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.

Day 122 - a third of the way!

Well, that's four months in, only eight more to go! 

I finished off 2012 with a five mile tour of Otley, probably my most well run training route. However, tonight's run included a detour to join the walkers (Pamela, Emma and Andy) down to the river to look at the Wharfe which is, once again, in full spate with very little drop over the weir. Quite spectacular but also quite scary in the dark.

Otherwise tonight's run was uneventful but takes the tally to 583 miles. Averaging 4.78 miles per day.

Happy New Year everyone and here's to a full calendar of running in 2013!!

Day 121 - back to pounding the quiet streets of Otley

Just three tonight and it was indeed very quiet out. Raining again as I type this, But just wet and blustery for my run.

Three more to the tally and after almost four months I've now run 578 miles.

Day 120 - back to Otley two

Back from blue skies, sunshine and snow clad mountains to a rainy, grey Leeds!

Still, no more uphill/downhill running, just the usual two mile Otley loop. Nice and easy.

Two more miles takes the tally to 575.

Day 119 - more snow!

Fresh snow over night and during the day made for some interesting conditions today, sticky snow and lots of moguls, so, a slightly more challenging day but another good days skiing.

Run tonight was up hill for 15 minutes to Roormoos Intertal, then turn around and back down to the apartment. The Kathoola micropsikes were as good in fresh snow as in the ice.

Another 3 miles, 573 now run.

Day 118 (Thursday 27 December) - Tobogganing!

Another leisurely day on a Tranter Tours holiday with another full days skiing in the sunshine followed by another 20 minute run (down the mountain and then back up), a quick couple of games of table tennis followed by floodlit tobogganing - which was very cool!

So, two more miles to the tally takes the total to 570.

Day 117 - snow is fallin'

Rain in the valley this morning for our walk to the ski station but snowing higher up. Some good fresh snow to ski on, though with temperatures changing as we skied down so did the snow conditions.

Good day though.

Early meal out meant fitting in today's run a bit earlier, so I took my running kit to the ski station, left it in the locker then changed as soon as we'd skied back down. Not sure how far the run back from the lift station is, but did a bit of a detour through the town before heading up the hill and had to finish off with a few laps of the hotel car park. Exactly 20 minutes, more than one mile, but probably less then two. Still, half of that was up hill! 

About 567 miles now run.

Day 116 - Christmas Day!

Well, a garunteed white Christmas with snow all around us making for a perfect Christmas Day. Another great days skiing, another three miles icy run and then an evening of skittles - with the Tranter/Jones team taking first and second prizes!

Day 116, 565 miles now run.

Day 115 - ski Monday

Well, tumbling down a mountain and landing on your head really isn't a good idea. Sore hip and a mild case of whiplash meant a rather in unresponsive body! Still, managed another good days skiing in almost perfect conditions - good snow, nobody about, sunshine, fabulous views, oh, and hot chocolate (with rum) and lunch.

Run was a reverse of Saturday, up to Rhoormoos on the footpath (lit by moonlight) then back down the hill on the freshly groomed piste (by head torch and moonlight). Nice run.

Another 3 miles taking the tally to 562.

Day 114 - tumble down mountain!

Well, that's what I did today! Ironic really, we bought skiing helmets for the first time this year, partly because last time we went skiing everyone seemed to be wearing them and Emma has always had one, mainly because its been compulsory for 'children'. 

So, then I go and do a massive wipeout, the first I can every remember, taking a huge blow to my head. Helmets, just as we'll then! Apart from that, a great days skiing.

Still had time to fit in a run,despite warm temperatures today, and even rain, it was starting to ice up again by the time I went out so, back on with the Kathoolas and more 'I'm so impressed by this bit of kit moments. Ran down into Schladming, then followed a waterfall route (floodlit) before the return, uphill journey.

So, about two miles, taking the tally to 559.

Day 113 - running on ice!

Half way up an Austrian hill in winter And running options are either up, or down and on ice! Ran a mix of icy/slushy pavements and skiing pistes. It was dark but a few people were skiing with head torches. Hard going uphill, even on piste and dodgy coming back down the road. Temperature was about 2 degrees C mid-afternoon but had dropped to frozing by the time I ventured out. About 4.30pm.

After my run I put on my Kathoola micro spikes for the first time just to try them out. They are amazing!! Not a slip over the sheet ice on the car park and the grip on the compacted piste was amazing. Looking forward to tomorrow's run already!

Ran for about 40 minutes today and covered about 3 miles, but I did ascend over 500 feet.

So, tally keeps rising, 113 days and 557 miles.

Day 112 - just the minimum two today

It's the holidays!! Packing, cleaning, tidying, so only time for the minimum two miles. Very uneventful, it wasn't even raining. Hoping to try out the Kathoola micro spikes over the next week.....

Have also signed up for another challenge, Marathon Talks 'Jantastic' as part of the West Highland Way Race team. Google it!

