It's raining cats and dogs and I'm indoors planning........

Next year is going to be all about two events, everything I do is going to be in preparation for

Firstly

http://www.greatlakeland3day.com/


and

http://pureoutdoorsevents.co.uk/index.php/the-grand-tour-of-skiddaw

So there we go I've said it out loud now and for once I'm not afraid to tell people.  I'm not worried in the least about what anyone thinks or says.  I understand that I'm never going to be a proper ultra runner but I will do what I do and keep going as long as I can and is safe to do so. 

What's more to the point is to enjoy getting out there and being part of something spectacular and fun.

So now that I seem not to be having a breakdown because of work I can get on with making plans for the New Year.  Some of my friends are doing the Fling and some are also doing the Lakeland50 so there could be opportunities for some joined up thinking if not training.  I have my eye on the Lakeland Trails Series and various other events depending on time and money.

What is free though is all the wonderful countryside around me and the company of the amazing Kona dog for adventuring. 

Watch this space.

What Now?

The Past The Present and the Future ---all in a few lines good eh.

The Past - has well, passed now and in the past it must remain, I rather like that sentiment, but before I leave it there, I really must say a few words about a recent achievement.  I managed to shave 4 minutes and about 30 seconds off my time for the Coniston Challenge.   A brilliant day was had at Coniston, as usual, traveled down with a running buddy and we had a ball. 

Maureen and I at the end of the challlenge, she was quicker than me by about 4 mins, so her and her hubby cheered me in.

Thanks to Maureen for the photo.

 

The Present - back to training and back to trackwork on Thursdays when I can get there in time.  Last night's session was hard, but I only had one single time of wanting to sack it, so things are improving.  Usually I have several.  Getting out on the trails on Wednesday nights (in the dark now) with Maureen and her wee band.  Monday nights are always beginners night at club and Sundays mostly reserved for dog walking group.  Marissa and I have been out exploring and looking for new routes for walking and running and the healthy eating regime is going very indeed.  I love finding new things to eat and expanding my range of dishes.  Marissa is a good cook so that's a help however she is not so good at the cleaning up after herself.  

The Future- I will be continuing and delving deeper into the darkside but, well now, here is where I have a dilemma, just what to enter I have one or two things in mind both of which could prove to be huge challenges for me, one more than the other I must say, do I want to enter both or concentrate all effort on just one?  Do I want to enter the 3 day event in the Lakes again and challenge myself navigationally, having been trying to sound out my OH as to what he feels about being abandoned again.Or do I enter The Fling and try my hardest - cut off points tricky here.  I know I want to do more LDWA events as they are great value for money and brilliant training for distance.  Then there's the Keswick to Barrow event, what about it? What about a road marathon, it might be nice to have another shot, but which one or do I want to tackle one on trails as this is where my real joy comes from?  
However the real point here is Isn't it just brilliant that I have the choice, there's so much out there to attempt.  So will keep things ticking over until Christmas and then buckle down again.  Who knows what Santa will bring LOL.
 

 

The Lakeland 50. July 2014

On closing one circle and starting to draw another one.

For the past four years this event has been a large part of my life.  I've spent time planning, training (initially) then maintaining, hopefully trying to improve on the stamina etc., purchasing and honing down kit selections, reading large amounts of literature which I thought might give me hints, tips and inspiration.  I've spent countless hours on the forum chatting about the event and generally just feeling part of this fantastic thing called the Lakeland 100/50. I've learned such a lot on this journey and made some brilliant new friends and been extremely grateful for the advice and encouragement of old friends. The poor dog has been my companion on various adventures, well actually probably not poor dog as she loves to get wet, dirty and smelly.   Last year I DNF'd this event, it felt the right decision at the time but it still rankled and felt like unfinished business.  

