Hello blogees.
Well, me and the old boy had a rest day yesterday, we are old you know!. But today the old boy felt good, apart from aching knees, but he felt like he could go on a gentle bike ride.
I hadn't done any running today, so was quite happy to join him, he said he will only go on a gentle 5 mile, to Bromley and back.
So after finding batteries for my lights, and a bit of sticky tape (so the Old boy can use Big Sons lights from his old bike) we were all set for a night time ride. I have never been out as yet for a dark night time ride. I was a bit apprehensive, but I knew we would be staying on the main roads, and the well lit back roads.
It wasn't cold out at all. I had my all singing all dancing jacket on, and my cycling gloves (which the Old Boy looked at enviously) and I didn't have my cycling helmet either! I was being a bit of a rebel. We went on through the park and out on to the road that leads to Chislehurst.
The Old boy is loving the ride so far and he is following me behind, (maybe he likes the view!) all the way into Bromley he followed me, and encouraged me to get a move on! It seems I am a slow coach compared to him. All he kept saying to me was "You would like one of these bikes Old Girl" Now why would he say that, why is he 'dissing' my bike, she has been good so far. But looking at his super new bike and all those gears,........ sigh. Still, we kept up a good pace.
"So we going to turn left or what?" I said to the Old Boy, "No, we are going to go to Shortlands, stay off the main roads" he said. My navigation skills are well known to my husband (thank goodness for satnavs, probably saved loads of marriages) so I asked him to take the lead.
I tried to keep up with him, I wasn't that far behind him, and kept up a good steady pace. The hill down was super, but a bit scary, it being wet and dark and very, very steep and all! I did have the brakes applied, I expect half of Shortlands could hear my squeaking brakes, but its best to be safe than sorry, I always say. All too soon though, that hill was over and done with. Now, I know we didn't come up a hill like that, maybe just a small incline, which of course means that somewhere on the ride home from here we are going to have to climb up! Thoughts of Saturdays ride came back to me, well we are in the same sort of area, and that long long hill going to the pub! Mmm, yup, that's round here some where.
But before we got there, we were going down on roads that I recognised, and I knew would take us home, I just couldn't remember what the hills were like. "Turn here" said the Old Boy, "We'll go past the big school" I knew where that was, and I knew that was where the hill would be, but I'm prepared. But then I got more instructions from the old boy, to do more turns, and I was peddling my little fat legs up hills and not having a clue where I was, for one thing I can't remember passing the school. "Where are we?" I said and the Old boy said from behind me (because somehow I had become 'leader' again, and he said "Old Hayes, you know, Ribs" Then just up a little further I spotted the rib restaurant, oh, lovely, "I wonder how much money I have on me" I said to my self. "We're not stopping, keep going Old Girl" he says. Did he just read my thoughts, or did I say that out loud!
Of course, the hill was still to come, even though we were riding up a slight incline for seemed like ages now. And there it was, THE HILL It was the hill that we rode up on Saturday. My legs were hurting, I'm not sure what my heart rate was (I had forgotten to put on the HRM) "Keep going, go on, Don't stop, I'm right at your back wheel" Which is quite a scary thought! If I did suddenly lose power in my legs, then he is going to crash into me, and there is quite a bit of traffic on this road.
A turning left, "Is this the one" I said as I puffed and puffed up the darn hill, "No, not that one, the next one." And so I peddled and peddle, the Old Boy encouraging me to keep on going. Thank goodness the turn left!
"You can go straight on on do this left" Said the Old Boy. Well I chose the left. I knew the straight on road, and it was straight on up, up and up towards Thre Greyhound pub! I don't think I could have made it all the way.
But after just a quarter of the way down this road I began to think that maybe I should have gone straight up. It was dark, there were no street lights at all, and it was a narrow road! Very scary, the Old Boy telling me to get right to the left as cars were coming up behind us. I couldn't see what was on the left, whether it was a big ditch or pavement or puddles or sticky mud! And when cars came from the other side their headlights were quite blinding as they got up close, and I lost sight of the road!
Thank goodness we got through that bit ok! I know where I am now, and I know the road is a pleasant down hill jaunt from here. A lovely smooth ride! In fact both me and the Old Boy decided to go to the end, then turn left and go right down to the round about and up Southborough Lane, to Turpington and then turn down Greenway! My usual jog!
We went home through the park, where the Old Boy still didn't let me cruise through, oh no, he wanted me to peddle like mad to the fence!
Out of the park, down the road and onto our road. The Old boy did say something about the last one home cooks dinner, but I said it has to be the best cyclist that has that honour, and that was him!
Geeky stats
time 1:11:55 (HMS)
distance 10.65 miles so much for it being a gentle 5 miler!!
If you want to see the route then just click on the Garmin thing on facebook!
I am loving running. I can say that with almost true conviction. After all, if I didn't love it, then I wouldn't still be writing this blog, right? So dive in, enjoy the ramblings of my open diary.
Wednesday, 12 January 2011
Monday, 10 January 2011
Solo Run? Not Today!
Hi blogees!
Well, guess what? Go on, guess. Guess who was my running partner today? Not Naggy Neighbour or Nagging sister, and not Smarty pants (she still has about 6 weeks to go before baby is here) and not Happy Neighbour either, Have you guessed? Well it was the Old Boy!
Yesterday we did say that we would take the bikes out for a gentle 5 flat mile spin, but today I was working a tad later than usual, so the Old boy said "How about a short jog then Old Girl?" Well, why not, its only two miles, I know I should have a rest day from the whole impact thing, but I see it as a long jog just spread over two days. "Yeah, you're on" I tell him.
As the evening draws on, I am getting more and more cosy in my chair, one of the little darlings I look after went home fairly early, it was the older one that was staying a bit later, of course she doesn't need running after! So my armchair was becoming more and more snug.
Eventually her mum arrived, after chatting for a bit while the child got her things together, I said goodbye and looked at the Old Boy and he was still keen to go. "Are you coming then?" he said to me. I was quite tired by now, and looking forward to my dinner. "No, you go, I shall cook" The old Boy went upstairs to get changed, and I thought to myself, "Get up them you lazy old mare and go jogging, ITS ONLY 2 MILES!So of course I did!.
