Day 304 - pure joy

Back in my Brooks Pureflow running shoes. Still sticking to two miles, inpart to make sure I recover, but also because I've got a marathon on Saturday!

Still, running in the Pure's really seemed to put a spiring back in my step. Legs a bit tired but the soreness is definitely on the way out.

Two more miles and the tally now stands at 1,711.

Day 303 - five

Quite a nice Otley five. Mostly run, but still some walking. Legs still tired. Thigh muscles still sore BUT, getting there.

 Five more miles means the tally now stands at 1,709.

Day 302 - Harrogate parkrun

First time at Harrogate parkrun this morning inn. Had to drop Emma off at work for a 9 am start rather than her usual 11.30, so perfect timing to fit in Harrogate parkrun.

Nice three lap course on the Stray, mix of grass and Tarmac paths. Set off slowly, in part because I didn't know how well my legs would stand up, but also because the path was very narrow (though plenty of people ran on the grassy slopes either side). Anyway, found I was running OK, not exactly smooth, but tired rather than sore muscles so slowly worked my way up the field and ended with a sprint finish. Time, exactly 20 minutes. Place, 22nd! So, good to be back running.

That's also three more miles to add to the tally which now stands at 1,704 miles.

Day 301 - still limping along

Much better run today. Bright and breezy after the earlier rain and almost had a spring in my step. Still did some walking, thigh muscles tiring and screaming (Apple's spellchecker had that as scheming.....), but feeling good about tomorrow's parkrun and next weekend's Hamsterley Marathon feels less of a stupid impulse entry!!

Two more miles and a new barrier broken with 1,701 miles now run since 1 September 2012.

Day 300!!

Well, 300 up, only 65 more days to go.

Still doing twos this week. Again a bit more running today, but on top of a lot of walking during the day my thighs are still very sore!

Still, it feels like progress and two more miles takes the tally ever nearer to 1,700 standing at 1,699!

Day 299 - getting there

Out early for two miles with Pamela. Still walking bits but running more. Big test will be Parkrun on Saturday, especially as Sheila and Dave are visiting on Friday night....!

Two more miles takes the tally to 1,697.

Day 298 - this is painful....

This week is the first time that I've thought that carrying on with the 365 challenge isn't really worth it. Previously there have been logistical challenges, but never before has running been painful.

However, I do believe that my good race results recently have been a result of running everyday and that includes the PB at the weekend.

So, I will persist. Two more miles today, a bit more running and the tally staggers on to 1,695.

Day 297 - two in new Brooks Ghost Five

Less of a shuffle, but the bits that I 'ran', weren't pretty! The pain, mostly in my upper thighs, was helped slightly by a brand new pair of bouncy Brooks Ghost Fives.

So, two more miles, the 1,700 mark edges nearer as the tally limps up to 1,693.

Day 296 - Otley shuffle

I knew running the day after the West Highland Way race was always going to be hard, but I never imagined not being able to actually run!!

Extremely sore thighs unable to take the downward force of a running stride meant I was reduced to a shuffle/walk. Still, the minimum 20 minutes were accomplished with about a mile added to the tally which now stands at 1,691.

Day 295 - 95 miles along the West Highland Way

Will update more tomorrow, but a great eighth West Highland Way race culminating in my fifth finish and best ever time in 21 hours and 41 minutes. Also came in 27th place which was very satisfying given it was record field with 181 starters and 149 finishers.

Massive thanks to Pamela and Dad for acting as support crew, experiencing midges, sleep deprivation, ultra runner rudeness and the Scottish weather (torrential rain, sun, rainbows, bitter winds....).

95 miles jumps the tally forward to 1,690 miles.

More to follow......

Day 294 - another two

Last two miler before the West Highland Way race which kicks off in 15.5 hours time!!!

Usual Otley two, but unusually clashing with primary school rush hour - mayhem of bikes, scooters, small children and smoking mums......as in 'avian a fag'.

Two more miles takes the tally to 1,595.

Day 293 - two in a light drizzle

Just two again. Drizzling, which according to the weather forecast is just an appetiser ahead of a weekend of rain in the Highlands.

Oh well!

Two more miles and the tally now stands at 1,593.

Day 292 - evening Monsieur Reynard

Only two miles again this evening, running up the Leeds Road and back. Occasionally on my runs I encounter some wildlife. Tonight, a fox. Now, you might think that would be fairly common given that we virtually live in the countryside, but I think that's only the second fox I've seen in Otley in ten years. In London, they were ten a penny.

Two more miles and the tally now stands at 1,591.

Day 291 - just two (Tuesday 18 June)

Tapering for the West Highland Way race which starts at 1am Saturday morning........so just two tonight. Ran in my Pureflows which really do seem to be quick, running most of it on my toes! Also think I managed to work out the alarm on my Suunto so I get a nutrition alert every 20 minutes for Saturday's race. Will need to test it again later.

So, two more miles and the total mileage now stands at 1,589.

Day 290 - five, just......(Monday 17 June)

Usual Otley five that was as uneventful as ever until someone decided to try and run me over!! I was on the pavement and they decided it was OK to just drive straight at me to get to their drive way and garage. I politely remonstrated with them but apparently it was my fault for not stopping and if I ever get run over it will be entirely my fault. Bizarre!

Anyways, another five miles in the bag and the 365 tally now stands at 1,587.

Day 289 - Father's Day seven (Sunday 16 June)

Lovely day out and picnic at the Yorkshire Sculpture park including Emma's amazing dark chocolate chip cookies with fresh raspberry cream. Yum! Also a fantastic exhibition by Yinka Shinabare. Think Grayson Perry of textiles. Well worth a visit.

Did the daily run on our return home. The seven mile Burley Menston run with Pamela.

A most enjoyable day.

Seven more miles takes the tally up to 1,582.

I think it's fixed!

Last few posts have failed to load, will be back tomorrow to update.....

Another test

Test

Problem posting from my ipad, so this is just a test......

One year running streak

Check out Ketan's blog and his account of running everyday for a year: http://www.ketans.com/

Day 288 - no parkrun!

Overnight in Berwick and early depart to take Emma to work in Harrogate, so no parkrun. Instead a day of West Highland Way preparation including the obligatory haircut, some shopping (spare headtorch batteries) and starting to lay the kit out in the bedroom......that and entering another marathon, Hamsterley Forest on 6 July!

No parkrun but still three miles run, only around Otley, in the early evening sun and post carnival quiet - though there were a surprisingly large number of drunk people about.....

Three more miles takes the tally to 1,575.

Day 287 - FOUR!

