Hello blog lovers.
Thursday morning and the day is bright! It's still remarkably mild for this time of the year. In fact it is so mild that I went back home to change out of my warmer top and into a short sleeved top! I was looking forward to the run through the woods. I am determined to find the path that I took the first time when I looked at the route for my first Thursday led run.
Illustrious Leader and PinkladyJo was with me today, and they were both ready for the traipse though the woods, and also to assist in a path finding, because who knows, there are lots of paths through the woods that we could take, and we may just run on a few! This is going to be one of the fun day runs where we are not sure where we will end up.
So first of all, we tackle the hill. Unfortunately for me, yet others just love, love, love, I still not a fan of hills. All of my mantras, my evil thoughts and tricks and tips and wisecracks to get to even like hills, has still to work. I am not going to say that it will never happen! And as the delightful Illustrious Leader said as we headed up "This looks like a hill Old Girl" "Yes it does" I replied to her "Unfortunately there is only hills in this part of the woods"
I think during the summer months I will run from the rec, to the woods near me, and see if I can work out a nice Group 1 distance route that can take them with the time that we have on a Tuesday, or even for a Thursday session. Sparrow woods are a bit flatter than Pettswood, Hawkwood and the others!
Anyway, back to today. The paths were still pretty sticky. I was hoping that they had dried out a bit, like the paths and fields that we ran over on our Sunday Train Run. Last year it was pretty wet and muddy, just like the paths in our woods today. Oh well, onwards and upwards! As I thought, I really did warm up. I had forgotten to put my hat on and little streams of....glowing ran into my eyes! I miss my hat! It was lucky I had a hanky with me!
Running along the top of the woods now, parallel with the road, I concentrated hard on paths. I didn't want to pop out to early onto to the road, otherwise we will have to run on the pavement. I saw a path that led to the road, but I had a feeling that it was too early to cross the road and we headed of take a slightly left deviation along a wider path.
This bought us to the memorial! I didn't want to continue with the left path, and said that we should turn back and head for the smaller path that was just at the back of us. But the PinkLadyJo pointed at another path and suggested that one. As I had said in the beginning, this is a 'fun path finding' day. An adventure, expedition through the woods! So we ran off on that path.
It was really quite nice, and I believe it was actually the very first path that I did by myself back in September! So I was very happy to have come across it again. It bought us to the road, opposite the entrance to the path on the other side! So now we can continue our run in the woods, and leave tarmac for a little later on. And it was a very little later on. We only ran through he for about 3 or 4 minutes and then we had to cross back over. I was going to run down the road, and then down Botney Bay Lane but then Illustrious Leader reminded us of the path that goes through this lovely estate, with some beautiful buildings!
I have not been down here before, it's always nice to head off on different paths. It's not as if we are going to get totally lost. After all, we have a main road on one side of the woods and the railway on another! I guess we could end up running round and round of course! Now wouldn't that make for an interesting Garmin geeky stats map!
The path through the lovely houses bought us to a place I knew, and to where I was heading for anyway! We had taken a short cut to get here! It's good to know where these paths go, because we can build them into other routes! Now that I know were we are, I continued to run the 'original skeleton' route before we 'fleshed it out with the new paths (or in this case cutting off a limb).
Down towards the railway line now. With maybe just a mile or less to go I suggested that we may have to run around the block before going into the ground, which both ladies were fine with. It will give us a chance to bash the mud off our shoes! And boy, did we need to do that. A lady dog walker was walking towards us, and gave us a warning "You're doomed, doomed, if you go that way, its like a swamp down there, doomed doomed I tell you" Ok, so she wasn't that dramatic, but she did warn us that it was very swampy down that!
I feel sure that the lady was right! This next bit of woods has to be the most stickiest yet! Huge muddy holes with very little places to even tiptoe through. We did as best as we could, having to walk through this bit. I.L. had found a slightly firmer path and me and PLJ followed her behind. I.L. has this super trail shoes that helps her to stop slipping as much! (My next pair of shoes, very soon) but then she was just following the muddy path around to the left, and I had in mind to go straight down.
After the correction, and the warning of the lady dog walker going through my mind, we started back down the path. It was then that I decided that this particular bit of path was the stickiest yet! It was so sticky and muddy that I suggest taking a path to our left, one I feel sure that I haven't been on, (but probably have at some point, I am no good at orienteering) and just seeing where that brings us out. P.L.J. has been on here before, as she regularly takes her dog for a walk here, so we was all in favour. And besides, the railway is just there, on our right, we can hear the trains!
I was quite surprised where it bought us to, as the path itself kind of snaked left and right, and when I saw 'Dog poo Ally' I knew that I had actually been on the path running before! See, you can never get lost in our woods! It's impossible! But we were still a quarter of a mile short of at least 5k, so the longer route to the park to finish up our muddy but very enjoyable run.
It was enjoyable ladies, wasn't it?
Geeky stats for you.
Thursday, 16 January 2014
Tuesday, 14 January 2014
Club Run - New Group and Group 1
Hello Blog lovers.
Well, this evenings club runs were very interesting indeed! And I just loved them. I am doing something I love doing while doing something I love doing! And that is running while at the same time encouraging others to run as well! It's a win win situation for me!
Running in a group, with other people, for me, is the best motivation that you need. Just the camaraderie that is there will keep you on your toes, wanting to do yourself proud as well as your running buddies.
I had two ladies with me today in my group, with Jo also helping to lead. Tracy has come back to get back to group 1 fitness and there was also another lady that wants to get on to the fitness trail. The first thing was to get some warm ups done. Although it's quite mild for mid January, trying to run with cold muscles is not good. That is just asking for pain! So I used the quite road to do some gentle jogging and butt kicks, and side stepping to get things warmed up, but making sure that I kept it nice and quite so as not to annoy the neighbours!
