tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82939957155907061462024-02-19T02:34:45.179+00:00Donkarlo's Fell Running BlogFollowing an 11 year hiatus from ultra running I am back with big ambitions to complete the Lakeland 50 in 2023Donkarlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07825858154603650871noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8293995715590706146.post-17394569241516492842022-11-10T22:23:00.001+00:002022-11-10T22:36:03.319+00:00Catching Up & The Ibiza DiariesFollowing the boozy weekend it was more of a standard week of running prior to a week on holiday. Morning or Lunch time runs and the odd day where I do both to increase the endurance, it’s got to that time of year again where the torch is coming out in the mornings, and hi vis, reflective kit is on point. <div><br /></div><div>Steady 24 mile week to maintain a steady mileage and then an early night on the Sunday in preparation for a 2am start on the Monday to get to Manchester airport for our 7:20am flight to</div><div>Ibiza. It was great to get some sun, some warmth and after some lunch when we arrived and an afternoon spent in the pool I decided to get a quick 3 miles in prior to dinner. I went with a strategy of travelling in my running shoes, which was very comfortable and took two pairs of shorts and two vests to rotate with a quick wash in the sink post each run. </div><div><br /></div><div>Running down the coast from Es Cana and past the Hippie Market towards Santa Eulalia there is then a great track by the road back into Es Cana. I had taken my roll up rucsac in my hand to grab some beers, gin and tonic and some snacks for in the room. So I made my way round the little supermarket slowly dripping as I started to perspire!</div><div><br /></div><div>Played a couple of times on the treadmill to push my pace a bit but I really don’t like them, just find I get incredibly hot and sweaty so reverted back to the roads. I tried 7am but it was still very dark, 8am seemed to be a good time, quiet, a few runners out, and the sun rising. I think this is the anti Ibizan experience really? You are meant to go to bed as the sun is rising after a night of partying, not be watching the sun rise whilst taking a run! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2dv555AvYO3JY416TAn4_C0pahz11wME5svKyjUjoRFOHETISGCmX4sJeTl6auvu7FChwCx3wmG1v9TVWzxDgbmiasTbiulZl5Lp_-Yt4CSW09IGg_yLpUwJwfHi2meupUeqDBBpMatJb0CFwKzxEE9PgI36Gh98nMCh4zDBAWIvllNXwa4CjHP1s/s4032/757AF04D-61F3-41BE-8728-BAE0C1C3FC30.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2dv555AvYO3JY416TAn4_C0pahz11wME5svKyjUjoRFOHETISGCmX4sJeTl6auvu7FChwCx3wmG1v9TVWzxDgbmiasTbiulZl5Lp_-Yt4CSW09IGg_yLpUwJwfHi2meupUeqDBBpMatJb0CFwKzxEE9PgI36Gh98nMCh4zDBAWIvllNXwa4CjHP1s/s320/757AF04D-61F3-41BE-8728-BAE0C1C3FC30.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs408RlLdMC415xneP98Id7OAyIPVGt9maU69zIAZR4X8E2WfDfiujXomE7fH8knlDue1Ep4H1ECaH9X11_4YqIcGRN1AKff1ldp9d3c5pYRoJDx0DAOh-fFJHPSSuyqce2Uu-uB8-34qiJ55gMBVvNca2zMvf2lBiZQN45jg5-ia1liGuwV2_Asve/s4032/86878825-FA99-4787-8F2A-9F49C216403D.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs408RlLdMC415xneP98Id7OAyIPVGt9maU69zIAZR4X8E2WfDfiujXomE7fH8knlDue1Ep4H1ECaH9X11_4YqIcGRN1AKff1ldp9d3c5pYRoJDx0DAOh-fFJHPSSuyqce2Uu-uB8-34qiJ55gMBVvNca2zMvf2lBiZQN45jg5-ia1liGuwV2_Asve/s320/86878825-FA99-4787-8F2A-9F49C216403D.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>I am positively sure as well that I regularly saw a tall, athletic, topless man running in some kind of sports flip flop!!</div><div>Anyway 28 miles for a holiday week I think is not so bad, took advantage of the weather and we returned to super mild October weather. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0d9HifpJBGVI-FN_OAv5uLZ_o6UqM9tt9oZI-t_Okr5SX9zmERuAA59J2Q4wcey-Z-qXOwIPHl7378V3uWuljPmnBOfmgzhvH4xQIf9du_uYlcGEbu5DaLDteQYpOv1PVgo_6Xf7wrdqDjpI3wqzUF6akBlZKKXg8sXQsaTVFo1uikMfftkwk7pv-/s2528/17EF9966-D436-484A-81B7-5074DDC56AF0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1946" data-original-width="2528" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0d9HifpJBGVI-FN_OAv5uLZ_o6UqM9tt9oZI-t_Okr5SX9zmERuAA59J2Q4wcey-Z-qXOwIPHl7378V3uWuljPmnBOfmgzhvH4xQIf9du_uYlcGEbu5DaLDteQYpOv1PVgo_6Xf7wrdqDjpI3wqzUF6akBlZKKXg8sXQsaTVFo1uikMfftkwk7pv-/s320/17EF9966-D436-484A-81B7-5074DDC56AF0.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4NAZC6tHCRLAEP61w6JMK70rCr9w6s9gMefOfLIUrt_XqHTNNEVq738wMtI2Z09KEx6DDKszpYKS9kAQc19ymMNNnuBumdzoLKCo5AktkqSxCkoqe6fz6KOTCxugKn2WR_PsKlcKnC5HFriuPW-TV6aPYKsFTMKeIPacr5WCQnUPt_fDCH-W5WXhi/s4032/978F3309-375D-4A5A-9BB5-CA6437780C23.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4NAZC6tHCRLAEP61w6JMK70rCr9w6s9gMefOfLIUrt_XqHTNNEVq738wMtI2Z09KEx6DDKszpYKS9kAQc19ymMNNnuBumdzoLKCo5AktkqSxCkoqe6fz6KOTCxugKn2WR_PsKlcKnC5HFriuPW-TV6aPYKsFTMKeIPacr5WCQnUPt_fDCH-W5WXhi/s320/978F3309-375D-4A5A-9BB5-CA6437780C23.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw3682Up6pAyI-ORwhW6bSHECQi12rGViKWxsY7wzyHN68LasQ-pRfjOTDYOznSA1W7C8bEaOK4FcPAgTBu3QVb51TVThNJN73nfBAzJd2hgbJul4rgnfzQU4MDbeABbHQjYgurjkC_BuuUwk-IOEOIjKVGUr1G5zkBDLOlXKaUDNudYI-__G-Lf-0/s4032/B855B4E5-75ED-46F7-BB9C-961B9E10E244.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw3682Up6pAyI-ORwhW6bSHECQi12rGViKWxsY7wzyHN68LasQ-pRfjOTDYOznSA1W7C8bEaOK4FcPAgTBu3QVb51TVThNJN73nfBAzJd2hgbJul4rgnfzQU4MDbeABbHQjYgurjkC_BuuUwk-IOEOIjKVGUr1G5zkBDLOlXKaUDNudYI-__G-Lf-0/s320/B855B4E5-75ED-46F7-BB9C-961B9E10E244.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdiHOe9N9njPdKietfsBYdvovvCEMcQxwcr7f5xOTgPaN0aw-cbJGX6UupUoCDZpBeaHty_hJQEmk92C_dDvUlW-1VNmR1OWUhf-BegLL6cMtd1GxahJiXxfQmUA0XQ9eFQc4c_JOPxUgi8YeQuPAKI4AuOFA-TNGs_AY-7vqSR6P-9dr66nXhFe9R/s4032/C5E61038-0DBC-46F6-AD5E-A2585F377A52.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdiHOe9N9njPdKietfsBYdvovvCEMcQxwcr7f5xOTgPaN0aw-cbJGX6UupUoCDZpBeaHty_hJQEmk92C_dDvUlW-1VNmR1OWUhf-BegLL6cMtd1GxahJiXxfQmUA0XQ9eFQc4c_JOPxUgi8YeQuPAKI4AuOFA-TNGs_AY-7vqSR6P-9dr66nXhFe9R/s320/C5E61038-0DBC-46F6-AD5E-A2585F377A52.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>24 miles plus a cycle commute the following week, including a Sunday run from Croston to Harrock Hill, two ascents and back to make 15 miles. It’s probably the nearest hill in the flatlands surrounding my house but makes for a good long run with some height gain as a quick hit.</div><div><br /></div><div>Last week was a good week of mileage with 38 miles total, good mix of pace through the week, a double run day and a 7.5 mile run with 7.5 minute miles on Friday afternoon and another 16 miles over the weekend with another Harrock Hill run, one that almost resulted in an unceremonious slip onto my face!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Raised my first £150 as well, thank you to those that have sponsored so far.</div>Donkarlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07825858154603650871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8293995715590706146.post-23065011993727088322022-10-11T22:36:00.000+01:002022-10-11T22:36:06.144+01:00Lower Volume & BeerFollowing the 48 mile week I was ready for a week of more moderate miles, an easy recovery run started the week off then an opportunity to try out my new road shoes. My other two pairs are getting quite worn on the soles and are losing the springiness, so I was pleased to give my New Balance Fresh Foam 680 v7 a try, I’ve had to pairs of the v6 version of this shoe and they have been great. Review on sportshoes indicated they are quite small on the sizing so went half a size up and they are a perfect fit, felt great from the off and after the exertion of the previous week, provided some springy comfort. <div>A Wednesday and a great idea to do mile reps, after a ten minute warm up, 4 x 7-7:30 pace I hit the first one too fast at 6:55 and the second one hurt at 7:24! The last two felt more even at 7:05 and 7:09 and then a cool down to make a good 7 mile run in under an hour. </div><div>Had a couple of rest days due to a couple of busy days and then tested the 10 mile tempo pace on the Saturday morning in 1:25, perfect 8:30/mile pacing! This made 25 miles for the week plus some walking to aid recovery and get the family out in the fresh air.</div><div><br></div><div>Saturday I was listening to the Runpod podcast with Jenni Falkener and her interview with Hugh Brasher, all the talk of the London Marathon, and pointing out that registration was open for the 2023 marathon already, I took the inspiration to enter for the back to April London Marathon. This also made me think I should do some podcast recommendations, more to come. </div><div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgijVrHvxspYYReUpQobfmqBoVhGnFhpbrPMVoq6WiYBbRzIusz1XdT156qYwRylagjT8CGqKOxiXDnnGQrR3h0UYlcfHai6J4Dy4TCgWv0JSqd-tySzR7G1Dvpb9Er_XmrZ-kMll0apQhIXzWOOXlu_7NvNtJ1aQM7ng-kyk2Nl5x5ksh40LVERmNt/s1170/FE29E046-E2FB-4C66-94D8-1E3D65022F98.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="867" data-original-width="1170" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgijVrHvxspYYReUpQobfmqBoVhGnFhpbrPMVoq6WiYBbRzIusz1XdT156qYwRylagjT8CGqKOxiXDnnGQrR3h0UYlcfHai6J4Dy4TCgWv0JSqd-tySzR7G1Dvpb9Er_XmrZ-kMll0apQhIXzWOOXlu_7NvNtJ1aQM7ng-kyk2Nl5x5ksh40LVERmNt/s320/FE29E046-E2FB-4C66-94D8-1E3D65022F98.jpeg" width="320" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"></a></div><br><div><br></div><div>Last week started with a cycle commute on Tuesday, it’s 16 miles each way and was a thoroughly nice ride into work, followed by an apocalyptic rain and wind fest on the way home! It was great training to build that base fitness. </div><div><br></div><div>An easy 4 miles the following morning on slightly aching legs and then a higher effort 7.5 miles the next day trying to hold under 8 min mile pace (7:50 average pace). I have been taking advantage of the recover app included with Strava membership that focusses on preventative strength and conditioning exercises to avoid injury, trying to squeeze 3 of these in a week. Morning 4.5 miles on Friday in preparation for a weekend away in Snowdonia with the lads.</div><div><br></div><div>We stayed above the Old Stag in Llangernyw in an air bnb that was a really good base, plenty of space for the six of us. Friday night involved Curry, beer, more beer, some polish vodka and something called a tatanka. Needless to say I was feeling the effects of a late night with much lubrication when I woke up at 7:00 on Saturday, Anthony and I had roughly arranged to go for a run, but I appeared to be the only one up and about, I thought about getting some more sleep but then I thought better of it, donned the running kit and hit the road. </div><div><br></div><div>It was straight away uphill, not what I really needed! and it kept going, and going, a bit of flat and then more hill, then Anthony running in the other direction. He must have just beat me out and had just turned for home after still not reaching the top of the hill! We decided to try and make it, topped out over the hill and followed our noses to a right turn, quick check of the phone more running, lots of chat and a weakening fuzziness and we made it back to the start 7.5 miles (a bit more for Anthony) completed. <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline; font-size: 12pt;">Time for breakfast, coffee and knocking up a mean packed lunch to hit the hills.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline; font-size: 12pt;"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline; font-size: 12pt;">I couldn’t locate my Snowdonia OS17 map and Amazon let me down with a Harvey’s map so resorted to printing a screen shot of my planned route, bargaining on the others having a map, a fairly safe assumption. We had a plan to leave from the Ogwen Valley, head up Pen Yr Ole Wen via the east ridge with some steady walking and some easy scrambling. It was mild, not much of a wind and the ground was good going, we made good progress with a few minor grumbles of middle age, lack of fitness and some beer induced difficulties! About 2,000ft of initial ascent got the blood pumping and the sweat flowing and after reaching the summit of Pen Yr Ole Wen we traversed the ridge to Carnedd Dafydd and stopped at the shelter for lunch in the sun. We continued progress over good terrain to Carnedd Llewelyn and descended to the ridge and the path out to the valley, a great day out with 9.5 miles of good walking, 3,000ft of ascent and three of the Welsh 3,000ft peaks bagged. 23 miles of running for the week plus the walking. Back to running good miles this week.</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline; font-size: 12pt;"><br></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Lj2fzEcghd7XGaXTOLuZjgxSqhZ4SVUhC9ktFQEl1CSoIOpMfT31J9NUydretSphUr_3ZZbQ1HYFhsSb-OpSPsu89IIbAEx0X2sABNSZG0gNyFtlr4omzht8QA0bSBFoboJl472t3euxbxj-Pl0CO6JHfNNGNInCXPIdutU2V0WUVumSlLPQ8Rnv/s2048/1F97C35D-C3FC-4446-AAA7-B98726DE9C5F.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Lj2fzEcghd7XGaXTOLuZjgxSqhZ4SVUhC9ktFQEl1CSoIOpMfT31J9NUydretSphUr_3ZZbQ1HYFhsSb-OpSPsu89IIbAEx0X2sABNSZG0gNyFtlr4omzht8QA0bSBFoboJl472t3euxbxj-Pl0CO6JHfNNGNInCXPIdutU2V0WUVumSlLPQ8Rnv/s320/1F97C35D-C3FC-4446-AAA7-B98726DE9C5F.jpeg" width="320" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuIsN_3vgooiiqLhoj3NiZpdtLZWm9wUSfoal4bYMXlAJ7Fb7hBoEK7BMyfxs37VB7fefeWPTuyuzxln5h-pOUXrZx8Dmj1msRkzpY20O0zFHWuEtjJzMBILKfYi-SrXnHc1B24H-jqEV61tPeoqHvA6eQX-dxu30fvkB1LXDmGeI7TTlhKAjxZR48/s2048/09BEE385-44E3-4487-82F5-6B6AC5A14116.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuIsN_3vgooiiqLhoj3NiZpdtLZWm9wUSfoal4bYMXlAJ7Fb7hBoEK7BMyfxs37VB7fefeWPTuyuzxln5h-pOUXrZx8Dmj1msRkzpY20O0zFHWuEtjJzMBILKfYi-SrXnHc1B24H-jqEV61tPeoqHvA6eQX-dxu30fvkB1LXDmGeI7TTlhKAjxZR48/s320/09BEE385-44E3-4487-82F5-6B6AC5A14116.jpeg" width="320" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUnX2kDYDPwxUn55E2JXuL10SeZzxEPuIZpmc5Wdc-sob-0S4-bhTh4fbg0ZUb8Z2aGivJruiIV6do1JBRiMrzFm3LnfE5irpm4FKQ0qGrtGZliM4RA392IWfgReQqaGF-ul3fou8DKyzgV27vMEj6XMZSgWw4r6T7TRsPYTNCXqDADrD-EN-1RnQe/s2048/21FF2FCC-4680-4721-8BBB-126A2673D2D0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUnX2kDYDPwxUn55E2JXuL10SeZzxEPuIZpmc5Wdc-sob-0S4-bhTh4fbg0ZUb8Z2aGivJruiIV6do1JBRiMrzFm3LnfE5irpm4FKQ0qGrtGZliM4RA392IWfgReQqaGF-ul3fou8DKyzgV27vMEj6XMZSgWw4r6T7TRsPYTNCXqDADrD-EN-1RnQe/s320/21FF2FCC-4680-4721-8BBB-126A2673D2D0.jpeg" width="320" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIPYUoDwrXlcvPlipRmR-MpSyEKkFASu84ZgPvybwmpBSqrpB0bgvlOA15Dg70VSrM6mH_GeQbkQZU8KlICQvRzoOPNvkMtnHIpP3o9ZvS344JyXvTawFkCBKgGbBVUk_GM-tzHe3_oQiwcdHa0d-hgu4hvpVW9EeaZm9NTfT-9CHQBXxBmwb9-Ftb/s1600/93BEA081-C92D-4C87-8C4A-59AD372D4F39.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIPYUoDwrXlcvPlipRmR-MpSyEKkFASu84ZgPvybwmpBSqrpB0bgvlOA15Dg70VSrM6mH_GeQbkQZU8KlICQvRzoOPNvkMtnHIpP3o9ZvS344JyXvTawFkCBKgGbBVUk_GM-tzHe3_oQiwcdHa0d-hgu4hvpVW9EeaZm9NTfT-9CHQBXxBmwb9-Ftb/s320/93BEA081-C92D-4C87-8C4A-59AD372D4F39.jpeg" width="240" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiljRNCl1ctMu5TW-XbJ0YOBXv0ew42G4QNBOLFF27xHw-VgpPYLLOxmrZ4dT-_XwB_v4UamZqmrl7n6L9sMOdF7afi6bqHlzST_u3YDo5yF4cEKYlgypM1LAjLTV9MA1HF-4d8MqDO9bbK5aOmXJS0fCsI7YjgTuZeQaNRY_LSPJY1DGuWMscjlOm5/s1600/595C71F3-24CA-40E8-A9B1-218EC15B3FF1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiljRNCl1ctMu5TW-XbJ0YOBXv0ew42G4QNBOLFF27xHw-VgpPYLLOxmrZ4dT-_XwB_v4UamZqmrl7n6L9sMOdF7afi6bqHlzST_u3YDo5yF4cEKYlgypM1LAjLTV9MA1HF-4d8MqDO9bbK5aOmXJS0fCsI7YjgTuZeQaNRY_LSPJY1DGuWMscjlOm5/s320/595C71F3-24CA-40E8-A9B1-218EC15B3FF1.jpeg" width="320" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihlKYFO_pbYsW_-zsd_oODALYWtVIF8c93cfiWq3tAuIQncT2EjQY-OKaFTEn23dwq-D9ddbfYPYfkDWpfqDXADaxj68QOs7ftdAwgfXR625KL0_7F9zfa1dBPmiiR6lYXdyj1fvaMeSYwfw_V20yV9DxiFq0tTx16qYTsk5E_pnmJS_h1InI3-iGY/s2048/02788C4B-3D09-4287-89A2-CA2608EAE6F9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihlKYFO_pbYsW_-zsd_oODALYWtVIF8c93cfiWq3tAuIQncT2EjQY-OKaFTEn23dwq-D9ddbfYPYfkDWpfqDXADaxj68QOs7ftdAwgfXR625KL0_7F9zfa1dBPmiiR6lYXdyj1fvaMeSYwfw_V20yV9DxiFq0tTx16qYTsk5E_pnmJS_h1InI3-iGY/s320/02788C4B-3D09-4287-89A2-CA2608EAE6F9.jpeg" width="240" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5QXQ8K_b_D4H70BezS93PIVRSrz1g-jPA1rmd3Wv5q60-ON1oaPiMktqKb4jI7HmX8x6Rgeo_dcm8c6Z8XApnKUqAUIT61ZSnZpzAWriFB8zCj9QfIeTvG6ba2OKpVoQcyPRIghTThwgZ9TK8N1pGCyLaILFCog39CNfbH5iRCdDgue_ppvXf9hrV/s2048/BE6D6049-1ECD-405F-ACA3-FA203B5A7DFB.