Being something of a 'smalltown boy', having been brought up on a farm near Stocksbridge, South Yorkshire, even a place like Sheffield seemed to be a continent away despite the fact it was only about 15 miles. Along similar lines a place such as Castleton was seen as a holiday location even though it was only 20 miles away over all the B-roads or maybe 1 hour 30 minutes driving with my Dad's super-steady pace.
So whilst poring over some digital maps of Kinder Scout recently, in preparation for the National Three Peaks attempt I have in June, it struck me that walking from Stocksbridge to Castleton was something that not only wasn't impossible (as I'd certainly have thought if you'd asked me beforehand) but was actually quite achievable.
So I presented this 'mad plan' to my sister, who is organising the Three Peaks event, and she thought it a good idea. The wheels set in motion - routes planned, dates arranged, people invited and return drivers nominated so that eventually we had 10 walkers and four dogs meeting near Underbank Reservoir (outside our Dad's house) on Saturday 19/05/12 at 9am. Almost all to plan; one car was 20 minutes late.
The weather was miserable with on and off light drizzle all day but it certainly didn't dampen my spirits; I'd have continued with the walk even if it had been heavy rain.
We set off up Clay Pits Lane and then across a couple of fields to the top of Long Lane before walking alongside the woods. Merrily chatting away to people I'd not met before I completely missed our turn-off so we added an unplanned extra loop on before getting back on track at Mortimer Road. Here was another problem - the path I'd planned on using was marked "Private Road" and coupled with the Public Footpath sign missing at the other side of the road I was reluctant to walk down the track past the house and farm even though I know it to be Peak District National Park and that it leads to a published footpath.
Paper maps out (thanks Tam), as it's easier to get the 'big picture', I decided to follow the road down over Ewden Beck and up the other side before turning right onto the moors - 180 degrees the opposite direction to that which I had planned but in actual fact almost exactly the same distance.
Turning right off Mortimer Road, just after the entrance to Broomhead Hall, we followed a well defined track over the moors for a long distance, possibly 2 miles, passing a cache I frustratingly had to leave. Even stopping for 2 minutes means people are a long way in front so I decided at this point to scrap the Geocaching idea for the day, maybe even forever. (I had prepared a list of a possible 11 to do.)
Heading over Broomhead Moor the track ends abruptly, as I knew, and we hoofed it over the heather for about 100m onto the next trail and started heading West and South-West. Arriving at a mini-peak (Round Hill I think) my GPS indicated we should go due South along an obvious path but someone pointed out there was another, unmapped, path heading off about 90 degrees right. Deciding this second path was too far in the wrong direction, and after all the obvious path was going in the right direction, I took the South path but then within two minutes regretted the decision; this, now unmapped path, bore off East - it appears the Ordnance Survey are out of date here.
Not wishing to backtrack I led everyone directly across the heather and boggy moorland for a good half mile before we turned right 90 degrees and joined back onto the planned path near Low Tor. I knew I wasn't lost - after all my GPS knows exactly where we want to be and I can just "follow the arrow" - but I do admit it was a round about route forced upon us through perhaps a little naivety on my part. It's all fun. Well it was to me, I'm not sure many others would have agreed.
Once back on track it was about 3/4 of a mile to Back Tor where we decided to shelter out of the wind and drizzle and have a bite to eat. A fortunate location as it meant I could actually sneak in a quick cache which is hidden there - and a good find it was too; an ammo can packed full of goodies.
We only stopped for 20 minutes because it was cold and I really wanted to push on before anyone started to seize up - even though we'd only done 9 miles so far and indeed everyone was younger than me, almost, there were quite a few non-walkers in the group who I thought might struggle later.
We continued South to the Cakes of Bread (a rock formation), Dovestone Tor along a very wet peat trail, including a few slips and sinkings (yes I went in up to my left knee) before the path became properly paved - something of a luxury for a mile or two.
We passed the Salt Cellar (rocks again), White Tor, along the edge of the Derwent Moors, the Wheel Stones (more rocks), the Hurtling Stones (yep) and on to Whinstone Lee Tor where we took a steep descent towards the top section of Ladybower through Ashopten Woods and to the A57. A walk now East to cross Ladybower on the A6013 and then South to the dam wall heading towards Win Hill near the Yorkshire Bridge public house.