Then it was on for the first run of Group......well, I shall have to think of a name for this group! Maybe call it Group Zero, because after this we become hero's! My route took in Great thrift, and Hazelmere roads.....twice! On the way out and on the way back! This first run was a 'Lets see what you all can do'! And let me tell you, both of them did really really well! Going up towards Pettswood, on those two inclines was a test for them, and they both did well.
I said to them both that if they needed a walking break then they should take it, as this evening is just for me and for them to see how much running they can do. So to see them get up the hills without stopping was pretty good.
At the top of the hills, near the memorial hall, I suggested to Jo that she and the Julia do a run back, as Tracy caught up. We had a little stop then and carried on with the rest of the loop. But just to keep it a little bit interesting for Julia, as she was a tad faster, then her a Jo was to do some loop backs. When they were about 2 lampposts in front of us, then they were to run back to us and then carry on again.
It really was a lovely run. We covered about 2 and half miles. But the main thing was, is that both of them enjoyed it. Both are coming back next week, and I really enjoyed it too.
Geeky stats for this first run.
We had quite a big group for todays session. SingstarJo was going to be leading, and her route is heading towards the Harvester and back! But then DiscoRich called me to chat with a couple of new people who had turned up today. They were first timers and only had run a few miles here and there, a couple of 5k charity races, and wanted to get into running properly. In fact, these ladies are perfect for my 7:00 session!
But instead of just sending them away to come back next week to the earlier session, I offered to run with them and we can chase after group 1. You never know, they might surprise us and keep up with them all the way round!
DiscoRich stayed at the back with me, while Illustrious Leader had the sweeper role for the main group. For the first half of the run we were never that far behind the main group, they were also in eyesight. As we were running one of the ladies said that this was the furthest, so far, that she had ever ran! When she heard that we were heading towards the Harvester, she said to her friend that she didn't think she could do it! Yet look at her, she had ran for about a 1.5 miles and she was just so pleased with herself. "My son didn't think I would be able to do it" she said to us. Well I think her son will be very proud of her now!
The route that we was taking is more or less the same as the main group, but they will be doing the little loop around before heading back up Southborough Lane. And knowing SingstarJo she will also be doing the longer way round to the rec, Great thrift, Hazelmere route. But I thought that just 3 miles for a first run is plenty! Probably a little over done to be truthful! I think one of them is going to ache tormorrow! I am hoping that it is going to be a nice aching, the kind of aching that reminds you of what you had achieved to feel like that in the first place.
The both said that they are going to come back next week to my 7 o'clock session, I think Tuesdays are going to be double fun again.
I do like to encourage others into this sport. It's free, and you can do it anyway! There is no need to wait for 'outdoors' to open, no fees to pay for the use of 'outdoors' you just put on your trainers, tracksuit and away you go! Perfect, and the outdoors is there, 24/7, when ever you need it, what's not to love!
Geeky stats this second group 0 run.
Well, this evenings club runs were very interesting indeed! And I just loved them. I am doing something I love doing while doing something I love doing! And that is running while at the same time encouraging others to run as well! It's a win win situation for me!
Group 0
The first run this evening was with my new group that I have started this evening. It's a kind of inbetweeners group. Not quite beginners, but not quite ready from group 1 and upwards! This group is going to be a stepping stone for those who want to become group runners, and also for those who have been out of running for a while, either with injury or circumstance or just sheer lack of time or even enthusiasm.Running in a group, with other people, for me, is the best motivation that you need. Just the camaraderie that is there will keep you on your toes, wanting to do yourself proud as well as your running buddies.
I had two ladies with me today in my group, with Jo also helping to lead. Tracy has come back to get back to group 1 fitness and there was also another lady that wants to get on to the fitness trail. The first thing was to get some warm ups done. Although it's quite mild for mid January, trying to run with cold muscles is not good. That is just asking for pain! So I used the quite road to do some gentle jogging and butt kicks, and side stepping to get things warmed up, but making sure that I kept it nice and quite so as not to annoy the neighbours!
Then it was on for the first run of Group......well, I shall have to think of a name for this group! Maybe call it Group Zero, because after this we become hero's! My route took in Great thrift, and Hazelmere roads.....twice! On the way out and on the way back! This first run was a 'Lets see what you all can do'! And let me tell you, both of them did really really well! Going up towards Pettswood, on those two inclines was a test for them, and they both did well.
I said to them both that if they needed a walking break then they should take it, as this evening is just for me and for them to see how much running they can do. So to see them get up the hills without stopping was pretty good.
At the top of the hills, near the memorial hall, I suggested to Jo that she and the Julia do a run back, as Tracy caught up. We had a little stop then and carried on with the rest of the loop. But just to keep it a little bit interesting for Julia, as she was a tad faster, then her a Jo was to do some loop backs. When they were about 2 lampposts in front of us, then they were to run back to us and then carry on again.
It really was a lovely run. We covered about 2 and half miles. But the main thing was, is that both of them enjoyed it. Both are coming back next week, and I really enjoyed it too.
Geeky stats for this first run.
Group 1
We had quite a big group for todays session. SingstarJo was going to be leading, and her route is heading towards the Harvester and back! But then DiscoRich called me to chat with a couple of new people who had turned up today. They were first timers and only had run a few miles here and there, a couple of 5k charity races, and wanted to get into running properly. In fact, these ladies are perfect for my 7:00 session! But instead of just sending them away to come back next week to the earlier session, I offered to run with them and we can chase after group 1. You never know, they might surprise us and keep up with them all the way round!