Fun day out in Edinburgh checking out the University as Emma decides where she would like to study from next year. Edinburgh made a good impression, lovely city, good courses, amazing sports facilities and its Scottish!

Four mile run out from the caravan after we got back taking in Berwick's two bridges. OK, there are three but one is for trains.

Four more miles and the tally moves up to 1,572.

Day 286 - to the lighthouse

Bike, train, run! Lovely four mile cycle ride from the conference to York station this afternoon, all off road. Then a hideously busy train from York to Berwick, at least I did have a seat. Quick freewheel from Berwick station to the caravan (apart from that teeny tiny hill from Spittal.....), and a short rest listening to the cricket before going out for my run.

I was going to run to Halidon Hill, but as it was such a bright, clear evening I decided to stay by the sea, so ran out to the end of Spittal promenade and back, then across Berwick Bridge, out to the lighthouse then a meander around town before heading home via the newer road bridge and the hill that was the old great north road.

Eight miles in all and a very enjoyable, relaxing, time to switch off run.

Eight more miles takes the tally up,to 1,568 miles.

Day 285 - early two (Wednesday 12 June)

Off to York for a workshop and then the two day fundraising conference, so decided to run early (not much room on my bike for overnight stay and running kit!).

Early runs are early, but nice and quiet. Felt like West Highland Way time...

Two more miles equals 1,560 miles now run.

Day 284 - just two

Well, that's what it said in the schedule, so that's what I ran. One mile up the hill up Leeds Road, stop, pause, run back down.

Quite muggy evening, but quite a pleasant run.

Two more miles = 1,538 miles run on the 365 challenge.

Day283 - high fives!

Well, not exactly high, more plodding! A five mile meander around Otley, no order, just turn here, turn there. Nice sunset evening though and another five miles ticked off.

Total now stands at 1,536 miles run.

Day 282 - barbecue time?

Sun came out, rain stayed away people barbecued! Six mile run, early evening, smells of meatcooking on  barbecues, alcohol, diesel, nothing of springtime.

Nice run though, out to Pool, up Old Pool Bank and the nice descent down Leeds Rod.

Averaged 7:59 pace.

Six more miles and the tally now stands at 1,531 miles.

Day 281 - two runs, six miles

parkrun Leeds again this morning. Perfect running conditions again and just starting to feel hot in the full sun.

Ran in my new Brooks Pureflow running shoes for the first time and blasted 18:20 for my quickest time in two years! Still 20 seconds off my PB at Leeds, 18 minutes dead, but that's only 8 seconds off my third fastest time. Pureflow = Pure Speed? Who knows.

And, Pamela did run a PB, breaking the 26 minute mark with 25:59!! Good morning's running.

Early evening I then ran to Menston station to pick up the car. Left overnight after rather complicated travel arrangements to get to the Eddie Izzard gig. Three more miles.

So, six today, 1,525 miles now run since 1 September 2012.

Day 280 - only 85 days to go! (Friday 7 June)

An early two this morning as we went to see Eddie Izzard at the Manchester Arena in the evening, home past midnight. Very funny!! #ForceMajeure

Two more miles (this time in Ghosts) takes the tally to 1,519.

Day 279 - two (Thursday 6 June)

Just two this evening, again testing out the new Brooks Pureflow shoes. Didn't feel as a fast as on day one, but then I was feeling exhausted after another long but enjoyable working day. Also put in 6 miles on the Brompton with my rides to and from stations.

So, two more miles takes the tally on to 1,517 miles now run.

Day 278 - seven!

New Compressport calf guards arrived today, old ones laddered and in the bin! New ones are 'Ultra Race & Recovery', impregnated with essential oils. Fancy!

Anyway, nice run out up the Leeds Road, down Pool Bank and back to Otley. Averaged 7:48 minute miling, probably still buzzing from securing a massive £600,000 plus grant today. Woohoo!!

Seven more miles takes the tally to 1,515.

Day 277 - off road with bluebells and J.Brownlee

New Speed Metal X-Socks arrived today (thanks for the speedy delivery Likeys. Ordered Sunday evening, arrived today) so I was inspired to do my five miles off road. Also decided to wear my Wild Coast Ultra T, so cool!

Took the short way to the forest - half a mile up our 12.5% gradient hill, then into the Chevin Forest Park. It was gorgeous! Dappled low sunlight illuminated the forest floor. There was a tapestry of bluebells carpeting every glade and crystal like flowers of wild garlic illuminating the darker corners of the wood. Just stunning, the scents were also intoxicating.

At the edge of the woods I also stopped to take in the view. Really clear and sharp today, Beamsley Beacon off to the West towards the Dales, Almscliff Crag to the East and between 40 and 60 miles away the edges of the North York Moors stood bold and proud in the late spring sunshine. Awesome!!

I then set off uphill back towards the forest and spotted another runner heading my way. Red Adidas top, slim, lightweight, school kid? No, only one Mr Jonathan Brownlee, World Triathlon Champion!! We nodded and exchanged a friendly 'evening' before heading our separate ways. He was probably thinking:"Awesome, that guy has run the Wild Coast Ultra. Respect". I was thinking: "OMG that's a Brownlee, an amazing, real life athlete and World Champion. He's so tiny!".

Probably explains why I never became a World Champion triathlete. Just too big.

So, one awesome evenings run.

Five more miles to the tally as well, which now stands at 1,508 miles.

Day 276 - two miles of Pure

First run out in my new Brooks Pureflow and I felt like I wanted to run like the wind. The shoes, or just the expectation that these lightweight, nod towards minimalist shoes 'should' make me faster? Time will tell.

Comfortable though and definitely felt an increase in forefoot running. Just two miles for now, will alternate with the slowly deteriorating Ghost 5's. They have done 449 miles and are in need of a change. More shoes to buy.......

Two more miles takes the tally to 1,503.

Day 275 - Brooks Pureflow

Bus into Leeds to buy a new pair of running shoes, some near minimalist Brooks Pureflow. Very nice and extremely lightweight. Looking forward to testing them out this week.

Run back from Leeds was 11 miles in all. Nice steady pace, averaging 7:49 minute miles. Good workout.

 And, 11 more miles takes the 365 challenge total to 1,501 miles run. Just three months to go!

Day 274 - June

New month, same old parkrun, but this time a season's best in 18:28 and 12th place.

Pretty perfect running conditions today and my legs felt good this morning despite struggling through my runs in the week. So, it's all good!

Three more miles to the tally as well taking the running total to 1,490. The 1,500 mile mark is within touching distance.......