I'll never ever forget that first finish.  It may sound like a cliche but that finish changed me somewhat.  I went in one side of those 50 miles one person and came out the other as a slightly modified version.  It will remain one of the best moments of my life.  I hope I made my family proud in fact I'm sure I did.  Despite the odd moans about going to the "bloody Lake District again" Bilbo has stoically driven me about, waited around and generally just been there to carry the bags, take the pictures and well just be there to say, well done, at the end.  Rissa has listened to copious amounts of probably very boring ultra stuff and accompanied me and Kona on some of our jaunts.  She has also been very good and helping me spend various amounts of money on good kit.  It means such a lot.  

There never really was any question that I wouldn't give it another shot, as I said unfinished business.  So once the entry was confirmed preparation began.  I had already entered the GL3D, which has been blogged about.  I started going to track, which I did enjoy and will be going back to once the Autumn and Winter arrive.   Did some mountain biking, popped in a road cycling event and generally did a fair amount of walking.  I'm sure some members of dog walking group might not see it the same way as hills don't particularly appeal to all LOL.  I even managed to quite late on in the day, manage to lose some weight, which helped a great deal.  More must come off as I realize things are a lot easier if one is not lugging around all those extra kilos

Arrival and registration.

Sadly didn't get down to Coniston in time to see the 100 runners off or see the Lakeland 1 which is a huge shame because as it turns out I missed Annabel Hart getting her medal.  Booked in to B & B then headed to get the registration over with.  Was gobsmacked to see Vicky waving at me from inside the hall, it took me several seconds to realize who it was.  Vicky and family were holidaying in the area and came along to take part in the Lakeland 1 and buy some new kit. See you just can't stop these Ultrarunners from needing new kit or thinking about Ultrarunning even on holiday.   Had to then do all the necessary stuff and oh how pleased I was that long time Lakeland buddy Anna did my weight LOL.  After that and chatting to other Lakeland peeps I was gobsmacked again to get a big hug from another DRC mate Susan  who was down with her partner supporting and scoping out the event. Yep those  Ultrarunners just can't help it.  Those two things conspired to help make this occasion even more special. 

After a good night's sleep and big bowl of porridge and some toast it was off the the briefing and then into the car for the trip to Dalemain.  Again it was special having Bilbo there at the start.  

Here's Kim and I just before the off.  Feeling confident and very hot.

So to the actual event itself.  

I'm not going to write loads about each section as those who have read the other blogs will know route almost as well as me by now.  I'll try to keep it shortish.

The first four miles done and dusted and the heat is tremendous.

The journey to Howtown was uneventful just relentlessly hot, the sun was at it's highest and was fierce.  Managed a run though, as this is a brilliant section with wonderful views over Ullswater and best of all most of it is downhill. My only problem was that I knew what was coming next after the checkpoint.

Dibbed into Howtown determined not to linger long, but still needed to fix feet as they were very hot and sand and wee stones had made their way in.  Re-hydrated best I could.  Kim came in just before I was about to leave and said she was pulling out with ITB issues.  Bugger.

Now here is where it gets a bit personal so if squeamish about bodily functions skip gaily on. 

I knew leaving Howtown that I had a problem, I suffer periodically from cystitis, the heat does not help, so on one of my sit down stops up Fusedale I was forced to sit down in another way and attempt to wee, this was very painful and made me feel a bit sick.  Only remedy is to drink more, but as I was sweating so much that was difficult.  Popped two paracetamol and trudged on trying to ignore it.

Thank to Steve Mee for photo.

Usual trip up to Groovy Gill, planted face, on purpose into the Gill and cooled myself and started again.  It gets better for me Fusedale after this spot, just one more sit down (don't worry not to wee this time, just to sit and gather strength for the next push) and I'm over the top and overtaking people who quite frankly thought I may have been dying five mins before.  Brilliant run downhill and onto Mardale, no fear this year, nice steg round the edge and into the checkpoint,.  Expertly looked after by the Spartans.  Loved the sign on entry which read in big letters "This is Sparta".  Two more toilet trips, more pain and it's on up Gatesgarth.  Stopping several times not really because of the incline but because of the feeling in my nether regions lol.  Must of looked a bit funny, standing there looking stupid with my legs apart and swearing under my breath.   Fortunately the sun had gone now and it was much cooler so no more sweating.   One of my highlights going down to Sadgill was the 100 runner coming running, skipping down behind me singing out about how much pain he was in.  He was still running though bless him.  The rain came on heavens hard going through the gate at the farm, so quick stop and waterproofs on, plus headtorch as it was now dark. Up and over and into Kentmere, one small blip when I thought I was going the wrong way, put back on course by a lovely 100 runner. 

