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