4m

route: 4m, hilly, trail
weather: 15c

How nice does everything look at this time of year? All the trees and grass looks like it has been painted by a 5 year old. All the colours are too vibrant and everything seems too lush to be real. I love it.

Ran a bit of a sluggish 4m tonight. Last w/e of long runs. Will run 25 on Sunday which will be my last run over 20 miles until the event.

Cycle to Newcastle

Route: 40m (cycle), hilly, road
Weather: dry (that's all I was bothered about!)

Up and out early this morning with Craig and John for a cycle to Newcastle and back. Really nice route and good craic. Struggled to keep up with the others as on Craig's old tank of a bike (feels like riding a penny farthing!) but enjoyed it anyway. John has made me envious of his road bike - might have to get me one of those!

More Hexham Running

Route: 5m, road, undulating
Weather: 13C, muggy

Back in Hexham visiting Craig and Rach and also trying to sort out a cycle route for August. Favourite for the moment is the Northern section of the Pennine Way (route 68).

Took the opportuinty of running a quick 5m route along the river. Nice gentle run, although legs felt quite heavy.

Tomorrow morning I'm going to get up early and join Craig and John for a 40m round trip to Newcastle. Should be fun!

Draycote Water

Route: 21m, fairly flat, road and a little trail
Weather: Wet, windy and generally unpleasant

We had to abandon the camping trip as torrential rain was putting more than just a dampner on things. So we have retreated to Rugby to Leon's house and opted for a more cosy, warm and dry stay!

Decided on a run up to Draycote Water today, although after looking at Leon's map, there may be some scope for a new canal run next time I'm down. Ran along the old railway line, right on Ashlawn Road to Dunchurch, through the village and down to the reservoir. Did two laps, fighting against the wind and rain and then returned the same route. Despite the weather, a pleasant run and pleased to return to a house and not a campsite!

Aston Cantlow

Route: 7m, road, undulating
Weather: Dry, 16C

Camping with the family in Aston Cantlow, near Stratford. Had a pleasant 7m run through a nice churchyard and some pretty villages. Unfortunately reached the busy A46 which was less than scenic, but that only lasted for a couple of miles. Good pace run with no problems. I plan to run to Worcester tomorrow if I can find a quiet route.

Altered route

Route: 5m, road, flat
Weather: warm and dry

Had to change the route as the 'canal system' I found on Map My Run turned out to be a locked sewerage works!! This meant we had to stay on road rather than being able to go cross country, but a pleasant enough run nonetheless. Ran with James from the course who maintained a blistering pace until about 500m from the hotel.

Tomorrow's run

I've found what will hopefully prove to be a bit more of an interesting run for tomorrow. I plan to run it in the morning on my own and the perhaps run it again in the evening if it's any good with anyone who wants to join me.

Here's a google photo of the intended route: