Catching Up

After tweaking my left backside slipping about in the dunes on the 12th I was hobbling the next day. The "next day" was the Mid Lancs XC at Hyndburn. The Chorley Harrier ladies were hoping for promotion and to get as many out as possible to help, I had said I would run (help make up some numbers rather than actually count for the team). On Saturday morning I did lots of stretching but it didn't help, a bit annoyed as the Hyndburn course is really enjoyable.

At about noon when it wasn't getting any better I did the sensible thing and necked a load of ibuprofen and went anyway. Once I warmed up a bit it only bothered me when my left leg slid sideways...which happened a lot on the stodgy course. I was over two minutes quicker than the year before but getting out of my car at home was not very dignified! I wouldn't have done it for a longer race (probably).

It seemed fine for cycling thankfully so got some road miles in on the Sunday....for some reason decided to go chevron bagging around Belmont way and got my backside kicked, even with a 30 * 27 lowest gear. I found the hills mentally hard too which wasn't good, I'm no climber but I normally just get on and grind them out without too much thought. 44 miles, 3800 ft of up and an embarrassing average speed of 13.9....more work needed.

I did some short runs in the week as bum was still tight, it started to ease off after a trip to the climbing wall meant some serious stretching of various tight muscles.

On Saturday I headed out to check out snow conditions around the moors. I was only intending to do about six miles but it was so lovely I ended up doing over 9. Lots of snow:

I ended up on the turbo on Sunday afternoon but probably should have gotten the MTB out really.

This week I've managed to get back to some better running, a quick 4 miles after work on Monday saw me set off with leaden turbo legs. Last time I did that after about two miles my legs were fine and sure enough I managed to up the pace each mile, really enjoyed it and no problems the next day.

Tuesday was some turbo intervals, hard but bearable now I have invested in a fan. It meant I was able to work harder without boiling myself or having to open the door and freeze the house out.

Yesterday was another set of intervals, running this time. Possibly not the most sensible decision but I wondered how my legs would cope. A little leaden at the start but changed into running mode after about a mile. I did 3 x 1200 metres as slowly building the interval distance back up to three miles. They went well, not having fresh legs meant I paced things more evenly and didn't tear off at the start though on the last interval I had to push hard to keep the pace as I got stopped at the one road crossing. First and second interval had the same time, third was two seconds slower which I thought wasn't too bad. Run back to work was fine after the first half mile.

Yesterday was finished off with a trip to the wall again, which was really good fun.

Today I'm taking it very easy, I did think of cycling into work but couldn't get myself out of bed. The cycling gods punished me for my laziness by having me sit on the M6 for ages, eventually took 1 3/4 hours to get to work as opposed to 30 minutes.

Slush Running...

On the 27th I decided I had to get a run in, tarmac conditions near home weren't inspiring so I headed off to Abbey Village with my trail shoes to get a few miles in. Like Rivington the day before the trails were rather slushy, soft and very slow.

After about a mile of sliding I realise that my Mudclaws would have probably been a better choice of shoe, the slush was overwhelming the trail shoes. It was generally runnable but even on the flat I struggled to get much above 12 minute mile in the slush I was sliding so much.

I had thought about doing a short low level run but once going headed up to the tower. Bit of a flat light day so not much stopping to take pictures, apart from this robin perched on a post. I was probably about a foot away from it but it only moved when the camera flash went off., even then only to a low branch close by.



The enforced slow pace was probably a good thing as I was feeling pretty unfit from not doing much earlier in the month. 7.5 miles in an hour and a half. It was good to get out.

Hill Reps and a sunny commute

Did some hill reps on Monday, ouch. Found a shortish hill near Tockholes, as opposed to the kilometre long one I last used but a bit steeper to offset the drop in distance. A two mile easy warmup before dropping down to the bottom of "the hill". I had grand plans for 6 reps, revised that down to 4 after the first one.

It was a bit steeper than I thought and held the steepness for longer that I thought it would too. As it eased off slightly before 400 metres I kept going until the 400 metre mark then jogged slowly down. My legs were burning by the end of the third one and the jog down was slightly wobbly at the start. I decided to really give it my all on the fourth one to make up for not doing six reps and was seeing stars at the end of it. I found the longer hill easier as it only kicked up at the end.

It took a big mental effort not to head straight back to the car which was about half a mile away all down hill. Instead I headed up the slight climb to the moor (legs complaining every step of the way) and ran on some of the flatter tracks to ease them out a bit before heading back to the car. Another two miles of easing down which I think was a good idea as my legs didn't stiffen up later.

So times were all around the 3 minute mark for the reps which I was surprised about as the track was quite loose and slippy and I never took exactly the same line twice.

3.04, 3.03, 3.00, 2.56

Depressingly even walking the first part then jogging the rest I still descended in about three minutes too. Which doesn't say much for my running up hill prowess.

Tuesday and I had a lovely spin both too and from work. I managed to take it quite easy on the way in and home but still make good time. The new handlebars still feel great and after putting some air in the tyres the bike didn't feel sluggish like Saturday (oops). My times for both in and out are very similar at the moment which has a lot to do with lower traffic volumes. School holidays will soon be over though...

The "What If ?" Run

I finally got out for a run and boy did I need it, trying to offset wine calories consumed this week notwithstanding.

Jez and I spent a few fun filled hours at Chorley A & E on Thursday evening due to Jez having a thumb and propellor interface. The propellor would have appeared to have come off worst however his thumb was bit of a mess with 5 deep cuts across it but apparently no other damage.