Right, that's 554 miles run and time to eat. Or put another way, wine o'clock!

Day 111 - even wetter!

Just two miles today, at about 9:45. A long day! Early start off to the station on the Brompton in the pouring rain. Train to Newcastle then gales and more rain to the office. Same on the way back! Straight off to Leeds museum for the school celebration evening. Exhausted!

I need a holiday. Only the running will be continuing!

552 miles now run.

Day 110 - five miles of speed work in the rain

Wet, wet, wet. Usual five miles loop, only in the rain. Rather amusingly there were lots of runners in town, armed with head torches and maps and running hither and thither, seemingly all going in different directions. Hilarious!

So, another five miles and the milestone of 550 miles reached.

Day 109 - five fartlek

Definitely more of a spring in my step today so did a bit of fartlek - speed work! Felt good. Usual five mile circuit around Otley but noticed there is not one, but two train hedges in Otley! Unbelievable. Not only that, but someone has been painting the lamp posts on North Avenue black. Lovely smell of paint in the night air....

Another five miles ticked off, 545 now run.

Day 108 - five to the hoot of owls!

Just the usual five mile loop around Otley today. Not too cold, but dull, wet and damp. Still, the atmosphere was lifted by the hoots of owls in the woods around Ellar 
Ghyll. Spooky!

Five more miles takes the tally to 540.

Day 107 - TEN

Longest run for a while so took it easy. A new route, mixing a 7 and 8 mile loop to make 10. Included Old Pool Bank, a steady climb that rises 300 feet over 1.2 miles.

So, 10 miles takes the tally up to 535, bang on 5 miles per day on the 365 challenge so far.

Day 106 - Bradford parkrun

Bradford parkrun again today, 5th time running at Lister Park and not sure where to get some extra speed from! Felt like I was running much harder than last time out but still finished in 19:20, two seconds slower than last time though I did coast over the line today as a PBn wasn't on and there was no one in sight behind - the 'Teeny, Tiny Hill' is great for over taking and 'dropping' the opposition!

So, must try harder. Though I did come in 3rd place, so quite happy with that.

Day 106 done, 525 miles now run.

Day 105 - day of two halves

Day started with sub zero temperatures, freezing fog, black ice. Slippy! It finished with rain, more mist/fog and temperatures soaring to 6 degrees C, but dry for my run and no longer any ice danger.

5 miles this evening, usual Otley circuit. Takes the tally to 524 miles run.

Day 104 - two cold!

Freezing today, with Otley staying shrouded in mist all day. Cycling back from the station at the end of the day my hands froze solid, took some warming up under the hot tap!

So, just two miles tonight. Cold, but ground was drier today, much less ice about.

Two miles drops the average below five a day, 519 miles now run.

Day 103 - happy 17th birthday Emma!

Celebrated Emma's birthday with lunch at Betty's in Ilkley today - very nice! But tonight she's out with her friends so it was back out onto the cold frosty streets of Otley for a gentle five miles. Unsurprisingly it was very quiet out.

103 days, 517 miles run.

Day 102 - two chilly miles

Back from the freezing northeast to an equally cold Yorkshire. Just the minimum two tonight on frosty and occasionally icy ground. Took it fairly steady!

Tally now up to 512 miles, only just above 5 miles per day. Might need to start upping the mileage again.

Day 101 - two miles too early, again!

Two strategy 'away days' on Teesside so decided to get today's run out of the way early (5.30 am), rather than take running kit, headtorch etc to try and find somewhere to run from a hotel/conference centre next the A9 in the middle of nowhere.

Surprisingly quiet on the streets. A bit frosty, and black ice on Birdcage Walk, which was useful info for my cycle to the station.

510 miles now run.

Day 100!

Wow! Day 100 already, that has gone very quickly. I think I'm beginning to enjoy running everyday.

Day 100 was completed with the Epilepsy Action Reindeer Stampede at Roberts Park in Shipley, right next door to Saltaire which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Perfect day today, record entries, well over 200, nearly all in some sort of fancy dress. Blue skies, no ice, sunshine and a really good atmosphere.

As ever decided to take it easy and romped home in 3rd place in 20:38. Amazingly, all three of my reinder runs have been completed within 6 seconds of each other.

So, 100 days consecutive running, 508 miles run, 265 days to go.

Day 99 - three easy

Just three easy miles around Otley today with Pamela. Very dull, grey day, but not as cold as recent days. Was scheduled to do 10 today, but after Friday's dash to Coventry to see Mumford and Sons at the NEC last night, and then the mad dash back this morning to get Emma to work, we both felt a bit tired! Great concert though.

And tonight we are off to the stunning venue of the local parish church to hear Otley Choral Society sing the Messiah. Cushions compulsory.

So, that's 505 miles now run, 266 days to go!

