The Adventures of Runningbear

Forty-Something Fitness

noreply@blogger.com (Runningbear) — Sun, 06 Aug 2017 14:04:00 +0000

I'm finally returning to what can be described as some regular running. A grand total of 12 weeks of 'training' logged after a pretty major break of six years from the running scene. Since then I've since changed jobs, moved counties, renovated a house, married and had a family... I'm no longer that thirty-something, running obsessed Yorkshire lass and have properly tipped into my maturer years with a little person in my life to keep me entertained.

The break from running has been a tonic though and after a couple of months of running again I can truly say I'm loving it! The running mojo left me after my first and only marathon in 2011, it was just too much hard running and a lack of 'smellin' the roses' type runs that killed that running bug and then life has just happened.

The running world has changed a bit too, Garmins are amazing and so much better! And there are so many new running shoe brands that I'm dizzied by the choice. I've also discovered Strava... a far too addictive app which feeds my unhealthy interest in what other people are doing. So, I'm now logging training sessions, starting up intervals and thinking about racing again... maybe its a mid life thing but hopefully it will last.

Rip Curl

noreply@blogger.com (Runningbear) — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 16:56:00 +0000

Spring is here... Had hoped to we might continue some light running in our third attempt at a fitness comeback since taking on this massive project. The continuous onslaught of snow has scuppered plans this week but we may brave the drifts today after a belated investment in YakTrax. I fear we might drown in the giant drifts.

Sunday trot

noreply@blogger.com (Runningbear) — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 22:40:00 +0000

I realised last week that it's now over a year since my last race. It's been twelve months of very little running, lots of house renovating and eating fairly badly as we cope without a proper kitchen. Time now to take stock of my emerging tubbiness, grit my teeth and get the trainers back on.

The last month has been a painful back to basics with some depressingly slow shuffles around town. We braved our first tour of Pendle today, inspired by the ice blue sky. Fortunately we were slow enough to take one or two blur free pics, the upside of starting from scratch... The lungs are okay but this shuffling bear's legs are feeling it now. Oh well. Gotta start somewhere.

Posted with Blogsy

Alive and just about kicking

noreply@blogger.com (Runningbear) — Sat, 25 Aug 2012 09:37:00 +0000

Well then. Up I pop again after 5 months...Can't quite believe its been so long since the move. I'm now nicely installed in the most amazing place; a defiantly Yorkshire corner in a red rose world.

The move to a new home has been followed by months of destruction and rubble as we discover various problems hidden behind the vividly painted walls and old stone floors. Still swamped with the renovations we're just picking up the running trail before the dark nights set in.

Running dropped off dramatically, squeezed out by the growing demands at home and work but I've felt the absence of our athletic lifeline and have grown slowly plump as the weeks pass. So once again M and I build up our runs; last night a trot from the house through the heather for a muddy amble to remind these creaky knees of the real outdoors. Hopefully we'll keep it up to consider some new year racing and a cross country or two.

Soon

noreply@blogger.com (Runningbear) — Sun, 18 Mar 2012 17:23:00 +0000

Lots of things have been on hold, or paused for weeks and months now. The winter has whispered past with me barely noticing as life tumbles on in this never ending washing cycle of annoying stuff, like surveys and solicitor bills.

The new home is almost in sight just a couple more weeks and we can return to those fond routines, back on the sunny road to running fitness with some bits of DIY in between.

M's work trip away to the sun has left me thinking of us leaving this home not long from now. It feels sad to be leaving all our running steps behind across the hills and by the river. Perhaps a bit of us will stay in this lovely Yorkshire valley. For now the warmer days are keeping me perky as I pack our things and imagine our new home; a Lancashire lass I'll be.

New Playground

noreply@blogger.com (Runningbear) — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 10:11:00 +0000

Runningbear's adventures have been more like escapades this month, starting with another wobble in the world of house buying and selling. M & I are hoping that we are over this final 'test' in this stressy world of ultra house buying endurance... Dare I say we hope to be moving in the next month.

I'll not be surprised if summat else goes pear-shaped but for now I'm being sustained by thoughts of this beautiful new playground on our doorstep and a shorter commute to save more of those summer evenings for sun kissed runs and suppers with a view.

Runningbear's new home-to-be is big and handsome with breathtaking views but in need of some TLC along the way. M & I are already planning our running routine with hill reps in the front garden and a home made cross country circuit at the back.

