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

Run to the hills

I have to admit that it was a treat to run somewhere so flat over the past 11 days, I realised It would be difficult to have to go back to hill running back on home soil.  Yesterday I did the Friezland loop, which is the flattest route I know around here, so it was with a heavy heart that I decided to bite the bullet and go for the hills.  The weather was perfect, the traffic was also light due to the Rushcart taking place today and tomorrow, so I decided not to get caught up with both boozy morris men and weekend pagans in Uppermill and kept to a faithful Dobcross - Standedge route. 

Today's run - 6.4 miles

I suppose my new aerodynamic hair cut at Bryn Daniels In Grotton (a trim to prevent me from reslembling a fuzzy tennis ball) helped me adjust to the hills.  I had words of support and encouragement from the proprietor Bryn, and one of the regulars wanted to sponsor me too. Bryn raised a lot for Carolyn's trek last year and is a good mate.  We had a great night last December when we saw Half Man Half Biscuit in Holmfirth. He's up for running in the Great Yorkshire Run, so I'd better get weaving and book my place - I'll see if Pat's interested too.

Only 29 to go till the big day - my number arrived in the post on Friday:

If in doubt...try a new route

The pressure was off this morning.  We are visiting my Mum and Dad, so I knew I could start this morning's run a little later and perhaps try a new route without having to rush back to get ready for work.  I am officially on holiday until next Tuesday.  That's holiday from work, not the running, by the way.

As I made my way down Sam Road and onto Huddersfield Road, my mind was racing - should I stick to one of the 6.2 mile "easy" routes, or should I throw caution to the wind and try a new, longer route?  I kind of did both - thinking I would do the new route that passes Albion Farm Shop.  Instead of dropping down Wall Hill Road (in the words of Forest Gump), I kept going...

I ran to Scouthead, dropping down Platting Road, looking for "a great quiet road" according to Patrick, who advised me of this route when we were out last week.  I turned down Lovers Lane and realised that I didn't know where I was.  A lovely splash of sunshine met me on Burnedge Road and I noticed local hills Pots and Pans and Alphin, so I just followed them.  It felt great to be on almost the shoulder of another hill, Wharmton as I took this country lane down into Dobcross and made my way back to Diggle.

I've had a really nice email from Julia Roebuck, who has an 18 month old boy, Alexander who was diagnosed with type 1 aged just 11 months.  Julia and her husband grew up in Saddleworth, living in Greenfield, however now live down in Exeter.  They came across the blog via a link on Twitter - Thanks for your kind words of enthusiasm, Julia and I'll be honoured to dedicate a future run for young Alexander.

On the downside, I've lost one of my running partners for at least 4 weeks.  Gareth has fratured his left wrist whilst playing football on Wednesday evening.  Chin up, Gaz and we'll pick up the runs when the plaster is off.  I really feel for him, as that's 4 weeks out of action, with only 8 weeks to go until the Great North Run.

Making my way down to Liphook in about an hour's time - I've already got a route planned for the runs down south.

Yesterday's Run - 6.2 miles
Today's run - 8.1 miles

Pat's back

I'm really pleased.  Pat, my friend and running partner is again fighting fit and we can pick up where we left off with the weekend runs.  Pat was laid up with a virus in the second week in June, leading him to miss out on all the excitment that is Whit Friday and Beerwalk day.  We went out last night (I had already completed my run in the morning), but couldn't resist getting back onto a different route and easing Pat back into the running. We went to Dobcross and back, and vented fury at the tough day's we'd had in our respective workplaces, and the latest on the News of the World.

I've agreed that I shall drop a few of the morning runs so we can do the minimum 6.2 miles (and maybe more) for evening runs to benefit the both of us - sounds good to me.  Whilst I've had music and morning sunrises to keep me going on the morning runs, I can't help feeling happier to have a bit of company to avoid this challenge becoming a slog, so welcome back, Pat - you've been missed!

Yesterday's run - 6.2 miles
Today's run - 6.5 miles

No booze...No problem

I stopped drinking when I started this challenge, and despite the sunny weather and walking past pub beer gardens witnessing some lovely ales being supped - I'm not that bothered.  Ask me on day 64 and I may have a different point of view...