Tuesday, 13 September 2011
Wednesday, 7 September 2011
Chevin Fell Race
Tonight was the Chevin Fell Race. Its funny how it goes.
Last night I felt rubbish. My legs still ached from descending the Ben, but there wasnt a chance that I would miss the Chevin race at Milford. Its a two lapper but very fast.
My friend And fellow team mate Adam Perry also did the race and we set off very fast. Adam took the lead on the first climb and held it to the finish. I just could not quite catch him.
My comment to Adam at the finish after we blasted over the line. Please go and get some chips. Seriously though Adam is a quality runner and I was well pleased for him.
So a first and second for Pennine at the Chevin, thats maybe the first time thats ever happened.
A cracker of a race, will check my time at some point but that doesnt really matter. Brilliant organisation from the man that is David Denton.
These type of races to me are the life and soul of fellracing. Nothing fancy, just likeminded people doing what they love.
I say support your local races. The organisers deserve a huge amount of praise.
Long may these type of events continue.
Tuesday, 6 September 2011
Ben Nevis Race
Well the months of training had been very hard. These last few weeks I had ramped up the training to a level that had me questioning what I was taking on. I have been asking a few of the top fell runners how much training they actually do. I set my plan last winter a to be fair it has paid off. I will never have the genes of a top runner but before I hang up my fell shoes I must be able to say to myself that I have given it 110 per cent.
I couldn't really do anymore training and having a job at the same time. So the hundreds of hours on the bike and on the hills will either pay off or not.
The Ben Race is the highlight of my year. 2 hrs of pain and suffering running up and down Britain's highest mountain.
I was aiming for a sub 1.50 time as last year this is what time I did on the nail.
So armed with my lucky penny in my bumbag I lined up and started the race.
I took it steady until the Red Burn as the previous races have taught me. You def have to save something for the descent on this one. I hand in the tag to the summit marshal and go, head down but no flat out yet. The cairn field speeds by and I actually let the two runners in front go away from me.
As soon as the steep rocky section starts I floor it. One or two dicey moments pass but I don't fall. In my head I have practised this a hundred times. The grass bank appears and I have already told myself that pain or no pain I'm blasting down it. All goes well and I am soon flying down the main walkers path. This year the road ha no fear for me as I'm so zoned out that all I see is the 30mph sign that I have told myself must get too on the road. After that its a quick run round the field and through the funnel.
1 hr 41 Min's and a few seconds.
Its taken five long years to get there and my best run at the Ben.
Basically the penny kept me safe.
I couldn't really do anymore training and having a job at the same time. So the hundreds of hours on the bike and on the hills will either pay off or not.
The Ben Race is the highlight of my year. 2 hrs of pain and suffering running up and down Britain's highest mountain.
I was aiming for a sub 1.50 time as last year this is what time I did on the nail.
So armed with my lucky penny in my bumbag I lined up and started the race.
I took it steady until the Red Burn as the previous races have taught me. You def have to save something for the descent on this one. I hand in the tag to the summit marshal and go, head down but no flat out yet. The cairn field speeds by and I actually let the two runners in front go away from me.
As soon as the steep rocky section starts I floor it. One or two dicey moments pass but I don't fall. In my head I have practised this a hundred times. The grass bank appears and I have already told myself that pain or no pain I'm blasting down it. All goes well and I am soon flying down the main walkers path. This year the road ha no fear for me as I'm so zoned out that all I see is the 30mph sign that I have told myself must get too on the road. After that its a quick run round the field and through the funnel.
1 hr 41 Min's and a few seconds.
Its taken five long years to get there and my best run at the Ben.
Basically the penny kept me safe.
Monday, 29 August 2011
A trip to see Tommy
Yesterday was the local Spinning Club's ride to see the Tom Simpson Museum. Harworth is about 45miles from mu house and I have made this trip before. About 25 of us set off in a couple of groups with cyclists of varying standards. All good natured and a great way to meet new people. You can go to spin class and never really speak much but on a club ride of sorts you soon start to have a bit of banter.
We arrived after 2 hours at the cemetery were Tom's grave is and after ten minutes there we cycled to the Sports and Social club to look at the small Museum that holds some of Tom's memorabilia.
After half an hour looking round and a chip buttie to fuel the run back we left the club and cycled the 40 miles back.
I added a few extra miles on at the end to make a hundred for the day.
A good day out. The weather held although the strong wind made it tough going in places.
We arrived after 2 hours at the cemetery were Tom's grave is and after ten minutes there we cycled to the Sports and Social club to look at the small Museum that holds some of Tom's memorabilia.
After half an hour looking round and a chip buttie to fuel the run back we left the club and cycled the 40 miles back.
I added a few extra miles on at the end to make a hundred for the day.
A good day out. The weather held although the strong wind made it tough going in places.
Heading North to the Lakes
There is always something special about heading to the Fells. A Rainbow last time. An omen maybe for a good race or even good weather. Whatever you get the trip North is always filled with anticipation.
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