This helps to distract from the actual running now, which is far less nice or exciting. We're getting out a bit but I'm feeling a bit fat, unfit and my body feels ancient. I creak about our well trodden routes with constant back ache, silently screaming hammies and complaining knees. Running feels a bit unpleasant, painful even. But I'm guessing this is what being unfit feels like.

Real life feels like its been kept on hold except for work which just seems to race ahead of everything else. I've been keeping sane with night time instalments of Borgen (hurry up series 2) and some Lens browsing. Can't wait for life to start again...oo bring on the light nights, weekend races and running in sunnies.

Snow Way!

noreply@blogger.com (Runningbear) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:20:00 +0000

I've bimbled about this last week with a few short runs to get the legs back in action. How unfit am I!? I can't believe I feel so pooped after only 4 miles... these achy breaky legs have long forgotten the days of 22 miles on a Sunday morning under summer skies.

I'm still making my comeback though I suspect it'll be a protracted one. The snow dump this weekend got in the way a bit but thankfully has stifled any over enthused urges to get back into some mileage. Hurrying the return is a common mistake and my legs have forgotten how to do this running thing. I'm instead enjoying some vicarious racing but am puzzled about the Dewsbury 10k.. was it cancelled?

House stuff still distracts M and I from the flab and unfitness...we slowly approach the move to our dream home with caution. I still daren't say nowt until it's in the bag. Maybe we'll make it in time for spring; the time for nesting. Happy shuffling.

Comeback

noreply@blogger.com (Runningbear) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 11:36:00 +0000

So I write this as I contemplate the last 3 months of not running and wonder if a blog name change is needed. Running has instead been replaced by a big dipper drama of house buying. I think we've lived through the gritty Eastenders equivalent as opposed to the quaint period costume drama experience and we're not at the end of it yet either. I'm wondering if anything else could go wrong but hoping a move to our very own corner of heaven will be on the cards soon...

So for now I'll not taint our plans by typing any more until all the i's are dotted and the t's crossed. There's at least there's some space to return to the running passion that always helps to put all other things in perspective. I'm making my training comeback today with a brief grassy jog under sunny skies. The frost and sunshine is tempting me out of the fluffy dressing gown and into the outdoor world where house viewings, fickle buyers and conveyancing bills are distant memories.

The race calendar is out of the window but a gem of a summer race should work well as a focus to get me training again. Perhaps this very well rested Runningbear's killer instinct will return... wish me well for my foray into the grassy pastures of Ben Rhydding hockey pitches. Grrr.

Still Here...

noreply@blogger.com (Runningbear) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 19:17:00 +0000

...alive and kicking but very busy selling and buying houses. The last few weeks have been a roller coaster of selling then not selling, buying then not buying and not much running has featured either. Anyway, I'll not jinx our plans by sharing specific news of our fab new pad just yet as there's a bit further to go before it's in the bag. For now we're whiling away weekends pondering the costs of rewiring and deciding what kind of survey to go for. Exciting stuff of course but no running adventures to report. I'm now growing a curly wurly belly. The new place is however a fab spot for runners and will hopefully feature in 2012 blog pics. It's funny how you know a place is home as soon as you walk through the door.

P.S. That's M upstairs.
P.P.S As you can see, the roof needs a bit of work.

CurlyWurly Heaven

noreply@blogger.com (Runningbear) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 16:50:00 +0000

Ampleforth 7 was the second race in as many weeks after what seems like yonks off from proper racing. The combination of a gammy leg and new-job-syndrome have taken their toll this summer. [That and being trapped in a Chewy Soft Chocolate Heaven; I've now developed a CurlyWurly dependency having rediscovered the childhood treat at a garage en route to work]. But, the cross country last week brought home the realisation that there's no more time for excuses and some serious training and racing is needed. This tidy and low key race was another chance to toughen up this ageing boot and get some hard tempo miles in the legs.

The drive over took us past the beautiful Byland Abbey. There was much quaintness to be seen roadside as we ambled our way north for a very civilised lunchtime start. The trail race starts in the grounds of the great Ampleforth college; a famously posh school with expansive grounds and sports fields to die for. The course undulates around the forest overlooking Yearsley and offered little respite as we scrambled doggedly up the trails and stumbled the muddy descents. The course took us up and down, right and left, mostly on foot but sometimes on butt - the aptly name 'chute' descent spat many of the more tentative footed out in a soggy heap at the bottom.

