Poorly Blog OK now

You maybe noticed that this blog had some kind of bug where it re-directed to another bizarre site with what sounds like and advert soundreel in the background. I tried in vain to resolve this but alas was beaten. I was resigned to losing it but it now appears to be working OK.

The running meanwhile has been going well. I had quite a good week last week running everyday,  Mon-Friday. I did leg 1&2 on Friday and managed to complete them to schedule with a pack on and in strongish winds. There was also still some snow underfoot from raise to dollywagon. I found it hard up Fairfield & Seat Sandal but with the right mindset I am sure I could have carried on up Steel Fell. Last weeks totals - 51 miles, 15,541 ft. I rested Sat & Sunday (if you can call being a dad with 2 young lads a rest).

Today I went up Arthurs Pike from Askham and back. What a slog it proved to be. There was a bit of wind & rain to start with, but my legs & mind weren't really up for it. Probably still feeling the affects from last Fridays leg 1 & 2. I will probably have an easier week this week & push on again next week.

With 67 days to go, the countdown has really begun. The vernal equinox has been & gone so the nights are drawing out & the snow is finally receding. My new friends, the micro spikes, will probably hibernate now till next winter. I can now finally start doing my reps up & down Hall's Fell ridge.

Hmmm just realised Askham fell race is a week on Sat so will have to get the miles & ascent in this week. Oh well. Will just "hatta bray on"

Entry in the post.

I have today registered my attempt in May.

Here we go.............

Still Going Strong - 81 days.

It was a funny week last week. I felt tired after High Cup Nick so didnt get out on Sunday. I then spent the week doing a course in Blackburn. It was really tiring being stuck inside sat motionless for 8 hours listening to the virtues of wearing PPE etc. So only managed to get out Tue, Wed & Sat.

Tuesday - I ran into town and did the new streets hills.
Thursday - Drove out to Askham and ran up to Arthurs Pike and back at a good pace. It was good to get out in the late sunny afternoon. Apart from being cold it felt like spring is really just around the corner.
Saturday - Went out round leg 1 from Threlkeld & then up Clough head and onto Stybarrow. Time and low cloud made the decision for me to turn around back to the van at Threlkeld.

I didnt manage to get out on Sunday at all again. I was at a tag rugby tournament, involving 50 teams, at Newcastle Falcons with my sons team. The lads played fantasticly and made it to the final which was played on the main pitch at half time when the Falcons were playing Bath. Unfortunatley they lost but once again Louie made me really proud. Out of the 21 tries the team scored on the way to the final, Louie scored 14 of them.

This weeks totals - Distance - 36 miles, Climb - 10535 ft, Time - 9 hrs

I am planning to increase the mileage this week and get out on the fells through the week. Just wish it would thaw out a bit.

Not a bad week

I had another week of reasonable training last week.

I set off with a steady 7.5 mile trail run around Lowther Park on Monday, Tuesday was quick blast up Blencathra and back down. Wed went in gym again. Thursday I did the same trail run again. Saturday I did High Cup Nick fell race, which I came 22nd in. An improvement of 44 places on last year and 6 minutes in time. I think I have reached my level though in terms of capability. The guys ahead of me all seem built like fell runners whereas I feel that I am quite a bit bigger and heavier.

I was out on Saturday night to support a Winter BG. It was Iain Taylor who is a friend of an old school mate, Lucy. I was down for leg 5 with some new BG mates Andy & Graham. It was difficult to get myself motivated having done the High Cup Nick race at 2pm. Once out of the house though I was really looking forward to it. He was going anti-clockwise so I met the guys at Threlkeld and sat and waited for Iain to appear down Clough Head. He left Dunmail on time so he was due in about 10.30 - 11pm. Un fortunately there was just too much snow so he, and his leg 4 pacers came down from from Sticks pass down towards Legburthwaite. He still looked remarkably fresh and full of humour. He said at the time that he wasnt going to give it another go but I think the Winter BG bug has got a good hold of him.

This weeks training is going to be a bit more difficult as I am on a course all week in Blackburn with loads of homework. Will get a really long run in on Saturday though.

Summary for last week 32 miles, 6108 ft

88 days left......................