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5QXQ8K_b_D4H70BezS93PIVRSrz1g-jPA1rmd3Wv5q60-ON1oaPiMktqKb4jI7HmX8x6Rgeo_dcm8c6Z8XApnKUqAUIT61ZSnZpzAWriFB8zCj9QfIeTvG6ba2OKpVoQcyPRIghTThwgZ9TK8N1pGCyLaILFCog39CNfbH5iRCdDgue_ppvXf9hrV/s320/BE6D6049-1ECD-405F-ACA3-FA203B5A7DFB.jpeg" width="240" style="max-height: 80%; max-width: 80%; height: auto; width: auto;"></a></div><br><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline; font-size: 12pt;"><br></span></div>Donkarlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07825858154603650871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8293995715590706146.post-88693104487096546712022-09-26T21:43:00.001+01:002022-09-26T22:14:30.982+01:00Pushing On <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Following on from my completion of 1000 miles of running in 2021 and in an effort to motivate one of my friends I entered the St Annes 10 Miles Road Race - a road race I hear you say!! Well it's been a heck of a long time since I ran one of those, potentially the London Marathon 2008. <p></p><p>30th January, and after roping Sam in after my friend changed his mind, we rocked up to the start line at the YMCA, a crisp January morning for running ten miles. After registration and a coffee stop, we warmed up down the promenade and nervously discussed our race strategies and goal times. I planned to go out at eight minute mile pace and see how I felt at half way, if I could finish inside 90 mins, as close as possible to 80 mins I would be really chuffed, Sam was going to do something similar and follow my lead. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwNB5Xoks_3YlmnCuEqew_H1Q3y5c8T_svLTXbg_n3yW26BEV0vhejgEMK1Kiqq5Lv-pkyRX9RFmpHnSZM-udMxYNLVWsFK6ukmxG1Ml9OLhGm3uO4JGdrPSrcyVBuwEhqBxV3F1Mv29u44UlYsA16YpQRk-6EDzPpoTnYcaMAK53L2v3C0n6oNEHs/s2048/432BA5B8-C581-49E5-A220-44D6306772D8.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwNB5Xoks_3YlmnCuEqew_H1Q3y5c8T_svLTXbg_n3yW26BEV0vhejgEMK1Kiqq5Lv-pkyRX9RFmpHnSZM-udMxYNLVWsFK6ukmxG1Ml9OLhGm3uO4JGdrPSrcyVBuwEhqBxV3F1Mv29u44UlYsA16YpQRk-6EDzPpoTnYcaMAK53L2v3C0n6oNEHs/s320/432BA5B8-C581-49E5-A220-44D6306772D8.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH8AjHfrw-eVrfV21PWSLBHYlg0dMFQ7QTALuwbtVbQYGgaQuU_dFTs3qlkY-wN7cJuGgcpy4ebTFZrEzdcA6hQKrUD-pV5S3xHnV1gFAEq0chzOBJFDQv3T1nXmhWVK0h--CYFOymHPY6E1bhytFVijpvRor-r1C5HscYHcnpo-hYBK56b6cs6Ez1/s2048/B00ECA3B-0E61-4F78-9D32-08C4139082F5.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH8AjHfrw-eVrfV21PWSLBHYlg0dMFQ7QTALuwbtVbQYGgaQuU_dFTs3qlkY-wN7cJuGgcpy4ebTFZrEzdcA6hQKrUD-pV5S3xHnV1gFAEq0chzOBJFDQv3T1nXmhWVK0h--CYFOymHPY6E1bhytFVijpvRor-r1C5HscYHcnpo-hYBK56b6cs6Ez1/s320/B00ECA3B-0E61-4F78-9D32-08C4139082F5.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ZYiE5OzcZedmOYaLpueGnxFe2z1IjLwR6ln0BxhKOyQraaZaQ1W9fXsG8YxuqDS_4WjW_HbJzuAYiW5e4FpVxu-gfZlSLJGi7aQwhZab4OLPsL0q2XdhU8YqY9kxJbaMaRqGFkcrmXl0L0RQyWbb5HzqiiuRQlk-PH6AD78_BRtvgMfMXdeDvlJJ/s2048/CC750B44-CCCA-4033-B3C2-838AB70AE95C.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ZYiE5OzcZedmOYaLpueGnxFe2z1IjLwR6ln0BxhKOyQraaZaQ1W9fXsG8YxuqDS_4WjW_HbJzuAYiW5e4FpVxu-gfZlSLJGi7aQwhZab4OLPsL0q2XdhU8YqY9kxJbaMaRqGFkcrmXl0L0RQyWbb5HzqiiuRQlk-PH6AD78_BRtvgMfMXdeDvlJJ/s320/CC750B44-CCCA-4033-B3C2-838AB70AE95C.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p>My strategy didn’t last long, got carried away with the starting rush and before I knew it, ticked off the first mile in just over 7 minutes, this felt okay and I kept one eye on the road and one eye on my heart rate all the way to Lytham, I turned at 36:06 feeling good, straight into the head wind! Passed Sam coming in the other direction looking good, then bumped into my friend Paul who had come out to cheer me on, this spurred me on, my heart rate was peaking by now and I was starting to fade, head down and just get there. Crossed the line in 1:13:14 I was made up, result! I was slowly making it back to being a runner.</p><p>W/c 19th September - Running 48 miles, Walking 13 miles</p><p>A good solid week, and my biggest this year I think. I’ve been concentrating on building volume with the 1000 mile challenge and completed this on 4th September, I had already decided in January I wanted to hit 1500 though. I’ve enjoyed early morning runs for the last two years, out around six and I can get some decent mileage in before breakfast and the family being awake, Chuck in the odd quick lunch time run and the mileage keeps ticking over. I’ve also been trying to mix things up with speed work and I’m starting to incorporate more of this into my runs, as well as strength and mobility work to encourage injury avoidance, gets tougher over 40 you know!! The morning sun rises have made it all worthwhile this week. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1m1kd6XIas-PjDlDzeBV6d8rxhp6WHrd94WEUMDGcMd7DuoBRv5V2WhRSQnSiteaOc48vjVp_rbOLFty93jkKc8k9H7Neeyx2ntyn8EOhGtQoJvIMAMEIJT6JRBK0XE-E1uWKamgOcYDUxOhjDjwjuR5zjELYyi1ZNQBkQ-aWp7vhbI2vu-ss6e_/s3088/4AC3C428-EABA-40CA-AFA1-251812BA8DE5.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC1m1kd6XIas-PjDlDzeBV6d8rxhp6WHrd94WEUMDGcMd7DuoBRv5V2WhRSQnSiteaOc48vjVp_rbOLFty93jkKc8k9H7Neeyx2ntyn8EOhGtQoJvIMAMEIJT6JRBK0XE-E1uWKamgOcYDUxOhjDjwjuR5zjELYyi1ZNQBkQ-aWp7vhbI2vu-ss6e_/s320/4AC3C428-EABA-40CA-AFA1-251812BA8DE5.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr5O2lm4UL0uYcxZSgcrsB4aYeeHMoQeSueSRgfZSqn2dG1nZ6XYkToyIIAS3l54-MjwB_Lo0xf194n54E9LD7tyPe7hLLnNDFGN7RDIRECyg1i7GXiMLbxte_zWBAyj9wokqt4-zJABqbi8bh1pALSpax5jErqTes2XqEmYIvauLyqdPj3KtZ658P/s4032/0176E655-9222-4E6B-9DCE-30E6C03DA9DD.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr5O2lm4UL0uYcxZSgcrsB4aYeeHMoQeSueSRgfZSqn2dG1nZ6XYkToyIIAS3l54-MjwB_Lo0xf194n54E9LD7tyPe7hLLnNDFGN7RDIRECyg1i7GXiMLbxte_zWBAyj9wokqt4-zJABqbi8bh1pALSpax5jErqTes2XqEmYIvauLyqdPj3KtZ658P/s320/0176E655-9222-4E6B-9DCE-30E6C03DA9DD.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_nYZ61Pp_Zx1nOaFFkT5HtRrJgj8d6Gg5iRSL9J_JSr_78_kShZ1lCf5BUglhsiVAx2flyAQCX6o8XHkp00IIwrYE6Y-oBkxtL15t0QvmTf-Ytnz3XipVc9wlipiplNZFKDxuzPslIkHFt9m7WURVKZ6SRWXOowKgJCAE8op_PLhmhDCxkWeZ0wwu/s2890/360A19D8-CBBE-409D-A286-ADC81DFA82C6.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2169" data-original-width="2890" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_nYZ61Pp_Zx1nOaFFkT5HtRrJgj8d6Gg5iRSL9J_JSr_78_kShZ1lCf5BUglhsiVAx2flyAQCX6o8XHkp00IIwrYE6Y-oBkxtL15t0QvmTf-Ytnz3XipVc9wlipiplNZFKDxuzPslIkHFt9m7WURVKZ6SRWXOowKgJCAE8op_PLhmhDCxkWeZ0wwu/s320/360A19D8-CBBE-409D-A286-ADC81DFA82C6.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_yh-1mZaF4IeizsIZGYV8hk4L47O9zOMk7rVpkhfW8KXKcB_jn8LHRKY-YxfNJcac1NyYbwzyOD5zjZSnYAvqrfbVpHfOK9WLhfiL1ZP6jSyYl_-jts-gIqTKt0cBg7tmdUvqcpavKxbwCux6GaV5ERfGPRM1jaboJyM7EckMn7xviIRHMDb6PZA/s4032/C448A02C-398E-4EEF-98CE-C419A20B176C.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_yh-1mZaF4IeizsIZGYV8hk4L47O9zOMk7rVpkhfW8KXKcB_jn8LHRKY-YxfNJcac1NyYbwzyOD5zjZSnYAvqrfbVpHfOK9WLhfiL1ZP6jSyYl_-jts-gIqTKt0cBg7tmdUvqcpavKxbwCux6GaV5ERfGPRM1jaboJyM7EckMn7xviIRHMDb6PZA/s320/C448A02C-398E-4EEF-98CE-C419A20B176C.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>Sunday I had a great morning out with Sam from Brinscall, good steady pace up Great Hill before dropping down to the Belmont road. I was trying out some new shoes, Adidas Terrex Agravic TR, bargain buy from Sportshoes, some good traction running downhill across the rough ground and instantly comfortable. We pushed on through Tockholes plantation and up to the Royal before circling round and over by Darwen Tower with great autumnal views across Lancashire. A swing out across the moor and back via Lions Den to drop through the plantation again and onward to Roddlesworh. Definitely feeling the fatigue by now, especially the strides I’d added to my run on Saturday morning! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGDkPFa_-JrIs2rkqj0jT4tGiIJrkXfAZqMLrNY8BvJGAX78qkpKEYQUZJnk_LCC0_WuHRF8TIgUZzcfyhI4vMJkByJiZnlww8VXGHuecNZL-B0ckbNOzmdgeWgKVz0lIxyl0LSh2-deSnAX454hvR124Tr8OaebkToBMthYCbDtDGeylGg3WZGHu/s1800/1CD8BA17-4578-4300-9106-4C3C5AAFDD7B.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGDkPFa_-JrIs2rkqj0jT4tGiIJrkXfAZqMLrNY8BvJGAX78qkpKEYQUZJnk_LCC0_WuHRF8TIgUZzcfyhI4vMJkByJiZnlww8VXGHuecNZL-B0ckbNOzmdgeWgKVz0lIxyl0LSh2-deSnAX454hvR124Tr8OaebkToBMthYCbDtDGeylGg3WZGHu/s320/1CD8BA17-4578-4300-9106-4C3C5AAFDD7B.jpeg" width="256" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH2ojjUfIw3re4X8ffPWWjgali87tAeGlqSTPgRyD1NB6QHrn-853AOlOlA-JN88jm4Ujf9McmCnkPrD-rbw1FztmkJOH4TBcV6FYZ5fd8kV0i4_s-fNId4hgpie8j-Be7nHSGQm_xKQzPgDHKUL4IockOtjcNK0iLP-3wPayg410Pdkc5YwMW1iSn/s1800/36D5EDC5-AB46-43D3-841A-301E29B713F9.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH2ojjUfIw3re4X8ffPWWjgali87tAeGlqSTPgRyD1NB6QHrn-853AOlOlA-JN88jm4Ujf9McmCnkPrD-rbw1FztmkJOH4TBcV6FYZ5fd8kV0i4_s-fNId4hgpie8j-Be7nHSGQm_xKQzPgDHKUL4IockOtjcNK0iLP-3wPayg410Pdkc5YwMW1iSn/s320/36D5EDC5-AB46-43D3-841A-301E29B713F9.jpeg" width="256" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGOE153bSZbA68Ud1kh4yrR19GJ0m_rdHg0zbd-RcHkhRsqYWFpRQdbmZTxbdt-0JhmivovauaqbkFqBDonIr_1tF0EYykNYavdKp1wjRBiCX5NWyyMoIvau0MNR5aJ0yVsITTOcwRe2L3xdBbftHoqI6YxlzUdhIelupSfo-KBEFyr3bpbEErhVtu/s4032/42F7AE36-E666-4B30-83E3-F340379CF9A8.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGOE153bSZbA68Ud1kh4yrR19GJ0m_rdHg0zbd-RcHkhRsqYWFpRQdbmZTxbdt-0JhmivovauaqbkFqBDonIr_1tF0EYykNYavdKp1wjRBiCX5NWyyMoIvau0MNR5aJ0yVsITTOcwRe2L3xdBbftHoqI6YxlzUdhIelupSfo-KBEFyr3bpbEErhVtu/s320/42F7AE36-E666-4B30-83E3-F340379CF9A8.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg-JOxJHywL4f4WNTq4h6BHXxZacUll09Idsms-2ank_VmULU2aVp1-J0ebui93YihXyaBoI8shttt6we9MsDTHKi6bd7e69lZ05W9zSuqjnLza9gUFDq33_64mOOxDxGUAEEGZtWtPy_LZ8vmB5qZQtVqyJD_My9tDr74iab5650hMLv2x8L-qT7G/s1799/019379C2-ABFB-4061-BDFA-DC6DAA149417.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1799" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg-JOxJHywL4f4WNTq4h6BHXxZacUll09Idsms-2ank_VmULU2aVp1-J0ebui93YihXyaBoI8shttt6we9MsDTHKi6bd7e69lZ05W9zSuqjnLza9gUFDq33_64mOOxDxGUAEEGZtWtPy_LZ8vmB5qZQtVqyJD_My9tDr74iab5650hMLv2x8L-qT7G/s320/019379C2-ABFB-4061-BDFA-DC6DAA149417.jpeg" width="256" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_iep0oHXYD-OhhAznkE-sSFPQQsZy5lVnCh6TJUNxhb1SBx7DbFPHjdxtx9H9vZV0PIMzRBup3v_r_XSRdSg3jXukEwtfXUaSRSDT2ph3LeUlyeU8oTCenR7uct4qrS_ag-z2eRzccoF-bKE1CpTSQ0UUzHn-64ngMm7HtQLsBJfMb0uTbIlsKQTV/s1799/835166BD-FE79-4863-9521-33C20B6DB0B3.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1799" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_iep0oHXYD-OhhAznkE-sSFPQQsZy5lVnCh6TJUNxhb1SBx7DbFPHjdxtx9H9vZV0PIMzRBup3v_r_XSRdSg3jXukEwtfXUaSRSDT2ph3LeUlyeU8oTCenR7uct4qrS_ag-z2eRzccoF-bKE1CpTSQ0UUzHn-64ngMm7HtQLsBJfMb0uTbIlsKQTV/s320/835166BD-FE79-4863-9521-33C20B6DB0B3.jpeg" width="256" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdxV2X03PSlKL7bTHg93ADYIgt-mlyVWYZm9DFrK7RP8aYhGNVysSOBfwAe-1Z4anVats2k385HExBeJ7bzzQ82RJM-xhw7j09k5izHVMVVDaBreg4I2d-3SuWxc0nEVb1bbrwTUJ3HjaGpOmCbQsSzfUFQqvNAA3TLZbUmK87i3TKY6QgSOGaW5B0/s1799/B70FC5EB-BB4F-420F-A296-E919E3A276AA.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1799" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdxV2X03PSlKL7bTHg93ADYIgt-mlyVWYZm9DFrK7RP8aYhGNVysSOBfwAe-1Z4anVats2k385HExBeJ7bzzQ82RJM-xhw7j09k5izHVMVVDaBreg4I2d-3SuWxc0nEVb1bbrwTUJ3HjaGpOmCbQsSzfUFQqvNAA3TLZbUmK87i3TKY6QgSOGaW5B0/s320/B70FC5EB-BB4F-420F-A296-E919E3A276AA.jpeg" width="256" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU0W_XvW0zw7Xwdm7eoWXU5sNvDDf_yx9CrezqujphvTPpM4I1FK4hfRWv-mIjh5_oQnWdvOE7BOhupmSCpX_jpS-h_obnAhYJ5WxO-8DqMz8Rij5VJbua_InTMbTFeeFPbf_QYOj6bXzy08UAOicrtCKf5_zUA3Qplsy2dYkT_dCkgiwgi8HkK1yS/s1799/E7231870-403F-48C5-BE8D-0004173CB9BA.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1799" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU0W_XvW0zw7Xwdm7eoWXU5sNvDDf_yx9CrezqujphvTPpM4I1FK4hfRWv-mIjh5_oQnWdvOE7BOhupmSCpX_jpS-h_obnAhYJ5WxO-8DqMz8Rij5VJbua_InTMbTFeeFPbf_QYOj6bXzy08UAOicrtCKf5_zUA3Qplsy2dYkT_dCkgiwgi8HkK1yS/s320/E7231870-403F-48C5-BE8D-0004173CB9BA.jpeg" width="256" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyt6xZfXSWsyBaaNdx5Gj2awP6E__G9AUsr5Op0iE__roG6YncN-b5-4f_WcsaaaIan6Y8RQJ64BG2CmY4XguQKb-teoqIPrpq5Lf5DQbKfvY2NLyLSWpZZLSW5eSZyF-7N8MqC7i-X0_tQXXkB2DU5A_VlPd9ZdTFOODjI-6GzuePgyKcc3TGcY_O/s1799/FEABB89A-E01B-4531-8DC8-57EACD3BC22F.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1799" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyt6xZfXSWsyBaaNdx5Gj2awP6E__G9AUsr5Op0iE__roG6YncN-b5-4f_WcsaaaIan6Y8RQJ64BG2CmY4XguQKb-teoqIPrpq5Lf5DQbKfvY2NLyLSWpZZLSW5eSZyF-7N8MqC7i-X0_tQXXkB2DU5A_VlPd9ZdTFOODjI-6GzuePgyKcc3TGcY_O/s320/FEABB89A-E01B-4531-8DC8-57EACD3BC22F.jpeg" width="256" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>We finished through the nature reserve, a top 14 miles of running, company and chat, and making some plans. Plan for a lower volume this week and a recovery run at the most Monday. </p><p>Don't forget to sponsor me <a href="https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/karlslakeland50">Karl Mayor is fundraising for EPIC KIDZ (justgiving.com)</a> or link in the side bar</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Donkarlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07825858154603650871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8293995715590706146.post-5203517637773280092022-09-22T22:33:00.003+01:002022-09-22T22:33:56.061+01:00Well it has been a long time<p>It seems an age ago that I ran those 68 odd miles and 27,000ft of ascent round the beautiful Lake District fells. There’s been a lot of water under the bridge, I’ve become a dad, had a few different jobs and generally not done a lot of running!! There’s been some cycling, but I was a shadow of my former self.</p><p>It’s been a tough couple of years hasn’t it? Home schooling, home working, covid, lock downs and let’s not talk about the state of the country! I needed some motivation.</p><p>I started back on the road to fitness in January 2021, I didn’t really have much in mind other than to lose weight and get fit again, walking and running. It was tough, at 17st 10lb I was a lump! But slowly, slowly it started to feel easier, the miles started getting easier and the weight started to drop off. Then OUCH!! a Piriformis injury took me out of action for six weeks, bloody painful, but kept walking and kept motivated. By mid year I was working towards 1000 miles of running and 1000 miles of walking. Some focus and planning got me there by the end of the year. A ten mile race at the end of January 2022 would be the real test.</p><p>To be continued…../</p>Donkarlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07825858154603650871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8293995715590706146.post-61978874842707788562011-09-22T22:56:00.001+01:002011-09-22T23:02:32.322+01:00Something Different and more to come<embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&hl=en_GB&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Fdonkarlorunner%2Falbumid%2F5623028453208909393%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_GB" height="400" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="600"></embed><br />
