backwards sunshine ride

Unusually I met up with Chris in the daylight for a reverse ride of one of our regular night routes. I never realised how litter strewn and urban much of the route is. CCTV cameras and warehouses where I'd imagined thick woods and wilderness. The sticky mud has turned to rock hard lumps. The riding would be fast if my legs were up to it.

Chris very kindly let me witter on about the Skyline and fed me home made tea loaf. There should be a cycling rule that states whenever a puncture occurs, cake should be produced from ones bag.

Blue skies and dusty trails, it certainly feels like spring has sprung. We even managed an official cake stop, sitting outside in the sunshine. Yes, that's two cakes in one ride. Things aren't that bad after all!

edale skyline:a perfect day for running

I woke up still feeling uneasy. A strange mixture of excitement and trepidation. This was probably the first race that I've set myself a real target and probably the first race in a long time that I can't use the excuse of 'lack of training'. I wanted to beat last years time, but more importantly sneak in at the 4 hour mark. Still way off the winning time but it would be a good indication that I'm doing the right things.

The atmosphere at the start was the usual relaxed and friendly environment that goes with fell racing. Windless clear blue skies and a crisp frost under foot. Perfect running conditions, particularly for the navigationally challenged.

As the runners gathered at the bottom of Ringing Rodger doubt crept into my mind. Everyone else looked so fit and strong. All I could think about was the fact that I've delusions of being a fell runner and worse still believe I can make a real attempt at the bob graham this year.

This is probably not the right sort of attitude to go into any race and needless to say the first few hours were horrible. Unable to switch my mind off I was convinced everything was wrong. Why were my calf's so tight? Where's my energy, why's my breathing so out off control and when would the pins and needles leave my right foot?

By the top of Loose Hill I'd convinced myself that I'd stop at the cutoff and call it a day. As by this point I was no faster than last year and finding is considerably harder. However, spurred on by seeing Jane and her parents at the half way point I resolved to continue. Things still weren't going to plan. It seemed like an endless slog through the peat bogs to reach Brown Knoll. Maybe I wasn't eating enough but I just didn't have any spring in my step.

Unfortunately seeing Rich with his camera soon after the climb up to Swine's back didn't make me feel any better. He kindly offered me a gel, yes I was looking that bad. I then realised that my legs didn't really hurt anymore and I wasn't sounding on the verge of collapse.

A conscious decision was made, "stop worrying and start running", well jogging at least. I began to look around. Tracing the skyline from where I'd been a few hours previous. It was a glorious day and I was going to make it. Maybe not as fast as I'd liked but with a smile at least.

Along the way I enjoyed a game of cat and mouse with a runner from Eryri Harriers and bumped into Mrs Stagger again. Cratchett also defeated his nemesis and made it round. And a great post race spread was put on. All of which helped raise the spirits.

Unofficial time was 4:20. I did enjoy the very last stages of the run but feel unusually flat. No 'runners high' for me this time and some serious thought is going into my future plans.

worry, fettle, worry

Managed to sleep until 06:45! Breakfast in bed, morning papers and radio 4. Then the worry began. I'm not usually this nervous before a race. Maybe its because I know exactly what to expect.

Both bikes have been cleaned. Both bikes have loose bb's that are now slightly less loose. Still can't get the full range of gears on the road bike...maybe it needs to turn into a fixie...

Possible snow flurries are forecast for tomorrow. Depending what source you choose. Met Check is much more promising.

must remember clocks go FORWARD!

Pasta. Crumble. Bed. Sleep, hopefully...

still tired

Despite the lack of posts I haven't been hiding and have been sticking to the plan...almost. I think the combination of events last week probably took more out of me than I realised. And in case Jane reads this, then yes probably some of the cycling made me tired but I put it more down to the night/twilght shifts at the beginning of the week!

I've still manged a few runs but I did wimp out of the speed session. I did some intervals on the exercise bike instead. Not sure how this compares to speed work but it certainly got the lactic acid flowing.

Settling in for an evening of rest and carb loading. Which actually means cycling on the telly and some crumble for pudding. Excellent.

i'm not tired, honest...

Since THAT ride I've been feeling surprisingly tired! Friday was spent back in the Dark Peak, this time a bit of running and some more walking. Jane, Cratchett and myself recce'd the second half of the Edale Skyline. Jumbly was hoping to come too but due to still recovering from the plague had to stay away. The pace I was going I think she should have come along after all! Yet another fantastic day out in the Peaks. Unfortunately it doesn't look this this warm, dry weather is going to stay. Things are looking a little worrying for race day.

