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.

Sunshine, friends and a mud bath

Blog 9
Mon 13/03/2017 - Sun 19/03/2017

This week I ran Mon, Tues, Sat & Sun

Mon- Today I ran a longer run in the morning, about 13 mile, it started off a cool wet morning, but soon it dried up and the sun came out. Off came the jacket and through the lanes I headed. There were still puddles everywhere. Down through Gleaston, along to Urswick and back towards the road to Stainton where I headed up the long climb, past the farm and church hall, over the brow past the Stagger inn, then more climbing to the top before heading up and down the winding lane to the back of Dalton. From there I went straight on and joined the main road back to Barrow and home.
Plenty of time today to have a really good stretch out. Later I went to boot camp with Jordan.

Tues - This morning I dropped little man Byron off at nursery and popped into work to print something. Just as I was leaving I bumped into the Cunning stunts a group of friends who run from the leisure centre in the mornings so I asked if I could tag along. It was a great little run about 6 mile out past the train station, along the Abbey path and through the Abbey, the Abbey ruins looking eerie and magnificent at the same time. It was pretty quiet too, except for us lot chatting away, it was nice to catch up with everyone. At lunch time I went along to Barrow rotary club to do a presentation about my Brathay journey, I was really nervous, but the guys were great they made me feel really welcome. After this I went home to pack for a trip to Edinburgh with Dave a little bit of time together on our own before my eldest daughter has the baby. Its due anytime now and I'm her birthing partner so things are gonna become hectic soon and its sooo exciting. Especially as we don't know what its gonna be.

Sat - After a few days off running it was time to put my body and mind to the test. My good friends Malcolm and Yuk-lam Collins organise a double marathon called the Gin Pit double in Manchester. The lovely Trudi Dewer and 1 of my team mates for this years 10 in 10 gave me a lift down and right from the outset I knew it was gonna be tough. The weather had turned nasty over the last few days with heavy rain and strong winds right across the country. This was going to be a mud bath.
We set off and within a few strides we were in the mud trying to dodge puddles to keep our feet dry, It wasn't long though before we were on solid paths made from tiny little stones alongside a bus track. At first glance I thought it was tram tracks and then a bus appeared. It travelled along smooth paths with raised sides. On the front of the bus there were bumpers to keep it on the smooth path. you had to be alert when you crossed the path because they were really quiet. We followed this path along the busway for a while then crossed a road onto another path that was the weirdest feeling ever. You could smell the rubber in it as you bounced along, ab bit like running on a track. This didn't last for too long before we were back in the mud and puddles. It was impossible to not get your feet wet. After a while we were back on a solid path and heading towards the canal. Then it started raining, then the wind got stronger. Oh boy this was gonna be tough. Up to now I had been running with Mark Bradshaw 1 of my Brathay family, his lovely wife Anna and son had come to support him it was great to see then again. I said to him that if he wanted to go ahead just go although I was hoping he wouldn't as I didn't really want to do 11 1/2 mile of canal running in the rain against the wind on my own. Luckily he stayed. For the 1st few miles we were running on solid path and then it turned to a mush of snippy slimy mud yuk. we weaved in and out of the trees trying to avoid getting too wet to no avail but eventually we were on the other side with a few mile to go to get off the canal. Once we were off the canal and running through a place called Platt bridge I found that as we got to the hills my legs felt heavy, all that energy zapping mud was taking its toll, I walked for a while up the hills then got back into my rhythm. At this point Mark had gone ahead and I was on my own. I found a comfy pace and kept going. After a while I caught back up with Mark and we ran together again towards the bog of doom. When we got to it there was no way round, just straight through the middle. My feet felt minging after this full of grit, more puddles, more mud lol all the way to a park. We ran through the park and joined the bus route again for a while before heading down a path that was full of mud and puddles again. We turned into some woods and had to climb over some fallen trees, my quads screamed as I lifted them high up to get my leg over the tree. we then ran back across the bus route and turned into the home stretch. A very welcoming sight.
It was my dads 70th birthday too so I had to go back to Barrow. It was a really good night lots of family came from away. I left at 11:15 so I could get some sleep ready for the marathon tomorrow.

