The running thread.

[garynortheast]

Well, no shorts and top here today. Full kit with compression base layer, warm top and running jacket, running tights, hat and gloves. It was bloody cold in places, especially the wind!

Garmin didn't record the first part of our route properly but it was close so I'll leave it alone. Can't be bothered with the faff of exporting it to correct it.

https://www.strava.com/activities/1458286579

Some pictures from this afternoon. A bit blurry from my shivering when we were stopped.

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/788/40826400732_0ccde333f8_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/25cFYyU)
Saturday afternoon run (https://flic.kr/p/25cFYyU) by garynortheast (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/), on Flickr

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/785/40826400312_fe972fd2d8_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/25cFYrE)
Saturday afternoon run (https://flic.kr/p/25cFYrE) by garynortheast (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4781/40826399442_98a3e8de93_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/25cFYbE)
Saturday afternoon run (https://flic.kr/p/25cFYbE) by garynortheast (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4784/40826399022_a9b2f05494_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/25cFY4q)
Saturday afternoon run (https://flic.kr/p/25cFY4q) by garynortheast (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/), on Flickr

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/817/40826398652_640099d2a2_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/25cFXX3)
Saturday afternoon run (https://flic.kr/p/25cFXX3) by garynortheast (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/), on Flickr

[shiftin_gear98]

Where's your snow?
Just been out for a 7.0 mile run. It was a new route, I only got lost about 3 times. Still it was good to get out.

[garynortheast]

Ha ha! We got round yesterday afternoon just as the snow was starting. The bulk of it came down overnight and it's still falling now.

How was the new route? Got any pictures of it?

[garynortheast]

Very pleasant short run this afternoon with Sioned, one of my twin daughters. First part of the run is a killer but fair play to her, she kept going. She remarked at the end how much she'd enjoyed the run and how good it made her feel.

Running twice tomorrow, both shortish runs. First one is in the morning with my canicross buddy Kate and the four dogs. Second one is in the afternoon, probably the same route, again with Kate and at least three of the dogs. This time though her two boys and my other daughter, Eleri, will be joining us for part of the route. Sioned has also said that if she's not too tired she might join us again as well. Running families!

Today's little run.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1462929125

[garynortheast]

Two runs around the same route yesterday. First one in the morning with my canicross running buddy, Kate and the four dogs. Lovely, bright and sunny run and not too chilly either.

https://www.strava.com/activities/1463824686

Second run was with Kate again when all the kids got home from school. We took Mabel and two of Kate's dogs and then met three of her brood with the fourth dog and one of my daughters about half way round. They joined us for the rest of the run.

https://www.strava.com/activities/1464960901

Running again this afternoon with my other daughter around the same three and a half mile loop. Also have a 7 miler planned for tomorrow morning, and I'm running a 10k event on Sunday.

It's becoming ever more addictive, this running malarkey!

[shiftin_gear98]

Nice good work.

[garynortheast]

You seem to be exploring a few interesting new routes Martin.

No run with Sioned this afternoon after all. We all had a bit of a late night last night and Sioned came home from school a bit too tired to run. That's fine though as it means I have at least had a rest day before our longer run tomorrow.

[shiftin_gear98]

Yeah the Manuden one is a keeper, not so sure about the other one yet. I'll give it another go and see if it flows a bit better when I don't get lost so many times. It'll be good to see if there is a way of not having to go through a hedge! I got out for a run Tuesday as you saw, tested my new compression socks - they were ok. Hoping to go tomorrow when I get back from work. However time is a little short as my missus is off out. Then I can test my new waste band bottle holder thing I picked up in Decathlon. These longer runs are getting a little thirsty, especially when it warms up.

[garynortheast]

I know what you mean about the need for liquid on the longer runs. Generally I try and avoid carrying anything other than a small pouch for phone (for the camera), but as the runs get longer and the weather warms up I'll have to start carrying a water bottle again.

The Canicross belt I run in has no pockets or pouches which is how I like it, but I may have to consider a second one with some storage/carrying facilities for the summer. I'm entered into the Goldrush Trail (http://www.runcoedybrenin.com/events-at-coed-y-brenin/goldrush-trail/) on 21st April, and despite the drinks stations on the route, I'm going to need to carry water.

[shiftin_gear98]

Well I managed to squeeze in a quick run. 6.7 miles. I even set a new 10k personal best. Tried out the bottle belt, to be honest it was just as annoying as the camelback I tried a while ago. Bounces all over the place, I'll give it another try before I condemn it. Just glad it was cheap.

[garynortheast]

That was a good pace on your run today considering a lot of it looked to be trail running!

I find the bottle belts (if you find a decent one) work best with the bottle at the front and the belt done up quite tightly. I have one or two here that are like yours, and bounce around and rotate. They don't get used any more!

