonder the weather was rubbish again.

After walking the dog,  Billy and I set off. It was not very pleasant, but it just got worse. I could hardly see through my glasses for the rain and I was getting cold hands and feet. Although it was windy, it was not as bad as previous rides but it was enough to combine with the rain to make it cold for extremities.

We got to Richmond and stopped for the loo, then Billy noticed he had a flat. Not good. He had 2 punctures on his ride yesterday. It was warmer not traveling and the rain had stopped. 

Puncture fixed we headed home. I put vinyl gloves out of Billy's tool bag on to try and get feeling back in my thumbs (my thumbs suffer in the cold). It was soon pouring down, it was like being in the shower.

It poured down all the way home, it was very unpleasant and my tired achy legs meant that I was not riding very fast.

Cold and wet we arrived home after only doing 51 miles. I still had to run for my runstreak so we ran 1/2 mile down the lane and back.

Finally we could get warm. 

So that's it for today.

This weeks totals are 

Walk 15.5 miles

Run 53.71 miles

Bike 77.8 miles

Swim 3.27 miles

Swaledale Marathon

Just cos it's Saturday doesn't mean the alarm was turned of, no chance, today was the Swaledale Marathon.

I wanted to do this event but it sold out whilst I dithered. A friend was unable to do it so he sold me his place, I wanted to get to registration early to transfer the details. 

I arrived and parked up. There were already a lot of runners parked up. There were a few Ripon Runners. I asked Mike whether it was worth coming back to the car, he said he wasn't. So I sorted my race gear and we set off to registration. It was a fair walk along a path between the meadows.

Mike talked me though the race and pointed out the start and the first challenge, a track up the hillside before running along the ridge.

We got to registration and I went to transfer John's number into my name. I went to put on my glasses but could not find them. I searched my pockets and bag. They were nowhere. I would need them for map reading. I registered and showed my pack contents before getting my clip card. I retraced my steps scanning the ground. When I got back to the car, there in the grass behind it were my glasses. Phew! Back to registration I went. 

Competitors were gathering across the road by the start and the portaloos, I could have done with visiting the portaloos but the queues were big, I figured there'd be loos on route. The Ripon Runners were gathering, there were about 20 of us including our chairman Chris who was heading a group who were taking it steady. We had a group pic and listened to the starter's brief. There was one bloke who had done all 35 previous Swaledale Marathons and a bloke from New Zealand amongst the starters. And then we were off, walking through the narrow gate and then jogging up a a lane which rapidly became steep and everyone around me was walking.

On these type of events I am quite strict with myself about walking ups and running downs and flats. 

I was running with Matthew for a while but soon he pulled away. I just kept working my way up the hill, steadily overtaking people. We got high very quickly and there were runners as far as you could see.

The views were lovely but the mist covered the hills in the direction we were headed

Eventually I reached the gap in the wall and set off along the ridge, the tack was uneven but still I gained on other runners, until eventually we headed down. Oh my goodness, it was a steep grassy and rocky descent, glad it wasn't raining cos it would have been really slippy. There was a group of runners with a runner on the ground, injured. I didn't stop as they were phoning for assistance and looked to be in control of the situation. The route became really tricky and I was so nervous descending that I was overtaken be quite a few runners. As the descent became easier I found myself on a narrow lane, half way along it I stood in the verge to allow the Swaledale Mountain Recue vehicle though. It must gave been going for the fallen runner.

The first checkpoint was a welcome sight. Nice cool water on what was turning into a warm day. Fir a while the terrain was kind.

 

But all to soon I was climbing again, gaining places back, but I was really sweating, I eventually on a steep climb decided to remove my base layer. I did this as I walked up the hill and almost immediately felt better. 

I spotted Matthew ahead and thought I must have been doing ok. I felt strong, I almost caught up. Across the valley I Could see the runners ahead, I saw some Ripon Runners and thought they were only a mile ahead maybe. That buoyed me up, but as I crossed the head of the river and passed another checkpoint, I found myself stuck behind other runners on the narrow soft heathery tracks. Some let me pass, but I used this as recovery. 