Day 273 - just two (Friday 31 May)

Nothing exciting, just two miles around Otley's streets. A different two miles just meandering through town in bright, breezy sunshine.

Two takes the tally on to 1,487.

Day 272 - five more.....

Bit tired again today but decided to stick to the schedule and went out and ran the usual Otley five. Nothing major to report, just five more miles run, and 1,485 miles since September.

Day 271 - tired two

Yet another long working day, this time down to our head office, The Lodge, Sandy, Beds. An address I remember from Blue Peter days!

Uneventful run. Rainy to start with, but nice, misty, rainy sunset.

 Two more miles and the tally now reads 1,480.

Day 270 - yum, Bombay potatoes

Just two miles this evening, which is just as well as feeling a bit tired (post fast marathon) and was on painting duties as soon as we got home - Emma's bedroom makeover latest.

Nice easy run though, cool but not cold and very quiet on the streets. And then, a treat. Half of Emma's tea was sitting, still warm on the plate. Some very tasty, quite spicy Bombay potatoes. Perfect post run food!

Two more miles takes the tally to 1,478.

Day 269 - five mile recovery

A day of decorating (Emma's room) and a bit of gardening. Not feeling too stiff or tired but five mile run to Menston Station and back to collect Wednesday's train tickets, was a little slow!

Still, five more miles and the tally now stands at 1,476.

Day 268 - Edinburgh Marathon (Sunday 26 May)

Awesome day out in Edinburgh running a 3:11 marathon which was completely unexpected!!

Having had a stupidly busy two weeks working without a day off I was feeling far too tired to contemplate anything other than a 3:30 marathon at best, figuring 8 minute miling would make for a nice Sunday run out.

After parkrun on Saturday morning and a spot of gardening I managed a few minutes rest (though not actual sleep) before the drive to Berwick upon Tweed where I would stay overnight in Ivan's caravan before the hours drive up to Edinburgh for the race on Sunday morning.

Beautiful sunny evening in Berwick and, after eating and preparing my kit, I was off to bed at 8 pm!!

A very early start on Sunday, but in glorious sunshine again, I set off for Musselburgh where the race finishes, at 6:20 am. The plan, park at Wallyford park and ride and get the bus to Edinburgh city centre for the start, the same plan as my previous Edinburgh runs.

However I arrived to be told that the park and ride was closed and being used for race shuttle buses (but not ones to get you to the start......) so had to quickly find alternative parking and race to the bus stop. Problem number two. The bus stop sign was covered up and a sign said the stop was out of action, but only until the Friday before. However, a few other runners had wandered off so we waited at a stop as indicated by the 'bus stop closed' notice. But then, the bus we were hoping to catch turned off the main run just before our stop and headed off in a completely different direction. I legged it towards the bus and must have been seen by the driver but despite the fact there was a us stop only 20 metres ahead he refused to stop......

So, plan B, get the 8:10 bus which I'd thought might be pushing it with road closures in the centre and thousands of runners and spectators about. However, the bus was not too delayed and we got to the start with about an hour to go. So, it was just a case of queuing for loos and chilling out below the grandeur of the Royal Terrace.

As for the race, it went like a dream. Using my Suunto Ambit GPS watch I decide to run on pace rather than mile times, but also had no real time in mind other than 3 hours 30 minutes.

After the gun I settled into a nice easy pace, enjoyed the scenery (the Scottish Parliament building at Holyrood Place, Arthur's Seat and Salisbury Crags) and was soon clocking a steady 6:55 pace, only just outside sub-3 hour pace but as I wasn't aiming for that, the pressure was off and it was just fun.

At six miles I took a quick loo stop and resumed running 7:09 which remained constant for about the next 12 miles, in fact at one point I thought my watch must have stopped working as every time I glanced at it it still read 7:09 pace!

I went through half way in just over 1:34 and by mile 16 was working out that if I continued around 7:09 I could possibly beat my London time of 3:08.

I still felt good, was slowly passing people and the 3:08 time was still on. In fact that was the case until mile 24 when my legs started to feel the effects of the effort and I started to slow. Over mile 24 and 25 I probably lost about two minutes, but picked up my pace for the last mile and finished in 3:11. My fastest Edinburgh Marathon and a very satisfactory run!

26 more miles on the 365 challenge, 1,471 miles now run.

Day 267 - sunshine!

Spring has arrived!! Lovely morning for parkrunning today and a nice steady, didn't want to push it, run saw me home in 19:02 for 16th place. Pamela also ran a season's best today.

A bit of gardening then off to Berwick where I'm staying overnight before tomorrow's Edinburgh Marathon.

Three more miles today, 1,445 now run.

Day 266 - make mine a ninety nine

Nothing spectacular about today's run, just the Otley five but today marks the start of the countdown to August 31 and the fact today we are into double figures.

Five more miles, 1,442 now run.

Day 265 - one hundred days to go!

Down to double figures tomorrow. But for today, just a three. Low mileage at the moment ahead of the Edinburgh Marathon on Sunday, that should improve the daily average.

Three more miles and after 265 days of consecutive running I've now run1,437 miles.

Day 264 - FOUR!

A quick four in the sun before a trip to Ikea, which was actually OK as it was very quiet and deserted.

Not much else to say but, four more miles to the tally and 1,434 miles now run.

Day 263 - three plus one = four plus a red kite

Three mile run around Ilkley with Pamela while Emma was at her guitar lesson. Very dark skies and cool after a day of sunshine, we even had a few spots of rain.

Pamela and Emma then went off to Weight Watchers (one getting weighed, one watching...) so I ran home adding another mile to the day's tally. Oh, and was followed by a soaring red kite. Nice.

So, four more in all, 1,430 miles now run.

Day 262 - back to the Otley five

Back home to the usual Otley five miler. Ran quite late, 9 pm, but it was still light, warm and almost humid. Run felt good too and I had a real spring in my step, running very much on my front foot. Does it make you run faster? It certainly felt like it!

Five more miles and edging towards the 100 days to go milestone. Tally now standing at 1,426.

Day 261 - third early morning in a row.....(Sunday 19 May)

Decided to get today's run out of the way rather having to run by the time I got home. Ran all the way in to Kendal this time and did a loop that took in (to my surprise) a ski slope! It was pretty wee and looked more like a snowboard park.

Three miles in all taking the tally up to 1,421.

Day 260 - another early two

6 am run today, but after a night of heavy rain it was dry in the sky and not too cold. Set off from the hotel and just took a right turn, no idea where I was going but signs said Town Centre so that seemed like a plan. Then I spotted Castle Road and having seen the castle from the coach earlier decided to explore.

