Oldham Half Marathon 12-10-14

On September 28th I ran the Macclesfield Half Marathon in 2.04 and I was a bit disappointed that I lost my mojo by 8 miles and slipped away from the 2 hr mark. Still, there's always another chance to run a race isn't there?
Following relentless nagging from Tracy V, the Mrs. Doyle of the running community, I decided to join her and Steve B for the Oldham Milltown to Moors Half. I knew that the course was hilly, there's no escaping that in Oldham but as a veteran of 2 Buxton Halves I was not particularly bothered. I decided that if I could get done in 10 minute miles max 2hs 10, that would be satisfactory. 
I always say these things to myself then I think, oh, I could have gone faster.... but I like to be able to walk the next day. Ideally, I finish with a smile on my face; not vomiting onto my shoes and gasping like a stranded cod. If you want to see me looking really ill you should see me at the end of parkrun where I do actually run quite hard, I'm clinging onto the wall and shaking after the finish. 
The start is right into the centre of Oldham, I think there were about 400 entrants, not too big, not too small, it is the Goldilocks of half marathons. Registration at the leisure centre was busy but not insane; you could have a pee without waiting 30 mins in a queue. Kaye B complained about the terrible pong in the hall of trainers and ralgex - I think I have become immune to it over the years. The timing was by chip timers fastened to your laces by twisty ties, very fiddly.
The weather was cool and cloudy, about 8C, ideal for a hot person like me who always feels warm.

3 complete nutters on an outing

Out we trotted, following a half-hearted attempt at a warm up, and took our places at the start area. Steve went off to find the photographer from the Oldham Chronicle for his feature picture. Following a set of inaudible and incomprehensible garbed announcements we were off. A circuit round the town centre took up the first mile and then we hit the main road and the start of an evil 3 mile slog uphill on the Ripponden Road. Gruelling is a popular adjective in running land but this definitely deserves it. I was going well for the first 3 miles, just slightly over 9 minute miles, but I knew I couldn't sustain this pace. I deliberately slowed to a walk for a few paces a couple of times to break my stride. I kept being passed by, then overtaking, the same set of runners. I can't be bothered to do really slow running just so that I can say I kept running. As long as you get there in the end it doesn't really matter how you did it. I'm not sure if it was as hard as the climb up to Axe Edge in Buxton but it felt like it was never-ending.
I had been told that the views as we gained height would be stunning and worth the effort. but all I could see was grey clag. The cloud was so low my hair was soaked and dripping cold. I will have to take people's word for it that it is scenic. 
It was such a relief to finally reach the summit and begin the long downhill into Delph. I took the opportunity to gallop down as fast as possible, knowing that this would be a good opportunity to make up lost time. People clapped and cheered as we reached the town, it really felt good to have support along the way. 
The route turns back toward Oldham at about the 6 mile mark, following the A6052 Delph New Road by the river Tame.  I had done 6 miles in about 55mins so I knew I was comfortably within my estimate. The course here was reasonably level and I plodded along, the pavements are very broken up  so I ran on the road. On this stretch a small child pointed at me and said "Look Mam, that lady's not running very fast!" I laughed gamely, trying not to feel hurt, and said I was doing my best. Steve said I should have told them to F*** off.
For this race, I had some jelly babies and water with electrolyte with me. I'd had a touch of cramp on the Macc half and rubber legs by 11 miles so I thought I'd try to eat and drink a little by 8 miles. The route turned off up a smaller lane that leads past Saddleworth golf course past the 7 mile mark and I refuelled a little, slowing to a walk on the steep climb up. It's amazing how much effort you have to put in to chew up a jelly baby, they have the consistency of raw stewing steak when you are running.
After 8 miles, the hill back up on the Oldham Road was a complete slog and I was starting to lag now on my time. Once we reached the top of the hill though, the crowds were out in force, really cheering us on and I felt totally uplifted. Little kids offered us trays of Haribos and I had a couple and felt really good. The run back into town was mostly downhill to the 11th mile, and I was still within my target time, going through Lees and towards the town centre. As we entered the town centre, owners of the small shops along the route had set up informal water stations and little kids and their Mams and Dads cheered us on. It was fantastic, I can't say how much better it made me feel, like I really was part of an an important community event.
There is a vile sting in the tail to the Oldham Half, a total uphill finish. People yelled and bellowed at me to keep going as I struggled along on and I must say I really did put some serious effort in.  I knew I'd beaten the 10 minute mile target and finished in 2.07.42. Not a great time but at least I had been realistic on an unknown course. Tracy and Steve broke the 2hr barrier, really good going. That's my aim for next year but maybe not at Oldham. I'll definitely be back though!

