Friday 26 February 2016

Thomas Theyer Fell Race Recce

A little while ago, a friend posted on Facebook about a fell race which was to be held in the local village of Combs in April 2016 - The Thomas Theyer Fell Race.  I instantly pricked my ears as I love running in that area and decided to look into the details.

The race is a 10k fell run from the Whitehall Centre







"The route goes out of Whitehall along the lane towards Whaley, until Wythenlache Farm, right down the lane/track to the end, turn left on to anther lane over ladder hill and left on to track past Tunstead Farm, left on to lane, left through Ladder Hill Woods re- joins the original route but then will turn right through Lower Thorny Lee Farm into Combs village then right through Rye Flatt and back up to Whitehall" 

(map and route summary from the Thomas Theyer Fell Race Facebook page)

The race is being held in memory of Thomas Theyer, an 18 year old fell runner from the Peak District who tragically lost his life while out running in 2013.  

On February 25th 2016 I went on a recce of the route with my friend Helen and her dog Summer.  I borrowed my running dog - Skye (who belongs to my friend Becca) and off we went.  What a beautiful day! Crisp and cold but sunny with a cloud inversion looking back at Whaley Bridge and beyond. 

We set off from the Beehive Pub in Combs village - a good starting point for the parking and a good finishing point for the food and drinks! - and headed towards the hill over to Dove Holes up Ridge Lane.  I had opted for full-on Fell Shoes and was wearing my Inov-8 Mudclaws as a precaution for the muddy sections.  


We soon turned right onto a farm track and headed for the second footpath sign to the right, which headed as the crow flies towards the Whitehall Centre.  Once over a stile we were into a boggy field where I was glad of my sensible footwear!  We crossed a couple of streams over footbridges then headed for the buildings at Broadlee Farm.  We kept the dogs on leads through these field sections as there were lots of preggo sheep around.  

The section through the farm then onto the footpath up to Whitehall was tricky to find and we ended up asking a lady at the farm - I assume this will be well marked for the race.  Basically, we headed towards the driveway of the farm then turned immediately left up a steep hill past the tree and followed the path through 2 gates.  This bit was quite steep and some people will probably walk this bit (I won't!)  We continued in the general direction we had been heading and eventually saw Whitehall, it was really easy going then as we turned right onto Old Road and headed for the cutting in the rocks. Heading through the cutting you can see Wythen Lache Farm and beautiful views of the Goyt Valley to the left as you drop down the hill.

At this point of our run I was wishing I had a pair of Roclites (more of a cushioned trail shoe) as my Mudclaws are a bit hard for the road and my toes were suffering slightly (even with vaselined toes).  We came to Wythen Lache and turned right following the bridleway NE to the gate then down the track to a spring.  This is an excellent track for mountain biking - a favourite route of mine.  We kept following the track to a bottom gate at Thorny Lee when the track turns into a tarmac road.  We followed the road steeply downhill then turned left and headed up another rocky track onto Ladder Hill.  

The views to the right of Combs reservoir are lovely but we had to dodge some massive puddles/fords so didn't spend long view-gazing!  The track continued to be relatively flat and then dropped down a rocky decent to Old Road.  Turning left,  we started the longish climb up the road (with the Goyt Valley now on our right hand side) where we eventually forked left up to the woods.  

Continuing uphill, we came to the top of the hill and descended

over and down through reeds to where the spring was located on the track earlier in the run.  Turning left we retraced our steps to the bottom gate at Thorny Lee and instead of continuing down the tarmac road, we turned right down to a farm and through a gateway (with a squeeze-past-able stone pillar to the left).  This field had a couple of horses in who didn't bother us as we descended down the muddy land towards the bottom gate. 

Once through the gate we turned right and followed the road onto Long Lane which brought us uphill back to the pub.  The route according to Strava was just over 10k and had taken us around an hour and a half max.  On race day I am hoping to do the route in as close to 1 hour as possible, so that will be my aim.