It was a bit of a climb for such an early run, but nice views and gave a view of the route back to the hotel.

Just over two miles taking the tally to 1,418.

Day 259 - early two

Long weekend ahead working in the Lake District and with a packed agenda the only real time I had for running was first thing. So out at 6.30 am for the obligatory two. Quite mild this morning and later on in the South Lakes a sunny day. Nothing but rain forecast for tomorrow.

Two more miles ticked off taking the tally to 1,416.

Day 258 - Eight

Long working weekend ahead so nice to get out for a longer run, runs that should clear the head but are sometimes consumed by work challenges......

Still, a good run tonight, just over a mile running with Pamela who was only only out for two miles before peeling off and heading out to Pool Bank for a few more miles, one big hill and great views of sunny skies and sunsets.

Eight miles in all, taking the tally to 1,414.

Day 257 - gentle four

After a day of rain showers and cold winds and a bright and almost, but not quite, warmer evening. Run out with Pamela around the the streets of Otley. Four miles in all, taking the ongoing tally to 1,406.

Day 256 - another two....

With full report tomorrow.....

But, actually, not that much to say! Another busy day, full on at work and then a full Governing Body meeting at school in the evening. However, I did manage to draw that to a close half an hour early, so my run was late but it was still light at 9 pm but its still cold!!

Two more miles takes the tally to 1,402.

Day 255 - two more miles and only 110 days to go!

Busy day plus school meeting this evening equals two miles. Felt pretty tired too so just as well.

So, a cold two miles takes the tally up to 1,400!

Day 254 - runsunday, won Sunday!

Well, not a bad week of racing. Three races, two first place finishes and a season's best. Boom!

Today's race was the free, timed, five kay race in the Chevin Forest Park on the hill above our house. I've thought about doing it a few times but never got around to it. It's a 10:30 start, so quite civilised, so I decided I'd do it today and make it part of my ten mile Sunday run.

So, stage one, run up the hill to the start. That's just a small matter of 486 ft of 20% gradient and about 1.8 miles as I did a bit of a loop to get there.

Quite a small event, about 12 to 15 runners today. I'm guessing all local, at least one Ilkley Harrier and an Otley AC runner Matt Pod who I know. No elbowing to the start line, indeed a reluctance for anyone to toe the line! So it was a gentle start, flat, then downhill before a steady climb then a very steep but short uphill and another uphill drag back to where we started, then repeat!

I trailed behind two younger runners to the foot of the steep hill then slowly pulled away. I ran the whole of the second lap out in front and was never really challenged and didn't have to push too hard. I finished in 19:50, quicker then I was expecting but feeling good.

I then hung in until everyone had finished. It's low key, it's free, it's run by volunteers so there is an expectation that you join in cheering the runners home. There were even homemade biscuits!

However, it was getting chilly in the forest with a cool westerly wind and the sun obscured by more low cloud. So I was grateful to set off on leg three of my ten mile run, heading off towards Bramhope for what would be 5.5 miles of meandering downhill running, dropping 656 ft from the top of the hill back into Otley.

All in all then, a grand day out. And, ten more miles takes the tally to 1,398.

Day 253 - finally a quick parkrun! (Saturday 11 May)

Nice dry conditions underfoot, bright and not too cold, little wind and for some reason unexpected energy in my legs resulted in an 18:34 parkrun. 10th place on the day and a season's best. Very happy with that. Sadly the 18:19 result texted to me by parkrun is clearly a mistake, but very happy with 18:34 and already thinking about how I can improve on that.

Three more miles on the 365 challenge, 1,388 miles now run.

Day 252 - early morning two

Off out to see Star Trek at the Bradford IMAX this evening so we (Pamela joined me) were out at 6.30 for a steady two mile run.

Weather was quite cool and blustery but bright and with blossom swirling about very spring like.

Two more miles takes the tally to 1,385.

PS got home to find this mug had been sent out by Likeys, one to every runner who has passed the 100 mark on the 365 challenge. Thanks!

Day 251 - late night posting, tired, tired run....

Yes, feeling very tired which I guess is hardly surprising as I ran a marathon on Monday! And, work continues to be very, very busy.......

So, five more miles, 1,383 miles now run.

Day 250 - FOUR!

Yes, four miles today. And, according to my Suunto Abmit, it was exactly four miles. Not any pre planned route but a real exploration of Otley's streets, cul de sacs and dead ends. Fun!

So, four more miles. 1,369 miles now run since the 1st September 2012.

Day 249 - another two, slow miles!

Well, it's only fair! After a fairly hard 26.2 miles yesterday and then a busy, busy day at work, it's nice to only do two.

And, it's was fun! Did a bit more meandering around Otley but still came back running just two and a bit miles.

Two more makes 1,378 on the 365 challenge.

Day 248 - Northumberland Coastal Challenge

Second year of taking part in this 26.2 miles coastal trail run and surprised myself by going 30 minutes quicker! That might have something to do with the fact it came after consecutive weekends of the London Marathon and then the Three Peaks Fell Race last year!!

Still, good weather today, low grey cloud, a bit of rain but warm enough for T-shirt running and, with the sun coming out after Craster (the run goes from Budle Bay to Alnmouth) even got a bit of suntan without it ever getting too hot. Probably helped by the south westerly wind that was a constant throughout the day but was no where near as strong as last year's full on headwind.

So, 26.2 miles in just over four hours running 9:15 minute miling. Very happy with that.

Today was also marathon number 30 and my 61st race to count towards the 100 Marathon Club. Next marathon, Edinburgh at the end of this month.

Today's run also gives the 365 tally a nice boost taking it to 1,376 miles.

Day 247 - another two ticked off

Just two miles today squeezed in between a day out with friends and their two little boys in Harrogate - Valley Gardens play park and nice lunch at Farah's (the famous toffee people) - and heading north for tomorrow's Northumberland Coastal Challenge. So, only two today but hopefully 26.2 tomorrow!

Two takes the tally to 1,350 miles.

Day 246 - parkrun number 111

Family outing to Leeds parkrun this morning and a request from Emma to run as time keeper targeting sub 26 minutes. Result, 25:57! So hoping that the official time is one second quicker which would give Emma her second fastest parkrun time. PB remains at 25:15. That's looks entirely within Emma's range, as indeed is a sub-25 at some point over the summer.

Pamela had a trouble free run coming in just behind last week's time in 27 minutes.

Fairly fresh morning with a bit of a breeze, but good conditions underfoot and a big turnout today.

Another run done of the 365 challenge and 1,348 miles covered so far.