Kentmere - guzzled two, yes two strawberry smoothies and headed out into the damp night in the company of a bunch of 100 runners.  Followed them for a while but they soon disappeared.  Down into Troutbeck and up Robin Lane a section I know well.  Down into scary woods and my inevitable fall.  Worried the 100 runner behind me.  Onwards following this runner, getting panicked now as time was running out.  Hit the trail outside the wood and started running into Ambleside, big steg on to get to checkpoint determinded I wasn't being timed out.  Arrived upstairs at checkpoint to be greeted by cheery Charlie who informed me I still had over an hour before timing out.   Sat here for a while enjoying listening to the 100 runners, then forced myself up and out into the night.  Bless Charlie he was trying to get me buddied up in the dark.  Now buddying up is brilliant in the dark, but I knew I couldn't keep up with, as it turned out Karen and Tony, so was happy to complete this section on my own even in the dark as I know it well.  

Coming down into Elterwater and the dawn breaking was wonderful, there was a mist rising off the water and it was lovely and ethereal.  More 100 runners passing me now, they are machines.  Found my way to Chapel Stile checkpoint by reading and following the road book.  Looked after very well at the checkpoint by the lovely Lois and co.  Managed pain free pee, cool of the night and the smoothies had worked their magic. Woop Woop.

Onto the last leg, across to Blea Tarn in the light and over to the unmanned dipper.  This section was pure hell, those boulders grrr. and slippy as hell.  Imagine my surpise to see Vicky and Annabel, not supporting just passing by on an early morning drive as Annabel never sleeps, really.   Shouted a greeting had picture taken and off over to High Tilberthwaite, end in sight now.

The path turns into this scramble.  Photo taken by Vicky Hart. 

Took a feat of will to get up from the chair at Tlberthwaite and get going again.  Looked back a few times for the lady I'd come over the last mile with, and felt bad not to wait for her to catch me up, but I didn't dare stop as I might never of kept going and I so wanted to finish.

I enjoyed this section  after getting the "Steps of Doom" and the "Scramble from Hell" out of the way it's a nice walk across the common to the drop into Coppermines Valley.  Well it is on a nice sunny morning, although the wind did get up nearer the top and it was decidedly a bit chilly. However I'm not so sure I would want to do it in the dark or if the clag was down.  So after nearly fifty miles of stones, rubble and  wet slippy slate the last downhill section really should be bliss, but it's not. It's rough and it's tough and it's slippy as ****  It's thankfully short though.  The last wee bit I had resolved to run, but quite frankly I had nothing left to run with, the heat of the day before had taken it's toll so I just walked back to the finish.

At the finish I was so chuffed to be taken into the hall by Anna, who I met all those years ago when I did my first one.  Somehow it was fitting.  After getting my medal and swapping my t,shirt, yes I know never satsifed. I phoned Bilbo to let him know.  Kim appeared and snapped me and my medal.

Kim had not dibbed out at Howtown, but had carried on to Mardale where she surrendered herself  into the care of the Spartans.   She'll hopefully get her ITB problems sorted soon.

Happy but very tired. Thanks to Kim for photo.

Post Event and the future.

So there we are, it's all over now.  I won't be entering next year, it's time to move on and face another challenge and I also want others to enjoy this event so to take another place would be a bit greedy.   Not saying I won't be back or not involved because as I said I love this event and just to be part of it in some way is just wonderful, so I might be out there marshaling or supporting. 

