Wild Coast Ultra - Day One

As promised, here is the first batch of photos:

Day 174 - quick two

Just the minimum two. Still cold but no snow yet.

Two to the tally which now stands at 969 miles run since 1st September 2012.

Day 173 - freezing three!

Very cold tonight. Cycling back from the station on my courtesy Brompton (mine is in for a service and needs; new chain, new rear wheel rim, brake pads, gear cogs.....not going to be cheap, but then it has carried me nearly 2,000 miles) I hit that painful 'brain freeze' and my hands were so cold I had to stick them under a hot tap when I got home!

Wasn't so bad on my run. Still without a schedule I decided to do three tonight. Felt a bit more tired today but still,flowing freely. So three more miles and the tally jumps to 967.

Missing that warm South African sun......

Day 172 - back into the grove with Otley five

Well, I didn't quite make daylight for my run but it was still dusk and better than running in the dark!

No training schedule at the moment as I'd only written it up until the Wild Coast Ultra, so just ran what I wanted too. And five miles felt good, legs feel fresh, the odd soreness on my toes and ankles (I think from Surfers rather the WCU itself) also receding.

Five more miles to the tally and 964 feels like the 1,000 mile mark is in sight.

Day 171 - cool two!

Finally back home after the long flight from Joburg and long change at Amsterdam. Lovely to get home and treated straight away to afternoon tea including Emma's home made caramel and raspberry muffins. Yum!

Evenings certainly getting lighter, but ended up running in the dark (OK, by street light) and it was nicely cool. Not sure what the temperature is, but there was snow still lying at the airport and frost had already formed on the cars parked on our hill.

Just the minimum two, legs and other muscles all seemed to be working well and it was actually quite enjoyable and uncomplicated to be running on the road on a family route in the cool!

Have done some quick maths of the mileage over the last week and with 155 miles run, plus tonight's two, I get the current tally up to 959 miles run.

Day 170 - tired, tired two

6.15 am run along the Nahoon river in East London, Eastern Cape this morning.

Just the bare minimum two miles and, if I had wanted to go longer I don't think my body would have let me!

Not sure what the current running total is, but with over 150 miles in the last week it must be around 960.

Day 169 - it's all over....

Fantastic last day on the Wild Coast Ultra. A later start than normal as we would be joining the Surfers Challenge just North of East London starting at 2pm.

The Maganicent Seven had alsobecome ten with the addition of Kylie, Roger and Filippo. Ray was still ploughing a speedy furrow on his own.

We had about 28 kms to do to get to Surfers and it was a great mixture of rocky paths, boulder hoping and sandy beaches before 11 kms of firm running on sand as the tide started to go out.

Lots of marine life today too, saw a whale 'blowing' before we set off and then pod after pod of dolphins surfing the waves , some really quite close in to the beach.

Once at the start line of Surfers we were fed with fresh pasta and had about two hours to relax before the race and our last leg.

While we were waiting the local radio and TV crews parked up next to us including three celebrity runners. I'll have to check their names out later, but one was Shaun who finished top 10 and one former Comrades winner
Bruce Fordyce, a real Comrades legend having won the race 9 times. Bruce also organises parkrun in South Africa and that was my cue to get chatting. As far as bragging rights go, well I've got 100 parkruns, he has just passed 50!

As a treat to us weary ultra runners we were allowed to start 15 mins before the main race to help us avoid some of the early congestion on rocks and boulders (except Ray who set off with the main race and was to finish in the top 20!).

This caused some amusement and confusion amongst the spectators who lined much of the 18 km route, and we also found ourselves being filmed by motorbike camera crews and the helicopters over head!

The route was a nice mix of earth and grass tracks, then sandy beach followed by rocks and then some very tricky steep boulders. Fillippo, , Jonathan and I reached the first of the two river crossings before the first of the fast runners passed us, and then we hit about 6 km of tar.

It was tough going, but we eventually hit the beach again and good firm sand for the long run home, and it long!