Day 98 - slip slidin' away!

Three miles up into the forest at lunchtime. Muddy to start with, then icy. A few impressions of Sully from Monsters Inc. (baby steps, baby steps!) then into downhill skiing mode - mud, leaves and ice on a steep downhill forest track are not a good combination.

Still, made it home without going for 6, unlike India's bowlers(!) and, just like England 's batsmen, 3 more miles takes me passed the 500 mark. 502 miles now run and Sunday's Reindeer Stampede at Roberts Park in Saltaire will mark day 100!

Day 97 - 'twas a dark and stormy night...

Day of real weather contrasts today. Set off for work on my Brompton in the freezing cold, sun starting to climb into the sky colouring it that lovely winter pink and ochre. Lots of ice about too, but made it unscathed to the station.

By the time I got back from York it was dark, raining, windy, still cold and just plain grim.

A few hours later and exactly the same conditions for my run - so just did 5 instead of the scheduled 7. Roll on the Wild Coast Ultra in February - average temperatures about 25 to 30 degrees C!

5 more miles takes the tally to 499!

Day 96 - freezing five

Thermometer was hovering just above zero tonight and it felt like it! Still icy at the foot of Silver Mill Hill but elsewhere fairly dry, apart from outside a house on Leeds Road at the bottom of the hill who had clearly been washing their car this evening.....

Otherwise an uneventful run, five more miles taking the tally up to 494 miles.

Day 95 - four fresh miles

Actually it wasn't fresh, it was freezing! Not as cold as yesterday, but raining, into the wind, brrrrrrr!

Four miles takes the tally to 489 and the 500 mile mark looms ahead of the 100 day mark.

Day 94 - Cold three

Icy day in Otley today, but apart from a few remnants on our hill, the balmy four degrees C had cleared away all the slip hazards. Just three today, but hopefully will now start to build a few bigger mileage weeks.

Running total, 485 miles.

Day 93 - (2nd December) five more miles

Cold still not shifting so did 5 instead of the planned 10. Still very cold, first half of the run was milder than expected, but then I hit the parts of Otley that hadn't seen any sun all day. The ground was still frosty and my head began to hurt!

Still, job done. 482 miles now run as we approach 100 days!

Day 92 - month four, Bradford parkrun

Despite the dire warnings of wide spread ice Lister Park was hazard free today. There was ice on Silver Mill Hill but the new winter tyres coped with that without any trouble. I had offered to guide Helen again today but she had decided not to risk the conditions. Good move, although there was no ice to contend with the very low, bright sun would have reduced her vision to zero at the start.

My PB at Bradford is 19 mins dead, so that was my target, but given this lingering cold I wasn't sure how it would go. However, I had a good run, very consistent pace and moved from 11th place on lap one up to 8th at the finish thanks to two bursts of speed on the 'Teeny, Tiny Hill'.

Finishing time, 19 mins 18 secs.

So, total miles run now 477 as we embark on month four!

Day 91 - three months!

Just two miles today. Very cold and icy but avoided any slippy bits. parkrun could be interesting tomorrow.

474 miles now run!

Day 90 - FIVE

Five today in almost sub zero temperatures! Still a bit coldly but it's slowly fading.

472 miles now run on the 365 challenge.

Day 89 - temperatures falling

Less than 2 degrees C this evening, but calm and still so didn't really feel too cold. Did three this evening and feeling fine, though a few dodgy moments on icy patches on the roads and fallen leaves towards the end!

467 miles run.

Day 88 - floods subsiding, cold receding.

Mostly just me doing the running today. Still full of cold, but less sneezing. The weather has got cold though, cool north east breeze on my cycle rides from home to Menston and from Greenfield Station to Uppermill - the Peak District was looking very brooding.

So, being still full of cold I did not run the seven miles on my schedule, but instead just did another two, though now back on the usual loop along Birdcage Walk.

That's now 464 miles run, the tally is barely creeping along these days.....

Day 87 (monday 26 November) - my nose is doing all the running!

Sneezing and runny nose stage of the cold today, so just did the bare minimum 2 miles . Ran down to the river and back again, higher than yesterday but not as high as its been at other times this year.


So, tally moves on to 462 with 278 days to go.

Day 86 - proper full of cold

Yes, I definitely have a cold. So, instead of running the ten miles I had on my schedule Pamela and I did a gentle run down to the river in Oltey and back. Just over 2 miles. Quite a bright, sunny afternoon too. Nice.

So, two more miles to the total taking it to 460 miles so far. Another 279 days to go.

Day 85 - parkrun, Leeds

Back to Hyde Park today for parkrun. This was my 94th parkrun and 36th this year. Conditions were mixed underfoot, puddles, wet leaves, ice, but its a still, calm day and though cold, ideal fr rrunning.