He has been a very, very lucky boy and appears to have got away with the lapse in attentiveness that allowed it all to happen. The engine attached to the propellor is very powerful and it could so easily have been much worse, he could have damaged or lost the thumb altogether. Actually, having had a full description of what actually happened from the other people that were there the what ifs are many and horrible.

So I headed off up to Tockholes to pound out some miles on some hills and mud and play through the what ifs going round my head and get rid of them. Running is better for this than biking, too much concentration required for biking.

I had my new Wave Harriers to try out and off I went. The first couple of miles were mentally hard but physically good, some climbing to get the stress out and get the endorphins flowing. By the time I was leaving Catherine Edge to head up onto Darwen moor my clenched fists had relaxed and the what ifs were gone.

I was treated to a fantastic flying display by two birds of prey (no idea what they were) then a short heavy shower just to wash the stress away completely. A fantastic run over the top where I was soon dry again and the heather was positively glowing in its purpleness (though sadly this means autumn is coming). My running was relaxed and I had shaken off the heavy legs of not doing much. I was grinning like a loon by the time I got to the Tower.

I got cuaght in another heavy shower on the last 1/3 of a mile down to the car but even that couldn't stop me smiling. Just under 7 stress busting miles. I needed that.

Inov8 Mudclaw 330's

I was given a pair of them for my birthday way back in March but shamefully they have never been allowed out due to me not running offroad much during mara training. On Monday night I decided it was time to remedy that and go find some mud to cover them in.

As I have heard various stories of people not getting on with Inov8's I was originally only going to do a short low level run but after a frustrating day at work I decided running up a windswept hill was in order. So off to Abbey Village with plans to run up to Great Hill, down to the road on what should hopefully be a pretty muddy descent then back to Abbey Village, taking in one of my least favourite tracks to run down but I'd worry about that later. So 7 milesish.

Up past the sawmill on what is usually a reliably boggy field to find it surprisingly bone dry, ah well. It was quite dry until heading across towards Brinscall where I found some proper bog, enough to almost suck the right shoe off. Even though I always think my laces are tight when I set off I always have to tighten them up after a while.

Up the hard pack path to the top of Great Hill where they were squirming a bit, not surprisingly. The wind was really strong and in my face but it was quite invigorating after being on a PC all day. Up onto the top and I could feel a little hotspot on my right heel. My sock was bunched up in the shoe so I pulled it out and straightened it, hopefully it was that that was causing it.

Down towards the Belmont road and some proper stodge. They were pretty confidence inspiring though the thick stodge though this descent was still really quite dry compared to what its like in the winter. They felt a lot better than the Mizuno's. After that it was down Mill Lane which I always pick my way down slowly but I actually ran it the best I ever have. Not sure it was anything to do with the shoes as I certainly had a few slips on the greasy rocks but my head seemed to be up for it. Then a couple of miles down through the woods and back to the car.

I really enjoyed myself, all cobwebs blown away. I have a pair of respectably muddy shoes and a little blister on my right heel, fingers crossed it was the sock as these should be excellent in the winter.

(Almost) flat on my face

Well, it had to happen, my first real fall when offroad running, blood and everything, d'oh. I set off on Monday after work for an offroad run. A 10 minute rain delay while I hoped it would ease off a bit, no such luck so I ran down into the woods in Tockholes playing about a bit but not getting utterly soaked.

The rain stopped so I headed up towards the tower. There was a full blown ignorance wandering aound near the tower which was a pain to get passed, they just look at you blankly. Its easier, if a little more hostile to go past on a bike, they know your not "one of "them". Anyway, last few metres to the tower and I feel my left knee scrape off something, then I'm in a semi-plank position, hands outstretched to stop my upper body bouncing off the floor.

I don't remember tripping, there was no stumble, I was just all of a sudden on the ground and my knee hurt. D'oh. I got up, for once no one around at the tower to save my blushes but also no one to ask what the hell I did. I got to the tower, knee was scraped rather than cut and some blood but no bid drips but I knew it was probably best to get back to the car before it started stiffening up.

Back through the ignorance again, a few justified puzzled looks at my bloody and rather dusty presence before escaping down to the car. I loaded the route into bikehike and it gave 7.1 miles with 2000ft of up. The 7.1 miles I believe, the 2000ft I don't (though it is much less than the bobbins figure the Garmin gives)!

Knee scabbed over nicely now and knee cap a little tight, made my weights session a little interesting.

Ouch!

Had a rest day after Sunday's ride, legs were "cycling" tired whish is a nice change from the completely battered after running tired I have been used to of late. I got back into the gym for more weights yesterday. I did my warm up on the Treadmill this time, just couldn't face staring at the lilac wall on the rower. Did a couple of faster intervals to start waking the legs up from the marathon trudging, felt good after it so probably time to get the speedwork going again.

I floated off round the gym for a bit, forgotten how weird it feels getting off a treadmill. Left leg feeling more in control on the split squats which I was pleased about. For some reason the gym was overrun with teenage boys hogging all the benches so I decided to use one of the bars for chest presses rather than dumbells. It was an olympic bar which I have a dim memory of being a "reasonable" weight though exactly what it was escaped me.

I loaded it up with titchy 5kg plates for a warm up then nearly died when I tried to press it. Got about three reps out before wrestling it back onto the hooks......took the 5kg weights off and replaced with 2.5kg and creaked out a couple of sets before slinking away. I found out later olympic bars weigh 20kg on their own, oops I thought it was about 5kg or something.