DiscoRich stayed at the back with me, while Illustrious Leader had the sweeper role for the main group. For the first half of the run we were never that far behind the main group, they were also in eyesight. As we were running one of the ladies said that this was the furthest, so far, that she had ever ran! When she heard that we were heading towards the Harvester, she said to her friend that she didn't think she could do it! Yet look at her, she had ran for about a 1.5 miles and she was just so pleased with herself. "My son didn't think I would be able to do it" she said to us. Well I think her son will be very proud of her now!
The route that we was taking is more or less the same as the main group, but they will be doing the little loop around before heading back up Southborough Lane. And knowing SingstarJo she will also be doing the longer way round to the rec, Great thrift, Hazelmere route. But I thought that just 3 miles for a first run is plenty! Probably a little over done to be truthful! I think one of them is going to ache tormorrow! I am hoping that it is going to be a nice aching, the kind of aching that reminds you of what you had achieved to feel like that in the first place.
The both said that they are going to come back next week to my 7 o'clock session, I think Tuesdays are going to be double fun again.
I do like to encourage others into this sport. It's free, and you can do it anyway! There is no need to wait for 'outdoors' to open, no fees to pay for the use of 'outdoors' you just put on your trainers, tracksuit and away you go! Perfect, and the outdoors is there, 24/7, when ever you need it, what's not to love!
Geeky stats this second group 0 run.
Sunday, 12 January 2014
Back in the Chain Gang!
Hello blog lovers.
What a beautiful morning it turned out to be! But first thing on waking this morning my thoughts were, "It's far to early, I want to go back to sleep" I got up and looked outside. On top of the houses was a nice covering of......FROST! "I really want to go back to sleep" I thought as I opened the window and saw my breath!
But still, I will warm up when we get going. As I had said to someone during the week, "Enthusiasm waits for you only after you get back from your run, Determination is at every lamppost!" or in this case it will be trees and bushes as well! And the more I thought of that, the more I thought it was right. Who in the right mind can be enthusiastic about getting up at ridiculous o'clock on a Sunday, to put on thin layers of Lycra, thermal socks and hats, to go out on a train with some 40 other crazy people, only to run back again! But that is exactly what I did!
Here, this is some of them at the station. We sort of took over the little area at the top as this was the warmest place!
We loaded on the train and filled up the seats.
One chap appreciated our banter as it seemed to have given him a wake up call before his stop came up!
This is an annual event with two groups running at two different distances and pace! Group 1 - 3 were getting off the train at Knockholt while all others were going further, to Sevenoaks. Both routes are run over country fields, lanes, paths and roads. So it will be lots of fun for all runners.
Now that I was at Knockholt, I really was looking forward to the run, I always enjoy running, but that first bit, of getting ready, getting out and getting going, has always been a struggle for me. Being with all my running buddies, however, has put me in the right frame of mind. Here is a picture of us just before we started, just as we left the station at Knockholt!
Me and SingstarJo were sweeping for todays run (it was no surprise that I would be at the back today, especially with some group 2 and 3 members running as well!) and we set off running along towards the A21. It's not as bad as you think, Illustrious Leader has found a great route through fields and paths, so running 'along' the A21 will feel like you are in the middle of no-where. With the sun shining down and birds flying over, you could almost think that it was the middle of summer as well.
There are a couple of rather nasty, cheeky little hills this on this route. Steep little blighters that have you gasping just at the sight of them. But it is still a whole lot better than running along side pollution spittng traffic.
All though the sun was shining, there were still some patches of frost on some of the paths that we had to run on, the frost still hiding from the sun in the shade of the trees and houses that we passed. I was wondering if the fields that we were to be running on will be sticky and muddy like they were last year, or if Old Jack Frost had been at work and made the ground as hard as stones. It wasn't that long before we found out. The ground was hard, at least there would be no wet feet early on in the run!
The first field done, and we were back running next to the traffic along the A21. When there are two or three different groups running together as one, it does seem to pull along at a faster pace than that of the slower paced groups. I glanced at my Garmin and I could see we were 'racing' along at 11 minute miles. All though later on it will show up as an average slower pace, I still wanted to just slow it down a tad and just relaxed a bit more. I was trying to keep up with them, but then me and SingStarJo decided that we would do our normal pace. They will be stopping soon for I.L. to explain the next bit. And besides, she had said to the faster runners that they were to do 'loop backs' Their run today would probably end up as 6 and half miles with the extras they are doing!
We soon came to one of the cheeky little steep hills that I mentioned. Last year we stuck to the tarmacked road, but this year we kept the 'off-road theme going as stayed on the footpaths through the woods that ran along side of the road. This was particually interesting, as during the recent stormy weather a tree had come down and had blocked the foot path. We had to scramble over it.
Here, this is how it looked.
It was nice getting back into the woods again, although I must say, I had walked up most of this hill. When we crossed over the road to continue on the other path I managed to jog along again. Well, it was down hill and flat sections!
We came out of the woody area and crossed over the road and entered another field. This was also a hill! I stopped to take a couple of pictures!
This is SingstarJo showing how we do our sweeping!
And this picture is taken of the direction we have just come from! It doesn't feel as if there is any houses or traffic around!
On the other end of this field is a housing estate. We had to run through here to get to another little section of wooded aread! There are lots of little wooded areas around here! I feel very foturnate to be able to live so close to some great places. The townie that is still inside of me is quite happy to see the houses and roads and tarmac, and to know that London is but 30 minutues away by train, yet the runner that has been hiding inside is being totally spoilt to pieces with the miles and miles of brilliant trails just on my doorstep.
Nearly at the end of our run today, and we are running by the woods that reach down to my road. No race to train for, a 'just run for fun' run, I could quite easily say to the group that I shall head on home from here. But I like to finish what I have started. The end of todays run is not my house. It doesn't cut through Sparrow woods it just skirts it. The run ends at Pettswood, where we started! And also, someone mentioned popping into the coffee shop to finish off the morning!