So what's the future.  Well I have an idea and a plan is being sketched out in my head.  Albeit suffice to say if it hadn't been for the Lakeland I wouldn't even be contemplating taking on another adventure, but it's now gotten to be a bit addictive.

I've met some amazing people along this part of the journey, Kim, Anna, Sue, Bev, Lois, Lauren and on and on.  I've been given an interest in the Ultra running world/community and watched in awe the exploits many others who I've had the privilege of coming into contact with.  Visited some amazing places and seen the sunset and the sunrise on some truly beautiful scenery.   However the journey continues, and I will be blogging shortly, hopefully with more detail, if not for one thing then it will most definitely be another.

Thank you Lakeland50.  It's not goodbye though.

Oh I almost forgot and had to quickly snap "the bling".

Moffat Mountain Rescue 2014.

Sunday 8th June - Walk number 3.

Bilbo, Laura and I arrived in Moffat in torrential rain, felt this did not bode well for the days endeavours.  However we couldn't of been more wrong because the rain cleared and a rather lovely day appeared.  I opted for the number 3 walk this year because Bilbo hasn't been too great health wise and I was worried that the longer higher walk might prove too much for him, there was no need to worry though as he was perfectly fine throughout.  We had a great day, the Mountain Rescue drove us all out to the start and Moffat Gill put the fear of God into us by stating we may be out for about 5 hours.  Now the mileage was only 7 miles so I was seriously perturbed about her estimation of time.  I rather think she may have been ever so slightly mistaken, not sure what she was doing out there for that amount of time. (She is a very fit fell runner, so I can only think she was taking the time from a planning route walk or when setting out all the trail markers).  It certainly didn't take us long at all and we didn't exactly hurry and did stop for lunch half way round.

It was a great day out. Here are one or two photos.

Laura and I just before the bus came to take us to the start.

Laura and Bilbo with matching backpacks, this is the first mile and already going up.

We made it to the top of a very hard climb, chuffed we're not dead.

The reason why we are doing this, the help keep the MRT going.

The views on this walk were stunning so glad we had a good day to see them.

Very near the end, nice cheery chappie counting us all in, making sure everyone was fine.

Well that's us done for this year.  Roll on next year.

     

While we were up in the hills Rissa was checking out more low level Moffat routes that the dog walk Sunday lot could perhaps do.  So all in all we all had a really good day.  Even Kona who found new water to play in and new people to dazzle with her brilliance.



http://www.moffatmrt.org.uk/

Great Lakeland 3 Day - no mis-adventures this year.

This story starts in May last year.  I titled my blog then, Lakes Mis-adventure, and in it I wrote about my rather ill fated attempt at something far too far out of my comfort zone to be,well, comfortable. However as fate would have it I was given an opportunity to team up with a buddy from the Lakeland 50 - Kim, to give it another shot   We both attended another navigation and mountain running skills day lead by Stuart Smith and run by Nav4, I've already blogged about that, so won't bore readers with details here.  I managed to get myself out and about with my map and compass, in fact I have become rather attached to them and don't go many places without them now.

In the run up to the event I was rather busy at work so didn't have much time to fret and worry.  I've also found that because I've now done several adventurous things I have the necessary equipment and am getting rather good at putting it all together rather quickly.
 So on the Friday of the event I had everything ready just to pick up and leave when OH came home from work.

Oh and I did invest in a Rab down jacket which was a godsend at the campsites and well worth the money.

Very good journey down to Pooley Bridge and effortless registration. First person I bumped into was the lovely and very bearded Stuart Smith, navigation Guru number 1.  OH deposited me and my gear and decided to head off back home.  Kim and I set up our respective little homes for the night and took off to find sustenance, which we did, in fact an over abundance of sustenance really, at the Sun Inn, Pooley Bridge.   Stuffed completely we then headed to settle down for the night.  However a couple of chaps decided that they really really had to chat before they finally managed to turn in for the night.  I must admit it is quite funny lying in your sleeping bag listening to people you can't see discussing their newly discovered male problem of thinking you need to pee and then not managing to pee, or how having a mass start had interfered with their supping time. Gosh men have it soooo hard.  They did not remain in ignorance, Bev. left them in no doubt that we had all been privvy to their chatter.