Day 245 - trains, planes and automobiles

And lapwings and black tailed godwits and unidentified warblers! A day in the Dearne Valley for work today, seeing the amazing work that has taken place at Adwick wash lands and how in just 12 moths the landscape has been transferred from arable fields to vibrant wetlands hooching with birds, most notably lapwings!

It was also another day of bike and train travel and dodging the very poor Otley rush hour driving.

Only time for two miles this evening as we are off to listen to Pamela's choir singing at the Courthouse.

Two miles takes the tally to 1,345 and only another 120 days to go!

Day 244 - six miles (Thursday 2 May)

Six miles out to Pool, up Old Pool Bank and back home along the Leeds Road.

Very tired legs today, very slow going up the hill (though admittedly it is rather a steep one), but nice to be out running and, finally, running in a T-shirt!

Six miles also gives a bit of a boost to the tally which now stands at 1,343.

Day 243 - two more miles.....

Another long day at the office followed by a cancelled train and an eleven mile cycle home from Leeds on the Brompton.

So, decided to skip seven miles of fartlek and just do two. Two was in fact 2.5 but the legs were definitely tired today.

Just two more then and the tally edges up slowly to 1,337.

Day 242 - minimum two miles

Just two today before heading out for a school meeting. Nice evening and beautiful sunset. Warm enough to run without my running jacket, which hasn't happened much so far this year, and did a little bit of meandering again just to keep things interesting.

So, another month completed, only four to go, and the running tally stands at 1,335 miles.

Day 241 - late, late show

Late night working on budgets for an important meeting on Wednesday so didn't get out for my run until after 9 pm. Still, did the usual Otley five ( GPS 4:59!). Still light in the sky, still that cold wind blowing from the west, but nice and quiet out.

Five more miles and 1,333 now run.

Live below the line challenge

My daughter Emma will be attempting, over the next five days, to live on just £1 per day to highlight global poverty and to help raise funds for Save the Children who tackle hunger, poverty and inequality both overseas and in the UK.

Find out about Emma's challenge and how you can sponsor her here:
https://www.justgiving.com/Emma-12/

Day 240 - Epilepsy Action Bradford 10k

This race had to be postponed because of the big snow fall we had a month back and was only really in my schedule because 1. I set it up when I worked for Epilepsy Action! and 2. It was ideally timed as pre London speed work. So I was a bit unsure how to approach today's race, not least as I'd felt a bit stiff towards the end of yesterday's parkrun which I put down to post London recovery not being complete.

In the end I decided on a 38:30 target and paced 3:51 kilometre speed. And, the race went well. I felt pretty good, got settled into nice rhythm, over took other runners towards the end and didn't get passed and ran across the line to record 38:26.

I was very pleased with that as it meant I'd beaten my target for the day, but even happier when I got home to find out that it was actually a PB for the Bradford course and my second fastest 10k of all time. Not bad for a race I had no real plan for and only a week after running an OK time at the London Marathon.

So, a very satisfying result and six more miles added to the 365 tally which means I've now run 1,328 miles since 1st September 2012.

Day 239 - Leeds parkrun (Saturday 27 April)

Quite a bright if chilly morning for parkrun, but very dry underfoot. Wasn't planning on going off too hard but got running with Al Chapman who'd run 3:07 dead at London last week so went through the first couple of kay's a bit too quick!

Legs then started to ache a bit so fell back to finish in 19:26 for 29th place (though still second vet 45!). So not quick, but a satisfying run.

Pamela and Emma also ran today, Pamela clocking her fastest time of the season and Emma coasting to 28:38, she can certainly challenge ever 25 minute PB if she gets back to running regularly.

Three more miles then and the tally now stands at 1,322.

Day 238 - a bit chilly!

Five miles this evening just running the streets of Otley and exploring places I've never been before, quite good fun!

Five more miles moves the total up to 1,319.

Day 237 - late night running

Long, long day today, starting at 6:20 this morning with a 2.5 mile cycle to the local station to catch the train into leeds and then off to London.

Lovely sunny day in the capital, just like Sunday, and a very pleasant ride across town from Kings Cross to Petty France where our office is. Long meeting then back on the bike.

Had a bit of time to spare so took a small detour to find a bike shop I'd once used when I got a puncture cycling home from Great Portland Street to Charlton, it's somewhere near Great Ormond Street Hospital.

I went there today as my three speed hub gear wasn't engaging second gear. Anyway, I found it and they fixed it and they didn't charge, but I also learnt how to line up the tensioning chain to set the gear's right. London's so cool, the bike mechanic was German with multiple piercings and braided hair and, of course, rides a Brompton, just what you want to get your bike fixed!

Once back to Menston station it was a quick cycle home, change, out for a run, then collapses. 9:15 pm!

Two more miles run, 1,314 in total.

Day 236 - four miles of trail running

Emma went running off road the other day in the forest and said what fun it was. So I thought, yes you are right, so I headed off into the forest tonight. No route planned, just took to the trails and ran just over four miles. Fun indeed. Shame there is so much climbing!

Four more miles to the tally takes it to 1,312.

Day 235 - the running bit

Another two mile recovery run - the legs are still hurting! New route today, just set off and went on a meander around the streets of Otley, exactly the sort of 'free running' I anticipated by getting a GPS watch so I can keep track of distance, but make up my route as I go.

Two more miles to the tally which now stands at 1,308

Day 235 - my 2013 London Marathon

One of my many generous sponsors said they were looking forward to hearing how the marathon went, so here is my story.......

Thank you so much for your sponsorship, it was a real buzz to open my emails post race and see more sponsorship money had been pledged (I was still at the finish, the joy of smartphones!). I've now raised over £706, so very close to my target and I have a plan to get there.

So, the big story. Well, the story of this year's London Marathon started this time last week when a post appeared on Facebook sharing news feeds from Boston. At first I thought it was old news, after all it was a Monday and marathons always take place on Sundays. Little do I know. I guess I also didn't want to believe it could be true. I've always thought the marathon was an obvious target for a terrorist bombing, but you never think its going to become a reality.

So having started to get excited about London, and just a bit nervous, I then felt a bit flat. I also become addicted to the news coming out of Boston and on Friday followed the unfolding story almost minute by minute. It felt like a bit of a conclusion had been reached by the time Saturday came, but this still felt like a different event.