We got to Crofton road and crossed over the road, but SingstarJo, Sue and some others continued along the road, heading for Southborough lane, adding another 2 miles to the 6 miles that we have done today! A great effort by everyone, really had a great time! Can't wait to do it again! (See, there's that enthusiasm!)
This is just a few of us at the coffee shop.
Geeky stats.
What a beautiful morning it turned out to be! But first thing on waking this morning my thoughts were, "It's far to early, I want to go back to sleep" I got up and looked outside. On top of the houses was a nice covering of......FROST! "I really want to go back to sleep" I thought as I opened the window and saw my breath!
But still, I will warm up when we get going. As I had said to someone during the week, "Enthusiasm waits for you only after you get back from your run, Determination is at every lamppost!" or in this case it will be trees and bushes as well! And the more I thought of that, the more I thought it was right. Who in the right mind can be enthusiastic about getting up at ridiculous o'clock on a Sunday, to put on thin layers of Lycra, thermal socks and hats, to go out on a train with some 40 other crazy people, only to run back again! But that is exactly what I did!
Here, this is some of them at the station. We sort of took over the little area at the top as this was the warmest place!
 |
| Just some of the our runners today. |
 |
| Checking tickets and hats! |
 |
| Say cheese ladies. |
We loaded on the train and filled up the seats.
One chap appreciated our banter as it seemed to have given him a wake up call before his stop came up!
This is an annual event with two groups running at two different distances and pace! Group 1 - 3 were getting off the train at Knockholt while all others were going further, to Sevenoaks. Both routes are run over country fields, lanes, paths and roads. So it will be lots of fun for all runners.
Now that I was at Knockholt, I really was looking forward to the run, I always enjoy running, but that first bit, of getting ready, getting out and getting going, has always been a struggle for me. Being with all my running buddies, however, has put me in the right frame of mind. Here is a picture of us just before we started, just as we left the station at Knockholt!
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| I thought I would show you that I was actually there! |
Me and SingstarJo were sweeping for todays run (it was no surprise that I would be at the back today, especially with some group 2 and 3 members running as well!) and we set off running along towards the A21. It's not as bad as you think, Illustrious Leader has found a great route through fields and paths, so running 'along' the A21 will feel like you are in the middle of no-where. With the sun shining down and birds flying over, you could almost think that it was the middle of summer as well.
There are a couple of rather nasty, cheeky little hills this on this route. Steep little blighters that have you gasping just at the sight of them. But it is still a whole lot better than running along side pollution spittng traffic.
All though the sun was shining, there were still some patches of frost on some of the paths that we had to run on, the frost still hiding from the sun in the shade of the trees and houses that we passed. I was wondering if the fields that we were to be running on will be sticky and muddy like they were last year, or if Old Jack Frost had been at work and made the ground as hard as stones. It wasn't that long before we found out. The ground was hard, at least there would be no wet feet early on in the run!
The first field done, and we were back running next to the traffic along the A21. When there are two or three different groups running together as one, it does seem to pull along at a faster pace than that of the slower paced groups. I glanced at my Garmin and I could see we were 'racing' along at 11 minute miles. All though later on it will show up as an average slower pace, I still wanted to just slow it down a tad and just relaxed a bit more. I was trying to keep up with them, but then me and SingStarJo decided that we would do our normal pace. They will be stopping soon for I.L. to explain the next bit. And besides, she had said to the faster runners that they were to do 'loop backs' Their run today would probably end up as 6 and half miles with the extras they are doing!
We soon came to one of the cheeky little steep hills that I mentioned. Last year we stuck to the tarmacked road, but this year we kept the 'off-road theme going as stayed on the footpaths through the woods that ran along side of the road. This was particually interesting, as during the recent stormy weather a tree had come down and had blocked the foot path. We had to scramble over it.
Here, this is how it looked.
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| I.L. hoicking herself over the fallen tree |
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| Just one at a time! |
It was nice getting back into the woods again, although I must say, I had walked up most of this hill. When we crossed over the road to continue on the other path I managed to jog along again. Well, it was down hill and flat sections!
We came out of the woody area and crossed over the road and entered another field. This was also a hill! I stopped to take a couple of pictures!
This is SingstarJo showing how we do our sweeping!
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| SingstarJo, showing the Sweeper Arms! |
And this picture is taken of the direction we have just come from! It doesn't feel as if there is any houses or traffic around!
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| Some joggers and dog walkers going the other way |
On the other end of this field is a housing estate. We had to run through here to get to another little section of wooded aread! There are lots of little wooded areas around here! I feel very foturnate to be able to live so close to some great places. The townie that is still inside of me is quite happy to see the houses and roads and tarmac, and to know that London is but 30 minutues away by train, yet the runner that has been hiding inside is being totally spoilt to pieces with the miles and miles of brilliant trails just on my doorstep.
Nearly at the end of our run today, and we are running by the woods that reach down to my road. No race to train for, a 'just run for fun' run, I could quite easily say to the group that I shall head on home from here. But I like to finish what I have started. The end of todays run is not my house. It doesn't cut through Sparrow woods it just skirts it. The run ends at Pettswood, where we started! And also, someone mentioned popping into the coffee shop to finish off the morning!
We got to Crofton road and crossed over the road, but SingstarJo, Sue and some others continued along the road, heading for Southborough lane, adding another 2 miles to the 6 miles that we have done today! A great effort by everyone, really had a great time! Can't wait to do it again! (See, there's that enthusiasm!)
This is just a few of us at the coffee shop.
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| Sandwhich and coffee already enjoyed! |
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| All very happy to have been running today. |
Thursday, 9 January 2014
Splish, Splash, Squish Squelch!