Got my longer (for me) run in today. Should have been 7 miles but the Garmin missed the first little bit off for some reason. It was a loop I used to do quite a lot but it's been several months since I last did it. I remembered today what a nice route it is, even though a couple of miles of it are, of necessity, tarmac albeit little used single lane back roads. A lot of the trail was very muddy which does slow things down a bit. However I got a pretty decent time door to door, so I'm happy with that.

I shall rest up a bit tomorrow in prep for Sundays 10k event.

https://www.strava.com/activities/1467163048

[shiftin_gear98]

I had planned to go out this morning but some fish I ate yesterday decided to mess with those plans. It really wouldn't be a good idea to chance it. I'm hoping I get out to run later this evening. Good luck with your race.

[garynortheast]

Just back from a great little event, the Myddle Multi Terrain fun run (https://www.facebook.com/groups/649835155143932/) over the border in Shropshire. This is organised each year by the staff and PTA of the village school and it's a really enjoyable event. The scrupulous organisation and attention to detail would put one or two bigger organisations to shame. Lovely varied course, including plenty of mud and the obligatory killer hill or two, and free hot drinks and cakes for all the participants (although Sioned and I didn't have cake as we're both vegan and the cakes weren't!)

Pretty pleased with my placing of 11th out of 63 runners in the 10k race, and happy with my pace and run time too. A very enjoyable morning.

Strava stuff here (https://www.strava.com/activities/1471239151)

[garynortheast]

Hope the fish related instability has sorted itself Martin!

[shiftin_gear98]

So far so good, thankfully. I'll still skip today's run though as I'm not really feeling it now. Well done on the race. Cracking pace.

[garynortheast]

Thanks. I'm feeing it now! Got a few pictures I'll try and post tomorrow.

[garynortheast]

Some pictures of yesterdays event.

Just starting mile 2.
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/814/40984881322_8e3830407a_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/25rGejS)
Myddle18-2 (https://flic.kr/p/25rGejS) by garynortheast (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/), on Flickr

Around about mile 5 after a killer hill and with another one just around the corner!
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/817/40984880682_a61f1038f5_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/25rGe8Q)
Myddlewoods (3) (https://flic.kr/p/25rGe8Q) by garynortheast (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/), on Flickr

My wife, Marilyn on mile 2 of the 5k. She had to accompany Sioned in her race as Sioned is under 17. Sioned however, had taken off and left her by this point!
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/803/40984882012_917e5584e2_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/25rGewL)
Marilyn-Myddle (1) (https://flic.kr/p/25rGewL) by garynortheast (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/), on Flickr

The only one of my two daughters to run, Sioned, two thirds of the way around her 5k route.
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/796/40984884022_91aa51a2a2_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/25rGf8q)
Sioned-Myddle (3) (https://flic.kr/p/25rGf8q) by garynortheast (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/), on Flickr

Just finished.
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/820/40984883032_1482ae5d73_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/25rGeQm)
Finished (https://flic.kr/p/25rGeQm) by garynortheast (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/), on Flickr

Sioned post race with a very respectable mid field result, having raced against a lot of adults.
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/813/40318274764_2c8174a682_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/24qMGqm)
Sioned post-race (https://flic.kr/p/24qMGqm) by garynortheast (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/), on Flickr

Mabel with our medal!
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/790/40984882492_b228d6f9de_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/25rGeF3)
Mabel at the finish (1) (https://flic.kr/p/25rGeF3) by garynortheast (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/), on Flickr

With another canicrosser, Naomi, who I see at event quite often and who is considerably faster than me!
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/793/39218010560_7bd3d5b374_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/22KyycS)
2 canicrossers (https://flic.kr/p/22KyycS) by garynortheast (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/), on Flickr

[shiftin_gear98]

No wonder she obviously cheats. She's got two dogs pulling her along.
Best check her shoes next time to see that they aren't Heelys!!


Looks like a good family day out.

[garynortheast]

It was a cracking day, perfect weather for it too!

Out yesterday for a run with Sioned, on a route suggested by her. A really enjoyable 6¼ miles including a leg out and back which I've walked but not run before. A lovely section which follows Afon Efyrnwy towards Pontllogel and back. We'll have to do it again so I can get some pictures next time.

The longest run Sioned has done and she thoroughly enjoyed herself. She seems to have rediscovered the running bug!

Allt Dolanog-Pontllogel and back-forest (https://www.strava.com/activities/1475676014)

[shiftin_gear98]

Must be nice having a running partner, even when my boys come with me they are on their bikes, so they are both off. They then wait till I catch up then shoot off again. So not quite the same as someone actually with you running.
Managed to get out last night, and the lure of a bridleway that I have passed a few times before got the better of me. It started off really nice running through slightly muddy fields the sun was just starting to go down. Then it got dark really bloody quickly just as I got to a wooded section, which didn't help as I was lost and struggling to find the path again. When I did it took me through a stream. Which to be honest was quite refreshing! If a little soggy from then on. I was quite glad to finally get back to a track I knew.
And not get shot by a farmer for trespassing!!