And it was different in other ways. This year, no support crew. With Emma working I was off to London on my own. Also, no accommodation near the start. A long story, but neither of our friends houses in Greenwich were an option this year, so I found a Travelodge next to the Dartford Tunnel on the train line into London - and only booked it about 3 weeks ago! First hurdle though, getting to Excel in Docklands to pick up my race number. I was never going to be late, but after doing parkrun on Saturday morning I only left Otley at 11 am and registration closed at 5 pm. I arrived just before 3.........Good pacing! Then off to Dartford, checked in, then out to find the station. It was literally a one minute walk away, perfect.

The rest of Saturday was spent preparing my kit for the race, eating my picnic tea and watching Dr Who! An early night, but a fitful sleep - too many dreams about being late.......a recurring theme of last week.

Sunday morning arrived bright and clear. Not too early a start and breakfast of orange juice, three Weetabix with milk and sugar and two cups of tea were soon consumed and I even had time to lie down for ten minutes, in full race kit, before heading off to be the train. Now, the last time I got a train to the start of the London Marathon I travelled from Charring Cross on a train that was completely packed with runners, like sardines in a tin. Yesterday though, it was almost deserted, so it was a very quiet, relaxing journey to the start, almost more relaxing than my usual little walk up the hill. I got to the start about an hour before the off, so plenty of time for handing in make bag, queuing for the loo, queuing again and finishing off the last of my electrolyte drink.

Then, into the first pen on the Green start, watching the celebs giving their last minute interviews (Michel Roux, Iwan Thomas and lots I have no idea who they were!). We then observed a 30 second silence in memory of those killed in Boston (and thinking of those injured both physically and mentally and whose lives will have been changed forever) followed by applause that felt right. Then we were off!

The run itself didn't exactly go to plan. With so many celebrities going off ahead of us the route was quite congested and my first mile was far too slow, as was the second as we merged with the runners from the Blue start. I'd been hoping to run with the Runner's World pacers but there was no sign of a sub 3 pacer at the Green start. I eventually spotted the one from Blue, but he was some way ahead. I caught up around about 4 miles, but only after running two far too quick miles, not really ideal pacing. But, I then settled into a steady rhythm and enjoyed the next 8 miles to Tower Bridge.

The crowds on Tower Brigde are always amazing, but with far more people out on the course already than I'd ever seen, many rows deep in places and encroaching on the route a la le Tour de France in others, the Tower Bridge crowd was equally loud! And it's just so uplifting and emotional and feels like the finish line. I saw my former colleagues from Epilepsy Action, composed myself for the official photographers but as I left the Bridge I felt very tight in my chest and suddenly very uncomfortable. Having had numerous episodes of chest pain (cause still undiagnosed) I was a little concerned, there were similarities, but I didn't really want to contemplate that. Anyway, my mind was obviously whirring, trying to figure it out and as I happily let the pacer drift further and further head of me I completely missed the next three mile markers (not that easy to do, they are huge!). But I'd settled into my own rhythm, I was still travelling at a good pace but knowing that three hours was probably out of my grasp now at 16 miles, unless I really pushed myself, but I wasn't really up for that.

So, it was a case or continuing to plough on. Towing the thin blue line that marks the optimal race route, taking in the crowds and the overwhelming support - London was out in force with people from every and all communities as evidenced by the range of faces and colours and styles of dress. That combined with runners from all over the globe - South Africa, the US, Italy, Cyprus to name but a few. It really was a global race and I just couldn't help thinking if we can be this joyous as a race and so supportive of each other and so apparently oblivious to our differences, why do events like Boston ever happened in the first place? The human race is quite a bewildering creature.

At this stage in the race, maybe 18 or 19 miles runners start to falter, people start walking, sitting at the side of the road, trying to stretch out cramps but all the time being urged on to the finish by the crowds.

For me, it was maths time. Calculating how much further to go, what pace I needed to finish in three hours (not going to happen!) so what pace to finish inside 3:15 and guarantee my place for another two years (3:15 being my Good for Age cut off time). And that was well within my grasp, but I'd have to keep pushing to the end.

Luckily for me, about mile 22 or 23 an Ilkley Harrier named Sally Malir (very good runner, out runs me on the fells, but I often hold my own on the road, most recently at the South Yorkshire Half Marathon). Sally looked like she was really motoring so I shouted out hello and urged her on. However, she didn't get away from me as fast as I thought, so I upped my speed and we pulled each other along for the next few miles. This was to be the quickest I'd run since about mile 18! We were flying passed other runners (infact I passed over 230 runners in the last 7 km and was only passed myself by 23!).

Through mile 25 bang on three hours and I involuntarily punched the air knowing that I could cruise to the line and still run inside 3:15. But that isn't what I wanted to do so I stepped up my pace, started to drop Sally (sorry!) and smiled all the way to the Mall. On turning the corner in front of Buckingham Palace I aeroplaned down the finish straight, using the whole road to wheel away in delight at being able to take part in just the biggest and best London Marathon, one inspired by the events in Boston to more than ever celebrate all that is good about the running community, about London and it's people and about the human race. Truly inspiring.

My final time. Well, I just dipped inside 3:09 to record 3 hours 8 minutes and 58 seconds, my fourth fastest of my nine London Marathon finishes.

Across the line I waited to see Sally finish and congratulate her on a great run, then collected my bag, sat down and checked my phone and was delighted by a string of emails announcing that I'd been sponsored, thank you!!

Pamela and Emma had already texted my time having tracked me online and seen me cross the finish line live on TV. I just managed to avoid the tears as I chatted on the phone, then got changed and walked slowly to the station for my long journey home.

As I walked to the platform at Charring Cross station I heard a voice from the crowds heading off the train to see their runners finish the race exclaim; "That runner has got their medal already!", accompanied by a line of open mouthed faces starring at me......Very satisfying.

So, all in all a grand day out and I remain adamant that it is an event that everyone should try and experience at least once in their lives, and hopefully next year I'll get to share it with and run with Emma, Pamela, or both. Watch this space!

Day 234 - recovery run

Two miles at a very slow and steady pace. Muscles took a bit of warming up but in the end it wasn't too bad.

Two more miles, 1,306 now run.

Day 233 - London Marathon 2013

We'll, despite feeling a bit flat about today's race after the Boston bombings, and having watched the capture of the suspects unfold live, today turned out be be a huge celebration of all that's good about humanity, and I ran an OK time!!

Fantastic weather today, pretty perfect running conditions, just the most amazing awesome crowds, bigger than ever, so certainly no one was put off by events in Boston and then I ran 3:08:58 to remain, officially, 'Good for Age'.

I'll post a longer review of today, so much to say, but that's it for now.

26.2 miles today takes the 365 tally to 1,304.