Thursdays are back on, now that all the little people are back at schools, and the parents can get to grips with the continuation of getting rid of some over doing the Christmas Cheer!
The weather wasn't like yesterday morning at all! Today it was windy, cold and the sky was threatening to unleash what its trying to hold up there. Why couldn't we have had yesterdays weather instead! But there were quite a few willing victims.......erm.....runners that had turned up today. DiscoRich had his bevy of beauties....and our race director, David, and in my group there were a couple of new members that had joined us.
Considering the rain has been totally relentless over these past few weeks, and some days it has been pretty heavy! I gave the group an alternative non splashingsquishysquelchy route to do. A bit of pavement pounding, to the Cinder Path. It will still keep us in some wooded area, but only for those few moments while we run on the path!
Illustrious Leader came fully prepared to paddle her way around the woods, and PinkLadyJo had her old shoes (unless that is what I have helped create by getting her to run through the woods last year?) But then when one of the new ladies said that she had new shoes........an evil grin appeared on my face......ha ha ha ha (read that with little finger raised to lips in 'Dr Evil Style'!) A baptism of fire (of mud should I say) for her new shoes, so to the woods it is.
I love going through the woods, and knowing that DiscoRich and his crew were going through some other nearby woods, I didn't want to 'whimp' out and act all 'squeamish' by not hitting the mud, the change of route had been decided and all agreed, but I still had some trepidations about how muddy it was going to be. I had no need to worry though Of course it was muddy, we had been ploughing our way through it for most of December, yes maybe the puddles were slightly deeper, and maybe the mud holes slightly wider but on the whole, still quite accessible.
Now, the two new ladies look rather 'runner like' and I half expected them to be, maybe a tad disappointed with the pace of todays run, so I had to make sure that I tried at least to keep myself mostly in front of them, but I didn't want to wear myself out before I get even a quarter of the way round. So the only one thing to do, as Illustrious Leader had said on todays route, "I am just embracing the mud" I embraced the mud with love and with gusto!
I made my way around some of the big puddles and particularly the squishiest areas, but only if there was enough space to put your foot on the little 'trodden in' part around it, otherwise.....it was straight down the middle! On the big wide path I found it easy to run on the gravel that seems to have appeared there, where the water was running down it, like a little stream. If we stayed running on that there was no squelchy mud to run in! And no slipping and sliding anxieties!
We soon got to the top of the woods and turned left to go passed the schools fields, with yet more mud. I kept to the bigger path, going down the skinnier one could have made us slower, as it is more 'flight of stairs like' rather than hill like. And I do need to keep the pace up, and keep us all safe of course.
Going through the middle of puddles was quite a liberating feeling. I can imagine the crosscountry runners just having a field day (pardon then pun!) every time they run. Just squishy through mud and puddles, just like you used to do when you were kids, no cares, no worries, no problems!...... after all, the was no need to worry about shoes, socks etc, every time you went to your cupboards and draws there was always clean clothes there, just like magic! It's only when you get older, and have to do your own washing that you tend to worry about how dirty you get, (apart from chaps that is!)
It was going along this particular path that I managed to tread ankle high, into the deepest puddle so far of the run. But for some silly reason or other, I just smiled! I was really enjoying this mud fest! I also realised that it was actually easier to just go straight through the middle of even the squishiest puddles, rather than try and pick your way around this them. I am deffo going to get some trail shoes! I may even try and get to the occasional KFL run, if the team don't mind!
The next path is one that I don't particularly like. Just down the lane a tad, and then turn right. It's quite narrow and has these little undulations, like a mini rollercoast type of ground. On the right is a field with cows or sheep or what ever the farmer leads in there at moment, but it is fenced with a barbed wire top. I always have visions of me falling on to this and cutting my hands or face. So I went very carefully. I ushered the others by in case they wanted to go a bit quicker than I was doing. By the time I got to the other end of here they all had found their 'mud zone' mojo and was just heading down Goss Hill
Goss hill was a bit tricky for me, there they were, all in their stride and concentrating on the path, me? I was trying to play catchup as well as watch the path. The Hill was teasing me, wanting me to run faster and faster, but I had to watch my step, I don't want any falls at this stage! I expect the group will wait for me at the bottom. I was still smiling though. I must have looked like some inane escapee from planet Smiley. I was thinking about my soaking wet feet, and how at this minute, they were quite warm and not uncomfortable. I was thinking that my socks, my rather old pink socks will probably have turned brown by now, and I was thinking, "I hope the others are having as much fun as I am" That would just be the muddy cherry on top of the cake! Or should I say mud pie!
From here to the end we were back on to the tarmac. And also found, I was quite comfortable at the back, or it could be that the others had just found a little bit extra and started to push a little harder and faster. Illustrious Leader did what all good leaders do though as she took the lead, she had them do a loop back to the corner, and then run back to catch me up as I continued to run to Jubilee Park.
With he mud drying on our clothes and legs, and trainers looking suitable brown, we really did look like XC runners! The little bit of pavement pounding gave chance for us to bash most of the mud from our shoes, and just as well, as I had forgotten to bring clean shoes and socks again!
A great run, I thouroughly enjoyed it today! A lovely run, ok its the same route, but it's always a different experience! Geeky stats for you. Oh and a couple of pictures of my shoes and socks! I still had plenty of mud to photograph!
Tuesday, 7 January 2014
Club Run - Hmppffs, Awws And Groans!
Hello blog lovers!