At some point on the long, long beach I was passed by Myrette, the third of the celeb runners who surprised me by saying 'well done Paul', unfortunately she stopped and slowed down later, clearly having a bad day , but a nice touch from a top runner. I then felt a bit guilty finishing ahead of her (she was third woman).

Once at the end of the beach it was a shortish swim across a fast flowing river (not too hard, but the runner ahead of me collapsed and had to be taken from the river by the lifeguards) and a 200 metre dash up soft sand to the finish. I clocked about 1:35, which I think is an OK time and was third home of the WCU runners.

After that if was a quick shower and change, then beers as we waited for Chris and Charmsine to arrive, the last of our runners. We were also awarded our WCU medals as part of the Surfers medal ceremony! Real celebs!

So. All in all , lekker, lekker!

Day 168 - penultimate day on the WCU

Day Five. About 28 kays today from Seagulls to Haga Haga.

Another staggered start saw all the runners arrive at the ferry crossing across the Kwei River within 10 minutes of each other. The ferry was at around 7 kays. A bit more robust this time too, like a big floating pontoon, big enough for a couple of cars. Still very African though!

The big news of the day was waking up to the sound of rain. Not heavy, but that light, misty seaside type rain. Very cooling and nice to be able to run not lathered in sunscreen and head covered by desert hat, buff and sunglasses.

Scenery today a bit more mixed. Some beach running, but also cliff top grassy paths and even some tar!

Just the one river crossing, deep enough for dry bags but no need to swim. So, only one episode of drying and cleaning feet before putting socks and shoes back on which certainly speeded things up!

Other than that, not much to report. The staggered start did mean we got to see the two racing snakes, Filippo and Ray, and today Kylie and Roger ended up running with' the Seven'. It was also Kylie's birthday today!

Other birthday facts: it was Jonathan's 40th birthday at the start of the race and Barbara is running as a 40th birthday present.

So, that's it until tomorrow. The final big push on to East London.

Day 167 - another Lekker day on the Wild Coast Ultra Trail run

Day four on the Wild Coast Ultra Trail run. 33 kms from Mazeppa Bay to Seagulls.

Staggered start today to try and get finishing times closer together. Desmond was the first off, a few minutes later than planned at about ten past six (but the he was out for 15 hrs yesterday and lights out wasn't until about 11pm. I know because I was sharing a room!).

He was then followed by Chris and Charmaine 15 mins later with the rest of us off at 6.40., except racing snakes Ray and Fillippo who went off at 7.10.

Certainly by the 20km ferry crossing this plan seemed to be working as by the time the Magnificent Seven set off after cold Cokes, Stoney's and a general rest, everyone, including Desmond was at the crossing. See photo for view from the ferry stop.

The run itself was nearly all beach. There were a few sections on sandy jeep tracks behind the coastal bush, but it was generally flat and easy going. That is, except for the wind! Although cooling (and it was certainly a cooler day today) it was straight in our faces and nearly knocking us off our legs! Some of the open beach sections were certainly made much tougher and towards the end of the stage we were being sand blasted as the dry, white dune sand got ripped along the beach.

A few river crossings today, mostly wadeable, the ferry seemed a bit more professional, though four in the little rowing boat plus ferryman looked very dodgy, but luckily the water was flat and I wasn't in it!

There was one swim in deep cool water, which was really nice and there were no signs of the electric rays that inhabit the river.

Big plus today though was finishing by lunchtime, ordering ice cool Stoney's ginger beer and eating calamari and chips with a view of the Indian Ocean. Yum!

Another shorter day tomorrow, about 30 kms, so plenty of opportunity to rest before the big run on Saturday to East London.

Day 166 - Day Three on the Wild Coast Ultra run

Day three on the Wild Coast Ultra and a day of blistering sun!

44 kays today which started with a river crossing only a couple of kilometres from the start. The 'ferry' consisted of two blokes with canoes, able to take one passenger at a time. The river wasn't too wide but the current was strong and we were told we couldn't swim as the river is a but 'sharky'!

The whole exercise took an hour, two runners got capsized (we quickly put kit in our dry bags!) and having let the fast and slow runners go first, the mid pack 'Magnificent Seven' were last to set off from the far shore.