Carrying a cold just now (probably had it for the Brecon race, which could explain the odd sensation I had in my chest in the later stages of the race), so decided to take it steady, maybe target 20 minutes. I started well back, so progress was slow through 'taffic', but once I got clear air I started to pick off runners ahead and ended up with a very pleasing 19:13 and 8th place.

So, another 3 miles to add to the tally which now stands at 458 miles and there are 280 days to run.

Day 84 - Quick Three

Quite an enjoyable run tonight after a horrendous four hour drive back from Manchester this afternoon - its only about 50 miles........

Unfortunately the squeak is back in the right shoe, which I'm now convinced is because the shoe/surfaces are wet.

Anyway, that's 455 miles run, some number of days to go, but only a couple more weeks to reach 100 days!

Day 83 - wet, wet, wet

More rain, lots of pubbles, slippery leaves and four miles. You just have to get out there and do it!

452 miles now run, quite a few days to go!

Day 82 - floods are back!

Birdcage Walk flooded again after last night's (and this mornings') rains, so no chance of the usual 2 mile loop. So, instead, I ran up the Leeds Road to one of Emma's turn around points. Works out at about 3 miles. Legs slowly getting back to normal!

448 miles now run.

Day 81 - 445

Ran three miles just now which was fine, except I only meant to do two. My mind was elsewhere and I missed my turning - I rarely ran anything less than five miles before this challenge, so autopilot still isn't set for two!

Day 80 - 442

So, that s now 80 days rof unning everyday and brings up 442 miles.

Just two miles today, the minimum requirement, but still more than I would usually be doing two days after an ultra race! Left knee not so sore today, but right thigh was complaining.
 
Also, found a hole in my Skins running tights, mid calf, which I think was from a bramble on the Brecon race that nearly sent me tumbling to the ground. Anyone any suggestions for fixing a hole in Skins compression gear? Will good old fashioned 'darning' work (like I'd know how to do that anyway)?

Likely to be another short run tomorrow as I've got the Academy Trust AGM to attend.

285 days to go!

Day 79 - sore two

Sore knees today, hopefully just took a bashing on all that rocky terrain yesterday. Still, hobbled a two mile loop into Otley and back. Time for some rest now, I think its called wine o'clock.

So, that's 440 miles now run on the 365 challenge. Roll on 500.....

Day 78 - Brecons Ultra. Mud, sweat and tears!

Ran the 45 mile Brecons Ultra today. 7.30 am dawn start, dusk finish! Took 9 hrs 15 minutes for this two 'lap' race (4:15 first lap!), and pretty happy with that - came in 43rd place.

Course was good, but underfoot conditions were tough - lots of mud, water, rocky, wet muddy descents but all in a spectacular setting. Canal towpath running with gorgeous autumn colours, big hills (Brecon mountains!), forests, open countryside, miles and miles of panoramic views. Recommended!

But, it was tough, but I guess that's what you get on a trail/mountain ultra!

So, 45 miles to add to the tally, which now stands at 438 miles.

Day 77 - lunchtime two

Working at home today so able to fit my short run in at lunchtime. Ran to school and back in order to sign off some large capital refurbishment works!

Quite chilly today, but dry and hints of sunshine. Best of all though, no squeaking shoes.......

393 miles now run.

Day 76 - just two

Just two today as I've got the Brecons Ultra on Saturday, a two lap 45 mile trail/hill race.

But, of course, the big story is squeaky trainers. Main advice seems to be talc under the insoles (thanks Steve!), but only if its the insoles not the out soles that are causing the squeak. So, before my run tonight, I took my insoles out (bare with me!), then went for a quick run down and then up Silver Mill Hill. Guess what? No squeaking! Then I put the insoles back in, set off for the Polling Station and, squeak, squeak, squeak.......until, I'd cast my PCC vote (Hobson's choice or what?) when there was.......no squeak. Fingers crossed.

Two more miles, 391 miles run.

Day 75 - bleary eyed three

Emma's school are taking part in a Comenius project with schools in Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic. We are hosting a student for the Czech Republic who arrives later on today. As I'll be picking them up on my way home from work, and it seemed rude to then go out for a run so I set my alarm for 6.20 am and was out running by 6.30. Still far too early for me, but it was dry, there was some light appearing in the sky and at 11 degrees it was almost warm!

So, another three miles out of the way taking the running tally to 389 miles and reduces the days to go to just 290!

Day 74 - shoes still squeaking....

It was much drier this evening, and surprisingly warm, over 11 degrees C. But my Brooks Ghost 5's still squeaked. Aaarrrggghhh!!!!!

Just two miles today. So thats 386 miles run and 291 days to go.

Day 73 - five miles easy

Usual five mile route around Otley this evening. Fairly uneventful, apart from a very annoying squeaking noise that my Brooks Ghost 5 running shoes seem to have developed since the Newcastle Town Moor Marathon. It might only be in the wet, but it might prove annoying enough to justify a new pair of running shoes. After all, I have run 246 miles in them so far......

