Well, I thought this week I would run 30 miles. So I did.
I must admit I may have had a little hangover on Saturday morning, but as the weather was supposed to be rubbish on Sunday, I thought “This will be good training”, and headed off around 8 to do the big loop.
Had a few pringles and a cold sausage before I left and filled one 500ml with water and one with half a Hi5 Zero tablet. Orange sweatband in place, off I trotted into the overcast morning.
Took a similar run to last week, out along the “coastal” road to Caldicot, under the second Severn crossing, then continued along the path to Sudbury and the Black Rock picnic site. After here though it got a little rough.
The track took me though fields with waist high flowers and nettles, it was soaking wet, so within a couple of strides I was a little damp to say the least. This was tough going, I was pretty much walking at this point. After the wet field was a couple of other very uneven fields, then more high grass and then back onto the road at Mathern. I was pretty knackered by this point, and only about 9 miles in!!!
After crossing a couple of other fields, I finally got to the industrial estate, then up the long drag to the Chepstow roundabout and down the hill to the garden center at Pwllmeyric. I met the support team here, at 2hrs 45min for the half marathon, the slowest ever. After a change of socks and shoes, loads of water, two pieces of toast and a couple of ‘brufen it was time for the second half. Although I wasn’t hurting physically, I felt shot – and still had 17 miles to go…
I really wanted to give up here, but on I plodded across to Crick and through Caerwent – the longest uphill I have every seen (well it felt like it), I was thirsty already, and only started with just over a litre, I had drunk half of it by here, and was plodding at about 11.5 min miles, when someone caught me up and ran with me for a couple of miles – it was hard work.
Up the hill past the tip I had to stop for a walk, and try to drink as much as possible but keep enough for later, I was at 18 miles – dash. Bit of a downhill here, so I knew I was going to walk the steep bit towards Llandevaud – and that was my next drink, it was really hard going now – frustrating as a couple of weeks back I flew around a marathon distance and felt great, so I blame it on the preparation from he night before..
At just over 20 miles I walked the hill, as expected, and drank the last of my second 500ml bottle. I had a small bottle in reserve, but after decanting it I realised there wasn’t even 500ml in it, and I still had 9 miles to go. If I’d had any moisture in me I would have cried.
Run down to Bishton is okay, walked the steep little hill just before Underwood, and then had to walk again at the turning back toward Magor, finishing off the last drops of my live giving water. As I got to the distribution center I could go right and two miles to home, or left and the four+ miles to manage the 30, mind over matter, I went left.
A miles down the road, and about half a mile from Redwick my wife came past – THANK THE GODS! I was delighted, I had dreamed about her turning up with a bath full of water, but as I panted into her face I realised she had none. Arrrgggghhhhhhhhhhh. However, she did have money so I arranged to see her in the Rose in ten minutes.
Fifteen minutes later, I finally got to the Rose – O.M.G was I delighted. I necked a pint of blackcurrant squash, and a bottle of water and demolished a bag of crisps. I had had enough. After a ten minute pause I plodded off again, at a 12 min / mile pace, for the last 2.5 miles. Turned off at the track, and saw Dave, who was out for a walk, but kindly jogged slowly with me along the last mile of the run, once onto the road and at 30.4 miles I switched the watch off, and walked home.
It was very tough, and to think I would have to run the entire thing again is beyond words. I know I wasn’t prepared, after having no dinner, too many pints and no real breakfast – but it was so hard to keep any sort of pace up – soul destroying. The only hope for the real thing, is that at least every 10K or so I will be able to re-hydrate and eat a bit.
Was a little lazy this week, with the Holiday Monday I needed to take an extra day as I had long walk on Monday, so didn’t get out again until Thurs, when I managed to squeeze in a 10.5 up and down run around Bishton and past Penhow.
Had a half day on Friday to go down to Pembs to see the folks, so spent it sitting in the sun and supping Peroni. Managed to get a Vindaloo from the Taj in the evening, and headed back home Sat morning.
Feeling like I hadn’t really run this week, I took a jog up to the wetlands, at around midday, so it was a little warm – got there and did a circuit and met Sian in the caf.
Sunday saw another run, not too far – 14 miles, quite a good initial run – down the back and along the foreshore under the second crossing and back from Caldicot. Not too shabby, and will be the start of the long one for next weekend.. After the run, we headed off to Tetbury, which is quite a splendid place. It was hot, I was tired, and managed to sink a beer or five…
After the long run last Sunday I had decided to take it a bit easy this week, so just out for a 9 mile up the hills on Weds, where I found myself a little weak at the knees, and sadly getting a bit bored with the continual mileage. Then out again on Friday, on one of the old routes past the brewery, and a double loop of Redwick. This gave a 9 and a 10.
“Celebrated” far too much over the Bank holiday, and only went for a 15 mile run on the Sunday, which went well. The more beers on Sunday afternoon/evening and even more on Monday at the BBQ.
Did go for a great stroll from Llanthony Priory on Monday morning however, due to my rubbish map reading abilities we took an excellent tour of the top of one hill, and ended up doing around 11 miles. Was good to get some miles in the legs, even though it was walking, there was quite a lot of up – so good stuff.
The walk is great leaving the priory (free parking) along an anti-clockwise route, all well signposted until you go up the steep hill to the ridgeline, at which point I went completely wrong, listening to the words of the route, rather than focusing on the map. Bottom line is that at he top of the hill, you aim slightly more to the right, and keep going, if you find a little track turn right and not left like this muppet did.
So a good few runs, but nothing massive, so I take this as my rest week!
After the walk last week, I took it easy for a couple of days, and went out for a tempo run of just 10K mid-week. Pretty pleased, just under 8 min miles average, once of my fastest I think – I don’t like running fast!
Been doing a new run in the weeks to mix it up a bit man, this one has some grads in it, so it’s quite a good change.
Big run on Sunday, and pushed it a little, two “loops”, first of 15, then a 10 minute break back at the house to re-fuel, then an 11 mile loop on the other side. Did find the going painful at about 19/20 miles, but I walked bit, and got some water down, and things got better. The Velathon was on, so lots of people were struggling to get where they wanted, I managed to do 26.3 miles, and for just running, it was my quickest marathon ever (although this is only my second) at about 4:20. However with the breaks the clock time was 4:33, so actually although I really pushed for the last three miles it was pointless as I had stopped too long in-between. Damn.
As part of the training we had arranged to do a bit of a walk – so this weekend we did.
Didn’t go out on the Friday, although I did accidentally have a couple of beers in the garden after giving it a mow, but only three cans I think. Up early doors for around a 6:30 start from the house up to Worcester. We planned to park in King Street car park as it as the closest to the start of the trek. They did a 48 hr special of just 12 quid, so it was ideal.
Jut, perhaps half a mile down to the river and left, took us past the Diglis pub and to the beginning of the canal. So at around 7:45 the walk began – we both needed a wee stop already.
After around a mile and a bit the tow-path crossed over, so we took the opportunity to find a stop off, Subway was best, so once sated we headed along a rather nice canal path through the center and then suburbs of Worcester.
The canal takes a North Westerly route out of Worcester, and it was an almost perfect day for it, sun was out, but a great breeze, and it was all really quite pleasant. After some time we got into countryside, and before we knew it we’d clocked 9.5 miles and say the Eagle & Child. Open all day it declared, well not open at 10:30 unfortunately. We had a quick stop off though on the side on the “Marina” and watched someone feed a swan from her house/boat, and I ate most of a quiche. We noticed some ramblers coming our way, so we quickly tidied up and set off again.
We continued passing boats and walkers and runners and cyclists and walkers, and more boats, until we got to the Queens Head at Stoke Pound, an excellent place, with a big outdoor area right on the canal side – this is te sort of place I always envisage as being on a canal, so rarely is. We stopped for a beer and a water top up, we were at 14 miles, and slightly before 12:00, so we decided to go to the “next pub” for lunch. I figured it was perhaps another 6 miles to Hopwood, so off we jolly well went.
It was all up hill from here, which is a little unusual for a canal, but there was lock after lock after lock, and I think we can see that Brum is right on the top of a mountain.
After the locks at Tardebigge, we had our first diversion, you leave the canal on the right, turn left at the road, then follow a small path on your right up, and then down onto the dual carriageway. With tired legs we played frogger with the cars, then up the other side and out of a field. The signage disappeared here, but I had looked at the way on google maps, so we headed straight across Hewell Lane to meet up with the canal again, which now crossed to the left bank just after the boat rental place. We met a flustered lady in a car here looking for a hospital, with very good intentions I think we sent her the wrong way – sorry.
A little bit further and we came to the second off road experience, this time we were on the left, and followed the track up to a field, across a field, and along some sort of marked lanes. There is really only one way to follow, but again the signs are lacking…
The pub seemed an eternity away by now, and we really wanted to have a rest and some food. Finally at 22 miles, and at around 2:30 – we stopped just off the canal at Hopwood House. Thank goodness. We had a couple of beers here, and a very poor lunch, but we sat outside and relaxed for a bit. My feet were a little sore by this point, and stupidly I did not do any stretching. After around an hour here, we reluctantly set off for the final, easy few miles to Birmingham.