<br />
I will get round to doing a full write up of this event. For the moment it was the annual Pathfinder March in Cambridgeshire on the 25th June - 46 miles but flat compared to what I am used to so a different challenge, walked this with some friends I know through work but am tempted to return for a run attempt.Donkarlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07825858154603650871noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8293995715590706146.post-74643332432998698552011-09-22T22:49:00.000+01:002011-09-22T22:49:45.041+01:00Better Late than Never<embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&hl=en_GB&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Fdonkarlorunner%2Falbumid%2F5654580657370474513%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_GB" height="400" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="https://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="600"></embed><br />
<br />
Sam kindly brought round his SD card with the OMM photos from 2010 this week whilst we were planning for the RAB MM this weekend.<br />
<br />
So should have something new to write up following this weekendDonkarlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07825858154603650871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8293995715590706146.post-8255053845242206922011-04-13T17:02:00.001+01:002011-04-13T17:09:44.278+01:00Bicycling<div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="581310412-13042011">Hello all,</span></span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="581310412-13042011">Well I am still here just don't seem to have had much time to post recently, running is going okay !</span></span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="581310412-13042011">I changed jobs last year and my routine and world went a bit topsy turvy! I now regularly spend time in different offices and away during the week and I have to look smart and presentable at work. Due to the changes it has taken me a while to get into a new routine.</span></span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="581310412-13042011">I am now trying to run in the mornings, this does mean an early start but sets me up well for the day, then on Tuesdays and Wednesdays I run in the evening or go out on the bike. I have a few ideas for fitting training around my new life, my office in Preston is within running distance (10 miles ish) but I wouldn't want to do that twice a day, I am not a Kenyan! My Warton office is a good distance for cycling (20 miles ish each way) but this then brings another dilemma and the reason behind my post.</span></span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="581310412-13042011">I am now a lap top user, I need to transport this and keep it dry during a commute to work, I also need to transport a shirt, trousers & shoes that will still look presentable when I get to work. I was trying to find a shower but I have managed that now, so questions are......</span></span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="581310412-13042011">1) Panniers or Rucksack ?</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="581310412-13042011">2) Which ones/one ?</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="581310412-13042011">3) Running options with a lap top?</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="581310412-13042011">4) Anything else of use or ideas ?</span></span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="581310412-13042011">Any advice gratefully received</span></span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="581310412-13042011">I need to get fit again, I am ticking over but I'm not where I want to be and I'm carrying a bit (i.e.alot) of lard.</span></span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="581310412-13042011">I have pencilled in the 29th April to have a run round the Yorkshire Three Peaks with a friend from work. I think this is the day of the Royal Wedding so hopefully it will be quiet, as I have as much interest in the wedding as I do in stamp collecting! So hopefully I'll have something to report on the Blog, it's looking a bit quiet at the moment. I also have quite a few holidays left for the year as well so I need to do some planning, I still fancy the Coast to Coast, Ribble Way, etc. as long distance challenges and I still fancy cycling LEJOG but we'll have to see.</span></span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="581310412-13042011">Hope everyone's running is going well, I'll hopefully post again soon.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Oh and entries are open for the OMM so watch this space.</span></div>Donkarlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07825858154603650871noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8293995715590706146.post-23733412266200864082010-12-21T15:22:00.000+00:002010-12-21T15:24:16.457+00:00Winter WonderlandJust had a wonderful run in the snow from Croston, across the moss, through Mawdesley, Rufford and to Sollom along the canal then back home along the river. Fantastic scenery along my route, this weather is magical.<br />
<br />
I didn't wear my Garmin so not sure how far I'd expect about 10-12 miles, it was hard work through the deep snow towards the end was heavy going.<br />
<br />
<embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&hl=en_GB&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=http%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Fdonkarlorunner%2Falbumid%2F5553147632253638801%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_GB" height="267" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400"></embed>Donkarlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07825858154603650871noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8293995715590706146.post-30152462519895080882010-11-11T11:53:00.000+00:002010-11-11T11:53:27.607+00:00The OMM - Dartmoor<div><span class="584232108-11112010"><span style="font-family: Arial;">It's taken me a bit to put this together, was feeling very worse for wear last week after the OMM. Important lesson learnt, to check water carefully from streams, especially during heavy rain causing surface run off. Or carry some puritabs or similar. I spent most of last week doing sprint sessions to the loo after managing to pick up gastroenteritis, 3 out of the 4 of us who travelled together were affected. ON a positive note though I did manage to lose 10 lbs, the best crash diet I've tried !!!</span></span><br />
<br />
</div><div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span class="584232108-11112010"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>Friday</strong> - The weekend started with a packed train to Manchester, John was picking me up from Piccadilly at 9:00 to go back to his house, check the gear, familiarise ourselves with the tent and agree the plan of action. The tent is relatively simple to put up, we decided it would be easier to leave the inner tent and fly sheet fastened together in John's sack and I would carry the pegs, poles, gas and stove. I don't know if you have ever seen these <a href="http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/Product_Type/Camping_Accessories/Tent_Accessories/Titanium_1g_Skewer_Peg_(Pack_of_6).html">pegs</a> but they don't really look that strong, they weigh 1g each, but used in the right way and pushed right into the ground they are pretty effective.</span></span></div></div><div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/images/products/43LP_L500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/images/products/43LP_L500.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/images/products/50PEGSTI1_L500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="335" src="http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/images/products/50PEGSTI1_L500.jpg" width="245" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><span class="584232108-11112010"><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></span></div></div><div></div><div><span class="584232108-11112010"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Ben and Sam joined us and we compared sacks, mine was, by far the smallest with an 18l sack John, Ben and Sam were all using the <a href="http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/Brand/Terra_Nova/Lightweight_Packs/Laser_20L_Pack.html">Terra Nova Laser 20l pack</a>, We had all managed to get everything inside our sacks and were all carrying <5kg ! </span></span></div><div></div><div><span class="584232108-11112010"><span style="font-family: Arial;">After chucking all the gear in the car we hit the road, as usual the M6 was rubbish, one giant, slowly moving snake of traffic. It seemed to take an age to get to Hilton Park services, where we stocked up at M&S on munchies for lunch and for breakfast, bananas & scotch eggs, the food of champions! We eventually reached the M5 and after a final toilet stop at Exeter services we headed off to the OMM HQ at Okehampton Camp. John took us on a merry excursion through the narrow country lanes to an alleged short cut, that turned out to be a muddy track, but we made it in the end after climbing a very steep hill up to the camp (I didn't think there were any hills down here ?).</span></span></div><div></div><div><span class="584232108-11112010"><span style="font-family: Arial;">After pitching our tents we set out in search of the<a href="http://www.upandrunning.co.uk/"> Up & Running </a>shop and some food. The shop was packed, but I did manage to pick up a bargain pair of Saucony leggings for £10 (RRP £45). I decided these would be perfect for the weekend as they are tight fitting round the ankles so would not go baggy like other leggings, and hopefully keep my legs pretty warm. Dinner was Carbonara, bit of a shame that Wilfs (or Scotts) were not on site as their fare is ideal and tasty. We went and registered and picked up the dibber (I was the dibber boy), then after a couple of pints in the bar we hit the sack, alarm set for 6:00 ready for our 8:03 start.</span></span></div><div></div><div><span class="584232108-11112010"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>Saturday - </strong>After getting up and having some breakfast in the car, we changed into our gear, had a final kit check, then dropped the tent, wished Ben & Sam all the best and headed off for a cup of tea before heading to the start. I was feeling slightly nervous, it was a while since I had done any serious distance carrying kit, but I hoped that my light bag and experience would prevail, I didn't expect to finish highly but I expected to finish.</span></span></div><div></div><div><span class="584232108-11112010"><a href="http://www.21cphotos.com/images/59/768/101031034020_P.jpg" title="http://www.21cphotos.com/images/59/768/101031034020_P.jpg"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;" title="http://www.21cphotos.com/images/59/768/101031034020_P.jpg">http://www.21cphotos.com/images/59/768/101031034020_P.jpg</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.21cphotos.com/images/59/768/101031034023_P.jpg" title="http://www.21cphotos.com/images/59/768/101031034023_P.jpg"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;" title="http://www.21cphotos.com/images/59/768/101031034023_P.jpg">http://www.21cphotos.com/images/59/768/101031034023_P.jpg</span></a></span></div><div></div><div><span class="584232108-11112010"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I don't know how but we missed our start by two minutes ! We rushed up as they were just calling the 8:05 starters forward, we were pushed through, dibbed and handed the map, the straight line distance was quoted as 44.7km, I chose to ignore this and just concentrate on the first control location. We picked this off relatively quickly and then you know the script "Try and pick the best line across bloody awful terrain, dibbing the controls as you go". I was surprised at how undulating the ground was, the tussocks everywhere made it hard going, occasionally you would pick up a trod where you could get up a bit of momentum but these inevitably turned the wrong way and it was back to tussock bashing.</span></span></div><div></div><div><span class="584232108-11112010"><span style="font-family: Arial;">There were times when we could see plenty of other teams, snaking their way to controls, which took a bit of skill out of the navigation. It was a clear bright day with a head wind most of the day, we were moving okay but not quickly, I think the terrain was getting to us both, John put his ipod on at one point to try and find the "Zone" but I don't think it was happening for him.</span></span></div><div></div><div><span class="584232108-11112010"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Just before the penultimate control, Ben and Sam caught us up, it was good to see them and it gave us a bit of a lift, we ran all the way into camp with them, it did mean they had made up quite a bit of time on us though. Our route taken for day 1 can be seen on <a href="http://www.omm.routegadget.co.uk/">Route Gadget </a>('A' Class - John Roberts & Karl Taylor) It was a long hard day and we were all tired, we pitched the tents, grabbed some water in the sandwich bag and then dived in the tent to sort ourselves out. The results had us 62nd out of 89 starters, several teams appeared to have dropped out during the day and there were 79 teams going into the second day.</span></span></div><div></div><div><span class="584232108-11112010"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The tent was cosy indeed, it is definitely not possible for you both to do something, like getting changed, at the same time, so we took it in turns to sort gear, change clothes etc. Once we were sorted and dry/warm we got the stove going, dinner was a doddle to cook as planned, I had also slipped a small hip flask of brandy in my bag so we had brandy custard and ginger sponge, gourmet!! John had brought a chocolate protein shake to share so we warmed that up to help with the overnight recovery.</span></span></div><div></div><div><span class="584232108-11112010"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The fun then started when it came time to start blowing up the balloons for the balloon beds, with the limited room, cramp and general knackered ness this was entertaining. It took us about an hour to get both beds done, all we could hear from Ben and Sam's tent was popping balloons!! but eventually we had managed it. It was probably about 19:00 when we went to bed, so, with the clocks going back an hour it made it 18:00, 12hrs sleep ahead! We topped and tailed and managed to find a comfortable, not too contorted, position to sleep, I was boiling and had to take my hat off and unzip my tops to feel comfortable, the balloon bed was like luxury, so comfortable. John was okay till he turned on his side, his bag only has down on the top, when he felt a bit of cold. Sleep was okay, intermittent with the noise of the wind and rain lashing against the tent, but I felt pretty refreshed in the morning.