Right, day 73 done, 384 miles accumulated, 292 days to go. Doesn't time fly when you are enjoying yourself.

Day 72 - Dalby Dash 10k trail race

First time at this race in ‘THE Great Yorkshire Forest’ on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors and also Emma’s first 10k race.

Fantastic bright, still sunny day. Fabulous colours in the trees but cold in the woods, about 2 degrees C, frosty and even icy in places. Still, the start was up by the visitor centre in bright sunshine which felt pretty warm.

As it is the 11 November today, the race started at 11.02 following a very well observed two minute silence.

At the gun the race went uphill on a tarmac forest road for the first 3km, and not a gentle ‘Leeds Road’ type hill, but quite testing. After that though it levelled out, then descending quickly on forest paths (rocky and a bit wet and slippery in places), before hitting ‘undulating’ compacted trails for the last 1.5/2km.

Emma’s target was to break the hour. She finished in 54 minutes dead on my watch. Awesome!!

Day 72. 379 miles now run, 293 miles to go. That was also race number 51 of 2012!

Day 71 - Bradford parkrun

Volunteered to guide Helen again today at parkrun. Target was again 27 minutes and we crossed the line in 27:18. So a 30 second improvement on last week and edging towards that 27 minute mark and a new PB for Helen.

Good running conditions today. Sun just breaking through the misty sky, a bit wet on the ground but fantastic autumn colours still.

Pamela also ran Bradford today and finished comfortably inside 30 minutes.

That was parkrun number 93!

Some other numbers: 373 miles now run on the 365 challenge. 294 days to go. Dalby Dash 10k race tomorrow with Emma.

Day 70 - yes, seventy!!

That feels like a really big number, but time seems to have flown and only a couple of logistical challenges so far. Wait till we fly away on holiday........

Anyway, no big celebrations, just another steady three around Otley. Dark, drizzly and very quiet.

Day seventy takes the mileage tally to 370 and reduces the countdown to 295 days.

Day 69 - regulo three

Just three today. So that makes 367 miles. 296 days to go!

Day 68 - famous five

Yes, the good old five mile tour d'Otley again this evening. Suddenly much warmer than the last few days but still very windy (thankfully no leaf in eye incidents today).

364 miles now run. 297 days to go.

Day 67 - eight with a poke in the eye with a sharp stick

OK, so it wasn't exactly a sharp stick, but running home into the wind a leaf whacked my in the left eye and it really does hurt!

Eight miles today, out up the Leeds Road to Bramhope and back. Felt a bit sluggish up the hill but picked up as the run went on.

359 miles now run, 298 days to go.

Day 66 - firework five

Five mile loop around Otley against a backdrop of bonfires and fireworks, mostly at a safe distance. But one idiot set off a Catherine wheel at the entrance to their drive on Bradford Road just as I was passing, had to make an emergency hand brake turn out into the road to avoid getting singed. Unbelievable!

Anyway, another five miles ticked off, 351 miles now run and less than 300 days to go!

Day 65 - post firework four

Busy weekend with my sister and her family staying over last night (hello Sue!).

Lovely walk on the Chevin Saturday afternoon, followed by fireworks and fun games - lots of laughing out load!

Then today off to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park taking in the Miro and Anish Kapoor exhibitions and a lovely walk around Bretton Park.

Just back in now from a four mile run around Otley with Pamela as the sun set. Perfect!

346 miles now run and only 300 days to go.

Day 64 - Bradford parkrun

Did Bradford parkrun this morning as they were looking for a guide to run with their visually impaired runner Helen.

I was a bit nervous as I'd never guided a runner before, but had been trained as a sighted guide for people with visual impairments when I worked for the RNIB.

Anyway, I needn't of worried. Helen told me what to do, we did a quick warm up/test run then joined everyone on the start line. Bradford, like Leeds, is three laps of the park and Lister Park was looking very autumnal. Helen ran a very even pace, bang on nine minute miling. The course is straight forward, the only 'dodgy' bits where we passed between some bollards, that and getting left and right mixed up! Otherwise it all went very smoothly.

We finished in 27 mins 45 secs, a bit off Helen's target of 27 mins, but she seemed pleased with that. And we came in 140th and 141st.

So, another three miles run, 342 in total, 301 days to go.

Day 63 - three miles up hill and down dale

Working at home today so took the opportunity to run at lunchtime and in daylight! Just three today, up East Ch vein Road (1 in 8) and then into Danefield Forest, exiting onto the Leeds Road, down into Otley and then back up to home.

Nice run, very quiet, only encountered two walkers.

339 miles now, 302 days to run....

Day 62 - five miles to kick off month three

Long day visiting Liverpool today. Some interesting stuff at the Tate (nice lunch!), and a wander around 'Liverpool ONE' taking in both cathedrals. A more interesting place than we'd anticipated.