Been at the workhouse all weekend but did manage an easy run yesterday. I actually enjoyed the hard even surface for a change. Can't wait for next Saturday though, I'm going to have lie-in.

3/12 century a month challenge (metric)

Four days later Blackie and myself are still recovering. Did we really do all of that in one trip? For me the day can be clearly divided into 7 separate rides...

Part 1

The radio wakes me up. Look at the clock, I must be dreaming, it's only 04:30. Roll over, plenty of time. Then I remember the plans for the day. The train leaves Nottingham for Sheffield in 50 minutes and I need to be on it.

The next few hours are lost to early morning funk. I soon find myself at Sheffield station with Simon, Jon and Amy. A sense of anticipation and over priced coffee flowed through me. Our chosen mission was to ride out from the station, take in some of the highlights of the Dark Peak trails and return, hopefully, before the last train home. Distance, approximately 100km.

Into the cold morning air we rode, snaking our way through Sheffield's sleepy streets. Our backpacks bulging with supplies, we certainly looked ready for adventure.

Part 2

A thick mist still clung to the hillside when we hit our first bridleway. We made good time towards Stanage Edge. As a group we hadn't all meet before but the easy spinning helped the conversation. The sun began to burn through and the mist turned to a warm haze. A game of 'Strip Biking' soon followed. Bamford Clough-remove knee warmers, descend into Hope-peel off long tights, climb Rushup Edge-pull the buffs from our heads. It was promising to be a great day out.

Part 3

The fifth and final member of our elite squad of 'slowly but surely' was Rich. We were due to meet somewhere along Rushup Edge. Our timings were perfect, as we reached to the first gate there he was basking in the morning sun. Our group was now complete. Between us we had big wheels, fixed wheels, no gears, carbon forks, ti frames, ridged as you like with v-brakes and strangest of all a bike with gears and bouncy forks!

We continued along and down Rushup. It was at this point my riding skills deserted me. An over the bars moment left me with matching grazed knees and lumpy shins. For the rest of the days I'd always be the last down the hill.

I stood jealously at the top of Jacobs Ladder watching the others skillfully negotiate their way down. Not only had I pushed my bike up to this point I was now going to have to push it down. I was ready for a lunch stop.

Part 4

I couldn't wait to get to the station cafe at Edale. Tea and cake would sooth my bruise pride. We arrived to find a very closed cafe. Never mind the pub must be open. A quick fuel stop soon turned into a 2 hour lunch break as we waited for food and booze to do their magic. Disappointingly no tea or cake was consumed.

Part 5

With heavy stomachs we made our way to 'The Beast'. More pushing for me but the others were in their element. Then towards the bottom of Cutgate where it was decision time for Rich. Continue with us to Sheffield or head home via Hope. With no lights and a lunch delay he decided the later. A wise choice we would later find out.

The bikes were now on our shoulders as we gained height at a steady rate Finally we reached the plateau and we could ride again. There was a quiet stillness in the warm air, dusk wasn't far away and we had the trails to ourselves. We had earned our very own trials course. Now lost in a world of intense concentration, we picked our way through boulders and peat bog.

I had a few moments of clarity where I could actually get my bike to go where I wanted. These glimpses of returned mojo were fleeting but that whole section of the ride stands out as being the tricksy-est, testing-est and most grin inducing-est time on bike for while.

Part 6
Yes, we're still riding. Lights on now and reliant on Amy and her GPS skills to get us back to the station. The peat bogs seems so long ago. I have distant memories of sun drenched grit stone trails. Surely that ride was last week, not just a few hours ago.

We peddled on into darkness. An endless cycle route along a disused railway line. At least it was flat. Unconsciously we took turns at the front and soon we arrived at Warncliffe woods. We thought we were nearly home.

This proved to be the toughest section. Technically undemanding, it's a national cycle route, but the undulating terrain was relentless.

Part 7
Eventually we made it back to Sheffield station. Empty stomachs, empty camel backs, tired legs, numb hands and massive satisfied smiles. Jon headed for the car park and the three of us headed for trains via salty snacks and chocolate.

I don't remember much of the about the journey back to Nottingham or the short ride from the station to home. I was on auto pilot and have never been so pleased to see my front door.

