It was only on the way to the Sheldon Fell race that I remembered where we were going. I got confused with another race beginning with S. I have done Sheldon before. It was my first fell race in 2010 when we first arrived in Sheffield and I mentioned to a friend that I wouldn't mind having a go at a fell race.
Not only did she suggest trying but also convinced me that I could do it by reassuring me that although there would be plenty of old men in RonHill Tracksters, there would also be marshals at every turn and no way for me to lose touch with the runners in front. I didn't believe her on the last point. While I am not concerned about my mountaincraft skills (my mistakes are generally embarrassing not dangerous), a last minute decision on a Tuesday is no preparation for a navigational race and I had no idea where Sheldon was, never mind what it's hills look like.
I met TSK and Sam in the car park at Waitrose. I had only met one of these people before but was soon to find out that Sam's road shoes have run a few marathons before.
We registered, got dressed and I made gestures towards warming up which were more concerned with trying to squeeze some fatigue out of my legs from yesterday's fast run (planning fail!). We explained the rules of fell running to Sam ("don't quit unless something is falling off" and "there might be shirtless people about")
We huddled about half way through the field at the start - an open expression of my new found confidence in my feet.
When the start horn sounded i was immediately struck by the need to get around the woman whose bony elbows fired outward, seemingly in endless possible jabbing directions.
This pretty much meant that I had to keep up with the group. It's still hard to watch the masses of the group stretching out into the road ahead of you but it's easier when you are with the group rather than last time when I was already detached from the group with my inability to even try to run down hill fast.
The first flat field felt hard after the downhill sprint but by this point I was committed to trying to keep up with TSK. I had him in my sights but it was too much to concentrate on him with the steep downhill approaching.
I had forgotten to bring my new fell shoes with me and instead brought trail shoes in which I have no confidence on grass. Thank God it wasn't wet.
Some Dark Peak boys shot past wailing/singing/giggling so I decided to keep the side up and go with them. I had soon lost complete control of my feet and my confidence flailed when i thought, "it doesn't really matter if I fall here it's just a grassy field", then noticed the rocks sticking out from under the grass below. Sam later told us that he was passed by someone rolling down this hill.
Some of us took the sting out of the descent by adjusting our path through the long grass on a sideways slope but there was no avoiding the steepest section down to the river where I just turned my feet over as fast as I could and flailed my arms to keep my balance. Somehow I came out at the bottom upright and thought, "well, that's over for another year".
In retrospect I am very pleased because usually on the descents i am picking off all of the slow, nervous people but I clearly*was* the slow, nervous person last night so I have obviously made progress. Partly due to doing more fast run training, partly down to TSK playing carrot.
This time I picked a few off on the flat run along the river. One Dark Peak team mate passed me but I followed him and we picked off some more.
Disaster almost struck when my trail shoe slipped off a rock sideways causing me to go over on my ankle and yelp like a wounded puppy. I was so into my position which I had worked so hard for that I just kept hobbling along, swearing at and coaching my foot to bloody sort itself out. I momentarily thought of the impact of running on a sprained ankle prior to the expensive Liverpool Triathlon on Sunday but put it to the back of my mind because, honestly, I was having too much fun fell running. TSK turned around when I yelled to see if I was ok and I waved it off, saying, "I am ok" then as the pain failed to subside, thinking, "am I though?". I still passed him anyway. A big achievement since to date i haven't beaten him in a running race.
Eventually the endorphins washed soothingly into the joint and I was able to run normally again. Me and Dark Peakie got on with it.
By the time we got to the big hill climb I was either alone or at the front of a big group and there was nothing left to do but maintain my position and try to gain slightly on the runners in front. I am a positive thinker (in racing) so I found it quite easy to imagine me stretching ahead of the struggling runners behind and reeling in the people who are going to collapse with exhaustion at the top of it. Of course it never pans out that way.
I had to try really hard to stay ahead when I heard breathing at my heels. Yes it is that steep. I had to concentrate on every step to stop my crappy trail shoes slipping on each stone and when I reached the top the people ahead only re-opened their lead on me.
