Running with Colin and Pat

Another evening run with others - this time with Colin and Pat.  We met at the foot of the boat lane, alongside Saddleworth's best pub (The Diggle Hotel).  A trot up the boat lane and the bridle path up to Standedge Cutting.  Colin set a good pace, in fact I think he was being generous to take his usual pace down a notch or two to accomodate my trot, although I've seen improvements in my speed and stamina over the past 13 weeks.

Pat told us all about his business trip in Amsterdam, while Colin chatted about various different races he has either competed in, entered in or marshalled.  Really interesting to hear about how, as someone who has completed the notorious Bob Graham Round (70 peaks of the lake district over 80 miles within the time limit of 24 hours) how he returns to support those who are making an attempt themselves.

We ran over the skyline looking down on Castleshaw, behind the dis-used Horse and Jockey pub and down into Dobcross, and back home to Diggle.

Tonight I'm running again with Gaz and Frank for the last time before Sunday, then I'd like to do the Albion Farm route on Friday before work.  Then number 99 will be local and i'll finish for the last 200 yards with Jake - although he still hasn't said if he has a slot in his diary for this yet.

Colin and Pat said some very encouraging things about the running last night, and I'm most grateful for their support - thanks!

Last night's run: 6.5 miles

More Cow strife leads to an extended run

It's not funny anymore, this.  For the second time during the challenge, I've been up and over Cattleshaw on the Oldham Way only to be scared off the bridle path by these grumpy black cows.  I set off to do the bare minimum of 6.2 miles yesterday evening and all was going well until I approached that particular stretch of bridle path then two graving cows stopped me in my tracks...again (see run 14).  I followed a different path that brought me out on to Friarmere - all very nice, but miles out from where I wanted to be.

I soon found my way back to the other side of the bridle path and continued the route, albeit 3-4 miles out of my way.  I arrived home to find a note from Carolyn telling me that although she was out Jake and the Meg the dog, I should ring her as she was concerned as to where I was.  I tried blaming those retched cows, but that cut no ice.  Let's be honest it all sounds a bit far fetched...

I think Carolyn is planning a massage (from a professional, not her unfortunately) for me on Saturday as a reward for reaching 50 not out.  Colin Bishop should be joining me for the run on the day, with his wife Jennifer to take some celebratory photos.

Thanks to Mark Kenyon, Louise Bloxham and Jo Donvaband for the kind sponsorship on the justgiving page over the past couple of days.  £40 away from £1000 and half way through the challenge - brilliant!

Tuesday's run - 7 miles
Wednesday's run - 9.8 miles
Today's run - 6.2 miles