Sun - I felt so tired when I got up this morning. Like I'd had no sleep. Jenny and Dave picked me up about 7 and I had a kip in the car on the way. We got down to gin pit village and I didn't feel any better. I thought to myself "its gonna be even tougher today" maybe I didn't eat enough. Anyway the plan was to get out there and get round in 1 piece. By the time we set off I was feeling a bit more awake and motivated. catching up with some of my Brathay family again helped. About a mile into the run. I started talking to a guy I was running next too and as it turned out we were following each other on strava, but never met in the flesh. We ran the whole marathon together, chatting together, he was from the area so he gave me some history about the places as we ran round. It was still a very tough run but today I ran through most of the puddles instead of trying to negotiate round them lol. the wind wasn't as bad and again the energy sucking stuff let me know I'd been through it when I got to the road at Platt bridge which I was informed is named Platt Vegas by the locals lol and a bit further up the rd. Alan informed me they had found a dead body in the wheelie bin of a house we were running past, bit gruesome. From here we turned down the twice as muddy track, we splashed through huge puddles and out onto the road then towards the Lake of doom lol as I found out yesterday, no way round just wade through. The puddles along the tracks to the finish were definitely more wet and muddy than yesterday. Another marathon down, mentally I'm stronger after recovery hope my legs will be stronger. I am totally gonna do this.

Squats, angels and an unexpected dip.

Blog 8

Week 6/3/17 - 12/3/17

This week I ran Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat & Sun

Mon - Today I got up bright and early, took Dave to work and went to the gym. At the gym I did my leg routine and glute routine and lots of stretching after yesterdays run.
After work I ran with Barrow & Furness striders, It was freezing to start but I ended up in my t-shirt lol :
800 2min rec
1200 2min rec
800 1 lap (500) rec

800 2min rec
1000 2min rec
800 1 lap rec

5.8 miles done

Finished off the evening with boot camp or shud I say boot camp finished me off lol, Squats, jumping jacks, burpees, Squats, jumping jacks, burpees, squats...............think you might guess the rest lol We did some races too to break the session up, but you never guess what we had to do in the races. This is gonna hurt tomorrow I'm gonna be dreaming tonight Squat, jumping jacks, burpees repeat..

Tues - Well I got up at 6, running gear on ready to go, then I ate a banana and spent the next 10 min throwing it up. hmm this is not fair. It wasn't long tho before I was out, I actually felt ok. I had a route in mind that involved a hill a very large hill that I haven't run all the way up in over a year and a couple or more other hills to get there and get home lol. When the sun came out I could feel the warmth on my face, but there was still a cool breeze. By the time I got to moor road the temperature had gone up but I couldn't be bothered taking my jacket off. I headed up the hill, a little bit more, just a bit more, come on nearly at the top and then my phone started ringing, I had to get it, it could be Natalie my eldest, who is expecting my 2nd grandchild and only has 5 wks left. It was Gladys who lives next door conversation went something like "Are u in " no but natalie might be" "are you running where are you?" "I'm running up the biggest hill ever" "oh sorry I was just gonna ask you to get me some cotton wool balls" "yeah no probs " Bye. Gladys your an angel When we hung up I was at the top and still running, I kinda  welled up a bit, I felt good I think sometimes especially when your on your own and its pretty tough a friendly voice helps you on your way. the sun was shining I felt happy and I enjoyed the rest of the run home just in time to stretch, have an ice bath and be outside nursery for 11.30am.
Later at work I taught my regular spin class, did an induction and had another stretch out. 16.5 miles today.

