September

[Bierzo Baggie]

I was ruminating this morning about how my running has changed over the last decade. It used to revolve around big challenges that I was doing for the first time. Interspersed with periods of white-space.

But it now seems to have settled into a routine of regular training thoughout the year whilst doing the same races over and over.

Maybe, as the saying goes, this is what success looks like. The ability to maintain fitness knowing that you can reach-up and execute the same tests at a similar standard.

And I would imagine that if you're struggling with injury, or circumstance, then reading about somebody who can do that, and who has a matter-of-fact style of communication, could be quite ... trying. Although getting upto any kind of cruising speed, and staying there, represents alot of effort when you add it all up.

I like the fact that races mark the passage of time and offer waymarkers on route to my first knee replacement. Whenever that may be.

But perhaps there is scope for something different. Something outside the routine. Should I be contemplating the 'm' word? It does, after all, seem to be the beating heart of this small community.

Anyway, Ilkley Incline tonight. Again. A steep mile. Around 9 minutes of rummaging around in the deepest recesses of my heart and lungs.

Hey ho, no need to analyse things too much. When you write here it's a unique insight into the English fell running scene, its races and its community. I love the photos too and thoroughly enjoy reading every little write-up regardless of whether you run, walk or fly. The fact that you are clearly a very good runner is a bonus for us all!!     Keep it up as long as you can!

Even Kilian Jornet now recognizes northern England as the spiritual home of modern day mountain running. I know for a fact that he has been planning a discreet, respectful Bob Graham attempt for this Autumn (possibly with the help of a top UK fell runner) which may or may not lower Billy Bland's "unbeatable" record. It will dependon a lot of different factors but it may well happen in the next few weeks. Exciting times.

And pardon me for being thick but what is the "m" word?