Ambleside to Coniston Recce - Miles 83 to 100 of the Lakeland 100

Saturday 13th February.

After a semi decent nights sleep I woke to the sound of Olivers voice. He was chatting away to himself in his bedroom as he often does. I laid there, smiling as I listened to his cheerful voice and random conversation for a while. Eventually  I got up and went downstairs shortly followed by Oliver. He was going to my Mums for the day, Joanne was resting and I was going for a run in the lakes. We both had breakfast, got ready and headed out. Oliver was happy when I got to my mums and settled quickly as he always does. This made me feel relaxed, I could put Oliver and Joanne to the back of my mind and have most of the day to myself. I'm off for the next few days with it being half term so my jobs and chores can wait for a day while I run.

As I left my mums I found an old CD in the car - "Lees Car Tunes". I couldn't remember what was o it and I was soon blasting out some class tunes (well I think they are class) as I drove to Coniston. Just try driving to Fleetwood Macs - "The Chain" without feeling like an F1 driver, Brilliant!I was really enjoying myself!
I arrived at Coniston, parked my car, grabbed my kit and walked to the bus stop. I had 10 minutes spare so I nipped in a tiny cafe and got an amazing americano for the journey. I got on the bus for a one way trip to Ambleside, the start of today's run. I was running the last leg of the Lakeland 100 over the fells back to Coniston. It was a very scenic but drawn out bus ride. I thought it would have been a small shuttle bus, nipping between Lakeland Towns, but no it was a 38 seater bus! Try getting that round the lanes on a busy Saturday. Stop start, stop start went the journey and I was absolutely busting for a pee when we eventually arrived in Ambleside. My start point was Rothay Park, a park I know well (sounds a bit seedy that!) but I know if from my last two big races. I knew there were toilets there so I quickly made my way there. I went to open the door but it was bloody locked and the pee was coming! It was a choice, piss myself or pee in the bushes, so a quick glance told me I was alone and I was very relieved!

Running: 17.45 miles - 3hrs52min - Elevation Gain 2,628ft

I walked to a park bench and got my bag ready, running cap on and took off my tracksuit bottoms. I chose to wear my trail shorts and compression socks today, together with a windproof Ronhill top and a base layer - all black (why is trail running gear always black?). I took a long, deep breath of the fresh air and set off. I needed to cross the river Rothay foot bridge but I was met with 6ft high fences. This had been one of the badly effected areas in the December Floods and the bridge had been badly damaged. A quick look at the map and there was a road bridge half a mile down the road. I ran the first mile just to get to the other side of the bridge!!! Oh well, I thought, lets get started.

Ambleside to Skelwith Bridge

This was a cheeky little up and down path over "Under Loughrigg", a trail that skirts the southern fells of Loughrigg Fell. It was a steep climb straight away, first up an access road then onto the rocky trails beyond. The sky was really clear and I strode up the steep hill. Once at the top (and a bit warmer) I was greeted with an amazing view, looking straight toward my destination, Coniston Old Man, far in the distance. I had traversed this trail a few times before on races and days out so I was familiar with the route. I felt really good as I descended the fell, passing walkers and families, greeting them all with a hello, afternoon or "MOVE OUT OF THE F£$KING WAY" (I didn't really, I'm a very polite runner). I soon reached Loughrigg Tarn and consulted the map as there were a few choices ahead. I navigated the tracks and road junctions and steadily made my way down the hill to Skelwith Bridge.

Looking across Under Loughrigg toward Coniston Old Man

Skelwith Bridge to the Langdale Pikes

This was the flattest section of todays run and I managed to pick up the pace for a few miles, enjoying the stunning views all around me and watching the high, snow capped peaks of the mountains draw ever closer. The path along Elterwater is part of the Cumbrian way and was full of people walking dogs, enjoying the mild weather and the stunning vistas all around. I had been so lucky with the weather today and I enjoyed the bright sunshine while it lasted.