Here there are a couple options and I thought the better option was to take the gently sloping path up Win Hill where it would then lead onto Hope. I was mistaken and this path only leads UP Win Hill so we ended up going up the terribly steep section - it's all good practice we thought.
Half way up Win Hill two of the dogs went missing. One turned up relatively quickly but unfortunately we had to spend 30 minutes wandering around the woods shouting out before ultimately we heard from Bill, who'd waited at all the rucksacks, that the second dog had brought himself back to the start. Bloody mutt!
Cutting across Win Hill at this point we followed what was a much better path than the planned one would have been as the weather had cleared up and we could actually see over the valley towards Bamford.
The end almost in sight we cut across half a dozen fields and farms, directly into Hope, before dropping behind the church and following a well maintained path alongside Peakshole Water for a mile and a half and landing ourselves in the middle of Castleton.
Hurrah! A pint (OK it was two) of Guinness to celebrate our 20.2 mile walk and to congratulate all the group.
A great days walking and my sister and I even considered walking back - part jokingly but then we actually seriously thought about it for another day when we've more provisions and extra pairs of dry socks!
I've never felt fitter and remarkably my muscles were hardly tired; my only niggle is my right ankle (tendons I'm told) which is still nagging me as has been over-documented in several blogs recently. Yes I know there were no real hills but it was still something of an endurance, with the distance, the heather and the mud, and I have to say that I'm chuffed with myself.
Roll on the Three National Peaks!
Tuesday, 22 May 2012
Tuesday, 15 May 2012
Walla Crag
On Saturday 12/05/12 I joined a group of Geocachers for a "multiple milestones" day up in the Lakes.
I left the house at 6:15 to meet MikeG and Ska Face (Jon) up at M1 J38 and we then wellied it up the M1, A1 and A66 to Keswick.
Arriving in plenty of time for 9:00 (early it transpired) we hung around waiting for the others who were coming for the arranged 9:30.
Eventually we had Mr Truffles (Ernie, who had organised the outing), The Black Pigs (Dave, Sue and Brook the dog), JCB1705 (Charlie), StevieP, Patdhill (Patrick) and of course MikeG, Ska Face and myself.
I was well prepared having had my porridge, and being well packed with sandwiches, tea and emergency Mars bar, as well as multiple layers of clothes ready for whatever the weather could throw at us.
We set off up Walla Crag, after bagging an easy cache at the side of the layby we'd all used, and made good time ascending, picking up 4 caches in a series on the way up.
The cache Ernie had chosen as the multiple milestoner was BT4 just below the peak. The reason for this was the cache "Walla Crag" at the top had already been found previously by Ska Face so he wouldn't be able to claim it.
BT4 became Mr Truffles' 14,000th cache, StevieP's 12,000th cache and Ska Face's 8,000th cache! What an epic set of milestones!
We took a few photos and then quickly reached the top where MikeG hoisted the Yorkshire flag and we celebrated with photos, truffles and sparkling wine!
I left the house at 6:15 to meet MikeG and Ska Face (Jon) up at M1 J38 and we then wellied it up the M1, A1 and A66 to Keswick.
Arriving in plenty of time for 9:00 (early it transpired) we hung around waiting for the others who were coming for the arranged 9:30.
Eventually we had Mr Truffles (Ernie, who had organised the outing), The Black Pigs (Dave, Sue and Brook the dog), JCB1705 (Charlie), StevieP, Patdhill (Patrick) and of course MikeG, Ska Face and myself.
I was well prepared having had my porridge, and being well packed with sandwiches, tea and emergency Mars bar, as well as multiple layers of clothes ready for whatever the weather could throw at us.
We set off up Walla Crag, after bagging an easy cache at the side of the layby we'd all used, and made good time ascending, picking up 4 caches in a series on the way up.
The cache Ernie had chosen as the multiple milestoner was BT4 just below the peak. The reason for this was the cache "Walla Crag" at the top had already been found previously by Ska Face so he wouldn't be able to claim it.
BT4 became Mr Truffles' 14,000th cache, StevieP's 12,000th cache and Ska Face's 8,000th cache! What an epic set of milestones!
We took a few photos and then quickly reached the top where MikeG hoisted the Yorkshire flag and we celebrated with photos, truffles and sparkling wine!
Ascent of Walla Crag
The Milestoners
Celebrations at the top
View from the peak looking over Derwent Water
with Basenthwaite Lake in the far distance
with Basenthwaite Lake in the far distance
After the next cache we decided to alter our plans and head for Bleaberry Fell (to the strains of some terrible singing) and then onto High Seat as they were both "Wainwrights" a few members hadn't bagged.
