Well, after a really tough couple of weeks, searching for a new job,
i thought i better get myself to the Chevin Race, a 2 lap short blast that always catches me out.
A nice little route starting at the Milford Social club, hard down the hill and then 3-5 mins of a climb depending on your fitness level.
Nice to see so many regular faces out, from Shelton, Pennine, Belper Harriers and Long Eaton, always nice to see so many like minded folk, also met Jim Paxman from Dark Peak.
Pushed as hard as i could up the hill and then turned right to push again the small climb to the stile gap always catches you unawares, at this stage i noticed that i was in the usual company, and felt quite strong still, dropping down to the back of the golf course i manged to pass a few, as i seem to go down quicker than i go up!
A steady push through the woods and then onto the descent down to the Social Club, lap 1 done in 14.22, which i felt was ok, so continued to push on, the hill said no, my legs said no, but i did grind it out and felt as though i had some left for the last quarter, so tried to get my breathing right and pushed on, deep lung fulls of air and lots of sweat later, i was on the descent,
After a huge push down the hill, and a shout from Daz, i managed to get back, knocking 1min 30 from last years time, something that i didn't expect!
Finished 79th in 28.58 not the best but an improvement on last year, which is always good.
Managed to grab a beer and wish David of, Running with David fame "Happy birthday" before shooting back home to see if Claire was any nearer to giving birth to littleG, from memory i have had a recent discussion with Mandy Moore, who said that a new child born to a Dark Peaker resulted in a pair of knitted booties in the club colours....can't wait for them.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
Rugby Rover & Bradbourne Fell Race
Well, not posted in a while, have been away on Holiday and also getting ready for the new arrival of the household, little G, due in approx 3 weeks.
Not been running well at all, been getting out but just shuffling around really with no real drive or intent, training ..... well can it be called that!
:: Belper Rugby Rover ::
I entered the rugby Rover and managed to stick with the pace until the 12th Mile and then i just ran walk the rest of the way in, even though i have been getting out fro distance of that value. After some puffing and panting a finishing time of 3.31 was not the desired result but enjoyed the day out as a ran with a guy called Peter Nolan who was the 164th Member of the Bob Graham club, what a great guy to chat to and to get some advice for the attempt next year.
:: Bradbourne Fell Race ::
A wet, in fact, let me start again, a VERY wet day, got to Bradbourne and registered, nice to see a few folks, you get to see quite a few of he same face but it's one pf the great things about the sport.
Made our way to the start, after a warm up in the rain, sideways rain to be exact, had a warm up on the first climb and felt a little twinge, in my right heel, Achilles i think. I trotted of the first climb and it didn't feel so bad, so decided to start. After dropping my fleece, already wet through onto the fence, and waiting for the start, th rain began again, just tipping it down, great for the water level in the stream.
Set off steady, and just ticked of the first climb, expecting to just kick on after that, but during the second field the signs were there, the heel was giving me a sharp pain, which i didn't need, hobbled to the finish of the first lap and called it a day, not good.
It did give me a chance to see the leaders come into the finish, not a steep descent but long and fast with the stream, and then 20 yards max to the finish, nice to see Daz Holloway ofhttp://laidbackfellrunner.blogspot.com/ fame finish in 5th i think, and a great turn out of Dark Peak runners.
A great day, but wet very wet for August, and in need of some ice....
Not been running well at all, been getting out but just shuffling around really with no real drive or intent, training ..... well can it be called that!
:: Belper Rugby Rover ::
I entered the rugby Rover and managed to stick with the pace until the 12th Mile and then i just ran walk the rest of the way in, even though i have been getting out fro distance of that value. After some puffing and panting a finishing time of 3.31 was not the desired result but enjoyed the day out as a ran with a guy called Peter Nolan who was the 164th Member of the Bob Graham club, what a great guy to chat to and to get some advice for the attempt next year.
:: Bradbourne Fell Race ::
A wet, in fact, let me start again, a VERY wet day, got to Bradbourne and registered, nice to see a few folks, you get to see quite a few of he same face but it's one pf the great things about the sport.
Made our way to the start, after a warm up in the rain, sideways rain to be exact, had a warm up on the first climb and felt a little twinge, in my right heel, Achilles i think. I trotted of the first climb and it didn't feel so bad, so decided to start. After dropping my fleece, already wet through onto the fence, and waiting for the start, th rain began again, just tipping it down, great for the water level in the stream.