"Go gentle on me" said the Old boy, but I know that he is a lot fitter than what he thinks he is. I think he just needs to pace himself while things take shape with the old body, and I know that I run at a very gentle pace! Probably a very good pace for an old boy who hasn't 'run' since his twenties!
As it turned out though, I was the one who was slowing the Old Boy down! Our route took us to my favourtie lamppost of all time, turn around lamppost, but because it is turn around lamppost, it has a hold on me, sico...phsycho.......or where is the spell checker? It has a psychological hold on me, it wants me to stop, hold on to it, rest a while. But the Old Boy wasn't having that. "To the church and then stop" he says. Who is training who here?! So from there the Old Boy took the lead.
He did let me stop at the church and walk awhile, and then he gave me another focus point to get to before he let me stop again. All the way to the training centre. We both decided it was going to be a short run so we were cutting through the park. "Ok Old Girl" he says to me "You call it, where you want to run too?" I could quite easily have said to the next lamppost but that is not the idea really, "Ok, to the fence at the end of the park" And so we headed on home.
The Old boy was on form, I was struggling behind and even had a sneaky walk, but I picked up the pace again, "its not that far now, just keep running you lazy mare," were the thoughts going through my mind. I was quite pleased the fence came quite quickly as I picked up the pace a bit to get it all over and done with, and the caught up with the Old Boy. We walked for a few more seconds, till the end of the short road, and then the next stop was home, with the sprint finish up our road.
Running up the road now, the Old Boy on the pavement, me on the road, saving precious energy by not going up and down on those darn driveways. I can see that the Old Boy is looking good, and I should out to him "The first one in cooks dinner and makes tea" I knew that wouldn't slow him down, and I get out of cooking, again, at least this way the food will be edible! On and on now, turning left, and now sprint, I can see the Old Boy like a bloomin rocket, a shadow in the darkness going up our path. I am struggling with the whole sprinting, and I stop just before our path "NO, NO, NO Old Girl!" I said to my self, "Get your ass back to running" and I ran up the path to where the Old boy was just cooling down, Stopped my Garmin and joined him in the walk around the green for a warm down.
So the stats for the short jog are
Time 29.05
Distance 2.24 miles
Avg pace, 13 min miles
After we got in, the Old boy said "Thanks babe, that is just the right pace for me at the moment" And there was me thinking I was running faster than usual!
Well, guess what? Go on, guess. Guess who was my running partner today? Not Naggy Neighbour or Nagging sister, and not Smarty pants (she still has about 6 weeks to go before baby is here) and not Happy Neighbour either, Have you guessed? Well it was the Old Boy!
Yesterday we did say that we would take the bikes out for a gentle 5 flat mile spin, but today I was working a tad later than usual, so the Old boy said "How about a short jog then Old Girl?" Well, why not, its only two miles, I know I should have a rest day from the whole impact thing, but I see it as a long jog just spread over two days. "Yeah, you're on" I tell him.
As the evening draws on, I am getting more and more cosy in my chair, one of the little darlings I look after went home fairly early, it was the older one that was staying a bit later, of course she doesn't need running after! So my armchair was becoming more and more snug.
Eventually her mum arrived, after chatting for a bit while the child got her things together, I said goodbye and looked at the Old Boy and he was still keen to go. "Are you coming then?" he said to me. I was quite tired by now, and looking forward to my dinner. "No, you go, I shall cook" The old Boy went upstairs to get changed, and I thought to myself, "Get up them you lazy old mare and go jogging, ITS ONLY 2 MILES!So of course I did!.
"Go gentle on me" said the Old boy, but I know that he is a lot fitter than what he thinks he is. I think he just needs to pace himself while things take shape with the old body, and I know that I run at a very gentle pace! Probably a very good pace for an old boy who hasn't 'run' since his twenties!
As it turned out though, I was the one who was slowing the Old Boy down! Our route took us to my favourtie lamppost of all time, turn around lamppost, but because it is turn around lamppost, it has a hold on me, sico...phsycho.......or where is the spell checker? It has a psychological hold on me, it wants me to stop, hold on to it, rest a while. But the Old Boy wasn't having that. "To the church and then stop" he says. Who is training who here?! So from there the Old Boy took the lead.
He did let me stop at the church and walk awhile, and then he gave me another focus point to get to before he let me stop again. All the way to the training centre. We both decided it was going to be a short run so we were cutting through the park. "Ok Old Girl" he says to me "You call it, where you want to run too?" I could quite easily have said to the next lamppost but that is not the idea really, "Ok, to the fence at the end of the park" And so we headed on home.
The Old boy was on form, I was struggling behind and even had a sneaky walk, but I picked up the pace again, "its not that far now, just keep running you lazy mare," were the thoughts going through my mind. I was quite pleased the fence came quite quickly as I picked up the pace a bit to get it all over and done with, and the caught up with the Old Boy. We walked for a few more seconds, till the end of the short road, and then the next stop was home, with the sprint finish up our road.
Running up the road now, the Old Boy on the pavement, me on the road, saving precious energy by not going up and down on those darn driveways. I can see that the Old Boy is looking good, and I should out to him "The first one in cooks dinner and makes tea" I knew that wouldn't slow him down, and I get out of cooking, again, at least this way the food will be edible! On and on now, turning left, and now sprint, I can see the Old Boy like a bloomin rocket, a shadow in the darkness going up our path. I am struggling with the whole sprinting, and I stop just before our path "NO, NO, NO Old Girl!" I said to my self, "Get your ass back to running" and I ran up the path to where the Old boy was just cooling down, Stopped my Garmin and joined him in the walk around the green for a warm down.
So the stats for the short jog are
Time 29.05
Distance 2.24 miles
Avg pace, 13 min miles
After we got in, the Old boy said "Thanks babe, that is just the right pace for me at the moment" And there was me thinking I was running faster than usual!
Sunday, 9 January 2011
First Run Of The Year With Naggy!
Hello blogess.