I might leave the next freestyle foray for when it's not about to get dark. Apparently I ran past a watermill, which was probably quite nice, if i could have seen it!! I was glad I picked up the head torch on my way out the door or I wouldn't have made it back in time to collect my eldest from Cubs. As it was I only just got back for him.


Still It was nice to get out, especially after missing Sundays run. And due to work this week!!

[garynortheast]

I enjoy running in company I must say, but I like running solo too. Running with someone though does encourage me out of the door, especially if I have made an arrangement with them to go.

Sounds like you had a good run there. The best runs are the ones that turn into a mini adventure. We're definitely not out of head torch territory yet though.

[garynortheast]

Just over 6 miles again this afternoon with Mabel, and my friend Kate and two of her dogs. Sioned joined us for the first 4.2 miles and then took a shorter route home. Kate and I then met up with my other daughter Eleri, and three of Kates kids, with the fourth dog, to finish he last two miles.

The ground had dried out quite a bit, so not as muddy as before, but a lot colder. It also started raining while we were crossing the windiest and most exposed part of our run!

A very enjoyable run, and it's interesting to see how the pace is starting to pick up now as the others are starting to build fitness and stamina. I'm having to do more than just amble at a leisurely pace now!

Todays route and stats on Strava (https://www.strava.com/activities/1478503216)

[garynortheast]

Had a run with my other daughter, Eleri, today. We're looking after one of my friends dogs so we had a dog each to run with. A very pleasant 4.7 miles, and particularly pleasing as Eleri had all but stopped running. Hoping to encourage her gently to keep it up.

My run with Eleri today (https://www.strava.com/activities/1481996982)

[shiftin_gear98]

I managed to get out yesterday afternoon. I was itching too as I missed my Friday run, due to family stuff. Glad I did get out as I now have the early stage of manflu. So hopefully that won't impact too much on this week's efforts. 9.3 miles. Wells Next the Sea. Yep currently enjoying the rain in North Norfolk. Posted run pics on Strava.

[garynortheast]

Wow, you had everything on that run, rivers, stately homes, the beach! Looks like a great run.

I was supposed to run with Sioned today but we have postponed it until tomorrow as I'm not well and I don't want to risk going out in the crap weather we have and making myself even more unwell. My canicross companion from up the lane can't go either so we've all agreed to do an early run in the morning.

[garynortheast]

Short run for me on Wednesday. First one since this vile cold hit me so I was being cautious. It started cloudy although dry but something about the look of it made us take waterproofs. Glad we did too as by the time we got back it was peeing down.
Wednesdays run (https://www.strava.com/activities/1491369465)

Was going to go for a longer run early this morning but my running buddy has tweaked her back, so we've postponed it till tomorrow afternoon. It's a favourite route of mine so I'm looking forward to it.

[shiftin_gear98]

I got out yesterday as I felt shocking all week. My missus kept asking me if I was OK, as I looked like **** as well as felt like it. Normally I get no sympathy. I was glad to get out, even if it wore me out for most of the morning. 7.1 miles. Tried to upload pics to Strava but reception is rubbish here.

[garynortheast]

If your cold/flu thing was like the one I'm recovering from then I know how you feel. It was pretty horrible!

Never got back in time for my run this afternoon but I have one organised for tomorrow morning with a bunch of the other Powys Canicross folk. Really looking forward to this, four or five of us with dogs (up to eight of them) and a run of anything up to 7 or 8 muddy miles of trails and lanes. I shall post pictures!
9am start!

[garynortheast]

Truly stunning early morning run this morning. Out with my running buddy Kate and all of the dogs at 7am. Birdsong, sun coming up through the mist, warmth, and fabulous general scenery. What a way to start the day!
This mornings run. (https://www.strava.com/activities/1499101187)

[shiftin_gear98]

Nice, better than my morning - commute to work in the rain!
I think I might have mullered the tendon in my left foot. It's been a tad sore for a month or so now, but I don't think it liked the Norfolk runs as much as I did. Hence I didn't get out Sunday, I was too busy limping.


It comes and goes, mainly sore in the morning when I wake up.


Still I expect I'll go stir crazy in a couple of days and go out anyway!

[garynortheast]

Don't knacker that tendon! Give it a chance to heal properly, maybe a few shorter runs for a while.

We have quite a few runs starting to happen here now, some our regular runs, and some through the recently set up Powys Canicross group. Weather permitting, my running buddy and I are heading out at around 5.15am tomorrow to do the 7 mile loop to Pontrobert and back. This allows us to be back before our various kids need to be up and off to school. On Friday we're heading for Coed y brenin for a pre-race recce of the Goldrush trail. We, along with several other Powys Canicross members, are signed up for the 8.5 mile Goldrush trail race on 21st April. Sunday afternoon is a Canicross Powys social run of 5 - 7 miles in the grounds of Gregynog Hall, and then a night time run with the group on Tuesday evening.

