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

Two Fat Ladies

So we reach run 88.  It was an evening run with Gaz and Frank, and we extended it to include both Friezland Lane , Top Mossley and up through Lydgate, heading back down through Greenfield and into Uppermill via the Bridle path.  At the start, I felt sluggish if truth be told.  I dropped back to a comfortable pace, however shot past them post desperate for somewhere to stop for a wee.  A van in the car park of the Farrah's Arms was my salvation, and we ended on 8.6 miles.

We're adding more miles in the run up to the Great North, so I'll be out with them again on Thursday, and with Pat tomorrow night.

Yesterday's run - 6.2 miles
Today's - 8.6 miles

I was thinking today - what am I going to celebrate with?  A glass of fizz? An ice-cold beer?

If I could transport The Diggle Hotel to South Shields, I'd really like one of these:

The Half Way Mark

That's 50 done.  It feels good to be able to sit down, take stock and realise that I'm now officially over the half-way mark - or will be after tomorrow's run.

I took advantage of the good weather by running one of my favourite routes - Start at the wonderful Diggle Hotel (Best pint in Saddleworth) up to Standedge Cutting and up to the Trig Point above Castleshaw, round the reservoirs and back home via the boat lane.  I knew that Carolyn was planning a surprise, but I was not expecting a cheering station at the end, complete with JDRF balloons, followed by a nice carb-heavy lunch.  The promised massage was later at 4pm, so I have to take my hat of to Carolyn for making the run one to remember.

Although a variety of my running partners were unable to join me (Pat - Cambridge Folk Festival, Colin - Injured his calf, Gaz - Fractured his wrist), no matter - It was a run I had been looking forward to. 

Spurred on by the good weather and sense of occasion I wore my faithful team Pingu JDRF Vest and set off.  On the decent from the top of the boat lane I was greeted by Carolyn, Jo Taylor and her son Ned cheering and clapping as they came into view.  Again, not wanting to labour the point but I was really touched and have to add here how much a good support Carolyn has been since the challenge started.

Energy boosting cake...

I've just come back from the sports massage that took place at Body and Mind in Mossley and it appears that my leg muscles were not in the knotty mess I presumed they would be in.  It was good and I'll go again before the challenge is over.  They've got a great set up and really friendly, professional staff - there is even a loyalty scheme in place, so I'd recommend it.  Their website is http://www.bmtcentre.co.uk/

I dedicate today's run to Ryan Welton (see previous post).

It just leaves me to say a big thank you to everyone who has supported me, Jon and Louisa at JDRF, Those who donated to the charity, donated free running gear and discounts, joined me on the runs and offered encouragement - it's very much appreciated and will keep me going through the next 50 runs.

Today's run - 7.6 miles

Faster

A thought about the daily runs struck me this week.  What if I continued to side with caution and continued the runs on the road at an "easy pace" ?  Part of me says this is sensible, the other part says I should dispense with any idea of "playing it safe" and up the pace on every 3rd run.  This will ensure I notice the progress I'm making and be in with a good chance for a good time In Newcastle on the 18th September.  That's not to say I'm "Captain Slow" or anything - it's just something for me to consider, once I hit 30 runs tomorrow.  Having said that, I really went for it on yesterday's run - and noticed I'm getting faster when I want to be.

I'd like to offer some more "thank-you's" - first of all to Brendan Rooney, who is based in our Edinburgh office.  Brendan heard about the 100 runs through one of the SME's who have been working on a project and been spending time up there.  Brendan decided to fundraise for the JDRF by completing the Barrathon - Half Marathon around the Isle of Barra.  He did this last weekend, with a finishing time of 2 hrs, pipped by his brother by 30 mins - I'm really grateful to him - thanks Brendan.

Next "thank-you" goes to Michael from Rainbow Running, as he sent 2 of their long sleeve running tops in the post (see photo below). Thank you's are also due to Sophia Cannelli and Sarah Brown for their donations on my Justgiving site, My mate Paul Edwards for nice words of encouragement in his letter this morning, and Pat for the company and encouragement on this afternoon's off-road run. I forgot to thank Geoff and Jan at the Diggle Hotel for keeping the Helly Hansen box for me when the courier needed a signature. Richard Jones, Editor of the Saddleworth News Website has also put another post online to spread the word about be reaching 25 runs this week - thanks for this.  Last of all to Carolyn for putting up with me getting up so early, and for making the best smoothies a runner could want.

Friday's run - Diggle - Friezland - Greenfield - Higher Arthurs - Uppemill - Dobcross - Home - 6.5 miles
Today's run - Diggle - Standedge - Oldham Way - Cattleshaw Res - Pennine Bridlepath - Diggle - Home
8 miles

Looking forward to hitting the 30th tomorrow...

Full steam ahead...

May have overdone it this morning.  7.4 miles and I ran at a quicker pace knowing I was due to start earlier to conduct more ineterviews.  I'll take the dog out later to stretch out any niggles...