The running thread.

[garynortheast]

This is for all the runners of the org, of whom I suspect there are a fair number. Tell us about your runs, where you run, log your PBs, tell us what kit you use and why, what clubs or groups you run with etc. Pictures of run routes etc would be a bonus!

I started running just a bit less than 4 years ago when I was not far off of 60. I did a parkrun in Shrewsbury and was hooked. I run mostly trails/offroad and always with my running buddy, Mabel the lurcher. We run canix style with a specialised running belt, lead, and harness, and we've clocked up hundreds of miles together.

I've used various trail running shoes over the last 4 years, New Balance, Saucony, and currently a surprisingly decent pair of Karrimor shoes with a pretty aggressive outsole to cope with the very muddy conditions around here at the moment. I have one pair of little used Everlast road shoes which only ever get worn at Shrewsbury parkrun. These days when I do parkrun it tends to be at Erddig near Wrexham as it is pretty much all trail which suits me better than the hard paths in the Quarry at Shrewsbury.
My running clothing is a mix of Ronhill, Alpkit, Karrimor, Higher State, and Aldi(!), most of it budget/mid-priced stuff, but on the whole none the worse for it.

I have up until now used a variety of phone apps for tracking my runs, but have finally, after a few syncing problems, given in and acquired a second hand Garmin Forerunner 110. It's fairly basic but is efficient and does what I want from a tracking device. It was an ebay bargain, sniped for £18.30 posted. I've just set up Garmin Express on the PC and enabled it to sync automatically to Strava. I shall try it out for the first time on Sunday morning when Mabel and I go for a run with another canicrossng friend and her two dogs.

I know there are other runners out there so let's hear from you, I'm genuinely interested to know about other folks running activities, so post away!

[Talking Heads]

King Street Aberdeen outside Morrisons, nearly missed the number 1 bus to Garthdee, I must have been at least 50 yards away.

[Red ones]

I used to run. I wore running shoes and tight leg things. Did a half marathon a couple of years ago in a reasonable (I thought) time and then continued doing 5 or 10 km runs until one day I ran across the road for a bottle of ketchup at the local shop. Tore ligament and cartilage in my knee and been advised not to run again!

:-(

[garynortheast]

My usual 3.5 mile loop today.https://www.strava.com/activities/1327803305
Felt like I was carrying a lot of extra weight today, after yesterdays over indulgence, not helped by a climb of 370ft in the first half mile.
Still not a bad time in the end at 33.33, despite the muddy conditions.

[garynortheast]

Good start to the new year with a 10km run at the Chirk castle Trust10k. Really well attended event with a good number of other canicrossers running.
Haven't uploaded the result yet from my Garmin to Strava but it was around 50 minutes on a very muddy course.

We have a new local Canicross Powys group just started over here and it was good to meet up with a couple of the members at Chirk this morning.

[garynortheast]

Very muddy, slushy, slippery run last Friday 29th December. 5 miles of hard going just trying to stay upright, but enjoyable for all that!
https://www.strava.com/activities/1331575929

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4591/38795781604_4121869ec4_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/227fwfh)
muddyrun_dec29 (2)_rszd (https://flic.kr/p/227fwfh) by garynortheast10002011 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4682/38795780244_d364a35707_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/227fvQQ)
muddyrun_dec29 (3)_rszd (https://flic.kr/p/227fvQQ) by garynortheast10002011 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4684/38795779154_6dd9dcffe7_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/227fvw3)
muddyrun_dec29 (4)_rszd (https://flic.kr/p/227fvw3) by garynortheast10002011 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4686/38795778024_a98e5782b2_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/227fvby)
muddyrun_dec29 (5)_rszd (https://flic.kr/p/227fvby) by garynortheast10002011 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4635/38795776524_5ff73721ac_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/227fuJG)
muddyrun_dec29 (6)_rszd (https://flic.kr/p/227fuJG) by garynortheast10002011 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4641/38795785644_3e3c73677a_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/227fxrW)
muddyrun_dec29 (7)_rszd (https://flic.kr/p/227fxrW) by garynortheast10002011 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4591/38795783924_65a707aa51_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/227fwWh)
muddyrun_dec29 (1)_rszd (https://flic.kr/p/227fwWh) by garynortheast10002011 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/), on Flickr

[shiftin_gear98]

I went for a run last night - now I'm limping. D'oh.
It looks much nicer where you are running.