We ascended from 340 to 450 metres quite gently but then the route from 450 to 590 was pretty steep and was really good exercise.
The sun was beating down and it was very warm when out of the wind so we stopped for a leisurely lunch here and a good old chinwag before a gentle 40m descent and re-ascent up to High Seat peaking at almost 610m
From here it was a long and steady descent for a while before hitting quite a steep descent down a long trail to Ashness Bridge which is supposedly famous for it's beauty and I'm told adorns many calendars and placemats. I wanted to take a photo but it was crowded with people so I left it alone.
Just above this spot was a fantastic little stream with a perfect picnic spot - I must return one day with the kids and a pretty woman! Unfortunately I didn't get a picture but Ernie took this one nearby...
From here we reclimbed the hill a little heading across to rejoin the original BT cache series we'd previously started, albeit now temporarily in reverse. We then descended via an alternative route all the way down to the original road stopping at another allegedly famous photo spot...
We then simply headed back along the road to the cars, changed out of our muddy boots and all met up in a pub on the A66 to celebrate a tiny bit more with a well-deserved pint (Thanks Jon, I owe you!)
Overall it really was a fantastic day, they don't get much better; 9 miles of excellent views, great weather and fabulous company. I felt fitter than I think I ever have with my muscles and stamina bristling with confidence and energy (the only hiccup was my right ankle which still isn't right.)
Somehow we also managed to get 19 caches which I thought really strange; I had guessed we'd only got about 10.
Thanks all for inviting me and here's looking forward to the 15,000th milestone trip!!
Monday, 14 May 2012
Aches, pains and trainers
I'm not sure whether it was the excessive amount of work and pressure I put on my body at the recent bootcamp or whether it was because I had left my running trainers there and did some runs at home in my 'cheap' trainers, but the upshot of it all was that I ruined my knees, ankles and also got shin-splints.
Either way I could hardly walk for a few days the other week and when I did the 22-mile charity walk last week I struggled more with my joints than I've ever struggled before in my life.
Yes my legs ached, my muscles were tight and ready to ping; all the usual stuff when you work hard for a long period, but these were sharp pains and they weren't very nice.
I took a couple of weeks rest from running because of the pain and also because there was still no sign of my running shoes arriving back from the hotel (lost in the post? never posted?) but I did continue to walk and Saturday just gone I did a fantastic days walk in the Lake District (full blog to follow) and took two things away from it:
1) My muscles and stamina are MUCH better than they ever have been.
2) My right ankle is still painful.
So yesterday I went to Meadowhall and treated myself to a new pair of trainers with the fully moulded insert and additional arch support. This involves laser scanning my feet, hot insoles, leather footrests and slow-motion videoing of me running - all clever stuff and a tad pricey but at the end of the day how much for your health? I'm hoping to walk on these joints for another 40 years and after seeing how I actually run I could tell I really needed support.
Fantastic service and hopefully well worth the money. I've been told to wear the insoles in all my footwear including my day-to-day shoes (they are easily removable) but I think the real tests will be running (when my ankle is less painful) and long distance hiking - just like I've got planned on Saturday - more news in a couple of blogs when it's been and gone!
Either way I could hardly walk for a few days the other week and when I did the 22-mile charity walk last week I struggled more with my joints than I've ever struggled before in my life.
Yes my legs ached, my muscles were tight and ready to ping; all the usual stuff when you work hard for a long period, but these were sharp pains and they weren't very nice.
I took a couple of weeks rest from running because of the pain and also because there was still no sign of my running shoes arriving back from the hotel (lost in the post? never posted?) but I did continue to walk and Saturday just gone I did a fantastic days walk in the Lake District (full blog to follow) and took two things away from it:
1) My muscles and stamina are MUCH better than they ever have been.
2) My right ankle is still painful.
So yesterday I went to Meadowhall and treated myself to a new pair of trainers with the fully moulded insert and additional arch support. This involves laser scanning my feet, hot insoles, leather footrests and slow-motion videoing of me running - all clever stuff and a tad pricey but at the end of the day how much for your health? I'm hoping to walk on these joints for another 40 years and after seeing how I actually run I could tell I really needed support.