What a gorgeous day it is today, the sun is shining, its not exactly freezing, and I'm up for my run after church.
I called on naggy to see if she wanted to come with me, as she is at a loose end. "Sure" she says "But can we make it a little later" "Of course that's no problem" I said, I just thought I can just get on with the housework instead!
Naggy knocked on my door. I wasn't ready, even though I suggested to her that I would be ready by 3. Its surprising how housework takes over! But there stood naggy, looking like a troublesome hoody, she wasn't in her usual running gear. "I am using this run as a warm down, to keep the muscles loose" she tells me. Naggy had already been out for her jog this morning! 5 miles already, plus 5 miles yesterday! So between the pair of us this is really going to be a slow, 'keep the muscles from seizing up' run, because I had 13 miles in my legs from my cycle ride yesterday.
We took it really slowly, the sun almost blinding us, and we were chatting away as you do, when girls get together, and the first 3 quarters of a mile went by really quickly and easily, but then my muscles started complaining, and reminding me that they have been well worked over this weekend, I had my first walk stop before the mile marker! But naggy was quite generous, no nagging, just a gentle reminder to get back to running, (I think the ten miles in her legs are reminding her that she has done her bit this weekend). But she did say to me "No more stopping now until Turpington lane." I kind of just agreed.
Well, I didn't quite make it to Turp, but again Naggy was quite generous and not too much nagging! She must be getting soft! Down Greenway is when Naggy said that I could have an 'official' stop. Of course a 'Stop' is just a stop from jogging, not stopping altogether, unlike what the Old Boy wanted me to do yesterday on Old Hill while cycling!
We chatted all the way, I think we put the worlds to right, abolished some governments, moaned about the buses and wet damp people on them and generally just took this run very very easy.
We got home, and I really didn't even put my usual sprint on and stopped my watch. 46:03 seconds. Very slow indeed. But it was good to get another one in before the new week begins.
So the rest of the vital stats
Time 46:03 (I know I just told you)
Distance 3.32 Miles
HR avg 138 bpm Max 164 bpm
P.S. The Old Boy has really got the bug now, and took himself for a jog after we got back and had tea, he did 2.24 miles in 26 mins!
What a gorgeous day it is today, the sun is shining, its not exactly freezing, and I'm up for my run after church.
I called on naggy to see if she wanted to come with me, as she is at a loose end. "Sure" she says "But can we make it a little later" "Of course that's no problem" I said, I just thought I can just get on with the housework instead!
Naggy knocked on my door. I wasn't ready, even though I suggested to her that I would be ready by 3. Its surprising how housework takes over! But there stood naggy, looking like a troublesome hoody, she wasn't in her usual running gear. "I am using this run as a warm down, to keep the muscles loose" she tells me. Naggy had already been out for her jog this morning! 5 miles already, plus 5 miles yesterday! So between the pair of us this is really going to be a slow, 'keep the muscles from seizing up' run, because I had 13 miles in my legs from my cycle ride yesterday.
We took it really slowly, the sun almost blinding us, and we were chatting away as you do, when girls get together, and the first 3 quarters of a mile went by really quickly and easily, but then my muscles started complaining, and reminding me that they have been well worked over this weekend, I had my first walk stop before the mile marker! But naggy was quite generous, no nagging, just a gentle reminder to get back to running, (I think the ten miles in her legs are reminding her that she has done her bit this weekend). But she did say to me "No more stopping now until Turpington lane." I kind of just agreed.
Well, I didn't quite make it to Turp, but again Naggy was quite generous and not too much nagging! She must be getting soft! Down Greenway is when Naggy said that I could have an 'official' stop. Of course a 'Stop' is just a stop from jogging, not stopping altogether, unlike what the Old Boy wanted me to do yesterday on Old Hill while cycling!
We chatted all the way, I think we put the worlds to right, abolished some governments, moaned about the buses and wet damp people on them and generally just took this run very very easy.
We got home, and I really didn't even put my usual sprint on and stopped my watch. 46:03 seconds. Very slow indeed. But it was good to get another one in before the new week begins.
So the rest of the vital stats
Time 46:03 (I know I just told you)
Distance 3.32 Miles
HR avg 138 bpm Max 164 bpm
P.S. The Old Boy has really got the bug now, and took himself for a jog after we got back and had tea, he did 2.24 miles in 26 mins!
Saturday, 8 January 2011
New Bike For Old Boy!
Hello blogers,
Today was quite an exciting day in the 'Olds' household. We picked up the Old boys new bike today. Its a very nice bike and the man sorted out the right height for the saddle for him, we paid up the rest of the deposit and we were off!
The old boy seemed very keen to give it a right good first test run, and said that we were going up hill from where we bought the bike. Yup, that's right up hill. But with all of my training so far, this shouldn't be no problem. I will no doubt have to wait for the Old Boy, (I think he has bitten off more than he can chew!) and then probably just have a gentle ride around on the flats somewhere!
Did this happen?! Oh no! The Old boy looked bloomin marvelous on his super douper 24 speed, lock out suspension hybrid bike! I was struggling to keep up with him. In fact I did say that we hadn't had breakfast (we got up pretty late!) so how about we stop for a cuppa, a bit of toast somewhere and then think of a route to test the bike as we head on home. Thankfully he agreed and we stopped off at Chislehurst Caves for tea and toast!
My Garmin said that we had rode for 1.70 miles from the shop to there, I remembered to stop the timer (eventually) as we went into the shop. It felt good to have a bit of toast, even though it was actually lunch time. The Old boy was very enthusiastic with his ride so far and said that he wants to do ten miles today. So over our cuppa he told us where we were going! Up hill towards Chislehurst!
I I could show you the elevation of the hill that he wants to ride up I would. Its a killer hill! "Just keep in low gear babe" he says as if its me that has just bought a new bike. Well of course that is going to happen! The Old Boy said that he would follow me, I was thinking maybe he didn't want me to see him struggling going up this mountain!