[garynortheast]

Are you running on trails or tarmac SG?

[shiftin_gear98]

Normally trails - last night was tarmac. First run in awhile - probably why the limp.

[garynortheast]

If it's muscular/tendon/ligament rather than skeletal try using some of these https://www.hillysocks.com/revive-compression-calf-sleeve or the full leg versions.

When I first started running a few years back I suffered a series of leg injuries, mostly in my calves. These helped hugely to prevent any more injuries.

Wear them while you're running and leave them on for about half an hour afterwards.


Proper warm up/warm down before and after running helps too.

[garynortheast]

Back to the regular morning run today. Wet and muddy but still enjoyable, and I never tire of the views on the way round, especially from the higher ground.

https://www.strava.com/activities/1341707172

[garynortheast]

Erddig parkrun again for me this morning in 25m19s. Can't really get anything approaching my pb of 23m02s at Shrewsbury parkrun as there are too many congestion points on the first 1.5 miles at Erddig parkrun. I do love running at Erddig though as it's mostly trails and doesn't punish my leg joints like tarmac.

https://www.strava.com/activities/1343475866

[garynortheast]

Cold out this morning on my regular route but good to be out. Wish I'd taken a camera with me though as the views from the top of the allt were truly stunning. Sun rising over pinky orange topped puddles of mist in the valley.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1349768508

[garynortheast]

Good parkrun at Erddig near Wrecsam last Saturday. Lots there, nearly 290 runners. I was the first one running with a dog to finish in 43rd place. Still didn't beat my pb for Erddig though....
https://www.strava.com/activities/1355837312

[shiftin_gear98]

Finally got out this morning. 5 1/2 miles. Even snowed.

[garynortheast]

Finally got out this morning. 5 1/2 miles. Even snowed.

Great stuff SG. You did better than me then.

Work and end of year accounts getting in the way currently, but hoping to get out with Mabel the lurcher tomorrow morning, with a friend and her two dogs. Be a slow one probably as she's recovering from a bout of pneumonia!

Do you use Strava to track your runs?

[shiftin_gear98]

No, I used to use map my run. But I got fed up lugging my phone around. Basically I have two loops from my house. Both around the 5 and a bit mile mark.

[garynortheast]

Know what you mean about the phone. I sniped a Garmin 110 for the grand price of £18 posted on ebay. Much better solution, lot less faffing about. I miss having the phone now though for the camera! I'll probably end up with a bumbag on again to carry the phone, especially on social runs.

[garynortheast]

First run since last Wednesday and not too shoddy a time, although looking at past runs on this route, I have one which is a whole minute faster. I have some work to do!
https://www.strava.com/activities/1369463343

[shiftin_gear98]

That's a bit of a climb right off the bat.

[garynortheast]

It's a bit of a challenge! Good bit about it is that when I get to the top of that really sharp climb I have a really nice cruise across fairly flat, and quite springy ground for the next half a mile or so.
I'll take a picture of the serious bit next time I'm out.

[shiftin_gear98]

Got out for my first night run in I don't know how long last night. Only 3 miles but got to test my new slightly dazzling jacket the missus got me. Reacts to light, looks grey until shined upon then I practically glow. Still it worked as I was running down an unlit road when a car came the other way. They slowed down with plenty of time. Well worth looking like a freak. Could be a bit more breathable, as it was raining and I was still sweating. Still will help lose the extra pounds gained over the festive eatathon.

