I woke up at 7am and started to get my kit ready for todays run. Joanne was being taken to Asda by her friend and I had some free time. I took Oliver to school and came home, tidied up, made the beds hung the washing out and flew out of the door. I was in such a rush to go, I forgot my GPS watch..DOH. I made my way to Newby Bridge Parked the car and went for an amazing run. I retuned home, showered and picked Oliver up from school. It the best part of day when I pick him up. He peered around the door and a smile beamed across is little face. "DADDY" he shouted as he bolted from school into my arms. It totally blows me away. Later Im going to do my strength and core work before bed.
Running 6.5 miles out and back - 13 miles total Approx
(and that's just the length of the essay below!!!)
I had parked my car in
a lay-by by the Swan Hotel as it is right on the run route (and as a
bonus its free parking). I loaded all my gear onto my back and set
off over Newby Bridge, crossing the River Leven and over the A590
main road. The route led up the road to Canny Hill then off road into
the fells above. The sun was blazing down today, just like a summers
day but it was nearly October! I was hot already but had minimal
layers on so it would have to do, they were moisture wicking and
should cool me down as I ran. The gentle slope lead onto a gravel
track public bridalway, the suns rays penetrated through the leafy
canopies above and created a wonderful speckled effect on the path
ahead. The air was calm and I felt light and strong as I made my way
along the path.
 |
| Forest Track |
The route then came out
into a small valley, covered as far as the eye could see in a blanket
of autumnal gold and red. A moist, peaty smell rose from all
around, filling my head with the earthy tones as my feet crashed
through the bracken. It was a wonderful feeling, pushing the bright
and dry fronds aside as I made my way up the hill, each one brushing
against me and moving aside easily. I stopped when the trail did and
checked my map. My compass was going haywire and I couldn't get a
true reading for north. What the hell was happening? As thorough as
ever I went through the possibilities of why the needle would spin?
Was it the Compass? I checked the plastic device, it wasn't that. Was
it a bizarre natural phenomenon caused by the Super Moon? -
Theoretical but improbable. Was I stood over a magnetised surface?
No.....but there is a speaker in my phone....and speakers have
magnets......and Ive just put the phone in the map pocket which is
directly under the compass....”you knob head” I chastised myself
in the middle of the bracken.
 |
| Golden Brown |
What a stupid schoolboy
error!! I held my phone between my knees (you get a better reception
there!) and the compass, now away from the magnetic speaker, worked
fine so I took a bearing and headed off in that direction. The path
lead over the top of Old Backbarrow and down through some woods on a
muddy and rocky trail. I enjoyed the change of pace and let the slope
carry me down, shifting my weight over protruding roots and rocks,
sidestepping the puddles and mud. It came out at the tiny hamlet of
Low Brow Edge and onto a B road. The route followed this road up to
Bigland Hall then would join the Coastal Cumbrian Way. I trotted
along the road, saying good morning to a couple of farmers who were
stoking two roadside bonfires, burning the rotting vegetation. The
smell as I passed was a smokey natural one and very earthy but not
repulsive. Almost like barbecue smoking applewood chips that you burn
to flavour the meat. I suddenly felt hungry so I had a flapjack bar
and pushed up the gentle country lane.
 |
| Bigland Tarn |
Bigland Hall estate
came into view with all the stables fronting the property. I couldn't
see the hall from where I was but the surrounding area looked very
well kept and manicured. The Hall is now a special Equine centre
specialising in Dressage or so the signs said. The track turned off
to skirt around Bigland Tarn and I enjoyed the stunning reflections
of the hills in the still water. As I ran around its circumference, a
bouquet of pheasants (thats the proper collective noun for them don't
you know...) jumped me and flew in every direction, croaking in that
guttural squawk they are known for. I honestly shit myself and yelled
like a girl as they escaped from the undergrowth that had been
previously still and silent seconds earlier, haha! I recomposed
myself, looked around and saw no-one around, so with my pride still
intact I moved on looking for the Cumbrian Coastal Way.