There was a lot more beach running again today, often with good hard sand, but also some sand dunes and river crossings.

Early on though we went through Dwesa nature reserve which was alive with stunning flowers, from Bird of Paradise to Senecio, irises and Impatiens - and that's only the ones I could identify! No rhino though, but there were signs of buffalo and we did see several large pods of dolphins out at sea.

Midday today though was tough. Very hot, no breeze, totally exposed on the beach, but the sea looked awesome, amazingly turquoise and wave after surfable wave!

So, three days in, over half way and with two shorter days to come before the big finish on Saturday.

And, that's lots more miles on the 365 challenge too!

Day 165 - awesome! Lekker! And the magnificent seven!

WCU day two. Lekker man!

Awesome day, much more running and completed in just over nine hours, not bad for 47 kay's along the Wild Coast.

Ran with Neil, Jonathan, Kim, Barbara, Gitesh and Shane for the whole day. Navigation was a lot easier, water stops were all in good places and the last twelve miles or so were all on the beach and mostly on firm sand.

Running was a mix of coastal paths, some quite vertiginous, grassy tracks and beach. Quite a few river crossings but the tide was low enough to avoid the need to swim.

The sun was relentless though and with no shade my hands and knees are a bit burnt - my P20 sunscreen seemingly powerless this far south (
Though it worked in the Sahara and Namibian deserts...).

Another 45+ kays tomorrow, so the tally on the 365 challenge will really take off - might leave the maths until the end of this run!

Day 164 - 55 kays on the Wild Coast Ultra

Long day, but stage one done. Lots of miles added to the tally will post more tomorrow, but need to go to bed!

So, day one on the WCU. Well, it was long, just over 13 hrs, but a fascinating run. Ran with different groups throughout the day, ending up with Liam, Shane and Desmond for what ended up being the long walk for home.

Desmond was suffering from blisters so wasn't up to much running, but I was happy to take day one easy. We made the most of stopping points and took our time, only it was maybe two hours too long.

Still a great day. Started off with two ferry crossings, beach running and thick, spiny forest. All the time we were passing through small farm settlements, pigs, cattle, horses, donkeys, goats, pigs and hens all roaming freely! The main crop in evidence being maize. All the local people were friendly and always happy to help with directions.

There were two river crossings that required swimming. My Sea to Summit dry bag did its job, acting like a giant float. The first crossing was wide but easy, maybe one hundred metres, the second across a fast flowing river with the tide coming in. I didn't have much control about where I made land, but I did make it!

So a long day, but a great experience and lots if photos to help relive it all!

Day 163 - hot!

Long journey today. First by plane from Joburg to East London, just over three hours as the first plane had a technical fault - luckily there was a spare standing by on the tarmac!

Then a five hour trip in a full minbus along bumpy roads in increasing heat and humidity. About 30 degrees in East London.

However, have arrived at a fantastic resort at Umngani right on the river with views of sand dunes and the Indian Ocean from the veranda of our accommodation. I'm room sharing with Ray from Joburg, a quick Comrades runner....

Anyway, enjoyed a 20 minute run with Ray out from the resort and back. Felt good but taking ages to cool down. To pen a phrase, I'm drppin'...

Still, two more miles means 802 now run and 34 on the cards for tomorrow!

Day 162 - Johannesburg!

Minimum two!

Great day in Joburg with Phil, Jo, Daniel and Jessica. Mostly playing with Lego, reading books, playing with dolly and swimming/mucking about in the pool.

Phil invited friends Kevin and Lauren to dinner, but in return Kevin was persuaded to act as guide for my run. A perfectly judged 3.8km in 21 minutes. A mix of gated estate, open space and riverside trail. Hilly and hot!!

Two more miles and the tally is up to 800!

Day 161 - bizarre!

At Schipol airport waiting for my flight to Joburg ahead of Monday's Wild Coast Ultra. Couldn't face getting up any earlier than 3.30 for my run, or indeed running at one minute passed midnight, so I've just spent 20 minutes jogging around the airport. Quite bizarre!

