Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Small pleasures
Extended my ride home by a few miles tonight. So nice just to churn out an extra 25 minutes without traffic lights then freewheeling downhill to the house instead of hauling up South Street. Also nice to ride the A57 climb when I'm not knackered at the end of a 40 mile long training ride.
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
headache
It is the size of a house and has been here for weeks. I am stoned on pain killers but still training. Trying to balance relax and progres.
It's tough.
It's tough.
Saturday, March 08, 2014
Congleton Harriers Cloud 9 Race Report
An ironically cloudy day with the threat of hail but the race started dry. Thank goodness because the organisers took the time to do some random kit checks before the start to comply with the new FRA regulations.
I can see why entries were in advance for this one. The 450-strong start group on the narrow disused railway line was lengthy and a few seconds passed before I started my watch crossing the start line.
Despite the opportunity for the gradual incline to thin out the pack, there were a few queues at kissing gates and styals before the open running got under way with a muddy field, just to make sure that no-one was being too precious about wet feet.
We turned on to the first serious climb of the day and the place-changing got underway, everyone pushing themselves to their limits in between rests. I took the approach of a harsh, yet determined push on the lower slopes to be replaced by an intense long striding walk on the steep climb which was just as fast as some runners.
Around the top of Bosley Cloud was a view to Jodrell Bank. Not quite clear enough to see beyond to the Welsh hills but good enough since the forecast had been for rain.
The descent from the Cloud was one of the best experiences I've ever had on 2 feet. It was the runners' equivalent of the perfect tree ski run or a mountain bikers' burmed downhill, all gnarly tree roots and banking but no really bad boulders or drop-offs, just fast and light.
Then out of the trees onto a much flatter field which suddenly felt uphill by comparison.
We raced over to a gate and along a concrete road which went on for an eternity, probably because it was into a headwind. At just the right moment I was passed by a 6ft tall man and I just managed to summons the energy to draft him to the top of the climb then it was back to the down hill and I struggled to comprehend how we were only half way through.
We were back on the level with the muddy fields now but thankfully, gradually descending over longer distances. We were clocking up miles without too much effort. Where did the girl in front go?
Oh. There's a 15ft deep ditch between me and the lady in front of her. That is a sting in the tail.
After 5 minutes of squelching through cow piss, we finally reach a road and I am tired enough to enjoy the rest. I check my watch and I have 30 minutes to run 2 miles and get a 1:50h time that I would be chuffed with. However, the next 2 miles has a few surprises of its own with a glut of steep drop-offs and run-ups throwing everything at our legs. Even as we reach the familiar railway track we started on a programme of dropping off onto the adjacent road then scrabbling back up again. The "400m to go" sign passed me by.
After about 150m I was convinced I'd done 200m and started to put in a special effort to catch the 70 year old target I set myself just ahead. He wasn't giving in so easily though and on the hill-climbs he passed me back. With around 50m to go I set it all down on that line, only to discover that the finish line was 25m beyond the start line. I could still feel my "more mature" friend breathing down my neck so I sprinted for the line then spent the next 5 minutes leaning against the railway yard fencing trying to find some air to breathe in.
One of the nicest things about Congleton Cloud 9 is its location. Incepted as a "town to trig" race, there's showers and cake on offer at Congleton leisure centre afterwards. A rare treat for a fell race. For those concerned about safety or navigation skills in fell racing, this course is well marshalled (although they do lie about this being the "last hill"). There also seemed to be a sweeper running around with the last runner (yes, I was close enough to see).
In summary, a really nice race for short to middle distance runners with plenty of support and things to keep the mind occupied. A good beginners fell race. Not sure I'd do it again next year because of the queues but maybe one day.
Final result 387 of 435 in 1:44:27.
I can see why entries were in advance for this one. The 450-strong start group on the narrow disused railway line was lengthy and a few seconds passed before I started my watch crossing the start line.
Despite the opportunity for the gradual incline to thin out the pack, there were a few queues at kissing gates and styals before the open running got under way with a muddy field, just to make sure that no-one was being too precious about wet feet.
 |
| Me, keeping up with the pack for once |
Around the top of Bosley Cloud was a view to Jodrell Bank. Not quite clear enough to see beyond to the Welsh hills but good enough since the forecast had been for rain.
 |
| Trying to enjoy the view |
Then out of the trees onto a much flatter field which suddenly felt uphill by comparison.
We raced over to a gate and along a concrete road which went on for an eternity, probably because it was into a headwind. At just the right moment I was passed by a 6ft tall man and I just managed to summons the energy to draft him to the top of the climb then it was back to the down hill and I struggled to comprehend how we were only half way through.
We were back on the level with the muddy fields now but thankfully, gradually descending over longer distances. We were clocking up miles without too much effort. Where did the girl in front go?
Oh. There's a 15ft deep ditch between me and the lady in front of her. That is a sting in the tail.
After 5 minutes of squelching through cow piss, we finally reach a road and I am tired enough to enjoy the rest. I check my watch and I have 30 minutes to run 2 miles and get a 1:50h time that I would be chuffed with. However, the next 2 miles has a few surprises of its own with a glut of steep drop-offs and run-ups throwing everything at our legs. Even as we reach the familiar railway track we started on a programme of dropping off onto the adjacent road then scrabbling back up again. The "400m to go" sign passed me by.
After about 150m I was convinced I'd done 200m and started to put in a special effort to catch the 70 year old target I set myself just ahead. He wasn't giving in so easily though and on the hill-climbs he passed me back. With around 50m to go I set it all down on that line, only to discover that the finish line was 25m beyond the start line. I could still feel my "more mature" friend breathing down my neck so I sprinted for the line then spent the next 5 minutes leaning against the railway yard fencing trying to find some air to breathe in.