There was no way my little legs could get my fat backside,complete with heavier bike attached to it (I thought I would mention that my bike is heavier than his) up there in one go............... or two goes.......... in fact I did have to get off and walk. But the Old boy said "Just stop, don't walk, catch your breath and then go again) Is the man completely out of his mind. If I stopped that would mean that I am not progressing up the hill!! Nope, that is not what is going to happen, I got off and pushed my bike up! All the while though the Old Boy stayed in his saddle and kept on going.
I did ride up some of the hill, my data from my Garmin will show that!, I was so glad when we had reached the top though. Once this hill was behind us, it was a pleasant ride, though some of the places I did my 10k back in October last year. When we were heading towards home and only had about a mile to go, the Old boy asked how far we had come so far. "7 miles and a bit" I informed him, "Well that's no good he says, we need to get in 10 miles before we go home" So he quickly conjured up a new route, going through the park, up more roads, heading towards Norman park (where nagging sister use to push me round my mile jogs) and then head up towards Keston! Yeah! That sounds like a plan.
So that's where we went. It was a fairly easy ride from there to Norman Park,and the Old boy was having a great time, (the only bit that he in fact suffered on was Old Hill, where he did actually stop for a tiny bit), and because he was having such a good time, he suggest that we actually make our way to Downe Village for a quick refreshing liquidation!
Blimey, there is no stopping him now! But what he didn't tell me was that there was an incline, all the way, from here to Keston! I needed the loo, so the Old Boy suggests that we stop off at the Greyhound to use their facilities.
It was bloomin hard work! The incline was never ending, unlike Old Hill where you could have a breather at the top, this looked as it its going on and on. Of course, I have ridden to Downe Village, and I know Downe is up! Up the top of hills. So I knew there were going to be more hills after this.
Eventually, after encouraging chants from the Old Boy behind me, I kept going and going. "How far now, before the pub" I asked him, "Not far, its that white building just up ahead" So with my gaze fixed on that I just cycled and cycled, I didn't want to stop peddling, not even for the huge lorry that was coming in the opposite direction! Keep going keep going.
We made it to the pub, I quickly went for the ladies and when I came out the Old Boy had got a round of drinks in, he had just realised what the time was and we needed to get home and do some shopping!
I was so very relieved! I'm not sure if it showed in my expression though! I stopped the Garmin again and we drank our drinks. Then set off on our way home. I know from here its all down hill. Phew! But the Old Boy had different ideas. "There's a route that goes through some woods" he says as he tries to remember which way it is we need to turn to get there. Oh well, bang goes my free wheeling all the way home! All too soon we got to the little path that will take us right, towards Locksbottom. Now, what with the weather, all the snow, and the rain, the path was a tad muddy. Further down this path was a huge 'swimming pool' that we have to go through. The Old Boy has decided that I should ride up front, I'm sure that its because he wants to see me fall off in the pool! Just to check out how deep it is!
It was quite eventful going through here, there were more huge puddles very sticky, wet deep mud holes and trees going across the path that we had to 'duck' under as we rode on!
We came to a lovely road on the left, which thankfully we took. This took us out just by the junctions at Farnborough. We walked our bikes over to the A21 and road DOWN, DOWN DOWN, BEAUTIFUL DOWN the A21 towards our home. It felt good to ride home from here, free wheeling all the way down, turn left on Lower Gravel Road and up Jackson road to 'Turn around Lamppost!'
It was a good fun ride. Hard, very hard. and the Old Boy kept on at me to keep going. Had he not been there, beside the fact that I would NEVER choOse that route anyway, but I would have got off my bike and walked so much more!
So for the new found geekiness in me, here are the stats
Time (moving, i.e. time in saddle, not in pub or cafe) 1:47:57
Distance 12.98 miles
avg speed 7.2 mph max speed 23.5 mph
Max elevation 407 ft
Oh yes, I forgot to mention, I had forgotten to push the start button again on my Garmin, I remembered when we were on the muddy path! So about a mile needs to be added on really :-)
Today was quite an exciting day in the 'Olds' household. We picked up the Old boys new bike today. Its a very nice bike and the man sorted out the right height for the saddle for him, we paid up the rest of the deposit and we were off!
The old boy seemed very keen to give it a right good first test run, and said that we were going up hill from where we bought the bike. Yup, that's right up hill. But with all of my training so far, this shouldn't be no problem. I will no doubt have to wait for the Old Boy, (I think he has bitten off more than he can chew!) and then probably just have a gentle ride around on the flats somewhere!
Did this happen?! Oh no! The Old boy looked bloomin marvelous on his super douper 24 speed, lock out suspension hybrid bike! I was struggling to keep up with him. In fact I did say that we hadn't had breakfast (we got up pretty late!) so how about we stop for a cuppa, a bit of toast somewhere and then think of a route to test the bike as we head on home. Thankfully he agreed and we stopped off at Chislehurst Caves for tea and toast!
My Garmin said that we had rode for 1.70 miles from the shop to there, I remembered to stop the timer (eventually) as we went into the shop. It felt good to have a bit of toast, even though it was actually lunch time. The Old boy was very enthusiastic with his ride so far and said that he wants to do ten miles today. So over our cuppa he told us where we were going! Up hill towards Chislehurst!
I I could show you the elevation of the hill that he wants to ride up I would. Its a killer hill! "Just keep in low gear babe" he says as if its me that has just bought a new bike. Well of course that is going to happen! The Old Boy said that he would follow me, I was thinking maybe he didn't want me to see him struggling going up this mountain!
There was no way my little legs could get my fat backside,complete with heavier bike attached to it (I thought I would mention that my bike is heavier than his) up there in one go............... or two goes.......... in fact I did have to get off and walk. But the Old boy said "Just stop, don't walk, catch your breath and then go again) Is the man completely out of his mind. If I stopped that would mean that I am not progressing up the hill!! Nope, that is not what is going to happen, I got off and pushed my bike up! All the while though the Old Boy stayed in his saddle and kept on going.
