Month: June 2016

Pushing On

On By AdamIn RunningLeave a comment

Since the 3rd of June I have pushed up my distance.  I did two runs, one at the same distance as the run on the 3rd and the subsequent one today I nudged up to 4.65 miles.

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In true British fashion I found the hot weather to be challenging. but I was able to push on and get this run on at a time of 48:59. The distance was easy, the heat was hard. I do so wish I were a better runner but I have to say that it has never been my strong sport. I am a better swimmer and an even better cyclist. Still,  I enjoy a good run and find the discipline to be valuable. Tomorrow I rest from running, the day after I hope to push up the distance again.

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Project Lake District: Derwent Water

On By AdamIn Hiking, Project Lake District, Walking2 Comments

This year I have decided on an activity for my family entitled Project Lake District. I intend to take my children to all nineteen of the lakes in the Lake District. Strictly speaking only Bassenthwaite Lake is actually a lake. The rest are waters. That being said, geographical taxonomy is neither my specialty nor my subject for this blog. I love the Lake District and have explored a lot of it, climbing Scafell, Helvellyn and Skiddaw Massif to name but a few and I have spent plenty of time around Windermere, Derwent Water, Grasmere, Coniston Water and others. I want my children to experience the beauty of this place too.

Today we conquered Derwent Water. I had initially intended to walk the kids all of the way around it, however this quickly turned out to be unrealistic. A couple of days ago I walked my children 11.52 miles to wear them out and that was, I found out, their limit, so another few miles on top (Derwent is around 14-15 in circumference) would have been impossible, particularly since my youngest had not slept well since the big walk and she is possibly the angriest, most stubborn and grumpy human being I know.  We kept it to four miles (ish) and that left us with some extremely tired sprogs and dogs.

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Derwent Water

Derwent Water

Derwent Water

Next up: Grasmere.

Back on Track

On By AdamIn Running3 Comments

It has been some time since I last posted. This is due to me travelling a lot, on this occasion to Bologna and The Azores, and in addition to that I frequently become sick when I travel. This is down to the fact that planes are absolutely disgusting and I always pick something up. These two trips were relatively close together and the Azores trip had a good few connecting flights between islands on the archipelago, meaning that I have been either on the road or ill for a good few months now.

All of this culminates in me essentially having to start again, but I have learnt something about myself in doing so. Previously when I have found myself in this position I have had to build up from the 1.5-2 mile mark when running, whereas this time I easily completed a run of 3.27 miles.

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I could easily have carried on for a good few miles more, but I didn’t want to push too hard and hurt myself and also the course is a natural circuit, bringing me back home at the 3.27 mile mark. Plus, it was late in the day so I wanted to have a decent wind down too.

What I learned is that my base level of performance, if you will, has raised considerably. Starting from cold after a few months out unwell I was able to double my previous best distance and I didn’t come close to hitting the wall. Even though being unwell has reduced me to a starter runner again, clearly my previous training has not been for nought. I remember this with cycling. Now as a long time cyclist of decades I am at the point where cycling to and from university (45 miles or so) is something I can do after not cycling for a while. It would seem that I am pushing my running ability in the same direction.