[garynortheast]

I've yet to do a nightrun but I've just bought one of these in preparation.
https://www.alpkit.com/products/gamma-3
It's retina destroyingly bright on full power with an excellent penetration and spread of light, and, at £19, a bargain. It looks and feels very well made.

Hoping to get out for a run tomorrow morning with a canicross friend. She's bringing all three of her dogs down with her and we'll run with two dogs each on split running leads. She's fostering a rescued lurcher at the moment so I may have him to run with Mabel, my lurcher.

[garynortheast]

That hill! Or at least the steepest section of it. There's a quarter of a mile of less steep gradient behind me at this point, and another 150yds beyond the brow visible in the picture.

The dog in the picture is the collie known as Dangermouse. He's one of the two dogs belonging to my running companion, and regularly runs with us.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4659/28115940139_fcd0ef8a9b_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/JQvxsB)
that_hill... (1)rszd (https://flic.kr/p/JQvxsB) by garynortheast10002011 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/), on Flickr

[shiftin_gear98]

Looks like a nice trail. Liking the look of that head torch too. I might have to get one of those.

[garynortheast]

Picture doesn't do the hill justice. It's about a 1 in 4 after the bridge! But you're right, it's a lovely trail. I'm spoiled living here as I walk out of my door and pretty much straight onto lots of this type of terrain.

The headtorch is excellent. It's really nicely balanced having the battery pack and a rear light at the back.

[shiftin_gear98]

Managed to squeeze a 5 mile loop in after work. Just got back before it was too dark. Mostly really muddy ploughed fields, with a couple of very boggy woods. Still cleared away the cobwebs.

[shiftin_gear98]

Just bought one of those head torches! Thanks for the link.

[garynortheast]

Great stuff, let us know how you get on with it. It took me a little while to figure out how to switch between modes i.e. main beam to coloured LEDs. Press and hold the switch.

The mud does make you work really hard, no chance of a pb on a route like that!

The run I took the picture of the hill on never got logged as dunderhead here forgot to set the Garmin going! Doh!

[shiftin_gear98]

Not sure if this'll work. Just joined Flickr. First attempt. Some pics I took this morning, whilst walking. But ran this last night. https://www.flickr.com/photos/155901659@N02/shares/N26TfT

[shiftin_gear98]

Almost, not sure how to see the photo and not the link.

[garynortheast]

Wow, that looks like a lot of muddy fun!

If you click on one of the small pictures in flickr, you'll get a full sized version on screen. At the bottom is the share icon (curved arrow), click on that and copy the bb code, then paste it into your post here.

[shiftin_gear98]

Managed to get out for my other 5 mile loop this morning. My eldest son (9) came out on his bike. We both got covered.

[garynortheast]

Late afternoon run on Monday.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4613/26120414018_332544ea05_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FNaX4Q)
Late afternoon run (https://flic.kr/p/FNaX4Q) by garynortheast (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/)

[shiftin_gear98]

Nice.
I did a 5 1/2 mile night run last night. Alas head torch hasn't arrived yet. So nearly stacked it several times!
My legs aren't used to running in the evening, I didn't sleep great due to sore twitchy legs.

[garynortheast]

I must admit I normally run in the mornings but it was nice to get out at the end of the day on Monday. Going to do the same today.

We have a social run of about 5 to 7 miles on Sunday which I've organised for our newly formed Powys Canicross group. It's our first gathering and there should be half a dozen of us with dogs on a route I've got planned. I'm hoping to to a pre- run recce of the route on Friday morning. I'll make sure I get some pictures of the gathering and run.

[shiftin_gear98]

Gamma 3 arrived. Looks pretty good, hopefully my burnt out retinas will repair themselves shortly and I'll be able to see again. Very happy with it, thanks for the link. Now just need to test it.

