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Update
Thursday was a lovely evening with John and Maerwin to The Boat followed by coffee at their place. Dropped enough subtle hints that a house swap is in order. Big Opera fan; must organise a night with them.
Friday worked from home. Had a full set of procedures to write so needed the peace and quiet.
Gym last night. Trees pounded away on the bike. 17km up and down hills. GGGrrrr.... I had a light cycle and swim with Trees afterwards as I am preparing for the big run Sunday. Trees is now an expert front crawl swimmer after only 3 sessions. A minor miracle.
Been over to Nantwich this morning for secret activities. Cannot tell. Bought Eric Sykes autobiography so sat down in a Coffee Shop for a relaxing read. Off to get my hair styled this afternoon then Danny is coming over to for a spot of tea and sleep over. We have a 6.30 start in the morning heading off to The Lakes.
Blencathra
Just back form Blencathra. A great, great day in many ways.
We met up for a coffee and a chat at services before making our way together to the foot of the mountain in Threkeld.
Stephen, Daniel, Danny and myself all completed a circular route with no problems. There was the usual cramp and blisters but that is normal.
It rained from the moment we arrived only to be broken by driving snow on the top ridges.
The first section was a long run around the base of the mountain. Very slippy underfoot but a very pleasant run. The valleys we crossed were immense. A few sections saw us sliding down on our rears and the usual wet feet as we crossed the rivers.
There was then a long, long sweeping climb back on ourselves until we were on the upper ridges. As soon as we reached the first ridge the rain was replaced by snow. Strange feeling; one or two other walkers were in full snow gear with Nordic poles and we were merrily running by in a line.
The ridges looked out over very steep drops across a flat plain. Did not get continual views as the snow and mist covered us for most of the time.
After a stop to cover up Danny's blisters we were off down the far side to descend to the finish. The drops were very wet, slippy and my thighs screamed at me to stop. All of us bit the dust at some point of the drop. Some of us fell over 5 times.
Stephen was navigating us for the first time. He was fantastic. First time I have been lead since I was 14. Takes a lot of pressure off so you can relax and enjoy more. Stephen did his usual twinkle toes on the descent and left us all behind.
This was Danny's first real extreme run. He is only 15 but kept on the shoulder of the leader throughout all the climbs. I was so impressed with him. His ankles suffered on the descent but who doesn't have that problem.
Daniel is not a runner so held his own very well. In fact he set quite a pace over the top ridges. Great to hear him laughing all the way round.
I found myself coping surprisingly well. The training is paying off. Felt comfortable most of the way round. I am quite pleased with myself.
Today was also a kit try out. Stephen and Daniel have tried out new running coats. They were excellent. Kept the water out and they looked comfortable. I arrived back like a drowned rat. Looks like I will have to invest. Another £150 bites the dust. Going to also try the seal skin socks and gloves. The new North Face trail shoes were excellent. Comfortable and supportive. Heel twinged a little on the steep climbs but cannot feel a thing now I am home.
Next major run is a 15k trail race in The Lakes on the 22nd. Cannot wait. This will be followed by our first Mountain Marathon of the year. Yee Haa as Daniel would say.
Cannot keep up
Every time I promise myself to keep on top of the blog I manage to go days without updating it. OK, so what has been happening?
Cannot remember if I told you that Trees got a job / contract with a well known credit card company. Just like buses another contract was offered on Monday.
I have been hardly able to walk over the last few days. Dropping 650 metres off Blencathra in 15 minutes has left my quads / thighs just a tad sore. Apparently young Danny has had no discomfort at all. He will feel discomfort when I torture him for being too young. Apparently Stephen has one area of his body just below his left eye that does not ache.
Looks like Stephen and myself are doing 4 Mountain marathons this year. The first is 6 weeks or so away in Northern Scotland. Cannot wait.
Trees has been exercising daily. 7k runs, 20km cycles and 20 lengths swimming have all been achieved very recently. I managed a light cycle and swim yesterday to ease the aching old joints.
We are off to Canada next week with the 2 mums (a famous comedy duo doing the northern club circuit). The excitement is growing.
Been to see my mum with Lauren tonight. Great surprise to see Zac there as well. Dropped him off home and had a quick chat with Nigel and Pauline.
James has his Easter bonnet parade tomorrow. Trees has come up trumps again!
Canada here we come
This is my last hour at work before I leave for my jolly to Canada. Do not fly until Monday but as far as I am concerned it starts now!
I am around for the weekend if needed then I will not be contactable. Hooray! What a fantastic feeling.
Getting my girl tonight and Mum on Sunday when we drop my girl back. Looking forward to packing and planning over the weekend. Might get some MM training in as well.
Sooo excited...
Got my girl
Picked up Lauren last night who then spent most of the evening on MSN. Good to see her or at least the back of her head.
Went for a cycle dash around the estate. Just 8km to start the week off right. Off to the Wrexham for last minute holisay shopping followed by atrip to the baths with lauren.
Mum is on Broadband and email now. Will get her a camera and MSN shortly for those who want to see her in full colour.