No idea how far, but lets say it adds one more mile to the tally. And it almost felt like a run. I'm wearing my Cascadia's and have a heavy ruscack that has all my essential kit for WCU.

One more mile takes the tally to 798 miles.

Day 160 - seven miles in daylight

Definitely starting to stay lighter longer and was able to get out for my run today before it got dark. Seven miles out to Pool Bank and back. Used MapMyRun on my iPhone for the first time and reassuringly it measured a tried and tested 7 mile route as 7.15 miles. Apparently I averaged about 8 minutes per mile and burnt off a load of calories.

Seven more miles takes the tally to 797 miles!

Day 159 - four chilly miles

Four this evening, usual Otley route. Still today but getting cold again, maybe 2 or 3 degrees. A stark contrast to East London in the Eastern Cape where I'll be on Sunday. Forecast is 33 degrees and not much 'cooler' at night!

Four more to the tally, edging closer to the 800 mark. Total: 790 miles since 1st September 2012.

Day 158 - quick two

School meeting this evening straight after work so no time for more than the minimum two miles.

Two takes the tally to 786.

Day 157 - stormy night!

Interesting weather! Lightning, hailstorms, ice several centimetres thick across the road, and that was just the drive home!

Rain lashing the windows, wind howling round the house and down the chimney, and that was sitting at the desk just thinking about going running.

But the run itself? Well, miraculously I hit a window in the weather. Yes, it was windy, but the rain had stopped and the clouds had even scudded away to reveal a starry sky.

Five miles in all, usual Otley loop and the running total jumps up to 784.

Day 156 - eight miles in full WCU kit

Eight mile loop up the Leeds Road to Bramhope, up passed the Fox & Hounds pub, down through Bramhope village and back down the Leeds Road.

Wore X-socks speed metal, Compressport calf guards, Skins shorts, Sub-4 long shorts, Skins short sleeve top, Adidas parkrun 50 T-shirt, Racing the Planet arm sleeves, Nike storm jacket, hat and gloves!

Used my new Ultimate Direction Diablo back pack with two litres of water plus compulsory kit such as head torch, dry sack, camera, Frosties bars etc! Felt pretty good, two litres of water is heavy, but pack was stable and there appears to be only one day, day three on the Wild Coast Ultra run when I might need to start out with two litres (or slightly more) in my back pack - though this hydration pack can hold three litres and the pack also takes a 500 ml bottle, so plenty of options.

8 more miles, tally now up to 779.

Day 155 - parkrun number 100!

Today's milestone was not reaching 155 days on the 365 challenge but running my one hundredth parkrun!

We ran at Hyde Park in Leeds where parkrun number one took place and in sunshine, blue skies and only a touch of ice on the ground I was very happy to run 19:09 for 14th place.

So, three more miles on the challenge takes the tally to 771.

Day 154 - three easy miles

Friday night, a long week, so just did an easy three miles. Cool, but less windy, felt pretty good and was almost tempted to run a bit further.......

Anyway, three it was which takes the running total on this 365 run everyday for a year challenge to 768.

Day 153 - five

Just five today, the usual Otley loop. Not much to report, still windy, Otley AC were out in force and its still windy!

Five more miles takes the tally to 765.

Day 152 - tired two.

Long day, no energy for anything more than two miles. Still very windy, so battling in one direction, flying in the other!

Still, another day ticked off and the running total rises to 760 miles.

Day 151 - just two

Very early start tomorrow so decided to do just two, that and the fact I think I'm still recovering from Saturday's race!

So, usual Otley two, two more miles and the tally creeps up to 758 miles.

Day 150 - five windy and wet miles

Not the best conditions for celebrating the landmark of running everyday for 150 days, but at least it makes the same old routes (today, five mile loop around Otley) at least feel different.

Ran in my new Brooks Cascadia 7's tonight. I was a bit apprehensive as my first try on they felt a bit odd and I was definitely put off by the asymmetrical lacing. However, the first five miles were a joy. They feel really light, fit well, felt nicely cushioned for a trail shoe on pavements so I'll definitely be doing a few miles to break them in for WCU. Though I'll also be taking my muddy, well worn Cascadia 6's!!