Should keep us busy!

[shiftin_gear98]

That will keep you busy, there are a couple of 10k's coming up here in the next month or so, I hope to do a couple. Yeah I don't really want to push my ankle too much at the moment. I might give it a week and try a shorter one again.
Wish I could go for a run in the mornings, however starting work at 7 - 7.30 puts a spanner in that though.
I'm not getting up at 5am for a run. Not yet anyway.

[garynortheast]

Fantastic early morning run this morning. My running buddy, Kate, arrived with two of her dogs, Sooty and Dangermouse, at 5.30am. I was ready with Mabel all harnessed up, so set the Garmin and off we went. We could only just see where we were going for the first 10 minutes or so, and running through the muddy sections was entertaining! But as it started to lighten, so our view improved, and at the same time the birds woke up. We heard the dawn chorus from first tweets right through to it's glorious crescendo. Real life affirming stuff and the perfect way to start the day!

We did seven miles altogether, accompanied by the sound of the river for most of the distance, and saw not another person all the way round.

Up there in my top ten of running adventures.

Our early morning run (https://www.strava.com/activities/1501892256)

[garynortheast]

Well bugger! Missed my run in Coed y brenin due to a mix of domestic crisis for my co runner Kate and foul weather. Didn't fancy driving a round trip of 60 odd miles in peeing rain to run in peeing rain! :-(

Made up for it this morning with a sunny, warm run of 6.5 miles with Mabel, and Sioned, one of my daughters. First time out in shorts and T shirt this year for me! Lovely.

Run over the allt, by the river, and through the woods. (https://www.strava.com/activities/1507555761)

Hope the weather holds for our group social run tomorrow.

[shiftin_gear98]

Shame about your run, these things do happen sometimes. I don't think I would have driven 60odd miles to run in the rain. I had planned a tentative run this morning, but it was another of my missus friends 40ths last night. Although I didn't intend to drink I seem to be the wrong side of sober this morning. Ah well another day of resting the ankle. At least I'm not still bouncing off the ceiling every time something touches it.

[garynortheast]

It sounds like you should be resting the ankle for a week or so, with nothing more than some gentle stretching exercises. Don't make the mistake I've made in the past by running too soon and making it worse!

Powys Canicross social run this afternoon. Except that I got the times wrong and Mabel and I did it on our own as we were 45 minutes late arriving. Nice 3.5 mile loop and caught up with everyone in the cafe afterwards.
Run at Gregynog. (https://www.strava.com/activities/1510336179)

Need to try and get a couple of 10 mile runs in this week. I may well make another attempt to get to Coed y brenin and run the Goldrush Trail in advance of Saturday's race.

[garynortheast]

Slightly longer run this morning with my running buddy, a route I've done several times so far but a bit further along to the next village. We're heading to Coed y brenin on Wednesday morning all being well, for our look at the trail we'll be running on Saturday.

Our 8 and a bit miler this morning (https://www.strava.com/activities/1512046263).

[shiftin_gear98]

You are putting me to shame, the ankle is a lot better than it was. I plan to go for a short run on Friday.
Missing it quite badly.

[garynortheast]

Glad your ankle is healing up Martin, don't be tempted to go at it to soon though, and when you do try and ease back in with a few short, slow runs on level ground first. I'd also say, stay off the tarmac and hard surface. Trails and paths are much kinder to your joints, and the movement at the ankle as a result of the uneven nature of trails strengthens ankles. When I did my ankle a couple of years back, the physiotherapist gave me a couple of exercises to do. One was trying to stand unsupported on each foot in turn with my eyes closed. The second was hopping about in random directions on each foot. Great ankle strengthening exercises.

Well, I've given up trying to get an advance run at Coed y brenin. Stuff just keeps getting in the way, so I'll go on Saturday and just do the event. It will of course mean a post race visit to the excellent cafe and visitor centre there to eat cake, drink tea, and then go to the shop there to look at all the nice cycling and running kit I can't afford!

Out for another run last night with three of the Powys Canicross folk. A bit of a social run at a gentle pace, in consideration for one of the group who was out on her second ever run. We set of at 7pm and did almost the whole distance in daylight pretty much, only needing a headtorch for the last quarter of a mile of road back into the village.

Powys Canicross social run
(https://www.strava.com/activities/1514800764)

Got to run with my girls this evening. We usually get together with my running pal and her kids, and my two to do a loop near the village. One of my girls, Sioned, is more serious about her running than her sister, Eleri, so she'll come round on the longer version of the run. We'll meet Eleri, and Kate's crew about halfway round for the second part of the run.