Anyway, latish five miles. About 4 degrees, gritters out, clear skies, stars and a massive nearly full moon.

336 miles done, 303 days to go.

Day 61 - six miles in the rain

Well, Skyfall was very good, so probably worth getting up for that early run yesterday and got very excited at seeing a section of the West Highland Way on the big screen!

Six miles this evening. Cold, dark, raining and trick or treaters, who got spooked as I ran passed with my headtorch on. Ha!

331 miles run, 304 days to go.

Oh, and that's two months done!

Day 60 - two slow, too early!

Ran the bear minimum two miles at 6.30 am today. Far too early, but at least it was light. Off to see Skyfall this evening, then out for something to eat, so had to get the run out of the way somehow. Pamela also came with me, I think I needed that motivation. Not something I want to do regularly though (running in the early morning that is)!

325 miles run, 305 days to go.

Day 59 - five mile recovery run.

My brother's birthday today, happy birthday Phil!

Five slow recovery miles today. Actually felt OK, not too achy just a bit tired. 5 miles cycling on the Brompton to and from the station today undoutedly helped.

323 miles, 306 days to go.

Day 58 - Newcastle Town Moor Marathon

Nice bright morning for today's race, but it steadily got more overcast as the race went on and was very windy. I was also expecting smooth tarmac, which we did have, but also lots of mud and puddles and slippery grass - felt like a cross country race.

Nice, small race though (200 limit?), very friendly, seemed to be mostly club runners, and great marshalls. The course is run from Exhibition Park around Town Moor, a huge open space (I guessing Newcastle's 'common'), and adjacent to the start of the Great North Run.

I was targeting 3.30 today, but fell in with Ssall group on the fist lap (which helped into the wind) so ran through the first five miles in 35 mins. From then I was always up on pace, went through the half marathon in 1:35 and was very happy to finish in 3:22:12 for 16th place overall.

That was also marathon number 26 today and my 12th quickest.

So, that's 318 miles now on this challenge and, finally, the days to go number less than the miles run at 307.

Day 57 - cold at parkrun

Lovely bright sunny morning, blue skies, autumn leaves and about 2.5 degrees and windy! However, the course was dry for the fist time in months and, despite the wind, managed to improve on last week's time.

I was aiming for 18:40, but will settle for 18:45. The splits:

1 km - 3:34
2 km - 3:50
3 km - 3:50
4 km - 3:47
5 km - 3:43

292 miles now run on the 365 challenge. 308 days to go.

Day 56 - the gritter lorries are out

Well, it must be proper cold if the roads are being gritted. Thermometer was reading 4 degrees and with a slight wind it was pretty chilly. Did 5 miles this evening as the sun set, nice orange glow in the sky and feeling good. 26.2 miles in this might be a bit more challenging on Sunday and its always so much colder in Newcastle than it is in Yorkshire!

289 miles now run a further 309 days to go.

Day 55 - just two miles today

It actually said five on my schedule, but I didn't check it and thought it was two. Still, no harm done. Very easy two it was as well round the very quiet streets of Otley.

Easy day again tomorrow, then parkrun Saturday morning followed by the Newcastle Town Moor Marathon on Sunday. That will rack up the miles.

284 miles now run, 310 days to go.

Day 54 -Four

Got home from work just as Pamela was about to go for her run so joined her for a four mile tour of Otley. Nice easy pace, but its dark, its misty, its slippy under foot - roll on Saturday for some daylight running!

282 miles now run, 311 days to go.

Day 53 - six miles

Should have been seven, but didn't think I could quite fit that in between finsihing work and going off to school for a governor's meeting. So a quickish six it was.

278 miles completed and only 312 days more to run. The gap is closing between miles and days.....

Day 52 - five miles on autopilot

Four miles on the schedule, but must have been day dreaming as I found myself heading for an extra mile instead of heading home. No point in turning back, so five miles it was. Running in the dark is dull though, I've a feeling already its going to be a long winter - must make sure I use weekends to run in daylight!

272 miles, 313 days to go.

Day 51 - 10 miles in the gloomin'

Ten mile loop up the Leeds Road to Bramhope, down Creskeld Lane than back home via Pool and the Pool Road.

Very misty high up and very damp in the air, proper feeling of autumn.

Felt good on the run, a bit tired from lots of gardening (using different muscles), but otherwise all good.

267 miles run, 314 days to go.

Day 50 - back to sub 19

No Emma at parkrun this morning, so chance to go a bit faster. Targeted 19 minutes and ran 18:57 for 16th place. Very happy with that. Splits:

1 km - 3:36
2 km - 3:49
3 km - 3:55
4 km - 3:48
5 km - 3:47

Speed was definitely helped by having Joel on my shoulder most of the way, Al racing off at 1.5km, then Joel going for broke up the last hill and finally nearly catching Roy on the line. Thanks for the pacing guys!