Byland Abbey

I ran hard if not very fast, enough to call it a tempo effort and sufficient to win the ladies race and place 5th overall in a smallish field. M finished a place in front, leading the field for parts of the race but feeling a bit too tired and heavy legged to keep up the pace of the earlier miles. The race was a welcome break from the usual Sunday long run. The drop in mileage provided a timely ease down before a return to some hard miles again this week. I've now entered a few more events; encouraged that the racing pain will dull as the weeks go by. I'm starting to enjoy the mud, the rain and the wind again. Hello autumn!

This week in trainers...

DAY	AM	PM
MONDAY	REST	7M @ EASY
TUESDAY	REST	INTERVALS: 12X400M
WEDNESDAY	REST	7M @ STEADY
THURSDAY	REST	5M @ STEADY
FRIDAY	REST	5M @ RECOVERY
SATURDAY	REST	5M WITH STRIDES
SUNDAY	RACE: 7M TRAIL	REST
	WEEKLY TOTAL	50 MILES

The Adventures of Runningsnail

noreply@blogger.com (Runningbear) — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 13:24:00 +0000

What a scorcher of a week! It's been all shorts and sunnies on school nights; running each evening in brilliant October sunshine. Another healthy training week has been had leading to yesterday's tentative return to racing. It was a painful day out for this Runningbear.

I've been putting it off for weeks but slowly ran out of excuses and just had to face up to the racing facts; I'm a slow and slobby Runningsnail. Yesterday was when the truth hit home at the Northern Athletics XC relays. The event was a confusing mixture of County Vets and Northern open teams - a fact only announced this week which led to a last minute kerfuffle and Bingley ladies scraping just one team in the V35 category. The boys (including M) had a fine V40 team also competing in the Yorkshire Vets Champs.

The event at Graves Park, Sheffield was my first effort at jumping back on the racing horse after a rubbish summer of injury and eating too much pie. It was also a rather long drive for the sake of a 2 mile race. Yes you read that right; a 2 mile race! I've never run such a short race as a grown up. The one lap route seemed to involve one very very long hill with a bit of downhill at the start and finish. This course really should be reserved for youngsters only... I'm still coming to terms with how slow I was. We finished second V35 ladies and won a small silver & plastic thingy. M's team mirrored our success as second V40 team, stealing Steve's prize (had he been running for a Yorkshire club!). Results here.

It's a funny thing coming back from injury. Though in my head I know I'm off my best and the racing is about getting fitness back, I still walk away from these things torturing myself about my crap time/position/pace. It's daft I know but hard to change the internal hand wringing. I'm now trying to deftly convert this said mental torture energy into Runningbear rocket fuel. I've some way to go before race fitness returns and remain a flabby, untrained Runningsnail with a soft underbelly. I've yet to build back the roughty-toughty shell that grows with the grit of some hard racing. So the adventures of Runningsnail continue for now... it's race #2 at the Ampleforth 7M next week. Wish me luck!

This week in trainers...

DAY	AM	PM
MONDAY	REST	8M @ EASY
TUESDAY	REST	INTERVALS: 12X400M
WEDNESDAY	REST	MID LONG RUN: 12M @ STEADY
THURSDAY	REST	8M @ STEADY
FRIDAY	REST	4M @ RECOVERY
SATURDAY	RACE: 2M YVXC RELAY	5M @ EASY
SUNDAY	LONG RUN: 18M @ STEADY	REST
	WEEKLY TOTAL	70 MILES

Fluid & Free

noreply@blogger.com (Runningbear) — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 19:50:00 +0000

So it's Sunday night and I've just about managed to peel myself off the sofa to blog for a bit after a weekend of eating and training. There's been a bit too much wine and pie consumed and a fair amount of post-run-lolling in front of the telly. I've revelled in the afterglow of some good sessions; training is feeling less painful as the legs get used to the longer runs and the odd bits of tempo thrown in. I'm still slow but happily battling to get fit with a training plan under my arm and my mojo back in my knapsack. These training weeks are whizzing by...