Twas a tad chilly at Pooley I must admit and I resorted to sleeping with my nice new jacket on.  Soon morning dawned, not quite bright and early but early.  Cooked up the first of my porridge brekkies and scoffed down an almond bar thingy, had coffee (necessary) and then de-camped.  Kim's BF Beverley was one of the marshals for the event and came over for a chat before we set off, she was going to be one of the lead people showing the competitors down to the Ferry Landings, ssshhh she even managed to get slightly lost on her recce of that particular route.

Day One

All competitors disembarked at Howtown and were set off in a sort of organized staggered start, with all the classes Elite, A,B and C being set off in little mixed groups.  Kim and I knew only to well what was coming and took a sneaky little route which cut of much of the road at the start.  Then it was up flaming Fusedale.  Fed up with Fusedale when we got to what will now forever be known as Groovy Gill we decided to cut straight up and onto High Street, which I loved as it got rid of nasty second false summit and was completely new to me.  At the point where the Lakeland 100/50 turns to head down to Haweswater we saw a shape through the mist and a plaintive exclamation  of "thank goodness, I'm saved" when we got closer we saw a chap, and by the way he was dressed we just knew he was on the GL3D too. We did think he was being funny and joking around, but no he wasn't.  He explained he was on the C class too but instead of heading up Fusedale he had headed up Martindale (he was not alone in that though) and he had, had to climb out of that valley and over into this.  His name was Ian, Kim showed him where he now was and where he was going and he decided to tag along for a while as the extra climb had killed his legs a bit.  I said he would be better recovering with us and then going on because I was a slow poke on the hills, and might hold him back, he declined and stayed with us throughout the rest of the event, which was brilliant.  I've got to admit that both Ian and I sort of just let Kim navigate, she was so good at it. We did pay attention and attempt wee bits in turn, and I know that I for one learned such a lot from her.
Our route took us along High Street, onto High Raise to the first checkpoint at Riggindale Heights, there we meet some Australian Ladies who needed Kim to set them on the right road, then over High Street Fell onto Mardale Ill Bell, across Nan Bield Pass and Harter Fell (a teeny bit knackering and slightly scary lol) to the second checkpoint at Kentmere Pike.  From there we headed down to the road, strangely familiar again - ah yes back onto the 50 route again.  It was just a short hop now to the overnight campsite nr. Staveley.   Dibbed in to words which sounded a bit like "well Susan at least it's light this time".  Not sure it's altogether a good sign when the course planner knows your name and face and you're not one of the fit and able ones 

Kim and Ian course planning whilst I dick about with the camera.

 A recurring theme.

 