257 miles now run, 315 days to go.

Day 49 - minimum two

Just two today, but got to run with Pamela who was just back from Istanbul. Very still today, so ideal temperature for running.

253 miles run, plenty of days to go!

Day 48 - four forest miles

Working at home today so took the opportunity to run in daylight and went up into the Chevin Forest. Lovely autumn day, warm sunshine, light breeze, leaves turning colour and falling. Pretty wet under foot but completely deserted, felt like I had the whole forest to myself. Though the occasional crashing sounds in the undergrowth suggest there were deer about!

251 miles now run on the 365 challenge and 317 days to go.

Day 47 - six miles in Skins A400 compression tights

Six miles in diminishing light, forgot how fast the light fades at this time of year, nearly got too dark to run on the unlit parts of the route.

Still, felt good today. Out up the Leeds Road again, then down Old Pool Bank and back home along Pool Road.

First run in the new Skins tights. Pretty comfortable and, although thin, definitely warmer than shorts! Fit doesn't seem as snug as the Skins shorts, so will see how they hold up (literally) on Sunday's long run.

247 miles now run, 318 days to go.

Day 46 - two becomes five

My schedule said two. Emma's said five. So we ran five (Emma's longest run to date). A testing little five it was too. First 1.5 miles up hill up Leeds Road, turn around and back down into a pretty chill wind, then uphill all the way home via Burras Land, Birdcage Walk and the last, killer 1 in 8 up East Chevin Road. Good work out.

Thats 241 miles now run in the last 46 days. Just 319 more days to go.

Day 45 - two quick!

What was supposed to be two, gentle recovery miles today post half marathon, turned into a two mile dash thanks to Emma's sudden burst of enthusiasm! And we did the loop the up hill way round.

Good though.

236 miles, 320 days to go.

Day 44 - Coventry Half Marathon

Perfect day for running today with a cloudless blue sky and only the slightest breeze when we reached the highest part of  the route (once the ice was scrapped off the car).

Lots of positives out of today's run, here are a few:

• Targeted 1:27 with the aim of beating last year's time. Finished in 1:27:13 and knocked over 2 minutes off my 2011 time. Woohoo!
• Finished in 38th place and overtook the second placed woman in the last mile.
• Felt stronger than I'd expected after zero speed work since June when I fractured my ribs during the West Highland Way race.
• Also pleased that I'd recovered quickly after last Sunday's Royal Parks Ultra.
• Ran a strong second half and even managed a negative split
• This was my 30th half marathon and 15th fastest!
• Marshall's were also very vocal this year, well done Coventry, and thanks to mum, dad, Sue and Sophie for coming out to support - much appreciated (Sophie, I hope your photos are better than grandma's.......).

So, 234 miles in, 321 days to go.

And here are some of Sophie's photos:

 

 

Day 43 - parkrun PB!

Lovely bright, cool morning for parkrun today (though still really muddy on that first corner). Emma joined me again today and when the 25 minute pacer was announced we exchanged glances that said 'NO!'.

But then we slowly over-hauled the pacer and looked on for a sub 25 run before breathing and a little bit of feeling sick slowed the pace a bit. Still, a brilliant time from Emma of 25:15, a full 42 seconds off her previous best and, she achieved her main goal of not getting lapped! We went passed the finish second time around in 16:40.

Another 3 miles on the clock, 221 now run and 322 days to go (looks like my maths is a bit out in earlier posts!).

Day 42 - another 4 miles

Up Leeds Road to Bar End House and back today. Nice tail wind up the hill, chilly head wind back down!

218 miles now accumulated on the cahllenge. 313 days to go.

Day 41 - 5 miles easy

Raining today and a bit over dressed (too many layers, not that I was wearing a tuxedo), not quite as cold as I thought it was. Still, another 5 miles churned out. Otley AC were also out in force, not doubt most of the members from last night's Back the Track meeting were in that pack.

214 miles now run, 314 days to go. Not long until the miles are higher than the days to go.....

Day 40 - easy two

Just two miles today, the bare minimum to keep the challenge on track. Cool evenings now, even started wearing gloves.....

 209 miles in. 315 days to go.

Day 39 - back to running threes

Well, yesterday's recovery run certainly loosened those tired muscles and almost a spring back in my step today. More of the same over the next few days as I need to be fully recovered for the Coventry Half Marathon this weekend.

Lovely clear, crisp evening, but not as evocative as the early morning mists - see below!

207 miles in, many more to go!

Day 38 - Recovery Run

Just two miles today, stretching out tired, aching muscles. Feel much better now though.

203 miles in, quite few days to go!

Day 37 - Royal Parks Ultra

Sunday 7 October. Beautiful, clear, crisp, sunny morning, ideal for running. Which is what I did for 31 miles through the streets of London and along the Thames path.