[garynortheast]

:smt119

[garynortheast]

Just ran part of the route we're doing on Sunday. Missed out the muddiest bit today, we'll save that for the actual event. 6.27 miles today which means the full route will be about 8.5 miles.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1387540340

[shiftin_gear98]

It does look nice in your part of the world.
Having just run my 5 mile loop in the pitch black I can conclude that I like that light.
Even if it doesn't help keep away thoughts of the Blair Witch whilst running through a wood on your own in the dark. It did however stop me tripping over everything.
It had the benefit of making my jacket really glow. Yeah I couldn't have hidden from the witch even if I'd tried.

So to review it.
£19.00, including postage and batteries. Bargain.
Fits really well, once you've actually adjust it properly. Easy to operate. Rear light is really bright.
Front main beam is really good for running speeds would struggle at pushbike speeds, but then it's not designed for that.
In the real world it's not epic bright, but then you'd just dazzle everyone. At one point in total darkness I wished it cast a beam just a little further (I was running down a very muddy hill).
My only slight negative and it doesn't really put me off loving this light. Is that the light beam is a little flat, it lights objects up, but doesn't really give depth to them. However a field of mud is still a field of mud even with depth.
So for £19.00 it's worth every penny.
Got to test the waterproofing too as it ****ed down.

[garynortheast]

Pretty much my thoughts on the Gamma III too SG. Generally good and a bit of a bargain.

Had to modify the run route for Sunday when I discovered that one of the people coming has just recently started canicross and running generally, and one of the others is a returning runner after a four year break. We'll go for my regular 3.7 mile loop with perhaps a couple of scenic modifications!

[garynortheast]

Lovely run this morning with two other members of Canicross Powys.The dogs all ran brilliantly and we had clear blue skies and views of snowy mountain ranges from the top of the allt.

A couple of pictures. One day I'll learn to take a selfie that doesn't make me look like I've been shot!

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4625/40053935062_4cf1a3d2c7_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/242qTrh)
Gary, Karen, and Gemma on that hill!-rszd (https://flic.kr/p/242qTrh) by garynortheast (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4710/40053934212_cdfd67c356_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/242qTbC)
View west from the ridge-rszd (https://flic.kr/p/242qTbC) by garynortheast (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/), on Flickr

[shiftin_gear98]

Nice

[garynortheast]

Should have been running this morning but woke with a stinker of a cold and spent the day huddled in front of the stove sorting a client's laptop instead.

[shiftin_gear98]

I got out on Tuesday eve - it was slightly freezing, did my 5.6 road loop. Couldn't face the Sunday morning one as I was a little hung over from a friends 40th.
Looking forward to my Friday afternoon one.
I only really started running last year building up to a couple of 10K fun runs, however lost my running mojo when I tweaked my knee one run, several painful runs later it kind of petered out due to the limping. That was a few months before Christmas.
Thanks to your thread, you have given me the nudge to get back out there again.
Even if it is bloody freezing and dark.

[garynortheast]

I'm really pleased to hear that! It's said that the hardest part of running is getting out of the door. Often the case with me, once I'm out there I always enjoy my runs.

Hoping I feel sufficiently recovered by tomorrow to get out for a gentle run round my usual loop.

[shiftin_gear98]

Added a bit to my normal run, so about 6 miles. Got back just as the sun was setting. Cracking sunset across the fields. Great way to clear away the working week. Feel like I pushed myself, quite knackered now.

[garynortheast]

Good man. I love that that sense of achievement and elation combined with a pleasant feeling of being physically tired from the effort of the run. And yes, definitely a good way to empty the head of the week's rubbish.

[shiftin_gear98]

Great morning for a run. So I did, the sun was shining and I had no rush to get back so turned left instead of right and added more to my normal Sunday loop. Just plotted it on map my run 6.95 miles. Hope your man cold has nearly passed.

[garynortheast]

Still not running yet. Worst of the cold has gone but still very chesty/coughing. As soon as the crap on my chest starts to loosen I want to be back out there. Feeling very unfit currently.