Elterwater

I ran on, past Elterwater to Chapel Stile. Just past the slate quarry I spotted a very quaint Church stood on the hillside across the valley made from slate and I bet it was steeped in history. I wondered who had attended it in the past, perhaps Potter, Wainwright, or Wordsworth. Now that would have been a congregation!
I moved on through Chapel stile and ran along a very flat path at the very bottom of the valley. It was flanked by huge, steep, ferny fells and was headed off by the jagged peaks of Harrison Stickle. I felt very small and isolated at that moment,  all my problems and troubles seemed insignificant in the grand scheme of life.

Great Langdale Valley

 I love the way I think and feel when I run, its very deep and I find out things about myself every time I lace up my trainers! After the flat section, the trail skirted the lower hills of Linmoor fell and suddenly became quite technical underfoot. I pulled my focus down from the view and concentrated on my footing, flitting over the rocky and moist path. My body instantly replied and I slipped into my focus, preempting each step, plotting a way through the stones, picking which rock to step on, which ones to miss, where to twist, where to turn - it was bliss. I love technical running, however I might not be saying this on race day, this will be about mile 92 and every rock will feel like a dagger!

Harrison Sickle above Dungeon Ghyll

After a descent down some rocky steps, the trail turned onto the lower slopes and into boggy ground. It was hard going on the soft, wet earth and I slipped a few times. I slowed my pace and made my way across the muddy path. The B road across the valley turned 90 degrees and that was my cue to turn too. It was a steep incline and a slow climb ensued over to Blea tarn.

Gratuitous running selfie no1

At the top of the hill, a quick glance at my watch told me it was lunch time so I parked my backside on the wet grass and dived into my pack. I sat eating a wrap whilst enjoying a stunning view of the mountains and crags all around.

Lunchtime view! Stunning

I spread out my map and orientated it to my surroundings taking in the names of the peaks and valleys. Id heard of many of them before but I didnt know where they were, infront of me was The Langdale Pikes, then ust west was Rossett Pike, Bowfell and Crinkle crag. Far west to my left was Cold Pike and Pike of Blisco, most of them topped with a dusting of snow, glistening in the afternoon sun and simply a stunning view. What a stunning spot to have lunch, even with a wet bum!

Langdale Pikes to Little Langdale

After I had packed up my lunch I crossed the road and set off towards Blea Tarn. The trail was easy going as I made my way through the forest that grows on the banks of the tarn.

The trail towards Blea Tarn

The next section was very technical again and turned quite "gnarly" at the base of the fell. Large boulder and rock stuck out at every angle and it was quite a job hopping from rock to rock, jumping and striding over the slippery, sharp stones.

Gratuitous running selfie No2

The trail led me across another bog and my mind slipped back to well over ten years ago. My wife and I used to walk in the lakes nearly every weekend before she became ill. We used to love packing the car up, heading out on a Sunday and exploring the hills. Except for one walk when we walked the very trail I was on now and we both ended up completely covered in mud. I really do miss those days and still hold out hope Joanne will get better and we can take to the hills once. Happy memories! I slipped out of my reverie and straight into a muddy patch. I laughed and grabbed my phone for a picture to show her later, remembering how much she hated that walk!

Bogged Down!

Across the bog was Wrynose Pass, a road that climbs high into the fells. On the roadside wall was a gate that is a mandatory check point on race day. I reached it took a bearing and strode down the road to Little Langdale.

A gate!

 After a short road section and a short climb I was above Little Langdale tarn and looking for the turn off towards Tiberthwaite. It was easy to find and I marched on up the trail, now only about 4 miles from Coniston.

Little Langdale to Coniston

I climbed up the well trodden path and along towards High Tiberthwaite. The area was covered with tiny slate quarries abandoned years ago no doubt. The trail was fairly rocky but not quite as technical as earlier so I soon found my self at a small farm down in the valley.

A sign post for Coniston informed me it was only 2 1/4 miles to go but a quick glace forward showed me it wouldnt be easy. A climb up to Tiberthwaite quarries waited for me and then Yewdale fells beyond. I reached the steps that went up to the quarry and took a deep breath, this was going to be an arduous climb come race day. I made my way up the path and up into the hills beyond. I kept the river on my right as I climbed, studying the map as Id never been here before.

Moving on up!

