I'm on the top of the world, looking down on creation.......

Blog 13

Wk 10/04/17 - 16/04/17

This wk I ran Mon, Tues, Weds, Thurs, Fri & Sat

Mon - This morning when I got up the sun was shining so I headed out for my run nice and early towards the lanes. It was nice to just chill out after the hectic wkend I'd had. The birds were singing and there wasn't much traffic about. I was just running along smiling, thinking how lucky I was being able to run with fantastic views all around me. I turned left and plodded down the lane towards Stank, a small village with a huge hill, but the best view when you get to the top in a full circle. From here I went down the other side of the hill and back towards Barrow via the back of Dalton, past the shoe factory, along Abbey rd, past Abbey house and home. Just under 7 mile done.

Tues - Day 1 of my back to back 20milers. Today I ran later on because I had Byron for a few hrs  and before I left the house I put a £2 coin in my pocket. I ran out to Dalton and out past the zoo. It was really warm so I settled into a nice easy pace. About 6 mile in I started with a bit of belly ache so I popped in my friends house in Marton to use the loo. She had been away taking her personal trainers exams so it was nice to have a quick chat before I carried on up the lane towards Askam. As I was running down the steep moor rd to the school I started to feel a bit queezy and shaky I felt like my blood sugar had dropped. I ran round to the garage and bought a packet of snickers and a couple of bags of skittles, all the things I cant eat or shouldn't.( good job I put cash in my pocket) I ate a snickers and squashed the rest of the stuff into my belt. I ran another 12 mile from here totalling 20mile and felt ok for the rest of the run. Tonight I didn't get my tea till late and by the time I finished stretching etc i went to bed.

Wed - Day 2 of my back to back 20 milers.When my alarm went off this morning I rolled over and just did not want to get out of bed. I felt tired, but for strength of mind and body I had to do this. I made some breakfast and my usual pint mug of green tea, got my theraband out and worked through my glute activation exercises.Today I planned on running to Ulverston to see how long it took me to get to the Stan Laurel because tomorrow I am meeting Trudi and we are running to Coniston. The weather wasn't brill today either, but I plodded along in the rain thinking I must be mad. After about 6 mile I started to feel less tired and settled into my run. The Stan Laurel was exactly 8.1 mile from my house and it took me about 1 1/2 hrs. Next I headed out towards the coast rd stopping at the leisure centre to go to the loo and fill my bottle. It was still raining a bit as I plodded down past the Manjushri place with the gold tops of its building glinting through the rain so I stopped to take a picture along with a cyclist that pulled up and took 1 too. From here it was pretty much flat past the Chill and Grill café and the famous Roys ices and as I went past I made a mental note to bring my Grandson down for an ice-cream later lol. It wasn't long before I was climbing again through Birkrigg then down to scales, up again and down to Aldingham. It was pretty busy with cars but most were ok and gave me plenty of room. You always get some idiots though that try and scare you. Carrying on along the coast rd I noticed a new café had opened in a farm between Aldingham and Gleaston. Might have to try that out soon, another place to take the Grandsons. After this it was mostly flat, a pretty annoying headwind and the rain had stopped. After the roundabout I bumped into a friend running in the opposite direction we hugged, stopped and chatted for a few minutes as we'd not seen each other for a while. Steph was running the route I ran but the other way as training for the Blackpool Marathon. We wished each other luck and carried on. I popped in on my other friend Shelagh who I don't get to see that often too had a quick brew then carried on my run home. It was lovely chatting she is in training along with her husband for the Fred Whitton challenge a cycling event that takes in all the major passes in the lake district. Today I ran 21 mile. Oh and Byron loved his Roys ice-cream and so did Dave lol.