Sounds like you had a cracking run, good distance too. Been brief spells of sunshine and lots of snow showers here. Didn't stop my wife though, she went out and ran thirteen miles this morning!

[shiftin_gear98]

Nice, she's obviously more hard core (and fitter) than me. Hopefully I'll get there sometime this year.

[shiftin_gear98]

Just got back from another night run. So looking forward to nicer evenings, as my nose didn't stop running, must be a down side of running when it's freezing and ****ing down. 6.1miles, yes even lugged the phone with me. This thread has a lot to answer for.
Namely my ever decreasing bulk. This is getting quite addictive.

[garynortheast]

Just got back from another night run. So looking forward to nicer evenings, as my nose didn't stop running, must be a down side of running when it's freezing and ****ing down. 6.1miles, yes even lugged the phone with me. This thread has a lot to answer for.
Namely my ever decreasing bulk. This is getting quite addictive.

Well done on getting out there in the adverse conditions, it makes the runs in the good weather all the sweeter!

It is definitely addictive. It's interesting that when people ask why I run, I'm unable to answer them in a manner they can fully understand. Anyone else who runs regularly however, knows exactly what the reasons are.

I'm off out shortly for my first run in over a week because of this horrible cold I've had. Still a bit chesty so it'll be a slow, gentle run to ease back in. I have a social run of about 10k with a group of canicrossers from Shropshire on Sunday afternoon at Whixhall Moss nature reserve on the Welsh borders, so I need a couple of runs done before then.

If you're tracking your runs SG, how about posting up a link to them so we can see your route?

[shiftin_gear98]

I'll try on my next outing maybe starting just down the road, if I post last nights it will literally start at my front door and end there too - Map My Run zooms in pretty close. Not sure I want my drives exact location posted on a public forum. Good luck with todays outing.

[garynortheast]

Got out for my regular morning loop at last, just as it started chucking big wet snowflakes at me! It was slow and hard going, especially that first half a mile, but it was so good to get out again and run.

Muddy too in places. My shoes, Mabel, and her harness are now pretty mucky!

https://www.strava.com/activities/1406900242

[garynortheast]

Quick 5 and a bit mile mountain bike ride round a section of Dyfnant forest late this afternoon, just to keep the legs going. Forgot to start the Garmin again until I was a good mile into the ride, doh! Mabel followed, or sometimes led me round, running free. She's bloody fast when she stretches out, poetry in motion.

Run tomorrow morning. I might see about doing one of my longer loops as I need to start building distance again now.

[shiftin_gear98]

Hoping to get out soon to enjoy the sunshine! Just got to get the chore of work out of the way first!
Tried to post a link of tonight's loop, however it linked to show all my other loops too.
I will have to try to figure out how to stop that, as they all start on my doorstep!

[shiftin_gear98]

Well I managed to do the loop I plotted today, 7 miles. It started as a bit of a slog. Probably due to having eaten bugger all today. Still got round and even pushed myself. Got to see a fair few of the locals. Rabbits, Muncjac - no idea if spelt right. Buzzard, Hawk, Kestrel and Fox.
Even stopped for a quick snap. Which I can't seem to find that code on my phone. So this'll have to do till later. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4648/39407202665_9a16a8e7fa_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/233hdqH)Tonight's Run (https://flic.kr/p/233hdqH) by martin cockerell (https://www.flickr.com/photos/155901659@N02/), on Flickr

[garynortheast]

I didn't realise when I started this running lark, just how much eating or not eating impacted on my running. Huge effect though. The same goes for getting enough sleep before a run for me.

Tidy distance that, and a nice picture too.

I'm off to parkrun tomorrow morning, at Erddig near Wrecsam.

[garynortheast]

Damn, woke up too late to go to parkrun so I did my local loop instead.

Got a 10k run with a crowd of other canix folk tomorrow, at Whixall Moss. Should be fun.