The path forked and I took what I thought looked like the correct path. The map was only a 1:40000 so the detail wasnt clear. I dropped down to the river and instantly knew Id gone wrong. It was a long climb and backtrack to get back to the correct path, so I had a look at the map. I could continue where I was and pick up the correct path round the corner. Time wasnt on my side so I pushed on and eventually got back on the right path. I think its really good to make the odd mistake, its the only way you learn! I stopped for a second an took a bearing.

 The path through the grass snaked along side Crook Beck, straight up the fell and over to coniston. So I planted one foot infront of the other and ascended out of the valley. Coniston Old Man loomed before me, covered in snow. Menacing and foreboding, yet majestic and magnificent in all its glory.

Coniston Old Man

 I was suddenly hungry and searched around my pack for some food. A rustling in my shoulder strap reminded me of the Jelly Babies Id put there last night. I plodded onward, munching on the sticky sweets. the burst of sugar hit my blood stream and pushed me to the top. I looked across at the Old man again and started my rapid descent into coniston. I switched off my brain, disengaged my brakes and went for it. must have looked totally out of control with my arms flailing, but I wasnt. I was in the zone, my brain picking a path, gravity pulling me down the slop, my feet twisting and bending. I plummeted down the technical trail towards the Blue Quarries at the foot of Coniston Old man and turned onto a road and down to Coniston. I made my way through the town with some odd looks from shoppers then to where my car was parked. I removed my gear and stretched out for a while thinking about my run.

My new backpack had held up well, it was easy to organise everything, the extra water lasted right to the end. It needed a bit of adjustment along the way but thats why I train with it!
It was a great route and I loved every second of it, even though parts were hard it was wonderful. My mood had lifted, my body energized and my soul full of contentment. I wrote a while ago the reason why I run, I cant sum it up better than I did then so here is an extract from a previous blog:

"This is the reason why I run. Why I push myself over and over again. Running in nature pushes me beyond what I ever thought I was possible of, reaching quite literally for new heights, searching for that elusive high. In these races I find the real me, hiding deep within my being, on top of the world surrounded by stunning mountains and fells. I find out something new about myself every time I run. Its wonderful. Its uplifting. Its now a part of me, ingrained into my personality, defining who I am."   - Lee Winter

I phone Joanne to let her know I was back at the car then grabbed a coffee and a flapjack from the garage and headed home. At home it was as if Id never been away, Oliver asked when tea was, the sink full of pots and washing ready to put in the machine, oh well, welcome back Lee! At least my mother in law had come up trumps. Earlier she had delivered and uncooked steak pie and took a bit of ironing for me. Sometimes its the little things...

After tea I settled down and wrote this blog, if youve got this far, well done. Sorry I get carried away when I write, I guess its like reliving the experience again. Im off for a hot bath and to finish the rest of the red wine. I hope you enjoyed my run, I certainly did :)

Food Diary:

Breakfast:
Porridge with Chia Seeds, Brasil Nuts and dried fruit

Lunch (from and amazing view point)
Falafel and Hummus wraps with a pack of fried and seasoned Butter Beans from Tesco (they are amazing, salty and full of carbs - but they shake like a bloody babys rattle in your bag!!

 Dinner
Gluten Free Steak Pie, oven chips and beans

Snacks
3x Peanut and Chocolate Brunch bars
Small bag of Jelly Babies

Drinks
Water with electrolites, coffee and 3/4 bottle of red win (because Im worth it!)

Bye!

Ready for a recce!

Friday 12th Feb.

Another sleepless night has left me very tired and very stressed. It was a massive job to get up and get everyone motivated this morning, so much so that I was late for work (only by 5 mins and Im on flexi time anyway). I was very stressed and unhappy as I walked to work this morning, it made me feel very down, a great start to the day! It was my last day at work until the following Thursday so I put in my shift and came home. I smashed in a 10k after work when Oliver was with his carer, than made tea, washed, tidied up and sorted everything out. I was knackered.

Halfway through yesterday I had a brain wave. My mum has Oliver on a Saturday and Im off so why dont I just F*%K off by myself for a day of trail running, clear my head and re-energise. Awesome Idea! I set about planning and Im going to do the Ambleside to Coniston leg of the Lakeland 100. Ive done some of the route so it wont be too bad. Im going to park at Coniston, get the bus to Ambleside then run back.