Five more miles takes the tally to 756.

Day 149 - seven mile recovery run

No ill effects after yesterday's moorland marathon. Easy seven miler out to Pool in Wharfedale and back. Most of the snow has now gone, though there were a few icy patches and it was very muddy and slippery in places. Most of the snow is now in the River Wharfe which was bank full at Pool with bankside tress now sitting proudly mid-stream.

A relatively high mileage week for me at 56 miles, but with the Wild Coast Ultra now only two weeks away I can comfortably cut back the mileage.

Seven more miles takes the running tally to 751.

Day 148 - Yorkshire Moors Marathon

26.2 miles today. Whitby Abbey to Robin Hood's Bay, on to Ravenscar, up Ravensdale onto the moors, turnaround and back to the Abbey.

Day started with an interesting drive at 6 am from Scarborough over the moors to Whitby. After the heavy snow fall the roads were passable, thanks to the busy snowploughs, but there was still quite a lot of snow on the roads....

The race itself was tough. A good start along the coast path which was partly frozen, nice dusting of snow and only occasionally muddy. The cycle track from Robin Hood's Bay to Ravenscar was good for running too, deeper snow, maybe four inches and drifting in places, but compacted quickly to create a good surface.

The climb up from Ravenscar was a challenge, with thigh deep snow drifts in places and once reaching the top and heading out onto the moors we ran straight into an icy headwind. Last year this section was very runnable, but today it was knee to thigh deep snow, very rough going, lots of stumbling and falling over and very little running.

It was a relief to get to the checkpoint at the A171 but I was not looking forward to the return leg.

Luckily, with the wind behind and a few more feet having compacted the snow it was a completely different experience and it was possible to run.

Unfortunately the snow back on the cycle track and on the coast path had melted quickly (it was a lovely sunny day!) and the coast path was just a sea of mud, slush and water. Very cold, very slippy, not fun!!

Still, a good workout ahead of WCU. 5 hours 26 minutes to be precise! and, amazingly, a negative split. I'd reached the half way point in 2 hours 50 minutes.

26 miles takes the running tally to 744 and that was also my 27th marathon.

Day 147 (Friday 25 January - amusement arcades, windy sea fronts and model train shops

Yes, Scarborough does indeed have it all!

Overnight stay in Scarborough ahead of the Yorkshire Moors Marathon and went out for 30 minutes running to tick off today's run on the 365 challenge. Completely surreal moment running along the promenade at South Beach, windy whipping in off the North Sea, sand stinging my face, completely deserted, yet three massive penny arcades were fully open. Lights on, music blaring, but not a soul in sight.

Also discovered that Scarborough has a shop dedicated solely to the supply of model trains......

Another three miles run, 718 now in total.

Day 146 - five miles

A run of two halves. First half mostly still icy, so spikes were again put to good use. Second half was mostly clear pavement, time for the spikes to come off. Did walk some sections as I neared home, ice is so slippy when you are not wearing Kahtoolas!!

Five more miles keeps the tally ticking along nicely. 715 miles now run.

Day 145 - just two.

Decided to skip tonight's five miler and do that tomorrow lunchtime in daylight! So, just two, spikes on, all very simple.

Total mileage now stands at 710.

Day 144 - ice, ice, Kahtoola!

Freezing temperatures overnight meant that all the slushy snow had frozen and with side roads pressed into ice rinks it was perfect territory for my microspikes. Great run out to Pool, up Pool Bank and back down the Leeds Road, and all before 9 am. Great start to the day. To top things off the sun even came out for my cycle to the station mid morning, beautiful.

So, seven more snowy miles takes the tally up to 708 miles run.

Day 143 - (Monday 21 January) 701 miles!

Working at home today rather fortuitously so got to run in daylight in the snow! A bit tough going up the Leeds Road, OK in the deep snow (a good 6 inches) but slippy in others footprints and slushy near the road.