After what feels to have been another reasonably productive running week of logging good miles I'm a step nearer to sustaining and holding a 70 mile week. After that the focus will be building more quality on the track and roads with a regular sprinkling of races. All being well I can start to think about a marathon schedule for the new year and a stab at a new PB in April.

For now I'm determined these rep times will shed a few seconds each week as I clamber back towards those heady days when even monster 1k rep sessions felt fluid and free.

This week in trainers...

DAY	AM	PM
MONDAY	REST	8M STEADY
TUESDAY	REST	INTERVALS: 8x600M
WEDNESDAY	REST	8M STEADY
THURSDAY	REST	12M BRISK
FRIDAY	REST	4M EASY
SATURDAY	SPEED: 8X200M	REST
SUNDAY	17M (6M TEMPO)	REST
WEEK'S MILEAGE:	64 MILES

Into the Groove

noreply@blogger.com (Runningbear) — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 09:33:00 +0000

It's so good to be able to report that this Runningbear's training mojo is back. It seems so long since I've enjoyed my running quite in this way; I know this because I've started looking forward to those extra tough training days [as opposed to feeling a quiet dread at the thought of a track session - a sad feature for much of this year]. Perhaps that's a feeling only other runners understand? It seems to puzzle many a work colleague that I might be motivated to work my legs and lungs into mincemeat on a damp dark night after a long, tough day at the office. It probably also says a lot about my psyche, but it's true as much as some might think it odd. Sitting in watching Eastenders on a Tuesday night ...eek.

For the anorak types out there I'm slowly returning to a former training routine of Tuesday night on the track, Thursday night tempo run and then a long weekend run, with plenty of steady running sprinkles in between. I plan to slot in something short and speedy the odd Saturday morning but for now I'm taking my time to build up the miles and get these old pins eased back gently into some faster running. No injury niggles (touch wood) makes for some satisfying sessions.

I've lost a fair bit of speed endurance and hate to think what kind of time I'd manage around a 5k course. It's a bit depressing to think of the chasm in my rep times compared to last summer... I'm quietly telling myself it'll come with patience and consistency. I'm dipping in to the odd XC relay in the next few weeks; here's hoping the Bingley team captain isn't expecting too much from this old croc.

Having the North of England team event at the Great South Run is proving to be a perfect focus though and a helpful milestone for feedback to plan training through to the spring. I'm now six training weeks away from what could be a very tough day but it'll give me a measure of the work to do this winter and keep my eyes on the ball for a marathon next April. Which marathon is still to be decided. London could be great but also slightly too big and scary. I've been intrigued by the return of the Greater Manchester event next year; a flat and fast course according to the race information. I might even persuade a few work colleagues to come along for the ride...happy running to all. RB.

This week in trainers...

DAY	AM	PM
MONDAY	REST	REST
TUESDAY	REST	INTERVALS: LADDER
WEDNESDAY	REST	8M STEADY
THURSDAY	REST	12M HILLY
FRIDAY	REST	5M EASY
SATURDAY	9M TRAIL	4M RECOVERY
SUNDAY	17M (6M TEMPO)	REST
WEEK'S MILEAGE:	64 MILES

Bouncing Back

noreply@blogger.com (Runningbear) — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 08:06:00 +0000

So it seems that I've written countless blogs in the last year threatening a comeback to some kind of fitness and racing plan. Sorry for the repetition readers. A mix of all sorts seems to have delayed me but after a bit of twiddling of spreadsheets and race planning I'm starting to feel very focused and race hungry again. Unfortunately I'm some way off what I'd describe as race fitness and also have a few pounds to lose, but I'm actually feel up for it in a way that I haven't felt for a while. This week is the first for some months that I've actually run every day.

After a call this week from the North of England team manager I've now got a nice target race to work towards; the Great South Run. A ten miler is a nice distance to work towards in 8 weeks and will help focus the mind. After that I'm thinking a fast half marathon in early 2012 and a spring marathon to capitalise on whatever speed I've gained. Does it sounds like a plan? In the meantime I've a few mini races to look for to pepper the schedule with some hard training runs. What would we do without Mr Schofield? The cross countries should serve me well; a bit of lung-bursting speed on the odd Saturday to remind me of the pains of racing. It's been some months since I last donned a club vest and it's all a bit scary. Today, a 16 mile tempo sandwich. I'm quite looking forward to it...