Because you know it's all about the Bike!

Looking forward to the Hathersage Hilly triathlon in July, I decided to have a tentative go on a road bike.  Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love my mtb (mountain bike), and in the past have been known to hold a negative view of roadies - dangerous roads, bad drivers and all that Lycra!

Anyway, I had a change of heart when I realised that even if I put slicks (thinner, smoother tyres) on my mtb, I would still be at a disadvantage due to the weight and gearing in comparison to the road bikes.  Obviously I'm not setting out to win any prizes, but, and call me competitive, you wouldn't ride a shire horse round the Grand National against the thoroughbreds now would you?


Sticking with the horse analogy, I managed to be fortunate enough to borrow a friends road bike to try.  When sitting astride the light-as-a-feather bike, it felt like there was "nothing in front", a bit like riding a dainty show pony after coming off a traditional cob.  And then there were the drops! OMG the position of bum in the air, hunchback was not a great feeling to start with.  In fact, it was with a red face that I set off to the end of my cul-de-sac wobbling about like a wally before realising that the brakes were nowhere to be seen and the bloody thing didn't turn! Honestly it was actually quite scary - what the hell was I doing on this death trap! I had to "balance bike" like my three year old on my tip toes back to the house as it is on a slight downhill!

Fortunately, as with running, Caz came to my rescue and arrived to show me the ropes. Now, there is more to road biking than you would think - for instance, visors on helmets - are a no, backpacks - also no and V-brakes are still a thing! Who knew I was such a mtb type! (Note - since writing this post, Caz asked if the title referred to rule #4 of the Velominati "The Rules" - I had no clue what she meant until I read her link to "The Rules" and I now understand and can reference to said rules for the rest of this post!) Fwiw my title came to me to the tune of Meghan Trainors "All about the Bass".

Anyway, we set off tentatively up the hill from my house and Caz explained about the gears and the brakes, and the drops!  After about 3 laps of our estate I felt much more confident and was even using the drops. One thing I did notice though was my lower back beginning to ache a bit.  The best thing about it was going uphill, I noticed that I felt like I was really pulling away and getting some good speed up, not like the mtb where your legs just go ten to the dozen and you get nowhere fast.  

Hmm, had I started up a new obsession? I took the bike to The Bike Factory and asked the lads to see if it fit me properly, the answer was no, it was too big and probably why my back was hurting.  So I returned the bike to my friend and arranged to try another one from the shop.


Fred (the owner) was really kind and lent me a brand new Scott Speedster 60 in XS (49cm frame) size to try.  They kitted it out with spd pedals, which I use on my mtb, and off I went with some friends for a proper road bike ride. I noticed straight away that this bike did fit me better.  I still felt a little wobbly when I tried to signal, for example, or stand up to pedal, but I was soon feeling much more comfortable and we tackled some decent hills.  I felt like there was nowhere to go when in the easiest gear going up a particularly evil incline and wondered if that would be problematic on long rides with tired legs...

Another worrying thing was that I found the brake levers miles too far away for my fingers to reach, so that, when I was using the drops, I had to push my hand and thumb forward to stretch my fingers to the levers.  A bit disconcerting when flying bum high down a steep and narrow road! 

On my return to the shop Rob - the Manager, managed to adjust the brake levers so that they were much more reachable and it was with reluctance that I handed it back.  I enquired about the price of this bike and went off to have a think.  My plan was to buy a half decent second-hand bike, which Fred had offered to help source.  But the Scott was so lovely and shiny and obviously fit me well as I had no aches or pains whatsoever...eek!

I had a chat with Mr A about my birthday coming up (you know where I'm going with this right...) and he said if I liked it I could buy the Scott! Hurrah I was so excited! So I went back to see Fred the next day and discussed the bike. I asked about the gearing and one of the lads said I could have a bigger cog on the back thus making the gears easier up steeper hills - so I agreed that this would be a good idea.  I also needed a few accessories like a bottle and cage, a pump and a little seat post bag for a spare tube and a light (no need for a backpack see!).  