The ouch is not referring to me. I headed out for a run after work with Jez, into the woods near Abbey Village, the looming black clouds had us deciding against the top of the moor. We were both running reasonably well, as it was 3.5 - 4 miles planned I was determined to push the pace on and not settle into the plod I normally do on offroad runs and it was working well.

1.5 miles in I heard a painful expletive behind me and looked back to see Jez in a lot of pain having just turned his ankle. I was worried he had actually broken it such was the pain on his face but after a few minutes he managed to put some weight on it and we started walking back to the car.

We only had 1.5 miles to walk but we chilled down very quickly, then the rain decided to lash right down so we got very wet and even colder. A sobering reminder that extra layers and mobile phones should be carried on long solo hill runs as situations can change so quickly! I ran the last half mile back to the car to get it started and move it as close to the end of the track as possible then drove us home. The ankle was very swollen but immediately iced and ibuprofened, poor love!

I get health insurance through work so he should hopefully be seeing the physio again in the next couple of days. Only been a couple of months since he was last there for the same ankle.

Evening Run..Dry Dusty Trails

Headed out last night after work with Jez to do a bit of a run. Due to it being a very humid I didn't fancy heading into the woods, thought it would be stifling and airless. I suggested we do a slightly shorter version of the route I did a couple of weeks ago. It would be hillier than the woods run but would get us up onto the moor where its usually a lot fresher.

It rained a bit on the way over and the temperature dropped to 20C as we were setting off from the visitor centre at Ryal Fold. Straight uphill, my legs felt dead but I've not done much of anything this month so not too worried. Garmin died half a mile in! I realised I haven't left it plugged in long enough to charge it lately, oops.

After first climb we skirted round the hill a bit, Jez was enjoying running on a springy smooth grassy surface for a bit, a short sharp climb, a bit of running then another short climb and we were more or less up there. We headed more or less straight over the top of the moor then headed for the tower. He did very well on climbs and smoother tracks but was a little ginger on some of the rougher descents. Not surprising as he is worried about his ankles and wearing road shoes, I always find road shoes a bit teetery off road even if grip isn't an issue like last night.

A bit of a breather at the Tower, shame it was so hazy then it was off downhill back to the car. I picked a fairly runnable descent though as I have done a lot more offroad running and its one of my regulars I found it a lot easier than he did, however my descending wasn't much to write home about either. No surprise given lack of offroad runs.

Just under 4 miles with 190 metres up/down so he did really well for a second run. I think he enjoyed this run much more than the last one, its a lot easier to be happy with time on feet on that type of terrain/view to look at rather than worrying about running everything or needing a bit of recovery. Just need to sort out some trail shoes for him and some hill fitness for me, my legs were just livening up on the last descent back to the car.

Hill Reps

After Saturdays disaster of a run in the heat I decided I needed to give myself a kick up the bum running wise. It was going to be too hot to think about doing intervals at lunchtime, the prom would also be heaving so I decided to do a hill rep session. The hill I had in mind is in Tockholes Woods so would be mostly in the shade.

The interval session I had was 8 x 0.25 mile, the hill in question was 0.3 of a mile so I thought I would do 6 reps and that would be pretty close distance wise. I was really looking forward to the run, partly because it was offroad too. I headed straight to Abbey Village after work, got my trail shoes on then headed towards the woods.

My legs still felt really heavy for running but I was taking it easy for the warmup anyway. It winds its way gradually uphill to the bottom of my target so I settled into an effort level. I also wanted to come this way to make sure I hadn't missed the bluebells yet, don't think I have but all the green leave spikes are up so it should be a good display when they do appear. I love the woods in spring and autumn, lots of dappled light getting through the trees.

At the bottom of "the hill" I got ready to run up. It has varied gradients: it starts off quite steep, then it flattens out very briefly on a left hand switchback before continuing up a little less steep than before. It then flattens out and descends slightly before climbing again at a much easier gradient. Its good to practice running "over the top" of the hill.

I set off up the first one, feeling slow but made sure I pushed on once it eased rather than backing off. I jogged slowly down (but seemed to make it down quicker than up, boo) and set off for the second one which was quicker. I got to the bottom, there was a girl and her mum with a little grey dog about to set off up the climb so I hung back a little to let them get to the wider part of the track.

As they passed I realised it wasn't a dog, it was a cat on a lead! Who takes a cat for a walk in the woods?????? It was a beautiful cat actually and quite young I think, I can't imaging my cat allowing that. I could probably get the harness thing on him but if I tried to lead him anywhere he would turn himself inside out trying to get it off.

As I was about to set off a family came passed with a large dog so I hung back to wait again, the inevitable happened when the dog saw the cat! Then another few people started to head up, its one of the main paths to the Ryal Fold Car Park. I then decided to abandon this hill and go do the Mill Lane one instead, its quieter.

Off round the corner to Mill Lane and I set off again. This climb starts off at an easier gradient but gets steeper and rougher as you go up. Its also really cobbly, uneven and slippery in places so requires real concentration to make sure foot placement is good. The last section kicks up a lot but I kept going until I had done 0.5 mile. It took me 6:27, slooww.

I headed down again then set off on the second, my legs were starting to feel it now and I was 3 seconds slower at the top. I headed down again and set off on my third. I did think of cutting it at the 0.4 mile mark to give me my two miles but I had a feeling once I started it I would want to finish it. Which I did but the last steep section really took it out of me and I was a further three seconds slower but I was buzzing now from putting some hard work in, I was also really hungry.

