Dusk 9m

Route: 9m, hilly, roand and trail
Weather: Perfect, 16C light breeze

Had a nice 9m run along the old railway track parallel to Bradford Road, up Ellar Ghyll to the footpath, across to West Chevin Road, up Windmill Lane etc to the top, through the Chevin and up to Surprise View, across East Chevin Road, over Danefield and down to Pool bank, finally decending Leeds Road. A lovely run!

5m with Jane

Route: 5m, hilly
Weather: 19C

Ran a pleasant 5m run with my Mother-in-law tonight. She cycled and I ran up Leeds Road, up the steps at Pool Bank, along the boardwalk and through Danefield to East Chevin Road.

Nice gentle pace - just what I needed.

Thanks Jane!

5m taper

Route: 5m, road and trail, hilly
Weather: Really muggy

Not been feeling myself today and yesterday so went for a run to see if that would sort me out. Ran a short 5m taper up to the Bar House and back through the Chevin. Felt ok but not 100%. Went out for a meal at the excellent Cheerful Chilli and ate about a gazillion calories.

Still feeling a bit less than 100%, but an early night should sort things.

Perfect run

Route: 9.5m, road and trail, hilly
Weather: Stunning evening, 14C

I felt like tonight was the first time I felt confident enough in my knee to push myself on a run since the Fling last month. Perhaps not the best idea as I am supposed to be tapering and being ultra careful, but it felt so good!

Ran a 9m route up Bradford Road and Ellar Ghyll, across the footpaths to West Chevin Road, up Windmill Lane to the top, over and down to East Chevin Road, through Danefiled, along to Pool Bank and back down Leeds Road.

This run had everything for some reason. It has been a lovely warm day today, but 20 minutes before I went out it started raining heavily. It stopped just as I began running and everything had that amazing summer rain smell. The sky was an amazing stormy indigo colour and by the time I reached the top, the sun was just disappearing behind the hills leaving streaks of oranges and yellows in the clouds. The long wet grasses felt lovely on my legs as I ran through the fields. The view from the top of the Chevin seemed particularly clear and nice tonight, and the descent through the pines of Danefield seemed especially good. Then back down the usually annoyingly busy Leeds Road, but tonight I didn't notice the traffic, only the thin sliver of a new moon above the fields of hopping lambs. As the sky grew darker, I was even visited briefly by a bat... and the best bit was I felt like I could have run for ever. God bless endorphins!!

Happy days :)

7m

Route: 7m, road and trail
Weather: Air = dry, ground = sodden

Ran a reverse route of a route I often run which was interesting. Very wet underfoot so had to resort to fell shoes for the trail sections. Was interesting putting them back on - haven't worn them for a few months to protect my
feet for the WHWR. They felt like old slippers at first - really comfy, but I wouldn't like to run further than about 8m with them on.

A nice run!

'Tagging'

Brian Mc 'tagged' me on his blog, so here I am replying. What does this mean?

Here are the rules and my reply is just below


Tagging is easy. Just copy the following onto your post.
The rules of the game are posted at the start of your blog post.
In this case, I'm asking you 5 questions about running.
Each player answers the 5 questions on their own blog.
At the end of your post you tag 5 other people and post their names.
Go to their blogs and leave a comment on their blogs telling them they've been tagged and to look at your blog for details.
When they've answered the questions on their own blog, they come back to yours to tell you. Got that?
Here goes.

1. How would you describe your running 10 years ago?

I didn't run 10 years ago. I have always liked 'the outdoors', but running didn't feature particularly. I started running (distances) when I was 30. I used to run short distances quite well at school, but anything over 400m seemed too much like hard work. How things change!

2. What is your best and worst run/race experience?

My best run experience was probably the Lairig Ghru ultra race between Braemar and Aviemore. I loved the scenery and did ok. Rotherham 50 will always be a good race to look back on as it was my first 50+ mile race. I enjoyed both of thos races the most I think.

Worst runs...there have been a few. I think the worst race I have ever taken part in was the Thames Path Ultra this year. The course was mostly under two feet of water and the alternative was to run on busy main roads. I pulled out at 20m. Very frustrating.

3. Why do you run?

Running makes me a better person. It has made me a calmer person, a braver person, a humble person, and generally a nicer person to be around. I'm also addicted to those delicious endorphins that fly round your body after a long run.

I particularly like ultra-running because I like the idea that I can move freely and relatively quickly across difficult terrain with no need for mechanical help. I like the freedom it allows me.

4. What is the best or worst piece of advice you've been given about running?

Best piece of advice: enjoy it.
Worst piece of advice: always breathe in through your nose. What a load of *~@%!

5. Tell us something surprising about yourself that not many people would know.

Wow...I am the son of an American Marine who had a tour of duty of the UK during the Vietnam War.

All the folk on the WHW website have been tagged, so I'm branching out and cutting loose. I have tagged the following folk:

Paul Tranter
Derek
Steve Grabowski
Patti
Marci

Totally random, but might be interesting.

Last Long Run!

Route: 25m, road, flat, undulating and hilly!
Weather: 13C, very wet

Despite a complete lack of motivation, I set out on my last long run before I begin to taper down for the big event. My longest run will now be 12m.

Really didn't feel like spending close to 4 hours in the torrential rain today, but the thought of this being my last long run spurred me on. Felt uninspired about an off-road route, so decided to just do a Leeds circuit. Ran over the Chevin to Guiseley, along to Rawdon, Horsforth, Kirkstall and Leeds city. Then came home via Headingly, Lawnswood, Adel and Bramhope.

Felt good until about 18 miles, after which point I felt really tired. After counting up the miles this week, it's no wonder. This represents my toughest week to date with two 20m+ runs, a 40 mile cycle and two short sharp 5 milers. That mileage is about exactly the mileage I'll have to do in 35 hours in less than 3 weeks time - all on foot and all over rough terrain and without sleep. No panic attack though, just a feeling of determination that I can do this.