Day 232 - parkrun

Leeds parkrun again today before heading to London to pick up my race number for Sunday.

Lovely sunny day, almost perfect running conditions. Plan was to take it easy and run about 22 minute pace but settled in comfortably at 6:37 pace and, with a wee sprint finish, clocked 19:54 and 19th place.

Another three miles to the tally which now stands at 1,278.

Day 231 - steady three (Friday 19 April)

Steady three miles. Usual Otley tour. Nice sunny day, wind now dropped. Lovely sunset.

Three more miles, taking the tally to 1,275.

Day 230 - windy four!

Very windy day today, so windy that in turning one corner and hitting the head on wind I almost came to a complete stop!

Today's run was a meandering four miles from home to the garage to pick up the car which had just 'sailed' through its MOT. Well done little car.

Four more miles, 1,272.

Day 229 - five miles via Menston to collect Sunday's train tickets!

Another bit of pre marathon prep sorted!

Nice steady run to Menston station and back to collect my per booked tickets. I'm staying at Stone Crossing near Dartford his year so will be travelling by train to Maze Hill rather than taking my customary leisurely short walk to Blackheath. And, for the first time in ten London Marathons, I have no support crew as grown up Emma, who was only two and a half when I ran my first one, now works on a Saturday.

So, a new adventure, which will start with the trip to Excel to pick up my running number on Saturday once parkrun is done and dusted.

Five more miles to the tally which now stands at 1,268.

Day 228 - one mile at marathon pace

Feeling a bit flat today. The excitement that was building ahead of Sunday dampened by yesterday's atrocities at Boston. So senseless and so many sad stories.

But, it's right to carry on, the London Marathon is, after all, not just a top quality international race but a celebration of all that is good about people.

So, on with the training. One mile warm up jogging down to the Pool Road and then a one mile timed run.Target, 6:52 pace. Result, 6:51.4 pace. NB NB. Having run away from home, it was then a two mile gentle run back. 8 minute miling.

Four more miles to the tally, current total 1,263.

Day 227 - two explosions at the Boston Marathon

Just been watching news feeds of what appear to be two bomb blasts at the Boston Marathon which went off around the five hour mark, one right by the finish line. From the amount of blood on the pavements there would appear to be some horrendous injuries. At worst. Truly awful event.

Which kinda over shadows a sad, lonely blogger attempting to run every day for a year but, that's what I'm doing and training so I can enjoy running races like the London Marathon this Sunday. Just a gentle five miler today, averaging 8:17 pace with 243 feet of ascent.

Five more miles takes the tally to 1,259 and just six sleeps until the marathon!

Day 226 - and everyone is running ten miles today

Well, those of us training for London seem to be!

Clocked that Andrew Hardaker (parkrun awesome volunteer) had run ten this morning at about 7:20 minute miling. So, no real plan setting out other than to run ten but the competitor in me said, got to beat Andrew! So I did. But only just. Set off far too slow, then had about three miles of climb up the Leeds Road, then mostly flat running, but into the wind and it was tough

But managed to record an average speed of 7:14 so quite happy with that.

The weather. Warm, about 15 degrees. No need for hat, gloves or running jacket, first time this year! Forecast fro London could be up to 17, but that should be OK, and wind looking fairly light. For now.

So, ten more to the tally which now stands at 1,254.

Reap the Benefits of Running While Fighting Cancer

I was contacted by a blogger called Melanie Bowen about sharing this article about the benefits of running in helping to fight cancer. I think we all share in the belief that running is good for us, helping physical as well as mental well being, so I guess it makes sense that fitness, combined with positive thinking could help.

Anyway, I hope the find Melanie's article interesting:

Physical Benefits of Running

Apart from the benefits already mentioned, running does wonders for a person's physical condition. It improves patients' physical abilities and makes them less dependent on others for daily living. A sense of independence is crucial for people who must rely on others for many of their needs.  

Numerous studies show the importance of running for heart health, lung function, bone health and muscle strength. Regular aerobic exercise also combats the negative effects of cancer treatment such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, weight loss, muscle wasting and loss of appetite.

Mental Benefits of Running

In addition to the physical benefits, running offers numerous emotional benefits. It releases a protein called beta-endorphin peptide (BEP), a brain hormone responsible for the "runner’s high." This feel-good hormone may also reduce anxiety, depression and stress.

When cancer patients are unable to deal with the stress of cancer, their illness may progress faster. To prevent this, doctors encourage therapies that help people handle stress. Relaxation techniques may counteract disease progression, but running is a good way to relax and get fit at the same time.

Many people become angry, tense or depressed during cancer treatment. Running elevates mood and creates a better sense of wellbeing. It may also improve self-image and self-esteem, two issues that plague cancer patients. According to research, quality of life greatly improves for patients who follow a regular workout routine.

Establishing a Running Routine

Most cancer patients can begin and maintain a running routine on their own. However, the results are often better under the guidance of a doctor, physical therapist or personal trainer. Cancer patients should never begin a workout program without approval from their doctors, who know their limitations.

Trained professionals help patients find the best type of exercise for their fitness needs, whether it involves running or another activity. They help patients decide how long and often to exercise no matter if the patient is diagnosed with mesothelioma, fighting breast cancer or in remission for colon cancer.

 

 

Day 225 - bright, sunny but not quite cloudless sky for Leeds parkrun

Good running conditions, fairly dry under foot, busy, but a nice, quick pre London run.

18:44 for 16th place. Average pace 6:13 minutes per mile. That puts a sub 3 London within grasp, but that will mean some really hard running from about mile 18 (and hopefully not sooner).

I'd love to go sub-3 again, but can I face the pain.........

Three more miles on the 365 challenge though taking the up to 1,244.

Day 224 - three more, this time in the rain

Well, it's definitely a little bit warmer, but with a thick blanket of cloud it was almost dark going out at 7.30 and then it absolutely poured down, I'm still soaking wet as I type this.....

Anyway, quite enjoyed my run which was a meander around the mean streets of Otley, not following any particular route, just going with the flow and occasionally checking the distance. That is, after all, one of the main reasons for splashing out on a piece of expensive GPS kit.

Today's stats read;

3.17 miles
Max pace 7:09 minute miling
197 ft of ascent
Min temp 54.1 degree F

And the running tally now stands at 1,241

Day 223 - three mile jaunt

Usual Otley three with Pamela.
Still cold.
Also wet.
190 ft of ascent.
Maximum speed 7:61 mph!

Three more miles take the tally to 1,238.

Day 222 - double Nelson and some stats

Seven miles this evening. Running up the Leeds Road to the Dyneley Arms, then finally getting to run down Pool Bank New Road before the return along Pool Road.