By this time you get a bit sick of the canal, and after a very short time it disappears into another tunnel. This time you have to make quite a trek along lanes (which are hillier than google suggests!), then through what I assume is the Birmingham suburbs, and West Heath.It’s a little scary here. After some walking we found the canal again, and now we were finally on the last leg.
The last leg is rubbish. We headed to Bournville, where I think they may still make chocolate, although I was expecting a heady smell of delectable sweetness, we just got canal smells, then onward to University. Once here we really were “close”, but after 28 miles every mile takes two, and it really feels never ending.
My legs and feet were beginning to ache now, and I really didn’t care much for the canal, certainly not when every five minutes there was a low rumble of the train – let the train take the strain they used to say – ohh that’d be nice madam. Just along here we met some youths, who were mucking about across the river on a boat, with house bricks. We both stared at them, and one shouted something, I gathered he wanted me to give them the “thumbs up”, so I did. Got some sort of reaction, and off we went – we then saw the next person ignore them, when they proceeded to throw the bricks at him. What a sad state of affairs.
After a few more miles I could see the BT building, and we knew we were on the last mile or so – that.took.ages..and..ages, but eventually we popped out by the mailbox. Something like 31 miles and nine and a half hours after the start oh so long ago.
We had a pint, and my legs and feet failed. So I hobbled the miles back to the hotel, by New Street. Once in the hotel the agony began, my feet were really sore, I could barely stand up, and my legs were cramping. After getting changed we went for a Chinese, which was nice, but far too big. Then bed.
Next day we came home.
I was sore for a couple of days, but not too bad, I think what I can take from this was – I can walk for nine hours, I should stretch more, I should drink less and the Race to the Stones will hurt.
Mileage is still on the up, but had a hard long run this week….
Into a standard regime of two ten mile runs in the week, long walk at the weekend, and at least 20 miles on the day I am not walking. Looking at the running plans, it does seem to suggest adding another shorter run in the week – but we’ll see..
So, its been two weeks since I wrote anything – time really does fly by, the first week I found the ten miles in the week pretty good, no real niggles, but the pace is dropping. Not really a bad thing, but I may just get into a rut of getting slower and slower. The ten miles include an extra loop of Redwick, which is beginning to get real boring, and a speed of around 9:40.
Had the intention of running a marathon on the Saturday, Sian went into Cardiff to watch the rugby, so I was to run around a bit and finish at the station to pick up the car. So first section was just over 14 miles, then should have been a “simple” 12 miles to make the full distance. Unfortunately I cracked, and by the time I was supposed to get around Redwick one last time, I was already out of water, and my legs were suffering. So instead I just plodded down to the car, and thankfully found a bottle of water in it which probably saved my life! So 24.5 miles, I just couldn’t motivate myself to do the last mile and a half..
Next day we took the train to Bath, and walked the cycle route back to Bristol, around 16.5 miles. I was suffering a bit, the balls of my feet started aching again after a bout 10 miles, so I had to try and walk on the edge of the track, but it was hard going. The route is also pretty brain numbing, it would be easy to cycle along, but walking where you can only see a ribbon of tarmac ahead is not the best. Anyway that week was around 61 miles, so no wonder I was pooped.
Next week was a couple of 10’ers again, then we did a 10 mile hike from Abergavenny to Gilwern, which was quite nice – cycle route out, found a pub for a swifty, then back along the canal. Not too shabby.
On Sunday it was out for the big one again, it got very hot in the later stages, I even got my bottle refilled in Redwick, and ran out two miles later – so I decided to again cut the run short of marathon distance. Also found that the Joe Rogan pod casts I have been listening to really did me in on the long run, so I will be running without earphones for a while – as a bit of a break.. Really didn’t feel too great that afternoon, and suffered into the next week.
It is now time to start to think about fueling, both with what I can carry and also with what to drink. I think on the longer runs I am now loosing salts and stuff, so need to ensure I look at what things might be good for a long day.
Miles: 61, 52
Beers: trying to have less, but around 12 a week
April distance: 267K (not sure if that includes walks, don’t think so)
About 10 or 11 weeks to go! Things are looking pretty okay at the moment, I have started increasing the mileage per week now, and so far, so good – no re-occurrence of the knee issues and it feels pretty cool.
Went out for an eight miler on Weds and then went out again on the Thurs, just 5.5 this time, went Thurs as the weatherman said it would rain on Friday morning – it didn’t. Had a beer too many on Friday, so as a penance I went out for the long one on Sat.
Decided it should be over the 20, but also decided to keep close to the house just incase something blew up. So Round the brewery and a circuit of Redwick got me to about 10 miles or so and back to the house for a stretch and a bite to eat and some coke. Then back out to Redwick and loops for another 12 miles, I was slightly tempted to go for a whole marathon distance, considering it was the London Marathon on the Sunday, but my sensible head told me not to push it too far, so settled on the 22. Went pretty good, although I ran out of water at the end of the second section, and my times dropped off a cliff from 8:40’s to over 12. But I worked out that a constant 14 with breaks would take 15 hrs or so, so plenty of flex in the schedule!
Did feel a bit ropy towards the end, a little light-headed, I assume this was due to not really fueling properly, so I need to ensure I get more grub in me for the next one, but physically it was all good. I have adopted the approach on sitting in a cold bath after the long runs, and I am not sure if it is coincident, but it does seem to of helped quite as lot (it does make me hoot and gasp a little, much to the amusement of the family).
I am also suffering with a blister, which came from the little walk to Cwnbran last week, which is very annoying and doesn’t seem to be clearing. Although it has not really blistered, its still uncomfortable.
I have now run 280 miles in my second pair of GT1000-4’s so Strava reminded me to get another pair – so I have, although I won’t use them for another couple of weeks I don’t think.
On Sunday we went for a walk, across the Severn Bridge and a little down the Severn Way, then back to Aust. About 12 miles, and 3 beers later we were done, I was surprised that my legs were okay for this, considering the distance run on the Sat…
Training still going pretty good. Took a couple of days off after the 19 on Sunday, and set out against on Weds for a 7 miler, then an 8 on Friday. Things *seem* to be pretty good at the moment, some slight pains, but 8 miles is just a long time to take in the mornings before work, but only another few months and then that’ll be that!
We decided to walk fro Newport to Cwmbran on the Saturday, it was difficult to work out the distance, and we were under some time pressures, so we parked up at Malpas, by the ponds and set off up the canal. It was chilly Willy, I only had a base layer and my jumper, and the wind made it not too nice. The walk is okay, some bits are nicer than others as you might imagine, and it was slightly surprising that the canal is not complete along this stretch. They are rebuilding some of the locks though, don’t know the reason for that as they wont hav boats on it I would not have thought – well, not barges anyway.
Before we knew it we were in old Cwmbran, it ended up only being around 4 miles to the center, so we nipped into Sainburies for a wee-wee and some tea and a great bacon and sausage sandwich, which was so doorstopped that half was sufficient. I also got a bloody blister, and I was wearing my running shoes, so I can run 20 miles in them, but not walk 4. Luckily given where we stopped there was no problem in getting some plasters for the return journey.
Long run on Sunday was just non-stop 14 miles, which went well, no real pain or issues – just not really far enough. Went for a stroll in the afternoon up the wetlands and I probably should have just lay on the sofa. It is a bit odd that a half marathon is now just a “thing” I do every week, then continue as normal, I guess for some a half really takes it out of you for a few days.
Back in work this week, and back to the “normal” regime. I have been trying not to push things too far, but I may have this week. Couple of 6ish miles during the week, then we went for a little hike with Kate on Saturday, just about 5 miles or so, so I wanted to push a little on the Sunday and trying the 3 x 6 approach again. So I run a 6 mile circuit, come home for 5 mins, have some liquid, and some food, stretch and repeat. So ended up doing just over 19 miles, but the last few miles were rather painful.
I just cannot help myself, I thought things were all magnificent, but went from 13 to 19 in a week, which is just a little too much. The good news is that it appears that most of the pain is actually in the leg muscles, rather than specifically the intense knee pain I got last time, so we’ll see how it continues.
Have an appointment with the Physio on Friday, hopefully the last one, and have just booked a hotel, so that we can walk the Worcester to Birmingham canal on the 14th May- all 30 miles of it. Should be fun!
Well, its Easter, an early one this year, which means in one financial year we had two lots of Easter Bank Holidays, and none in next years Financial year.. Wow ;o)
Went back to Pembs for a couple of days over the Bank Holiday, so we dossed around a bit and went for a kebab. Sunday morning (with a slight hangover, and minus one hour sleep thanks to the clocks going back I set off for a half around Haverfordwest. Took the by-pass and headed over to the Rhos, quite a good circuit, a little hilly in places, but just about exactly 13 miles. Was a decent day, but it did pour down a couple of times, luckily just for a short time.
Off to the Wolfe for food, which was pretty decent, then off visiting for the night.
Next day, we set off up to Chester, with the idea of having a night in rural mid-wales on the way up. We stopped at LLandridnod Wells for a bite to eat for lunch, then found ourselves n the Lion Hotel in the middle of no where early afternon. We stayed in Llanbister, which just had a couple of houses and the hotel, and spend pretty much all afternoon and evening boozing and chatting to the locals – only half what we normally do. Our friendly local seemed very keen in being involved on our table, and we found out that he liked to have a beer or 10, and that he could “balance” things. Which he showed us by balancing to budwiser bottles neck on neck on top of a pint glass. Then we had a curry in the hotel which wasn’t ace.