And a Happy New Year to you all (again). I say that because I have not seen my Pettswood buddies since last year. And some of them have not been running since last year! The group leaders were aware of this and were taking it easy on their group members, by running at a slower pace for them this evening! Mind you, for all those in Group 8, it's the complete opposite, start the year as they intend to be, a hard run and usual speedy pace! As the leaders were telling of their routes, and who was going slightly easier and who wasn't, you can imagine who was groaning, and those who were stifling a little giggle!
It was good to see them all again though, as I pulled up in my car near the park, there were quite a few people heading into the gate, getting out of their cars, eager to get the new year started with a good first club run of 2014. The buzz in the rec was excited and happy as we all talked about what we had or hadn't done over Christmas, mainly a lot of eating and no running!
Of course I was a bit smug, and said I had done a couple, thankfully they didn't ask how far and fast I went, because it was far from group 1 pace! When all the leaders had given out their routes for their groups were ready to get going. I was sweeper and was very happy to be at the back today, (trying to catch the Old Boy yesterday had shown me where I had hidden my thigh muscles!)
There were quite a number of us running down Crossways, and heading up Willet Road. Everybody still chatting away and all feeling pretty happy to be back. Nagging Sister was here, Jan, Linda, Julia Illustrious Leader up in the front. Oh yes, it is good to be back!
I wasn't quite sure of the route today, as I had missed what I.L. had said. As we were running along, I was a bit surprised of the turnings we took. I wasn't quite sure of where they would end up. I am not sure if we have been on this route before, or if it is a combination of two routes. I know we have been on these roads before, but I was really disorientated. It could because I haven't been on a club run for a few weeks and just like my Garmin, I have wiped my memory!
My legs were aching slightly, and the slower pace at the back was suiting me, but we still kept sight of the main group of runners (just as well really as I wasn't quite sure exactly where I was!) Getting back to club running, though, was outweighing any muscles complain that have worked too hard. I am smiling, (even lost a pound or two already this week, although I shouldn't weigh myself now until the end of the week, or month!)
It was a great run though, and a nice easier route and slighter shorter for a 'Get Back To Club Running' run. There was also an 'opt out' part built in to this evenings run. Instead of going around the block if you felt that you were struggling, then you could go straight to the entrance of the park as we pass Crossways to run around the block!
And today, I had my Garmin. Yeah, so here is the geeky stats.
And a Happy New Year to you all (again). I say that because I have not seen my Pettswood buddies since last year. And some of them have not been running since last year! The group leaders were aware of this and were taking it easy on their group members, by running at a slower pace for them this evening! Mind you, for all those in Group 8, it's the complete opposite, start the year as they intend to be, a hard run and usual speedy pace! As the leaders were telling of their routes, and who was going slightly easier and who wasn't, you can imagine who was groaning, and those who were stifling a little giggle!
It was good to see them all again though, as I pulled up in my car near the park, there were quite a few people heading into the gate, getting out of their cars, eager to get the new year started with a good first club run of 2014. The buzz in the rec was excited and happy as we all talked about what we had or hadn't done over Christmas, mainly a lot of eating and no running!
Of course I was a bit smug, and said I had done a couple, thankfully they didn't ask how far and fast I went, because it was far from group 1 pace! When all the leaders had given out their routes for their groups were ready to get going. I was sweeper and was very happy to be at the back today, (trying to catch the Old Boy yesterday had shown me where I had hidden my thigh muscles!)
There were quite a number of us running down Crossways, and heading up Willet Road. Everybody still chatting away and all feeling pretty happy to be back. Nagging Sister was here, Jan, Linda, Julia Illustrious Leader up in the front. Oh yes, it is good to be back!
I wasn't quite sure of the route today, as I had missed what I.L. had said. As we were running along, I was a bit surprised of the turnings we took. I wasn't quite sure of where they would end up. I am not sure if we have been on this route before, or if it is a combination of two routes. I know we have been on these roads before, but I was really disorientated. It could because I haven't been on a club run for a few weeks and just like my Garmin, I have wiped my memory!
My legs were aching slightly, and the slower pace at the back was suiting me, but we still kept sight of the main group of runners (just as well really as I wasn't quite sure exactly where I was!) Getting back to club running, though, was outweighing any muscles complain that have worked too hard. I am smiling, (even lost a pound or two already this week, although I shouldn't weigh myself now until the end of the week, or month!)
It was a great run though, and a nice easier route and slighter shorter for a 'Get Back To Club Running' run. There was also an 'opt out' part built in to this evenings run. Instead of going around the block if you felt that you were struggling, then you could go straight to the entrance of the park as we pass Crossways to run around the block!
And today, I had my Garmin. Yeah, so here is the geeky stats.
Monday, 6 January 2014
And So We Begin Again!
Hello blog lovers.
Hands up, who has over indulged, or have I already asked that?! Phew! Still feeling heavy, but a bit more emptier than I have done! Just after one day of eating healthier, less tea, fresh fruit smoothie and less sugar in todays meals, has made a difference....or it could be that I am thinking positive about my attempt to get back to post Marathon fitness! (by the way, did I tell you I ran last years London Marathon)
(Wow, it's true, it is so easy to tell who has ran a marathon, because us marathoners bring it up whenever the opportunity to arises)
The Old Boy has been feeling a bit under the weather as well this past week or so and decided that he would 'tag' along with me, although I know that it will be me chasing after him! I was going running as 'Inspector Gadget' with my new IPod Shuffle and of course my Garmin, but for some reason my Garmin has ran out of battery again! Can't figure it out! So it's just me and my IPod and of course the old man.
The pace is all down to me, and when the O.B. gets into his zone, then I shall try and keep up with him too. Having no Garmin to check out, I was feeling naked! But of course all your out there reading this, always tell me that it's good to just get out and run, and I even tell myself that too, but today I really wanted my geeky stats! And felt a bit sulky as we started our run.