I could still see Matthew ahead in his bright blue t shirt, but the terrain changed, piles of gravely scree, and yellow flags, I figured I had to follow the flags as often there were now no runners in sight. The landscape was harsh like a moonscape, Matthews blue shirt occasionally showed up. I followed that and the tracks of the recent passing of many trainers, traipsing the moisture from puddles to create a signpost. At the next checkpoint I caught up with Matthew and passed him as I ran between the quarry/mine heaps of gravel. Eventually we set off back down, Dow steep banks on narrow tracks, I took them slowly. To my right was a steep valley and the trail was close to the edge, I couldn't enjoy the view properly as it was a bit scary for me, as the track widened I managed yo look around a bit.

I was heading now for Gunnerside and another steep gras descent where I was passed by a couple of runners even as I gained on others. Finally in the dark cool of the riverside I saw a Ripon Runner, Gary not running though, supporting. I joked with him about him having completing the race already, but he hadn't run today.  The babbling river aggravated the fact that I still needed the loo. At Gunnerside the checkpoint was ate the local institute, yey! Loos, upstairs, but I didn't care. 

After the loo, I had a drink and set off steadily, up, up, up, slowly regaining my position as I lost places going to the loo. There was only 10 km to go, but if wasn't easy going, rocky paths and long steep hills., 

A tarmac road lead me back downwards to a bridge which was a lovely picnic spot, as I approached I felt I'd been here before, as a child. There were cars parked and kids playing, lovely. 

I checked in and heard my name, it was Gary. Only one steep bit left he said as I headed upwards, after replacing my bottle in my pack for me. Oh boy it was steep, steep down into the gill followed by a steep up the other side . But there were less than 3 miles to go now.

Although I was tired I still felt quite good, I was still catching up wth people. There eventually was the final self clip after a long narrow rocky path, I clipped and turned to my right for a steeper rocky narrow lane, but at the end a Marshall pointed me left, yeh! Civilisation, I could see Reeth along the road and I just ran for it, a big further and a bit further to the pub, there were crowds cheering and calling encouragement as I turned the corner for the final home straight. 

Done. Now time to check in, eat my hot meal I had mash and veg followed by rice pudding. If was yummy. I sat with othe Ripon Runners all buoyant with their success. I had been a good day, then I saw Sally, she had fallen and cut her chin, it was taped up, She wax in good spirits though. I hope it heals well

I then collected my mug and badge and ran (if you could call it that) back to the car.

A tough race, the terrain makes running for a wimp like me difficult. So I am very pleased with my time of 5 hours 7 minutes,

A couple of pis courtesy of Gary

About 17 miles in.

20 miles in, 3 miles to go

Rest day

Rest day means running early to give 24 hrs between runs so Zi was out before 6 this morning, it was a lovely morning for it, bright and cool but not cold. I dud strength and conditioning thus evening.

The rest of the evening was spent prepping for tomorrow's Swaledale Marathon, a 23 mile trail run that has some big climbs in it. I've beef done it before so I am a little anxious about getting lost and nervous about not knowing what I have let myself in for. The short spell of lovely weather that we've just been enjoying is due to end tonight with a 40 % chance of dry weather. So my pack is packed with the compulsory kit which includes waterproofs which I may need. And my marked up map and route description, I've also packed my glasses as it helps if I can read them.

So Im all sorted, now it's time for bed. 

Night all

Another busy day

You've got to Greg the training in where you can, so after last nights race and late night I got my tired legs to cycle me the the 14 miles to work. It was nice cycling in sunshine and with very little wind for a change. After work I cycled home, had a sandwich and then went through to Ripon to swim. Before the swim I ran around the lake, my legs were wrecked, so tired. Then wriggle and fight into my wetsuit and into the lake, nice temperature tonight. Unfortunately the recent sunshine has encouraged the weed to grow. Yuk! I hate weed, it was just below the surface and often I had to run my fingers though it and at others it wax touching my feet, eek! But Idid 2 miles in the lake before getting out, stripping off my wetsuit and running around the lake again this time soaked to the skin.

Job done, time to put some dry clothes on and go to the supermarket for the weekly shop before coming home, have tea, and now I have logged and blogged, good night, I need sleep

Lots to smile about

Juneathon day 10. 

Lots to smile about today. After not driving for about 5 years and never enjoying it, Moving house in March has forced me back to it. Yesterday I managed single track country roads with wicked hills and bends. Today I managed more nasty hills going to Otley and even came home from Otley on the A1 and it was getting dark. Now that may not seem much to those of you who are natural drivers, but for me it was a massive deal?