</span></span></div><div></div><div><span class="584232108-11112010"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>Sunday - </strong>We were woken by the 6:00 wake up call for the chasing starts, It was a bit of a struggle to sit up, but taking it in turns gain we sorted our stuff out and got some breakfast on the go. I could feel my calves were stiff when I walked across to the toilet, day 2 was going to be tough, the weather was looking like it was going to test us.</span></span></div><div></div><div><span class="584232108-11112010"><span style="font-family: Arial;">We managed to make the start early this time, we dibbed and grabbed our map, the straight line distance was 31.6km, a shorter, but no less difficult day. I spotted river crossings and some contours very close together between two of the later check points, something to look forward to !</span></span></div><div></div><div><span class="584232108-11112010"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The first couple of controls were okay, a bit of climbing but not bad ground, the 3rd control though was "miles!" I expect this was a low point for all teams but the ground was tussocky, boggy and just energy draining, the Tor where the control was just seemed to get further away, everywhere you looked in each direction there were teams stretched out all heading in the same general direction. Eventually we reached the control, after here we had two river crossings before the next control, something that doesn't really phase me but there was a lot of water about, did I mention it was chucking it down! </span></span></div><div></div><div><span class="584232108-11112010"><a href="http://www.21cphotos.com/images/59/822/101101161926_P.jpg" title="http://www.21cphotos.com/images/59/822/101101161926_P.jpg"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;" title="http://www.21cphotos.com/images/59/822/101101161926_P.jpg">http://www.21cphotos.com/images/59/822/101101161926_P.jpg</span></a></span></div><div><span class="584232108-11112010"><a href="http://www.21cphotos.com/images/59/822/101101161945_P.jpg" title="http://www.21cphotos.com/images/59/822/101101161945_P.jpg"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;" title="http://www.21cphotos.com/images/59/822/101101161945_P.jpg">http://www.21cphotos.com/images/59/822/101101161945_P.jpg</span></a></span><br />
</div><div><span class="584232108-11112010"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The stretch after this control was tough going again, I think by this point neither of us wanted to see a tussock again. Ben and Sam caught us just before the control, we all had a quick stop to put on an extra layer, the rain and wind were having an effect, and the photographer caught a couple of great shots especially the 'thumbs up' one of Ben.</span></span></div><div></div><div><span class="584232108-11112010"><a href="http://www.21cphotos.com/images/59/800/101101100417_P.jpg" title="http://www.21cphotos.com/images/59/800/101101100417_P.jpg"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;" title="http://www.21cphotos.com/images/59/800/101101100417_P.jpg">http://www.21cphotos.com/images/59/800/101101100417_P.jpg</span></a></span></div><div><span class="584232108-11112010"><a href="http://www.21cphotos.com/images/59/800/101101101219_P.jpg" title="http://www.21cphotos.com/images/59/800/101101101219_P.jpg"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;" title="http://www.21cphotos.com/images/59/800/101101101219_P.jpg">http://www.21cphotos.com/images/59/800/101101101219_P.jpg</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.21cphotos.com/images/59/800/101101101239_P.jpg" title="http://www.21cphotos.com/images/59/800/101101101239_P.jpg"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;" title="http://www.21cphotos.com/images/59/800/101101101239_P.jpg">http://www.21cphotos.com/images/59/800/101101101239_P.jpg</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.21cphotos.com/images/59/800/101101101243_P.jpg" title="http://www.21cphotos.com/images/59/800/101101101243_P.jpg"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;" title="http://www.21cphotos.com/images/59/800/101101101243_P.jpg">http://www.21cphotos.com/images/59/800/101101101243_P.jpg</span></a></span></div><div></div><div><span class="584232108-11112010"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The next control was across was the steep section I had spotted earlier in the day, I had promised myself mentally that I would treat myself to a rice crispie square at the bottom of here, mind games, after dropping down to the river we linked up to cross the river as a foursome, it was pretty wide and strong but we got across OK. We could see other teams heading up stream as we started climbing, it was a steep climb but not that long, the bar worked and I felt pretty good as we dibbed the next control. Ben was limping now and struggling to run, we could maybe have made back the time deficit at this point but it wasn't the honourable thing to do, we stuck with them as we dibbed the last few controls together.</span></span></div><div></div><div><span class="584232108-11112010"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Our route taken for day 2 can be seen on </span><a href="http://www.omm.routegadget.co.uk/"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Route Gadget </span></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">('A' Class - John Roberts & Karl Taylor)</span></span></div><div></div><div><span class="584232108-11112010"><span style="font-family: Arial;">We all had a bit of a John Wayne swagger coming down the road to the last control and the finish line but did manage a bit of a burst for the finishing photo. Final positions we came 60th, Sam & Ben 50th, 72 teams finished.<a href="http://www.siresults.co.uk/2010/omm/overall/a.html"> Results</a></span></span></div><div></div><div><span class="584232108-11112010"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><a href="blocked::http://www.21cphotos.com/images/59/792/101101023114_P.jpg" title="http://www.21cphotos.com/images/59/792/101101023114_P.jpg"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;" title="http://www.21cphotos.com/images/59/792/101101023114_P.jpg">http://www.21cphotos.com/images/59/792/101101023114_P.jpg</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.21cphotos.com/images/59/792/101101023135_P.jpg" title="http://www.21cphotos.com/images/59/792/101101023135_P.jpg"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;" title="http://www.21cphotos.com/images/59/792/101101023135_P.jpg">http://www.21cphotos.com/images/59/792/101101023135_P.jpg</span></a></span></span><br />
<span class="584232108-11112010"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></span></div><div><span class="584232108-11112010"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><strong>Summary -</strong> To summarise on what was a tough weekend, Dartmoor is pretty hard terrain, quite picturesque with all the Tors, but a bugger under foot. More training would have benefited us both and perhaps provided a higher finish but, I don't think we did too bad to finish the two days. The kit was about right, I had just enough day food, plenty to eat at night and a really comfortable nights sleep. The cooking equipment could maybe be lightened by using foil trays but I do like how the mess tin can accommodate the food, protecting it. I was warm enough during the day and night and did find my windproof useful on day 1. Water sources should be checked thoroughly and peaty run off water should be avoided! I have got a full 12 months to train for the next one now, think I'm a bit off the pace for winning but definitely feel we could challenge the higher places with some decent training behind us.</span></span></div><div></div><div><span class="584232108-11112010"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I didn't take my camera but Sam has got some pictures which hopefully he'll forward to me and I can supplement this post with something nice to look at.</span></span></div>Donkarlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07825858154603650871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8293995715590706146.post-49789420368767773642010-10-27T16:35:00.002+01:002010-12-21T15:29:34.637+00:00The OMM Final Kit List<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVjN1qCHc7-Kgleh9A_AV3hA8UvpxnmaOIOO8X_7gOPVXvtCm9gI7oVJiPP_osJJdU4D5OrBcsd9v4Czht2UUs_HlXxjHRgzwEFop2wT6gxPHmD_cuWmhLa1xJPYgFUJdQ76CePCCCKQ8/s1600/PA260247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVjN1qCHc7-Kgleh9A_AV3hA8UvpxnmaOIOO8X_7gOPVXvtCm9gI7oVJiPP_osJJdU4D5OrBcsd9v4Czht2UUs_HlXxjHRgzwEFop2wT6gxPHmD_cuWmhLa1xJPYgFUJdQ76CePCCCKQ8/s320/PA260247.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span class="236115313-25102010"><span style="font-family: Arial;">With only a few days left till the drive down south to Dartmoor for the <a href="http://www.theomm.com/">42nd OMM/KIMM </a>the kit list is coming together.</span></span></div><div></div><div><span class="236115313-25102010"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Things may change at the last minute but I think this is pretty much it.</span></span></div><div></div><div><span class="236115313-25102010"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Team - Myself & John Roberts</span></span></div><div></div><div><span class="236115313-25102010"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Class - A</span></span></div><div></div><div><span class="236115313-25102010"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Following the OMM kit list these are my choices of kit </span></span></div><div></div><div><br />
<span class="236115313-25102010"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Clothes</b></span></span></div><div></div><div><span class="236115313-25102010"><span style="font-family: Arial;">During the day I will be wearing my trusty <a href="http://www.decathlon.co.uk/EN/deefuz-1000-mixed-knee-tight-13212864/#INFO-DETAIL">Decathlon 3/4 length leggings</a>, they are a little worse for wear, with a few holes here and there but they do the job. I have a choice of base layers dependant on conditions, but I think I'm going to go with a medium weight top with zip neck and long sleeves so I can roll them up if it gets warm and un zip the neck. Then my breathable pants underneath to stop the jingy jangling and some lightweight Bridgedale socks. Gloves are some old North Cape ones(59g) My hat is a buff, I'm taking two though so I have a dry one for the overnight camp (30g each).</span></span></div><div></div><div><span class="236115313-25102010"><span style="font-family: Arial;">For the overnight camps I then need extra full leg cover, I was going to use some Spray Way microfleece trousers (250g) but they are a bit bulky, although light, so I think I will need to go with some <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Helly-Hanson-Lifa-Long-Johns/dp/B001GC2TA0">Helly Hanson Lifa Long Johns </a>instead. My additional warm top is an X-cellerate fleece lined windproof (256g) that packs down really small. Then some dry socks(62g), if I need to leave the tent I have two large sandwich bags for my feet so they stay dry when I put them inside my trainers. The wet socks will go back on in the morning as the dry ones will be lighter to carry and would end up wet after 10-15 mins anyway.</span></span></div><div></div><div><br />
<span class="236115313-25102010"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Tent & Sleeping</span></b></span></div><div></div><div><span class="236115313-25102010"><span style="font-family: Arial;">John has invested in a <a href="http://www.terra-nova.co.uk/Product_Type/Tents/Superlite_Tents/Laser_Photon_Elite_GREEN.html">Terra Nova - Laser Photon Elite </a>(720g) it will be a considerably cosy night, at the widest point the inner tent is 87cm, the term 'spooning' has been mentioned in conversation. My sleeping bag is a <a href="http://www.surplusandadventure.com/shop/camping-outdoor/snugpak-bags-clothing/snugpak-outdoor/snugpak-travelpak-lite-sleeping-378185.html">Snugpak Travelpak </a>(680g) I bought it originally for camping in Thailand so it's not exactly suited to October in Dartmoor, but I'm sure it is going to be cosy in that tent and it kept me warm enough in the barn after the storm of OMM 2008 ! I am sleeping in luxury this time as well as I have bought a <a href="http://www.balloonbed.com/">balloon bed</a> (120g). I could probably do with investing in something like a RAB top bag or similar but I'll leave that till next year.</span></span></div><div></div><div><span class="236115313-25102010"><span style="font-family: Arial;">My only concern is how much room there is in the porch of the tent for cooking if the weather is bad but I guess we'll have to take the risk.</span></span></div><div></div><div><br />
<span class="236115313-25102010"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Food & Cooking</span></b></span></div><div></div><div><span class="236115313-25102010"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Using my scientific "OMM Food Calculator" that I developed in 2008 I figure I have a fraction over 1.5kg of food for the two days. Providing me with 5258.7 KCal of energy, 738.7g of Carbs and 145.3 g of Protein. </span></span></div><div></div><div><span class="236115313-25102010"><span style="font-family: Arial;">During the days I'll be eating a combination of <a href="http://www.naturalbalancefoods.co.uk/">Trek</a>, <a href="http://www.clifbar.com/">Clif</a>, 0 and <a href="http://www.powerbar.com/">Power Bars</a>, Rice Crispie Squares, <a href="http://www.clifbar.com/">Shot Bloks</a>, Jelly Babies and <a href="http://www.naturalbalancefoods.co.uk/">Nakd bars</a>, I have tried to use mainly natural energy bars with minimum additives as these tend to disagree with my stomach! I'll also be adding <a href="http://www.nuun.com/">Nuun</a> to my water during the day, I will just carry a 500ml bottle in a shoulder strap holder, and drink from streams.</span></span></div><div></div><div><span class="236115313-25102010"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Saturday night's food will be 200g of wholemeal cous cous with chorizo, pepperoni, sun dried tomatoes, stock cube and some spices this basically just requires hot water to cook so very easy and light on gas. I have a small <a href="http://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/productdetail/id_product/18673">Trangia mess tin</a> the mix will go in here with the hot water, the lid goes on and after 5 mins or so it is ready to eat. This should give me plenty of carbs, protein and salt and then will be followed by Jamaica Ginger Cake and Custard, luxury!</span></span></div><div></div><div><span class="236115313-25102010"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I will take a 5l sandwich bag as a water carrier as well for drinking and cooking, we are borrowing an <a href="http://cascadedesigns.com/en/msr/stoves/fast-and-light-stoves/pocketrocket/product">MSR pocket pocket</a> (85g) as it is slightly smaller and lighter than my Coleman stove, this will be used with a 100g gas canister, together with a tin foil heat shield/wind protector, this should be pretty efficient. </span></span></div><div></div><div><span class="236115313-25102010"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Breakfast Saturday is 75g of Ready Brek made with hot chocolate, this will all be supplemented by cups of tea and warm Nuun. The food handily fits inside the mess tin together with the foil, handle, lighter and spork.</span></span></div><div></div><div><br />
