Running Anagram 21

Ok, and so we will continue.


The answer to the last running anagram was tapering - apparently this was too easy by far to work out.


So, next anagram:


E U U A S S I U L M M G X T


Two words.

Clue : Need some good ones to run strong. And lets face it, we'd all like a good looking set.


Heh heh heh.


Enjoy, any lovers of words.

sport helps us come together in times like this

Throughout the week, after the hideousness of Monday night, many things have become apparent. Sport, and sporting events, have played a part as a focus and guidance during this tragedy. The emotion and comforting routine of training and participation have helped enormously.

Manchester United football club would have swapped their trophies in a heartbeat, if that would have prevented this happening. Manchester City football club provided a safe haven and communication point for relatives, friends, victims. The Manchester Run will continue as planned. Sporting events worldwide have honoured the tragedy with silence and respect. Moments to pause and reflect.

This recognition is well needed right now.

Manchester, heartbroken.

What can I say. Heartbroken today, Manchester. Today....today we run for every single person affected, with huge sadness.

Do yourself proud...

Love this, and just wanted to share it.

In a pre race email before Hardmoors, the organisers add a few inspiring remarks. They talk about how 'you are far more resilient and tougher than you ever realised.....its your time....do yourself proud, however far that is. .....enjoy living in the moment. '

Thank you Hardmoors....we'll all try, every time, I'm sure.

Running Anagram Game 20 (RAG20)

Way overdue for another silly word game, I have obviously been talking way too much about myself.

The answer to the last game was champion.

This time :

P E A G R I N T


Clue : An essential element of race preparation.

Enjoy, any lovers of words.

Back running

Gentle running this week. Hardmoors has left me with one black toe nail (yuk), another toe nail completely dropped off (disgusting), and some ongoing bandages covering deroofed blisters (ouch). But, well, I figure I was never hoping to be a foot model. Needless to say, I didn't take a picture to illustrate this blog post.

And apart from that, all other muscles and limbs appear to be in working order, so, amended training this week. Good to be back running. Albeit in a slightly wobbly fashion.

Hardmoors 110 - stunningly beautiful

I know you don't enter a race for the scenery alone. But I do like to have a little look around sometimes. The Cleveland way is stunning; the coastal path dramatically beautiful. Perfect running weather- overcast, dry- combined with perfect scenery. Almost made you forget the discomfort of actually running the race.

Hardmoors 110 - kit

The mandatory kit required to race was quite basic, as expected. Running as an 'unsupported runner'- no support crew- we were allowed three drop bags throughout the race, for extra food or kit. I filled mine with a selection of food which I thought I might fancy eating on the run, peanuts / chocolate/ crisps etc. As anticipated, there was no way I could eat everything in my drop bags, so left extra food at the checkpoints. Unfortunately the drop bags were non returnable; I would have liked to change trainers at some point and think this would have helped ease some blisters.
Navigation was not a factor during the race; the Cleveland way is marked, plus a detailed route description helped at sticky points.

One of the chaps who I was running with, was being assisted by a support crew. His crew- a fantastic chap who gave up his whole weekend to follow the race around - took us all under his wing and gave us sneaky hot drinks at designated meet points. The delight of a hot cup of tea at four in the morning was indescribable - we are in this mans' debt for a long time to come.

Another top tip- buying a brew or bag of chips on the way ! We treated ourselves to a coffee at Whitby, but missed the chip shop at Saltburn unfortunately; buying extra nutrition just seemed to help - anything to get you through.

Hardmoors 110- race feel

The Hardmoors 110 is a friendly race. A low-key feel to a formidable course, which I really liked. Hardmoors have a reputation for organising challenging races not for the faint-hearted; this certainly felt that way to me. The organisers offered practical support to every query I had; camping before and after race days was offered, transport to the race start was arranged. Checkpoints were well stocked, the marshalls were awesome. Finding people to run with, at a similar pace, once again helped the miles tick by.

Rest week

Luckily for me , I can still walk and function after the weekend. Going to take it easy this week, try and hit the jacuzzi at some point, eat lots when I can get my appetite back, pop blisters on my feet, and work out where the bruises on my knee came from. All manageable.
Buzzing like mad with my finish time, heh heh.

Pics to come.

Finished yay

Finished in just under 33 hours, thrilled. Feet in pieces, absolutely shattered, but very very happy heh heh

Preparing...

Just trying to sort drop bags and kit out.....

Who's that girl ?????

This picture was published on the old blog (Rachel; two words; BACK UP); talking about running throughout the years, and the benefits of meeting people through running.

For, er, anyone who might have missed the photo...here it is again. I have no idea what year it was taken. Somewhere in the Lake District.


N.b. all posts can be removed, not meant to cause any offence, only entertain.


Heh heh heh.

Hardmoors 110

This weekend, I'm going to attempt the Hardmoors 110. All you need to know is in the name, I think. 110 miles along the Cleveland Way, in the North East of England. 36 hour time limit.

This felt such a good idea a few months ago; perhaps not so, this week. A few days of tapering, sorting kit, contemplating the contents of drop bags, wondering if I will be lost along the moors on Saturday night or just get timed out at a checkpoint, wallowing in misery and self pity.

Its only a self imposed challenge ! Not the end of the world if I don't complete; I'll try my best. One of the best thoughts I have is that I am attempting the shorter race - there's a 200 mile race commencing on the Friday; at least I had the good sense to stay away from that one.

So, while I am quietly, nervously vomiting out the door of my tent the night before, (I have absolutely no idea how I coped on the MDS, looking back); I will try to remember to pack my phone to take a few pics on the way. Even if I don't finish this one, I still want to try, and capture the 'joy' of it too.

The man's amazing.

I get to the core weights class. I grumble to myself all the way through. I'd rather be outside in the fresh air...how will jumping up and down on this step thing help me run better....you want me to lift WHAT...

Then I look over to this gentleman. He is amazing. Unlike many of us in the class, he undertakes the exercises with an apparent cheerfulness throughout. He puts us all to shame with his stamina.

He is one of the most active people I have had the honour to meet; until recently he was still running, but apparently his knee is now playing him up. He has just returned from a trip to Ecuador; incredibly, he was third in the World Championships at Orienteering a couple of years ago...as in, the whole world. What a legend. Rumour has it, his age might start with an 8; I don't believe it.

All the cynics out there who repeatedly warn us about the long term damage we might be doing to our bodies through exercise; please look and take note.