When you don't want to run but you know that you should.

Sometimes I get that terrible flat feeling where I have no motivation. Yesterday was  my first full day off following a hard week and weekend of overnight sessions and I had completely lost my Mojo. I knew I should go and run but the weather was dull and rainy and I felt like I didn't know how far to run, where to go or what to do in general.
So I resolved to go out from home, rather than a trip out or a long run to Hayfield with a bus ride back. Mellor Cross was an obvious destination; not too far but a good climb up. 
I trundled off on the well-trodden route to the canal, along Arkwright road and down to the Roman Lakes. Off left at Old Hall and up the steep rocky track that leads to Linnet Clough and the golf course. Always a grotty climb, the path was running with water. It's very uneven and rocky and soon saps the legs. I followed the road up to the entrance of the golf course and turned right along the track than left up the path that leads through the golf course and skirts its uppermost edge to join Black Lane, leading up to the cross. At this point my pace was very slow but I could feel my head clearing and I was glad I was out, even though it was so damp.

From Mellor Cross I ran along Black Lane and Primrose Lane to join Castle Edge road. Normally this is the most enjoyable part of this run, with sweeping panoramic views across to Kinder and over towards Lyme Park. However the cloud was so low that everything was obscured. I trotted along Castle Edge road and crossed over the New Mills road to join Shiloh Lane. The 375 bus was waiting in his turn around spot at the end of Rush Lane and he pulled away as I approached. What a nice spot it must be for the driver to stop and eat a sandwich and look at the view. 

A landrover was pulling out of Rush Lane and the driver, a cheerful chap, stopped for a chat. he asked where I had come from and was going to and seemed very keen to talk forever. Although I love to chat myself I had to make my excuses once we had got onto: The state of the NHS, people he knew who could fight but were really nice underneath, problem drinkers, dairy farming in Cheshire, as I was cooling down rapidly. 

I made good progress along the track and up and down through the fields to Mellor Church. This is such a lovely spot to see the views for miles. It is almost TOO nice if such a thing is possible. I can't believe I can visit such a memorable place as often as I like. A bunch of ramblers were huddled up around the walls having a lunch break but the weather was closing in and I pressed on, tumbling down through the fields, trying not to make the sheep jump up, down to Knowle Farm and then left down the lane and off to the left again down the steep path that crosses the stream. Up the steps to join Longhust Lane and then a run down to the Royal Oak where I took the track off to the left down Old Hall Lane, bringing me back to Lakes Road.

Although my pace had been slow it felt good to be out and alive, as I always say. I cannot emphasise how much running has given me in terms of fun, friends, challenges and exercise. If you love the hills as I do, even a 3 mile run can blow away the cobwebs and clear the mind. I think of my old pal Sally as I write, one lovely lady sadly struck down by ill health. If I could run as well and smile as much and have as big a heart as her I would be blessed.

Lanhydrock Parkrun 09-08-14

On holiday in Polruan in Cornwall I had decided to check if there was a parkrun anywhere nearby and it turned out that there was one near Bodmin, at Lanhyrock Castle, a National Trust property. As with all parkruns, it was a 9am start so we set off from our campsite at Polruan just before 8. The roads from Polruan are all really narrow, with passing spaces, so it was impossible to go at more than 20mph. At Lerryn, we met a man with a guitar who was hitchhiking so we picked him up and dropped him off at Lostwithiel.

At Lanhydrock, a stream of fit looking and not so fit looking persons in running gear was headed into the park. The start was marked out but the crowd didn't seem too big. There was a distinct lack of kiddies, old folk and unfit looking persons. This should have been a clue. I'd had a look at the map beforehand and the route looked good, through parkland and woodland, just one lap. However, the map did not show the contours.