Thurs -  Day 3 - Today I got up, I felt like I'd had a good nights sleep. I know I'd eaten plenty with having more time after the run yesterday. I was looking forward to having company on this run and having a good feed after. Breakfast and Glute activation done I headed out of the door to Ulverston to meet Trudi. I set off a bit early this morning thinking my legs were tired so it would take me longer but it took me just the same, so as I was there early I went to loo and refilled my bottles. It was great having Trudi for company. We headed up towards the town centre then turned up the hill towards Old hall rd. Trudi spotted her mum at the bottom of the hill, a bit of banter between them made me chuckle as I ran up the hill. We turned up the lane and plodded along the road which sloped up past some alpaca's then up a steep incline. As we reached the brow of the hill the lake district came into view, we could see for miles, amazing, we carried on along the road up and down, but mostly up lol for a while. We came out on the Keswick to Barrow route and turned to join the road and head back along the route towards Lowick. From here we crossed the rd and ran down the east side of the lake chatting away. The miles seemed to fly by, the sun was shining and I had great company. Before I knew it we were climbing up Brantwood and I knew that once we got to the top it would be all downhill into Coniston. Each time we rounded a corner and there was more climbing I could hear Trudi threatening to kill me lol but it wasn't long before we were at the top. We looked at the stunning views over Coniston and Trudi said she felt like she was on top of the world so we both broke out in song lol. The big steep hill down to the lake was hard work, trying to stop yourself from going fast Trudi made a comment about us being the shuffle sisters this made me laugh and I lost all concentration so it was a good job we were nearly at the bottom then. We got to the tourist Info just before Michelle who was kind enough to pick us up and take us back to the lake where we waded in and stood there in our natural ice bath drinking recovery drink and eating sandwiches while we watched some Army cadets messing in canoes. They were very entertaining and the time passed really quick watching them ending up in the lake hahaha they seemed to be having a good time. We quickly got changed in the toilet block then went to the Black bull for some grub. I got the steak and chips and it was delicious and a pint of real ale to wash it down. Today I ran 23 miles and I feel ready now both mentally and physically for the 10 in 10 challenge !!! Bring on the Taper !!!

 



Fri - Today I went to my favourite place in the world Grisedale Forest. Dave, Byron, Draco and Michelle came too. We walked about 4 1/2 mile up to the tarn, had a picnic then walked back down. Byron seems to love it there too, he ran the 1st couple of miles uphill chasing the dog lol then ran/walked the rest jumping in puddles and collecting fir cones to take home. It was a lovely chilled out day followed by just under 3 mile with the Duddon Dragons. I felt a bit tight to start when I set off running but loosened up after about a mile and felt pretty comfortable for the rest of the run.

Sat - Today I ran Parkrun with Clare and Mel it was their 1st and as I wasn't going for any records I ran round with them and it felt good, my legs felt great and it was another parkrun to add to my total. While I was putting the signs out I spotted this little fella. Finally Well done Marie Morris on your 100th parkrun thank you for the cake it was delicious.

New beginnings

Blog 12

Wk 03/04/17 - 09/04/17

This week I ran Mon, Tues, Thurs & Sun

Mon - I got up this morning feeling a bit stiff after yesterdays marathon so I went into work early for a good stretch out. I stretched out regularly throughout the day too. Tonight I went to striders it was a pretty tough session and I did 2 sets.
800 90sec rec
400 90sec rec
800 90sec rec
400 90sec rec
1k rec jog then repeat
good job it started raining to keep me cool, but shame the wind picked up and made it even harder. With the warm-up and cool down it was just under 7mile.

Tues - Still feeling a little bit tight from Sun but not as bad as yesterday I thought I'd run 1 of my favourite routes round Roanhead beach.I got up early today and headed straight uphill towards the Golf club then turned down towards the main road out of Barrow. The weather was getting warmer so I took it nice and easy so I could enjoy the fresh air and sunshine while I was able to. I turned off the main road and down towards the level crossing and onto the off road track that leads to the beach. After a while I seemed to loosen up and the aches and pains disappeared. Not a sole in sight, It was really quiet. The views were amazing today, everything looked really close. I ran round the beach and it was pretty firm underneath so it wasn't such a slog. The sun was shining I was smiling and totally enjoying the feeling of being free. As I headed off the beach I saw a couple of dog walkers and when I got to the carpark all the fencing was down and the carpark had now been reopened to the public with the new strange looking ice-cream hut (The red hut) very unusual but also really good. I liked it.
From here I went back along the road to the main road and stayed on this road back into Barrow, past the fire station and superstores and back home completing 13.2 very enjoyable miles. Tonight I took the spin class too and boy it was warm in there.

Wed - Today I went for a deep tissue massage

Thurs - tonight I ran with the panthers then took a spin class

Sat - Today was an amazing day. My eldest daughter phoned me at 6.30am to tell me she was in Labour so off we went. Dave picked up Natalie and Byron then came back for me. I took Nat to the hospital, Dave looked after Byron. We got up there about 8.30am and they admitted her straight away saying the baby was on its way. Carson my new grandson was born at 10.28 weighing 6.5 and it was an amazing moment. Think I'm still buzzing now. Later that day we went to the Stan laurel for something to eat and a catch up with some of my teammates for 2017 was great to see Trudi, Mike and Gary.We took my 3 yr old grandson Byron with us too he'd had such an exciting day he ate his food then fell asleep on Dave lol.