Fantastic service and hopefully well worth the money. I've been told to wear the insoles in all my footwear including my day-to-day shoes (they are easily removable) but I think the real tests will be running (when my ankle is less painful) and long distance hiking - just like I've got planned on Saturday - more news in a couple of blogs when it's been and gone!
Tuesday, 8 May 2012
Walk for Willow
On Saturday 5th May I took part in a charity walk called "Walk for Willow" to raise funds for the Willow Dog Rescue charity (website) which helps pay for kennels for stray or unwanted dogs until they are rehoused.
The walk started at 9am in Wath and we had 8 walkers and 7 dogs. As I wasn't leading a dog I offered to carry all the water (12 litres = 12Kg) in an attempt to help but also to push myself that bit harder.
It was chaos at first, with all the dogs, but we soon settled down into a decent pace and headed West along the Trans-Pennine-Trail (TPT) through Dearne Valley, Wombwell and then Worsborough where we stopped for our first break at about 7.75 miles. At this point I realised we had a support vehicle waiting for us so I gave up with the water and handed it to the driver - thank you!
For those that read my last blog, and have spoken to me since, you might be aware I had accidentally left my running trainers at the Bootcamp hotel and having proceeded to do three runs back at home in my day-to-day trainers I had really hurt my knees and ankles, also giving myself shin-splints - so much so that I could hardly walk last Wednesday and Thursday.
So as you might guess Saturday was a bit of a test, especially with the extra weight of the water. I'd only been walking 15 minutes before my knees were hurting so was very glad to offload it all after 8 miles.
We continued past the southern edge of Dodworth and then Silkstone Common before arriving for our lunch stop at the Car Park of the Travellers Inn just on the outskirts of Oxspring. It had turned cold and I really wanted to keep moving, not wanting to get cold and aches, but of course it made sense to stop and refuel.
We then carried on West through Oxspring and Penistone, passed by Thurlstone and Millhouse Green before the long and quiet stretch to our final destination - Dunford Bridge.
In the end it was 22 miles of chatting and doggie chaos but a good achievement as it raised about £600 for charity. My calves were sore by the end and I was glad it was over but also very glad we'd all made it.
En-route I had managed to find 6 Geocaches but also had to leave 4 I couldn't find quickly enough because the group weren't waiting for me and I can tell you that being 15 minutes behind a group of walkers seemingly takes forever to catch up!
The walk started at 9am in Wath and we had 8 walkers and 7 dogs. As I wasn't leading a dog I offered to carry all the water (12 litres = 12Kg) in an attempt to help but also to push myself that bit harder.
It was chaos at first, with all the dogs, but we soon settled down into a decent pace and headed West along the Trans-Pennine-Trail (TPT) through Dearne Valley, Wombwell and then Worsborough where we stopped for our first break at about 7.75 miles. At this point I realised we had a support vehicle waiting for us so I gave up with the water and handed it to the driver - thank you!
For those that read my last blog, and have spoken to me since, you might be aware I had accidentally left my running trainers at the Bootcamp hotel and having proceeded to do three runs back at home in my day-to-day trainers I had really hurt my knees and ankles, also giving myself shin-splints - so much so that I could hardly walk last Wednesday and Thursday.
So as you might guess Saturday was a bit of a test, especially with the extra weight of the water. I'd only been walking 15 minutes before my knees were hurting so was very glad to offload it all after 8 miles.
We continued past the southern edge of Dodworth and then Silkstone Common before arriving for our lunch stop at the Car Park of the Travellers Inn just on the outskirts of Oxspring. It had turned cold and I really wanted to keep moving, not wanting to get cold and aches, but of course it made sense to stop and refuel.
We then carried on West through Oxspring and Penistone, passed by Thurlstone and Millhouse Green before the long and quiet stretch to our final destination - Dunford Bridge.
In the end it was 22 miles of chatting and doggie chaos but a good achievement as it raised about £600 for charity. My calves were sore by the end and I was glad it was over but also very glad we'd all made it.
En-route I had managed to find 6 Geocaches but also had to leave 4 I couldn't find quickly enough because the group weren't waiting for me and I can tell you that being 15 minutes behind a group of walkers seemingly takes forever to catch up!
Saturday, 28 April 2012
Bootcamp Beach
I'd considered doing a bootcamp last year to get fit but ultimately decided against it. This year I decided to go for it to help me in my Three Peaks Challenge.