Day two

Following a much warmer night in my wee tent I awoke bright and early and once again got the stove on and my porridge made.  I then headed along to the communal tent  had coffee and filled my flask with more.  Had a wee chuckle as a very bearded Andrew greeted me in  a very complementary manner(what is it with all these really wild and amazing beards by the way).  His beard may have got in the way of his eyesight methinks.Bid farewell to our ( almost) Ian number 2, a runner from up my way who was suffering with foot pain and had asked if he could join us for a while on leg 2, his foot pain was proving too much and he decided to withdraw and head home.  We had looked at the map the previous evening and decided on the route for today.  This was a relatively simple choice for us as Kim knew the first third, we both knew the second third so well we could of done it in the dark.  Well actually we have both done the Troutbeck to Ambleside several times in the dark. I discovered that the last leg was also on familiar territory for me, being partly the route of the Grasmere Gallop.  We set off in very murky weather which only just began to clear when we were nearly at Troutbeck so I missed the views on this section. Apparently there are a couple of hills to be seen, just not today.  Troutbeck to Ambleside was spent extolling the virtues of the Lakeland 50 to Ian (think we've got him persuaded).  The checkpoint today was at Bilbo's cafe' Ambleside and in Kim's words It would have been rude not to partake of luncheon.  Now there is a bit on the next section I'm convinced that we could of taken a short cut on, but as I couldn't be a hundred percent sure I decided to shut up.  Might just have to do the Gallop again just to see.  Campsite two was situated in THE most beautiful spot in Easedale, once again we made it, to dib in, in a respectable time, which would of been less but lunch was so good it was worth it - who was racing anyway. On the way and prompted by the Coast to Coast route being nearby we were well entertained by Ian with the sorry tale of his abortive attempt at doing his dream adventure.  Just shows you how quickly things can turn sour just because of a misplaced foot.  I'm sure he will return and complete it some day.    During the evening we spent some time in the communal tent and partook of the free liquid refreshments.  I wandered about and took some photos, and we all spent some time chatting to other contestants etc.,  Nice to meet up with Jean (one of the marshals from last  year who came to "rescue" me at yon time at night, a fact she managed to jokingly (hopefully) remind me of.   Jean was competing this year, which she seemed to be thoroughly enjoying).
Good night's sleep and same routine of breakfast and breaking camp as before.  I met Shane on my trip for coffee and he laughingly let me know someone had beaten my record for lateness (a proper runner too).  I've got to say that I loved this camp and remembered my walk through Easedale last year and how I have always planned to go back and show it to Billy, must get on with that soon.

Day Three

We three intrepid 3 day'rs had now come to the last day of our adventure and we set off in the morning sunshine to tales from Kim of the Keswick to Barrow event that she would be undertaking the following week. We made our way up Tongue Gill force and headed straight up this big hill skirting up and round and up and over Grisedale Hause.  Whilst having one of my many heart attacks on that section Kim and I watched this little orange dot coming steadily up towards us, growing all the time into a bigger, man shaped orange dot.  Whoever it was, was fairly tramping and was soon past us, then past nearly everyone else and disappearing over the hill out of sight.  Kim was to learn later that this was the eventual male winner.   We stopped for a few minutes at the tarn for photocall and then started to make our way down to Patterdale. It was on this descent I suffered the first and only fall of the weekend, now this is a miracle for those who know me well.   I caught the edge of my shoe on a slippery rock and more or less sat down in a small waterfall, unfortunately I slapped a rock with my left hand and fairly cracked a knuckle   Apart from that I really enjoyed my jaunt and marveled at the magnificence of St. Sunday Crag.   We reached Patterdale within time and decided to stop at Side Farm checkpoint for refreshment and also to give Ian a chance to check out his blister.  On my part this stop may have been a mistake as I found it really hard to get going again and found the route round the lake to Howtown difficult and arduous, it probably isn't normally that bad, it's just that my body suddenly decided it was knackered and I was feeling increasingly that I was holding Kim and Ian back, kept telling them to go on without me as I was aware the time for the last ferry for us was drawing near.  Kim however totally ignored me and kept tramping on not oblivious but giving no quarter or sympathy as she knew instinctively that this would be fatal.  It was also very, very hot and by the time we arrived at Howtown (with half an hour to spare) I was done in.  I've never been so pleased to see a destination in my life.   However it only took some coffee to revive me, that and the knowledge that I had made it, finished the Great Lakeland Three Day.

Knackered.com

I was so chuffed I could of cried, I probably did.  On the ferry back to Pooley Bridge to where it all began Kim got mugged by a toddler for sweeties.

Back at base we dibbed out for the final time and collected our belongings, said our farewells and all went our separate ways. Kim and I will face our mutual nemesis again in July though.  I couldn't of done this without her, as she basically did the hard part of navigating whilst I traipsed along.