Breakfast in the morning was okay, but we had the landlord almost sit with us, and chat whilst we were trying to eat – not my cup of tea. Soon left and headed up to Chester and the zoo…
Decent run up, and we were soon directed into the bog of a car park, everyone was getting stuck and slipping and sliding. Zoo was okay as far as zoo’s go, but often all you see is the display card stating what fantastic animal is supposedly in the enclosure, but prefers to just hid all day.
Back to the hotel, in Chester, and off for a walk of half the walls and some perusing of the local public houses. We were very lucky to find a very good italian on our walks, who just managed to squeeze us in, it was chocka.
Next morning I took a little run around the city, just about 3 miles all told, then the two of us left our daughter in the room, and had some breakfast and a stroll around the town again.
A little later it was time to head down to Shrewsbury, on the way we stopped at Oswestry, as we had not been there before, and it was on the way – it was rubbish.
Once we managed to find the hidden car park for the Premier Inn, we had a bit of a mooch around Shrewsbury, a fairly decent town, and later went for a pretty good turkish.
I had to drop the car off in the garage on Friday so took my running kit and ran the 10 miles home, all looking good on the knee front, we went for a hike around Tintern the next day, and I completed a half on the Sunday.
After a couple of weeks out, I managed to get some reasonable miles in this week – got in a 4, 5 and 6 in the week without too much in the way of problems and risked a 12 miler on Sunday.
The 12 mile went well, at least as good as it was before the pain – felt good on the run and could have gone further, but need to be careful with it.
Have been having a massage at home twice a week, and continuing my inner leg workout and hopefully this may see me through to the end now, just need to keep it reasonable on the mileage.
Not that long left to go, only about 3.5 months, and my schedule had me running about 16 miles this Sunday, so perhaps 4 mile down – now that ain’t half bad!! The schedule really ramps up from this week on though, with Sat and Sunday runs, so will start slow, but it will mean at least a half marathon every Sunday from now until the big one!
Will also be looking to get some long distance walks in on some Saturdays to break up the constant running, and hopefully start getting on the trails now that Spring is here – just need to find some good ones which aren’t too muddy….
Easter next week, so away for a couple of days, but will be taking my running kit to ensure I don’t slack too much.
Well, things are looking a little more positive this week. Its been two weeks of rest, so started pushing the mileage this week.. Have been doing my strengthening of the inner muscles, and Sian has been great continuing the massage..
Did a couple of small runs in the week, just to check how things were feeling, a three, a five and another three, and it was all good. Went back to see the physio guy on Friday, and 20 mins and £40 later I was told that there was an improvement. Seems like a pretty good job if you can get it, there were two before me, and someone after and that was before 10:00am, 40 quid a time, nice work.
Went to the races on Saturday, so no long walk, just a lot of standing around, so through I would push it with a 7.5 on Sunday. Was pretty successful, things were starting to tweak by the end, but that might just be rustyness, the pain was actually in a different place to the “real” pains from before, so that was good. Iced a little and a massage, and no real pains today.
Need to be careful pushing the mileage now, so out for a couple this week, and perhaps risk a 9 mile or so on the weekend… Not really that long to go before its on, so there is a balance between getting the practice and killing my body again.
Week of the 15th, I went out for the “normal” four times, a four a five a six and a seven – was getting pains in the knee on most of them, and on the Sunday, which was 7.2 miles I had to walk home (about 1.5 miles) – rubbish!
So I called a place in Cheptsow and booked an appointment for someone to check out whats wrong with my knee.. I left it until the Weds, and went out for a little run of about 5 miles and got the pains again – but now I knew where they were and what they felt like. On the 26th I went to see the man.
Turned up a little early because I did’nt know what the traffic was like, and waited for ages until he was ready. Once in, he asked a little about my “history”, and before you could say boo, it was shoes and shorts off now! Hmm… So he got me on the bed, face up with thankfully clean and unholy pants on, and tried my legs. They were a little tight lets say. After about 5 mins he said – ah, this looks easy – you have: Chondromalacia patellae.
As he showed me, this basically means that your knee doesn’t track up and down, in a straight line, but gets pulled to the side (to the left in my case) the main cause for me was that my outer quads were far too powerful for my inner ones – something probably brought about by cycling he said, and also my ITB was very tight. Interesting as he pushed his fingers under my kneecap to show the tightness I got rather a lot of pain – this was an immediate sign of the problem. After 10 mins or so of massage, he did it again, and whatyaknow, it was significantly better.
There we are then, I need to loosen up my ITB and strengthen my internal quads – magic. 25 mins and 50 quid later I was off to squeeze a ball between my legs.
Its been a week since then, and I went out last Weds just to see, and was in a bit of pain, just doing the 3 miles. But today, I went for a 3 miler also with a ITB band attached, and it felt great. Don’t want to count the chickens, but fingers crossed.
Went down to Pembs on the 27th, where I was supposed to be doing the “man-up” half in St Davids, but I had to shy off that – which was a shame as it looked “interesting”. I think GD did it though – good man.
Another week of bad kneeness – it’s getting a little silly now.
Went out on the Tues and Weds for just the little 3 milers, keeping it in the village to keep away from cambers!! And then a 5 mile on Friday, which was a little painful.
Didn’t go out on the Friday this week for a change, so up early doors, bright eyed and bushy tailed ready for a trip up to Malvern., We had been threatening to go there for some time, so on the spur of the moment we booked up and off we trot.
Its only about a hour and a bit from home, up to Ross and turn off, so it wasn’t long before we were parked up and hiking up the hill to the hotel. As we booked last minute the only place which was reasonable was the Foley Arms, which was a Whetherspoons hotel (apparently there are a few of these, I had no idea), so although it was very early we managed to drop our bags off and went to the hike proper…
Up and up from the hotel we headed towards St Ann’s Well, Kate not enjoying it, me being hot then cold then hot then cold.. After a time of up hilling we joined the main path around the Malvern Hills, and as the weather closed in, we followed the well worn paths north and around and back to the south. It was cold, and very misty, but was a good walk, a bit of wetness in the air, but nothing too bad. After a couple of hours we decended into Upper Wyche and the pub.
Okay place, Surprisingly big, they served Grolsh, and a reasonable variety of food, however they were mega inflexible when it came to having something “off-piste”. Food was average but they did have some very spicy crisps. After a couple or three beers we headed off back into the cold and the return trip to St Ann’s.
This was around the eastern edge of the hills, and was a narrow track through the “woods”, quite a nice change from the bracing exposure of the hills themselves. Saw some cows on the hill in the woodland, which seemed odd and before we knew it we were in another pub.
Wales were playing at 4, so we checked into our, very large, with a great view, room and baggsed a sofa in the pub for the rugby. As it was Wales playing the place wasn’t too busy, but enough for a tiny bit of atmos.
Rugby done, we sampled one more place with a miserable bar lady, and off for a ruby.
Went over the wetlands when we got back on the Sunday, and ran around it, was braced today, but still had pains, managed about 6 miles.
So after the week off, I wanted to take it easy this week, to ease myself back in. Decided to start using the second pair of trainers, as the first ones have done about 300+ miles now, and I naively thought that might make my knee better…
It seems it didn’t. Went out on Tues/Weds/Friday for two 3’s and a 5 and everything seemed fine. We also went for a wet and windy and muddy “hike” on Sat around Tintern to the Devils Pulpit and over to Brockweir – a pretty good walk, but slightly slippery. In total about 6.5 miles, but had a little beer stop off at about 4.5 – which was nice, a little pub with an open fire.
Just back from my “long run” for the week, and I had to walk the last half mile or so because my stupid knee was hurting again. I could have kept running but I really don’t want to break it as much as last time – so only managed about 6 miles, hopeless.
Things are looking decidedly not rosy at the moment, so I will have to do some research on how to get things better if possible. Oddly before Christmas it was my right knee which was exactly the same, and that seems fine now – I can only hope some magic will happen and we’ll be right.
Took a break this week, cos this sodding knee is still playing up. Decided, with a little help from Sian to not do anything this week, to help it mend. It was pretty damn sore after Saturday, and I couldn’t really walk properly until Weds – so did go for a gentle stroll for the last few days of the week.
Was very weird not running over the w/e, but did go down to Swansea on the Sunday for Becs birthday, and went and sat in a freezing stadium to watch the Ospreys (20-20 vs. Glasgow) – which involved a bit of walking..
As I couldn’t actually run, I bought a book about running instead – I am not inside the 24 week plan to get me to 62 miles – its not looking good I am afraid.
Only did a 6 and a 10 this week, and really knackered my left knee on the 10 miler. Stupid, but I just had to keep going and when I got back to Magor I could hardly walk back to the house.
I have now finally realised that I need to do something about this – the problem I believe came from the 20 miler, and not then resting enough afterwards. That is so rubbish, as I have sort of wasted two weeks now with no progress other than a *really* sore knee.
So I am not doing anything this week, maybe Sat if I can manage, but really going to take it careful now, I have put a schedule in, and will have to follow it, hoping that it will build up enough to get me where i need to be by July. Slightly worried that my knees may just be rubbish, so really need to try to build it up this time.