Ambleside - Chapel Stile - Dungeon Ghyll - Blea Tarn - Little Langdale - High Tiberthwaite to Blue Quarries and down to Coniston about 16 miles!

I packed all my stuff into my new pack including all my safety gear and some food, all ready for the morning. I feel better already just getting ready for it!

Im off for a soak in a hot bath of epsom salts with a glass of Chianti and a big bowl of olives, then an early night.

Running : 5.64 miles   7:56 min mile avg  46 min

I set off and took my usual route up to north scale and the trails. The sun was setting and I didnt have a torch with me so I didnt venture too far (and Oliver was due back) so I turned around after 20 min and ran down the beach for a while. I joined the beach path and cantered back home. It felt like a good stretch of my legs ready for my LSR recce tomorrow.

Food Diary:

Nutribullet Smoothie - Spinach, pear, Banana, apple, porridge oats, almonds, honey

Lunch
Tuna Niscoise Salad

Dinner
(Oliver brought a Pizza hut takeaway back with him and I was starving when I got in from my run, so two pieces of pepperoni pizza "accidentally" fell into my mouth!!)
Homemade Chicken Korma with Brown Basmati Rice and a poppadom

Drinks
Water, coffee ad a big ass glass of red wine!

Dont listen to those voices in your head!

Thursday 11th Feb 

Joanne was in a lot of pain last night and only slept on and off for an hour, so consequently I didnt get much sleep either. I was knackered when I got up and went straight to make some breakfast and some lunch for myself to take to work. After Id sorted Oliver and Joanne out I had a brisk walk to work. After another busy day at work I walked home, I was still quite tired. My new running backpack had arrived but I left it unopened until I had done my jobs. There was a big pile of washing to get through as well as making the tea and tidying up. After I sorted all that out I had a check over of my new bag.

My other race pack was only 7ltrs and I struggled to get some race kit into it so Ive gone up to a 12ltr for the Lakeland 100. Also the water bottles are 750ml instead of 500ml, a good size but I will have to watch the extra weight.

Raidlight Ultra Olmo 12ltr

Tonight I was due a Tabata session in the Garage! The voices had already started, gnawing at me, chipping away with their incessant babbling, trying to get me not to go outside. They kept saying "its cold", "your tired", "you ran yesterday and need a rest day" and on and on, pulling excuses like a schoolboy whose dog had chewed his homework. But there is only one voice I listen to. Its a voice of reason, desire and commitment. I got quietly changed and didnt give in to the voices.

In the garage it was cold but I knew I would warm up after a couple of minutes treadmill work. I pushed really hard tonight and felt much better and more in control. I pushed my plank PB out to 4:26:8min tonight too. I feel Im getting stronger every day so I keep on pushing myself - I want to see what I can do.

Tonights Tabata menu.

After my workout I came inside and my new running backpack was on the side. Oliver had tried it on and modeled it for his mum and his toys. Joanne took a great picture. He then told me he wanted a new bag and that he had a challenge he wanted to do. It was to run the length of Walney! I told him I was off for a few days next week so we could  go out running together and he was made up. I cant wait! Im so proud of him, he inspires me everyday with the way he greets life and I love him to bits for it!

My amazing little man!

I put him to bed a bit later but he wont go to sleep at the moment and doubled with Joanne not sleeping is making my nights not very relaxing. I hope they both get a good nights sleep and soon!

Food Diary

Breakfast
Nutribullet Veggie Smoothie: Spinach, avocado, sugar snap peas, celery, cucumber, pineapple, pear, root ginger and Brasil nuts

Lunch
Chicken and Ham salad with wild rice, beetroot and avocado

Chicken and Ham salad

Dinner
Gammon, egg and pineapple with spicy sweet potato fries and wilted chili spinach.

Gammon with Spicy sweet potato fries

Snacks
Nuts and Seeds, 2x apples, banana

Drinks
Lots of bottled water, coffee

Feeling better, feeling faster!