Roanhead beach from hawcoat

Wed - Today I met a friend Nicola, and went for a short jog round the parkrun course 2.5 mile as part of my aim to run 10 days in a row, not necessary long runs, just some nice easy short runs on my usual days off. Lets just say its a little bit of mind prep as well as leg prep. After which I went for a deep tissue massage with Becky Lewis and i'm sure she sharpened her elbows just for me. A little bit of a niggle I've had on the inside of my ankle since I broke it didn't seem as bad today when she poked and prodded and dug at it lol. Definitely getting better.



THURS: Today I ran with the panthers, about 5 mile easy run after being on a course all day it was nice to get out and stretch the legs. After this I taught a spin class.

                                  

Hamstrings and couch stretch

FRI: Tonight I ran with the dragons after work, we did about 4 mile it was still light when we set off a good sign it's getting lighter in the evenings.

SAT:  Today was cake sale day, massive thanks to everyone who made cakes and bought cakes we raised a fabulous £125.00 Thank you also to Jenny and Michelle for selling them for me you did awesome. I was tired when I finished work today but I somehow motivated myself to do get out in the rain and run 3 1/2 mile. The weather was miserable and I got in a bit wet but I felt better for it later.

SUN: Today's run was a whole new adventure, I went on a run with some friends and we headed up to Ulpha in the lake district. We headed up the fell by the school and onto a track through some woods then out across some fields climbing styles along the way and down to the stepping stones across the river, but wen we got there the stones were underwater so we turned back up the river to find a safer place to cross at some other stepping stones. These proved to be too slippy so we took the only other option and waded through. What a laugh, the current was strong,but we all managed to get across safely, just, from there we headed up an ankle deep muddy path to a road, we turned down the rd till we came to a track and climbed up in the woods and then followed the track till we came out at the top of a hill in a clearing, through a gate and up to thrith ruins, gorgeous views everywhere, someone was doing up 1of the buildings it had new wooden doors on, windows and a brand new slate roof. From there we headed down to the Corney fell rd, down the big steep hill til we got to a path through the woods. This path meandered through the trees, over streams, past a farm and back down to the road that headed back to the car. When we got to the end of the woods I managed to get a picture of a heron stood on a rock, just watching the world go by. At the end of the run most of stood in the river up to our knees, our natural Icebath and to wash our legs. It was very busy when we got back with canoes going down the river and the mountain rescue training. We got the brews going and bacon butties etc. Great finish to a run thanks Hilary for organising it for us.

THANKYOU TO MY SPONSORS FOR HELP WITH MY ENTRY FEE I'M GONNA MAKE U PROUD!!!

Www.furnesspark.co.uk
Www.topmarkonline.com
Www.denbyco.co.uk
Www.davenewtours.co.uk

You can sponsor me at:
Www.justgiving.com/sonics10in10-2017

Hailstones, inspiration & Friends

Blog 7

Wk - Mon 27/2/17 - 5/3/17

This week I ran Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri and Sun

Mon - I got up early and headed to the gym where I did some leg work, 3sets of 10 reps on :
Single leg curl, straight leg dead lifts, pistol squats, Leg press, squats & seated calf followed by the glute session.

In the evening I did a speed session at striders and that was tough but I got on with it with some great support from everyone. With the warm up and cooldown it worked out about 6 1/2 miles.

1 x 1200 2min rec
1 x 1000 2min rec
1 x 1000 500m rec jog
3 x 800 90sec rec between
1 x 500 rec jog

After this I went to boot camp. I really enjoyed the session tonight and know I'm gonna feel it on my morning run.