[shiftin_gear98]

Another 40th party last night. Far far too hungover to face running this morning. Hope I might be able to squeeze a run in tonight.

[garynortheast]

Running with a hangover/headache sounds like hell!

Cracking 7 mile social run today with some of the people from Shropshire Canicross. Very enjoyable afternoon in great company.

https://www.strava.com/activities/1414637137

[shiftin_gear98]

Couldn't even face going out last night, might see if I can get out for a shorter loop tonight, if not then I'll add a bit to tomorrows night run.
That looked like a good leg work out. That hill near the end must have been fun.

[garynortheast]

No hill at all really, flat as a pancake all the way round. It looks serious on the graph but it was a rise of about 15 feet!

[shiftin_gear98]

Just got back in from my night run , and I can confirm I run better having not eaten. Ate at 5.30, started running at 7.00. Sausage casserole and running produces the stitch that just keeps on ungiving. Came, went, came, went, came and went. Still I managed to plod on through it. 7.5 miles.
Gamma headlight is great. Forth or fifth run. Still original batteries, still burnt retina bright.

[Artstu]

I do a bit of walking. does that count ? https://www.strava.com/activities/1351762762

[garynortheast]

Good distance there SG. Funnily enough I'm ok running after having eaten as long as I leave a half hour gap and it's not been a heavy meal. I often run in the morning about 30 minutes after a bowl of porridge and a cup of tea with no ill effects.

First proper night run for me this evening. That Gamma headtorch is a peach, bright, light, and comfortable. Ran with one of the other Powys Canicross members. 5.7 miles of largely muddy trail. Great weather conditions though, clear sky and not too cold.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1417783489

Stu, post your walks up by all means, although looking at that Strava map I'd say you really need to put on a pair of trail running shoes, get off the tarmac, and run. That area looks made for trail running!

[shiftin_gear98]

Legs feeling a little twitchy after my 7 mile run this evening. Was nice to clear away today's cobwebs. Especially after working through my lunch and staying an hour extra.

I forgot to mention before but recently me and my missus decided a tracker app on our phones might be a good idea. Another reason I'm now taking the phone with me when running.
She runs too, she's more hardcore than me. She ran the London marathon a few years ago. She goes running a couple of times a week now. We both tend to run alone due to the other watching the kids. So we are using Life360. So far it's pretty good. Another good feature is you can add places, so it let's the other one know when were at home. It also let's her know when I've got to work, and forgotten to say I'm there in one piece.

https://flic.kr/p/23x7ryb

[garynortheast]

Did my usual loop the other morning, with a friend who is just restarting after a bout of pneumonia.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4662/39579752275_6f8a8e5b40_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/23iwzpZ)
run-23.02 (1)_rszd (https://flic.kr/p/23iwzpZ) by garynortheast (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4602/39579751575_c76f2a30b3_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/23iwzcV)
run-23.02 (2)_rszd (https://flic.kr/p/23iwzcV) by garynortheast (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/), on Flickr

https://www.strava.com/activities/1424916879

Ran this morning, but just a short loop with my daughters and a friend of theirs. Absolutely bitter wind but clear skies and sunshine.

https://www.strava.com/activities/1424912679

I used a variety of tracker apps on the phone but in the end gave in and bought a Garmin. Sniped a 2nd hand Forerunner 110 on ebay for £18! Works brilliantly, and more reliable and consistent tracking than any of the apps.

[shiftin_gear98]

Got out this morning. Yep bitter wind here too. Managed to clock 8 miles though.

[garynortheast]

Ran with a friend yesterday. She came down with three dogs, her two and a foster dog she currently has. I had Mabel, my lurcher on a split lead canicross setup with Kate's young collie Dangermouse, and she ran with her lab Briony, and the foster dog Sooty on her split lead.
Nice gentle five and a half miles, not pushing it too hard as Kate is still getting over a bout of pneumonia.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1426766881

[shiftin_gear98]

Just joined Strava. Hopefully I'll give it a go tonight.