Its two days later and my knee is still pretty damn sore. Can’t go downstairs, but can walk, may risk going to the shop for the paper though…
Some running undertaken this week, but the 20 miler from last week made my knee bad, so tried to have a few days off, but it was still not right before I stupidly went out anyway….
This week I managed about 30 miles, so no t bad – when I started this I had a bad right knee and assumed that the left would be fine – this seems to be not the case.
I walked and ran on it it, this week, and with six months now until the event, my bloody knee’s may be a cause for concern. So, I will really need to train my legs/hips/knees somewhat, its frustrating as cardio wise I feel I could run all day but my body wont let me..
We went for a “hike” around the Yat this weekend, great walk, but badly sign posted from the initial section by the river, we followed the map, but just before the bridge the directions said take the path, but there wasn’t one, so we went “off piste” to try to find the way through. In the end we just trusted the OS map and went up the side of the hill, with no real path, but kept up against the fence and we were lucky, but we got where we wanted.
Anyway, after this we followed the yellow signs and it was great, easy(ish) to follow and no one around – magic. One interesting bit is the “free standing stone”, which is apparently the biggest free stone in the country – its pretty big. After this we walked to the “middle point” expecting a pub (in Staunton) but it was shut for some reason – so with no provisions we walked to Christchurch and found a pub. Google said it was best one in the village, which would be a worry if true, but it was popular, and had some faggots and some booze. Once sated it was only 3 miles of good walking to get back.
Next day – after 11 miles on the “hike” I ran 12 miles, bad knee got worse. Good run though, although at about 9 miles it was reasonably sore.
I am doing nothing for a couple of days now – hopefully sort the knee issue, we’ll see
Been a while since the last update and it was “that time of year”, and I couldn’t really be bothered to just write – ran some miles had a beer every week.
Been improving on the mileage trying to run around 6 on a normal day, and getting longer sessions on the weekend, but now we are in January I need to find a plan and try to stick to it. Current idea is to start doing some longer walks on the weekend, then a decent few hours jogging also.
Got some stuff for Christmas, so I have new pants (not tried), new socks, a headlight, a hat, some earphones and a Salomon vest. The vest seems a little “snug” but I think it is supposed to be, and I *hope* to be slightly less massive in July, so it should be okay. The earphones are the best thing so far, they are sony ones which have things to go right around your ears, as buds always fall out for me, I have been listening to the Joe Regan Experience pod casts which really help with the time on the road. The casts are about 3 hrs each, so plenty of time to get round even the longest run I have done, and as you can download them before hand, I always have one to hand. So far have listened to Steve-o, Joe Perry, Louis Theroix and Dr Steven someone.
This week I have got the mileage over 40 miles, with 3, 6-7 milers and on Sun ran 20 miles – the big one was split into 3 sections, a 6 then back to the house for 5 mins of stretching and drinking and eating, then 6 again with the same pause, then an unexpected 7.5 to finish to make it over 20 miles. I cannot pretend it wasn’t hard, but I think it is certainly easier with the breaks. I did run too fast though, and although my knees felt fine when I finished, later and today my left one is pretty painful – must ice next time.
Started my new job today, so we’ll see what the coming months have in store.
Christmas run in is beginning to take its toll. Been out enjoying life rather a lot again this week what with Christmas parties and the like, but managed to get out for two 6 milers during the week, up to Redwick and back, which are now reasonably easy – but take time.
Decided this weekend that I would up the miles again, forgetting that I didn’t run a big one last week, so wasn’t really used to it. Didn’t have much on the Friday, but Sian was out on the Friday and I didn’t sleep brilliantly, but went out at 9:30 for a proposed 17.
Mile one was a bit panty, as it always in at the beginning, but my left knee which had been twinging a bit in the week was fine, and off I podded. Kept up a 8:45 for the first couple of miles, but by the time I got to the bypass to Newport I was already slowing. Almost caught up with someone ho joined at the Tesco turnoff, but she was flying so she disappeared into the distance and I had enough sense not to speed up. Took two bottles with me today, and a tiny packet of Haribos and a gel.
After about 7 miles I was feeling pretty good, but getting bored, and the road was surprisingly busy towards Goldcliff which was a pain. By the time I was getting back to the Redwick road, about 12/13 miles in I was starting to suffer. I have been getting a pain in my “toe bone” along the top of my foot, but also my ankles and feet were aching today.
By the time I got the Redwick I had put one bottle in the back of my coat, and slowly eaten by Haribos, and was feeling tired. Pains were beginning all over – the thing with running a long way, is that I start to get achy shoulders along with the legs. I didn’t have the gel, as my brain told me its cheating, so I would imagine I was also in need of some extra energy.
With the final two miles to go I was almost shuffling along, knees/feet/ankles/arms/shoulders/legs all hurting now and I was out of water. I would have loved to have stopped/stretched and drank a big glass of water at this point – but I plodded on, also knowing that I wouldn’t quite make 17 if I went straight home.
Back into Magor was a great relief, and took a small (but vital, for the mileage) detour around the estate and just managed to struggle the last bit to get home. I was knackered, and in pain. Sian had left to get the boys from Swansea Uni when I left and they got back before me, it had been about 2hrs 50 minutes non-stop. That’s too much.
My initial goal had been to run 20 miles “non stop” before Christmas when I started the training, but I don’t think this is a good idea now – so next time I will try 10 miler, back to the house – 5 min break to stretch/re-hydrate/take some energy then do another 7 – 10 miles, and see how that goes. As I am not properly looking after myself this is killing me.
Pretty happy with the outcome non-the-less, but very worried that I will have to run the same distance almost 3 times again to complete the whole thing – that is daunting.
So we were scheduled to go away for our Christmas night out this eek – being away on the Sat and Sunday meant that realistically I was not going to do a “big one” this week – so I didn’t.
Instead I went out everyday, except for Tues to at least get some weekly miles in. So 6 on Monday, then a 7, then a 4 a 10 and just a 3 on Saturday. I had intended to do a run once we were back from Cowbridge, but it was wet, and I’m tired so I didn’t bother. Hoping that next week will be better, and will get another 15 in the bag next weekend.
Also had a pretty bad week on the pop – so all in all a bit of an odd week, lots of miles, but it doesnt feel like it.
Another week gone, doesn’t time fly… Due to circumstances only went out twice in the week this week, took a couple of days off on Monday and Tues to make sure I wasn’t over-doing things, dd 6 miles on Weds, 5 on Thurs and a “rest” day on Friday because I couldn’t be bothered to go out again. This meant that I was out and about early Saturday morning for a change – which was nice..
It was a little frosty on Sat, and a little chilly on my hands, but pounded down the distributor road to get a decent circuit in, down a different route than the normal long runs to mix it up a bit! Kept to a reasonable pace, not pushing too much, and keeping it around the 9 minute a mile mark to start with, after about 2 miles I heard some pounding of the pavement coming from behind, so moved over and a lady stormed past me, as I cannot resist I did put a little spurt on, but she must have been running about an 8 minute mile, so it was stupid to try to close the gap, and I watched her disappear into the distance, by the time I got to Spitty she was gone.
Ran along the road towards Nash, but turned up the first turning and after about an hour the heavens opened and down came some reasonably cold and very wet rain. I thought I might miss it, as it was sunny to the east, and I was heading that way, but obviously I cannot outrun a shower storm.
Got almost to Redwick and the rain stopped, but 4 miles later as I was arriving into Undy it rained again – just as I was dry. Oh well.. Took the slightly longer way back to Magor from Redwick to make sure I just did the 15 miles this weekend – and really felt quite good. Only took the small water bottle, and didn’t finish it, and had a handful of peanuts and really felt surprisingly good during the day – no real aches or pains. Celebrated with a few bottles of beer and Chinese!
Phil came up on Thurs, so had a few beers, but that was all this week – which means that the beer/run ratio was again pretty good this week.
(Update: realised on Sunday night that November only has 30 days, so went out on a cold, wet and windy Monday morning to run 6 miles and get over 200K for the month on Strava…)
Another week, another few plods on the road. Started the week well, only had five beers and half a can by Friday, and we were intending to go to Pembs, so no Friday night Lion. Went out on the Tues, Thurs and Friday this week – running a six a six and a four. Nearly got run over by some wally in a panda on the Thursday, and noticed that running up the “distributor road” is now becoming a little scary. The road is getting increasingly busy, and at about 7, when its still dark in the mornings, the trucks rattle past going a fair old speed about three foot from you – I think I may have to attempt to avoid the highway for now…
Jogs are going well, would like to think I am enjoying them, but that would be taking things too far, but its okay – the problem with training is that you have to keep up the distance – so each run is getting closer to an hour to complete, at the moment that’s okay – but once I start re-commuting from January I will need a different plan for training.
Accidentally drank my folks fridge bare on Friday night, and went out with A.P on Sat for a few, so what began as an okay week – ended as a normal one…
Drove back on Sunday, and stuck in traffic for about an hour, so didn’t get to go out for the long one until about 12:30 – way too late for me, and I was pretty tired – but managed to run a 14.5 – normal St Brides, then to Caldicot where I navigated the building site around the station, but then had to run out to Tesco’s to add the extra couple of miles to make it 14 – that’s a hang. After running for two hours to be nearly home, the last thing you want is to have to extend the run just to get those extra miles in. Next time I will plan a route that is door to door over the distance.