Ian I'm sure will be returning next year to compete in the B class. I hope to be keeping in touch with him through facebook.

As for these guys, well they are the best.

Shane - race director.

Charlie - course planner.

and not to forget the marshals and helpers who helped make it a really special event.  I was going to upload some pictures here but can't for some reason. Sorry Andrew your beard will have to remain hidden from the wider community at present.

I don't know what the future will bring all I know is that I was part of this and I loved every moment, thank you for creating C class for the likes of me.

I'm shutting up now.  Well done if you've made it this far.  Hope you enjoyed it and that it has inspired you to think about being a bit more adventurous.

Goodbye 2013 hello 2014

Well it's out with the old and in with the new.  Well not quite, I thought about changing my picture of Fusedale but have changed my mind because Fusedale has such a pull on me for many reasons.
I have a love hate relationship with it.  On one hand there's no denying its beauty but on the other hand it makes me feel inadquate, it hurts me trudging up there more than any other ascents do.  I do realise that this is almost purely psychological now, so the picture will stay for another year as a constant reminder that I have demons to conquer.

There seemed to me to be a catalogue of failures and non starters in 2013, by the end of the year everything seemed to be crushing in on top of me, this did have a lot to do with work, but I have now entered 2014 determined to be much more positive and organised.   It wasn't all negativity of course and when I think back there were several highlights one of which came off the back of perhaps by biggest disappointment - not completing my Lakeland 50.  I featured in a magazine article for a women's walking magazine.  It came about because of a lady I met at one my navigation courses, she and I just happened to be in the same B & B at the 50 and when a friend of hers was writing an article she remembered and forwarded my details and the rest is history.

Another highlight was the Coniston Trail Challenge a brilliant day out with very cheery and good company friends, Kerry and Tracy who are also doing Lakeland 50 this year.  It was the event of the year really for me.  I cursed my way through about 3 miles of uphill, and inwardly laughed for the rest of the journey, revelling in the scenery and the sheer joy of being in the Lakes once again.  Much as I like company I do so enjoy being out in the countryside on my own with my own thoughts and what better way to do so than in one of the Lakeland Trails events, a nice safe way of being out there.

Another really good day was spent with more friends both running club ones and ones from the wee local trail running group, The Leverets, at the Drumlanrig Demon. This is a 10k race staged right on my doorstep in another of my favourite places Drumlanrig Country Park

2013 also saw me dipping my toe into structured training by going to the track for track sessions, very scary stuff but seems to be doing me good.

Also attended another navigation and mountain running skills courses held in the Lakes,  same instructor the ever patient Stuart Smith.  My buddy Kim and I are in for the GL3 Day Cafe' class in May so much navigation practice is needed.  We also climbed Blea Fell that day catching the view before the light started to really go.

So what's afoot for 2014. Well I'm starting off with positivity in all aspects of my life, I will not let negative people bring me down and I will "own" my work giving it my best shot.  If it's not going to work for me then it's time to re-evaluate and move on.  In running I'm going to knuckle down to training in a sensible way.  I'm way too old to kill myself chasing impossible dreams, but I do still want to do this thing, specially the trails and hills and the lonely places.  I want to continue adventuring with Kona and enjoying my nice friendly dog walks on a Sunday with the good friends I've made there.  I want to continue at track at least attempting to improve.  I'm not making any silly resolutions about losing weight, but I will now shop as ethically and locally as possible.  I will continue to be horrified about and sign petitions about animal cruelty.  I will keep raising funds for Guide Dogs. 
I also want to learn to climb and learn more about being in the great outdoors, I think it's time I knew how to use an ice axe and crampons just in case.  Oh and there's the little climb up Snowdon to get underway before Laura ties the knot.
So there we are, of course I want to enjoy being with my loved ones, but know that they don't necessarily share my passions but bless them they are always prepared to support me for which I am grateful.
So here we are Hello 2014 and in the words of my friend Maggie when she posts on facebook any runs she is planning for folk "bring it on".