This is going to be my fifth consecutive day of running. I'm going to have Thursday and Friday off of running to give myself a chance to recover ready for what looks like being a pretty gruelling event on Saturday.

[garynortheast]

Goldrush Trail 2018 done. Fantastic event but a tough 8.5 mile course, made harder by 22 degrees of heat! It was brilliantly organised for both unaccompanied runners and canicrossers alike. They had really thought about the needs of the dogs running in the event, with extra drinks stations laid on around the course. I also stopped several times where there were streams and pools to get Mabel in and wet to keep her cool. She was a star though and never flagged once.
2018 Goldrush Trail Canicross (https://www.strava.com/activities/1522889916).

A couple of pictures.

Mabel looking pretty relaxed before the start.
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/867/27748237888_0b63a24120_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Jh1YoC)
Mabel (https://flic.kr/p/Jh1YoC) by garynortheast (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/), on Flickr

Just clearing the top of a particularly hard climb!
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/877/27748238468_9b60e8a6f8_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Jh1YyC)goldrush2018 (https://flic.kr/p/Jh1YyC) by garynortheast10002011 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/), on Flickr

Next event is the 2 Lakes trail race (http://walkrunclwydian.co.uk/event/2-lakes-trail-races). Mabel and I will be running the 10k canicross event.

[shiftin_gear98]

Well done, looks quite warm.
I managed to get out this morning for the first run. Both boys came with me. 4.9 miles. But a much more relaxed pace. Bluebells are just starting to come out. Ankle a bit tender but OK.

[shiftin_gear98]

Got out for a 5.5 mile loop round Hatfield Forest last night. Again ankle a bit tender but OK.

[garynortheast]

I'd be a bit cautious with that ankle. Is it ligament? Tendon? Muscular?

[shiftin_gear98]

No idea, I think probably tendon. When I was bouncing off the ceiling when something touched it, it was the back of my ankle just above where I believe the Achilles tendon would join the heel bone.


It only aches a bit just after a run, and first thing in the morning if I'm honest. But right now I can prod away with no pain or twinge. Unlike before, two weeks of no running seems to have helped.


I do plan to ease back into it, shorter runs and a bit more of a rest in between.

[garynortheast]

Ah, sounds like it's mending then. Couple of ankle and ligament strengthening exercises I was given by physio when I injured my ankle. 1. Stand, unsupported on each foot in turn with your eyes closed and try and maintain your balance for as long as possible. 2. Hop in random directions, backwards, forwards, and sideways on each foot in turn.

Out for the first time this morning since Saturday's Goldrush event. Did 8 miles over the allt and out along the river and back. Lovely route.
The morning run (https://www.strava.com/activities/1530997490)

When the girls came home from school Eleri and I went out again and ran with my friend and her two sons. Kate and I ran over the allt and then met up with Eleri, Robert, and William for the second half of our 3.7 mile route.
The afternoon run (https://www.strava.com/activities/1531253051)

Pretty decent total mileage for the day I thought.

The plan for Friday is another of our very early morning runs.

[garynortheast]

Out at 5.30 this morning for a run with Mabel and my friend with her two dogs. Great run, her speed is picking up now that she's getting back into regular running. Seven mile loop down the river to the next village and back up the other side. We saw not another soul all the way, and got back before the rain started.
Dolanog - Pontrobert - Dolanog (https://www.strava.com/activities/1534375021).

[garynortheast]

Another loop down the river to Pontrobert and back on Tuesday with Mabel, and my running buddy and two of her dogs. Warm and sunny all the way round, easier going too with the ground having dried up quite a bit.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1543776006

Out again yesterday afternoon after school with one of my daughters, and my running buddy and her two sons. Just a short loop this time. The eldest lad and my girl want to run a second time each week now so we will have to try and fit that in.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1546615581


Back out again this morning for one of our very early morning runs. Out at 5.30am for a run along the river but in the opposite direction this time. To Pontllogel and back finishing with a section through the forest to bring us back home in time for breakfast, and to get our respective offspring ready for school.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1546615601

No more running now till Saturday when I'm competing in a 10k canicross at Llyn Brenig and Llyn Alwen in Clwyd. I'll be running with two dogs this time, Mabel and one of my running buddy Kate's dogs, Sooty, who we are dogsitting for this weekend. Sooty is actually being fostered by Kate until a permanent home is found for her. The regular running and socialisation has made a huge difference to her general attitude. She's a much calmer, settled, and more friendly dog now. Still, it'll be interesting to see how she copes with a race, surrounded by loads of other dogs. I shall be maintaining a distance between her and the other dogs until I see how she copes!

I'm looking forward to this event, looks like a good course!

[shiftin_gear98]

Good effort lately. You are really racking up the miles.
I'm getting crankier and crankier due to limited running. And not enjoying work at the moment.
Really looking forward to getting back out there.
My ankle is way better than it was. Now that my twinged back is easing off too. I hope to try and get out tomorrow after work.
More miles more smiles.