Show Time

noreply@blogger.com (Runningbear) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 08:19:00 +0000

It’s a bit shocking to realise that it’s been a whole month since my last blog; where does the time go? There’s been so little play time this last month that I’ve been only minimally aware of injury time and the absence of running. Quite a confession from such a running nut I know. The big job and commuting and all the new stuff to learn has tired me out. I’ve even been wondering whether Runningbear’s blog deserves continued attention. I’m not making any rash decisions yet and hope that over the coming months real life starts to feel more manageable and the blogging mojo hopefully returns. I think maybe I work too much...

For now, a Runningbear update. I am running! I even managed a rather tough 15 with a few mile efforts yesterday (and gave M a run for his money). The Achilles ‘sheath’ is seemingly okay and has coped with a bit of speed work this week too. I’m a few pounds heavier and a bit sad to have missed my favourite races again this year; Burnsall 10 most of all. But I’m also kind of mentally refreshed and thinking excited thoughts about the cross country season and possibly a half marathon PB in January. So the running break can’t have been that bad.

In the mean time M & I have been contemplating a house move. We’re house hunting in various spots but there’s not much about of what we’re after; something small but secluded. To inspire ourselves we returned to one of our favourite places this weekend for the show. What a lovely day it was. Latest idea is we're thinking of escaping the rat race to become Alpaca farmers... Hope you enjoy the pics.

All Dressed Up & Nowhere To Go

noreply@blogger.com (Runningbear) — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 17:11:00 +0000

Okay so here's my news. The new job started. Tomorrow will be the start of week 4. I'm just about starting to remember some names. I can now find my way to work without relying on the Tom Tom and I'm suffering less from face ache caused by my inane smiling at all the new work people.

The job is great; exciting, challenging. The commute is bearable on good days; a pain the rest of the time. And I'm so tired from it all I can barely sit on the sofa beside M and watch telly beyond the watershed without my head drooping and droolcicles forming at the corner of my mouth. This would all be fine if I was still running to keep me sane.

After weeks and weeks of slog trying to bounce back from the post marathon break I've only gone and got myself an injury. The kind that's more than a niggle. I've been so fed up I couldn't face blogging, blipping or any constructive activity at all. I seem to have spent most nights (that's the 30 minutes between getting home from work and going to bed) gobbling biscuits and watching trash TV. I'm now chubby and unfit.

I understand from Mike the magician (physio) that it's an Achilles 'sheath' problem. No major rupture just a niggling-won't-go-away thing that has left me bereft. At the time when I really needed mind-emptying, lung-bursting, physical exercise I've instead been forced to sit on the sidelines feeling sorry for myself. Recent world events have forced some perspective taking but I still can't seem to shift the flat, lifeless feeling having spent another sunny weekend with my trainers parked up. So, after three weeks of moping (and limping) I'm writing to report on my whereabouts and to say sorry for being such a fair weather blogger.

21 Again

noreply@blogger.com (Runningbear) — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 20:42:00 +0000

I'm back briefly to blogging (hello!) after weeks of winding up an old job and preparing for a new work life. The holiday in the mountains seems light years away, having since smuggled in 4 tidy track sessions and an introduction to drills since then. Ouch, my glutes are still smarting.

But my leaving do last week has allowed some thoughts of the future, including a return to thinking about running and planning ahead. I've been told by an acquaintance at the track that I need a three year plan. He was probably right. My head just hasn't been in my running of late with everything else that's been going on; the Runningbear mojo has been on holiday.

I'd set myself up for another marathon later in the year, Chester maybe. But I'm now beginning to wonder if this is wise, particularly in the first three months of starting a new and challenging job. I've wondered if a focus on building some speed for a good half in the autumn would be better prep for a fast marathon next year. No decisions as yet but I've yet to feel marathon training hungry.

I'm keep my options open for now including a steady 21 on the trails today, a long run in the rain to start burning off some of that Austrian kuchen! This last week finishing off has been hectic, so much so I've still not downloaded the holiday pics. A poor show I know but starting Monday it'll be just one job. I'll be the new girl tomorrow; all shiny shoes and a fresh hair cut. Hope I make some new friends in Manchester. Wish me luck.

Hello Mayrhofen!

noreply@blogger.com (Runningbear) — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 20:16:00 +0000

We arrived safely in the Alps at lunchtime yesterday welcomed by glorious sunshine and the most incredible mountain views. We dumped bags, donned trainers and dashed out for our first run at altitude in 28 degree heat...the 9 miles jog felt more like a brisk 18.