Set off steady, and just ticked of the first climb, expecting to just kick on after that, but during the second field the signs were there, the heel was giving me a sharp pain, which i didn't need, hobbled to the finish of the first lap and called it a day, not good.
It did give me a chance to see the leaders come into the finish, not a steep descent but long and fast with the stream, and then 20 yards max to the finish, nice to see Daz Holloway ofhttp://laidbackfellrunner.blogspot.com/ fame finish in 5th i think, and a great turn out of Dark Peak runners.
A great day, but wet very wet for August, and in need of some ice....
Friday, June 25, 2010
Wedgewood Memorial
I have been driving past this week in.. week out,
So one night on my way back from dropping Lily at Grandma and Grandad's house in Nantwich, i decided to call in, find a layby and trot up to it.
Well, from the road i thought it looked large, and also that there was trig point not to far away, so trotted off up the hill out of Audley, across a few fields and up a lane, across a few more climbing fields and then it showed its head.
The Wedgewood Momument, situated on Bignall Hill, this is memorial to John Wedgewood, which left in his will a request for an obelisk to be erected no less than 20 yards high.
This was completed in 1845.
TP1357 - Bignall Hill
So one night on my way back from dropping Lily at Grandma and Grandad's house in Nantwich, i decided to call in, find a layby and trot up to it.
Well, from the road i thought it looked large, and also that there was trig point not to far away, so trotted off up the hill out of Audley, across a few fields and up a lane, across a few more climbing fields and then it showed its head.
The Wedgewood Momument, situated on Bignall Hill, this is memorial to John Wedgewood, which left in his will a request for an obelisk to be erected no less than 20 yards high.
This was completed in 1845.
TP1357 - Bignall Hill
A Few days in Pembrokeshire
I had planned a week away in a cottage with my family, and we had decided to go back to some beaches that we were all very fond of,
During my childhood i had spent so many holidays in and around Saundersfoot, Tenby and surround southern Pembrokeshire coastline.
Lily is nearly 4 years old and i wanted to take her so that she could experience the views, the coastline and more importantly the beaches that just sneak up on you if you are prepared to get of the beaten track and find them.
We had booked a cottage in Stackpole, a great little village that gave us walking access to Barafundle Bay - the prettiest little beach you will ever see and the National Trust area which include the Lily Ponds,
Whilst Claire, Lily and my Mum and Dad were still asleep i managed to cover a huge amount fo the coastline, here are just a few of the pictures i took while covering 40 miles plus of beautiful Pembroke coast,
Barafundle Bay
Stackpole Head
This section really typifies why this coast is worthy of National Park status. It contains Barafundle beach which was recently voted one of the top ten beaches in the world! It also fringes the famous Lily Ponds at Bosherston which are a National Nature reserve. The path is quite undulating, but you're never far from a beach, village pub or toilet!
I real pleasure running these paths, it was in some places one of the toughest trail running i have done, especially the section from Stackpole Quay towards freshwater east, literally up and down all the way, i went out and covered 9 miles and 5,200ft.
Beautiful, i will return to do the whole 189 miles soon.
During my childhood i had spent so many holidays in and around Saundersfoot, Tenby and surround southern Pembrokeshire coastline.
Lily is nearly 4 years old and i wanted to take her so that she could experience the views, the coastline and more importantly the beaches that just sneak up on you if you are prepared to get of the beaten track and find them.
We had booked a cottage in Stackpole, a great little village that gave us walking access to Barafundle Bay - the prettiest little beach you will ever see and the National Trust area which include the Lily Ponds,
Whilst Claire, Lily and my Mum and Dad were still asleep i managed to cover a huge amount fo the coastline, here are just a few of the pictures i took while covering 40 miles plus of beautiful Pembroke coast,
Barafundle Bay
Stackpole Head
This section really typifies why this coast is worthy of National Park status. It contains Barafundle beach which was recently voted one of the top ten beaches in the world! It also fringes the famous Lily Ponds at Bosherston which are a National Nature reserve. The path is quite undulating, but you're never far from a beach, village pub or toilet!
I real pleasure running these paths, it was in some places one of the toughest trail running i have done, especially the section from Stackpole Quay towards freshwater east, literally up and down all the way, i went out and covered 9 miles and 5,200ft.
Beautiful, i will return to do the whole 189 miles soon.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Burbage Skyline - Tues 11th May - 5.75m/
A little late with this report,
After a frantic day at work and some last min plans we made our way to The Fox in Burbage, Stephen Shaw, Stuart Learmouth and Myself, shared the car duties, and we arrived with plenty of time in hand, good job really as the car park soon fills up.