I did ride up some of the hill, my data from my Garmin will show that!, I was so glad when we had reached the top though. Once this hill was behind us, it was a pleasant ride, though some of the places I did my 10k back in October last year. When we were heading towards home and only had about a mile to go, the Old boy asked how far we had come so far. "7 miles and a bit" I informed him, "Well that's no good he says, we need to get in 10 miles before we go home" So he quickly conjured up a new route, going through the park, up more roads, heading towards Norman park (where nagging sister use to push me round my mile jogs) and then head up towards Keston! Yeah! That sounds like a plan.
So that's where we went. It was a fairly easy ride from there to Norman Park,and the Old boy was having a great time, (the only bit that he in fact suffered on was Old Hill, where he did actually stop for a tiny bit), and because he was having such a good time, he suggest that we actually make our way to Downe Village for a quick refreshing liquidation!
Blimey, there is no stopping him now! But what he didn't tell me was that there was an incline, all the way, from here to Keston! I needed the loo, so the Old Boy suggests that we stop off at the Greyhound to use their facilities.
It was bloomin hard work! The incline was never ending, unlike Old Hill where you could have a breather at the top, this looked as it its going on and on. Of course, I have ridden to Downe Village, and I know Downe is up! Up the top of hills. So I knew there were going to be more hills after this.
Eventually, after encouraging chants from the Old Boy behind me, I kept going and going. "How far now, before the pub" I asked him, "Not far, its that white building just up ahead" So with my gaze fixed on that I just cycled and cycled, I didn't want to stop peddling, not even for the huge lorry that was coming in the opposite direction! Keep going keep going.
We made it to the pub, I quickly went for the ladies and when I came out the Old Boy had got a round of drinks in, he had just realised what the time was and we needed to get home and do some shopping!
I was so very relieved! I'm not sure if it showed in my expression though! I stopped the Garmin again and we drank our drinks. Then set off on our way home. I know from here its all down hill. Phew! But the Old Boy had different ideas. "There's a route that goes through some woods" he says as he tries to remember which way it is we need to turn to get there. Oh well, bang goes my free wheeling all the way home! All too soon we got to the little path that will take us right, towards Locksbottom. Now, what with the weather, all the snow, and the rain, the path was a tad muddy. Further down this path was a huge 'swimming pool' that we have to go through. The Old Boy has decided that I should ride up front, I'm sure that its because he wants to see me fall off in the pool! Just to check out how deep it is!
It was quite eventful going through here, there were more huge puddles very sticky, wet deep mud holes and trees going across the path that we had to 'duck' under as we rode on!
We came to a lovely road on the left, which thankfully we took. This took us out just by the junctions at Farnborough. We walked our bikes over to the A21 and road DOWN, DOWN DOWN, BEAUTIFUL DOWN the A21 towards our home. It felt good to ride home from here, free wheeling all the way down, turn left on Lower Gravel Road and up Jackson road to 'Turn around Lamppost!'
It was a good fun ride. Hard, very hard. and the Old Boy kept on at me to keep going. Had he not been there, beside the fact that I would NEVER choOse that route anyway, but I would have got off my bike and walked so much more!
So for the new found geekiness in me, here are the stats
Time (moving, i.e. time in saddle, not in pub or cafe) 1:47:57
Distance 12.98 miles
avg speed 7.2 mph max speed 23.5 mph
Max elevation 407 ft
Oh yes, I forgot to mention, I had forgotten to push the start button again on my Garmin, I remembered when we were on the muddy path! So about a mile needs to be added on really :-)
Thursday, 6 January 2011
Another Dark Run!
Hello blogees.
What a day it was today! I woke up and it was dark and raining! I got up, it was dark and raining. But I thought I would get dressed in my running gear in anticipation of the rain stopping. I had a cup of tea, and breakfast, and still it was dark and raining. I did some housework, changed beds put a wash on, danced around, made phone calls, paid off bills, sorted out Internet, and still it was dark and raining!
Would the rain ever stop! I was getting restless feet, my daughter called me, and I had to take my car to her house to pick up my travel cot, and her car seat as her car was sick and need the skills of a mechanic. When I opened the door I was like a greyhound out of the trap and ran for my car!
But I'm guessing you all know that I did do a run today, which is why you all reading the ramblings of this mad woman.
The rain stopped and I managed to get out for my run about quarter to five! I am not keen on running in the dark, but needs must. If I am going to get up to speed to be able to run with the PWR's again then I need to run at least 3 times a week and keep building up my stamina!
The roads were wet and puddles were everywhere, I was hurdling them to save my feet from getting too wet, I suppose its better than hurdling lazy dog owners 'dogs doings' although in this light it will be had to spot those! I have my HRM strapped on and my garmin on my wrist, I am looking forward to 'analyzing' the data as this will be the first time I have done the same run twice using the Garmin. I really wanted to beat Tuesdays time, but as I have noticed in the past, certain days, certain times in the days, have different effects on my running, and of course what I have eaten during the day. But still it will be interesting reading, if you are a geek like I am becoming!
So far so good, I was approaching the main road now, and from here on its the homeward journey. I am pleased with that, (I have had more walking stops today than I did on Tuesday!) but I know that even that sometimes does not indicate a slower time.
Heading towards the pub now, and I am doing the thing that I have been telling my kids not to do for the past 26 years, and that's 'cuffing it' Wiping my nose on my sleeves! I had forgotten to bring some hankies! In the cold weather along with the running, liquid pours out of every orifice!
The little hill leading to the walking bridge over the railway, drew a little cry of exasperation from me, but the thought that was going through my head, after I told myself of for whimpering, is "Well, Old Girl, do you remember you couldn't even run up your stairs without requiring the oxygen mask half way up" So I eased up on myself. After all, Rome wasn't built in a day!, it has taken 40 odd years of neglect and abuse to get to that stage, and I am having to repair things slowly, slowly slowly, ........ a bit like my desktop computer really!
The road home, oh! was fabulous. Its down hill, By now its pretty dark, but I'm on the bus route, the main road, and there are people I am having to 'weave' through as they make their way home from work. I am looking forward to running up my road. My feet are wet now as I was having trouble seeing puddles, and was just splashing though them, but its not far off now. Soon be home.