A good sleep and a few wursts later and we set out for some high rise fun this morning, starting with a cable car ride up the nearest peak. Less Runningbear and more quivering bear we traversed the Zillertal dangling in our wee tin box, climbing 6000 feet for lunch above the clouds and the rain.

M is in heaven; sausage is on the menu everywhere and I have to say the Austrian cake is keeping this Runningbear pretty happy too. Another 12 miles of steady running in the valley tonight before another telly free evening with a beer and a good book. Bliss.
@~@~Sent from my BlackBerry~@~@

Bye England

noreply@blogger.com (Runningbear) — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 06:24:00 +0000

A crazy week of getting ready for holidays ended this morning with a 3.45am alarm and a drive in grey drizzle to Manchester to fly away to the mountains. Trainers and camera all packed; we're more than ready for the break. We'll be back in a week, bye England...

@~@~Sent from my BlackBerry~@~@

Record Breakers: Millennium Way Relay 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Runningbear) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 17:59:00 +0000

A weekend jumping back on the training horse included plans for some big mileage to round up this week; a smell-the-roses Sunday run to kick off a return to marathon prep. However, such fine plans went to pot on Friday night with a late call up from the club for the Millennium Way Relay team. I'd decided to pass this year, what with a month of long runs to catch up on. But this was not just just any relay team. This was the Bingley Open Team. This was the proper Bingley men/blokes/fellas/male team. Yikes.


Will: that's not mascara he's wearing. He swallowed a bit too.

Last minute injuries led to a gap in team pairings and an unexpected invite to step in and help the boys out. How could I refuse?! M can be very persuasive... I joined the boys to run leg 3, paired with M over an 8 mile leg of undulating off-road running, from Laycock to Silsden. The heat was on!

Excluding the addition of Runningbear, the team was impressive. My knees knocked at news of the team sheet with thoughts of fell running legends Andy Peace and Ian Holmes handing over the relay baton to little old me; this is the stuff of running dreams... a true running career highlight it has to be said (am still hoping someone caught it on camera!). In fact I'm sure I spotted a few double takes as M and I sauntered up for registration. Being mistaken for a mixed team I enjoyed a wee ripple of smugness I have to admit. (I might have even swaggered a bit).

The hanging around at the hand-over was torture; visions of picking up a lead from Andy and Ian and throwing away the race to the chasing teams was pressure enough without even thinking about what competition faced us on the leg. No scarily fast types were spotted though and somehow we kept our cool. Soon we spotted Ian running in like a train and Andy on his shoulder. M and I were off, me with jelly legs at the occasion of it all.

I ran my heart out, trying to hang on to M who was truly motoring. Not knowing what lead we had and fearing we'd soon be caught by the chasing teams; it was mental torture. We flew across the early climbs and hammered down the descents, slowing only for an excited sheep dog who abandoned his owner and mistook us for his flock for a quarter mile. The heel snapping and path weaving caused me an ankle twist and a near race-fatal tumble but we eventually lost the excitable pup at a stile. We pressed on through the valley, crossing the Aire with ease. Luck was on our side at the road crossings and we were on the final miles of the leg with no other teams in sight.

M was a star and showed his fitness, managing all the gate openings and taking on bum pushing duties as I scrambled up the final climbs. He was a patient partner and got me through the rough bits until we hit the final 2 miles when I had a final Runningbear burst for the finish. We arrived at the hand-over with a fine lead. 12 minutes in fact, doubling our 6 minute lead from leg 2 and finishing as fastest pair overall for leg 3; also setting a new all-time leg record! It was flippin' brilliant stuff.

No. 1 and no lie; it's in black & white!

Final results saw Bingley boys (and a girl) finish in first place by 24 minutes, including four fastest legs out of 5, two leg records, and an overall course relay record by 2 minutes. We had a storming race despite missing some of our fast boys. An unexpected but spectacular day out. We came home with trophies, prizes and great memories for me of being a boy for the day. Relay results here.