Sun - After the hectic day yesterday it was another hectic day ahead. It was funday day so I got up early and went for a 7 mile run quick shower then off to the leisure centre Byron in tow. He was so good helping to do raffle tickets, teddies, and then he played all day, on and off bouncy castle, beat the goalie, shoot the hoop then just ran round playing football, on bouncy castle etc. He enjoyed his cakes and prize. The day seemed to go well with a steady flow of people in and out all day. The kids seemed to have fun with the beat the goalie, shoot the hoop, climbing wall, bouncy castle and the wacky races. They certainly enjoyed the prizes. Most of the cakes sold as parents took a break in the café as no hot drinks and food were allowed in the sports hall especially with the kids running round. After the beat the goalie and shoot the hoop all the kit was left out so they could play with it and run around. We were a bit short of helpers so I had to keep changing from Minnie mouse to batman and out of the costumes to organise the activities. This was quite tough. I was really hot and was on the go constantly from 10am to 5.00pm I must have covered a full marathon lol. I would like to say a Massive thanks to everyone who came to the fun day, donated prizes, cakes, bought raffle tickets etc. Big thanks to David Farish, Jenny Shaw, Michelle Shaw, Alyson Knowles, Mac Knowles, Samantha Adams, Sharon Blezard, Steve Scaife and all the staff at the leisure centre we had a fab day and raised an enormous £600  Thank you so much!!!! Xxx I actually felt exhausted when I got home.

I'l get by with a little help from my friends

Blog 11

Wk  27/03/17 - 02/04/17

This week I ran Mon, Tues, Thurs & Sun

Mon - Today I had a pretty stressful day so instead of doing a speed set with striders I went for a longer slower run to clear my head. It was a really warm evening the sun was shining but I felt really agitated. I didn't take my music so I could think through some things then put them away. I set off and headed down the old lines or Westfield trail as they call it now. I ran to the end of the trail then turned left and ran out along the coast road towards leece. There was a nice cool breeze coming off the sea and I was starting to feel a whole lot better. There was a lot of traffic on the road so I kept close to the edge, but most of the drivers were pretty good and gave me lots of room, just the odd idiot who I think was trying to get as close to me as possible. I was soon on the pavement though and then off the coast rd. altogether heading towards leece, the breeze had dropped now with the high bushes on either side of the lane blocking it off. It was really warm so I slowed down a bit and was checking out the lambs in the fields as I ran past, so cute. I was just about at leece when I heard a shout and when I turned round a lad I know was coming up on his bike. We chatted for a while as he rode alongside of me then he shot off as we came to a big hill as he needed to get some speed up to get up it lol. All my stress had just about gone now and I was feeling good. I was going out for tea with my bestie Jenny today so I ran to her house and we walked to mine chatting about where we were going to go for raffle prizes after tea as we had planned. Dave, Jordan and Byron joined us for tea then we dropped them off and spent the next few hrs visiting pubs, chippy's and restaurants before we went home to enjoy a bottle of wine while putting raffle tickets in envelopes to hand out.
So what was a stressful day turned out to be a good productive day with a 10 mile run included .

Tues - Today I took Byron to school before I went running. The weather again was good to me so I enjoyed a run round the lanes in the sunshine. I was on my way home and someone beeped at me and when I turned round a car pulled up and it was a friend i'd not seen for a while so we got chatting. It was great catching up and I ended up getting a lift home because we were talking for a while and I had to get back for Byron. Still got 11.5mile in though.

Wed - massage day with Becky It actually didn't hurt as much this week.

Thurs - Today I ran 5.5 mile with the Parkside Panthers. It was a nice run around Furness Abbey, quite a few cows with calves were in the field next to the path. The farm was all quiet when we ran through, up the hill into the amphitheatre and out around the Abbey ruins. We ran up the steep hill and through the arch onto the main road and back to Aldi for stretching. I then headed across the road to the leisure centre to take the spin class before I went home.

Fri - Today I woke up with a sore throat. I'd had it on and off since Sun but today it seemed worse as the day developed I ended up with earache in my left ear too. By 5:30 when Dave was picking me up from work I felt awful, throat was killing, ear was sore and I felt really drained. I was supposed to be running with the dragons tonight but I just sat in car waiting for dave, the next thing I knew they were back and I'd fallen asleep heehee. I took some cold and flu tabs when I got home and had an early night.

Sat - Today I worked all day kept up with the cold and flu tabs in the hope I was going to be ok for the marathon on sun. Penny Morton came to stay, so I made tea & pack-ups to take tomorrow and we had an early night.