Warming up at 9 degrees, but that easterly is still making it chilly. Still, warmer air and rain are apparently on the way!

Today was also the seventh day of collecting data from my Suunto Ambit. In those seven days I have;

Run for 5 hours and 55 minutes
Covered 42 miles
Climbed 3,235 feet (higher than Scafell Pike and only just below Snowdon which is only 300 ft higher)

Average speed today wasn't great, only 7:52 miling and top speed 6:42 miling, it definitely felt faster than that! Probably time to start tapering and resting for London.

Anyways up, the tally keeps increasing and now stands at 1,235.

Day 221 - speed work

Speed work is hard! Plan was warm up run followed by four miles above marathon pace. Ended up doing the six mile Old Pool Bank route so used the first mile as my warm up then upped the pace along the nicely flat Pool Road. Only trouble is that north easterly wind is still blowing and I was running in to it, not ideal conditions for 'speed work'! It also made it feel pretty chilly despite the sunshine.

Anyway, that meant about two miles at pace before slowing to tackle the hill which is Old Pool Bank, a bit of as slog after plenty of ascent on each of the last two days runs. In fact there were 476 ft of ascent today, over a fairly short distance.

Top of the hill I took a moment to catch my breath then picked up speed on the long run down Leeds Road. Not sure of exact minute per mile pace but was running a steady 4:06 minute per kilometre pace, which is about 6:36 if my maths is right. Average pace overall was 7:56 and my fastest speed, though I've no idea over what distance, was 5:44 minutes per mile!

Six more miles in the bag and 1,228 now run.

Day 220 - little trail jaunt at dusk

Turned up the hill today for a run through the forest then back down Leeds Road. Left it a bit late a light was very low under the canopy of the trees but it was nice and dry under foot and there wasn't a soul about, not even any wildlife unlike yesterday's red kites and deer!

Some stats: just shy of five miles run, average speed 6.44 miles per hour, 656 feet of ascent, temperature 50.4 degrees Fahrenheit!

So, another five miles in the bag and I've now run 1,222 miles

Day 219 - mad hilly figure of eight

Long weekend of gardening, all very manual labour, so feeling pretty sore! Schedule said 15 but didn't really fancy that so ended up going out for a run with Pamela which could be 5, 6 or 7...

In the end I ran 11 and a bit, Pamela 7. The route. Out to Pool in Wharfedale along Pool Road, then up Pool Bank New Road. After a few hundred metres Pamela decided to take a walking break and suggested I run on as I was planning on a longer run. At the top of Pool Bank I turned left at the Dyneley Arms to Bramhope then down Creskeld Lane. Back to Pool in Wharfedale,
then up Pool Bank for the second time only turning left and heading back down Leeds Raod to Otley.

11.3 miles in all taking the tally to 1,217.

Day 218 - Leeds parkrun

Beautiful sunny morning for parkrun today and Hyde Park in Leeds with crocuses out in full bloom looked glorious in the sunshine.

Lots of fast shoes with fast runners in them today but many people's set off far too fast, so whilst not good to be overtaken, very pleasing to reel people in later in the race! Great final straight managing to over take Roy (haven't done that for a while) and then just pipping Al to the post in a full on sprint finish. Great fun and a not bad time in just over 19 minutes.

Three more miles run which takes the totally mileage since 1st September 2012 to 1,206.

Day 217 - two then five

A run of two halves. Two miles with Pamela and Emma (1.89 according to Suunto), then back out for Otley five.

So, seven more miles takes the tally to 1,203.

Day 216 - first Suunto ambit run

New toy arrived today, my Suunto Ambit GPS running watch! Set up was pretty quick, it's nearly all run by Movescount website, you can even create your own apps!!

Still, plenty of time to test it out before I get that far. So, first outing was the tried and tested Otley three miles with Pamela, which turns out to be about 2.89 miles, apparently. Read out also gave amount of ascent, average pace, km splits, mapping etc.

Mostly though, I wanted the watch so I can just run anywhere and know what distance at the finish, and pacing will be useful in training too.

Nice bright day, still cold in the easterly wind but feeling almost like spring.

Three more miles takes the tally to 1,196.

Day 215 - only 150 days to go!

Just two today. Back home in Otley so the custom made two. Nothing to report other than, it was cold!!!!!!!!!!!!!

So, two to the total equals. 1,193.,.,,,,

Day 214 - tour round Berwick and its environs (Tuesday 2 April)

Set out for today's run with no real plan other than using the MapMyRun app on my phone to keep track of distance. Lovely sunny day, though still cold, so set off down the hill into Spittal and along the river side road to Tweedmouth then over the bridge into Berwick.

From there I ran out to towards the lighthouse, cut uphill onto the golf course and round to the old coastguard watch tower. Here there are great views at low tide of some fascinating rock formations, what looks like a dome structure, a source of coal/oil/gas in the past perhaps?

Next stop Berwick caravan holiday park, the 'Haven', then back into town to the station, down the high street over the new road bridge and out to East Ord. Nice village green at East Ord and interesting old houses, the village itself probably founded around the 1100's on salmon fishing on the Tweed. From East Ord it was country lanes winding there way back towards Berwick coming out by the cemetery on the old A1. Short uphill then back to Elm Bank Coastal Retreat and fabulous views down the coast to Lindifarne.

Just shy of nine miles in all. So, that edges the overall tally onwards and upwards to 1,191.

Day 213 - two miles with Emma (Easter Monday)

Well, it was at least two miles but looking at the GPS map it seems to have dropped out between the top of the hill (old A1 into Berwick) and the caravan.

Still, nice gentle loop, mostly uphill and on the homeward stretch straight into the cold easterly wind.

Two more miles takes the tally on to 1,182.

And here are some pictures from the walk Pamela and I did earlier in the day.

Day 212 - magical history tour (Easter Sunday)

Short break in Berwick on Tweed staying at Grandad Ivan's caravan.

Did an eight mile figure of eight run through Berwick over the Old Bridge and out to Conundrum, almost at the border with Scotland. Just up from Conundrum is the site of an old battle where the English defended Berwick from the Scots. The site is called Halidon Hill and from there you get fantastic views of Berwick and the river Tweed and can see way down the coast to Lindisfarne and Bamburgh.

There were also great views of the Cheviots which are completely blanketed in snow.

The other nice thing about this run that's its uphill on the way out and mostly downhill on the way back. But it was cold, especially running back into the easterly wind.

Eight more miles run and the tally now stands at 1,180.