Wharfedale Half Marathon 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Runningbear) — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 17:01:00 +0000

Pics courtesy of D Brett: http://www.photos-dsb.co.uk/WORM/index.html

Back to blogging albeit briefly in between Runningbear life, which incidentally feels like a vortex of work, training and trying to eat and sleep in between! I'm a bit late in reporting on our run around the wonderful Wharfedale Half Marathon last weekend. This fine off road race offers some of the most beautiful countryside running a Runningbear can get. M and I both ran our muddy socks off in beautiful but very blustery conditions.The route sets out from Threshfield Rugby club and follows very runnable trails including the Dales Way, the Monks Road and the long and slightly painful climb up Mastiles Lane.

Pics courtesy of D Brett: http://www.photos-dsb.co.uk/WORM/index.html

The summer is all about this kinda stuff; less obsessing about race times and PBs, just great running in summer weather enjoying some of our most beautiful countryside. I love this race, the route is well planned, the event well organised with the perfect cafe menu at the club house finish (for those that like to indulge in a chip butty or a generous slice of Victoria sponge post race!) Unfortunately, I'm never quite prepared for the hammering my quads seem to suffer from the descents and have hobbled my way around training earlier this week.

Building on his continued awesome form and trashing me yet again in another race, M finished second male in the open race, knocking nearly 4 minutes off his race time from last year. He is flying. Some of the other leading male runners suffered some unfortunate navigational errors which assisted me in swooping into the third spot in the open race and first lady by a healthy margin. I beat my previous course record by 2 minutes despite the windy conditions and received a very fine and generous Black Sheep hamper for my hard work. I'm now quite tempted by the full Marathon next year and that course record is looking tasty. Even M seems quite tempted for his debut at the distance. Watch this space... Results here. News report here. Race report here.

Small News

noreply@blogger.com (Runningbear) — Mon, 30 May 2011 20:48:00 +0000

After sampling the delights of the beautiful new running track at Keighley and revelling in the fresh, new and very bouncy running surface my training has taken a bit of a back seat this last fortnight. That goes for blogging and blipping too ...

Another promotion opportunity at work came along unexpectedly, all at very short notice and demanding lots of nervous energy and attention. The very long and complicated application went in on Friday 13th, assessment centre was then endured on the very same day as my birthday, Monday 23rd and then bam! Shock job offer on 25th. It's all been a bit unexpected really and not much time for thinking in between. I'm very chuffed though and am now planning for my job move to Greater Manchester with very little time to hand over the old one in West Yorkshire. In between I'm planning my next marathon effort in October and trying to squeeze some training in. To add to the excitement, M and I have just booked our first proper holiday in years. I'm so excited! A week's trip to Austria in June with mountains, lakes, lots of trail running and plenty of fine pastries for me and German sausage for M. It's gonna be bliss. Life should calm down soon. (I'm the one in the frock).

P.s. to any local runners fancying a session on the new Keighley track - you can use the new facilities from 6.30pm Tuesday & Thursdays for a small fee of £2. John Dennis is your man to contact for more information: sportjohn@blueyonder.co.uk.

Big News!

noreply@blogger.com (Runningbear) — Tue, 10 May 2011 21:14:00 +0000

This Saturday 14th May sees the grand and official opening of the fantastic new facilities at the University Academy Keighley. The athletics track and associated sports facilities will be unveiled at the newly-built University Academy, Greenhead Road, Keighley. The day has been organised by students from Leeds Metropolitan University as part of their Sports Business and Sports Development degree course, in conjunction with Keighley & Craven Athletic Club and UKA.

A wide range of activities and opportunities are planned from 11am to 3pm and will give athletes a chance to look around the facilities, culminating in the official opening of the track by Mrs Angela Woodcock, whose late husband John was such an inspiration and driving force behind athletics in the Keighley and Bradford area before his untimely death from cancer in 2006. John would have been delighted to see the fabulous facilities that have now, after many years of hard work been developed in perfect time for the lead up to London 2012 and the legacy beyond.

Keighley is now a real centre for ongoing high quality sports development for all standards and abilities and the future looks very bright indeed. If you're local (or even if you're not!) get down to Keighley on Saturday. I'll definitely be there ogling the new track along with M to celebrate the arrival of some top notch facilities at long last. In the meantime pass on the news round your networks to kick off the summer athletcis season in style... hope to see you there.