Here I am on my maiden voyage! Sporting a bargain Aldi Jersey (£4.99!)
The next day (today!) I have collected the bike.  It looks wonderful! I can't wait to ride it.  So watch this space for more adventures - of a roadie kind!

I think my mtb may be sulking at me so I am going to ride that next week - I feel less guilty since finding out about the N+1 rule (google it).

I'm now off to peruse the world of road biking - turbo trainers, jerseys, gilets, helmets... oh dear, what have I started!?





Thursday 18 February 2016

An Unexpected parkrun...

Every year in February, myself and Mr A get a kid-free weekend away (wippee!).  I mentioned to Mr A that York (where we were heading) has a parkrun.  

Unexpectedly, he was quite interested in this and sounded quite keen to give it a go (Mr A hasn't run for about 20 years)  So I was soon googling running shops in York to find him some suitable footwear.  

I insisted the "very good pair" of trainers he used to use was not going to cut it (and I also forgot to mention I chucked said trainers in the bin about 10 years ago! - this is "need to know" information - which he doesn't).  


I knew the gait analysis I had planned for him may spook him slightly but it was with gusto I ushered him through the doors of Up and Running the next day.  

He took one look at the treadmill and glanced towards the door but in the end we got him assessed as a "neutral" runner (where he doesn't turn in or out on his feet and can buy any neutral running shoes) and had him parading around the shop in Brooks, Mizuno and Asics contenders.  

We settled on some Brooks Adrenaline GTS 15 shoes - I already used the GTS 14's for road running and I also got a pair of 15's as there was a 2 for 1 offer - bargain!

Parkrunday arrived and it was freezing and raining, great.  Not the best combo when you are on holiday and don't actually need to get up.  

We drove to the racecourse where the parkrun is held, expecting 50 or 60 odd hardcore runners.  We were amazed to see hundreds of people - some with dogs attached by special canicross belts, some with buggies and some with little children running too. It was a massive field, almost 500 runners.  

I jogged to the start to warm up, poor Mr A was looking a bit overwhelmed and walked to save his legs.  It was about 1k to the start before you had to run 5k then walk another kilometre back to the car.

As I approached the start area I noticed that there was a person who was the "newbies" marshal - a crowd gathered around her to listen to the course details - 1 and a half laps of the racetrack service road, and to know what to do at the finish (present barcode to scanning marshal).  

I also noted two pacer marshals - one with 25 and one with 30 on their hi viz vests (to help people run 25 minute or 30 minute times).  I decided the 25 pacer would be useful for me as I had forgotten my Garmin watch for the first time ever!  I was aiming for a PB of 23 minutes but with so many people and no watch I knew it would be tricky.  

Mr A arrived and we were off.  I ran ahead as I wanted to try for a PB and he stayed near the back so he could stick at a steady pace.  The start was awful.  I have learned in all races to get to the front. 

Never mind what the Mo Farrah types think of you, just get up there, it helps so much with settling into position without the jostling and frustration of people getting in the way.  

You do have to bare in mind one thing though - don't try to belt off at the front runners pace, just set off then settle into a pace that's comfortable to you and stick left.  Yes people will pass you but it will be much better than battling it out at the back - trust me, I know!

At this particular parkrun though, with our slightly late arrival, I ended up quite near the back of a sea of runners.  It was wet and muddy at the edges and the tarmac was quite icy so I was finding traction difficult in my new Brooks.  

As expected I didn't enjoy it until about 2k in, when I found my pace and passed the 25 pacer.  I then basically ran at a fast pace and did my usual heavy breathing (I'm a puffer), until I started chatting (between puffs) to an older guy who looked lean and professional in OMM gear.  He had a watch and told me what pace we were making - around 7 minute miles, and I told him about how I was used to hills and that this flat-as-a-pancake course was actually a good test for me.  