[garynortheast]

I'll look out for you on Strava.

[shiftin_gear98]

No idea if this will work.


https://www.strava.com/activities/1428980112

[garynortheast]

It works.

Was going to run this morning but conditions really are just too dodgy. Icy on the tarmac and just enough snow to cover the ruts on the trails. Perfect ankle breaking conditions. :-(

[shiftin_gear98]

5.7 miles this evening. Definitely all white. No twisted ankles either. Thankfully.

[shiftin_gear98]

Got out yesterday afternoon.
I think I preferred the snow. Ground is really soft and muddy now the snow has gone and the rain has started!!
So slippery I lost my footing at one point and stacked it sideways like the proverbial sack of ****e.
Jarred my shoulder, but luckily the ankles didn't suffer.
6.4 miles.

[garynortheast]

Well done. Hope the shoulder's not too sore this morning. I walked some of my running routes yesterday afternoon and ended up thigh deep in snow at several points so I think I'm going to wait until tomorrow morning before I go again. Getting really frustrating now, desperate to get out and do some more running. :-(

[shiftin_gear98]

Shhh don't tell my kids how much snow you got they'll be very disappointed. We had about 3 inches max.
Just enough for snow angels. My garden was full of them.

[garynortheast]

Got out for a run today with Mabel and my friend Kate with her three dogs.Garmin battery ran out a mile and a half from home because I forgot to charge it! Interesting 500 yards on the final stretch. I had to scramble over snowdrifts as deep as I am tall.
Great run of of 8.5 miles in total, albeit quite slow as it's hard to get the traction in what is becoming soft, wet snow.

The pile of snow Kate is standing on is how we got over the gate not visible because it's buried in that pile of snow!

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4800/26765717868_d118ff3148_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GMciqh)
run_5.03.18-1-rszd (https://flic.kr/p/GMciqh) by garynortheast (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4799/26765717968_d4ef2e9755_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/GMcis1)
run_5.03.18-2-rszd (https://flic.kr/p/GMcis1) by garynortheast (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/), on Flickr

https://www.strava.com/activities/1437527389

[shiftin_gear98]

Looks epic. Very jealous snow long gone, I really enjoyed my snow run the other day.

[garynortheast]

I love running around here. It never takes much to turn a run into a bit of an adventure. If you ever fancy the ride up when the weather is better, bring your running kit and I'll take you for a running tour of a few Welsh hills!

[shiftin_gear98]

Thanks for the offer, if life ever gets a little less hectic I might take you up on that. Unfortunately what with 3 small kids it's not going to be any time in the near future. I just about grab enough time to squeeze my current runs in.

[garynortheast]

Ha ha! I know the feeling, having been the stay at home dad to my twin daughters since they were a few months old and trying to fit in my self employment stuff. They're 15 now so things are a little less frantic.

[shiftin_gear98]

Got out last night for a run, I had to shorten it as I really wasn't loving it - managed 4.8 mile loop.
I really struggled as I missed lunch due training at work. I managed to eat breakfast - an apple at 16.14!!
I did eat when I got home - an hour before the run, but I was just totally wiped out.

[garynortheast]

Some days are just not good running days, while others can be brilliant. You never really know till you get out there how it'll be. I've had some really unpromising starts that have turned into great runs and vice versa......

[garynortheast]

Well, I'm booked to do a 10k race on Saturday but I think I shall be going gently at it after today's visit to hospital. I have half a dozen stitches in my back following the removal of a small, benign, subcutaneous cyst and it's a bit sore. Fair play to the surgeon; he knew I was running on Saturday so he used stronger thread for the stitches as a precaution as the dissolvable ones would be too delicate to stand the strain placed on them.

I'm going to have a gentle run on Friday morning to see how I feel prior to Saturday's event.

[shiftin_gear98]

Nutta. Mend well. Make sure you don't stack it!