I have never done this race before, but Stuart was telling us on the way to Burbage that it's a cracker, some deceptive climbs and it can get a little congested at the start.
After signing in and saying hello to a few old and new, had a natter with Daz and Roy Gibson who was organising the event.
Seemed to be the coldest day of May, a real cutting wind, got ready and made our way to the start a Yellow Flag, had a little look round and you could see the route from the start, Motehr Cap, Higger Tor, Burbage Brodge North was out of view, but you son got the picture of what was in store,
The number of soles who had made the trip was a real suprise, a little late starting but that was to be expected with 323 starting, the field had to be moved back twice, and then we were off, a real struggle to get going and soon at the first yellow flag which indicated a left and down and across the stream, some strange routes and lines meant that the field split and then joined for the small climb up towards Mother Cap.
I felt ok, the route meant that the field soon developed into a line, and i settled down to getting the first few miles out of the way, but noticed that i felt knackered early on, the first climb took it out of me, unsure why just felt so heavy, legs wouldn't get going, and found myself slowly going backwards.
The trot up and across the Mother Cap and Over Owler were a pleasure, seeing the sun setting and the line of runners in front, was a great sight, something that you sometimes forget to take in, the views and the whole experience of a new race.
Soon arrived at the climb up Higger Tor and then down the fast and furious descent of the plummet, a great little technical section and into the woods, i stopped fro a jelly baby and some water, and seemed to be really puffing, not good, but just kept grinding it out really,
The next section which i think i made an error, crossed the river twice, when i think if i had stayed left i would have not needed to cross at all, unsure of the route just at that point,
The next small climb up towards Burbage North saw a few peat bogs to negotiate which left me back with peat, ready for the hop across the river below the road bridge, a quick hello to Willy Kitchen then dig in to trot across Burbage Rocks. I did come across a runner she had a really bad ankle, so left my hat and water for her, as she seemed to be getting cold, whilst hobbling back. ( I have since found out that her name was Cheryl Cherdell, and she did finish) Roy Gibson has contacted me to say my hat is being returned in the post, which is cool)
I really did dig in across the top before the drop back to the path, and managed to negotiate the bog that you had to cross to get back onto the path, which from the videos claimed a few runners, John Gunnee to name one in particular.
Finished with a time of 1hr 8 mins, 30 seconds, not great, not great at all, after looking at the results i came 293rd,
Good to see so many Dark Peak out, and to spend an evening enjoying the beauty that is Burbage Skyline with so many like minded people.
A pint of Bombardier and a drive back to Derby, with a quick bath to remove the dried in Peat............ here's to the next one.
After a frantic day at work and some last min plans we made our way to The Fox in Burbage, Stephen Shaw, Stuart Learmouth and Myself, shared the car duties, and we arrived with plenty of time in hand, good job really as the car park soon fills up.
I have never done this race before, but Stuart was telling us on the way to Burbage that it's a cracker, some deceptive climbs and it can get a little congested at the start.
After signing in and saying hello to a few old and new, had a natter with Daz and Roy Gibson who was organising the event.
Seemed to be the coldest day of May, a real cutting wind, got ready and made our way to the start a Yellow Flag, had a little look round and you could see the route from the start, Motehr Cap, Higger Tor, Burbage Brodge North was out of view, but you son got the picture of what was in store,
The number of soles who had made the trip was a real suprise, a little late starting but that was to be expected with 323 starting, the field had to be moved back twice, and then we were off, a real struggle to get going and soon at the first yellow flag which indicated a left and down and across the stream, some strange routes and lines meant that the field split and then joined for the small climb up towards Mother Cap.
I felt ok, the route meant that the field soon developed into a line, and i settled down to getting the first few miles out of the way, but noticed that i felt knackered early on, the first climb took it out of me, unsure why just felt so heavy, legs wouldn't get going, and found myself slowly going backwards.
The trot up and across the Mother Cap and Over Owler were a pleasure, seeing the sun setting and the line of runners in front, was a great sight, something that you sometimes forget to take in, the views and the whole experience of a new race.