I was keeping an eye on my Garmin, I'm so enjoying this new gizmo, I am interested in how hard my heart is working. I know I can push harder, but my legs are refusing to do what I know my heart can do! There is obviously a lack of communication between the heart and the legs, I will just have to work on that.
Coming down the road that I dare not stop on was a joy! My dinner will be cooked, and a cuppa waiting for me. I put the spurt on as I reached my path, (I really must start this further up the road now) and as soon as I reached my house I stopped my Garmin and checked the time! Darn it! Its slower than Tuesday! Well, I knew it would be.
So today's stats
Miles 3.03 (Don't ask me its different, but I did the same route)
Time 40:20 mins
Heart rate Avg 143 max 152 bpm
Now I could give so much more info but I don't want to be too geeky!
What a day it was today! I woke up and it was dark and raining! I got up, it was dark and raining. But I thought I would get dressed in my running gear in anticipation of the rain stopping. I had a cup of tea, and breakfast, and still it was dark and raining. I did some housework, changed beds put a wash on, danced around, made phone calls, paid off bills, sorted out Internet, and still it was dark and raining!
Would the rain ever stop! I was getting restless feet, my daughter called me, and I had to take my car to her house to pick up my travel cot, and her car seat as her car was sick and need the skills of a mechanic. When I opened the door I was like a greyhound out of the trap and ran for my car!
But I'm guessing you all know that I did do a run today, which is why you all reading the ramblings of this mad woman.
The rain stopped and I managed to get out for my run about quarter to five! I am not keen on running in the dark, but needs must. If I am going to get up to speed to be able to run with the PWR's again then I need to run at least 3 times a week and keep building up my stamina!
The roads were wet and puddles were everywhere, I was hurdling them to save my feet from getting too wet, I suppose its better than hurdling lazy dog owners 'dogs doings' although in this light it will be had to spot those! I have my HRM strapped on and my garmin on my wrist, I am looking forward to 'analyzing' the data as this will be the first time I have done the same run twice using the Garmin. I really wanted to beat Tuesdays time, but as I have noticed in the past, certain days, certain times in the days, have different effects on my running, and of course what I have eaten during the day. But still it will be interesting reading, if you are a geek like I am becoming!
So far so good, I was approaching the main road now, and from here on its the homeward journey. I am pleased with that, (I have had more walking stops today than I did on Tuesday!) but I know that even that sometimes does not indicate a slower time.
Heading towards the pub now, and I am doing the thing that I have been telling my kids not to do for the past 26 years, and that's 'cuffing it' Wiping my nose on my sleeves! I had forgotten to bring some hankies! In the cold weather along with the running, liquid pours out of every orifice!
The little hill leading to the walking bridge over the railway, drew a little cry of exasperation from me, but the thought that was going through my head, after I told myself of for whimpering, is "Well, Old Girl, do you remember you couldn't even run up your stairs without requiring the oxygen mask half way up" So I eased up on myself. After all, Rome wasn't built in a day!, it has taken 40 odd years of neglect and abuse to get to that stage, and I am having to repair things slowly, slowly slowly, ........ a bit like my desktop computer really!
The road home, oh! was fabulous. Its down hill, By now its pretty dark, but I'm on the bus route, the main road, and there are people I am having to 'weave' through as they make their way home from work. I am looking forward to running up my road. My feet are wet now as I was having trouble seeing puddles, and was just splashing though them, but its not far off now. Soon be home.
I was keeping an eye on my Garmin, I'm so enjoying this new gizmo, I am interested in how hard my heart is working. I know I can push harder, but my legs are refusing to do what I know my heart can do! There is obviously a lack of communication between the heart and the legs, I will just have to work on that.
Coming down the road that I dare not stop on was a joy! My dinner will be cooked, and a cuppa waiting for me. I put the spurt on as I reached my path, (I really must start this further up the road now) and as soon as I reached my house I stopped my Garmin and checked the time! Darn it! Its slower than Tuesday! Well, I knew it would be.
So today's stats
Miles 3.03 (Don't ask me its different, but I did the same route)
Time 40:20 mins
Heart rate Avg 143 max 152 bpm
Now I could give so much more info but I don't want to be too geeky!
Wednesday, 5 January 2011
2 For The Price Of 1
Hello blogees,
That's right folks, its two blogs for the price of one today. As my computers have been quite 'ill' I have not been able to write down and log everything that have done so far.
So, on Monday 3rd of January, as it was still holiday season, me and the old boy decided to go for a walk, get some of the Christmas stuffing from our waistlines. But hubby wasn't interested in just a nice leisurely walk through the local parks, oh no! He has always wanted to walk through a place called Cuckmere Haven. Now this is a lovely picturesque place, a lovely cutting through the South downs, little streams of water to walk near. So we jumped in the car and headed off on our destination.
It was a little chilly, but I had my all singing, all dancing coat on, and hat and gloves (one of my chrissy presents) and complete with my garmin we set off.
We head towards the sea! Now the old man does a lot of walking with his job, and he obviously has his pace, which is slightly different to my walking pace! But this is good. This is what we both need after stuffing ourselves over Christmas, and so I keep up with him, and soon warm up. In fact, the hat comes off, and the gloves! As we get close to the seashore, I can see a pub to the right of us, a lovely place to stop for a quick cuppa maybe a spot of lunch, but as we climb up the shingle beach, to my disappointment there was the inlet of the water, keeping me away from the pub (and the loo!)
"That's ok" says the old boy, we shall just go left in a loop and head back to the car that way. Well to my horror, he was pointed to a cliff face! you could see people scaling this cliff face, following a path carved out by other nutters........ erm.... I mean ramblers. It must have been a thousand foot high where he wanted us to climb!