He seemed intrigued and stayed with me, encouraging me until the end - a nice chap. When we finished he told me he thought we had done it in around 23 minutes and he was right!  I got a new PB of 23:23, I was surprised after my ropey start.  

After scanning I went to find Mr A, I was actually surprised he hadn't bailed and waited for me at the finish!  I got chatting to the "home straight" marshal and we clapped and cheered the stream of runners going for the finish.  That's one of the best things about parkrun - its not a race, its not judgey and everyone is friendly and supportive.

After a bit, I spotted him and was a bit concerned that he looked dreadful but was still running!  I told him to slow down a bit and ran with him to the finish.  He did really well and even passed another runner on his sprint finish! I don't think he particularly enjoyed it but it did show him how unfit he is and has made him resolve to start doing a bit more running from now on!



Overall an enjoyable morning which made us feel less guilty about all the food we were eating!  I would definitely recommend York parkrun to anyone wanting to try a 5k.  If you are heading to York, the City walls are great to run and only about 5k in total - see map.

Wednesday 17 February 2016

Why not Tri a Duathlon!?

In a parallel to the December of 2013 (entering the Manchester 10k on a whim), - this time in December 2015 -  I entered a Duathlon, along with my friend Amanda.  We decided it would be fun to try something a bit different - and it was definitely different! WTF had we done!!!

The normal layout of a Duathlon is run, (road) bike, run. This tests the athletes stamina and endurance but misses out the swim phase which puts many people off (including me!)


Shutlingsloe


This particular Duathlon - the inaugural Macclesfield Forest Duathlon run by CrazyLegsEvents, was a bit different - and more up my street.  The 1st phase was a fell run up Shutlingsloe,  "A steep-sided hill with a distinctive profile, sometimes described as the 'Matterhorn of Cheshire', with an elevation of 506 m (1,660 ft) (Wikipedia). 
Race stats - 
  • Run 1 - 7km (including 365m ascent to the summit of Shuttlingsloe)
  • Mountain Bike - 16.5km (Three lap course within Macclesfield Forest with approximately 310m of climb per lap)
  • Run 2 - 3.4km (including 222m of ascent within Macclesfield Forest)

Extremely windy recce run

After a recce of the runs and some of the MTB course (some was out of bounds until the event), Amanda and I set about training for the hilly fell run with medium length hill runs and lots of mountain biking in the Goyt Valley.  


MTB training in the beautiful Goyt Valley

Some snowy training runs on Taxal Edge











We started to add "brick" sessions (where you move directly from one phase to another) incorporating a run straight after our bike rides.  

A typical weekly plan for me was -  1 MTB followed by a 1-2k brick run incorporating hills, a medium length fell run and a shorter tempo style run of around 5k (where you run flat out for a set distance/time to increase speed).  

I also tried running straight to bike a few times but only to improve muscle memory so I covered very short distances on the run.  In hindsight, I wish I had done more of these run/bike bricks to avoid the thigh burn I got when biking up the first hill of the MTB section - you live and learn!


Taxal Edge Training run

When you start to delve into the world of multi-sports, it becomes apparent that new gear is necessary.  I invested in a cheap and cheerful "trisuit" for about 20 quid off ebay which had padding for the bike but was fine to run in as it didn't fall down like my cycling trousers. 



Ladies a warning - these garments are by no means flattering, and at times borderline obscene on some male athletes! I decided that I would wear mine as a base layer only and added running tights and a base layer top over it!  If nothing else to stop people seeing the see-through porno side panels!  It turned out to be a winning combo as I stayed warm and comfortable throughout the event.


Recce run up Shutlingsloe

I also took my bike to my local bike shop - The Bike Factory who serviced my MTB and even did a pre-race check the day before the event - well worth doing to avoid unnecessary technical failures!  Amanda taught me how to change the inner tube in case I got a puncture and I felt confident that I had prepared for the bike section as well as I could.