I jogged down the first bit of cobbles then headed off through the woods to give my ankles a rest from the twisting. I can't see me ever being able to run down this descent at any sort of speed, its painful. Then it was an easy jog back to the car, my legs in climbing mode so the last flat half mile felt weird. I scoffed a banana then drove home having really enjoyed the effort.

Will do intervals next (if the weather cools down) then attack this hill again.

Oops!

I had planned a long run yesterday afternoon, hoping to do 14 - 16 miles offroad as the weather was so nice. Due to having to work on Saturday I had some hours to play with, the weather was kind so I thought I would do a long run in the afternoon. I planned to get some miles in but pick some stuff that was easier to run no massive climbs/descents.

I decided I would go from Abbey Village, up Great Hill, along the top and down into Belmont, go explore some new paths over Turton Moor then back towards Darwen Tower then back to car. I had a butty before leaving work and setting off my stomach felt full, I had a few burp breaks on the way up Great Hill. My legs were heavy, not sore but not frisky but I wasn't bothered as I was going to take things easy.

It was gorgeous on the top of Great Hill, I sat at the shelter for ages and basked in the sun (nearly dozed off!) then set off along the flagged path on the top. There was a helicopter flying around, hovering low so I faffed a bit watching that.

About half way along the flagged path I suddenly went from full stomach to hungry, odd. I had a gel and a good drink of water and carried on. A bit more faffing trying to figure out what the heli was up to then I was dropping down into Belmont. At 6.7 miles I was almost into Belmont when I felt my stomach really empty and my legs going to jelly. Really? How can that be? I've only been running for just over an hour (been out for a lot longer than that though!).

I sat down. This wasn't a good situation, my car is at least 5 or 6 miles away! I've never bonked badly on a run before, cycling a few times but at least you can crawl along on a bike and roll down hills. I need something in my stomach, its empty and gels are just not going to cut it. I checked my pack, I often carry a bit of cash in it for just in case moments so I had a look and there were three pound coins in it! Hurrah, hope Belmont has a shop.

The gel that was in the front pouch of the pack has leaked a little and everything is very sticky, took a bit of persuasion to get the coins out and separate them. I teetered off to the village to look around. There was a little post office and in I went and swapped one very sticky pound coin (he wasn't impressed) for a Mars bar and a packet of Starburst.

Its a measure of how hungry I was as I don't really like Mars Bars but I scoffed the lot in about five seconds and had a few chews. Then started heading up towards the reservoir. I noticed a bus stop and thought about checking out the times but decided against it. I got to the reservoir and got the map out and looked at my planned route and thought (I really did), if I give it 10 minutes or so to digest this Mars Bar a bit I may then be ok to continue on round Turton Moor.

Hello!!!! Once I get to this stage its usually a fairly steady downward trajectory and the sensible thing is to pick up the Witton Weavers Way and get back to the car, I reckoned at least 5 miles still to go. Eventually enough glucose got to my brain and I took the sensible option. It was a slow jog along the Witton Weavers way, which was almost as dry as a bone. I at least know that the undulations are a bit cruel when your tired as I've crawled along here in a similar state on a bike before but soon I was back at Tockholes Woods.

I did think about walking from here but decided to get to 12 miles before stopping running, how sensible an idea that was I don't know but I wanted to get back to the car. I picked my way like an old woman down the cobbles of Mill Lane, couldn't really process information fast enough to pick a good running line and I was pleased I was close to the car. I stopped running at 12 miles and walked the last half mile back to the car, my legs feeling battered but I had at least stopped feeling hungry. How does that work?

I had recovery drink waiting to be made up in the car so I had that as soon as I got back - the water was warm so it was a bit ick.

I'm currently sat here in eating everything in sight mode and have revised my plans for the weekend. I was intending on riding at Glentress today on the way to my folks but I'm postponing it to Monday and riding on the way home instead.

Really didn't see that one coming, not good.

Off Road Run: Abbey Village - Great Hill - Darwen Tower

I faffed around all morning trying to motivate myself to get out. I was intending doing a long run, maybe 15 miles or so. If I had gone out when I had originally planned I probably would have been fine but I started doing some little jobs instead.

Then I was hungry (this was about 11am) so I had some food then I had to wait for that to digest. I was struggling to make myself go, I tried to decide where I was going - into Cuerden park or to the tramway. Maybe I should do a shorter run this week, the thought of 15 tarmac miles didn't seem a nice thought. As neither option was particularly inviting, I thought I would go run offroad instead.

Got all my kit together and rescued my trail shoes and off I drove to Abbey Village. My plan was to run up Great Hill then down to the Belmont Road and make a decision there as to where next. If tired, back to Abbey Village, if not then some more miles.

It felt weird running up hill from the off, especially on stodgy grass. I decided to run at close to long run effort level, on any easier running sections I aimed for long run pace and on descents I was aiming to stay comfortable. I didn't really start to get into it until getting close to the wide track up to Great Hill. Once on that I did the gradual climb quite comfortably, being Sunday afternoon there were a lot more people around than I'm used to.

I continued on up Great Hill at my usual slow climbing pace though I did notice my heart rate was a lot lower than it was last time I did this run, I wasn't climbing any slower. A brief stop at the summit shelter then I slip/slid my way down towards the road. Some parts of the descent were very cut and boggy, other parts surprisingly good. I did see motocrosser tyre tracks which was a bit worrying. I ran where I could but the nearer this got to the bottom it was more jumping, stumbling and walking.