Tues - This mornings run was really tough. Up at 6 out for 7. My legs as I knew were tired from last night, but I gotta get used to running on tired legs. Things were great for the 1st 10 mile ish even took my jacket off then I had to walk a little bit up the hill, It was a large hill lol I stopped and took a picture of the dark cloud coming over the sea and thought to myself, I wanna get as near to home as I can before that gets to me aaaargh. Off I went again then as I was leaving the next little village I spotted some cute little lambs so I had to get a picture for Byron, or was it another excuse to stop, they were cute tho. The lambs, daffodils and tulips are all saying spring has arrived but the hailstones that greeted me about 3 mile from home were trying to say This is winter and we are still out to get you! Bit of sand blasting on my face to the point I turned my back and walked backwards lol. After it eased I finished my run in the rain thinking I've got to get a cold bath when I get in brrr (not) Hot shower it was then :-) Who needs a cold bath when your legs are so cold they feel numb, good job I didn't put my shorts on lol. Got little man for the rest of the day too.
Spin class this evening, red hot, steamed up windows, loosened the legs up bit of a contrast from this morning. Followed by some foam rolling.

Wed - Today I went to the Brathay's Barrow office to meet 3 young adults working on a project funded by the Focus on furness appeal. Over the last 2yrs I have raised just under £14,000 for the appeal and it was really good to see where some of the money is going and the good it is doing within our community. Meeting Georgia, Jonathon and Adam was really inspiring and I admire them greatly for taking this project on. They are creating an interactive, multimedia presentation, 'keeping safe' which will be shown to yr 7 pupils in 5 of the towns secondary schools. What they are doing will help keep their generation and future generations safe by alerting the youngsters to the dangers of online grooming and what actions they can take to keep safe.
It was fantastic to catch up with my team mate Apollo Jim too and Jon Owen from Brathay. I know that when I hit them rough spots during my marathons that I can draw strength from knowing how many youngsters my fundraising is helping and all the help my amazing family and friends have been, especially supporting the ups and downs in training and all the fundraising. Thankyou !!!
wed afternoon I had a deep tissue massage with Becky Lewis. It hurts but it works :-)http://www.beckylewisphysiotherapist.co.uk/contact

Thurs - After tues not great run and wed meeting with the young adults I felt a new drive in me and went for a 12 mile run. I ran through our local park, the sun was shining and the daffodils were blowing gently in the breeze, the lake was still and the ducks, geese and swans were just floating around. I headed up to the main road out of Barrow, then turned left, headed down across the level crossing and down towards the beach. How was the sand gonna be today? The sand down here changes every day, that's why its such a great place to run. It wasn't long before I realised this was gonna be a tough 1, the sand was sinking about 3-4 inches with every step. I slowed to a nice easy pace(dead slow lol) and was enjoying the sun, cool breeze and the deserted beach not a sole to be seen till I got round the other side and then there was only 1 guy way out by the tide digging for worms. Not 1 dog walker at all until I was heading back up the lane to the main road. I went back the same way I came just so I could enjoy our beautiful park.

                      road to the beach

Barrow park

Fri - This evening I enjoyed a run in the rain with the Duddon Dragons lol It was wet that is all :-)


Sun - Todays run was really enjoyable I ran with two friends Aimee and Mel and it was a nice steady pace. It was pretty flat but because we were talking most of the way I didn't really notice, usually I hate flat because its boring, but today was far from it. We headed towards the outskirts of Barrow and along the main road back passing the factories, fire station and dock museum then across the Bridge to Walney Island. We ran out towards bigger village then along a lane towards the promenade. Along this road there was a large hmm no huge puddle that filled the road. We thought sod it and set off running through, messing and laughing and at 1 point it was nearly halfway up my shins. we came to a stop when we saw some horses coming we didn't want to scare them so walked until we were past them. With squelching feet we ran down the front as far as we could, then onto the sandy path where we could see some amazing views in the distance. As we ran back towards Barrow again it started raining a bit which kept us quite cool still chatting away. This week I have had more good runs than bad so things must be getting better. My ankle didn't hurt at all today, only my foot for a while after I twinged it jumping out of the way of a dog, I think the icy puddle sorted that.

Please sponsor me :www.justgiving.com/sonics10in10-2017