The Royal Parks Ultra turned out to be a real race of two halves. Definitely enjoyed the first half the most. We were sent on our way by Ben Fogle and Nell McAndrew and enjoyed empty, traffic free roads as we ran out of the Hyde Park, through the triumphal arch at Hyde Park Corner, down Constitution Hill to Buckingham Palace and then up Birdcage Walk to Parliament Square. By now we'd caught up with the 5k runners who went off 10 minutes ahead, so a bit of traffic dodging before peeling off at the 3 mile mark onto Blackfriars Bridge.

This got even more surreal as there were just three of us running together (one being Cath Wood from Scarborough who went on to finish her fist ever ultra in 3:59 having only run one marathon before at Hull this year. She started running in January 2011, so definitely one to look out for!). No one in view ahead, apparently no one behind, as we made our away along the South Bank now dodging tourists. It was a bit hairy around London Eye, but once passed the Palace of Westminster we were away.

Pretty good from there up to the 20km mark when we left the smooth tarmac and pavements for muddy, puddles on the slippery towpath, but nicely shaded by the trees and occasional good views.

I stopped at the 25 km mark to refill my Hyrapack (I think easier to do than my Camelback) and that was when several runners went passed (the first I seen since km 5!).

As with any long race the second half was more of a slog but I went through 42.2 km in 3:35 and finally finished in 4:17 and came 22nd overall. Very happy with that.

Also took quite few photos, from Buckingham Palace to rutting, bellowing stags in Bushy Park!

New shoes (Brooks Ghost 5) were good, no issues, just a bit slippy in the mud ( ideally I’d have changed half way into my Cascadias), and the UltrAspire Surge backpack also did its job perfectly – Mimi Anderson (handing out the medals at the end), clocked it and was interested to know how it performed! I obviously gave a plug to Likeys.....

So, that was day 37. The 200 mile mark passed and only 327 days to go.

Day 36 - post party parkrun

Post party running didn't suit Emma this morning so, despite a fastest ever first km in 5:05, she bailed out at the 3 km mark. That left an enjoyable 2 km sprint for the line!

Another 3 miles done, 170 in total, 329 days to go.

Day 35 - 3 miles with Pamela

Emma had already left for her party when I got home from work so Pamela and I got to run together for the first time in ages. A nice, steady three miles around Otley. Hands still cold as I type, its definitely autumn!

167 miles now run on this challenge, 330 days to go.

Day 34 - getting there in threes

Another 3 miler this evening. Cool, dry, clearing skies, spring in step, enjoyed it! Wore the Surge backpack again (apparently it looks diddy and not unlike a baby sling......don't let that put you off!). Very comfy. Only two more days until it gets a proper workout.

164 miles now done.

Day 33 - drenched / UltrAspire Surge backpack test run

Absolutely chucking it down this evening, water pouring off the hill and all those puddles filling up again. Still, if it says run on your schedule you run don't you? And at the moment, that means everyday!

With Sunday's Royal Parks Ultra only four sleeps away I thought I'd better test out the new UltrAspire Surge backpack (very speedy Likeys delivery of course).

I loaded the pockets with bits and pieces of rubbish (I wasn't actually going to need anything tonight), and put 500ml of water in the Hydrapack. Pockets on the front of the Surge are really good - room for: my crystallised ginger in one, frosties bars in another, camera in a third and possibly even a phone in a fourth (a small, old fashione dNokia, I don't own a smartphone.....). That still leaves the magnetic 'pill' pouch free which this evening I used for some coins so I could pop into Waitrose to but Emma the cloudy lemonade that she ordered (politely enquired if I 'd be able to....) me to buy.

On the back, the 500mls of water in the bladder, plus gillet. Still loads of room (and on my way home, room for a one litre bottle of cloudy lemonade that sat very comfortably and was stable in the backpack -you won' get much more shopping in it though).

So, how did it perform. Brilliantly! Incredibly stable, no movement what so ever (even with the cloudy lemonade) and all the front pockets were easily accessible.

Admittedly this was only a three mile run in the rain, but I have high hopes for this pack. We'll find out on Sunday.

33 days on the trot, 161 miles done.

Day 32 - more rain

30 minute window to run today while teenager was at her guitar lesson. And it rained. Did just over 3 miles around the polite streets of Ilkley.

158 miles now complete.

Big news of the day though was the arrival of my new back pack, an UltrAspire Surge (ordered from Likeys.com on Sunday). Haven't been able to test drive it yet, but was very comfortable wearing around the house.....

Day 31 - month two, and its dark....

Just four miles today, but it was in the dark - the first of many I guess. At least it was still vaguely light when I left to cycle to the station at 7 am and just about light come 7 pm. So that was nine miles on the bike too today.

Less than 11 months to go, 155 miles in the bag.

And this is where I was today. RSPB's Saltholme reserve on Teesside. Well worth a visit.