Nutrition-wise, I stocked up on gels which I use in all races for a boost of energy (the texture is an acquired taste but they do work) and I bought some electrolyte tablets to use in my OMM last drop 10 back-pack for the cycling section.  A friend of mine recommended them to stop cramp and help rehydrate quickly.  



On the day!

A welcome downhill section
I have never been as nervous as I was for this event - I was worried about transition - would I fanny around for 10 minutes whilst everyone else hopped onto their professional looking bikes and left me for dead?  Would everyone pass me on the bike phase? It was fear of the unknown.

As I racked my bike (get me!) on the makeshift wooden stands I felt ok, I had all my gear in order in my box (which I had tipped toys out of the day before!).  I was good to go!  My timing predictions were approx 40 minutes for the first run, 1 hour 30 minutes for the bike and 15-18 minutes for the final run - a total guesstimated time of around 2 hours and 30 minutes with transitions.  

The weather could not have been worse.  It poured down with freezing rain the whole time - those poor marshals must have been so cold!  I wore my Montane Atomic jacket for the whole of the 3 phases, a very unusual move by me, I normally have a strict 2 layer rule, but the wetness would have been unbearable so coat it was! I was glad of it and it performed so well (well worth the £100 investment).  

The first run went as expected, I ran the whole thing as quickly as I could without burning all my energy - I knew this was my strongest phase and I utilised my strengths.  I ran a bit slower than normal on the uphills but then made up loads of ground on the non-fellrunning types on the downs.  I wore my fell shoes which were a godsend until disaster struck!

Coming into transition 1 I was running strong and I made the huge mistake of stepping onto the timing mat - I slipped sideways with full force landing in the mud in front of spectators and marshals!  I must have hit it with some force as the mat stopped working for about 3 competitors after me who didn't get timed! Bet I was popular!

I was so annoyed with myself but only my pride was hurt.  As I reached my bike I took a second to breathe through the pain in my leg which was stinging like mad, but on inspection I hadn't ripped my clothing so I assumed I had just scraped it.  

Coming into transition for the second run phase
I powered on and made it through transition relatively quickly.  Onto the bike phase and wow what a baptism of fire it was!  After the first of the 3 laps I was ready to bail.  It was only the knowledge that people had come to support us,  and Amanda wasn't far behind which kept me going.  It was bloody awful. Lets not pretend that, at times, pushing yourself isn't just hideous!  But, no pain - no gain right?!

People were dismounting left right and centre as the hills were so steep, the section we hadn't recce'd turned out to be brutal - a massive muddy puddle (as deep as my whole wheel) followed by a really steep ascent to the top of a huge hill.   I remember thinking to myself, why do I do these things!  But I soldiered on and found that when I got off the bike my legs went into instant cramp so after the first lap I stayed on the bike the whole time and it helped me to focus and keep going.

Being extra careful over the timing mats!
Onto the second transition I was very careful not to step on the mats! I felt good going into the run and powered through the transition area, it was short lived as I hit the first hill! My legs would not play ball with my head!  I managed to keep going and even felt a bit tearful that I had made it! It really was tough!  I finished at a strong pace  but I felt tired and weary! Amanda finished not far behind me and we were both really pleased we had trained properly.

My results were 2:34:27 so I was not far out with my estimation!

I was 6th lady out of 16 entered and 66th overall.  I was very pleased with that!

Happy its all over!
On refection I would definitely do a duathlon again, but maybe one which is slightly less hilly!  Watch this space!  I'm now in training for a Triathlon in July!  So I need to start swim and road bike training!  Wish me luck and I will keep you posted with my race reports and training progress.
Ouch!  My impressive bruises!

It's A Hill - Get Over It!


Before

After
I have been motivated to create this blog in order to encourage and hopefully inspire other "normal" people to have a go at running in our beautiful countryside.  