<span class="236115313-25102010"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Waterproofs</span></b></span></div><div></div><div><span class="236115313-25102010"><span style="font-family: Arial;">My waterproofs are an old pair of Spray Way Horizon leggings(238g) it is highly unlikely I will wear them, my jacket is a Marmot Precip Ladies Large (It was cheap in the sale) (316g) depending on conditions on the day I may run in a windproof but I'm undecided.</span></span></div><div></div><div><br />
<span class="236115313-25102010"><b><span style="font-family: Arial;">Anything Else</span></b></span></div><div></div><div><span class="236115313-25102010"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I have got a Heatsheets Survival Bag(113g) this is compact and light, and if I get cold in the tent I could always put it over my sleeping bag. Emergency rations are a small tablet of Kendal Mint Cake and my adequate first aid kit is a couple of plasters, vaseline, safety pins, a small bandage/dressing and a few pain killers, plus a bit of gaffer tape round my rucksack strap, the latter can be used for repairs to coat, tent etc as well. The pencil and paper are inside the first aid kit, small pencil from Ikea, inside the bag this should be able to be used in the wet. </span></span></div><div></div><div><span class="236115313-25102010"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Torch will be my Petzl Tikka (75g) and all of this will be in a dry bag inside my <a href="http://www.inov-8.com/Products-Detail.asp?PG=PG2&L=26&P=5050973014">inov8 Race Pro 18</a> (470g) with my day food in the mesh pocket at the front. I have picked up a top tip to have my food in the front of John's bag and his in mine for easy access, the only problem being that he doesn't have a pocket on the front of his bag ! Most of my day food fits in my waist pockets so I should be okay. </span></span></div><div></div><div><span class="236115313-25102010"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I really wanted a thumb compass but I'm going to leave it for now and make do this year, but having used one last in 2008 they are really easy.</span></span></div><div></div><div><br />
<span class="236115313-25102010"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Weight</b></span></span></div><div></div><div><span class="236115313-25102010"><span style="font-family: Arial;">This brings me in at about 4.5 - 5.0 kg so pretty happy, just wish I was a bit lighter and fitter now, I don't think we have much chance of winning I'm just looking forward to a good weekend. I think I'm going to take my camera as well, I know it's more weight, about 200g but I think it would be good to take some time and get some good pictures.</span></span></div><div><span class="236115313-25102010"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Any thoughts on kit ?</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlebRX20zNDhMVYLJOgXyNWMI0VpWEJuYPdJQ5d1lSv3bW1EsDuDbcD3t5AeeGY0QsNznXWbha_-kp1dl8FDqI7j2PIlIwlUC09yQKBa-WiEf4GSANSApe2mSl1vPzO9sGPFVx_JYdb60/s1600/PA260249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlebRX20zNDhMVYLJOgXyNWMI0VpWEJuYPdJQ5d1lSv3bW1EsDuDbcD3t5AeeGY0QsNznXWbha_-kp1dl8FDqI7j2PIlIwlUC09yQKBa-WiEf4GSANSApe2mSl1vPzO9sGPFVx_JYdb60/s320/PA260249.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div>Donkarlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07825858154603650871noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8293995715590706146.post-2890676958420219092010-10-12T20:28:00.000+01:002010-11-11T11:49:10.605+00:00Langdale to Pillar RockHad a great day out with Ben & John, we camped over at Great Langdale on the Friday night, John and Ben in the camper van and me in the boot of John's car, luxury! Had a good chilli, rice and chips and a couple of Old Peculiars from the ODG before retiring. The valley was looking fantastic on the drive in Friday night.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskJN4FshLCA4rUo0gGVjlHiR9J_lQWXy-3_yvp6XRJXuSXzW7IvthSdc6i-kI_Frz4ng8H9k8kSOktrmZiWpi8L2yBTcHQ84R8hU_Res2Dlqco-J55QiuoFPdRNyTf1GcmTBISinzKe4/s1600/PA010213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgskJN4FshLCA4rUo0gGVjlHiR9J_lQWXy-3_yvp6XRJXuSXzW7IvthSdc6i-kI_Frz4ng8H9k8kSOktrmZiWpi8L2yBTcHQ84R8hU_Res2Dlqco-J55QiuoFPdRNyTf1GcmTBISinzKe4/s1600/PA010213.jpg" /></a></div><br />
The plan was to run from Great Langdale up Rosset Ghyll, over Esk Hause and drop down to Sty Head Pass, before following the climber's traverse round Great Gable and then over Kirk Fell and from Black Sail Pass follow the traverse path to Pillar Rock. There was a memorial service scheduled for 14:00 for Dave Ridout, mentioned in a previous post, an old scouting and caving friend who died last month. The last top he had to complete in the Lake District was Pillar Rock, unfortunately he died befor he managed it. So West Lancashire Scouts Mountaineering Group were taking his ashes to the top.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>So that was the loose plan run there and back.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQ6DNzlhnhJQmERZcj1r1qSxXx1YxIrpOBxTqt_Q40mpCTUZQ1N5EJh2D2RB0R5reLfvwZTCZCOADCvYaE68o8XpARRtnVwp9KicKAposJCOIH6wGOBVXSDMQhHFsWypzCnJGX9WOilU/s1600/PA020217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijQ6DNzlhnhJQmERZcj1r1qSxXx1YxIrpOBxTqt_Q40mpCTUZQ1N5EJh2D2RB0R5reLfvwZTCZCOADCvYaE68o8XpARRtnVwp9KicKAposJCOIH6wGOBVXSDMQhHFsWypzCnJGX9WOilU/s320/PA020217.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">John & Ben crossing the ford at the head of Great Langdale</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6z9SEm23O0-xd8F3mn8-Yzf5TCa9KIvxTNeD3h7kCjIt40Gm43r2FbMFhUcESEO_fz4erDPjmQvs8hb8dhiT876QNTXbGW4-SsnaHlvd9jkn0DHFQE-tY9cddK_V_6lWCVnuMtKuHKao/s1600/PA020219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6z9SEm23O0-xd8F3mn8-Yzf5TCa9KIvxTNeD3h7kCjIt40Gm43r2FbMFhUcESEO_fz4erDPjmQvs8hb8dhiT876QNTXbGW4-SsnaHlvd9jkn0DHFQE-tY9cddK_V_6lWCVnuMtKuHKao/s320/PA020219.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Looking back into Langdale from Esk Hause</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjHF6XJlIhieg-wpQKKsGpKbJKHu6voALl9fnQ_Hg7fuukEpSQNWL9stP58WiVCtRQPMPVt6ZP4TuMOSJKvakLgKAqM7n7p2B0u5bsEl_zeb96uOpXcxWVPyYHt4Z5zuDJP_s1AGysUR0/s1600/PA020221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjHF6XJlIhieg-wpQKKsGpKbJKHu6voALl9fnQ_Hg7fuukEpSQNWL9stP58WiVCtRQPMPVt6ZP4TuMOSJKvakLgKAqM7n7p2B0u5bsEl_zeb96uOpXcxWVPyYHt4Z5zuDJP_s1AGysUR0/s320/PA020221.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">John at Angle Tarn</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We were moving well and probably a bit too quick, we realised when John announced he thought the memorial was 13:00 why we were moving so fast! We took it a bit easier and just enjoyed the scenery as the sun started to burn the cloud off. By the time we got to Sty Head Pass it was warming up nicely and we were basked in sunshine on the climber's traverse.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJPkNo1qXKUUQr0oEyaybVNRVRLYyFn3TaM10VQHjzov3cJ69u_H-2r9VviOGhDJFXd4bRwAl84BqYlT8ItbOdemC6w7uaKYtr0e59b5Di08dfSXziowIOnnlB3KmmiRcOABElgZB9mY/s1600/PA020223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJPkNo1qXKUUQr0oEyaybVNRVRLYyFn3TaM10VQHjzov3cJ69u_H-2r9VviOGhDJFXd4bRwAl84BqYlT8ItbOdemC6w7uaKYtr0e59b5Di08dfSXziowIOnnlB3KmmiRcOABElgZB9mY/s320/PA020223.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Sty Head Pass with Wasdale in the background</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-tUNUzJQNQq06AxT6fmBv8FPtAnr-QbXEaXHvVDCu4JQQbKVfwBVFtVtqQn6RkL1WJk-3tpriuzIx7M73psV4oDM2Fwi21QdxTESVMrQtuIZ5Qf8XuJJWYpRoPfv9tINVIOEtmCh74OQ/s1600/PA020225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-tUNUzJQNQq06AxT6fmBv8FPtAnr-QbXEaXHvVDCu4JQQbKVfwBVFtVtqQn6RkL1WJk-3tpriuzIx7M73psV4oDM2Fwi21QdxTESVMrQtuIZ5Qf8XuJJWYpRoPfv9tINVIOEtmCh74OQ/s320/PA020225.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We decided as we were doing well for time to "thread the needle" the scramble up behind Napes Needle, a bit hairy in fell shoes as you can see above.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpQIkc4ULk-1EZdbIWVhxoEVXaj0n5Dy6dmVIHkZmib0zEJwZVQgdf8HZ1cVSHk1DYOfZ01OaLJOkDeFgmQlT4Tfr0_6PWjoSlr2eFOl90n8bvLfXsoliZUkgpLJNBKxX2qxr8hVYqofg/s1600/PA020228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpQIkc4ULk-1EZdbIWVhxoEVXaj0n5Dy6dmVIHkZmib0zEJwZVQgdf8HZ1cVSHk1DYOfZ01OaLJOkDeFgmQlT4Tfr0_6PWjoSlr2eFOl90n8bvLfXsoliZUkgpLJNBKxX2qxr8hVYqofg/s320/PA020228.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Looking down into Wasdale from Napes Needle</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKIMVG57gZrMOmCpdNWkNY6Bujtgom7mC34oHhLdqKeeoOBUtRGYYgUsU3BZARC4AkCV2RgChKqfMK0olyx5nJ7olbAFIr1SyTzeuRFksvr2Q5lHnelM7UpdzBqGlASBON5NmHjNAnJs/s1600/PA020227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKIMVG57gZrMOmCpdNWkNY6Bujtgom7mC34oHhLdqKeeoOBUtRGYYgUsU3BZARC4AkCV2RgChKqfMK0olyx5nJ7olbAFIr1SyTzeuRFksvr2Q5lHnelM7UpdzBqGlASBON5NmHjNAnJs/s320/PA020227.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Napes Needle</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigavSOm8h2FBrFhcgPObOmnzPzjwLRgv0jlbwBPsBe7tWol2-hpUI_4Aik07DFoqTyJiwXtWYflm5_QQvW2s04F3NDtXBUcTE0FxApjVBmNdG_GzknUGzp8u0S3wv-YX0TPjnwXKBQKH4/s1600/PA020224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigavSOm8h2FBrFhcgPObOmnzPzjwLRgv0jlbwBPsBe7tWol2-hpUI_4Aik07DFoqTyJiwXtWYflm5_QQvW2s04F3NDtXBUcTE0FxApjVBmNdG_GzknUGzp8u0S3wv-YX0TPjnwXKBQKH4/s320/PA020224.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> Scafell sun bathing</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We had run out of water by this point so skirted round Kirk Fell to use the spring to top up our bottles, before picking up the traverse route to Pillar Rock from Black Sail Pass. We caught up the rest of the group, that had walked up from Wasdale, the memorial was thoughtful, we held a silence and a few people said some words about Dave. Then here you can see Dave being transported to the top of Pillar Rock. By this point we had started to get a bit cold as this North side of Pillar was chilly, we made our apologies and dropped down to Ennerdale.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVyNddCSwnFtt09lq7gR3-jE0GHKzYonJw0ksjXuT452xZkks9y32ZB97G5keFsF_Dka1XPf_aziiI088NJ051Gc8-ygn3L6MRATU5X-8ndPUKJzZs8KCYBLz-ZCh5KfBU6fxK7bhiVgY/s1600/PA020230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVyNddCSwnFtt09lq7gR3-jE0GHKzYonJw0ksjXuT452xZkks9y32ZB97G5keFsF_Dka1XPf_aziiI088NJ051Gc8-ygn3L6MRATU5X-8ndPUKJzZs8KCYBLz-ZCh5KfBU6fxK7bhiVgY/s320/PA020230.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
We followed the beck to Windy Gap between Great and Green Gable before dropping down to Sty Head and following the route back we had taken in the morning. I was struggling by now and not moving as quick uphill as I would like, but I'm sure that fitness will come back as I increase the time on the hills.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcmWhOI08KmCgFpMUs_fvUEoaEzvFjMVqBEKChvNaWANr2a2xQgyHZczSGiUkcLaJTXoqHtRfWLouXVI56IooFZvirbiUiMnQiOUqPwzZ-rcGOyvXv7rviMv_M7v76TWCRtQ826cv36Fs/s1600/PA020231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcmWhOI08KmCgFpMUs_fvUEoaEzvFjMVqBEKChvNaWANr2a2xQgyHZczSGiUkcLaJTXoqHtRfWLouXVI56IooFZvirbiUiMnQiOUqPwzZ-rcGOyvXv7rviMv_M7v76TWCRtQ826cv36Fs/s320/PA020231.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Looking back into Ennerdale</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">A good day out and 22 miles plus about 7500ft of climbing. After making our way back to Great Langdale we grabbed a quick pint of lime and lemonade and the stopped for fish and chips in Bowness on the way home. Excellent.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Donkarlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07825858154603650871noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8293995715590706146.post-29882915174067971382010-09-16T12:53:00.000+01:002010-11-11T11:49:10.606+00:00Still Going.......<div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="284094414-15092010">......Had a fantastic couple of weeks in Fontainbleau, photos to follow.</span></span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="284094414-15092010">The weather for the first couple of days was pretty grim to say the least, I had to stop on the drive from Dunkerque for an hour of shut eye to let the downpour subside slightly. After arriving early morning and pitching the tent, followed by some more sleep, then trying to find a shop open on a Sunday in France! we hid from it in the tent eating pate and cheese!</span></span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="284094414-15092010">We completed the Circuit de 25 Bosses which I thought would translate as something grand like 25 Hills, but unfortunately after checking the dictionary it is only the 25 "Bumps!" oh well, it was good fun. The route does a lot of up and down, admittedly on small hills, and scrambling through the boulders and rocks so it's a pretty interesting outing. We did plenty of bouldering and a bit more walking, I even managed a few runs in the evenings.</span></span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="284094414-15092010">One of these was slightly disastrous, to cut a long story short, I was first blocked by a lake, then a motorway and I was considering swimming across the river to get back when I did find a road in the right direction. My own fault I should have taken the map with me, I came back exhausted to a slightly panicking Gemma who had expected me back about an hour earlier!</span></span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="284094414-15092010">I've been getting out in the mornings and evenings gradually increasing my mileage, and I'm getting back into the groove. I've got a few training runs planned for the OMM over a couple of days and I am now obsessing over weight, my kit as well as my own! I received my <a href="http://www.balloonbed.com/">balloon bed</a> through the post last week, and I have had the scales out weighing leggings, tops, gloves trying to keep as compact and light as possible so I can get it all in my <a href="http://www.inov-8.com/Products-Detail.asp?PG=PG2&P=5050973014&L=26">inov8 18l sack</a>. </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="284094414-15092010">I'll blog with my final kit list when the final decisions have been made. My last OMM experience was 2008 and the great Borrowdale storm, I was one of those unaccounted for runners! so I'm hoping for a slightly less lively experience this time.</span></span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="284094414-15092010">I am full of a cold this week which isn't helping, neither is the grim weather, but I have got out a couple of times and have some more mileage planned before the week is out.</span></span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="284094414-15092010">Just trying to decide what to do with my days off for OMM training. The 15 Trigs of the Dark Peak looks like an interesting and probably similar terrain to Dartmoor? I quite fancy doing the Ribble Way over a couple of days, Longton-Gisburn the Gisburn-End, coming back on the train. There's also the Bowland 1500' s so I'll have to make my mind up, lots of inspiring stuff on Tony Wimbush's <a href="http://gofar.rwimbush.purplecloud.net/">GoFar</a> web site worth a look at.