[garynortheast]

Good effort lately. You are really racking up the miles.
I'm getting crankier and crankier due to limited running. And not enjoying work at the moment.
Really looking forward to getting back out there.
My ankle is way better than it was. Now that my twinged back is easing off too. I hope to try and get out tomorrow after work.
More miles more smiles.

I'm really enjoying doing the runs, and these very early morning ones are sublime.

I get the same crankiness/anxiety/restlessness if I don't run for a while too. I find the mild bouts of depression to which I'm occasionally prone, kick in more often as well. Running is such a help to my general mental well being, so I know where you're coming from there.

More miles, more smiles - absolutely!

[shiftin_gear98]

Wow that was a bit warmer than expected. Really glad I took a drink. Hit a wall at 4.2 miles, but plodded on. 8.1miles total. Body knackered mind and soul ready for another day. Ankle was all OK.
Someone seems to have been out growing stinging nettles since my last outing. They were everywhere.

[garynortheast]

The stings are reputed to be good for rheumatism!


Well done on the run, glad your ankle is holding up ok.


Just discovered my race is actually Sunday not Saturday. Glad I found that out otherwise I may have had a very long wait for the start!

[shiftin_gear98]

That could have been a little annoying. Make sure you have plenty of fluid. Good luck.

[shiftin_gear98]

4.7 miles this morning with the boys.

[garynortheast]

Were the boys running or cycling? Well done to them either way.

Did my 2 Lakes Trail Race at Llyn Brenig today. It was HOT! Cracking 10k route though in spectacular scenery. I ran with two dogs, Mabel, and Sooty who we were dogsitting for this weekend. They took off like greased lightening at the start and I had to really stride out to keep up!

Had a stop at the water station for us all to have a drink, and poured cold water over the dogs to keep them a little cooler.

Pretty happy with my time, although the average pace for the last 0.25 miles would have been much better if I'd remembered to stop the Garmin when I crossed the finish line. Duh! Just waiting for the official results to go live.

2 Lakes Trail Race 2018 (https://www.strava.com/activities/1554591923)

[shiftin_gear98]

The boys were riding, I think the eldest could probably do a 5 miler, he has represented his school running on more than one occasion. However he would be knackered for the rest of the day. The other one, he's more of a sprinter. He's also quite lazy - getting him out on the bike is a mission.
I'm hoping that they build up a bit of strength and endurance from riding the bikes and I can get them to run one day. Wish I could actually run with the missus, but one of us always has to be at home with the kids.


Looking at your splits for that race I can see the dog assisted start. You were flying they must have seen a rabbit!

[garynortheast]

Well at least your boys are out getting some exercise in the fresh air. As they get older it may well move from cycling to running as it did with my girls. They go through phases with it.

The dogs really get their competitive heads on in a canicross race. It was mildly terrifying at that pace. They were really going for it, wanting to be up with the front runners.
The 10k canicross started separately from the 10k unaccompanied race. There were 72 10k runners altogether including canix. I was 13th overall with a chip time of 53m55s and 6th out of 20 canix runners. I'm really quite happy with that as a result.

Hoping to get out later this evening with Mabel for a run with my friend and her hounds. It'll probably be a headtorch job by the time we get back though as we're not setting off till about 8.15pm. I was originally going to run this morning but to be honest, my calves have only just started to loosen up properly now. I may well put the compression calf sleeves on though to be on the safe side.

[garynortheast]

Never got my evening run yesterday, worked till 9.45, so I went out this morning instead. Much cooler than the weekend and not much sun, but a good run of 5.7 miles anyway. My calves are still quite stiff from Saturdays race so I put the calf compression sleeves on which definitely helped.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1559568086

I'm back out this afternoon after school, with one of my daughters, and my running buddy Kate with her boys and all the dogs. Just a short run though, probably about 3 miles, and it'll be at a gentle pace.

Planning on an evening run tomorrow too. We'll make this a longer run I think, so we'll need headtorches as it's going to be getting dark by the time we get back.

[shiftin_gear98]

Missed my Tuesday eve run as I was at the docs for an 20.40pm appointment. Looks like I'll not get to go Friday after work as the missus is going out. So stressing and losing my sanity this week. Still golden lining - my ankle is getting a rest!

[garynortheast]

Still golden lining - my ankle is getting a rest!

No bad thing that!

[garynortheast]

Another early morning run today; out at 5.30 for a 7 mile loop to Pontrobert and back. Went with Mabel, and my running buddy Kate with and her two dogs. A good run and the pace is picking up now as Kate's fitness improves.

https://www.strava.com/activities/1564046024

[garynortheast]

Early morning run again although at the more civilised time of 7am. Just under 8 miles of gorgeous trails, and back home again for breakfast before it got too warm.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1570079924

Have you managed to run this weekend Martin?