I croaked out a "Yes, lets go" and tried to keep up with him on the shingle beach. We reached the bottom of the 'hill' and started to make our ascent. I was glad I had my garmin on, it will be fascinating to find out how high this mountain is! I followed up after the old boy on the path carved into the side of the mountain. The old boy wasn't stopping, so I just kept on after him. Up and up, I could feel the air getting thinner as we climbed higher and higher, (I think it was just me running out of breath keeping up with him). We got to three quarters of the way and had a photo opportunity (photos will be here soon, after computer is better!) by the way, the photo stop was my idea! But all to soon we started climbing again. Towards the top of the 'mountain' I jokingly said to the old boy, "Race you to the top" "Your on" he says and then took to his heels! He was like a bloomin mountain goat running up there, right to the fence, where he waited and looked back at me, as I struggled to even walk now! (It was only the next day that he told me, he was blowing out his backside, his heart was about to pop out of his chest and thought maybe he shouldn't have ran so far in front of me in case he needed CPR!)
Once at the top though, after we both recovered a bit it was a pleasant walk down. And not as steep as the climb up! Why he didn't chose that way to go up is beyond me. We quickly came down the mountain and started our walk back to the car (hopefully a stop at a pub for a 'potty' break). We chose a slightly different route back, going over a little bridge across the water and I know that this is where the pub is. On the way there we noticed a little baby seal, just lounging on the other side of the river, every so often, popping his little head up and looking around. Now that is something worth walking for!
We got back to our car and then went to the pub for lunch and promptly put on all those calories that I just burned off! But at least I earned those calories this time!
So your second blog.
Yesterday I went for a jog. I didn't go with the running club, I know I need to get back up to speed with my running, So I'm looking towards the end of January before I get back there, but I have been given 'homework' by the coach, i.e. to get my self able to run for at least 30 mins non stop! So with that in mind I decided to be really brave and go running after work at around 20 past 5 in the evening. I knew there would be loads more people around this time of the night, and I shall be sticking to well lit up streets and bus routes!
As I set off, just as I reached the end of my path I smiled! I have missed my jogging over the festive period. It felt good to get out and run. But the smile didn't last long as the chill of the night threaten to take my breath from me. So I just concentrated on my breathing and running. My garmin was all set up and I had my heart rate monitor on (love my new gadgets and gizmos) and headed towards Petts Wood. I had chosen this way as there were less dark roads, but there is of course that hill. Ok not quite as mountainous as the one on Monday, but still a hill.
I kept checking my heart rate, and when it dropped again (because I walked!) then I was back on my toes. I was feeling good, but the enjoyment over the festive season was really showing (and on the scales!) "At least you're out here Old Girl" I was saying to myself "At least you're out here and not sat down saying, I shall do it tomorrow!"
I kept up this encouraging chat, I was also giving myself a 'hard time' because I walked! But then I remembered what the coach said in my email, about walking for so many minutes and then walk for one, but for the life of me I couldn't remember how long each should be!
I was soon on my road though, and I was feeling well pleased with myself. As I was running up my path the Old boy came out of the house and was talking to me as I ran up to him, but I couldn't hear, I had my IPOD on! But afterwards he did say that I looked good!!
Yeah!! It feels good to be out running!
So the vital statistics
Monday
Miles 3.48
Time 1.22 hours
Elevation max 378 ft (it felt so much higher!)
Heart rate not monitered
Tuesday
Miles 3.01
Time 39.05 mins
Elevation 105 ft
Heart rate avg 144 max 153
That's right folks, its two blogs for the price of one today. As my computers have been quite 'ill' I have not been able to write down and log everything that have done so far.
So, on Monday 3rd of January, as it was still holiday season, me and the old boy decided to go for a walk, get some of the Christmas stuffing from our waistlines. But hubby wasn't interested in just a nice leisurely walk through the local parks, oh no! He has always wanted to walk through a place called Cuckmere Haven. Now this is a lovely picturesque place, a lovely cutting through the South downs, little streams of water to walk near. So we jumped in the car and headed off on our destination.
It was a little chilly, but I had my all singing, all dancing coat on, and hat and gloves (one of my chrissy presents) and complete with my garmin we set off.
We head towards the sea! Now the old man does a lot of walking with his job, and he obviously has his pace, which is slightly different to my walking pace! But this is good. This is what we both need after stuffing ourselves over Christmas, and so I keep up with him, and soon warm up. In fact, the hat comes off, and the gloves! As we get close to the seashore, I can see a pub to the right of us, a lovely place to stop for a quick cuppa maybe a spot of lunch, but as we climb up the shingle beach, to my disappointment there was the inlet of the water, keeping me away from the pub (and the loo!)
"That's ok" says the old boy, we shall just go left in a loop and head back to the car that way. Well to my horror, he was pointed to a cliff face! you could see people scaling this cliff face, following a path carved out by other nutters........ erm.... I mean ramblers. It must have been a thousand foot high where he wanted us to climb!
I croaked out a "Yes, lets go" and tried to keep up with him on the shingle beach. We reached the bottom of the 'hill' and started to make our ascent. I was glad I had my garmin on, it will be fascinating to find out how high this mountain is! I followed up after the old boy on the path carved into the side of the mountain. The old boy wasn't stopping, so I just kept on after him. Up and up, I could feel the air getting thinner as we climbed higher and higher, (I think it was just me running out of breath keeping up with him). We got to three quarters of the way and had a photo opportunity (photos will be here soon, after computer is better!) by the way, the photo stop was my idea! But all to soon we started climbing again. Towards the top of the 'mountain' I jokingly said to the old boy, "Race you to the top" "Your on" he says and then took to his heels! He was like a bloomin mountain goat running up there, right to the fence, where he waited and looked back at me, as I struggled to even walk now! (It was only the next day that he told me, he was blowing out his backside, his heart was about to pop out of his chest and thought maybe he shouldn't have ran so far in front of me in case he needed CPR!)
Once at the top though, after we both recovered a bit it was a pleasant walk down. And not as steep as the climb up! Why he didn't chose that way to go up is beyond me. We quickly came down the mountain and started our walk back to the car (hopefully a stop at a pub for a 'potty' break). We chose a slightly different route back, going over a little bridge across the water and I know that this is where the pub is. On the way there we noticed a little baby seal, just lounging on the other side of the river, every so often, popping his little head up and looking around. Now that is something worth walking for!
We got back to our car and then went to the pub for lunch and promptly put on all those calories that I just burned off! But at least I earned those calories this time!
So your second blog.