</span></span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="284094414-15092010">Should have some more regular updates to the blog now so stay tuned.........</span></span></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div>Donkarlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07825858154603650871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8293995715590706146.post-78072674757304783452010-08-03T09:30:00.002+01:002010-11-11T11:49:10.606+00:00Training ......................<div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="166264607-03082010">I am back on plan I hope..........................</span></span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="166264607-03082010">I now have several goals and a training plan to achieve them.</span></span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="166264607-03082010">I have struggled since last year, with a niggly knee, general laziness and lack of motivation, not so sure why but I have been busy changing jobs and getting into a new routine, weekends seem to have been filled with other things and planning my training and getting out has just taken a back seat.</span></span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="166264607-03082010">The other week on Bill's Ramsay reminded me though that I can still do it and I still enjoy it, so, with renewed vigour and glucosamine I am back into the groove I think. I am now running in the morning before breakfast, this fits in better and then hopefully getting a few evening sessions in with Gem as well. </span></span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="166264607-03082010">We have both entered the Edinburgh Marathon in 2011, Gem really fancies doing a marathon so I said I would run with her and help with her training, this will in turn hopefully give me a bit of a chance to do some tempo/speed work to supplement my training.</span></span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="166264607-03082010">I have also entered the OMM, 'A' Class with John, the last one I did was the Elite course in 2008 when the weather went completely wild and the event was cancelled (As shown on the BBC, I was on the news!) Looking forward to this and currently my training is geared up to compete well at this event, or at least beat Ben and Sam. Just need to sort out my kit now and get my weight down as much as possible including my own weight as well !</span></span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="166264607-03082010">Future plans for this year/next year are to try and complete several long walk/runs, I would really like to complete a couple of long distance paths in a mountain marathon style, like the Coast to Coast, Dales Way, Ribble Way etc. and increase my endurance. With a long term goal to try and complete an ultra a month next year, culminating in the UTMB in August. </span></span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="166264607-03082010">I'd like to do the Wuthering Hike (Haworth Hobble), Calderdale, Fellsman (although this is the week before the Edinburgh Marathon, no PB for me!), West Highland Way Race & the Lakeland 100, I think with a solid 12 month plan like this I can get back into the swing of regular training.</span></span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="166264607-03082010">Got a couple of weeks climbing in France coming up so will try and get a bit of running in there as well, before really getting stuck into the diet and training when I get home, including giving up the beer!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Does anybody else keep getting strange comments in Chinese, by the way, on their blog ?</span><br />
<br />
</div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="166264607-03082010">On a sad note, an old caving and walking friend of mine, Dave Ridout, from the scouts who taught me a lot of navigation and mountain craft skills, as well as taking me on my first caving trips, has died aged 63. He had been a scout leader for nearly 30 years in Preston and an <a href="http://www.lep.co.uk/news/tributes_paid_to_long_serving_scout_leader_1_978329">article</a> appeared in the LEP last week. Happy memories of exploring underground on the Karl & Karl, Dave & Dave trips will always remain with me. Thoughts go out to his family at this time.</span></span></div><div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-05E49Kl7SZGH-AsFTHKgVmhOjLWDkoiEHXL6197OFvrQRP4zNTx0qhCzcHBhvr6tBvNI4bqr_-UjZXHRSHYd1PhZX-q-u7EgHVGjWyClzWlTsi-C4ceQtFrpb_VPPkFX-KHLrb07ho/s1600/Lancaster+Hole.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-05E49Kl7SZGH-AsFTHKgVmhOjLWDkoiEHXL6197OFvrQRP4zNTx0qhCzcHBhvr6tBvNI4bqr_-UjZXHRSHYd1PhZX-q-u7EgHVGjWyClzWlTsi-C4ceQtFrpb_VPPkFX-KHLrb07ho/s320/Lancaster+Hole.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLDlmVUPfKHCVSgm5wpvCIubK37aTNwngBbvOzM8TntKO5sNaYvL0YLHM8nqIRid3__CEKA0wWLfqfLBhRxSmc6NU1r6EdYJgqzADgUPHGxMcvP4uruf1tUoJmxo5YMhHVPCGCO73gUkQ/s1600/DR" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLDlmVUPfKHCVSgm5wpvCIubK37aTNwngBbvOzM8TntKO5sNaYvL0YLHM8nqIRid3__CEKA0wWLfqfLBhRxSmc6NU1r6EdYJgqzADgUPHGxMcvP4uruf1tUoJmxo5YMhHVPCGCO73gUkQ/s320/DR" /></a></div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div align="left"></div>Donkarlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07825858154603650871noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8293995715590706146.post-83955459431925346772010-07-07T23:02:00.002+01:002010-11-11T11:49:10.606+00:00Bill's Ramsay Round<div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0f5Z5PhEONk3sE0XzlbXUhi_ZfxLRE6zZ1IkGBuNcGZUCly6J8rm5GW4bE4lN62vOPZCcokQh84IJh_6JXvm2wCV59R01APgdBVgS_K8XnT1Qr77e9Eb45qld2sEddZ6A5Ooh6lS3kDk/s1600/Ramsay+map+Marked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0f5Z5PhEONk3sE0XzlbXUhi_ZfxLRE6zZ1IkGBuNcGZUCly6J8rm5GW4bE4lN62vOPZCcokQh84IJh_6JXvm2wCV59R01APgdBVgS_K8XnT1Qr77e9Eb45qld2sEddZ6A5Ooh6lS3kDk/s400/Ramsay+map+Marked.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="039173914-07072010">I received a request earlier in the year to support Bill Williams on his attempt at the Charlie Ramsay Round (24 Tops, 56 Miles & 28,500ft). His attempt last year, which would have seen him complete a Bob Graham, Paddy Buckley and Charlie Ramsay round within 12 months, was unfortunately thwarted by bad weather. The plan was that Bill would leave Glen Nevis Youth Hostel at midday, we would then see him for the "2nd Leg" at 20:00 at Loch Treig Dam.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr_oPNXsukSHcveVGFKoJEQAzCbYW3qVhDxbi6Kg_-HVOuoiIllVLK1WDeLltJfsT734nj7CI1HjWAyRAoIM_BmEcH3JLfGyEULxxt3pes9SSYtp5Xw-Fg77Lg-MyconkOo4gM4Qvu1Zc/s1600/P7030374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr_oPNXsukSHcveVGFKoJEQAzCbYW3qVhDxbi6Kg_-HVOuoiIllVLK1WDeLltJfsT734nj7CI1HjWAyRAoIM_BmEcH3JLfGyEULxxt3pes9SSYtp5Xw-Fg77Lg-MyconkOo4gM4Qvu1Zc/s320/P7030374.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="039173914-07072010"></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Loch Treig Dam and Support Team</span></b></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="039173914-07072010">Ian Cookson and I travelled up on Saturday morning to the Rucksack Club 'Craigallan' Hut near Fort William. We got here around 14:00 and enjoyed some cheese on toast, cakes and plenty of cups of tea provided by Whinn Cliff (Bowland) and Jean (Bill's Wife) till it was time to make our way to Thirsit and down to the dam. It was good to meet a couple of the Bowland guys who were providing the static support, Ian Roberts and Andy Farmer and to see Ian Charters who had arrived on Friday evening. We relaxed and conversation revolved around the usual subjects till the allotted hour arrived and it was a quick dash to sort my kit out and out of the door.</span></span></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwrR7huhSn3gQmMhnIVrn1wXhPptu9JwBIcaoL2eS1VpLdxPkVOXlRyEV9wZplxSlstsPoGiwNVuTufuMxI5-G3Bp5D9lUw99Vq7f-ENaL42tJZpPfNBLdvwrPXvYuB2kJCvx-qmffoiE/s1600/P7030369.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwrR7huhSn3gQmMhnIVrn1wXhPptu9JwBIcaoL2eS1VpLdxPkVOXlRyEV9wZplxSlstsPoGiwNVuTufuMxI5-G3Bp5D9lUw99Vq7f-ENaL42tJZpPfNBLdvwrPXvYuB2kJCvx-qmffoiE/s320/P7030369.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxoCK2v0YWS16-TX2jYj0sAqdFJKcNCDogxQsUuRuFVyrpSaHoZpwC4F0IMTQY0kMorBRMTCFyWgJ1JA1w6J8U6RQp5VFB7fuHzI5eBDJTHKZllsuvFrQSW5D-R9xMDRtNKPjOp4eU1k/s1600/P7030371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaxoCK2v0YWS16-TX2jYj0sAqdFJKcNCDogxQsUuRuFVyrpSaHoZpwC4F0IMTQY0kMorBRMTCFyWgJ1JA1w6J8U6RQp5VFB7fuHzI5eBDJTHKZllsuvFrQSW5D-R9xMDRtNKPjOp4eU1k/s320/P7030371.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="039173914-07072010">We unloaded all the kit from the cars and carried it all the ten minutes from the road to the dam, once we had set ourselves up on the dam it was time to wait and watch the horizon for Bill, Will and Carwyn to appear. It was quite shocking to see the level of the loch, the water level is usually around the white tide mark you can see on the sides. Luckily there was a pretty strong wind which kept the midges away so I didn't have to wear my mosquito net hat, fashion statement though it is! Our wait was a few minutes longer than expected but we soon saw the three figure appear in the distance and they soon joined us at the dam for feeding and watering.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4aFWsH4Y5d2Qj4Afrd04BdbpoCbdVR9BskFaTTRWIuEc-VfwtWDzblXowgYUmqW1Tb3G8pFP1h6UQAF3NsLqtaeaXBdWHRmUMmw9Ks4sqTfwprmv7JVNw61BswyRhqoqcFEhT1hYlEZ8/s1600/P7030376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4aFWsH4Y5d2Qj4Afrd04BdbpoCbdVR9BskFaTTRWIuEc-VfwtWDzblXowgYUmqW1Tb3G8pFP1h6UQAF3NsLqtaeaXBdWHRmUMmw9Ks4sqTfwprmv7JVNw61BswyRhqoqcFEhT1hYlEZ8/s320/P7030376.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="039173914-07072010"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: blue;">Bill, Will and Carwyn </span></span></b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="039173914-07072010">Ian and I readied ourselves and as soon as Bill was ready we were off across the railway line and climbing Stob Coire Sgriodain, I was slightly concerned how I would cope with the climbing but obviously my strategy of eating cake all afternoon had succeeded and I felt quite energetic, and was almost setting the pace on a couple of occasions! It was about half way up the climb that the rain started and we were forced to put our waterproofs on, there was not much visibility on the tops and to be honest, not really knowing the route apart from a look at the map the week before, I just followed, occasionally handing Bill food and water as we progressed.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_zcsJK8HhrwS0xswTeYiC5wth03JNJ6XuPM5MyRSXGGj8rwK2uDyxDszhWPqa3GISXbTjYEGVFpWDxg60NGHidhfR8HjIMJcLQ1i0dXV6qIM53wDeqx7-eIXeUeWEC6Xu_YZk7Douv8/s1600/P7030378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7_zcsJK8HhrwS0xswTeYiC5wth03JNJ6XuPM5MyRSXGGj8rwK2uDyxDszhWPqa3GISXbTjYEGVFpWDxg60NGHidhfR8HjIMJcLQ1i0dXV6qIM53wDeqx7-eIXeUeWEC6Xu_YZk7Douv8/s320/P7030378.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6w5rSm5hC7H-mq9ngavXMERl1aEmPkFsS1EPk3GY-AmNlBdut5QLoacz6RzDqFRlDaL_rezbGAfcME8F8FCtuc2iMYuRiOc2dVdtHkPIT8SFus2EPabDNtBgvkVuzFCtTcnU5XyR61o/s1600/P7030379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY6w5rSm5hC7H-mq9ngavXMERl1aEmPkFsS1EPk3GY-AmNlBdut5QLoacz6RzDqFRlDaL_rezbGAfcME8F8FCtuc2iMYuRiOc2dVdtHkPIT8SFus2EPabDNtBgvkVuzFCtTcnU5XyR61o/s320/P7030379.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9jY6qCwJk5OOWlOFeHG-oyMgKn-nWI_HLZc6_Y9SPu-hTnvXJP3cfffj44zKNGBjq1D2wwzx1vBqL9bKKU0DYFhUeXH14S3Dl0AZm1IFkSAXR9nMKarmTvmPLkbmk8LCYe4R8LoWL0PI/s1600/P7030380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9jY6qCwJk5OOWlOFeHG-oyMgKn-nWI_HLZc6_Y9SPu-hTnvXJP3cfffj44zKNGBjq1D2wwzx1vBqL9bKKU0DYFhUeXH14S3Dl0AZm1IFkSAXR9nMKarmTvmPLkbmk8LCYe4R8LoWL0PI/s320/P7030380.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="039173914-07072010"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="color: blue;">Stob Coire Sgriodain </span></b></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="039173914-07072010">We reached the top of Stob Coire Sgriodain and continued on to reach the summit of Chno Dearg before the long downhill to the valley bottom and onto the climb up Beinn na Lap, it is a long way after the initial steep climb to the summit, in fact we almost missed it! It is then another long downhill section followed by a long section of track/path, a river crossing and then a really leg sapping boggy section. I needed a gel to revive my legs after this and to keep up with the pace along the track and down to the next support point and the end of our leg.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRg543DdfBV3aHLm6yTCYk70-Y2kjhGFH3Poa5islbzsoQpBqQ6Nu_7i2dmLqQanp5083N7Z8JuvpeMZ2jllH9jVNtlrt8Ymmmu3j10TN-r0a6kpihBHt7AUH9D3vmi2Fz77I1qpCXVT0/s1600/P7040383.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRg543DdfBV3aHLm6yTCYk70-Y2kjhGFH3Poa5islbzsoQpBqQ6Nu_7i2dmLqQanp5083N7Z8JuvpeMZ2jllH9jVNtlrt8Ymmmu3j10TN-r0a6kpihBHt7AUH9D3vmi2Fz77I1qpCXVT0/s320/P7040383.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="039173914-07072010"> After a bit of cake, and some hot chocolate we saw Bill off with Ian Charters and Bob Wightman and then walked out with Ian and Andy for about an hour and a half back to the car park. We got back to the bunk house for just before five and after a quick bacon and egg butty and a cup of tea we crawled off for a sleep.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="039173914-07072010"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span class="039173914-07072010"><span style="font-size: small;">Unfortunately the weather deteriorated after we left Bill and he eventually had to cut the round short due to high winds. Hopefully he'll have better luck next time. A great night, although very wet, Scotland is very remote and wild and the only signs of life we saw in six hours were a couple of deer, the Ramsay Round is definitely a serious undertaking and big respect to Bill for a superb effort.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQWgGCx8MT6ZnWN5HvzuOPaH7k648bZFqkAAhw_ExBXYburmZ0jMeyctRpkx3qjsxgKhQzdyZb4DtMFSFpHaLjSldFlrGmgoX7iJe1my0Suj7v1gPI7h73BqusWbmITDSjgt0PixMMaQ/s1600/Leg+2+Start+Marked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKQWgGCx8MT6ZnWN5HvzuOPaH7k648bZFqkAAhw_ExBXYburmZ0jMeyctRpkx3qjsxgKhQzdyZb4DtMFSFpHaLjSldFlrGmgoX7iJe1my0Suj7v1gPI7h73BqusWbmITDSjgt0PixMMaQ/s400/Leg+2+Start+Marked.jpg" width="387" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">Start of the leg shown by the Green Line</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97JyOS1FOaEV_mdrVY1hVi_y0vDzsW5nSMXJ0ANfE7j8BWr7nK5_vQKMYawFzRf9z2nJ9yjCv5UbF3X_GRLC1UNLQSwoMN-Qf8wrjGmxKk_RBN82SNRQocOL4cn4jfL5439wcMfX0G0Q/s1600/Leg+2+Finish+Marked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi97JyOS1FOaEV_mdrVY1hVi_y0vDzsW5nSMXJ0ANfE7j8BWr7nK5_vQKMYawFzRf9z2nJ9yjCv5UbF3X_GRLC1UNLQSwoMN-Qf8wrjGmxKk_RBN82SNRQocOL4cn4jfL5439wcMfX0G0Q/s400/Leg+2+Finish+Marked.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">2nd Half of the Leg</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvIE8_3qtKkGy8qLhxyuLCoH4uc7yk37Tk5Wpxb7pLEroKYsMPVj5-KkHq3ShxDgEcLjOrDHZjNjlvSyZs6ppgoxZgMTWWmuxX_IIwadQG6aN6DBZ4QTz4eWZJpiFsmMdjN4-pMEGx8kQ/s1600/Ramsay+Leg+2+profile.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvIE8_3qtKkGy8qLhxyuLCoH4uc7yk37Tk5Wpxb7pLEroKYsMPVj5-KkHq3ShxDgEcLjOrDHZjNjlvSyZs6ppgoxZgMTWWmuxX_IIwadQG6aN6DBZ4QTz4eWZJpiFsmMdjN4-pMEGx8kQ/s320/Ramsay+Leg+2+profile.PNG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">Leg Profile</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHtaZDDGpsqRwF0bzsDHYU3O7rIBUOd-mGSSklV-dx7NZ7iEzEP3lwpOzcV4XPCkvPeEEFZNpXj__-4mWfZbvO8evUGh35lGa0G4-QzJdn3kdzIhsNH07gEF_74pt7_0YBA5mpqZte2K8/s1600/Leg+2+Walkout+Marked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHtaZDDGpsqRwF0bzsDHYU3O7rIBUOd-mGSSklV-dx7NZ7iEzEP3lwpOzcV4XPCkvPeEEFZNpXj__-4mWfZbvO8evUGh35lGa0G4-QzJdn3kdzIhsNH07gEF_74pt7_0YBA5mpqZte2K8/s320/Leg+2+Walkout+Marked.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;">Walk out</span></strong></div></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"></span></div>Donkarlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07825858154603650871noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8293995715590706146.post-31779210199919551912010-05-21T07:08:00.000+01:002010-11-11T11:49:10.607+00:0011 Fell Tops and 15 miles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Earlier in the year I had purchased tickets to go and see the Legends of Fell Running talk in Keswick at the Theatre by the Lake, Ali and myself decided we may as well make a day of it so we had booked the day off work and headed up early to Keswick with Steve Fish.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeMd7DZy05pT7RtEmADpq0QOb6-LUzdNpxEIhwIhTPkBy6r9N4wZth2douElU0ndcqAPovrlro1UnvGy_TkbBf0YmWr3Cn8Ta_XhpTs-iRhRqNaleJqSAeJBziXa74I64fNbqPNJg1OBk/s1600/P5190080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeMd7DZy05pT7RtEmADpq0QOb6-LUzdNpxEIhwIhTPkBy6r9N4wZth2douElU0ndcqAPovrlro1UnvGy_TkbBf0YmWr3Cn8Ta_XhpTs-iRhRqNaleJqSAeJBziXa74I64fNbqPNJg1OBk/s320/P5190080.jpg" /></a></div><br />