**Edit**

Just spotted your Strava log. Good distance and pace there. Looks like a nice run too.

[shiftin_gear98]

Yeah I managed to get out yesterday morning. As it was my only run for the week I pushed the distance a little 10.2 miles.
I tried the loop I did before that I got really lost on, the one I ended up going through a hedge to get back on track. This time I kept a closer look at my phone for the first few miles. I actually found the path I should have taken before! So the first few miles were a bit slower than they could have been as I kept stopping to check where the hell I was. I sped up on the later section as it's one I have done numerous times before. Plus there were quite a few other runners out there and I couldn't let the side down.


And 7am is just about civilised!

[garynortheast]

That was a good long run. How is your ankle holding up then now?

Absolutely sublime run early this morning. Out at 5.30am again under a crystal blue sky and gorgeous, sharply defined scenery. Just glorious, and well worth prising myself out of bed in order to be out there.
Just wish I'd gone to bed a bit earlier last night though as I found the run physically harder than normal.
Tuesday's early morning run (https://www.strava.com/activities/1573706596)

Running with all the youngsters from both families tomorrow after school, and probably another early morning run on Thursday.

We have a Powys Canicross social run at 6.30 on Saturday morning. It'll be at a gentle pace with stops for photos, and between 5 and 7 miles, finished off with coffee and cake for everyone when we get back to the village. Should be good fun.

[garynortheast]

Out for a short, gentle run with Eleri, one of my daughters, on Wednesday. Good to see her getting back into the running again.

Wednesday's run with Eleri (https://www.strava.com/activities/1576376568).

Out again this morning for a nice early run. Absolutely gorgeous out there! Slightly later start and a shorter distance as we have another run tomorrow morning.

Friday morning early run in the sun :-) (https://www.strava.com/activities/1579475691)

[garynortheast]

Great social run at 6.30 this morning with a couple of the other members of Powys Canicross. Just under 7 miles in beautiful sunshine and glorious scenery. I do love running and walking around here.

Saturday social run with Powys Canicross (https://www.strava.com/activities/1581377061)

[shiftin_gear98]

I got out on Friday after work , however it was too hot and there were way too many flies. Swollowing one didn't help either. Not great when you can feel it in the back of your throat. Thankfully I had a drink with me. Got out again this morning, a much nicer run. No flies! 9.7 miles. According to Strava I set a new 5k, 10k, and 15k personal best. Not too shabby then. Spent this afternoon at Nuclear Races. Alas I wasn't running, the kids all did though. They all did brilliantly. I'm definitely doing it either in Sept or next year. Looked great fun. Think I might really push myself and try the 12k event.

[garynortheast]

Mornings are definitely the best time. I love the fresh feel at that time of the day, everything seems sort of unspoilt and new.

Brilliant, well done on the PBs. I've never set 3 in one day like that! Well done to the kids as well.

What are the Nuclear Races?

[garynortheast]

OK, just found the website. Don't fancy that at all! I'm afraid I'm a bit of a running puritan!

[shiftin_gear98]

I figured I should at least give it a go as it's only 20 odd minutes away. Did look pretty good exercise. They all looked shattered as well as covered in mud from head to toe!

[DarrenSV650S]

A mixture of too much caffeine, not having work tomorrow and it being way too hot to sleep anyway, made me just go for my first run of the year. Only did 1.5 miles so I don't knacker my muscles. Feels good though. I need to start getting out regularly

[garynortheast]

Good man Darren.

Even on short runs make sure you stretch/warm up before running, and gentle stretches afterwards. I caused myself so many injuries in the early days through not warming up a little before running.

[shiftin_gear98]

Wahoo!
Finally someone else got off their ****.
Well Done Darren. Welcome to the rather exclusive running thread - (as everyone else is too bloody lazy) :grin:


I was thinking it was just going to be Gary and me.
Darren, take it easy to start with, and build up. Don't muller your ankle like I did.
It's still a tad sore after yesterdays efforts.

[DarrenSV650S]

Yeah I did lots of stretching. Cool girl on here taught me about that years ago. I had a long cool down walk after too.

[shiftin_gear98]

Managed to get out this evening. It was a bit hard going as I ran after dinner. Roast with all the trimmings. Yum.
Managed 5.7 miles - think I just about burnt off dinner.

[garynortheast]

Ooof! Sounds painful running on that lot. Hope you kept it down.....

[shiftin_gear98]

Yeah it was a little slow going to start with. But I really wanted to get out. So had been thinking about it all day. I forgot about the roast dinner, and didn't fancy ****ing my missus off. Cooking that lot wasn't a 10 min job.
I actually managed to get round without a stitch. Don't fancy doing it again though.

[garynortheast]

I was going to head out for a run yesterday evening but my running buddy messaged to say she couldn't go so we went on one of our early morning runs today. Just as well really as I scoffed a big plate of veggie korma and rice quite late on yesterday and I might have been struggling after that!