I got to the road and thought I would carry on but not exactly sure where so I headed to Hollins Head Hall ruins then up the little bridleway (which now has some very cheeky narrow ruts in it, must remember that for on the bike) to the road. I could go left along the road for a short while then up onto the top of the moor or go straight over the road onto some track then onto the Witton Weavers Way. I didn't want to do any tarmac so headed off on the track.

The climb up onto the moor was ok, very stodgy at the top, a few slips. There is an old bench at the top of this climb so I sat on it and had a gel, looking over at Great Hill.



I then headed over towards the Tower on my preference of the two obvious tracks along the top of the moor. It was surprisingly runnable, a lot less boggy than I have seen it so a quite enjoyable jog. I was really enjoying myself.

I continued on and decided to investigate the eroded singletrack to see what state it was really in, ok for running but a dead loss on a bike, best avoided for riding for quite some time I think. I had thought about missing out the tower and going straight back down, being a Sunday afternoon there was bound to be loads of people out. There was but as I was up there I might as well run over to the Tower (legs were feeling quite good at this point).

I dropped down on the track that was really stodgy on Wednesday night and it was now worse, due to lots of foot traffic I think.




Really stodgy, I'm surprised I managed to get as far up it as I did. Strangely when the track began to climb up towards the Tower again it was all dry and firm, unlike Wednesday where the ruts were quite boggy.

I didn't bother stopping at the tower even though I acquired a headwind. I ran along towards one of the steeper descents off the side. I had a look at the top of the long drag to the tower to see if they had done any trail repair. They have, but not as much as I expected. There is a new waterbar at the top and they have filled in the narrow deep rut right at the top but looking further down it looks like they haven't gone overboard with repairs (yet). So it should still be an interesting climb.

I dropped down off the top then down the cobbly track to Ryal Fold. Then it was just the last couple of easy wide woodland track back to the car. My legs started to complain about a mile from the end, I think due to the fact the track had gotten pretty flat and firm. When I stopped running at the main road through Abbey Village and walked to my car I could feel my glutes and quads, lower legs absolutely fine.

12.8 miles at 10:40mm and a very enjoyable run. I can't remember what the ascent is on this run, not as much as it feels like, about 1700/1800ft or there abouts when I last plotted it on Memory Map I think.

Offroad Run

Headed to Abbey Village this morning to get in an offroad run rather than pounding out more tarmac miles, my legs were feeling a little tight. I had more faff with my Nalgene bladder as it seems to leak from the filling area, this is the second one I have had that bloody leaks.

The first one came with the North Face rucksac I bought for running with, it leaked from where the hose attached to the bladder. It was ok if you put less than a litre of water in and no stuff in the bag otherwise there was too much pressure in the bladder and water just leaked down my back, not great on cold runs (or any run really). This new one seems to leak from the top and has to be kept upright, will be buying a 2 litre camelbak bladder soon I think.

It was pretty cold when I set off though at least there was little wind. The first reservoir I ran past out of the village was frozen solid, don't think I could see anywhere where it was open water. The track was ice free and bone dry but I had a feeling there was going to be some skating today.

There was very little ice in the woods, just more bone dry track though there was some fantastic icicles hanging along the side of the stream. The light levels were really not great and I struggled to get a decent picture with the little camera, it just wasn't sharp enough. It was the kind of light where you need the SLR and a tripod (and some Ilford HP5 film ?).

I got an ok one of some ice shapes in the stream itself:




I headed to Mill Lane, which was clearer and more runnable than last time I came this way but there was still fair amount on ice around. When I got to the top section with the water run off it turned to sheet ice and I had to pick my way up the very edge (think it was an old wall) until I could run again.




There was not much more ice until heading up to the moor on the Lyon Den path, there was one patch that covered the whole track that I had to hop over but not much else. I warned an MTBer heading down that way about it as it was right on a bend and may not have been obvious.

No more ice for ages, just very dry track and easy running. I headed round the single track I could barely move on last time and it was lovely and frozen, a few bits and bobs of ice but great running.

I sat on the bench opposite Darwen tower to have a drink and put the camera away (it was in my pocket and bouncing) as there seemed to be loads of people at the tower itself. At some point when wrestling my rucksack off I paused the Garmin, I noticed as I was passing by the Tower and set it off again.

I took the long way down this time and the first half was excellent for running, dry track and no ice to be seen. About half way down that all changed and there seemed to be a sheet of ice all the way down to the bottom (didn't expect that one).




There was a steep path dropping down to near where I was headed anyway. Its normally a boggy looking mess (one for climbing rather than descending) but it was frozen today and I set off down it, one or two slips but I got down ok and headed round to the road where I had a lot of problems last time.

It was clear today so no hanging onto the hedge to get down, up the steep track and I decided to head across the field today to Ryal Fold, its usually a boggy sheep trodden mess but it was hard today. The frozen sheep prints are a little hard on the ankles I discovered.

From Ryal Fold I took the concessionary bridleway back down to the bottom of Mill Lane, which was ice free, then easy down through the woods back to the car.

In the end it was 9.84 miles in 1:44 - 10:34 pace so not bad considering I was skipping ice and felt slow on the climbs.

Run (ish)

Set off to do a longish offroad run. I decided to run from Abbey Village, up to the Tower then back down. I decided against running Great Hill as I thought it was too cold to have my feet sub merged in freezing water for long periods of time - this turned out to be a good decision. I ended up going out a bit later than I had originally planned but I don't think this was a bad thing in the end.

I expected it to be a little icy up around the tower but fully expected to be able to run ok on the lower tracks - excepting perhaps the top steep part of Mill Lane as its always wet and gets little sun, I expected that to be frozen.