The lady ahead had been in front of me on the start line, telling her friend that she was just going to follow everyone else so I had a suspicion that I could catch her on the final descent to the line.
I immediately passed a guy in a blue teeshirt that I thought I would be able to stay ahead of but who hounded me for a while before passing me back. I asked if i had woken him up. He just replied that the hill nearly killed him. That was a mistake because I just sat on behind him and waited for that final small rise across the field and hoped i could hold him off on the descent to the line.
Sure enough I stormed past him but that was all I could manage. The lady in front who was "just going to follow everyone else" remained illusively ahead of me and as we hit the descent it became clear that her legs were just as long as mine and she had more reach or speed in hers than I did. I heard someone approaching at speed and was about to be disheartened. Fortunately it wasn't the guy in blue but someone different who rocketed down the hill. I sprinted for the line in case anyone else was approaching but I don't think there was anyone.
My watch said 37 minutes when I eventually stopped it and I couldn't wait to get home and see just what damage i had done to my 2010 time.
Thursday, July 23, 2015
Saturday, June 20, 2015
Chester Triathlon 2015
Swim: 29:28, 31/45, 192/256, 835/1102
T1: 2:38 30/45, 191/256, 831/1102
Bike: 1:26:31, 29/45, 189/, 960/1102
T2: 1:30, 25/45, 161/256, 716/1102
Run: 53:11, 32/45, 208/256, 956/1102
Thursday, June 04, 2015
Work - Life Balance
Tuesday I worked from 7am (on site) until 4.30 then set off for home. I had already lost sight of any chance to get back in time for swimming so I just got home and to bed after my 15 hours of a day moving what ammounted to a 200kg bucket of oil from A to B and back.
After that, I had Wednesday off, knowing that I had to drive on Thursday but hoping I might be able to ride it to Manchester.
Truth be told, that didn't feel realistic on Wednesday night so I took my running kit in the car instead.
After a seriously happy meeting (though with a few challenges) I headed home over Winnats pass - stopping at the end of Rushup Edge to park the car and head out for a run.
I got changed in my dry robe sat in the car as there was a lot of traffic and I needed to get out of office bra and into a running bra. The robe worked really well - just as much space, infinitely more dignity. It will be a great addition to my cyclo cross wardrobe.
I couldn't resist going over Mam Tor, even though I intended to go along Rushup Edge. Once on it I couldn't face retracing my steps past hoards of uni students out for a walk so I carried on to Hollins Cross before dropping into the Edale Valley, across the Mam Nick road then on to a valley path for wet feet and access to Barber Booth. The sun was beating down making it almost more pleasant in the shade than in the sun, if it weren't for the fact that this sun is such a bloody novelty.
After 50m I turned off the road again and traversed a few fields before climbing a big wall... I mean vertical path back up to the moor.
Eventually I rejoined the main Rushup Edge path and helped a paraglider to find the path as he was hiking back to his car having been blown up the valley by a particularly strong thermal. We had a chat for a while before I ran on to stay warm.
I got back to the car 10km and 1:29 later having taken a few photos and climbed the mountain at least once.
After that, I had Wednesday off, knowing that I had to drive on Thursday but hoping I might be able to ride it to Manchester.
Truth be told, that didn't feel realistic on Wednesday night so I took my running kit in the car instead.
After a seriously happy meeting (though with a few challenges) I headed home over Winnats pass - stopping at the end of Rushup Edge to park the car and head out for a run.
I got changed in my dry robe sat in the car as there was a lot of traffic and I needed to get out of office bra and into a running bra. The robe worked really well - just as much space, infinitely more dignity. It will be a great addition to my cyclo cross wardrobe.
I couldn't resist going over Mam Tor, even though I intended to go along Rushup Edge. Once on it I couldn't face retracing my steps past hoards of uni students out for a walk so I carried on to Hollins Cross before dropping into the Edale Valley, across the Mam Nick road then on to a valley path for wet feet and access to Barber Booth. The sun was beating down making it almost more pleasant in the shade than in the sun, if it weren't for the fact that this sun is such a bloody novelty.