The evening was .... well it was quite pleasant! Even though I was wrapped up like an onion again! With long sleeve warm top, hat, jog pants (new ones for Christmas!) and also a windproof jacket and some gloves! The rain had stopped, it was a perfect time to get out and run/jog! We started running at together along the road, I chosen one of my old 3 miler route, to Turpington, Greenway and then back home again, nothing to strenuous for the Old Boy! And also, nothing to strenuous for me either!
We kept together for at least half the way round, but then he started to pull away from me as his mojo started to show it's self, mine was still hiding under the last slice of cheesecake, drowning in the last weekly pint of lager! (until the totally dry month of February!) I was feeling like I wasn't actually breaking any records with this route, my back was aching slightly, a sure sign that am heading my way back up those numbers on the scales!
I have, actually weighed myself again this January, and did the usual MOT checks with the tape! and I have also put on, over all, at least 3 inches, and I measure everything! Arms, vitals, thighs, knees and calf's! Ok some might only be a half inch difference, but I still don't like it!
But I am pleased with my first, proper, day of healthy eating and back on track with my training, what I'm training for I don't know, but I shall work on that!
No geeky stats, but hopefully, I shall get my watch sorted and it will have its rightful place back on my wrist!
Hands up, who has over indulged, or have I already asked that?! Phew! Still feeling heavy, but a bit more emptier than I have done! Just after one day of eating healthier, less tea, fresh fruit smoothie and less sugar in todays meals, has made a difference....or it could be that I am thinking positive about my attempt to get back to post Marathon fitness! (by the way, did I tell you I ran last years London Marathon)
(Wow, it's true, it is so easy to tell who has ran a marathon, because us marathoners bring it up whenever the opportunity to arises)
The Old Boy has been feeling a bit under the weather as well this past week or so and decided that he would 'tag' along with me, although I know that it will be me chasing after him! I was going running as 'Inspector Gadget' with my new IPod Shuffle and of course my Garmin, but for some reason my Garmin has ran out of battery again! Can't figure it out! So it's just me and my IPod and of course the old man.
The pace is all down to me, and when the O.B. gets into his zone, then I shall try and keep up with him too. Having no Garmin to check out, I was feeling naked! But of course all your out there reading this, always tell me that it's good to just get out and run, and I even tell myself that too, but today I really wanted my geeky stats! And felt a bit sulky as we started our run.
The evening was .... well it was quite pleasant! Even though I was wrapped up like an onion again! With long sleeve warm top, hat, jog pants (new ones for Christmas!) and also a windproof jacket and some gloves! The rain had stopped, it was a perfect time to get out and run/jog! We started running at together along the road, I chosen one of my old 3 miler route, to Turpington, Greenway and then back home again, nothing to strenuous for the Old Boy! And also, nothing to strenuous for me either!
We kept together for at least half the way round, but then he started to pull away from me as his mojo started to show it's self, mine was still hiding under the last slice of cheesecake, drowning in the last weekly pint of lager! (until the totally dry month of February!) I was feeling like I wasn't actually breaking any records with this route, my back was aching slightly, a sure sign that am heading my way back up those numbers on the scales!
I have, actually weighed myself again this January, and did the usual MOT checks with the tape! and I have also put on, over all, at least 3 inches, and I measure everything! Arms, vitals, thighs, knees and calf's! Ok some might only be a half inch difference, but I still don't like it!
But I am pleased with my first, proper, day of healthy eating and back on track with my training, what I'm training for I don't know, but I shall work on that!
No geeky stats, but hopefully, I shall get my watch sorted and it will have its rightful place back on my wrist!
Friday, 3 January 2014
First Solo Run In 2014
Hello Blog lovers.
I have just realised that I neglected to write up my last Thursday run of 2013, but it was a very nice run through the woods, the weather was good for us. And it was a good run.
Here is the Geeky stats for that run
<iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/423869078'></iframe>
Now you know what I write things down on the day or even the day after! Any more time between a run and me actually putting down on paper (or tapped out on a computer), especially after a very good Christmas and New Year, has no hope of getting 'out there'!
So todays run. Just me, no one else. Didn't even have my new IPod with me! (I had forgotten to charge it up!) Also I couldn't wait around for my Garmin to catch the satellites so I just pushed the button and started to run, with no intention of looking at it until I got home!
You know, as I was running along I had that thought. You know the one, it goes 'You know how, after the Christmas and new year holidays, you're feeling bloated, full, lazy, work is looming and really all your body feels like doing is pulling the duvet over your head and stay there till summer'. I felt like that today. All the 'mum' bits done, the 'sister' bit, the 'wife', the 'nanny' the 'friend' 'aunt' etc etc etc, right this second it was just me.
Just Me
Looking out, the sky so blue,
Looking out the sun's shining too,
This moment, is mine,
This moment is now.
This moment is where I resolute and vow
Get back to running,
Running for running sake,
Get back to having fun,
With the resolutions I make.
Right now I am nobody.
Not mum or aunt, nor wife or nanny, no, not even a friend.
Because right now, this, this few running moments, its just me in the end.
No music, no Gadegts, no agenda, no route,
No people, no worries to boot!
Running is good, its fun and its free
Running is where I am just me!
These were just some of the thoughts that I started out in my head, for the first mile or so. My Garmin counting down the seconds, but no satellite tracking me. No-one knew where I was, my phone was at home, and I was just out there, uncontactable! A very liberating moment! Then the Garmin found me! I know, because I hoicked up my sleeves and just got a glimpse as it said I had ran .30 miles, in whatever minutes it was. I made sure I tore my eyes away before I saw it!