Was pretty knackered when I got back, knee’s aching (but not the stabbing pain) hips aching, shoulders aching, feet a bit sore – all in all a bit of a wreck, and I would have to run that another three times at least!…
Well, it’s been a bit of a week for the world, although every week the mentalists in the world kill a load of innocent people, this week it hits closer to home with the terrible Paris bombings. Facebook went a but nuts with all the new profile pictures, and we are now at threat level “it’s going to happen” in the UK..
As far as running goes, a pretty good week. Got out three times in the week for around 5 miles each time, and then stepped up for a longer one on Sunday. Had intended to do a longish run, of approx 10 miles or so, but felt good on the way round so decided to add a little at the end to make it up to a half marathon. Really windy day, and its been raining loads, but luckily this morning the ran pretty much stopped and just had the wind to content with.
Went down St Brides and across five lanes, then took the right up through the woods, to give me a little practice on the uneven surface (and add a bit of an up), the down to Severn Tunnel and back along the track – this track was where the full force was felt – it was blumming windy. Last time I took this route I had significant pains in my knee just before the track, but this time it all went well, I think it must be the shoes, and the slightly slower place which is helping, but whatever it was I felt pretty strong all the way around. Just have to do that run another four times after each other to make the race – hmmm..
I think 13 miles is about he limit of the little running bottle, was getting pretty thirsty at the end – so will have to look at bringing another one maybe, or getting something bigger for the further runs. Got home and ate a Pie which was nice, then we took a run into Newport where they have just opened a new shopping Mall, which is a street which is inside. Its not 100% completed yet, but seemed okay – but was really busy…
Still feeling reasonable this afternoo, so am very pleased with the way its gone so far,will need to look at a slight increase of distance over the next fou/five weeks until Christmas, so don’t think I will get to the 20 miles target by then, but we’ll see – just dont want to overdo it!.
Signed up for the St Davids Half at the end of Feb this week also, GD is signed up, and maybe Peaky – so its a good excuse to get together…
Miles: 29
Beers: 12 Stella (nice to see the miles/beer ratio is getting better)
So I ran a marathon this week – although it did take 5 days, and I walked for 3 miles of it..
Had a couple of five milers and this w/e risked a 9 miler – went really well. Not sure if my leg is maning up, or my body is getting used to the shoes, or the fact that I am attempting to run with a straighter back, and smaller strides but something means that I managed the whole 9 miles today with pretty much no knee pain – ace.
Keeping to a slightly slower pace until I found myself being passed by a girl – when I had to speed up to attempt to keep up – well that lasted about a mile or so and saw my lap average go up a bit, but then tiredness and sensibility kicked in and I plodded on, slowly stalking her…
So out to Redwick, back to Undy and down under the motorway and up, up, up and down to the shop. Luckily the rain had just stopped, and all in all it was very nice.
Another week, but not one in work – ace. After the court, we went a little South, the a little North, then home, then out then relax then today.
Had a pretty heavy week on the food and drink this week, but did manage to get out for a couple of little runs during the week, and back out for an 8 today. Unfortunately, after last Sunday’s good run with no pain, the knee is sore again today. Started tweaking about 5 miles in, the progressively worse until the end – it is really becoming a bit of a ball ache now.
Run was good other than that, not very tired, jut bad right knee – bloody thing. I really will have to start doing some exercise – reading the web it does appear it may be related to the IT band thing, so I think some exercise and stretching may help me..
Had my first massage this week, but it was all a little pampery, rather than working on the muscles. There were a few moments where I though something may happen, but as it was a Spa massage, it was all a little gentle. maybe I need to find a good one around here and get something a little more forceful? Had a load of new kit for my birthday, so I have Born to Run to read, and new socks and under-armor to test out – and finally my very own Welsh rugby shirt, ready for the six nations!!
Miles: ~19
Beers: 9 San Miguel, 3 Kingfisher, 1 1664, 15 Stella
Bought another TravelZoo offer for a nights stay, afternoon tea, seven course menu and breakfast in Llansantffraed Court near Abergavenny a few weeks back, and we headed over yesterday.
Quite an impressive place as you drive up the sort of farm track to it, its big, and has a plenty of space for parking. We checked in around early check in time and was given room 4. I think this was because we were going to have our daughter over – but we didn’t in the end. Interesting room, three rooms, one main bedroom, a small “lounge” which had been converted into a little bedroom, and then up the stairs to the en-suite.
En-suite was modern looking and pretty good, the rest of the place seemed clean enough, but it had old furniture – plenty of dark wood, and a 1970’s alarm clock. But all in all it was fine. But freezing. The windows may as well not been there, they were “period” which mean thin glass and iron, but once we shut the curtains and cranked up the electric heaters it started to warm up. We were also above the kitchen – so there as a fair bit of noise.
After a doss around for a half hour it was time for tea, in the “drawing room”, which was okay, if a little tired – and with the worlds smallest tables in it. We sat, we read, we had some tea and some scones and some cream and some jam and some welshcakes, and it was fine.
After tea, we went back to the room to get some coats and went for a little stroll up the lane to the church, and then around the grounds. We weren’t out for long, but it was already getting dark, so we retired to the bar for beer and vodka. Not too many staff around, and the room was okay, but again you could see how shabby it was – the beer (San Miguel) was £4.30, and the vodka an eye watering £5.60. We found out later that the “dash” of lime in the vodka was a quid!!!
After 30 quid we asked if we could start the food earlier than planned, and just after 7 we had the canapes – which were actually pretty good. There was a great cheesy profiterole, a snappy curly thing, and some salmon with cheese and chive Philadelphia on a tiny home made Ritz cracker. It was okay. About 15 minutes later we were escorted to the restaurant.
Restaurant is actually quite nice, this is a newer area of the hotel and it shows. Only pretty small, but pretty okay.Within a few minutes course No. 1 arrived:
Smoked Haddock – in a tiny jamjar, with a sort of yogurty thing around it, and nuts, lots of nuts – but very little haddock (made me feel a bit sick)
Pigeon – on a plate this time, with some different types of beetroot and some other stuff. Two tiny strips, of which one was a little tough – but quite nice (we also had some bread before this, which was nice – I had Sour Dough and Sian had Tiger (which oddly most others also picked one of each too) with unsalted butter, but with very salty salt crumbs on the butter plate – yummy)
Monkfish – with fancy mushrooms which weren’t great and some odd vegetable which I cannot remember the name, but was the consistency of a carrot, but tasted like a potato. Monkfish was small and okay – could make better at home.
Lamb – the main event, lamb sweetbreads (very nice but ate them when they were still very hot), and a couple of small pieces of lamb which were pretty good. Also an assortment of devil food (garden veg, sweedy/parsnipy).
Mango – first of the desserts and probably the biggest dish – a kind of mousy thing which was surprisingly nice with a slither of mango
Chocolate – A cup, which had been in the oven with a sort of chocolate souffle which a evaporating cream thing and a touch of sherry on the side, would have preferred cream to sherry – it was a little too much without a smoothering of creme.
so that was it – proper price, to you sir, one day only £55 – don’t think I would have been happy paying that – but then I am a tight miserable get.
Noisy in bed while the kitchen was open, but bed was quite comfy – and had a fitful sleep. Breakfast in the morning was okay – sausage was the best part, the rest was nice, but a little greasy – made a lot better when the ketchup came.
£150 quid all in +drinks, it was slightly different and not bad, unless they spend a bit on it I wouldn’t hurry back, but if they did a deal in the summer it might be worth it on a hot sunny day..
So I was sacked this week. Well perhaps not sacked, more told that my role will be no longer required in January, that no one is replacing me, but I need to arrange a “hand over” – presumably to the person not replacing me? Anyway the good news is that I already have a new job (well I am on a bit of a promise) which will start the Monday after my department gets rid of me.
So to the run then, well had a couple of days off after last Sunday to recover, and was back out Weds, Thurs, Friday and then again today. A couple of 5 milers a 3 and the long run of just over 8 today. Feel pretty good, knee isn’t hurting at the moment, although it was tweaking at the end of today’s run, and the 8 miles went well.. Only need to be able to do that 8 times and we’ll be done.
Getting the pace down to (or up to) about 9:30 min/mile now. So less stress on the knees and a decent pace for the medium term as the miles increase. I will probably be looking at maybe an 11 or 12 minute pace for the real thing??
Went to a party last night, had a couple of guys called “Brotherhood” I think – they were pretty good, and we are off for afternoon tea, then a tasting menu tonight.
Got a week off now, so may be running in some exotic locations this week! ;o)
My birthday is not for a couple of weeks, but spending birthday money already! Woo hoo!!.
First up was a new GPS jobba, I have been using Strava for ages on my phone, and it seems to track a little widly. So seeings as I have to ensure I run at the “right” speed now, to see if I can run further, it made perfect sense to get something accurate – so I did. I got an Ambit 3 Sport, after reading about a million reviews. I almost got the Garmin 910, but that’s a little old now, and many reviews said it took ages to find a gps lock – that would have just made me cross. It’s great it does loads of stuff I will never use, but the track is perfect, it does show though, that mostly my LG phone was actually pretty accurate most of the time…
Next thing was new shoes, my old ASICS have probably had about 700 miles on them now, so popped down to Run and Become in Cardiff on Saturday to get some new ones. They are supposed to watch you run and tell you what to get, our serving wench seemed a little new, and quiet, but noticed my “mild over-pronation” and gave me a few to try. I picked the GT1000-4, which I found later were considerable more in the shop than I could have bought them for on-line, but then I was paying for the advice I suppose.