After the parkrun - a bit hot.

Off we set, without much preamble from the organiser, at a mad gallop, downhill past the lovely manor house. Through some woods and then some more downhill. And more. And more. This was NOT good. The running was good dry trail with some tricky tree roots but it was TOO MUCH downhill. Eventually the route reached the river Fowey and levelled off. Then came the evil uphill puff and slog. I had to walk a bit, my legs would not let me run. Eventually I made it back to the start. Hells bells what a tough one. I think my time was 29 mins + which would have had me weeping at Marple. The first placed runner was from Keswick AC.

On the way back, we went via the little car ferry at Bodinnick which is so efficient and cut out some of the more hair raising roads.

Top tip. Do your research. However, parkruns are always a great way to get out there and do a bit of running in good company, totally free, totally brilliant.

Stoney Middleton Fell Race

Here's a novelty, a CS fell race! Can't be a bad thing for a plodder like me can it? Well on one of the hottest days of the year, it can.

I've been back out and at it for 2 months now and I can feel myself getting fitter but by heck, the heat does me no good at all. I set off with good intentions but am reduced to a red-faced, panting mess after a couple of miles.

Stoney Middleton Fell race is definitely NOT a fell race. It's a trail race really but  it's a nice one and a 5 mile leg stretcher. It sets off from the playing fields just outside the village on the A623.  Good old fashioned race registration, £5 entry and fill out your own sticky label for results. A good race for the novice or the more nervous competitor. A friendly atmosphere and a good range of types there from the lean mean and keen to the stout middle-aged person. (Me).

Nice to see the gang out, Tracy, Mary, Chris, Mark W etc. I think that the same hardcore from the club have done most of the races this year.

After the start on the football field we trotted, with some bunching and queuing, along the path through Stoney Middleton to the Moon Inn, where a lane veers steeply upwards.

Up and up we ran. Or walked in my case. Right to the top of the edge above the village. There were quite a few friendly locals out to cheer us on. At the top of the lane the route took a left along a broad stony track, there was a water station at this point which was very welcome. The track led on for a couple of miles up and down, giving good views across the landscape. I was plodding dreadfully slowly but I could still see Chris ahead and I had plenty of folks around me so I didn't feel as discouraged as I sometimes do in races.

At the end of a ridge a narrow path led us downhill thorough some genuine off road terrain. It was very gravelly, pointy limestone in places and quite painful through the soles of my crappy Karrimor trail shoes. (The only ones that fit my insoles properly). There were even some small unwelcome patches of scree from quarry waste down the narrow dale that led back toward the finish.

A small uphill close to the end threatened to kill me off, it is terrible that at the end of a race, if someone even puts a molehill in my way it feels like Everest!

Down to the playing field and through to the finish. Everyone was waiting for me and I was desperate for a drink my mouth felt like it had fur in it it was that dry.

Well done team GVS and thanks to the organisers, a nice little race on a fine Summer's evening.

Hayfield May Queen Race 16-05-14

Another week, another fell race.... I'm getting back in the swing and Hayfield May Queen was a championship race this year so why not?  

Why not? Because I'm still very slow and unfit and short, fast races are never my thing.

Still, Lantern Pike is my stamping ground and it was a lovely evening. Good to see Chris, Tracey and Mary all out too. Paid my £4, got my number and eventually we set off up the lane from Hayfield Scout Hut and peeled off up the track that leads towards Little Hayfield round the bottom of Lantern Pike and then climbs upwards to join the Pennine Bridleway. I set off at the back and fell even further back, legs like rubber, unwilling to climb. I was forced to walk and couldn't urge myself on. A quick uphill start is never my thing.

There were several juniors running too and they all overtook me. I puffed my way up the narrow rocky path to the top of Lantern Pike and was relieved than that it was all over, just a tricky downhill skid through the bilberry and heather, down the lanes, across the fields and back to the field behind the Scout Hut.

Oh well.... things can only improve from a very poor performance and it is always a pleasure to be up and out with the gang in the evening air.