The run was 8.5 miles long but I actually only ran, in the accepted sense of the word about 3.5 miles of that the rest was sliding, skipping, tip toeing, hopping, lots of walking and one arse/ice interface. I think the watch said 1hr 50 minutes or so moving by the time I'd finished but I gave up with really worrying about the time pretty early on and got the camera out. If I'd been wearing the Garmin I expect it would've stopped recording a lot I was going that slowly. Just as well it was an absolutely beautiful day!

After parking up, getting my kit on and setting off I had only just gotten past the Hare and Hounds pub when it was icy on the very first track - I reasoned it out that it probably hadn't much sun. I managed to run ok along the verge and the non-frozen bits and it was fine after about 30 metres anyway. Just before the reservoir overflow (which was running hard) I was passed by two MTBers. I was behind them and they were riding ok until the corner at Roddlesworth Res where they started riding very gingerly. More ice, this time covering pretty much the whole track but only in that corner, which is quite shaded. The water at the edge of the reservoir was frozen though. They continued on up the fireroad but I took the narrow track in the woods instead, which was absolutely fine for running.

There was a large patch of sheet ice on the track just as I started climbing, easy enough to get past on the edge and keep running but I'm glad I wasn't coming the opposite way on a bike. I wasn't expecting the ice so low down but it was clear againg for a while. I past the little fishing jetty and continued on, the track was ok for a while then it became solid ice:

It was basically snow which had melted to slush then frozen solid again. It was a couple of inches thick in places with footprint indentations in it. I managed here to run up the side of the track as it was impossible to move on the ice. When I got to the kissing gate at the end I had to hang onto it and pull myself up the steps as they were so icy.

The bottom of Mill Lane was fine, the odd patch but it was easily runnable, then it became ice again. I had the choice of slipping around on the ice or moving up through running water (baltic) at the side, eventually even that ran out and I was hanging onto trees at the side of the track to continue moving. The top section I expected to be frozen wasn't but it was streaming with freezing cold water and I could run again, for a bit.

I got to the top of the track and turned for the Slipper Lowe carpark, more ice on the main track and more verge running. The carpark had a thin layer of ice on the road as well but there was a strip of clear tarmac I was able to run. I decided I wasn't going back that way and did think for a minute that if its this bad down here what is it like at the top? I decided to find out!

I took the bridleway signposted Lyon Den to take me up onto the top of the moor. The bottom section had obviously had the sun because it was melted and I was able to run easily, pretty much all the way to the bottom of the right hand switch back where I had some ice, then some frozen solid snow. I could actually run on the snow, it was solid and I got good traction surprisingly and managed to get to the gate at the top of the climb running. It was a bit hit and miss for running all the way up to the next gate, I had to run on the track edges a lot but sometimes even they were icy. I had a choice here, I could continue straight on over to the Tower or take the usual route, down a bit then off round the rutty singletrack and back round to the tower, as I love running that singletrack I decided on that.

I sat on the bench and had a gel, it was going to take a lot longer than I planned for this run, it really was a stunning day:

I set off down the wide track for a bit, it started off ok but then changed to more frozen snow with the odd patch of ice. The snow had been well trodden in and the footstep indentations had frozen. It was really hard work to run on. I tried stepping on the flat bits of snow and it would work for a while but after a few steps I would go through the snow and flounder about. I ran at the edge of the track where I could but it was very slow progress. The footstep shapes were so frozen that I had to be careful not to turn my ankle on the edge of them.

I was slip/sliding all over the place on the way down the main track but strangely the first part of the singletrack was ok. A bit more running and general bog hopping for a change. It all changed character again when I started heading back towards the Tower.

The snow had filled up the track and had again frozen over, I gave up any pretence of running and just tried to keep moving forward. I got my feet very wet a couple of times and as I was constantly in snow and not moving very fast they were quite cold for a while. I have a feeling the track down from Great Hill would have been like this today. The closer I got to the tower the deeper the snow was and the more difficult it was to move forward.

I tried to keep stepping in ready made footprints but it didn't always work and I was worried about my ankles and knees as they were taking a battering with all this slipping and tripping. Eventually the frozen snow was so deep (stuck my foot in a frozen print and I went in over my knee) I was using hands, knees, elbows and arse to keep moving. It was hilarious and tiring - I had another gel before setting off to the tower.

More of the same disjointed moving all the way to the Tower. I got there and had a look around. The visibility was good but it was obvious all the tracks were suffering from the same problem apart from the steep drop down to Sunnyhurst Res (surprisingly). I climbed up to the tower and sat one of the benches at the bottom to decide which way I was going to go down.

I decided on the steep way, I didn't believe it would be clear all the way down but it was a lot shorter. As I moved off the tower I stepped onto a smooth sloping section of paving that lead to one of the flights of steps to get to the tower base. I hadn't realised it was frozen and as I put my right foot on it I started sliding. I had the sense to basically sit down and so slid to the steps on my arse rather than having a big dramatic fall. I ran the top section of the descent slowly, watching out for ice. It was fine until I turned the left hand corner and was confronted by:

Which was by far the worst yet! The sun doesn't really get round there (I did know that) and it was very deep and very frozen. Lots of trying to stay in footsteps and mincing down in general to the bottom. What I could see of the other track it looked much the same.