I didn't have any route in mind was just going to run until I wanted to go home. As I started on one of my old routes, going towards Southborough lane and heading for Bromley Common I smiling. My heavy body complaining! I can really tell that I have overindulged over Christmas and New Year! The weight always hits my hips and back! But knowing that I am back in the programme feels really good. Fat deposits will be shaken and stirred, they will fuel my runs and my cycle rides, they will burn up and help build up muscles, and unveil, finally, the skinny bird underneath!
With Turpington turning way behind me I had a choice of left or right at the end of the road. I chose to turn left, towards Locksbottom. I hadn't decided if I was going to run that far yet, as this is just my first 'just do it for me' run. I still don't have any races booked! But who is bothered about that, not me, not when I'm running for running sake!
As I was running along towards the first turning, Turpington Lane, the top end! I noticed the sky started to not look as bright! I had a feeling if I ran passed Magpiehall Lane, then the only other turning to take me home after that would be by the church, Trinity Church, which would mean my run would be shorter one than I had been thinking about, even though I had no agenda! So I decided I would just all the way down Magpiehall lane and then back home from Southborough Lane. A sort of deflated balloon shape, probably how most of us were feeling after the festivies!
I did start to 'beat my self up a beat. Being lazy, keep stopping and grabbing my aching 'cuddly' sides. So I gave myself another firm talking to, me, just me, here running, no one else. "So, what you gonna do Old Girl?" was the question I put to myself. Now what do I always tell all the newbies who join our group 1? Oh yes, lamppost to lamppost of course. So that's what I did, kept the lampposts in sight. Sometimes it was jog/run between lampposts other times it was walk/jog/run/jog between them!
Until, that is I got to Farringdon Avenue. From there it is jogging all the way home! Well I was on the road affectionately known as 'The Road Where I Can't Stop!'
Back at home I finally look at my Garmin as I switch it off! Not bad, just over a mile of 'undetected' running, but most enjoyable. That's the first one out of the way! Bring on the next run!
I have just realised that I neglected to write up my last Thursday run of 2013, but it was a very nice run through the woods, the weather was good for us. And it was a good run.
Here is the Geeky stats for that run
<iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/423869078'></iframe>
Now you know what I write things down on the day or even the day after! Any more time between a run and me actually putting down on paper (or tapped out on a computer), especially after a very good Christmas and New Year, has no hope of getting 'out there'!
So todays run. Just me, no one else. Didn't even have my new IPod with me! (I had forgotten to charge it up!) Also I couldn't wait around for my Garmin to catch the satellites so I just pushed the button and started to run, with no intention of looking at it until I got home!
You know, as I was running along I had that thought. You know the one, it goes 'You know how, after the Christmas and new year holidays, you're feeling bloated, full, lazy, work is looming and really all your body feels like doing is pulling the duvet over your head and stay there till summer'. I felt like that today. All the 'mum' bits done, the 'sister' bit, the 'wife', the 'nanny' the 'friend' 'aunt' etc etc etc, right this second it was just me.
Just Me
Looking out, the sky so blue,
Looking out the sun's shining too,
This moment, is mine,
This moment is now.
This moment is where I resolute and vow
Get back to running,
Running for running sake,
Get back to having fun,
With the resolutions I make.
Right now I am nobody.
Not mum or aunt, nor wife or nanny, no, not even a friend.
Because right now, this, this few running moments, its just me in the end.
No music, no Gadegts, no agenda, no route,
No people, no worries to boot!
Running is good, its fun and its free
Running is where I am just me!
These were just some of the thoughts that I started out in my head, for the first mile or so. My Garmin counting down the seconds, but no satellite tracking me. No-one knew where I was, my phone was at home, and I was just out there, uncontactable! A very liberating moment! Then the Garmin found me! I know, because I hoicked up my sleeves and just got a glimpse as it said I had ran .30 miles, in whatever minutes it was. I made sure I tore my eyes away before I saw it!
I didn't have any route in mind was just going to run until I wanted to go home. As I started on one of my old routes, going towards Southborough lane and heading for Bromley Common I smiling. My heavy body complaining! I can really tell that I have overindulged over Christmas and New Year! The weight always hits my hips and back! But knowing that I am back in the programme feels really good. Fat deposits will be shaken and stirred, they will fuel my runs and my cycle rides, they will burn up and help build up muscles, and unveil, finally, the skinny bird underneath!
With Turpington turning way behind me I had a choice of left or right at the end of the road. I chose to turn left, towards Locksbottom. I hadn't decided if I was going to run that far yet, as this is just my first 'just do it for me' run. I still don't have any races booked! But who is bothered about that, not me, not when I'm running for running sake!
As I was running along towards the first turning, Turpington Lane, the top end! I noticed the sky started to not look as bright! I had a feeling if I ran passed Magpiehall Lane, then the only other turning to take me home after that would be by the church, Trinity Church, which would mean my run would be shorter one than I had been thinking about, even though I had no agenda! So I decided I would just all the way down Magpiehall lane and then back home from Southborough Lane. A sort of deflated balloon shape, probably how most of us were feeling after the festivies!
I did start to 'beat my self up a beat. Being lazy, keep stopping and grabbing my aching 'cuddly' sides. So I gave myself another firm talking to, me, just me, here running, no one else. "So, what you gonna do Old Girl?" was the question I put to myself. Now what do I always tell all the newbies who join our group 1? Oh yes, lamppost to lamppost of course. So that's what I did, kept the lampposts in sight. Sometimes it was jog/run between lampposts other times it was walk/jog/run/jog between them!
Until, that is I got to Farringdon Avenue. From there it is jogging all the way home! Well I was on the road affectionately known as 'The Road Where I Can't Stop!'
Back at home I finally look at my Garmin as I switch it off! Not bad, just over a mile of 'undetected' running, but most enjoyable. That's the first one out of the way! Bring on the next run!
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