Once off road and into the Chevin Forest though it was just a winter wonderland. Awesome!

And, those six miles take the tally on the 365 challenge to over 700!

Day 142 - Sunday long run

17 miles of snow, ice and tarmac today. To be honest, a bit of a slog!

Usual 17 mile route; Menston, Guiseley, Horsforth, Lawnswood, Adel, Bramhope and then home. Nothing too treacherous about the underfoot conditions just slow going uphill with not all of your energy actually driving you forward.

Ran with the UltrAspire Surge back pack, one litre of Nuun electrolyte and carried (but didn't need to use) Gortex over gloves and Kahtoola microspikes. Also took my camera, some snowy pics below.

So 17 more miles tally now up to 695.

Day 141 - snowy parkrun! + seven steady before nightfall

Both Bradford and Leeds parkruns were on today despite the snow though the turnout was far lower than last week and, unsurprisingly there were no 'new' runners!

Underfoot conditions were good though but it was cold running into an easterly wind, really did make my head ache. Still, a good run, 21:05 and 7th place.

Might run again later, but for now that's another 3 miles taking the tally to 671.

Back from that 'run later'. Seven miles out to Pool, up Pool Bank and back down the Leeds Road. Underfoot conditions were good, mix of slush and tarmac through Otley and out along Pool Road, nice, clean, squeaky snow up Pool Bank and down Leeds Road.

Ten miles for the day, 678 on the challenge.

Day 140 - two more snowy miles

Well, we haven't had the massive fall of snow that was forecast or indeed has landed elsewhere today, but there was a light cover by the time I went for my run. Still snowing now so might be more by the morning.

Anyway, just two tonight, pretty cold though into an easterly wind.

Total miles now run on his challenge 668 with 225 days to go!

Day 139 - snow is falling......ch ch ch

Contrasting weather day started with a very chilly ride to the station early this morning followed by an even colder, one might say Baltic, ride along the banks of the River Tyne to the Newcastle office. By the time I got back to Otley it was snowing and noticeably warmer, though still sub-zero!

With snow lying on the ground I decided that the scheduled speed work was probably not the best idea, so instead enjoyed a steady, and snow deadened, five mile Tour d'Otley. Appropriate really given that we learnt today that the Tour de France will be visiting Otley in 2014!!

Five more miles takes the tally to 666.....oops, didn't see that coming!

Day 138 - cold, but very little ice

About minus two degrees this evening, positively balmy after the minus four when I left home at 6.30 am today!

Usual five mile circuit around Otley and really surprised at the lack of ice, which is a very good thing.

Five miles takes the tally to 661.

Day 137 - cold and just a bit slippy

Just the bare minimum two miles this evening. Not much snow or ice left on the pavements, but the odd patch here and there which made for very careful running, quick tricky conditions really, lots of baby steps and concentration.

Still, day 137 ticked off, another two miles run and the tally edges up to 656.

Day 136 - snow and ice!

Snow, but not as much as forecast, which made driving to work OK, but made for a slightly disappointing run.

Donned the Kahtoola's for a run up into the forest but was met with muddy snow covered fields, clear pavements and muddy trails. However, as I climbed higher the ground started to freeze and the spikes came into their own.

The pavements were also starting to freeze over as I got back towards home but all in all the spikes coped pretty well with all surfaces.

Best bit though, running in several inches of fresh, white power snow illuminated by the beam of my heardtorch. Awesome!!

Six miles in all, running total now up to 654.

Day 135 - Sunday 13 February

Five early morning miles around Otley before heading off to a motorway junction on the M1 near Chesterfield for Dad's birthday lunch. Fun times were had by all and the Micro Scalextric GB cycling set we brought for him went down a storm!

Five more miles, tally up to 648.

Day 134 - Back to Bradford parkrun and ten sunset miles

Guiding duties at Bradford parkrun this morning. Helen's first run of 2013 so Christmas excesses took there toll a little! Target time was 28 minutes, we clocked 28:30, which given we started right at the back, took some time to cross the line and, with over 300 runners today also got held up in the first kilometre (real bottle neck getting passed Cartwright Hall), means that if we'd had chip timing we probably smashed it!