Sun - Marathon day, today I got up at 4am & made sure we were at the strawberry for 5 and on the bus. I wasn't feeling great this morn I felt a bit sick, I think it was the tablets, I had stomach ache too. I ate some breakfast and it seemed to settle for a bit. We stopped at services and I got off. I felt a bit queasy but I was alright after a bit of fresh air. I drank some water and when I got back to the bus I started heaving, all that came up was phlegm. I guzzled down some more water and felt a lot better and by the time we got to Manchester I felt ok. I reckon it was the tabs good job I didn't take any this morn.
The sun was shining and it was getting warm before we even set off. I saw loads of people I knew from my home town of Barrow and my Brathay family. It was great. Anyway we set off and everything was fine, the road surface was a bit rough and after about 16 mile my feet were hurting quite a bit even with my cushioned trainers on. I tried to stay on the white line in the middle lol. The pads of my feet were really sore by the time I got to mile 23 but I managed to slow to a comfy pace or where it hurt least and kept going. The finishing straight went on forever, you could see the finish line but it seemed to never get any closer. I slowed to a walk and drank the last of my water while everyone was shouting for me to carry on, which I did and ran as fast as I could to the finish lol. At that point I just wanted my feet to stop hurting. I collected my bag and met Karen who finished just before me. We walked round to meet the rest that had finished. I looked at my time and was totally made up proof I'm getting stronger 4:12 its all coming together.

You spin me right rnd baby, right rnd

Blog 10

Week 20/03/2017 -

This week I ran Mon, Fri and Sunday

Mon -  After the 2 marathons at the weekend I took a spin class this morning. My legs felt ok not too many aches and pains and the spin seemed to loosen them up a bit. This evening I went to striders for my weekly speed (or not so fast) session. I actually felt ok, a little bit tired but I usually do on a Monday after teaching all day and spending an hr or so in the water just before speed training. It takes a while before my legs register they are running. lol. Tonight's session consisted of

1 mile w/u
1k, 2min rec
800 2min rec
1k, 1 lap rec
800, 2 min rec
1k, 2min rec
800, 1 lap rec
Just about 6 mile followed by boot camp with Jordan which I did take part in but with less enthusiasm than normal lol. Home at last for a couple slices of honey and walnut bread with a chicken mmm.

Tues- My foot was a bit sore so I didn't run, went to the gym and stretched, core and glutes. Then my regular spin Tues night.

Wed - I went for a deep tissue massage with the lovely Becky, ouch but felt a lot better. Tonight I did back to back spin classes.

Fri- I did a spin class this morning and ran with the dragons tonight about 3-4 mile.

Sat - we had a fundraising Race night, it was a brilliant night lol everyone really enjoyed themselves, getting right into it. Shouting and cheering their horses on. Thankyou to everyone who supported the event, sponsoring races, buying horses, jockeys, providing prizes and raffle prizes, mavis, the red river club and bar staff and everyone who turned up to make it such good fun. We raised a massive £1066 for the Brathay trusts "focus on Furness appeal" helping our local children.

Sun - I set off this morning with only 4 hrs sleep, but it was daylight and feeling warm already at 8.30am. The clocks had gone forward and I felt good after the fun night we had at the race night.

It was really warm as I headed up the hills from home and when I got to the top I was rewarded with the stunning views of the snow topped mountains in the distance, although because it was such a clear day they looked really close like you could just reach out and touch them. I then ran through the lanes and across the level crossing and down towards askam where I was meeting a friend (aimee ) who is training for London Marathon.

We met just on the hill that goes through the farm and I took this opportunity to take my jacket off before we set off on the next 20 mile. The sun was shining, the flowers were out in force and you could hear the birds singing. This was going to be a good run. I soon realised that the coolness of the morning had gone and there was no breeze, this was gonna be tougher than I thought. we ran along park road past all the factories, slowing our pace to a comfy pace in the heat. Along the road we past the fire station and turned down towards the Chanel side path towards the dock museum. There was a little bit of a breeze off the sea along here and we chatted away as we ran. We turned onto the bridge over to Walney Island and up towards the air field, stopping already for a top up of water at the crown. From here we headed along 13 corner lane, round to the golf course and down to the sea front along the path. We ran all the way up to thorny nook on the sea front before turning back along the road and back towards the bridge, then dock museum and back onto the main road out of Barrow past the factories. The weather had got really hot now and there seemed to be no air, but we plodded along back to the level crossing, along past the brick works and back to Askam and aimees house where we stretched out while waiting for Dave my chef supporter to pick me up. All in all it was great to be out in the sun(I now have tan lines lol) and the fresh air with amazing views all day and great company 22 miles done.