 |
| Looking across the estuary |
I found it easily and
it took me over the hill onto Bigland Heights. The view was utterly
breathtaking, stretching across the bay, taking in Barrow, Ulverston
and Greenodd, before returning on the near coast to Cark. I bathed in
the vista looking for familiar landmarks: Piel Castle and Hoad Hill
Monument, tracing the outline of the Cumbrian hills with my eyes. You
dont realise until your up on a hillside like this how beautiful our
tiny corner of the planet is.
 |
After a mini photo shoot and some
gratuitous running selfies (its the law!) I took another map
reference and headed down into the wooded area at Grassgarth. The
trail crossed a small road and headed upwards over a fell. I
was treated to more amazing views at the top before dropping onto a
farm track. This was the last 2 miles of the race, I would remember
that come race day. The track, tarmacked years ago, was warn in
places and the grass grew in abundance, especially down the centre of
the single track road. The surface felt hard after running in the
fells but it meant I could put my foot down a bit and stretch my legs
out. After a cheeky little undulation it was all down hill into
Cartmel.
 |
| Cartmel Priory |
I had never been into Cartmel before and didnt realise just
how busy the tiny village would be. From the shops, pubs and Xtypes poured lots of very middle class elderly couples (cynical but true)
all turning their gaze at me as I ran down the middle of the main
street to the Priory. That was the end point of the race and I wanted
to see it first hand. Nearly every person stopped dead in their tweed
slacks and chequered jackets. Their glasses were pushed to the ends
of noses so the posh eyes could see me. I was dressed in my race
kit, compression gear and two bottle race vest and to be honest
probably stunk! In an act of total defiance I continued to the Priory
despite all the looks and said good morning to an elderly gate
assistant (there was a festival on!) whilst I took a photo. The look
on his face and that of others was a picture! I turned face and
retraced my steps with what could only be described as a smirk on my
face and nearly got run over by a Jag on the way out. Thats karma for
you!!
I ran back along the
route, committing it all to memory as it would be dark when I would
be here next. The trail was much easier on the way back as I didnt
have to stop for map references or bearings (or selfies!!). I did
stop for lunch on an outcropping Id spotted earlier and it was
thoroughly enjoyed along with some wild blackberries I picked en route. I ran the return leg much faster and the second
half really felt downhill all the way. I reached the car back at
Newby Bridge in plenty of time so I decided to try and find a path I
couldnt find on my last recce.
 |
| Natures larder |
It was from Finsthwaite to Newby
Bridge through some woods. Its a good climb to the top and there is a
lookout tower at the top. I decided to go at the path from reverse
and backtrack so I could see where it lead. It was an arduous climb
up a rocky path with some slate steps in the middle. I reached the
summit but could not for the life of me find the tower or the trail.
The path completely disappeared in the ferns and storm damaged trees.
I tried to head on a compass bearing but the ground was too
unpredictable and definitely not the right path. The race organisers
have said they will way mark some of the latter sections as they are
difficult to find in the dark. I hope this is one of them.
I turned
tail and headed back down to the car, down that gnarly path. My
favourite- technical downhill. I took off down the steps and the path,
accelerating, pushing my body into tight turns, shifting my body
around and over trees, through bushes and finally out to the road. It
was another exhilarating descent, I love the freedom it gives me and
the rush of adrenalin. Its bloody awesome and makes me feel so alive.
I made my way back to the car and realised Id lost my sun
glasses....DOH!
It was a beautiful
sunny day, just what I needed for an amazing, uplifting run. Pure
running bliss!!!
 |
| THIS is why I run! |
Food Diary:
Breakfast:Oatso Simple Porridge with nuts, Chia Seeds and honey
Run Nutrition:
2x Flapjacks, 1ltr water with 2 electrolyte tabs.
Lunch:
Falafel and Humus Wraps
(from Tesco)
Dinner :
Gluten Free Lasagne
with Avocado and Tomato Rocket Salad
Fat Free Yoghurt topped
with Oat Granola and nuts
Snacks:
Apple, oatcakes with
cheese, boiled ham, humus and olives
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