Good run this morning though, out at 5.40am, back home by a tad after 7am to tea and porridge, and the whole day ahead of me.

Early morning run to Pontrobert and back. (https://www.strava.com/activities/1592836994)

[shiftin_gear98]

Wish I could go in the morning, but it would have to be stupid early, I'm at work at 7 with a 30 minute hoon to get here. Pity.

[garynortheast]

Ah, that's a shame. Early morning runs, especially at this time of the year, are just sublime.

[DarrenSV650S]

Another 1.5 miles tonight. Had to stop half way again to catch my breath. My throat gets really sore running outside for some reason. Doesn't happen in the gym

[garynortheast]

Do you take any water with you Darren?

[DarrenSV650S]

No. That might be why

[shiftin_gear98]

Are you swallowing all those midges?

[DarrenSV650S]

Haha the flies have died off a bit now thank god

[garynortheast]

Water definitely, especially now that it's warming up (allegedly!).

[DarrenSV650S]

I took a little bottle of water tonight and managed the whole way round without stopping :)

[garynortheast]

Great stuff. Are you logging your runs on Strava?

[DarrenSV650S]

Na I'm not really fussed about that

[shiftin_gear98]

Got out this morning with Nora. We did our normal Sunday morning loop. 5.1 miles.

[garynortheast]

Set out at 7am today for what was meant to be a long run. Got half a mile out and this really unpleasant pain developed between my shoulder blades. Running down hill was the worst, heavier foot fall I think. Ended up doing just 2.7 miles, mostly at a very slow jog or walking pace. :-( Walking is fine, running most definitely isn't.

Hope it doesn't last too long, I have a race in a week and a half.

[shiftin_gear98]

That doesn't sound too pleasant. Sounds like you need a hot bath. I hope it passes soon.
I'm hoping to get out this evening. My sanity needs it.

[shiftin_gear98]

Didn't make it out last night, way too much chaos going on when I got home with the kids off. Dinner duties called and the look in my missus's eyes were not the type where you just bugger off and leave her to do it alone.


Randomly I woke up at 5.30 - well the little one was coughing - for a moment I thought about going then. However looking out the window at the fog and drizzle soon put me off that idea. So I got back in bed.


Hopefully soon though.


Gary - How's the back? Any better?

[garynortheast]

It's fine when I'm walking about Martin. I might try a little jog up the lane later and see if it's righted itself. I had a couple of twinges from it last week when I was out running. Each time I stopped to open one of the several gates I go through on the trails here, I would get this slight pain between the shoulder blades, but once I got moving again it was ok. Yesterday was much more severe though.
I'm wondering if it might have something to do with me having been using a brush cutter up on our steep, bramble covered patch behind the house. I'm trying to recover what was my veg garden, and it has involved some pretty heavy work with the brush cutter. Now I think about it, my back problem only started when I began using it. I suspect I have the harness poorly adjusted and I'm taking the load on my arms and upper body.

If it stops raining later I'll try another short run.

[shiftin_gear98]

Finally got out, just got back from a 5.5 mile sweatathon. I'm knackered. It's far to hot out there. I think I just lost half my body weight. Shame most of it went in my eyes. I now know why I should run with water and not squash. My missus said I should get an 80's headband. She was taking the ****. I think she might be on to something!
Shes also said to pick a sports watch for fathers day! Last year I think I got socks. So I'll have to see what I can get away with. Any recommendations? I quite like the look of the Tomtom Runner 3.

[garynortheast]

Out this morning at around 7am with my running buddy. Very slow, very cautious run in very muggy conditions. My back was mostly ok, although I had to walk down one steep section. I was aware of it twingeing in the background though.

Slow cautious run to Pontllogel and back (https://www.strava.com/activities/1610155100)

Good pace on your run this afternoon Martin, especially given the hot, muggy weather!

[shiftin_gear98]

Oh yeah.
Bloody stinging nettles. My legs are burning ��.

[garynortheast]

Oh yeah.
Bloody stinging nettles. My legs are burning ��.

Nettle stings are apparently good for rheumatism!

[shiftin_gear98]

Got out this morning, 9.1 sweaty miles. Good but knackering.

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1750/28659245798_b4a872ce6f_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/KEw8iy)One from this morning. (https://flic.kr/p/KEw8iy) by martin cockerell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/155901659@N02/), on Flickr

[garynortheast]

Just spotted your post about a sports watch Martin. I'm using a second hand Garmin Forerunner 110 which does everything I want. Cost me £18 on ebay and works perfectly!

Good distance this morning then, especially given the heat/humidity!

Hoping to run tomorrow morning early before it gets too warm. I think it'll be one of my 5.30am starts.....

[shiftin_gear98]

Got out this evening. 7.0 miles. Lovely evening for a run.
Gary I hope your back has settled down.