More sheet ice then across the field, I could at least run on the grass. I got to the road ready to drop down to Earnshaw Res which I expected to be fine but was again really icy. On the rougher parts of the track I managed to get some traction but halfway down I was again reduced to hanging onto the hedge to not slip. I ran along the grass at the side of the road but then stopped just before heading up the steep cobbles of Dean Lane. I've never seen the reservoir so still, it was like the proverbial mill pond - did I mention it was a beautiful day:

Again to confound me the really steep cobbly track was clear (but very wet and going to freezed hard) so I actually managed to run most of it but then the rest of it was a bit icy. There was actually a good line to run for most of it but it didn't stop the huge group of pensioner ramblers from thinking they owned the entire track and getting miffed when I didn't seem to want to run on the ice.

I decided to do the fence track which wasn't actually frozen but complete slop, the novelty was refreshing and I ran most of it. Then I just ran down the fireroad back to the car which was my longest spell of uninterrupted running so far!

The sun was really dropping by the time I got back to the car and its all going to freeze hard again - I won't be bringing my bike round here tomorrow!

There were some nice ice patterns on the last res, highlighted by the dropping sun:



That was a bit long! Did I mention it was a beautiful day ?

Off Road Run - A Proper One!

Hurrah! A proper bog hopping, ankle turning, mountain biker overtaking off road run. It was brilliant to be back on the moors. I decided to run from Abbey Village, up to Great Hill, down to the Belmont road the through the Tockholes woods back to Abbey Village. It's one of my favourite loops and at 7 miles long enough to be challenging after my layoff but not so long as to wipe me out.


I guessed it would be boggy as hell on certain sections so decided to give the Walsh's a whirl, see how they felt on a longer run on a few surfaces. It was pretty windy when I parked up and the forecast was for it to get worse. I would be running into the wind for the first few miles so decided to concentrate on effort rather than trying to maintain a pace.


I had my running rucksack, not so much to carry water but as it was now heading into winter I use it to carry phone, gels, spare jacket, hat and gloves ( and map and compass on longer runs) in case I hurt myself and can't run. The gloves went on within five minutes of setting off due to wind chill.


The Walsh's felt great on the soft moorland singletrack, better than the Mizuno's in the really soft stuff though they were just as useless on greasy rock. They are noticeably very, very light, even when wet which was nice. I was concerned about the effect the hard pack track to the top of Great Hill would have on the studs on the soles of the Walsh's. The decision not to fight the wind paid off as I managed to run to the summit really easily - though heped in some part by the wind becoming a tail wind in the end.


I stopped briefly to take a gel at the summit shelter before setting off down the descent to the Belmont road. I was expecting this descent to be very wet and slippy and it didn't disappoint. The top section was not too bad, particularly as I stay away from the main path but when it steepened up it got a little interesting. Even with the aggressive studs on the shoes I had quite a few "skating" moments, it was hilarious.

There were some tyre tracks around, I really didn't think it was worth trying to bring a bike over this way at this time of year as it's far too wet. My thoughts were confirmed as I caught up with a group of MTBers pushing their bikes. The closer you get to the road the more the track has disintegrated into ruts and boggy puddles, its hard enough to walk or run it never mind ride it.

I breezed past them with a jaunty "On your left" then hoped I didn't fall on my backside. I was permanently over my shoes in water and mud, going through it in bike shoes would be horrible. The last 50 metres or so are a complete mess, I was taking one step forward and two steps back sometimes but making ok progress but nothing you could call actually running. I misjudged a tussock and ended up stepping into a deep puddle, I went in up to about two inches above my left knee. Luckily it was just puddle rather than bog so I just laughed at the silliness of it.

I was disappointed to get to the road, I'd had a lot of fun "running" that descent that I briefly thought about carrying on over to Darwen moor for some more of the same but that would add at least another 5 miles on and another major climb which really wasn't sensible. I continued on my planned loop.

The Mill Lane descent was very greasy and had a lot of leaf fall on it so it was hard to pick out exactly where to put my feet. The minimalism of the Walsh's was a real problem here as I felt they weren't protecting my feet at all when I slipped on the rocks. I decided to investigate a track through the woods that runs down roughly parallel (I think) to Mill Lane.

It started off promisingly enough but had lots of very low branches, a few broken off ones at eye level which could be nasty. It was also very wet and muddy and almost as slippy as Great Hill so progress was again slow. I decided it wasn't worth bothering trying to ride it, too wet and muddy and the branches too low to get under actually on the bike.

I rejoined the Mill Lane track at the very bottom and it wasn't too bad here so I probably should've just ran the rocky track carefully, it is only the top section that is really bad. I took it easy through the woods on the way back to the car. My legs were starting to feel tired here and as the path is quite firm my feet were feeling it a little too. The last tarmac section was horrible, but then I always find it horrible as its flat and rock hard and very jarring after all the nice offroad stuff.

So just over 7 miles in about 1:13 minutes, not too bad considering how slow I was descending. The studs on the Walsh's show noticeable wear, I think I will investigate some Inov-8 Mudclaws or similar as they look a little more built and save the Walsh's for racing.

Off Road Run

Headed out from Ryal Fold after work, it was cloudy and a little chilly - lovely and sunny in St Annes when I left work which is just typical. I set off up the hill and remembered that the loop I was planning was the same one where my psoas started giving me trouble. After I climb for a bit I then descend again, the first section is off road and the second is tarmac and on the tarmac I started having problems last time. It happened again!

I am possibly running too fast, or maybe its because I headed straight up hill out the car without an easy warmup, or maybe its to do with tarmac? It wasn't in danger of cramping on the offroad descent. I slowed down enough to calm it down a bit and it only merely grumbled for the rest of the run.