After 50m I turned off the road again and traversed a few fields before climbing a big wall... I mean vertical path back up to the moor.
Eventually I rejoined the main Rushup Edge path and helped a paraglider to find the path as he was hiking back to his car having been blown up the valley by a particularly strong thermal. We had a chat for a while before I ran on to stay warm.
I got back to the car 10km and 1:29 later having taken a few photos and climbed the mountain at least once.
Monday, June 01, 2015
Fast Running - phase 1
Tonight I set off for my first speed run training. It has been 2 weeks since Slateman and I have managed a couple of runs since, the last being 9 days ago - a slow plod to work with a slightly accelerated finish.
Tonight I set off up the road and tried to pin an effort level to my run. I fancied a long race pacing run. The idea to do a few of these getting faster leading up to the race. By long I mean race distance - maybe more so 10k.
If 50% is plodding along and 100% sprinting then I was aiming at 60 -70. I settled for 65% and lost a layer as I was already warm. I enjoyed pacing by feel better than the hrm running, it feels more "free". It was easy on the road.
I followed the sea wall (more of a dyke than a wall tbh) as far as the eye could see. The trail got more difficult as open gravel gave way to overgrown baked mud, all uneven, wet and cloying. I found a hide which I couldn't resist going inside. I had been sweaty but cold and exposed on the elevated sea wall, surrounded by marsh land all around. By comparison the hide was like a sauna. Out of the wind it felt as warm as a sauna, it smelt woody like a sauna and under the pressure of the wind it sounded like a sauna but the birdsong was overwhelming and the views, though flat, were very calming. I soaked it in for as long as I dared without muscles going to sleep then had a look to see if any wildlife had come out. Seems Marsh Harriers are quite shy but curious enough to have a good look at me once I blew my cover.
The track was starting to feel a bit long and I was concerned for both my pace and my table for dinner.
I checked the sign post cruelly located in the bog (what do short sighted people do?) and it said only 1km to Shellness.
That put a spring in my step.
Past the house or two at the end of the trail I joined a vehicle track. I took a pre-emptive manoeuvre back onto the sea defences to avoid a lone transit connect van... it is pretty remote.
I wonder at this sign before realising that I have stumbled upon Sheppey's nudist beach. Very briefly I considered a short naked run just to see if the hype is justified then thought better of it based on how cold my exposed hands were and y'know, transit man.
300m later I ran past an episode of the bill with 3 cop cars and a few words being had related to a scraped car. I just ran by, driven now by dinner.
I turned onto familiar territory but couldn't remember quite where it came out. At least it was back on gravel road and I could focus on the speed again.
I was really enjoying myself and revelling in the combination of strength training and a form-regenerating rest period. I practiced some yoga technique, switched my sight on to silent and instead reeled in the smells and put all the sounds of the birdsong, my breath and footfall and the wind in the rushes, into my mental library. Those will be drawn on when I am stressed one day.
A few running quail amused me before I met the main road and the worst part of the run. Just as everything was starting to hurt consistently, a sign that said 1.5 miles came into view. The road was long and straight and I didn't seem to be getting through it very quickly.
I looked to the sky for some reassurance but it was unfathomably still compared with the head winds I was experiencing. Instead I tried to guess the distance i had travelled. . I reckon 8 miles and worked out how to calculate my corrected time.
Finally I could see the last bend before the descent to the hotel. Lying in the road was the button off a piece of (guess) farm machinery. It had 'PUSH' written on it in large, reassuring letters so I took it as a sign and pushed down the last straight with a strong finish. Practice makes perfect.
8 miles, 1hr 20 minutes. Bob on a 1hr 10k - and some.
Tonight I set off up the road and tried to pin an effort level to my run. I fancied a long race pacing run. The idea to do a few of these getting faster leading up to the race. By long I mean race distance - maybe more so 10k.
If 50% is plodding along and 100% sprinting then I was aiming at 60 -70. I settled for 65% and lost a layer as I was already warm. I enjoyed pacing by feel better than the hrm running, it feels more "free". It was easy on the road.