We parked the car at Whinlatter and made our way up Grizedale Pike, the sun was out but it was fairly overcast and there was plenty of cloud at summit level, a theme that would continue throughout the day. I felt ten times better than Friday night, maybe due to the slightly slower pace, but I felt like I had different legs!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDFNVM_pXvzhaJxGSyACxsByt_JzOp2HwmZ79U-OL0Aiiwiry7YSZmpEFS4jOCI0CTA90ROgsd4N0FHOFERJT2Wnw3ec6hNXiJYK8rgTgbhnukdazjlld3PaI3uwfZcoMFbzo5frWBO3o/s1600/P5190083.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDFNVM_pXvzhaJxGSyACxsByt_JzOp2HwmZ79U-OL0Aiiwiry7YSZmpEFS4jOCI0CTA90ROgsd4N0FHOFERJT2Wnw3ec6hNXiJYK8rgTgbhnukdazjlld3PaI3uwfZcoMFbzo5frWBO3o/s320/P5190083.jpg" /></a></div><br />
After the steep drag up Grizedale Pike we had soon bagged our first summit of the day, the conditions are visible here, Steve at the summit.<br />
<br />
I had roughly planned a route taking in a horseshoe type shape around the North Western fells, an area of the Lakes I haven't visited in a long time, and we followed the plateau over to Hopegill Head.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglG0WwDn5E2CZPQHQkipMGXVg1tLwWWiQMsa_6bd9AUL6epSYR9j2IJ5BomdEoNKGDy6PfYfL0VwzzCDsvLYGk1fmboWcD2oCngIjndA3NY-y90HVbYeN9-Z-o36Tyf1knWKgITY-P47Y/s1600/P5190084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglG0WwDn5E2CZPQHQkipMGXVg1tLwWWiQMsa_6bd9AUL6epSYR9j2IJ5BomdEoNKGDy6PfYfL0VwzzCDsvLYGk1fmboWcD2oCngIjndA3NY-y90HVbYeN9-Z-o36Tyf1knWKgITY-P47Y/s320/P5190084.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuk7676PxeYzyEn6qw6AUnXqYpMuJavJ2pTI7wLvtbFW3qgzNImGRCXx7CmJLwG3rAeCRhbUM33A_HbYVvtXWY9sD2DfSHLS9ggrql0tbzp0Lfd9U03KNQ-YEmO2MZp166YjrrBzWNhKY/s1600/P5190085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuk7676PxeYzyEn6qw6AUnXqYpMuJavJ2pTI7wLvtbFW3qgzNImGRCXx7CmJLwG3rAeCRhbUM33A_HbYVvtXWY9sD2DfSHLS9ggrql0tbzp0Lfd9U03KNQ-YEmO2MZp166YjrrBzWNhKY/s320/P5190085.jpg" /></a></div><br />
We then turned to head over Sand Hill and dropped down to Coledale Hause.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLRYca5K3yLLmJHF-OMeRRGjf60ewlMor26xC6mPSv1ekFcdVROknGqwFXqPImKcVxtWj4Pd7GWJJDBUEDWLOdeefFfwk4izrE85p6cI644DbE6EF1d4WUph4kwei5mt78cRDeqG7Tyg/s1600/P5190087.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirLRYca5K3yLLmJHF-OMeRRGjf60ewlMor26xC6mPSv1ekFcdVROknGqwFXqPImKcVxtWj4Pd7GWJJDBUEDWLOdeefFfwk4izrE85p6cI644DbE6EF1d4WUph4kwei5mt78cRDeqG7Tyg/s320/P5190087.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMmXzqT6L655Ezwxn9hjtf8GHMnZExbnBaxpLAawsiPVTfYX6QfWKkRacyQU22-N3NsL0TwuNTjf-FE_IlPEFJVI34t3rn8L8teGvjkuCIePbA_oFvS1VYPpy_pzNOq_XpVfGjCZzgXc/s1600/P5190089.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirMmXzqT6L655Ezwxn9hjtf8GHMnZExbnBaxpLAawsiPVTfYX6QfWKkRacyQU22-N3NsL0TwuNTjf-FE_IlPEFJVI34t3rn8L8teGvjkuCIePbA_oFvS1VYPpy_pzNOq_XpVfGjCZzgXc/s320/P5190089.jpg" /></a></div><br />
From here we started our climb towards Grassmoor, the cloud was thicker over this side and unfortunately we didn't really get any views, we stopped for a quick bite to eat at the summit shelter and then headed off in the direction of Whiteless Pike.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcaQn049gGpFlZ4GtNTzNNbFQUPSpkJ5IhaM4oHt-hoxtUlbrlSmnRMSnt7s3Qxan0y4MFkayZK337NNOUxWfpII_kS_AoNvQ8-fDisKY4jL_ry6p-tHx588BcQB5KskeQ5LX26YoLdc/s1600/rwwe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKcaQn049gGpFlZ4GtNTzNNbFQUPSpkJ5IhaM4oHt-hoxtUlbrlSmnRMSnt7s3Qxan0y4MFkayZK337NNOUxWfpII_kS_AoNvQ8-fDisKY4jL_ry6p-tHx588BcQB5KskeQ5LX26YoLdc/s320/rwwe.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Ali took over the navigation from here, I am trying to teach him a bit more about map reading and navigation and he's not a bad pupil! As we dropped off Grassmoor and and headed over the head of Rannerdale Beck we caught our first glimpses of Buttermere below and over to Newlands Hause on the other side.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8LPfNS_RcZBI6y8VzzRBKa4aggRPE8hfJP3cGkDhYOMOFJKxRZ1k3LgXoinabjAn-sDsbPjGcY0hSwIPeEilOl5qQ13F8XTZNDBwn7kQ4g8Yn2sp-zf7Sga2xYUFp2Zof6NeTH1pulr8/s1600/P5190090.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8LPfNS_RcZBI6y8VzzRBKa4aggRPE8hfJP3cGkDhYOMOFJKxRZ1k3LgXoinabjAn-sDsbPjGcY0hSwIPeEilOl5qQ13F8XTZNDBwn7kQ4g8Yn2sp-zf7Sga2xYUFp2Zof6NeTH1pulr8/s320/P5190090.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>We turned back on ourselves and ran over Wandope and on to Eel Crag, practicing taking bearings on the way. This is Steve and Ali at the summit of Eel Crag.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdvQ9QiCZY3ygWlU_B5bi2JqIZJTo9qMl-oLA5oQbZXqQttspdvSDZK-f9a71Zbr_LjuwPWW-Zh3Rt_7TSp4K3FZn1gbcL9u4Ujk0T4hZCQnA9aKeq45jXJHWBn38M7vGouu7ZkZvJOGo/s1600/P5190092.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdvQ9QiCZY3ygWlU_B5bi2JqIZJTo9qMl-oLA5oQbZXqQttspdvSDZK-f9a71Zbr_LjuwPWW-Zh3Rt_7TSp4K3FZn1gbcL9u4Ujk0T4hZCQnA9aKeq45jXJHWBn38M7vGouu7ZkZvJOGo/s320/P5190092.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I really enjoyed the descent over Sail and down to Sail Pass, no pain and my legs were flowing well, getting back into my downhill groove. We ticked off Scar Crags and then took another 5 mins for a quick bite, before we carried on to Causey Pike.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3XK3LioY1vyXbRCjxoTkGrUj6wKZ_1BszBfJpAfnUlkEQ4FGoYEpvvut06nisxfaLTd4JEt-qjUcPjUwDjYdueu-MpW9bqZK6zFpjUCqLZ5ryG7_vZBfZMZBDGXMYGNpcmhxcpy0uteA/s1600/P5190097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3XK3LioY1vyXbRCjxoTkGrUj6wKZ_1BszBfJpAfnUlkEQ4FGoYEpvvut06nisxfaLTd4JEt-qjUcPjUwDjYdueu-MpW9bqZK6zFpjUCqLZ5ryG7_vZBfZMZBDGXMYGNpcmhxcpy0uteA/s320/P5190097.jpg" /></a></div><br />
It was getting time to head back to the car, so we picked up a trod from Causey Pike in the direction of Outerside, climbed this and dropped off the other side to Coledale Beck enjoying the scree run on the way down.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwyStAhjCkWAAq-zqvDQ1iT6QcXGiS2GB8EuZQ7xH1CLYDWlaBpIFRVF2tuI-7h5OO1DE8POh0LNEQLPFOgrqUOwVPpsJFyUvrXvX8GkHKzz2rBgu7KxXzXuWaa35ivQ1Scs3bG6P-CLo/s1600/P5190100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwyStAhjCkWAAq-zqvDQ1iT6QcXGiS2GB8EuZQ7xH1CLYDWlaBpIFRVF2tuI-7h5OO1DE8POh0LNEQLPFOgrqUOwVPpsJFyUvrXvX8GkHKzz2rBgu7KxXzXuWaa35ivQ1Scs3bG6P-CLo/s320/P5190100.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNKyoAKhBRwe3zSw8EeqpUcFFz71P4QJ6bujU37Jk2vL4kIgP_eieNn0EBpPcQeDDGJ7pQiVhaOLisCteau0a_0x2w04Z-FCoB2bBjLsSUo_GF0U6-pHRtWqJ6wSJ5j3UVcqzE_kFQaj4/s1600/P5190101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNKyoAKhBRwe3zSw8EeqpUcFFz71P4QJ6bujU37Jk2vL4kIgP_eieNn0EBpPcQeDDGJ7pQiVhaOLisCteau0a_0x2w04Z-FCoB2bBjLsSUo_GF0U6-pHRtWqJ6wSJ5j3UVcqzE_kFQaj4/s320/P5190101.jpg" /></a></div><br />
From the top of Outerside we had great views down over Keswick and Derwent Water.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDoumlQTwARycW98RMZ5K0HUyXqcUVehdhzpiDkR1L1_YO25Vv8AzIXC_Vc7_YJYo0c4yFEz0uPmAnqtBaJQQyQQBF1Ew3dySIX0NktpC6SldFYI9g573DZWRyep1Eg-XKpnuCiBuUya8/s1600/P5190099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDoumlQTwARycW98RMZ5K0HUyXqcUVehdhzpiDkR1L1_YO25Vv8AzIXC_Vc7_YJYo0c4yFEz0uPmAnqtBaJQQyQQBF1Ew3dySIX0NktpC6SldFYI9g573DZWRyep1Eg-XKpnuCiBuUya8/s320/P5190099.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
We followed Coledale Beck down to Braitwaite before retracing out steps back to the car. An excellent day out and one that still had plenty of fun to come. We headed to Keswick for a swim and shower before grabbing something to eat.<br />
<br />
<span id="goog_1687989307"></span><span id="goog_1687989308"></span>Donkarlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07825858154603650871noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8293995715590706146.post-42738928334562470822010-05-20T22:50:00.003+01:002010-11-11T11:49:10.607+00:00Leg 1 Emma's BGFriday night was a bit of an eye opener for me, I was looking forward to supporting Emma's BG leg 1 with some trepidation due to the lack of time I have spent on the fells in the past 6 months, and the fact I had spent the previous weekend in France eating cheese and drinking wine. I got away from home slightly later than planned but made good time up to Keswick, I did however forget that I had only had a cheese sandwich earlier that day and had forgotten to get something for dinner on the way, whoops!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT99QtCa3FdMHIMCNwZJLacnkSy7eCmvRZ0DBIVeHfjJp379YKgFa4wvGKeDUH54h6KbyxXuLLEy0vDC-hgtINV1T6LdbgL5Uj8BwwNxNhcTs3RV5_lB_A5CN4FkJUQpNISnoJsqf4WPI/s1600/P5140079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EAy2sAm5QzMrbm3Dy8vqqotWApFPkQJlzm0lKWlh-RTBOBuDPP3RYolDmSsDrN5K-P-MZJegMrSKN5X4hfKX7yweUwAkTN3UA0KKAxSw4XHIbxchPNA3i0utc4qK2g-FJoVMqxxsB2M/s1600/P5140079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EAy2sAm5QzMrbm3Dy8vqqotWApFPkQJlzm0lKWlh-RTBOBuDPP3RYolDmSsDrN5K-P-MZJegMrSKN5X4hfKX7yweUwAkTN3UA0KKAxSw4XHIbxchPNA3i0utc4qK2g-FJoVMqxxsB2M/s320/P5140079.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5f8FBHVxlLzIcfTE3hTGrjm7EhktVF2X0gBvK-msyKgHnv_4DPD4I4_EXCoKO_1iXybyUB6OZE2uqlbhaEr8ZWWyUl13l9Rq8N29G5mPcXmxlIx1xisAcIUrObXi2yY5pI9oMqcI9d_I/s1600/P5140078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5f8FBHVxlLzIcfTE3hTGrjm7EhktVF2X0gBvK-msyKgHnv_4DPD4I4_EXCoKO_1iXybyUB6OZE2uqlbhaEr8ZWWyUl13l9Rq8N29G5mPcXmxlIx1xisAcIUrObXi2yY5pI9oMqcI9d_I/s320/P5140078.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I joined Emma in the square in front of the Moot Hall as she prepared herself for the next 24hrs on the fells and let the nervous energy build up. I was carrying Emma's sack with her kit and water/food, the plan was that we would meet Yiannis at the top of Halls Fell to follow his "parachute" descent. We were a group of 4 support, Mark Smith(Swiss Toni), Mark, Dave and me.<br />
<br />
I could tell from the start that I was going to struggle, she was setting a blistering pace and I had forgotten just how quick the BG pace is compared to my leisurely wanderings in the fells of late. I had to take a short cut below Skiddaw to Hare Crag and then join the group again, I swapped bags with Dave and skipped Great Calva and went direct across the river and up Mungrisdale Common. The group caught me at the foot of Atkinson Pike but I noticed that Mark had dropped off the back. I wasn't sure if he knew where he was going so I walked with him up the scree to the summit of Blencathra. I was now starting to regret wearing shorts as my legs were cramping due to the cold, the temperature had dropped quite a lot.<br />
<br />
We could see the torches of Emma's party heading down the gully but I decided to stick to what I know and used Halls Fell, it was pretty greasy at the top and it was now getting quite dark. We picked our way down and after what seemed like quite a long time we made it down to Threlkeld. Emma was long gone but we still managed to grab a brew and a muffin. I also bumped into Duncan which was great to have a chat with him, and being the gentleman he is he gave me a lift back to Keswick before I drove home.<br />
<br />
I'm pleased to say that Emma finished in 23hrs 8mins, a fantastic time and well earned. Well done Em :-)Donkarlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07825858154603650871noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8293995715590706146.post-3903535784604076332010-04-26T10:15:00.003+01:002010-11-11T11:49:10.608+00:00A day in the lakesLast weekend we had a day out on the bikes on the Saturday catching some sun and then decided to make an early start on the Sunday and head North for a run/walk round Skiddaw taking in the BG descent down Hare Crag and then following the Cumbria way track past Skiddaw House and back down to our start point at Threlkeld.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZe0Y80a9-X5sszOlo47oVgnytFV5RxjDPX83-3GFns_hyjpLfuNFY224ZmDamVTnlo_eDmILgveRxNZ95WoX8OrqjMHUYB8D9hxkBBAFUMvEfJekhrPLeB2TEP3TYjg7EYpTyd0Abtss/s1600/P4180001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZe0Y80a9-X5sszOlo47oVgnytFV5RxjDPX83-3GFns_hyjpLfuNFY224ZmDamVTnlo_eDmILgveRxNZ95WoX8OrqjMHUYB8D9hxkBBAFUMvEfJekhrPLeB2TEP3TYjg7EYpTyd0Abtss/s400/P4180001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Heading up Latrigg looking back over Keswick and Derwent Water</b> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We parked at the Cricket Club in Threlkeld and took the old Railway line path through the woods to Keswick leisure centre and then followed Spooney Green Lane till we joined the path round Latrigg and onto the ascent of Jenkin Hill.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5OQw7T0psDfoe0VtqBOh09HJNnGvaTc41offg_lg9fRV128zQKzYKXz07filqkzxcqVjLv_7k6Sa5FoFFKIH_ZDpCEWTDlePuSClVZXuuWl9UHnrL_GaeG2Swmjvl_H41KWcKu621c2g/s1600/P4180003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5OQw7T0psDfoe0VtqBOh09HJNnGvaTc41offg_lg9fRV128zQKzYKXz07filqkzxcqVjLv_7k6Sa5FoFFKIH_ZDpCEWTDlePuSClVZXuuWl9UHnrL_GaeG2Swmjvl_H41KWcKu621c2g/s400/P4180003.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>The North Western Fells</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">It didn't feel as easy as this time last year when I was doing 40+ miles a week but it felt okay and I still move uphill pretty quickly so hopefully I won't get left behind on Emma's BG in May. The climb doesn't get any shorter up Skiddaw and as usual for a nice Sunday there were plenty of people to share the path with. There was still a bit of snow hanging onto the upper slopes just out of the sun, as you can see on the picture below.