The first BIG ride of the year and we cheated the weather gods. 14 hours of outdoor fun and not a spot of rain. Trails in near perfect conditions and excellent company made it easier than it could have been. I am eternally grateful to the rest of the group who helped get me round.

Jon is a much better athlete than he'll ever admit too and a really considerate rider too. Simon can happily talk positive nonsense whilst sprinting for hills and racing down them. Rich rode with his usual understated and relaxed style, inspiring us all with his fixie descent of The Beast and Jacobs. Amy was the mastermind behind the adventure and for that the crazy genius gets my highest praise! She rode consistently all day, her skills never faltering and when all we could think about was bed, she navigated us through the dark city streets to the finish line.

An epic post for an epic ride. Thanks guys for a grand day out!

112km 9776ft climbed

t-shirt, shorts and a pb

Really pleased with myself. Just knocked a whole 3 minutes off a regular 5.2m route. Oh, and it was the first run in shorts and t-shirt this year. Life is good.

ssshhhhh.....

...currently at work. we've been diverted to our emergency back up office and we have interent access here! the managers don't know (yet). this might turn out to be a good day in the office!

neglected roadie

I was meant to do an easy 8m run today but after the beautiful weekend fells I just couldn't face the pavement. However, the sun was shinning and the wind a mere breeze, perfect day for a road ride instead.

First official ride in summer shoes and 3/4 tights-brilliant. Not having cleaned or fetteled with bike since its last ride-less brilliant. Going straight to the top of my 'to do list' is clean and oil bike, straighten bars, adjust brakes and gears and fix that slow puncture. All of this should have been done after the last ride but I couldn't wait to get off the thing!

Off to work in a bit. Might try and make a start on the maintenance in a sleep deprived state tomorrow.

considerable buffeting on the high tops

A weekend of considerable buffeting, potential cake of the month and a 2 bgr legs tick off.

Saturday saw us battle high winds across Dale Head, Hindscarth and Robinson. With the clouds still racing across the sky we decided to take the low level option back to camp in Borrowdale. This meant a lovely stroll along the valley through Grange, via a tea and cake stop.

We woke on Sunday to an eerie stillness in the air. The tent was completely dry and the air was almost warm. It was promising to be a good day on the fell. Jane dropped me off at Threlkeld and we planned to meet at Dunmail Raise 4-5 hours later.

My legs felt lifeless from the start and it was disheartening that I just seemed to be trudging through bog. Eventually I was on the top and ticking the summits off, Clough Head, Great Dodd, Watson's Dodd, Stybarrow....Not many people out but I did pass one wirey looking runner coming the other way.

It was a real morale booster to bump into Jane on Dollywaggon (she'd come up from Dunmail via Helvellyn). As usual she gave me some words of encouragement "why were you walking on that bit?" I left Jane as she headed back to the car and I still had Fairfield and Seat Sandal to gain.

Why anyone would choose to ascend Fairfield from this side is anyone's guess. I slowly picked my way up the horrible zig zag of scree only to be passed by the runner I'd seen hours earlier. He was kind enough to slow for a chat and offer some tips-it turned out he's Paul Clavey, who's attempting a double round in June. Again I must have looked like a weird stalker when I said I kinda knew someone (Iain) who was supporting him!

Two days of proper fell running and I'm feeling like I'm making some progress but there's a very long way to go. My fitness is off but improving. As is my navigation but it's good to be making these mistakes now whilst there is still time to learn....hopefully.

hard work

Another attempt at speed work today but my legs felt empty. Everything was a real effort. Probably still tried from yesterdays (boring) road run but at least I have an extra 2000ft in the bank.

Just finished packing as we're off to the Lakes straight after work tomorrow. First official recce trip. I'm really looking forward to it, doesn't feel like training at all!

rescue ride

Last night I pedaled the gauntlet across town to Chris' house for his first ride since little Owen was born 9 days ago. I felt like an extra in BMX Bandits trying to keep up with the boys on their fixies. They rode like men possessed, manically weaving, hopping curbs and skidding corners. Or men that have recently seen that Charge video!

Another lactic thigh burning paced ride, with only short pauses for whiskey and haribo. Our longest stop, however, involved a sheep, some tasty looking grass and a wire fence with a very small hole. Once said sheep had been rescued from its on stupidity we continued on our way.