Soon arrived at the climb up Higger Tor and then down the fast and furious descent of the plummet, a great little technical section and into the woods, i stopped fro a jelly baby and some water, and seemed to be really puffing, not good, but just kept grinding it out really,
The next section which i think i made an error, crossed the river twice, when i think if i had stayed left i would have not needed to cross at all, unsure of the route just at that point,
The next small climb up towards Burbage North saw a few peat bogs to negotiate which left me back with peat, ready for the hop across the river below the road bridge, a quick hello to Willy Kitchen then dig in to trot across Burbage Rocks. I did come across a runner she had a really bad ankle, so left my hat and water for her, as she seemed to be getting cold, whilst hobbling back. ( I have since found out that her name was Cheryl Cherdell, and she did finish) Roy Gibson has contacted me to say my hat is being returned in the post, which is cool)
I really did dig in across the top before the drop back to the path, and managed to negotiate the bog that you had to cross to get back onto the path, which from the videos claimed a few runners, John Gunnee to name one in particular.
Finished with a time of 1hr 8 mins, 30 seconds, not great, not great at all, after looking at the results i came 293rd,
Good to see so many Dark Peak out, and to spend an evening enjoying the beauty that is Burbage Skyline with so many like minded people.
A pint of Bombardier and a drive back to Derby, with a quick bath to remove the dried in Peat............ here's to the next one.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Check these little beauties out!
I came across these one day whilst out in Ashbourne. Elite Outdoors.
Yes indeed, a pair of fell shoes that had a walsh like feel their soles, with a leather upper,
A nice little detail was the stitching on the toe,
After speaking to the owner of the shop Trevor, he made me aware that these could be 10 years old, when they arrived they retailed at £49.99 - he was selling these off at 18 quid.
Anybody else have any details on these?
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Lily "completes her first Fell Race"
We made our way to Ashover for the May Day Festival,
And i noticed that they had a fun run, come fell run, only 1.5 miles, and didn't have my kit, jeans, some old Inov8 rocklite's and a t-shirt,
Lily said, can i run with you Daddy, Lily is not 4 years old yet and i thought it would be great Daddy time,
So we registered, number in hand and a very excited Lily we went around the festival, great may pole dancing and welly wanging, a cup of tea and a slice of cake from the church,
Soon enough, 1.30 arrived, and we lined up, a real mix, of fun runners and keen serious looks, a guy asked me if a ran, as he thought he had seen me around, i said not much just done the Kinder Downfall, his face was a picture, but i did point out that i was running with my little girl.
We started, and as we ran up the street Lily was bouncing away, i kept asking he if she was ok, and she said yes, 40 yards from the start, she said that her legs were tired.......
oh, ok i thought, here we go, 1.5 miles with Lily on my shoulders, i suppose that's what Daddy's do.
We ran a bit walked a bit, Lily is 2.5 stone, great training, up the hill out of Ashover, through two tunnels, out onto a road, and then back down into the village, and back up the high street,
It rained on us and it hailed on us, and then the sun came out!
The people at the festival just cheered i a run up the hill with Lily on my shoulders, i will never forget what she said to me when they were cheering, "We winned Daddy" We Winned!
I truly great way to spend 16min 37 seconds, of my day with my little girl.
Lily came first for her age group under 5's, even though i carried her..........
More pictures to follow.........
And i noticed that they had a fun run, come fell run, only 1.5 miles, and didn't have my kit, jeans, some old Inov8 rocklite's and a t-shirt,
Lily said, can i run with you Daddy, Lily is not 4 years old yet and i thought it would be great Daddy time,
So we registered, number in hand and a very excited Lily we went around the festival, great may pole dancing and welly wanging, a cup of tea and a slice of cake from the church,
Soon enough, 1.30 arrived, and we lined up, a real mix, of fun runners and keen serious looks, a guy asked me if a ran, as he thought he had seen me around, i said not much just done the Kinder Downfall, his face was a picture, but i did point out that i was running with my little girl.
We started, and as we ran up the street Lily was bouncing away, i kept asking he if she was ok, and she said yes, 40 yards from the start, she said that her legs were tired.......
oh, ok i thought, here we go, 1.5 miles with Lily on my shoulders, i suppose that's what Daddy's do.
We ran a bit walked a bit, Lily is 2.5 stone, great training, up the hill out of Ashover, through two tunnels, out onto a road, and then back down into the village, and back up the high street,
It rained on us and it hailed on us, and then the sun came out!
The people at the festival just cheered i a run up the hill with Lily on my shoulders, i will never forget what she said to me when they were cheering, "We winned Daddy" We Winned!
I truly great way to spend 16min 37 seconds, of my day with my little girl.
Lily came first for her age group under 5's, even though i carried her..........
More pictures to follow.........
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