Wednesday 10th February

I woke up felling a bit better but still a bit nauseous and yes if I was a weaker individual I could have called in a sickie, but after a recent 100% attendance letter from my boss for last year, I was reluctant to call one in and pushed myself to work. I felt a bit better as I walked to work in the cold winter air. I managed a bit of fruit in the morning and my lunch stayed down. I felt great by the end of the afternoon and walked home.
Oliver is always out on a Wednesday evening with his carer until 6:30pm which leaves me with an hour to rest!!! Yeah right - ME Rest, I think thats the first time them two words have ever been in the same sentence! Balls to resting, you can rest when your dead I say! I checked on Joanne, put my running kit on and sped out of the door.
After a cracking run I came back, showered, made tea, tidied up, put Oliver to bed and wrote this blog!

Running: 7.12miles   /   7.46min / mile avg  /  55 min.

I stepped out into the cool evening and after some warm up moves I shifted into gear and took off up the street. I didn't really have a plan of attack tonight so I ran to feel for a while letting my body dictate my pace. I reached the traffic lights at the prom and had to wait a minute or so to cross then I sped off up towards North Scale. I concentrated on my form and shifted my body-weight slightly forward, falling slightly but keeping an upright posture. I loosened off both my shoulders and kept by breaths deep and slow. I felt really good, light and strong.

The street lights ended on the outskirts of North Scale and I switched on my head torch, illuminating the road in front of me. I was quickly at the airfield and turned down my usual path. It was still waterlogged but it didn't halt my progress. I splashed straight through the icy water, the splashes felt like daggers lancing into my skin, they were that cold. It brought a sharp focus to my mind and I pushed through the mud and water to the Nature Trails.

The sun had just about set and painted a stunning orange backdrop behind the dark clouds, silhouetting the distant wind turbines and cast its dying light over the Irish sea in front of me. What n uplifting vista to run in front of! I turned north onto the trails and my light pierced the gloom, showing me the way through the dark bushes.

Everything looked so different in the dark and my body's innermost, ancient and primeval senses kicked into gear, making me fear the dark, making me see things that aren't there, making me long for the light, warmth and solace of home. I pushed those feelings deep inside, with rational thought they can be tamed - the two glowing eyes of the saber toothed tiger down the path are really a timid rabbit. The dark, oddly shaped, lumbering and moaning beast in the field is just a cow. The ghostly apparition running along side me is just my head torch dancing in my peripheral vision, Its all quite literally a trick of the light (or night). Over come your fears, rationalize them and move forward! Well its works for me.

After Id managed to lose the axe murderer, swamp beast and vampires!! I reached my turn around point and took a path Id never ran before. It took me over some dunes onto the beach and I quickly found a path back to the caravan park. I slipped into a trance like state, my arms out wide, my body acting on instinct as I pushed my pace quicker, becoming one with the terrain. I twisted and rode the wave like humps of the path, preempting them, molding my body shape to the undulations. It was an unbelievably good sensation as I ran, my mind seeming to smooth out the lumpy surface in front, my feet shaping to the terrain, it was wonderful.

I soon reached the hard surface of the road and ran passed the caravans with a huge and satisfying grin on my face. I was pushing myself a bit harder tonight, subconsciously testing and probing my fitness. It wasn't fully back yet but I felt great. Once back on the beach path, I pushed a little harder for the last three miles home, hitting consecutively quicker miles as I made my way down the dark path along side the sea. My last mile was a 6:55mile, Its no where near my "fit"pace for speed work but its a lot closer than I though I would be at this stage. I was buzzing as I reached the bottom of my street and I slowed to a walk to drop my heart rate, smiling and breathing deep.

What a wonderful, tough but rewarding run! With some hard work I hope I will be back to full fitness soon. My toe isn't sore anymore and seems to have healed well.

Food Diary

Breakfast:
Nothing, I was still a bit nauseous from yesterday but I managed an apple and some nuts later in the morning

Lunch
Homemade Thai coconut chicken with Brown Rice (last nights tea!)
Greek Yoghurt with nuts and seeds mixed in

Dinner:
Goan Salmon ; Salmon fillet rolled in Turmeric, pan fried and cooked with fish stock, garam masala and low fat garlic and herb cream cheese to make a sauce. Served with asparagus, crispy kale and wholegrain wild rice.