I followed the sea wall (more of a dyke than a wall tbh) as far as the eye could see. The trail got more difficult as open gravel gave way to overgrown baked mud, all uneven, wet and cloying. I found a hide which I couldn't resist going inside. I had been sweaty but cold and exposed on the elevated sea wall, surrounded by marsh land all around. By comparison the hide was like a sauna. Out of the wind it felt as warm as a sauna, it smelt woody like a sauna and under the pressure of the wind it sounded like a sauna but the birdsong was overwhelming and the views, though flat, were very calming. I soaked it in for as long as I dared without muscles going to sleep then had a look to see if any wildlife had come out. Seems Marsh Harriers are quite shy but curious enough to have a good look at me once I blew my cover.
The track was starting to feel a bit long and I was concerned for both my pace and my table for dinner.
I checked the sign post cruelly located in the bog (what do short sighted people do?) and it said only 1km to Shellness.
That put a spring in my step.
Past the house or two at the end of the trail I joined a vehicle track. I took a pre-emptive manoeuvre back onto the sea defences to avoid a lone transit connect van... it is pretty remote.
I wonder at this sign before realising that I have stumbled upon Sheppey's nudist beach. Very briefly I considered a short naked run just to see if the hype is justified then thought better of it based on how cold my exposed hands were and y'know, transit man.
300m later I ran past an episode of the bill with 3 cop cars and a few words being had related to a scraped car. I just ran by, driven now by dinner.
I turned onto familiar territory but couldn't remember quite where it came out. At least it was back on gravel road and I could focus on the speed again.
I was really enjoying myself and revelling in the combination of strength training and a form-regenerating rest period. I practiced some yoga technique, switched my sight on to silent and instead reeled in the smells and put all the sounds of the birdsong, my breath and footfall and the wind in the rushes, into my mental library. Those will be drawn on when I am stressed one day.
A few running quail amused me before I met the main road and the worst part of the run. Just as everything was starting to hurt consistently, a sign that said 1.5 miles came into view. The road was long and straight and I didn't seem to be getting through it very quickly.
I looked to the sky for some reassurance but it was unfathomably still compared with the head winds I was experiencing. Instead I tried to guess the distance i had travelled. . I reckon 8 miles and worked out how to calculate my corrected time.
Finally I could see the last bend before the descent to the hotel. Lying in the road was the button off a piece of (guess) farm machinery. It had 'PUSH' written on it in large, reassuring letters so I took it as a sign and pushed down the last straight with a strong finish. Practice makes perfect.
8 miles, 1hr 20 minutes. Bob on a 1hr 10k - and some.
Sunday, May 31, 2015
training weekend
I spent a whole day on Saturday bezzing around the Peak with Claire Smith. Enjoyed every minute and turned myself inside out a few times. As ever I am reminded of how much I like riding with Norton Wheelers and now know how easy it is to get to the Saturday ride from our new house.
Swimming an entire 2.5 laps of the lake was a real bonus. Felt ok for the first time this year.
I had a rest day today but looking forward to being back on it tomorrow.
I nearly pre registered for another ironman then remembered how much I enjoy not getting up at 5am regularly.
Swimming an entire 2.5 laps of the lake was a real bonus. Felt ok for the first time this year.
I had a rest day today but looking forward to being back on it tomorrow.
I nearly pre registered for another ironman then remembered how much I enjoy not getting up at 5am regularly.
Friday, May 29, 2015
Monday, May 25, 2015
Improvements and processing endurance into speed
It has taken time and a bank holiday thrashing by my club to bring on any substantial improvements in my performance. Last bank holiday i reminded myself how i used to ride and set myself a target to start tryin' on the bike like I remembered I should. It is tricky when you are trying to get your run up to distance (and speed) and log some miles in the water. I have managed it on and off. With Slateman last week and a week long recovery we went out for a training ride today.
I didn't feel like doing the same old roads but when Andrew suggested we drop in on a friend's art exhibition in Rowley it seemed like the obvious choice.