My running career has not just been unexpected but genuinely life-changing (sorry for the cheese - imagine x-factor sob story music at will).  From the new skills I have learned, the people I have met and the opportunities I have been given, I can honestly say signing up for the Manchester 10k was the best move I have ever made. Having two young children, running has, at times, been my salvation.

So, one prosecco-fuelled Friday evening in December 2013, feeling motivated by my obvious willpower - having got to my target weight (3.5 stones lighter), I decided I could do with another challenge.  Exercise seemed to make sense as I currently did nothing other than occasionally riding my elderly horse, and I wanted to try something new. So I tried running as far as I could without stopping! (1.9k) Cue STRAVA!
Join here


It was purely by chance I chose this particular app to log my runs - I decided it would make sense to take my phone with me running, so why not track my runs at the same time? This was to become a massive tool in my training, which I still rely on now - albeit with some new gadgetry! (follow me on Strava here).

I mentioned on Facebook that I had entered the Manchester 10K and my neighbour - Viv instantly messaged me to say she too had entered and would I like to train with her - my answer was a big yes!  


I ran the Manchester 10k for the BHF 


We started running together and following a 10k training plan, which we downloaded from Bupa.  During this time I realised a couple of things - firstly -  I had a dodgy knee, and secondly, I was quite good at running - particularly uphill. 

I visited a doctor with grim determination that the aforementioned knee was not going to stop me running, and fortunately he understood and encouraged me to go to a private physiotherapist - (the wait for NHS physio was too long), in the meantime I researched "Runners Knee" and purchased some orthotic insoles in the hope I could cure myself!  

The physio took one look at me and announced that I was an "over-pronator" which meant I turned slightly in on one foot, causing my knee to be slightly out of line.  This had a simple fix - orthotic insoles (hurrrah my research was correct) and/or new running shoes.  I was recommended to have gait analysis at a reputable running shop which I duly did, (at Running Bear in Alderley Edge) and purchased some Brooks road shoes.  

So started a new love affair with shoes - of the running variety! (I currently have 5 pairs - fell, trail, road... you name it!).  In the Brooks I never needed the insoles but in every other pair since I have had to use the inserts to balance out my knee.  So shoes are of the utmost importance for new runners - get your gait checked and buy some decent shoes - it will save a lot of time, ice and ibuprofen!
Helping at Whaley Bridge junior parkrun (WBjp)

Back to the training, and I completed my first event, a local parkrun - which I finished in 32:08 (see all my parkrun history here), I was hooked! parkrun is a fantastic, free, 5k weekly timed run with locations all over the country and now abroad too!  

I have recently been involved in the setup of a junior parkrun event in my local park and have really enjoyed the challenge of encouraging children from the local community to come and have a go.  My own 6 year old has done 10 runs and is completing 2k in 11 minutes!
Christmas spirit at WBjp

When May 2014 arrived and I experienced the 10k at Manchester, I found it nerve-wracking but I enjoyed the experience and came home in a respectable 57:43.  My biggest fear (this will resonate with many mothers) was weeing myself!  I managed to hold on until the end but the run through showers were nearly my downfall!  

I'm pleased to say that now (2 years down the line) my pelvic floor is good and I can run downhill without needing the loo!  But ladies - it takes a while so don't give up!  When I started fell running this turned out to be a non-worry - walls are your friends!
Striders at Langley 7 Road Race in 2015

After the 10k, a family friend Caz - an ultra runner, contacted me as she had noticed my progress on Facebook, and offered to take me fell running.  It was only after we ran up the steepest field I have ever seen that she announced that not many people can do that and I should enter our local carnival fell race.  Little did I know that I was going to become a fell runner.  

Most people think of lean and muscular men when they think of hill or fell running, and indeed the ratios of male/female are very heavily male biased.  In most races at least 80% of runners seem to be men.  The elite or semi - professional ladies are often as muscular, tall and as lean-looking as the men.  

