That was the weekend that was.

Well two races in two days, WHAT A STUPID IDEA!..... actually it wasn't that bad. Saturday saw me at Causey Pike 4.5m 1780ft

The top is the little nipple you can see in the distance but unfortunately to get there you have to go up the bit just behind the house you can see near the bottom of the front fell, yes, you've guessed it, straight up. In a 4.5 mile race it took me 35 minutes to do the first 1.5 miles and only another 18 to get to the finish, what's that all about. Mind you, as I was getting to the top the winner was just finishing, respect.

Sunday saw me at Grizedale Forest for a 10mile trail race, thoroughly recommendable. The views all round are spectacular, if only I could run with my camera as well. Managed to get round in a slightly quicker time than when I did it two years ago so well pleased with that and you get free tea & flapjack at the finish to boot. The most exciting moment was however soon after the start when a navigation error by the leaders ( they went up the wrong track & everyone followed like sheep) briefly saw me in 3rd place. Highest place I'll ever have!

Next week sees Askham Fell race, this is a new race so heaven knows what it'll be like but look out for the report.

And the little dog.....

well, life as normal really!

Mmm

Isn't strange how life throws you a curved ball now and again, walking home from town after a night out, cross the road to find somebody saying 'hello Ian' well at quarter past twelve it's not really what you're anticipating. Turns out the greeter is someone from my school days who's making sure her niece gets home ok, she only lives round the corner, funny old world.
Today is Causey Pike day now, 2nd of the club championship races. I've been out a couple of times recently but really struggled so this will be a real challenge AND I'm doing Grizedale trail race tomorrow as well.
I've beeen in the house at least 10 minutes & little dog has just made an appearance bless her, she was fast asleep when I came in, old age is catching up on her as well as me.
Lets see what today brings.....

Neil's Big Day

Well, Neil's big day finally came round with the Police National X-country championship at Lowther Park. While he may not have come first he put in a champion performance. Well done mate.

Haweswater Half Marathon

Well Sunday was a brilliant day, a chance to give something back. Helping marshal on the half marathon was such good fun, I would recommend it to anyone who likes a socialable cheap day out.




You get to see the Eden lovelies in their fetching garb and proper runners doing their stuff and to cap it all there is of course the fantastic scenery.













So, get your running shoes on, get out there and get training for next year when it all happens again.

See the start at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WYhqphCMkQ

It Must Be A Bug.

Went out with Neil again on Thursday, didn't get quite as far as we intended due to rather strong headwinds which saw us do 2 miles in 30 minutes on the way out & 2 1/2 miles in 20 minutes on the way back.
So, bolstered by new found enthusiasm, I entered the High Cup Nick fell race. Only 9 miles / 1500ft, ONLY 9 MILES!!!! felt more like 90. After a gentle start through the lovely village of Dufton ( see dufton.org.uk) it all went pear shaped, a couple of miles of open fell trod brought another couple of miles of open fell bog. This was ok (not) 'til I realised that to get to the top of the Nick was a near vertical climb up a grassy bank, by this stage we were well in the clag in more ways than one.
The funny thing is, when you get to what you think is the top, you expect the rest to be all down hill. Oh no, it undulates and undulations hurt at this stage of the game before a long, long descent back to the village to be greeted by smiley faces, happy dogs, pats on the back, handshakes, hugs and cups of soup.
Do it again? Of course I bloody would, I'll be back next year to give it another go, bring on the next one!!!