I have sprinted out on the flat and thrown myself at the hills as best I can and TSK admitting I had given him a run for his money made me quite proud of myself. I managed to cling to his wheel into the head winds up the Rivelin Valley and he didn't have enough time to get his camera out to take my picture on the hill climb on the way home. On the flat, all the endurance rides are finally turning into an ability to turn the pedals faster.
I am now in the bath easing out the tight tendons in my groin. I just don't seem to have the ability to retain my core stability anymore so I am prescribing myself daily yoga until things improve. Sudden twinges of pain are not good.
So tomorrow, some listening to the body but a lot of thinking about Deva tri. Now I have had my rest week, nothing else will do and generally, it's good to know when these things are... three weeks away is the answer.
Where do I want to improve before deva?
I want to keep my bike riding good but speed up the swim and run. I probably need to add a pool session on a Thursday evening and a couple of lunchtime runs which is easier when I know I am focussed on speed not hills. Whether I can make it work is another matter.
From Slateman I need to remember to be fast in transition and stay on it throughout the race. It's not an Ironman and I am not going to regret a bit of discomfort.It's about Re-learning that cold and fast is manageable and trusting myself to do more short, fast sessions and bricks. I think i will actually enjoy it. Flat running!
Last night I did a bit of research on following my dreams. About whether to throw my name in the proverbial hat. Someone who is an alsoran but sometimes comes close to being tenuously capable of meeting incredibly detailed mathematical criteria set down by a committee in suits somewhere in an office in London.
In the end I decided it's not about whether I can commit to make all the progress I can, it's about whether I would be more disappointed to fail than to not have tried and to find that I could have done it, could have made the technicalities and made my dream come true. Let's see if I can make 133% into 120%.
(For anyone unclear about what I am on about, I am being cryptic intentionally and will announce my plan as soon as I am successful... that may be a matter of years.)
(For those that do know what I am on about, please don't think me foolish. I am having a go and we all know it's the taking part that counts. I am pinning my hopes on those technicalities).
I didn't feel like doing the same old roads but when Andrew suggested we drop in on a friend's art exhibition in Rowley it seemed like the obvious choice.
I have sprinted out on the flat and thrown myself at the hills as best I can and TSK admitting I had given him a run for his money made me quite proud of myself. I managed to cling to his wheel into the head winds up the Rivelin Valley and he didn't have enough time to get his camera out to take my picture on the hill climb on the way home. On the flat, all the endurance rides are finally turning into an ability to turn the pedals faster.
I am now in the bath easing out the tight tendons in my groin. I just don't seem to have the ability to retain my core stability anymore so I am prescribing myself daily yoga until things improve. Sudden twinges of pain are not good.
So tomorrow, some listening to the body but a lot of thinking about Deva tri. Now I have had my rest week, nothing else will do and generally, it's good to know when these things are... three weeks away is the answer.
Where do I want to improve before deva?
I want to keep my bike riding good but speed up the swim and run. I probably need to add a pool session on a Thursday evening and a couple of lunchtime runs which is easier when I know I am focussed on speed not hills. Whether I can make it work is another matter.
From Slateman I need to remember to be fast in transition and stay on it throughout the race. It's not an Ironman and I am not going to regret a bit of discomfort.It's about Re-learning that cold and fast is manageable and trusting myself to do more short, fast sessions and bricks. I think i will actually enjoy it. Flat running!
Last night I did a bit of research on following my dreams. About whether to throw my name in the proverbial hat. Someone who is an alsoran but sometimes comes close to being tenuously capable of meeting incredibly detailed mathematical criteria set down by a committee in suits somewhere in an office in London.
In the end I decided it's not about whether I can commit to make all the progress I can, it's about whether I would be more disappointed to fail than to not have tried and to find that I could have done it, could have made the technicalities and made my dream come true. Let's see if I can make 133% into 120%.
(For anyone unclear about what I am on about, I am being cryptic intentionally and will announce my plan as soon as I am successful... that may be a matter of years.)
(For those that do know what I am on about, please don't think me foolish. I am having a go and we all know it's the taking part that counts. I am pinning my hopes on those technicalities).
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