Drinks
Water,coffee, chocolate milk post run an a chocolate horliks before bed.

Poorly Sick

Tuesday 9th Feb

I was a bit stiff from the previous nights exercise (not like that you dirty minded individual - I bloody wish) I mean from my vigorous thrusting....I mean pounding...oh forget it, I was aching alright!. I walked the 2 miles to work to loosen up my throbbing muscles ;) . After lunch I felt like my GF Pasta just wouldnt digest and was sat on top of my stomach. I hoped it would subside after a walk home. I was finishing early and had to pick Oliver up unexpectedly after school.
It has got to be one of the best feelings in the world to see his smile when he sees me.
He ran out shouting "DAAAAAADDDDDDDDDY" . His teaching assistant was close behind and I had an awful thought he'd hit someone again as he had done the last two Tuesdays. But they had recognized the pattern emerging and took him out of the group early before he got too wound up. Progress or what!
She told me about his good day and I got a massive smile and a hug from Oliver. When that happens, all my troubles, woes and problems melt away, I love it! We walked home but I still felt rotten and had some stomach cramps.
A bite of bile rose up into my mouth as I open the front door and I legged it to the toilet and shouted for "RUTH" and "HUEY" down the toilet. I was really sick and sat hugging the pan. What is it about the germ ridden, cold porcelain that always make you feel better after puking?

After Id emptied my stomach I got changed and laid on the settee, curled up in a ball. Joanne wasnt well either and she was in bed. Oliver was sat with me on the sofa playing on his WII U. He woke me up an hour later saying it was ten to five and where was his tea! Poor lad, I struggled up and made him some tea then retreated to the sofa again. I had hopes of going for a run but they were flushed away earlier with the sick. After another hours rest I made some tea for Joanne but couldnt face mine and saved it for lunch the next day.
Even though I was sick I still had to try and care for my family and it brought it home just what would happen if I was ever out of action or really ill? I dont know the answer to that question but I had better not get too ill! The mess was piled around me but I couldnt muster any energy to sort it so I left it until the next morning and went to bed!

Food Diary:

Breakfast:
Nutribullet Smoothie: Kale, Avocado, milled linseed, pineapple, blueberries, melon

Lunch:
Gluten free rice pasta with a homemade tomato and bacon chilli sauce

Snacks
2 apples, banana

Dinner (Minus..)
-Nutribullet smoothie, -Gluten free Pasta, -2 apples, - a banana

Drinks
Water and Coffee

Small term goals, long term gains

After yesterdays run, as I mentioned on my previous blog, I was quite surprised that I had managed to run 8 miles in an hour. This might not be near my fastest time but it gives me a good base to work from. So this is the plan....

Obviously my ain aim is the Lakeland 100 mile race in July, but Im going to split the months up into short term goals. The first of which is going to be Lakeland Trails Cartmel Race. Its an 18k (11 mile) race over the fells around Cartmel.

Cartmel Trails

Im still nowhere near the level of fitness I was in October since my injury but Im back in the groove, so to say, and determined to get it back then take it to the next level!

How are you going to do it?, I hear you say.

Well, Ive got 5 weeks until the Trail race, so i reckon if I push hard and up my training intensity, I can get some of my fitness back. Ive put together a Tabata program to do three times a week along side my running so I should see some improvements within the time frame. Also by eating and sleeping properly I should get there.

Tabata training is high intensity interval training (HIIT) which (after a good warm up), do an exercise all out 100% for 20 seconds, rest for 10 seconds then repeat 8 times. Its hard but definitely worth it and it should shift some fat from my gut too!

Today:
I was on an early shift again today so Id made my lunch last night. After work I got home, made the dinner and put some washing on, then made a pasta for tomorrows lunch. Oliver had another great day at school, he seems to have settled down again, he even got 14 our of 14 on his weekly spelling test which makes it 100% 4 weeks in a row. Im so proud of him! Joanne is still really exhausted and has slept most of the day today, her ME seems to be in control at the moment.

After all that I wrote a plan for my exercises (using my GB Bootcamps knowledge) and set to them. Ive started to make a home gym in the garage and just need to paint the walls and put some matting down, but it will do for now.