Why was I going to Otley? To race of course. The Otley 10 is 10 miles of Tarmac with 2 wicked hills. I have completed it twice before. Tonight I was very pleased with a 9.23 minute per mile average pace getting me my 2 nd fastest time on the course.

Also I can finally smile again without a huge gap in my teeth. Many years ago a dentist removed a tooth but did not offer any thing to fill the gap, then Last year I was hit on the head with a gazebo and lost another tooth, so after many dentist visits I have a plate with 2 teeth on.

All Pals together

Tonight after running with the juniors I headed off to the other side of Masham where the rest of the club were meeting for a social run. We met at the Bivouac  and split into groups, I ran with the middle group and soon started to wonder if Id bitten off more than I could chew, we ran through fields down and  down we went, then a a short up onto a road. We turned onto Breary Bank  a climb I have done before on the Burn Valley half marathon, a race which sadly no longer exists though there is talk about brining it back. I hope so it was one of my favourites.

We regrouped at the Leeds Pals memorial for a brief history lesson http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/latest-news/top-stories/the-young-leeds-pals-who-died-in-a-moment-1-623455

This memorial is to those young men of Leeds who had trained here in the Yorkshire dales before dying in the Battle of the Somme.

We carried on over hill and dale and I seemed to just feel stronger. Back to the Bivouac for food and drink. 

It was a lovely evening and with 333 metres of elevation over 1.4 miles, I reckon it's good training for Otley 10 mile tomorrow, and Swaledale Marathon on Saturday, either that or I won't be able to walk tomorrow.

Back to work

And so the windy weekend is over, Its Monday morning and time to go back to work, and the weather? its lovely and sunny and still, typical.
It would have been a lovely day to cycle to work except my work today made it not ideal for biking, so I drove, good job as it meant that when my son (who has been at a festival all weekend) asked for a lift home I could give him a lift. Don't think I could manage to give him and his camping gear a croggy for 14 miles.
Exercise today started with core exercises and a dog walk this morning. After work, I ran to the pool for runstreak day 159(1 mile), swam and ran home before having tea, which by now I figured I had earnt. After tea I tried a bit of skipping with my new skipping rope, I managed 3 sets of 10, and a few odd ones. I hope that skipping will put some spring in my step.
Day 8 totals
walk 1.5 miles
Swim 1.27 miles
Cycle 0 miles
Run 2.2 miles
Skips 30

It's still windy

Today is Sunday, that means run and swim day. 

So, dog walked off we went, Billy. Ran with me today, I struggled to keep up, I kept pushing myself though, as I would love to average sub 10 min miles on a long run. But today everything was tired, tired body and tired mind. All to soon Billy pulled away and I could not keep up, he would run back from road endings. The route was mainly quiet roads and started quite flat but the wind was a nuisance, by 7 miles we had started to climb, we climbed for about 3 miles heading away from Bedale, and finally we turned towards Bedale and had a predominantly downhill return home, I kept my eye on my watch and managed to run 15 miles at 10:10 pace. So as exhaused as I was, I was pleased with myself.

We then went To Ellerton http://www.ellertonpark.com for an OW swim. The wind made it like a sea swim without the salt, waves smacking me in the face me mis timing my breathing and sighting and ending up with a mouthful of water. After 2 laps Igave in, I was already tired and my weaker left arm was getting even weaker. I swam around the jetty for a while till Billy finished, he did 4 laps.

So how did we replace the calories today? 

We drove toLeyburn to the Bolton Arms where they do a lovely carvery. http://www.boltonarmsleyburn.co.uk We got straight in as it was late, piled our plates and enjoyed a lovely roast dinner without the washing up. We left there and headed for Brymors ice cream parlour. http://www.brymordairy.co.uk

So that's Sunday done, a few hrs of house stuff and rest before bedtime.

Oh! And watch Sir Bradley Wiggins hour record attempt.

Ironman UK is 6 weeks today, at this time I hope to be on the run.

This week's totals

Taking the wind from my sails

Last night I sat at the computer and mapped a route for the bike ride today, I put it onto my new secondhand Garmin edge and was excited about trying it out today. The forcast was sun and wind.

WHY? Why are Saturday's so windy?

We sorted the bikes last night ready for an early start. 