Went to give them a test out today, a 7 mile run, out to Redwick and back, with my new pace-man, my wife. I figured that having someone else would keep my speed down and also my knee in check – that didn’t really work out. Felt really good up until about 4 miles, then I left her and went down the track, almost immediately my knee started hurting again, I stopped and stretched – then it was fine a a minute, then sore again. It is really getting on my tits. So managed to get around the remaining 3 miles and it wasn’t as bad as before, but it does hurt too much. I will really need to see someone, or strengthen my legs to get it working – it’s so frustrating as I was “fit” enough to run round again, but my knee wouldn’t have let me. Annoyed.
Well 10 miles plus is obviously too much for my rubbish knees at the moment. After last week, the knee got worse and I was really suffering of Sunday. Monday I was struggling up stairs, but by Tues it was getting better. Nearly went out on Weds, but did do a 3 miler on Thurs afternoon, and it was fine. Took the opportunity to run on Friday, Sat and then a slightly bigger one on Sunday – 6 miles.
Been reading up a bit, and I need to work on my “core”. Which seems to be large and flabby but weak – lots of places tell you to do it, but few tell you how.
Anyway, run today was okay, some pain at the end, but tried to keep it at a reasonable speed, and did try to use by thigh to help my knee – not very successfully. Have also found that switching off the “high accuracy” on my phone creates a slightly better gps track – not great, but better, so after counting the quids in the year jar, I have plenty in there to slash out on a gps watch – now I just need to decide which one, an Ambit or a Garmin?
Went to have a look at Greenfield House this week, great school with it, but the house itself is probably a little small, and would need about 50K spent on it. As the house is reasonbly expensive, it currently doesn’t look worth while – but we’ll have a look at their accounts and see.
Just waiting for Tesco’s to come, then off the the Monmouth food festival – which means we have to spend money to get in – that annoys me! ;o)
Tried to be good this week and failed a little, although didn’t go out on Friday, I watched the rugby on Thurs instead and had a few watching Wales scrape a win against Fiji. Went out for two runs through the week, to try and give my left knee time to recover after the long one last week. So two 3 milers (my gps is so rubbish on the phone at the moment, I can’t rely on any timings). Then walked up highest hill on Friday afternoon, did some garden clean up on Saturday morning, walking around Monmouth Sat afternoon, and ran another “big one” on Sunday.
Today’s big one was the same as last week, only the other way around – which is considerably easier. I tried to run for 3 miles then walk for a bit, then run again – but my right knee this time had significant “shooting” pains from about 6 miles in, it was very uncomfortable. Then by the time I got to Severn Tunnel Jnt, I actually had to stop running as it hurt too much. Not too bad a problem as I had the idea to walk parts of the route anyway, but each time I started again it hurt more.
By the time I had got off the track, I think my brain had given up, the knee wasn’t giving way, but just hurt – I managed the last couple of miles, then found by the time I got to the shop even walking hurt!. Not sure what is up, but it certainly needs some rest, and maybe I should be thinking of a support.
So back now, cooling down before the shower, and sitting here the knee doesn’t hurt, so we will have to see how it goes, but its not promising. I think I will have to take this training more seriously, and perhaps see a real physiotherapist to see what I can do to mitigate this problem. I could barely walk after 11 miles or so, and I know there is a long way to go before the event, but I need to sort it properly…
Well I did a marathon, I did a half, I did a Tri – I thought the next stop might be a 10K, but it appears instead I am going to try to run 100K, omg.
I had an interest in seeing just how far I could run around last year, it must be possible to run a “long” way – longer even than a marathon, but I knew that the marathon was really bloody hard, and I was shagfaced after it. But that was five years ago, and I started from nothing, so surely the next step was to be able to run two and a half of them – back to back?
Anyway, after another drunken night in the Trader, I figured I’d have a look and give it a go – so last week I successfully paid my £119 and signed up for the race to the stones.
I have no idea if I can do it, and to be honest I am a little doubtful at the moment – but the time limit is 36 hrs, so even if I crawl I should be able to do it in that time??
So “training” started this week, the race isn’t for about 10 months – so plenty of time, perhaps too long – but I went out this week to see what I am capable of. Five years ago I went out and barely managed a mile, today I did approx. 10 and although my knee hurt a little it was okay – so a decent base to start from…
I am looking to be able to run around 20 miles in a single effort before Christmas, then start a proper regime around Feb time – I’ll need to buy a load of new kit – so that makes it worth while – surely..
Slept okish – but was woken by the torrential rain – nice.
Morning had broken, and our hearts when we saw the stupid, stupid weather. It was wet. And windy. And we had to have a little chef.
After a latish breakfast we set off in the rain on the final leg. This one was only a small jaunt around Dartmoor to Plymouth.
We got wet at the beginning, and in the middle, but not at the end. The ride from Okehampton is a good one, “mostly” downhill, with some hard climbs, but in general you are on tracks and it is pretty flat. Obviously by this time, every little climb is more tiring than you would expect, and if it hadn’t been for the rain, it would have been almost pleasurable.
We didn’t stop for lunch today, as we expected to get to Plymouth for lunch time, and we almost had a sit down for a coffee, but the serving wench was most put out that we were wet, so we ate in the street. At one point it said “13.5 miles to Plymouth”, 5 miles later we say a sign saying 13 miles to Plymouth, but at that point it was nearly downhill all the way. We crossed some amazing bridges, and went through some really eerie tunnels, with mist and darkness that even Marrsys super bright lights couldn’t penetrate.
I was loving today, the sun came out, and the last 13 miles were a joy mostly great road, and you could really get a spin up – I even overtook navman at one point – much to his disgust.
We got into Plymouth and had one last surprising hill to crawl up, and then it was down the harbor for a beer, and to let Brend change in the darkest toilet – in the world…
Sian came to pick me up for our trip to Dartmouth, and the guys were off to get trains home. We had cycled around 170 miles and gone up 11,000 ft or so, half of Everest or three Snowdons, some of the scenery was epic, some of the hills steep, and some of the weather wet – we had pints and pies and good times…
Big thanks as always to the team – hopefully we’ll get a few new stragglers next year
So cycle tour complete we headed on down to (or maybe across to) Dartmouth for the night. Luckily the weather had broke, and the old current bun was shining. As I was wet and cycled out, Sian drove, so I enjoyed the passenger experience, with a big pork pie and a drink.
Driving down here takes AGES.. We only wanted to go a few miles, but it took rather a long time, but eventually we got to Townstals Farmhouse in Dartmouth, which would be our home for the night. Pleasant people, decent room, unfortunately not a great shower, but once refreshed we took the long walk down to the harbor. It was steep. I had cycled up some steep bits, but I think this may have been even steeper – but downhill, fine for now, but not something to look forward to on the way home.
Had a quick mooch about the front, and bought a paper and was surprised to see very little in the way of outside seating. The harbor side is splendid, but it seems a missed opportunity to not have tables outside, anywhere… So we headed on for a beer in the Crown Hotel, which was quite nice, and had the obligatory drunks at the bar – we were told of one place with a beer garden, only for the drunk to remind the bar man that it had shut some time back – whether they meant last night at closing I will never know.
Went for a little more of a stroll and tried a place we were thinking of food in – the Dolphin, which was a little “unclean” but served decently proceed drinks and we found a table to read from. After a couple in there we headed to yet another “oldest pub in xxx” which was small, and busy, and the toilets were on the top of a narrow windy staircase – Sian had a Vodka that was filled with Barcardi and Kate had some grub. Before we knew it it was supper time, so luckily just across the road was an Indian, so we dined with slightly too wet curry, a very nice server and a very annoying lad who luckily left before our mains.
Long walk back up the hill and crashed out, tired…
Nice place to visit, but not a lot there, and no drinking int he sun…
Marrsy had whinged all day yesterday about the hotel I had booked, so first thing was to re-book a different one. Then he still wasn’t happy. Breakfast was great, in the B+B – real good quality and plenty off it, although the three foot plate made it look smaller than it was (and the miniature toast made it look bigger). Poor old Brend was now really suffering, not just because of cycling, but also he had the sniffles. Today I has assumed was going to be easier, that’s a relative term really, it was not.
Once sorted we headed out, and everywhere out of Ilfracolme is up, so up we went – it was steep. But after a short while we went down, then up again and so on and so on. Had a good decent down towards Braunton after getting a little lost in a village. Then it was 19ft above sea level, knowing our end point was 1000ft above – nice one…. We followed the track around the bay, and along some really good cycle tracks for about 20 miles, then more up until we stopped at Petrockstow for lunch. And confusion, if not precipitation reigned.
We went up individually, pint and omelette, then we went outside to wait. We could hear Brend having some debate with the woman in the bar, and after an age he came out, complaining that there was no eggs for his omelette and no ham either. Anyhoo, after a short while his toasted sandwich came out, then another, then another – did he order three toastees? Nope. It seems that when he ordered his, they had assumed he was re-adjusting our orders – so we all had the same, expect for navigator who had to send his back because there was bacon in it. It was quite nice though. Then I had a helmet malfunction.