Rainow 5

My 3rd outing to Rainow 5 and this one is a lovely little race I'd be very sad to miss. The start is at the Rainow Institute and there are cakes and refreshments provided in the crowded hall by the Brownies and Guides which gives it a village fete atmosphere. The scenery around Rainow is very pretty and hilly but not aggressively so, it is the very edge of the Peak District where it meets the Cheshire Plain.

I was pleased to see plenty of familiar faces including Raj, Rebecca and Paul O fresh from their superb efforts at the London Marathon. My old nemesis Trevor from Wilmslow was also there.

The start along the lane is gentle enough and I ploughed along gamely my foot twinged slightly but didn't get worse. The route turns through the fields  and kissing gates down to the river. This start is, inevitably then followed by a climb up the path and then steeply up again to White Nancy. I lost loads of time on the uphill, I knew I didn't have the form to attack it and Trevor overtook me on the climb up, which pleased him no end. 

With lungs and legs burning, it's a straight run along the ridge to Kerridge end. The views are fantastic and make the run worthwhile. By this time I was right at the back but then again, I was last year too. The descent and run through the fields is straightforward enough.  The scent of bluebells was heavy in the air and the wooded countryside on a Spring evening was a delight that made up for my tiredness. I had lost all of my energy by the time I reached around the four mile mark and trailed wearily back up from the river, through the fields and down the lane to the finish. 

I was welcomed back by Trevor (gloating)  Tracey, Chris and other GVS and we went back to the hall for tea and fairy cakes. A good return to running, though there is still much to be done to regain my stamina.

I'm Back at the Back of the Pack

Some time has elapsed since my last post and with good reason, I have had Plantar Fasciitis. When I tell you it was painful beyond belief you must believe me, it is like having a nail driven into your heel 24/7. Standing up after resting is so painful it brings tears to your eyes. Running was out of the question and I had to have Naproxen from the doc. to calm it down. The GP helpfully told me to lose weight which I pointed out was rather difficult since I could not run or even walk much. I had had it for 2 weeks and thought I could cope with it and stupidly ran Cloud 9 at Congleton on 2nd March. Agony. I would rather have gone through childbirth.

 I do believe it was brought on after I started to up my miles in January and because I have rather flat feet.

I stupidly sought advice from Dr. Internet and convinced myself that recovery would be a very long job. I was in despair. I missed my running, I missed my pals, I cancelled Grindleford; life looked very bleak and I was in a foul temper.

I sought advice from a very good podiatrist in Macclesfield and she assured me it was a muscle tear and not true plantar fasciitis and that it would ease off in 6 weeks or so. She strapped up my foot with tape and made me some insoles to wear. I rolled my foot on a tennis ball a lot when I could and on a frozen water bottle to massage it and I did stretches for my calves on a step, lowering my heels.

The author 

After 4 weeks it was easing, the podiatrist said I could try to run when I felt I could. So I did, 2 weeks ago. I hobbled round Brabyns park and back and when I got home although my heel ached it was no worse than when I set off. So I tried another run up the canal 2 days later and it felt much better. I was so pleased I cannot describe the joy. I went out with the Thursday night group of GVS on 24th April and got dragged up Eccles Pike feeling reasonably OK and then they made me do it again on 29th April! It was so fantastic to be out with my pals again - what a lovely bunch they are.

I'm due back to see the Pod soon, hopefully I'll get some proper insoles sorted. I will wear well-cushioned shoes from now on especially for distance work and always wear good shoes. I have bought some very ugly Birkenstock slippers but they are super-comfy.

Tracy V on the descent

SO - this brought me to Fox Cross Four, 4th May. A run from The Fox at Brookbottom to Mellor Cross. How could I resist? It's my manor after all. Organised by Tony Ward from Harriers there were about 80 entrants. Sally and Matthew kindly gave me a lift and we walked across the golf course to the start. It was a very dry day, quite warm with some low cloud. It was lovely to see Tracey V. and others from the club there and I took my place near the back and set off at a trot. I couldn't and wouldn't run the uphills but I made a steady pace and really enjoyed it, It was good to see Rosie Brook marshaling near the Shielan and Steve came to support me at the Cross. What a lovely place I live in! It's such a joyful thing to run and be free in such beautiful surroundings with good company.

My time was 43.40 which was better than I hoped for and a good starting point to get back to running.

Prizegiving