Trail conditions were even drier than Saturday though there was one section of very deep minging looking bog that I couldn't be bothered running though and used the fence to avoid. The trails we MTB on will be fast for Wednesday's night ride.

Just under 6 miles, starting to feel stronger again - barring psoas. I have thought back to last time I had this problem and I remember spending a lot of time doing side planks, time to start again, deep joy!

My Mizuno Harrier shoes are getting on for 400 miles in them so I am looking out for something else, I normally retire road shoes around the 400 - 500 mark but I think they've still got loads left in them. I think I will get another pair of the Harriers for drier runs but they really struggle on the gloopy moorland sections, last winter I avoided certain areas as I knew I would be skating rather than running, I want to be able to keep running them. I think Walsh shoes will be ok for cross country but too minimalist for me for the normal runs I do. Will have a look at Inov-8's range to see if I fancy trying any of them.

Running is supposed to be a cheap sport! In comparison to cyclig I suppose it is!

Off Road Run - At Last

Got out for a run offroad this afternoon and it was really hot! My poor body didn't know what was happening to it: running, hills and heat. I knew with it being such a nice day that the Ryal Fold car park would be full so I parked in the car park just off the Belmont road, opposite Great Hill.

I ran from there, over the top of the moor to the tower, then back down and then back to the car. It was a new loop but I left myself a couple of climbs at the end which wasn't the most cunning plan. I didn't take my Camelbak to stop me from being tempted to stay out too long but I regretted not having any water with me, I felt like mugging one of the many walkers around today for their water bottle. I had 500ml of water in the car and drank the lot when I got back to it. I'm glad I had my cap with me, stop my head totally boiling.

Trail conditions were good, some soft going in places but lots of firm and dry stuff too. I also saw three other runners around the top of the moor, really unusual felt like telling them to get lost, its MY moor!

I did just under 6 miles at less that 10 minute mile, which is quite quick going for me on hilly offroad. My legs felt quite heavy at the start but when I got home I realised I'd already done over 20 miles of cycling errands so they weren't really as fresh as I thought they were. The tightness is easing so hopefully time to build the distance back up to the 10 - 12 mile mark.

Friday 18th July: Offroad Run

Another rubbish day, windy and wet. I got out for another offroad run. As I hadn't been out of Abbey Village for a while I headed there. I actually parked up at Ryal Fold in the end rather than the village but close enough. I wanted to run up the long drag to the tower, last time I tried it I found it ok apart from a touch of cramp half way up. As I got out the car to get ready it properly rained and I couldn't see the top of the hill as it was in cloud, oh lovely. At least it wasn't that cold. I decided to run up the cobbly track from Ryal Fold then make my way to the bottom of the drag then head to the Tower at that point I would decided where to go next based on how I felt.

The cobbly track was actually masquerading as a stream, water was just running down it, thankfully very shallow so my feet stayed reasonably dry. I got to the top, its not a difficult climb but is a bit of a rude awakening straight out the car. I followed the wide track round and down until I got onto tarmac, I got about two strides in and I felt something twang around my right heel, bloody tarmac! I changed plan and decided to run round the small res, the track would likely be soft but should help my feet out. The track was generally quite firm but the grassy stuff along side it was very wet, by the time I'd gotten to the end of this track my feet were sopping, my shorts were sopping (some of the grass was tall) and I'd been over my ankles in mud about three times. My trainers felt like they'd doubled in weight.

At the bottom of the climb I wondered about going up the steep side but then headed up the longer climb instead, which was also a stream. I ran it all with no problems, though not as strongly as I did last time, not surprising with being ill though. I got to the top and couldn't see the tower, glad I know these tracks quite well, its quite disorienting ony being able to see the inside of a cloud. I headed along the track towards the Tower and all of a sudden it loomed out of the murk, I wished I had my camera as it was quite atmospheric really. The view from the tower was non-existent. I decided to run round the rutty track to see what damage the water was doing to it, it really was flowing fast, cutting deeper channels. A few more bog hops and I pop out onto one of the wider tracks and climb back up. As I couldn't see very far ahead this climb seemed over with very quickly and there are a couple of very ominous looking puddles now, will be going round them on the bike or getting someone else to ride through them first!

I stayed on the path over to cartridge hill and half way down the other side taking the grassy track to the farm, which was very soft. A bit of a jog along a nice flat section then backdown the cobbly stream/track to the car. I had a few slipping moments on it as it was so wet.

Another good offroad run but I so need to get out on a bike. I managed to stop the Garmin again, don't know why I just don't leave the autopause to get on with it., it was just over 6 miles again really according to Memory Map.


=======Summary=======
Distance: 5.47m
Time taken: 00:54:55
Average/Max Speed : 5.97mph / 8.94mph
Average/Min Pace : 00:10:02 / 00:06:42
Average/Max heart rate: 157/176
Calories used: 574
======Splits======
18:17:29 1.00m 00:09:56 6.03mph 8.85mph 149bpm 163bpm
18:29:45 1.00m 00:10:50 5.53mph 7.98mph 155bpm 174bpm
18:48:08 1.00m 00:10:02 5.98mph 8.94mph 164bpm 176bpm
19:00:44 1.00m 00:10:49 5.54mph 8.09mph 160bpm 173bpm
19:13:38 1.00m 00:09:36 6.24mph 8.89mph 155bpm 170bpm
19:29:16 0.47m 00:03:39 7.71mph 8.85mph 164bpm 171bpm