Other side of the pub was yet another massive hill, so at the top, taking a breather awaiting Brend – who was nearly killed by some dude with a trailer, I realised I had left my helet in the pub. No way was I going back down then up again, so although fresh faced Nick said he’d go we plowed on – refreshed with no hat, but Marrsy was very concerned I would die. I didn’t.
The rest of the day was many hours up and some down, some very steep bits and some not so. At one point Brend even took the lead, and surprised a squirrel who had come to cheer him on – the poor thing didn’t know whether he was coming or going after seeing The Brend power past, it did that four legged bounce and sprinted in a few directions before heading off to tell the tale of the rider in orange who had red legs.
After the final push up to our hotel, and one of the steepest sections of the day, we finally arrived at the prison which was to be our home for the evening – Travelodge Sourton Cross.
There was only one pub around, and it was on the other side of the A30, so after a quick refresh, me and navman played frogger across the main road for a crap pint in a seventies pub with just us in. Whilst we read the paper and drank, The Brend relaxed in the bath with a podcast of Russian Politics. Once he was fully conversant in the ways of the new Russian political system we ordered a cab. It was coming in “15 to 20 mins” – yeah right. It was raining.
50 minutes later and a maniac pulled up, unfortunately this maniac was our only hope of getting somewhere other than Little Chef for grub. He swore extensively as he set off at 120 miles an hour down the country lanes – to a place he “recommended”. Tell Ed the barman that Ed the Taxi brought you here. It looked okay, and was full – and we had no other choice so we stayed. Food was great, surroundings not so much. Brend had his, then drank my gravy. We had some beers and an expensive whisky for nav, and then Ed the Taxi came back and spoke to Ed the Barman, and whisked us away at the speed of a maniac cab driver to the safety of our beds.
Another year, and another of the annual cycle rides. Due to holidays and iron man training competitors were restricted to just three this year – me, Mr Marr and Brend “The Straggler” Thomas.
We decided to do the Devon Coast to Coast this year, but as it was only a hundred miles, and we are so hard, we decided to do a little ride first off to get us to the Devon C2C start point in Ilfracolme.
I arrived on the Friday around five, after spending weeks in slow traffic around Bristol – and after checking in, Sian, Kate and I descended to Taunton, to see what we could see. We could see a pub, so we went in. I asked a rather aggrieved bar man whether the Stella 4 was cold – he told me in no uncertain terms it was. It was. Then right across the road was another pub, so we went in there too.
After some time The Brend arrived, due to some confusion (foreshadowing) he had to go back to the hotel to let Marrsy in, but he was down, and looked like he had had an enjoyable year all told. We got him settled in the pub, and before long the final arrival appeared – he had cycled up to Taunton – just to ensure he had ridden more than anyone else on the weekend…
After being told to leave the pub, because Kate wasn’t allowed in after 7, we umm’d and arr’d for a food place. Brend suggested Bills – so Bills it was, and rather good it is. So good we went back there for breakfast on the real cycling day. Brend had a tiny fish, and some scones, and finished off Marsys main, and after a short while we followed the navigator round a perilous route back to the hotel…
Next morning was ride proper. Weather sunny – check, no cobwebs on the bike – check, Brends camel toe sack filled – check, navigation aid started – check, Petr Cech in fantasy football – check, and off we went. After around some time we were at bills eating. Then we got lost.
But we soon(ish) sorted it, and we were on our way. Ilfrcolme is about 65 miles from Taunton, and Marrsy had regaled us with bad tidings of his last attempt at the route – he said, wait for it, he said – He had to push up the big hill – AARRGGGHHHHHH… So navigator in the lead we high tailed it through the town and out onto the countryside. Before long we got to a small incline, this was where Brend “The Power” realised that not cycling for a year is to his detriment, and his legs “had no power anymore”. We followed Cycle route 3 until we got somewhere (Bampton I think) and stopped for a “coffee” – Brend had a croissant, and our tea dregs and the left over milk, and licked the menu clean. Back on the bikes for the journey to the lumpy bit.
Few miles further and we stopped for a breather, before the first hill of the day – and what a peach it was. This was the one cyclist thought he might have to push up, he didn’t, I wouldn’t, Brend did (a little). It was steep, and slippery, but we met no cars, and it was early in the cycle. It was the sort of steep that unless you cycle up steep things you would think was steep anyway. Oh and slippy. And steep. And it had a massive leaf on it (you’ll need to check google street view to understand that.) Once up this abomination we paused to reflect on Brend. Then up again, and I had to get off – not by choice I have to add, but because some wally in a car caused a road block half way up – it was steep enough that it was impossible to get into the clip on’s, so after a little push we were on the way again… We now had fourteen miles of “up” to go – they were long old miles, but we stopped before the top for lunch in the Sportsman, which looked pretty dodgy, but had nice faggots and cold lager. At this point Brend started to suffer.
Two pints down, and stodgy faggots does not set you up for a 25 mile lumpy afternoon, I wasn’t happy about being back on the bike – but the “worse” was over – it wasn’t.
Well actually it was, but there was still some up to go, and a great 3 mile down, followed, as expected by a 3 miles up, then down then up then down then up, then scary A road where we were nearly killed everytime a car went past, then finally, after what felt like a day of cycling (hang on – it was a day of cycling) we saw the sign – Ilfracolme 3 miles. Navigated had promised it was downhill from here – and you know what – it actually blumming well was…
Got to our lodgings, and stored the bikes – nice place (The Olive Branch), quick shower and off to see the delights of Ilfracolme. There were dodgy people and a massive statue of a pregnant woman will half her skin carved off (Damion Hurst – obviously) but then we found the poop deck @ The Pier, and drank alcohol in the sun, outside, with a great view of the sea. This is what the cycle trips are all about. We chuckled at Brend as he told us of his “plumbing” issues. It seems that Brend does not have hot water in his bath or shower, so he has connected a feed from the hot water that works to the bath. I assumed via a hose pipe, or at least some type of pipe – but no, ever the inventor he used the packaging the curtain rails came in. For the last year. One in a million.
After beer we found a decent Indian, ate, drank a cobra and went to bed.
Night wasn’t great, my roll-a-blind banged, and at 5 the sodding seagulls shouted at each other..
Climb a mountain. That’s a good thing to do, right?
We had seen the weather forecast change from sun to rain to wind to wind and rain to wind and rain and sun to cloudy – the day turned out to be all of the above. We decided to get there early, so at 6:55 we were waiting for MaccyD’s to open, to get some calories in before the scramble. We had decent enough gear – good walking shoes (a must), shorts, napsack with provisions (and even a torch – just in case), and some wet gear and water. Although the mountain is accessible to most – people do seem to forget that it actually is a mountain (just), and some of the kit we saw people in during the day was incredible – and not in a good way..
Arriving at Pen-y-pass around 7:45, there was plenty of room in the car park (it was a Friday in Summer Holidays), but it does fill up quickly. The car parking is £10 which I see on the internet lots of people seem to moan about – but if you are walking you are paying £10 for a car full of people to spend 6-10 hrs in an incredible place – to me that is a bargain, and well worth it.
There are many routes up the mountain, from the train, and the Llanberis track (which I believe is just a sloping walk) to the Miners track to the Pyg track (on our side) – we had decided to run the Pyg then go over the notorious Crib Goch. I had researched the Crib extensively before we left, as it is not highlighted on Snowdon, due to its “extreme” nature, and it is NOT to be taken lightly. YouTube has some vid’s, and I saw every single one before leaving – each time coming away with sweaty palms, as I am not very good with heights – but the wife and daughter wanted to do it, and to be honest if you can, you should – as it is thrilling.
The walk begins at the car park at Pen-y-pass, in the top right hand corner, and begins with the Pyg track – this follows the hill up, and it mostly stone steps dropped into the ground to follow – there are a couple of slightly steep bits, but it very easy to follow. As we ascended we could see the ridge of Crib Goch in the distance (although at the time I didn’t realise as it looked too steep to climb) – we saw a man running down the hill, and we thought he must have been up the top early and was one of these extreme runners – but no, he had left his parking ticket in his rucksack and needed to get back down to put it in the car! – Remember kids – parking ticket in the rucksack is bad…
Looking up to Crib Goch in the distance
After only about half a mile up hill we came to the style, I had heard that the Crib Goch path is a divergence from the main path just before this, but not seeing any signs we continued on over the style, before realising around a quarter of a mile later that we had missed it. I was reluctant to go up, as I don’t like the heights and it was drizzly at this time, but the others insisted – so I gave them the last chance and we turned around and went back to the style. We looked up at the cliff face and I wasn’t sure that could be it, but we saw a couple of people in the distance and took a chance.
Red Warnings!
The path is just before the style on the right, where there is a break in the fence – after a little way it comes to another style which has some little red warning signs on it – do not continue if you think you wont like like, because not long after this it becomes difficult to come back down again…
The first bit is easy, but it soon becomes a bit of a scramble up some reasonably steep sections, but there is a path of sorts to follow, I seem to remember it was slightly to the left – luckily we were following some others so they “seemed” to know what they were doing. It was at this point, perhaps a quarter of the way up that I started to tremble, the other two were having a great time, but I could begin to feel my heart racing and the shakes beginning. At a point a little further up, you have to actually climb – which means finding hand holds and physically pull yourself up and over – now I was finding that my arms were not really pulling me enough and I started using my knees – a “bad move”.