This morning we got up and oh boy was it windy? Never mind though all our long rides have been windy.

Martin and Jeff arrived and soon we were underway, it was hard work cycling against the wind, but at least it was dry. We headed for Masham to start with before turning towards Leyburn. The wind was rarely in our favour but we were making reasonable time, considering. Leyburn is higher up and the closer we got the stronger the wind got, with gusts that shoved me across the road as I passed gate, very scary. Through Leyburn we had a section of tail wind that was nice, but not for long, the higher we climbed the stronger the winds and the gusts were sudden and violent. But we made it to the Catterick road in one piece and enjoyed a few miles of favourable winds getting high 20's and low 30's mph, regaining some of the time that we had lost cycling into the wind. By Catterick village we had got back to 14 mph average. The next section to Richmond is one I always struggle on, so I expended some energy in doing this section a bit better. 

When we got to Richmond the are was full of the scent of smoke and as we got to the town centre the smoke thickened and roads were closed. 

There was a fire in some shops close to the route we normally take. We diverted into the town centre and cycled up the cobbles of the market square, that was not comfy. We still couldn't get back on route because of the fire. We stopped and had a re think. We went a different route with a 16% hill down to the river. The wind was howling around the buildings. I got scared, got off and walked the steepest bit. When I got to the bottom the boys were waiting for me, I directed them to the right and what comes down must go up, and up we went, not at 16% but up! and up with bits of tree falling around us and smoke scented air. Soon we were back on route, back into a head wind. We all agreed to shorten the ride and not go to Hawes, but to go back the way we had come. 

The next 10 miles were horrific, the gusts of wind were threatening to knock us of our bikes, preventing us going forwards and it was a hilly section, we finally got back to the Leyburn road, the boys were all for going home the quick way and by now my spirit was broken and I agreed. The ride into Leyburn was even worse at one point I was blown off the road, struggling to unclip and get my foot onto the verge before I fell. 

Leyburn back to Bedale was with more favourable winds but at one point I was blown across the road when I was going about 30 mph, very scary. I was very relieved to get home. 

After sorting my bike I went for a 10 km run, which again was ok with the wind behind me but the trees were shaking and at times the wind would physically move me. When running into the wind it was so difficult. 

So today was a tough day's training, glad it's done. 

Garmin says winds were 21 mph, met office said 34 mph with gusts of 56 mph, I know who I believe.

Totals today

Walk 3 miles

Swim 0 miles

Bike 58 milles

Run 6.2 miles

Yey Friday. Rest day.

Friday, rest day, well it is as soon as I have done a short run for my runstreak. Just down the lane and back, then a relaxed dog walk before work.

After work I had my sports massage with Libby. It's been a while since my last one, 6 weeks, because Zi had to cancel due to something that came up at work. #workgettinginthewayoflife. Anyway, I've been looking forward to this, since 2010 Libby has kept the knots and niggles away as my training has increased. In fact I still blame myself for not going to see her after September for my back going in November. 

Today she worked on the knots I always get in my neck, left shoulder, tricep and calf. My left side is definitely weaker than my right, since my right has compensated so much these last few months. So now the knots are out and my muscles are all nicely stretched,  it's time to build the strength back up as the sciatica is very slight now.

So side planks and single leg squats as well as extra stretching will be added to my daily routines.

If anyone has any other sugestions for in proving my strength, flexibility and muscle tone, more on one side than the other please add in the comments section.

Oo! Suits you!

Today I went to buy a new wetsuit, We researched them on the internet and Billy arranged a fitting at Trikudu at Richmond. We were a little late due to traffic and speed restrictions on the A1. But when we arrived the suit was ready, a Zone 3 Aspire, ladies large. It was lovely, black and purple. I fought my way into it, but it was actually too big. So I tried a men's medium of the same model, this one was red, after an even bigger battle to get it on, it was still a bit too big on top, so I tried a medium small, by now I was hot and getting into the suit was even more difficult, but  yey it fitted. 

Thank you to Harry for his patience, I hope he wasn't late to his bike race.

We then drove to Ripon for our Thursday swim, great chance to try it out. Before the swim we ran around the lake. I was pleased that I managed sub 10 min mile av over the 1.2 mile lap, then time to fight back into my new wetsuit again it was a battle to get it onto my sweaty body, but I got in and went into the lake which was quite pleasant tonight. 