Garage Gym 

Strength Training

I started with a 10 minute run on the treadmill for a gentle warm up then got stuck into my set.

First up was Plank PB, basically I have to hold the plank for a personal best every time. My base line set tonight was 4:10 seconds so Ive got to beat this - even if by a second, every time I do a set. Using this method I got up to 7 mins plank last October.

Tabata Set: 20sec on 10sec off x8 per exercise.
Press ups, sit ups, punchbag work, lunges,  then squats with a weighted shoulder press to finish.

I set off like a house on fire, pushing the ground away effortlessly for 10 press ups then got found out and nearly collapsed!! I really struggled with the sets but thats ok as it gives me loads of work to do and I love a challenge. Id taken a before picture of myself again to compare in 5 weeks time. Lets see what I can do!

After my exercises I showered and put Oliver to bed then wrote this then its time for my bed!

Im starting to feel good again and Im really focussed ready to assault my training. Bring it on!!

Food Diary:

Breakfast
Nutribullet smoothie with Kale, avocado, pineapple, blueberries, melon, cashew nuts and milled linseeds

Lunch
Smoked Piri Piri Mackerel Salad with Quinoa and wheatberries and Balsamic Vinegar

Mackerel Salad

Greek youghurt with granola

Dinner
Mushroom and asparagus risotto with herby chicken breast

Snacks
3x Apples, banana, nuts and seeds

Drinks
Lots of bottled water, coffee and a chocolate horlicks before bed.

Last week catch up

I had a crazy, busy week at work and home and just didnt get time to write anything up. So here is a quick recap:

Tuesday 2^nd Feb

I was at work early morning for a conference which went really well. After a long day I had the Love Barrow camera crew coming round to get some footage of me. They got some shots of the family on the sofa then filmed Oliver and I making Pizza and me doing some chores. It was good fun and Oliver really enjoyed the experience. I hope it turns out on the video ok!!!

Oliver and Toad helping me to make pizza

Wednesday 3^rd Feb

After a really hectic week I had a midweek day off as I was working the following weekend. I managed (and Ive got no idea how!) to sleep in until 10am. I got up and chilled out for a couple of hours, playing on my xbox. It’s unlike me to sit down but I was so exhausted. After lunch it was a glorious winters afternoon, the sun was shining so I got my running things on and went for a run. 10.3 miles later I got home feeling amazing. I did the rest of my jobs until the end of the day.

This was a picture someone took from a drone on Wednesday from high above Walney.
You can just see me on the shore ;)

Thursday 4^th Feb

I was duty officer for the Manchester Camerata Orchestra that evening, so after I had got the house sorted and meals made I went out for a steady 9 mile run and it was epic.

Run details

Friday 5^th Feb

Again I was Duty Officer for the Evening so I had a window of opportunity to go for a run. Another 9 miles ensued and I was starting to feel good again. The fitness is coming along nicely. That evening Heather Small of MPEOPLE fame was on at work. She was AMAZING!!! I love my job.

Heather Small at the forum. Bloody Brilliant performance

Saturday 6^th Feb

I was at work in the morning and a bit stiff from the previous days running, so a rest day was in order. After work we had been invited to my cousins birthday Race Night. We drove up and left the car so I could have a drink (or 6!) and had a really enjoyable evening with my family.

Sunday 7^th Feb

I woke up with a bit of a thick head and lounged around until lunchtime. After that I did some chores around the house and put my running stuff on to run and collect the car. I set off and instantly felt too hot. After 2 miles I stripped some layers off and instantly felt cooler, light and strong. Id got out some of my old road shoes for today as the route was mostly pavement and the skipped me along at a decent pace. I just ran to feel and relaxed, keeping my breathing slow and deep. I never once looked at my watch. At the end of the run I glanced at the display. Id ran 8.5 miles at sub 8min pace. Now thats not too bad a pace and my confidence grew throughout the run. I got home and entered the Cartmel 18k trail race. Its in 5 weeks so my challenge is to see if I can get race fit in that time. Im going to start my food diary, training plan and strength work tomorrow.

Thats if for last week. Proper daily blog starts next.......