As it got steeper, I had that over whelming sensation that one slip and you could really be in trouble – at this point you may not fall far, but it would be enough to break something – hopefully not your head, I was tensing too much and beginning to struggle. The other two were loving it, and they did kindly give me some encouraging words “are you okay, well done” to which I just couldn’t respond. After this initial bit it flattens out and I shook a little and was breathing hard – I was scared, and only half way up..
Next section was even more of a climb, there is no path here, just rock and loose stuff, and you just have to go up, at one point I did think that this was it, and I couldn’t get any further, but at this point it would be more difficult to go back down, so up we went. There is a small “technical” bit here, where you have to climb again, it was for me a little challenging, and I kept thinking, why the heck did I do this, I am going to get stuck or die – I did think it would be a little embarrassing to die on a grade one scramble, so up I went. The next section was a little slippery, with the rain, and some grass on the rocks – you are reasonably “safe”, but I couldn’t look down, at this point one slip would mean certain injury, or worse – and although it is relatively easy, so is tripping in the street. Again, as there is no path, you look up and just hope you are going the right way, I was pulling myself up, with my whole body pressed against the face, not the idea climbing position I don’t think.
Looking up, we still seemed to have a very long way to go, but at this point the rocks make something like a natural staircase, and it is technically easy to ascend to the top, but if you hate heights, you still cling on with grim death and keep going and going. At this point I was overtaken by a guy who was almost running up the side, he looked like he had done it before, and looked at me with pity as I clung on as he gamboled past me – not far now I thought, and eventually we got to the top.
The ridge line – slightly wet
It was now quite wet, and the rock looked dangerous – the wind had also picked up a bit, and although I had read the stories, I was surprised at the lack of room at the top, I sat, and just managed to take a photo and get some breath and a drink before the real challenge started.. The ridge itself is, well a ridge, on one side (the right) is pretty much a sheer drop, the other is just a very steep scree – make no mistake, if you fell either side it was be unpleasant. The first bit I managed standing on the ridge line – that didn’t last long, and I took the easier route, which is very slightly to the left, holding the ridge with your hands. I felt very exposed, and worried, at one point I had to mount the ridge like a horseman (feeling like it was the apocalypse) and another I had to crawl, but head first. Mostly though you can navigate the edge reasonably okay, there are some places where it seems like you cannot find a foothold, and you are constantly aware of the height and “danger”.
It went on and on and on, but after a while we got to the pinnacles – you can go over them – no chance, but there is a good path around them, but you have to climb a little bit – then you come to the last pinnacle – which you have to climb, on the right hand side, with a drop, and its relatively easy – but due to the height I just went straight up, no thinking, even when our daughter went slightly the wrong way, there was no way I could pause, I was up. On the other side is a steep down, which was almost as scary, then onto a proper path. I gasped for air and shook for some time – it was like the adrenaline has been spent and I relaxed – I shouldn’t have.
On the other side of the first ridge, is a bit of a path, which then ascends to a second ridge – just a little one, which I even managed to walk across in parts, after this is another path, which splits – one way is up the other around, we had some real climbers behind us, and they said to go up, so I have no idea where the other path goes, but we followed them. After you get to the top of this bit, there is a very steep cliff face – you have to go up it. This is real climbing, and none of the reviews I read mentioned this, although again it is not difficult, it is hard for someone who is not a mountaineer and you are very exposed as you climb at 90 degrees, at one point it felt like over 90. I don’t know what the best route is here, but after scrambling and climbing on my knees we were heading up again. This bit was similar to the bit before you ge to the top at the beginning, but not quite so steep – the rock looks a little more like slate, and there are good handholds but yet again I felt very exposed, after this it is another small ridge like and eventually, after what feels like a week you are finally at the top – thank god for that.
Still some way to go before the summit is reached
We looked back and I was amazed we had got across it, after having all that panic inside you the feeling of getting across is amazing. I realise it is not hard in the scale of things, but for me, quite possibly the hardest thing I have ever done. If you don’t like things like “Go Ape”, then you really have to consider whether you should attempt this or not – it is absolutely worth it, it is dangerous (in a loose sense of the word) and you could fall, if you did you would be in trouble, but many people do it, and very few die.
Once at the top, you decent slightly to the Llanberis track, and chug up with the rest of them to the top – we had a beer in the cafe, just to say that we had a beer at the highest “pub” in the UK, then after a little breather we set off back.
The return route was the miners track, which starts next to the marker a little way back down the Llanberis track from the summit and is a little tricky in places – not hard in any way, but does require some scrambling up – its not just steps. A little way down this path, there is another little “finger stone” and you go right here (not well marked, and it is difficult to see the route at the start) onto the miners track proper. This is then a bit of a decent and a mile or so of flatish walking. It is a lot longer going this way, rather than continuing on the path across the Pyg – and although the old stone houses are interesting to see, if you want to get back the Pyg may be better.
So according to Strava it was around 9 miles in total and took us about six hours ( Snowdon strava route ).
It was great – well worth attempting, would I do it again? Not on your nelly.
The rain was quite heavy now, so we went back to the hotel, had a relaxing shower, and out to the pub and the Begal Spice for a top Indian.
So we were off on a short, four day holiday – to do a little of North Wales, Snowdon, then a couple of days in Liverpool.
Started earlyish on the Thurs, just after “rush hour”, and the going was painful. Travelling up through Abergavenny is never the easiest – but there were a lot of of slow movers, and we had forgotton the Royal Welsh was on in Builth, so that slowed us to. Our TomTom also seems to have gone mental, and she took us down some wild and wonderful roads, when staying on the main would have been better – but after many hours we made it to Portmierion.
This is a place, which was built some time back by a guy who wanted to see if he could build a nice village – with Mediterranean influences in North Wales – well, he succeeded.
It is now just holiday homes, and hotel rooms – but of course there are one or two tourists wandering around, its about a tenner a head, and there was free parking on site – we came and wandered. Although the day was not great, the sun was sort of out, and the wind was windy, we mooched around the coast line, then had a wee dram in the hotel. UP the hill to the “cafe” we had some reasonably decent grub at a reasonably decent price, and Kate had an ice cream which was again pretty reasonable. Its good to see places which dont charge too much. We went to catch the land train, but it was packed, so we spent the next half hour having a look at the square and buying some prints. Went back and missed the train again! It seems people were queuing for the next train, as the one was leaving – so we gave up and walked it instead – which was nice.
It wasn’t far to walk, and the run was good, we did the circuit and then had seen all there was to see – so we headed out. It is a shame that “villages” like this cannot be built normally – but I guess without the tourist dollar they would be too expensive to maintain – but on the face of it there doesn’t seem to be any reason why something like this couldn’t be a normal place..
Up the road to Caernarfon, and after some faffing with the car park, we checked in. Room was reasonable, but we unpacked and chilled for a short while, then off to see a little bit of the town. As time was getting on we walked thought and went to the Castell which was a very weird place, it has such a selection of punters, from young families to alcoholics – slightly scary in places, some dudes arrived and were drinking things like a WKD with a Carlsburg top – and seemingly quite abusive, but we found a decent table and had a couple.
Next stop was the Black Boy Inn, which seems to have the best reputation in town. They don’t take bookings after 6, so we get a buzzer thing, and go and have a drink in the bar, then when a table is free they buzz you and you go into the restaurant. This works well, and we manage to find a nice little table to wait. After about half hour we were shown through – great starters and main course – not perfect but very good all the same. After nosh it was time to head back and check the weather for he 50th time to see what would await us on Snowdon.
Popped down to Pembrokeshire again, this weekend. Nice one day, thunder the next.
Although no rain on Sat, it still wasn’t quite nice enough to sit out and beer. So sat in and went to Hazelbeach in the evening to the Ferry House Inn, which was disspointing. It needs a little tlc, the staff were confused and not great, and unfortunately nearly all the food was overcooked. Won’t return.
I used to go down here on the BMX’s many years ago, to go “mud surfing”, when you would run along the mud flats and dive into the mud and skip across the goo. Seemed fun back then.
On the way back we used to be so thirsty we would look for a farmers irrigation pipe with a hole in it, and drink from the pipe – gawd knows where the water came from, but we didn’t die – well not all of us.
Managed a quick run down Clay Lanes and through town, and got very confused with the new round-about they are building – but got back just before the weather went nuts. Thunder and torrential rain. On the way back the road into Port Talbot was rubbish, stupid 50 mile an hours “warning signs” and a tail back for about 6 miles. Not fun.
Kate was off out, so we decided to take a spin up to Cheltenham and have a look at Art in the Park. It was some pictures, hanging in a park, and a closed street with stalls. It was “fine”.
Had a little look around, and tried to find a nice village to stop for a drink – didn’t find any – even the pubs on the edge of the Cotswolds were not any good – one, I had passed many times had actually shut, and another didn’t seem to want to serve us. So we ended up at the Air Balloon, which used to be the only pub with no smoking, now its just a pub on a roundabout. We had a swifty, almost in sun.
Then we came home and had a drink in the Rose, it hadn’t got much hotter.