I swam 1.44 miles, the suit was good, my position felt lower in the water and my shoulders felt less constricted. 

After getting out of the lake, I easily stripped the suit of, swapped my Tri top for a dry t shirt for my run around the lake. It's not nice running in wet stuff, but I managed sub 9 min average this time, so I am very pleased.

It was nice not having to rapidly wrap up in tonnes of clothes and dash off. The pleasant temperature meant that we could socialise with other club members, who also were not rushing off to warm up.

Day 4 totals

Walk 1.5 miles

Swim 1.44 miles

Bike 0 miles

Run 2.46 miles

Juneathon day 3 back on the bike

Woke up to a much calmer day today, bright and sunny and the howling winds had calmed to a fair breeze. It was lovely as I walked the dog with Billy, to look over towards Swaledale and Wenslydale and see the glory of the sun singing on the dales, such a change from the last few days.
The weather held out though a day at work, so when I got home, Billy and I went out on the bikes for a short sharp ride, fourteen and a half miles with two cheeky little hills to get the heartrate up and a long descent towards home.
When we got home I went for my 154th Runstreak run, I ran 5km, then went home for tea.

My legs were showing signs of tiredness from last nights race but it's all good training for Ironman and Equinox24.

Totals for day 3

Walk 1.5 miles

Swim 0 miles

Bike 14.48miles

Run 3.37 miles

First race of the month

The Harrogate District Summer Race League is a race series for the local clubs. Tonight it was the turn of Thirsk and Sowerby's to host. The course is flat as it is right in the Vale of York. It was a slightly different course this year.

After marshalling the Ripon Runner Juniorrace on in Ripon I drove to Thirsk and parked up by Thirsk and Sowerby's clubhouse. I met up with mor RR's and we set off to walk to the start, 1.5 miles away.

Somehow I ended up near the back with my mate Jackie, we've been pushing each other in the league races this year. We never heard the start just became aware that everyone was moving. The Kane was quite narrow so it was tough to get by people, but we managed, first Jackie led, then me, we were to and fro for the first 2 miles then I thought Jackie had got away from me. I pushed hard to keep with her and as we started the second lap I took the lead, I could hear her on my heels and was worried that I would run out of steam as I ran around the fields, but it was only a 5 mile race and the end was in sight, one last push and if was done. 5 miles 43 min 12 sec, that was one of the fastest runs I'd ever done. 

Soon the rains came so we jogged back to the clubhouse 1.26 miles. 

There wax a stunning double rainbow to celebrate our brilliant runs.

And so after a lovely buffet provided by Thirsk and Sowerby it was time to come home, hence the late  blogging today.

Day 2 totals

Walk 4.5 miles 

Cycle 0 miles

Swim o miles

Run 6.2 miles

Pinch Punch First of Juneathon

Ok, so no pinching or punching today, no cycling either. The wind here is very strong with stronger gusts, so I start my Juneathon 2015 with a fail, Or do I?

Of course not, I walked the dog a mile and a half before 7 am and realising the severity of the wind, chose to drive to work rather than cycle. 

The oilseed rape fields were the only bright thing this morning.

So, change of plan. The wind was even worse by the time I finished work and bits of tree were scattered on the roads. Cycling was definitely not happening tonight. But Ironman UK is only 48 days away and the weather won't stop it, so my plan was changed to running to the pool, swim and run back. 

I ran a longer route to the pool to make up for not cycling (sort of) the wind was howling and the road strewn with leaves and small branches, there were times when I was running but not moving forwards and times when it felt as if a giant hand was shoving me in the back. I got to the pool soaked to the skin. It was odd taking wet clothes off to put dry ones on to go in the pool, I picked a quiet lane and just swam, most of the other swimmers let me pass as I caught them up, I was to fast for this lane really but not fast enough for the other one, which already had 8 swimmers in it. I swam 72 lengths but my Garmin only registered 71 oddly. Putting soggy cold running kit on was very unpleasant and the weather seemed to have deteriorated further for my run home, which I went the direct route, wet swim kit is surprisingly heavy in a back pack.

It's still windy, hope it calms down soon.

Day 1 totals

Walk    1.5   miles

Cycle   0     miles

Run     4.4  miles 

Swim  1.1  miles

Runstreak which started on day one Janathon 2015 #152