Lurking in the shadows of Running Commentary over the last few of months I've been smoldering with various thoughts. Mainly that having the opportunity to run freely in the hills is a wonderful one. It's a privelege that just shouldn't be wasted.
The bicyle is back out and I'm managing to make the 30 mile round-trip to work a couple of times a week at least. This is really good news. It gives me a good base of fitness and makes the working day alot easier and more interesting.
The running is sporadic; but that's also been interesting. Less of the routine road runs and more off-road adventures have been the order of the day.
Sun 19th April - Bingley - St Ives Estate - Cottingly Woods Circuit - est 8+ miles hilly.
Quite a tall-order for my first run back in a long time. But I felt suprisingly in control of this one. I even managed to lengthen my stride through a long flat section of shrouded woodland. I couldn't walk for the rest of the day. But a really encouraging run nonetheless.
Sat 25th April - Bardon Bridge - Simons Seat - Valley of Desolation - The Strid Circuit - est 9 miles hilly.
One of my favorite runs. And just as well. I was dragged around this one to be honest. But the early evening sunshine and the beatiful backdrop made even a hard run a pleasure. It's a true fell run with the start dominated by a very steep ascent follwed by a long downhill section and an undulating river section to finish. I could run this every week and not tire.
Sun 3rd May - Oxenhope to Hebden Bridge via Top't Stairs and Midgehole - est 8+ miles hilly.
Dropping down through Crimsworth valley into Hebden Bridge is another great running experience. It'll be awhile before I can run back over the tops into the Worth Valley and beyond. But as there was a lift back in the pipeline this one had to be done.
Tue 5th May - Bunny Run Relays - Penistone Hill Park - Haworth - 2 miles - hilly.
My running team consisted of Emma and Lily from No2 with me running the first leg. I hadn't run such a short distance since school and what a humbling experience. Getting caught-up in what can only be described as a genuine 'race' I went all-out up the first hill. And never got my breath back until the line. The wind was so strong it was difficult to breath at times. Spent most of the time battling with a 10-year-old boy who took me on the final corner. Made me realise how one-dimensional my running is.
Happy:
http://www.woodentops.org.uk/index.php?t...klink=none
Not so happy:
http://www.woodentops.org.uk/index.php?t...klink=none
But it's early-doors and I've resolved to do this thing more often. What I've also realised is that although we can spend large amounts of time and money chasing adventures in far-flung parts of the world (and I'm as guilty as anybody); there are real adventures and challenges to be had on our doorstep where we can rub shoulders with some great athletes and rediscover our native landscape.