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbvQ0vEk1aqwZLwGI-GXelgyMDw2tKEA1R2hVdPGKpm5roQbsDW_c0eKfdOqrI3Q-Usrhk_KFKWFE4WTjILYwESfQ4NQBmPS5kNJNkQT3hme5iv6sVV43ZCryV4sHjJhyphenhyphenXUAzDLdUGhXw/s1600/P4180006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbvQ0vEk1aqwZLwGI-GXelgyMDw2tKEA1R2hVdPGKpm5roQbsDW_c0eKfdOqrI3Q-Usrhk_KFKWFE4WTjILYwESfQ4NQBmPS5kNJNkQT3hme5iv6sVV43ZCryV4sHjJhyphenhyphenXUAzDLdUGhXw/s400/P4180006.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmqdIutppox0sdNOVQJQGcTJFnBjAwQvn1RE18HCWi1bNsieC6Cos4-anb2L8N1MOhhCZP853y8DFcXr3xTwKgjoM-QYXFrogBuWIX8VZ8GrAoknc35r7PyZk0YDJM9aRCjjsOitrAHQY/s1600/P4180005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmqdIutppox0sdNOVQJQGcTJFnBjAwQvn1RE18HCWi1bNsieC6Cos4-anb2L8N1MOhhCZP853y8DFcXr3xTwKgjoM-QYXFrogBuWIX8VZ8GrAoknc35r7PyZk0YDJM9aRCjjsOitrAHQY/s320/P4180005.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>Gem having a quick rest in the sun</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was good to get to the top for the wonderful views over the Lake District on a sunny, hazy morning in April. This time last year I was supporting Ian Charters on his JNC and I remember us having an equally nice day, see the post from April 2009. We crossed the fence at the three fence posts and headed down Hare Crag towards the Cumbria Way, this is where I decided to see how well my knee had recovered and I'm glad to say that I was running downhill with no pain at all, so fingers crossed I am fixed and can get back into some running. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrbN5NqnAOz6h9vkNa5xjRfZfzzMfh-z-HRPxk0h-w2RrxqRmKI9yc8KD85Fmoq9UccMbV8vSsFu0-p04s3o_7dH3DWtebPM2TMnyplpjBoGcmhGkUhr09eWdEAg1-oAIW8RhkthvaXCo/s1600/P4180008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrbN5NqnAOz6h9vkNa5xjRfZfzzMfh-z-HRPxk0h-w2RrxqRmKI9yc8KD85Fmoq9UccMbV8vSsFu0-p04s3o_7dH3DWtebPM2TMnyplpjBoGcmhGkUhr09eWdEAg1-oAIW8RhkthvaXCo/s320/P4180008.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1MFD8tlJONrgaJcuZTNYYZm5EyjnqE6b6OEecp_S9Qa7vP1WXHKh2qbXVKFr9SxEV0eQjpDCNNcwdjKSD2g_lm3bxsUqosx0puuzsnMQQt0Sq636TrWRIB63yiruncTy9bv2E6kqQlKI/s1600/P4180009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1MFD8tlJONrgaJcuZTNYYZm5EyjnqE6b6OEecp_S9Qa7vP1WXHKh2qbXVKFr9SxEV0eQjpDCNNcwdjKSD2g_lm3bxsUqosx0puuzsnMQQt0Sq636TrWRIB63yiruncTy9bv2E6kqQlKI/s400/P4180009.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">It was quite dry near the bottom of Hare Crag in the usually boggy area, and we made good time across to Skiddaw House before dropping down towards Threlkeld and back to the car. A good day out and I don't think far off 15-20 miles (I forgot to wear my Garmin, Doh!).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">This weekend Gem was away on a hen do so I had a ride out on the bike on Saturday afternoon for a couple of hours, I was going well just over 32 miles in 2hrs. <a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/route/gb/croston/413127227165921417"> </a></div><iframe src="http://js.mapmyfitness.com/embed/blogview.html?r=4673168b82661b5db021d9ff969d0041&u=e&t=ride" height="500px" width="350px" frameborder="0"><a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-kingdom/croston/413127227165921417">24/04/2010 Route</a><br/><a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/find-ride/united-kingdom/croston">Find more Bike Rides in Croston, United Kingdom</a></iframe><!-- MMF PARTNER TOOL -->Donkarlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07825858154603650871noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8293995715590706146.post-49522637367934112342010-04-01T17:33:00.000+01:002010-11-11T11:49:10.608+00:00I'm Still HereHello All<br />
<br />
Seems like a long time since I posted, good sense has taken over unfortunately and I have been officially resting since I pulled out of the TOP last year. My plan is to try and run again over the Easter weekend, I have Emma's BG coming up and Bill has asked me to help out on his Ramsay round later in the summer as well.<br />
<br />
I have still been doing a bit of cycling but not much else. The pain I was experiencing in my knee has more or less dispersed now so I think I am ready. Fingers crossed I'll be blogging my runs again soon.Donkarlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07825858154603650871noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8293995715590706146.post-18764160730055988842010-01-21T21:05:00.000+00:002010-11-11T11:49:10.608+00:00Weight WatchersAfter stepping on the scales after Christmas I explained how I had a bit of a shock, due to my lack of running at the moment due to my dodgy knee I have looked towards my diet more carefully. I have in the past used the Weight Watchers points method to drop a few pounds and it is pretty fool proof, you get so many points a day, you eat what you want, and everything has a value in points. Once you get to your points limit for the day you can't eat any more, and magically you lose weight. Simple theory really it just ensures you eat less than you burn off.<br />
<br />
Over the last couple of weeks I have lost 9lbs so I have made a half decent start, my goal is to get under 12 stone this year, the lightest I have been in recent years is 12st 10lb, so it will be a bit of a challenge. I managed to cycle in to work this week on Tuesday, it felt good and I did at least feel like I still had some fitness. I am going to build this up steadily whilst I'm still being careful running on my knee. Plans are to go for a bit of a run this weekend so I'll have to see how I go. Hopefully should have more to report soon as I start to build back up to something like the mileage I was doing last year.<br />
<br />
Booked some tickets yesterday for the <a href="http://www.keswickmountainfestival.co.uk/programme/speaker-programme/lakeland-fell-running-heroes/">Legends of Fell Running</a> talk at the <a href="http://www.theatrebythelake.co.uk/">Theatre by the Lake</a> in Keswick on the 19th May, part of the Keswick Mountain Festival. Hopefully Ali and I will be going up for the full day and having a run first if anyone would like to join us. Tickets are £14 but I'm sure it will be a great evening with Joss Naylor and Kenny Stuart on the bill.<br />
<br />
Hope everyone's training is going well for those attempting Bob Graham Rounds this summer, I'm looking forward to some supporting all being well. I'm enjoying reading all about your training at the moment brings back some happy memories from last year, many enjoyable hours spent on the fells with friends old and new.Donkarlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07825858154603650871noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8293995715590706146.post-6075706790680925232010-01-09T17:43:00.001+00:002010-11-11T11:49:10.609+00:00A Winter WanderHad a walk around the moss from our house in Croston today, I took the opportunity to get a few photos of the area in all it's snow covered glory. I love this time of winter, on a clear day in the late afternoon when the shadows stretch out and the snow catches the pink glow of the setting sun.<br />
<br />
<embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://picasaweb.google.com/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" width="400" height="267" flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&hl=en_GB&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=http%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Fdonkarlorunner%2Falbumid%2F5424792322334730689%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_GB" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer"></embed>Donkarlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07825858154603650871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8293995715590706146.post-49062206059589876802010-01-07T21:57:00.001+00:002010-11-11T11:49:10.609+00:00Just TestingTwitter Feed TestDonkarlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07825858154603650871noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8293995715590706146.post-23246259823688300312010-01-05T10:14:00.000+00:002010-11-11T11:49:10.610+00:00Deer StalkingHad a great walk with Gem on Sunday, just from our house, across the frozen fields and through some woodland in Ulnes Walton (behind the prison). We spent quite a few evenings round here in the summer and became familiar with a heard of deer that seem to live in the woodland and surrounding area. We quite regularly spotted them in the woods or in the fields around this area. <br />
<br />
On Sunday we wandered into the woods, following a track well used by the deer, this was obvious due to all the hoof prints. Sure enough it wasn't long till we spotted a face looking from behind a tree, then about eight deer appeared and ran off through the woods, skipping over fallen branches and leaves and weaving through the trees. I am not sure of the breed but from browsing the internet I suspect they are either Roe or Fallow deer.<br />
<br />
We finished off our walk by crossing the railway line and following Wymott Brook to the River Lostock. The fileds are all frozen and all that remains is the stalks of the crops where they have been harvested at the end of the Summer, it a very quiet place this time of year compared to the wildlife we saw buzzing round during the summer. We bumped into some ponies just as we got back to Croston but that was all. <br />
<br />
I may venture out this week for a short trot, was looking through some books last night at some challenges around 30-40 miles in the local area. I think I may have a go in March/April at the Bowland 1500s and the Lancashire Three Peaks or the Three Towers route. Anybody had any experience of these ?Donkarlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07825858154603650871noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8293995715590706146.post-10804649842508224742010-01-04T14:15:00.002+00:002010-11-11T11:49:10.610+00:00Groan!<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnx4-Rs0CuBStf0aC64zcahlexIazrtEygAO-BbTH9KFoaaBYDi6wDUQCHcjDrNt3S5O2hbDAj3b_D6UBOVoPR_lYUAZtSNHY5zs3BLn4-NBdrbmzXAdCUhUN28WNBwS8ANv6Z8D3PaNY/s1600-h/Funny_Pictures_5879.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnx4-Rs0CuBStf0aC64zcahlexIazrtEygAO-BbTH9KFoaaBYDi6wDUQCHcjDrNt3S5O2hbDAj3b_D6UBOVoPR_lYUAZtSNHY5zs3BLn4-NBdrbmzXAdCUhUN28WNBwS8ANv6Z8D3PaNY/s320/Funny_Pictures_5879.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="776465613-04012010">Well.................I need to get back into it!!</span></span><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="776465613-04012010">Starting with a great big weight loss plan, I wouldn't say I went mad over Christmas, but the scales tell a differnt story.</span></span><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="776465613-04012010">A combination of not training through injury, basking in my glory post BG, and a healthy appetite from all the BG training has contributed to me gaining one and a half stone since I finished my BG at the end of June. </span></span><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="776465613-04012010">I am still suffering a bit with my knee, but hopefully by doing the strengthening excericises and building up the mileage slowly, plus some more work on the bike I should be back into the groove in a couple of months or so. The icy conditions haven't inspired me to get out on the bike either, although more of an excuse, because I've seen plenty of other cyclists out on the roads.</span></span><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="776465613-04012010">So 2010 resolutions are to get my weight under 12 stone, not eat chocolate, cakes, biscuits etc unless during an Ultra ! and to stop making excuses and get back up to the mileage I was doing earlier last year. </span></span><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="776465613-04012010">I think I am going to leave the UTMB till 2011, my entry still stands for another year and concentrate on the building blocks to go for it during this year.</span></span><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="776465613-04012010">Gem, I think, will become a regular training partner this year and I must also sort my mountain bike out so I can have a go at some adventure racing again with Anthony. </span></span><br />
</div><div><br />
</div><div><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span class="776465613-04012010">Looking forward to 2010 Happy New Year everybody.</span></span><br />
</div>Donkarlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07825858154603650871noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8293995715590706146.post-89643638512898252602009-12-18T10:42:00.000+00:002010-11-11T11:49:10.611+00:00Nearly Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5-LkZYGeRPUI_6YO1pw0uhb0RaT6nEvqJ75qprGHtS05Qq-UIs7eDz8JHGylDgaji9sbGc4TAMVjfvEr8-NmOm3mwtsuhYYEUxR7TBsxQa26tF2boEGq4YbzUcP3YnCCJX_WDodu8Qcdi/s1600/Merry-Christmas-with-tree.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5-LkZYGeRPUI_6YO1pw0uhb0RaT6nEvqJ75qprGHtS05Qq-UIs7eDz8JHGylDgaji9sbGc4TAMVjfvEr8-NmOm3mwtsuhYYEUxR7TBsxQa26tF2boEGq4YbzUcP3YnCCJX_WDodu8Qcdi/s320/Merry-Christmas-with-tree.gif" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've now finished work for Christmas and so have the next week to myself, the Physio has advised me to lay off running till the New Year and do some knee strengthening excercises. But I should be okay to ride the bike. Just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and very Happy New Year. Sorry there hasn't been much to report for the last couple of months, but I'll be back into the swing next year.<br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong>All the Best - Karl</strong><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Donkarlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07825858154603650871noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8293995715590706146.post-42164117684645089272009-11-22T17:05:00.001+00:002010-11-11T11:49:10.611+00:00DNF, TOP<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHNQ9hrbwxR9gtrDhZKDmrhJYz2EAWUEUegYe-xeXinsR6p2sqIXMphr1eQdsucL1KTymIxAEU-w_7fGLYWr6Sio8je06VlnzXaTiTafXeXEc14w5U8NdGIL4kzqa6FR6kAkFCCOTLts/s1600/TOP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtHNQ9hrbwxR9gtrDhZKDmrhJYz2EAWUEUegYe-xeXinsR6p2sqIXMphr1eQdsucL1KTymIxAEU-w_7fGLYWr6Sio8je06VlnzXaTiTafXeXEc14w5U8NdGIL4kzqa6FR6kAkFCCOTLts/s400/TOP.jpg" /></a><br />
</div><br />
Not a great result for me yesterday at the Tour of Pendle. I started off okay, the climbing felt hard at race pace but I was moving okay, further down the field than I was last year, but that was expected. It started going wrong on the "Geronimo" descent to Ogden Clough, my recurring knee pain I have been experiencing of late almost stopped me in my tracks as I jarred it running downhill.<br />
<br />
I limped on to the end of the clough and the next climb but I decided that I was only going to do more harm so I sadly walked out to retire. The first race I haven't finished, gutted doesn't start to explain it. I think I need to rest, lose some weight and probably see a physio before starting training in ernest again in the new year.<br />
<br />
Conditions where tough yesterday so well done to everyone who finished. It was great to see a few friends and catch up, just a shame about the result.Donkarlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07825858154603650871noreply@blogger.com8