I started to find pavement pounding and flat canal runs a chore, and soon after (following a particularly embarrassing slip on a grassy hill) I bought some Salomon Fellraiser shoes - shoes with grip! For the rest of 2014 I entered a few fell races and started running with my local running club - The Goyt Valley Striders (GVS).  

Through the club I joined the fast group on Tuesday evenings and started really upping my mileage.  I made loads of new and supportive running friends and learned about the clubs Championship races which happen every year - a new challenge for 2015.  
View from the top of the Old Man of Coniston

You know you've become a running addict when you take your entire running wardrobe on holiday!  I have run in various places including the Lake District, Wales, France, Devon and Cornwall and many other locations thanks to our family caravanning holidays.  That's the beauty of running - you can do it anywhere and it doesn't have to take loads of money, prep or time and you can learn far more about places if you really explore them.  

The Old Man of Coniston - well worth the run up!
Receiving my 3rd prize from GVS

So, in 2015 I challenged myself to completing the Goyt Valley Striders ladies championship, a task whereby you choose at least 8 races out of 16 which must incorporate all the different terrains (fell, trail and road) and all distances (short <5m, medium <10m and long >10m).  

I had slipped into a comfort zone of fast 5ks, and up to 10k fell runs, so participating in my first half marathon was another real challenge!  Over the year my results improved in general and I started to learn all about competing and different training tips and what worked and didn't work for my body.  I finished the season in 3rd place only 4 points behind the joint winners, an achievement I am very proud of.

Results of note to date  
2014
  • Manchester 10k - 57:43
  • Eccles Pike Fell Race 5.3k - 35:39
  • Lantern Pike Fell Race 8.1k - 52:22
  • Terry's Race (GVS) 11k - 1:09:18
  • Buxton Carnival 4 - 1st Lady Goyt Valley Strider
  • Gravy Pud Fell Race 9.5k - 56:07
The river crossing at the Whaley Waltz 2015


Determined!
Stile at the Lambs Longer Leg Jan 2015































2015
  • Lambs Longer Leg 4.9k - 41:23 11th Lady
  • Stockport Trail Half Marathon - 1:51:06 9th Lady
  • Wolfs Pit Fell Race 8.7k - 1:07:00 34th Lady
  • Chicken Run 9.6k - 57:52 - 8th Lady
  • Round the Ressers 8k - 40:07
  • Lyme Park parkrun 5k - 25:08 2nd Lady
  • Whaley Waltz 9.1k - 57:55
  • Buxton Carnival 4 (4m) - 31:45 14th Lady
  • Gawsworth 10k - 52:27 23rd Lady
  • langley 7 (7m) - 57:25 
  • Gawsworth 10k Summer 2015
  • Famous Grouse (5.25m)- 50:48 9th lady 
Still smiling at The Famous Grouse Nov 2015



So there you have it, my journey from non-runner to fell runner extraordinaire! I hope I have inspired some of you to try running.  I recommend the couch to 5k plan to all new runners I meet.

Fell runs don't get cancelled
Having bored you to death with my history, my blog will now concentrate on 2016 and beyond - offering an average, real lady runners insight including reviews of races, updates on training for my first triathlon in July, the Summer Fell series with the Goyt Valley Striders, a 24 hour team race in September and my second half marathon in October. I am not going to win any prizes and I'm not doing it be an elite athlete, I'm doing it for fitness, fun and my own personal goals.


Extreme conditions for the Famous Grouse!
Wolfs Pit race Mar 2015
Don't worry, I intend to make the blogs short and informative and hopefully entertaining too!  Running really is a gift - if you don't do it - why not try it?


I am aware that some people think I am crazy going out running at night, or entering extreme races, but I am just a normal 30 something Mum who manages to train 3 - 4 times a week.  If I can do it anyone can!  Like I said in my title "It's a hill - get over it!"  

Personal Best aims for this year 
Sub 23 minute 5k
Sub 48 minute 10k
Sub 1 hour 45 minute half marathon