Thirsky Work

noreply@blogger.com (Runningbear) — Sat, 07 May 2011 08:33:00 +0000

What a joy it was to be back running in the Harrogate summer league this week. It's been 3 years (at least) since M and I stepped out for this summer race series; a very sociable set of evening races comprising of 5-6 miles along road and trail followed by a summer supper. Each race is hosted by a participating Yorkshire club in the Harrogate district and includes a fine sandwich and cake spread to aid runners with post race refuelling after a long day at work. It was great to be back, these events were my introduction to road running and racing with Ilkley Harriers six years ago; check out my first ever result.

This first event of 2011 was hosted by Thirsk and Sowerby. Though a bit of a trek for some, it was well worth the trip up north. The mad dash from work via Leeds to collect M lacked the usual relaxed pre-race prep, as did the drive up the A1 through the downpour. It's moments like these I wonder what on earth I'm doing; dashing from work to race 6 miles in the pouring rain. There were a few sideways glances from colleagues when I answered polite questions about my evening plans. They think I'm slightly mental. In any case, as is the way with these things, I was really glad we made it. The rain freshened up the air and had eased off to a light drizzle once we got to the race start. The field was a fine, scattered rainbow of club vests, peppered with lots of old friends and running chums, some I've not seen in absolutely ages.

Our own club is not a participating member of the league so we both opted to join up with friends' clubs, second claim. M ran for Dragons, alongside good mate Tricky (a Dragons celebrity and featured on their site!). As you can see M's sporting his new Dragons vest proudly (as I shiver from the back of the car like a big wuss). This was my debut race for Otley AC, a fine local club full of lovely folk that I've got to know in recent years. It's the club I nearly joined as a new runner a few years ago, (though they've got women in the club nowadays thank goodness!).

The race itself was bit of a shock; 6 miles being a bit shorter than my recent adventures. The faster pace on the back of a return to some proper training this week all felt a bit too much for the legs. After a very cautious start I managed to keep working my way through the field and after a couple of miles the first lady was in sight. I edged to her side eventually and we ran a fine race together; working hard on each other's shoulders (especially me when Charlotte dropped me like a bag of spuds on the bobbly grass tracks - I was useless).

This has got to be the most exciting race I've run for years and I loved every minute! The final half mile came around so quickly not knowing the course and with a short push on to the finish I managed to rob the win with only a couple of seconds to spare. Rob G of Wetherby was also by our side in the final miles, pushing hard but no doubt still feeling his run at John Carr this week. Either that or his mid race chat tired him out, (how do you do that Rob?!). Thank you to Charlotte S for making me work hard and for being such a fine and gutsy competitor.

M had a great race, he was barely in my sights from early on, pressing on with his go-faster knee socks and new T7s. He worked well to take 15th position overall, closely followed by Tricky who ran amazingly after his fine run at London and not yet three weeks gone. Our respective clubs enjoyed fine performances given the trek for many members. Otley ladies finished second team overall, with us lady vets taking first position. Results here, pics here.

Next Steps

noreply@blogger.com (Runningbear) — Mon, 02 May 2011 19:01:00 +0000

It's now three whole weeks since M day and only blissful, unstructured, smell-the-roses kind of running has followed. It's been a perfect post marathon recovery break with endless sunshine, cool breezes and clear days to amble about the Dales in shorts and sunnies with no sessions to worry about or mileage to reach. I've been truly lazy, eaten too much, slept late but am now feeling race hungry and ready to plan my next marathon.

This last week I've tinkered with training plans, dabbled with race entries and today was my first official day back to proper training. It marks the last of 11 days off work; a blogging and training free few weeks and I'm feeling kind of refreshed, though also a bit spacey at the thought of being back working in an office tomorrow.

I've now a second marathon planned for October with lots of time in between to do all the fun stuff over the summer, kicking off with the postponed treat of the Calderdale Way Relay this weekend. We dared not risk racing without a good recce and this is my first time on Leg 4; a real beauty of a route from Blackshaw Head to Wainstalls.

The 9 mile run was slow and relaxed and gave plenty of time to admire the magnificent, and lush Calder Valley. Once upon a time this place was home and it felt wonderful to be back running across the sweeping moors with the wind in my pigtails and warm sun on my legs. It was a pure delight filled with nuggets of teenage nostalgia.

This week also sees a return to the much loved Harrogate League; a summer race series starting this Thursday. The race diary is brimming with summer race delights; I'm just not sure when I'll fit all the marathon training in.