No Emma today, having a lie in after yesterday's physics AS exam and her Saturday job. Pamela ran again and went off like a bullet. We managed to pass her on the second lap but think she might have posted a Bradford PB!

5km takes the tally up to 633 with another run planned for later on today........

Other run done! Ten miles, out to Arthington, up Creskeld Lane etc etc. Cold, but quite still and with a a clear sky quite a nice sunset too.

Ten more miles makes 643 so far.

Day 133 - six still miles

Weird atmosphere this evening for my run, which seems to have been a combination of the cold night air and the stillness, no wind/breeze, nothing.

Six miles down the Pool Road, up Old Pool Bank and back down Leeds Road.

630 miles now run and England are back in India winning at cricket!

Day 132 - speed work!

90 seconds fast then 90 seconds slow, repeated eight times. Ran about four miles. Quite enjoyed it!

624 miles now run.

Day 131 - three more in west Swindon....

Early morning run today. 7.15 am start to avoid a late, late run this evening.

Did more meandering around a warren of Swindon cul de sacs avoiding just the one Rottweiler this time to clock up another easy three.

Running tally now 620 miles.

Day 130 - three miles in Swindon.....

Not the most scenic of runs (and not just because it was dark!), but despite being at a conference at a former stately home (Lydiard House) the run round the ornamental lake was marred by encounters with a variety of pit bull and other attack dogs!

The venture out into the surrounding housing estate was no less relaxing - very Privet Drive and I wouldn't have been surprised if I had encountered a dementor!!

Still, job done, three more miles and tally up to 617.

Day 129 - three runs in one day!

Bit complicated today, but with the car needing to go into the garage it started with a run home from the garage, 1.7 miles downhill and then uphill.

A run back at the end of the day to collect the car (now running like a dream apparently) another 1.7 miles, parked up then went for a meander around Otley to clock up another 2.6 miles to clock up 6 miles.

So, tally moves on to 614 miles.

Day 128 - ten mild miles

Positively warm for an early January long, Sunday run. Ten miles today, nice and steady, out to Arthington via Pool, up Creskeld Lane to Bramhope and home down the Leeds Road.

Ten more miles takes the tally to 608 miles. So, currently averaging exactly 4.75 miles day.

Day 127 - Bradford parkrun

All the Tranter's turned out for today's Bradford parkrun. We set off together but Emma had some difficulties with her breathing so she and I held back while Pamela raced off!

We all completed the run, Emma and I in just over 30 minutes, Pamela maybe 30 seconds to a minute ahead.

Today was my 97th parkrun, so hopefully I'll get to 100 by the end of the month. more significantly though it was Emma's 10th, so hopefully we'll be able to pick up our 10 and 100 T-shirts at the same time.

Three more miles to the tally, 598 miles now run.

Day 126 - just two

Well, normally a Friday night would be a rest day, so most Fridays are now likely to be 'just two', at least until the end of August!

Two more miles and the tally edges towards 600. 595 miles now run.

Day 125 - proper training!

Hill repeats today, proper hard work. 10 x 30 secs fast uphill, jog back down, repeat!

Do my training on East Chevin Road, the hill is about 1 in 8 at that point......

With a short warm up run, about two miles taking the tally up to 593.

Still, East Chevin Road isn't as steep as this;

Day 124 - six miles

No fuss, no thrills, just a simple six miles. Up the Leeds Road, down Old Pool Bank and back home along the Pool Road (the one that floods).

Six miles takes the tally to 591.

Day 123 - 2013!

Happy New Year!

Day 123 and the start of a new year and today's run already ticked off with Leeds parkrun. Bright sunny morning, cold wind, mud, puddles but all good fun.

Ran with Emma and Andy for the first 2km then was told to run ahead - 10:21 for the first 2km, 11:54 for the next 3km. Finished in 52nd place.

So, day 123 on the challenge, day one of 2013 and one race already run.