Yesterday I went for a jog. I didn't go with the running club, I know I need to get back up to speed with my running, So I'm looking towards the end of January before I get back there, but I have been given 'homework' by the coach, i.e. to get my self able to run for at least 30 mins non stop! So with that in mind I decided to be really brave and go running after work at around 20 past 5 in the evening. I knew there would be loads more people around this time of the night, and I shall be sticking to well lit up streets and bus routes!
As I set off, just as I reached the end of my path I smiled! I have missed my jogging over the festive period. It felt good to get out and run. But the smile didn't last long as the chill of the night threaten to take my breath from me. So I just concentrated on my breathing and running. My garmin was all set up and I had my heart rate monitor on (love my new gadgets and gizmos) and headed towards Petts Wood. I had chosen this way as there were less dark roads, but there is of course that hill. Ok not quite as mountainous as the one on Monday, but still a hill.
I kept checking my heart rate, and when it dropped again (because I walked!) then I was back on my toes. I was feeling good, but the enjoyment over the festive season was really showing (and on the scales!) "At least you're out here Old Girl" I was saying to myself "At least you're out here and not sat down saying, I shall do it tomorrow!"
I kept up this encouraging chat, I was also giving myself a 'hard time' because I walked! But then I remembered what the coach said in my email, about walking for so many minutes and then walk for one, but for the life of me I couldn't remember how long each should be!
I was soon on my road though, and I was feeling well pleased with myself. As I was running up my path the Old boy came out of the house and was talking to me as I ran up to him, but I couldn't hear, I had my IPOD on! But afterwards he did say that I looked good!!
Yeah!! It feels good to be out running!
So the vital statistics
Monday
Miles 3.48
Time 1.22 hours
Elevation max 378 ft (it felt so much higher!)
Heart rate not monitered
Tuesday
Miles 3.01
Time 39.05 mins
Elevation 105 ft
Heart rate avg 144 max 153
Saturday, 1 January 2011
Festive 5k
Hello blog lovers.
I know its been, like forever since my last blog, but what with the weather and Christmas and loads of other stuff, things has become a bit stagnant in the running department.
But, this is the start of the new year, and my enthusiasm is still as strong as ever, even more so in fact as Santa bought me the fabulous new gizmo to wear. Its a Garmin Forerunner 110, with hear rate monitor!.
I used my new gizmo yesterday for the first time, just to give it a test run and to get my festive 5k in before the 1st January! It worked a treat Pity I didn't! Now on the map my run site, the route that I took to my sisters house (that's my end point, and where hopefully there was a cold one in the fridge) it said 3.1 miles. Great, That's all I need for a festive 5k, I can bang that on the site with all the other information that my new gizmo gives me, i.e. pace, distance, heart rate, lap, calories! Its a fantastic little thing, plus it has a go faster stripe in pink! But, when I arrived at my sisters house the garmin, using satellites from space, tracked me at 2.94 miles!! Not only that, but after I input all the information on the garmin site it said that I had stopped!! That's right! Stopped! And I don't mean stopped as in how naggy herself says I stopped, you know, walking rather that jogging, but stopped as in static, not moving, still! How bloomin dare it say that I had stopped! I just wouldn't figure it out. I had ran (and walked some) all the way to nagging sisters house, no once did I stop for a breather.
It was only after I was getting ready for the night out to see out the old year, and in with the new, that I remembered. Of course I stopped, it would have been suicide not to have stopped! I was waiting to cross a road! And I was waiting for about 30 odd seconds! Phew.
But knowing that, knowing the Garmin can even notice that I stop still altogether, I am going to have to be on the more all the time!
So the information on my new Garmin
2.94 miles (3.1 on mapmyrun)
37:28 mins
heart rate 146
avg pace 12:45
386 calories
How cool is that!!
Now. all I need is to get all the rest of the technology in my house to work properly! It seems that our router is now caput and as I have downloaded my Garmin connect on to my laptop, I having having to plug in direct from the modem to here to be able to use my laptop. Very uncomfortable it is sitting up here and not on my lovely arm chair!
I know its been, like forever since my last blog, but what with the weather and Christmas and loads of other stuff, things has become a bit stagnant in the running department.
But, this is the start of the new year, and my enthusiasm is still as strong as ever, even more so in fact as Santa bought me the fabulous new gizmo to wear. Its a Garmin Forerunner 110, with hear rate monitor!.
I used my new gizmo yesterday for the first time, just to give it a test run and to get my festive 5k in before the 1st January! It worked a treat Pity I didn't! Now on the map my run site, the route that I took to my sisters house (that's my end point, and where hopefully there was a cold one in the fridge) it said 3.1 miles. Great, That's all I need for a festive 5k, I can bang that on the site with all the other information that my new gizmo gives me, i.e. pace, distance, heart rate, lap, calories! Its a fantastic little thing, plus it has a go faster stripe in pink! But, when I arrived at my sisters house the garmin, using satellites from space, tracked me at 2.94 miles!! Not only that, but after I input all the information on the garmin site it said that I had stopped!! That's right! Stopped! And I don't mean stopped as in how naggy herself says I stopped, you know, walking rather that jogging, but stopped as in static, not moving, still! How bloomin dare it say that I had stopped! I just wouldn't figure it out. I had ran (and walked some) all the way to nagging sisters house, no once did I stop for a breather.
It was only after I was getting ready for the night out to see out the old year, and in with the new, that I remembered. Of course I stopped, it would have been suicide not to have stopped! I was waiting to cross a road! And I was waiting for about 30 odd seconds! Phew.
But knowing that, knowing the Garmin can even notice that I stop still altogether, I am going to have to be on the more all the time!
So the information on my new Garmin
2.94 miles (3.1 on mapmyrun)
37:28 mins
heart rate 146
avg pace 12:45
386 calories
How cool is that!!
Now. all I need is to get all the rest of the technology in my house to work properly! It seems that our router is now caput and as I have downloaded my Garmin connect on to my laptop, I having having to plug in direct from the modem to here to be able to use my laptop. Very uncomfortable it is sitting up here and not on my lovely arm chair!
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