Some 30 miles later as I'm stood peeling mud covered lycra off my body I wonder how many other people need to get undressed in the bath at 10.30 on a Tuesday night? Not enough was the conclusion I came to.

10km=beer

Ran to the work house today. Clock watched the whole shift as Jane was running in a local 10km race. She hoped to run 9min miles, so by my third cup of tea I'd calculated that she should be half way round. Jane's finishing time was 56 minutes of lung busting running. Another successful event. The afternoon was spent in the pub rehydrating.

mmm, lemon...

Despite a stint at the work house today I donned my road shoes and completed a long(ish) run. Managed to squeeze 1877ft of climbing into 10m but I'm going to have to work on how to get more hill in less distance. On getting home I was greeted by the smell of fresh lemony baking. 10m=1 slice, now there's an incentive.

what do you get for 70k?

42 brand new street lamps to be precise but more on that in a bit. Another ride with Simon and it couldn't have been more contrasting than the previous one. No daylight this time but more importantly no wind or rain.

Riding from home we managed a 30m loop taking in some great forest singletrack. The trails are riding really well. Big grins as you pop out onto the fire road and dip back into the trees.

Simon had the biggest grin. His second official fixie ride. I had a quick go but luckily my brain found it too difficult to compute so unfortunately I don't need another bike. Simon is also a man of many facts which makes for intriguing conversation whilst I try and keep up with him.

i can run again

It was only a short, yet hilly, road run but I was worried I'd never be able to get my hips working like that again. For some reason cycling's been ok and I've managed a couple of indoor sessions. My legs have felt fine, if a little tired. My main problem has been getting on and off the bike and walking down stairs. However, with a bit of stretching and a little patience my body seems to returning to normal. Long(ish) run planned for Saturday.

recovery reconnoiter

I tagged along with Simon on his recce for a forthcoming NATS ride. Even though I was riding with Simon, who only has 3 speeds; fast, faster and stop, I was hoping for a gentle recovery ride. Something to stretch the legs but not too taxing.

We sat in his car at Morrisons in Chesterfield not able to see out of the windows but could hear the weather outside. We decided to wait for the hail to pass. Within minuets of being in the saddle we were both saturated but at least we weren't at work. In amongst the quagmire there were some really juicy little bits of trail. The kind where you have to think a little bit more than you first thought.

Due to wetness and lack of braking power on both bikes we had to cut the ride short. The only downside to this meant the chippy wasn't open yet. My legs have been more than stretched and once again there is a pile of gritty, mud clogged kit that I don't know quiet what to do with. Thank you Simon....and I do mean that sincerely!

Wye Ultra-time to think

I'd not been looking forward to this event for a number of reasons. Mainly due to my lack of preparation but also I knew the course wouldn't really suit me. Being relatively flat there would be no let up and pretty fast. A last minuet change of plan meant that instead of a 15m out and back there would be 2 laps of a 7.25m out and back route.

For some reason this caused me to have a small melt down which Jane received the brunt of. But as we'd arrive in typically late fashion I only had 5 minuets to worry about it before the gun went off. We had perfect running conditions. I should have been enjoying the views of the rolling country side and quiet lanes but in reality I was suffering and suffering far too quickly.

I guess this was to be expected, all things considered. I can honestly say that I had to 'dig deep' to finish this run. Physiologically I'm really pleased that I made it round. Knowing now that I can push myself when it hurts and when it would be very easy to give up.

With just under 5 hours of contemplation time I'm now determined to make a real effort towards bgr training.

february in numbers

Such a hiatus in posting can only mean one of two things, I've been having such extreme adventures that I just haven't had the time OR I've been in hiding due to lack of motivation/dedication. Unfortunately it's been the later...

I started keeping this blog for the purpose of keeping a diary of my daily doings and as a way of trying to workout why sometimes I seem able to achieve what I set out to and at other times fail miserably. I keep a detailed training log which is currently covered with blank spaces. I can give a multitude of reasons why but really these are just excuses. It's time to be honest with myself. So here are the numbers;

16 miles run, most of that was speed work
139 miles biked. That's only 3 rides for a whole month.
5 Scotish winter hill days
4 meals out. Recession-schmession!
1 interview. I still visibly cringe when thinking about it.
3 job applications completed

Cake of the month: Glenmore Lodges' Carrot Cake

March is going to be an important month for me. I really need to sort myself out, no more excuses.