[garynortheast]

It'll be a gentle one on Saturday, I'll not be going for any records. There's a number of us doing a canicross 10k as a second wave after the main group of unaccompanied runners has set off. I'm going to run with a friend of mine who is new to canicross, as is his dog.

[garynortheast]

Yes!! Three and a half miler this morning and no discomfort from the half a dozen stitches in my back. Looking good for my 10k event tomorrow morning.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1443624173

[shiftin_gear98]

I'm glad, hope you enjoy it tomorrow.
Looking forward to getting out later this evening.

[shiftin_gear98]

Got out for a quick blast as I was needed to make pizzas from scratch with the kids. 5.8 miles - pushed my pace a little. Looks like Strava tracks better than Map My Run, however still lost me in the woods. I also didn't run across the M11!

[garynortheast]

Sometimes trees and tall buildings interfere with the gps. It used to happen when I was using a smartphone for tracking. Funnily enough it's not happened with my Garmin.

[garynortheast]

The Loggerheads 10k canicross got put back to it's original 5k format when it became apparent that there would be two many canicrossers wanting to do the 10k for it to work. So Mabel and I did the 5k route with about 20 other canicrossers. It was a cracking course but probably one of the toughest 5k routes I've done to date. Some very steep ascents, including a killer flight of steps, and some seriously technical and very muddy descents.
Just waiting for results to be posted up, but apparently I have won something!

https://www.strava.com/activities/1446068158

[shiftin_gear98]

Well done. Hope the stitches stayed in place.
I got out this morning, my two boys decided it was warm enough for them to come too on their bikes. They haven't been out with me since September or October when they both froze. It was nice to have company, however I'd forgotten what a bunch of old women they are. They don't shut up.
Can I have a drink, my nose is running, I want to go first, can you go first, it's too muddy, I'm tried. It was never ending. I enjoyed it.
Just need to work on their speed and stamina. We managed 5.2 miles. They are both knackered now.

[garynortheast]

Ha ha! Well done. Has being knackered quietened them down a bit?

I found out what I won. I was 2nd male canicross finisher so I think I have an extra medal in a case coming in the post as Teri and I didn't stay for the presentation at the end.

Some pictures from yesterday at Loggerheads. And yes, the stitches stayed put!

My friend Teri and his dog Patch with me and Mabel before the start.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4793/39855961085_da62fbcd85_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/23HWdER)
teri-patch-gary-mabel-loggerheads2018 (https://flic.kr/p/23HWdER) by garynortheast (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/), on Flickr

A level section after a particularly brutal ascent!
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4776/39855962155_a840749e9d_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/23HWdZi)
gary-mabel-loggerheads2018 (https://flic.kr/p/23HWdZi) by garynortheast (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/), on Flickr

And on...
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4793/39855961695_979fbe1b63_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/23HWdRn)
gary-mabel-loggerheads2018 (https://flic.kr/p/23HWdRn) by garynortheast (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/), on Flickr

Over the finish line.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4773/39855963535_c6852793c6_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/23HWep6)
gary-mabel-finish (https://flic.kr/p/23HWep6) by garynortheast (https://www.flickr.com/photos/67411872@N03/), on Flickr

Thanks to Richard Moore for photos 2 & 3 and Julia Duffy for photos 1 & 4

[garynortheast]

Managed to get a 5.6 mile run in this afternoon. Very muddy but pretty mild out there.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1449677502

[shiftin_gear98]

Love picture 2, even Mabel looks knackered.
Just got out for a dark and damp 7.4 mile loop.

[garynortheast]

Even Mabel had to work hard at the climb we had just done!

It may be damp but it won't be dark for much longer.

[shiftin_gear98]

Got out to try a new loop this evening. Manuden loop. 7.5 miles. Was great to just wear a top and shorts and enjoy the sunshine. There's a bit of a killer hill - for me - near the end of it. My legs are feeling it now.