One of the nicest things about Congleton Cloud 9 is its location. Incepted as a "town to trig" race, there's showers and cake on offer at Congleton leisure centre afterwards. A rare treat for a fell race. For those concerned about safety or navigation skills in fell racing, this course is well marshalled (although they do lie about this being the "last hill"). There also seemed to be a sweeper running around with the last runner (yes, I was close enough to see).
In summary, a really nice race for short to middle distance runners with plenty of support and things to keep the mind occupied. A good beginners fell race. Not sure I'd do it again next year because of the queues but maybe one day.
Final result 387 of 435 in 1:44:27.
Saturday, March 01, 2014
February Look-back
It's been a tough month, February. The training plan started to great enthusiasm but was soon drifting due to work commitments, fatigue and general apathy for life.
Week 1 was w/c15th Feb where I largely spent a lot of time organising myself and others for a computer switch-over AND a full-time training course (part 1 of 3) in week 2.
Thankfully, the whole thing ended on 27th Feb with an evening in the Rivelin valley which took me from a flat 5mile in 1 hour blundering wreck on 14th Feb to setting off for a fast 5 miler with 95m of extra climbing and nailing it with only 7 more minutes this week , "Grinning like an eejit... when running turns good"
Last weekend also saw the return to the track for me and the first time for Mr R. We both walked away enthusiastic to return, but whether we will or not is another matter. I attempted to justify it with the justification for buying a new TT / Track bike. We're sitting on that one until the bonus comes through.
It wasn't such an epic ride, being a taster session, which is a shame because I spent most of the weekend saving myself for it - a whole day crunchim pointless sports data on Saturday and a whole day watching the olympics with the Sunday. I did slothenly drag myself through a 7.7 mile run but that's not nearly the 10 miles I was aiming for. The fact that I sprinted the last few miles, hoping that my head torch wouldn't run out, proves just how much nothing I did with the rest of the day. I was clearly confused between the Olympic ski-ing and the cycling Tour of Oman.
1st February was the first run I actually did on my own as a focused attack on the hill climbing demands of the Celtman. It was hilly, suitably weathered and ended in a cafe - the best kind.
It's only been 16th that I've managed a proper ride - 27 miles - no more - and desperately pained after a comparitively short swim on the Saturday. I always have to be careful not to ignore my bike since it's my best friend and best discipline. It's like an unconditional kind of love.
So that Swimming thing that's taken all my time and energy. That's given me my shoulder pain... or is it the cycling?
Bike: 164.67 mile 9.6mph 1599m. Compares to last month: 136.09 mile 13mph 542m. Compares to last year: 190.6 mile 10.5 mph, 3370 m.
Run: 41.65 miles, 4.9 mph, 1646 m el. Compares to last month: 44.67 miles, 4.95 mph, 1303m el. Compares to last year: 36.93 miles, 5.3 mph, 640m el.
Percentages complete: 55%
Week -2: 28%
Week -1: 67%
Week +1: 86%
Week +2: 82%
Week +3: 83%
Week 1 was w/c15th Feb where I largely spent a lot of time organising myself and others for a computer switch-over AND a full-time training course (part 1 of 3) in week 2.
Thankfully, the whole thing ended on 27th Feb with an evening in the Rivelin valley which took me from a flat 5mile in 1 hour blundering wreck on 14th Feb to setting off for a fast 5 miler with 95m of extra climbing and nailing it with only 7 more minutes this week , "Grinning like an eejit... when running turns good"
Last weekend also saw the return to the track for me and the first time for Mr R. We both walked away enthusiastic to return, but whether we will or not is another matter. I attempted to justify it with the justification for buying a new TT / Track bike. We're sitting on that one until the bonus comes through.
It wasn't such an epic ride, being a taster session, which is a shame because I spent most of the weekend saving myself for it - a whole day crunchim pointless sports data on Saturday and a whole day watching the olympics with the Sunday. I did slothenly drag myself through a 7.7 mile run but that's not nearly the 10 miles I was aiming for. The fact that I sprinted the last few miles, hoping that my head torch wouldn't run out, proves just how much nothing I did with the rest of the day. I was clearly confused between the Olympic ski-ing and the cycling Tour of Oman.
1st February was the first run I actually did on my own as a focused attack on the hill climbing demands of the Celtman. It was hilly, suitably weathered and ended in a cafe - the best kind.
It's only been 16th that I've managed a proper ride - 27 miles - no more - and desperately pained after a comparitively short swim on the Saturday. I always have to be careful not to ignore my bike since it's my best friend and best discipline. It's like an unconditional kind of love.
So that Swimming thing that's taken all my time and energy. That's given me my shoulder pain... or is it the cycling?
February Stats
Swim: 9.9km 2.9 kph. Compares to last month 7km 2.8kph. Compares to last year 8.7km 2.3kph.Bike: 164.67 mile 9.6mph 1599m. Compares to last month: 136.09 mile 13mph 542m. Compares to last year: 190.6 mile 10.5 mph, 3370 m.
Run: 41.65 miles, 4.9 mph, 1646 m el. Compares to last month: 44.67 miles, 4.95 mph, 1303m el. Compares to last year: 36.93 miles, 5.3 mph, 640m el.
Percentages complete: 55%
Week -2: 28%
Week -1: 67%
Week +1: 86%
Week +2: 82%
Week +3: 83%
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