Here is my exact heart-and-soul diary as typed in half-day-to-half-day on my iPhone. (Fixed a couple of typos.)
Day 1
Check in, chat, measure, walk and run, stretch, games on beach for 45 mins. Absolutely knackered already :(
13 here so far. Me, Steve and 11 women. Bonus. Three more people arrive tonight.
Small but nice tea. Chat. Shower. Downstairs alone. :( Others in rooms or gone to check out spa facilities at other hotel.
My room is crap. Stinks of damp plaster. No wifi up there and shower is dreadful - a mere trickle.
Just spoke to manager, he's offered to move me for the wifi. Didn't mention the other stuff.
[I have to add here - the staff and service at the hotel were exceptional, really really faultless.]
Jessica and Emma, who I'd spoken to earlier, joined me. Both really nice.
In bed for 9:30. Aching already and I've done nowt!
Day 2 AM
Up 6:15 for 7 start - a walk down to beach. Warm-ups then counted press-ups and sit-ups. I'm in bottom 5% easily. Then timed 1.5 mile run. I did well I think (for me) at 14:50. Came about 10/16 for this.
Back up to hotel for Breakfast.
Then back down to beach for an hours circuit training: Single weights. Over-head weights. Tension band forward arms. Tension band side arms. Running. Star jumps. Squats. Little hurdles. The 8 things each for 2 minutes. The whole lot 3 times. All this in pouring rain on the beach.
Back to hotel for an hours boxercise. I can't do arms whatsoever. Absolutely knackered me out.
Just waiting for dinner, it's only 12:30.
New room. No heating but it's being worked on. Much better. Still no wifi.
Day 2 PM
Gorgeous soup for dinner, plus salad.
Heating fixed in room so starting to dry this morning's soaked gear.
Next start 2pm. Walking boots on, hopefully in my comfort zone now. Time will tell...
A 5 mile walk at a great pace. I struggled to stay at the front and had to learn a new walk (crazy I know). 5th at the half way turn around point, 3rd almost at the end but the final hill was easy and I stormed it. I know it's not a race but I was pushing myself like I should be!
After that back to hotel for an hour's Abs training. Total nightmare as I simply don't have any. 50, 60, 70 situps and other multitudes of variations. That was most of the others. I do 10 if I'm lucky and I know tomorrow my gut is going to be agony. I suppose I have to start somewhere but it's both embarrassing and disheartening.
Lovely tea (green Thai curry) and then 30 minute walk to city centre and back.
I suppose I should add... No snacks. No coffee or milk and only green tea or berry tea. Yuk.
I saved my afternoon banana for evening so I had a treat to look forward to.
I feel starved yet I'm not actually hungry.
Day 3 AM
Warmups at 7 on cliff top then jogging. I'm so stiff I'm last at everything and in agony. Left Achilles is painful.
Couldn't apply deodorant as it means lifting 2 arms!
Really not looking forward to the rest of the day. Just had breakfast. Waiting for 9 to re-start.
Nightmare. Warmups then circuit training. My abs have completely gone and I cannot lift my feet if lying on the floor, even with knees bent. Can't do situps, pressups, squats or burpees. Agony.
Circuit training damn near killed me. Had half hour break and it took me most of it to walk to the toilets. Felt like collapsing. Absolutely drained.
Recovered a little but stretcher carrying and tyre pulling which is not easy when you can hardly walk.
Back to hotel, now awaiting lunch.
This afternoon is cycling and I'm actually looking forward to it. Even if it's hard it can't possibly be as hard as this morning.
Day 3 PM
Bicycle ride was great. 12 miles and I behaved like a kid - I'd forgotten what fun it is. Must have done a mile more than everyone else :)
[Forgot to write in my diary about my seat twisting, me taking my eyes off the road and hitting a concrete bollard stopping me dead - with my knee. Ouch.]
Last 2 miles were tough though, headwind along the seafront but I pushed myself as much as I could. Not a race but I was 5/14. Finally something I'm half decent at. Seat was most uncomfortable I've ever known and my balls have mostly disappeared. Worried.
Walk back to hotel was tough at first but I found my stride and again waltzed up the hill in front of all. Really shows the walking has paid off over the last 3 years and that we all have strengths and weaknesses.
Dreading tomorrow when it's back to Abs stuff. Mine are shot.
Tea in 30 and then chat/presentation by a nutritionist.
Booked a spa/sauna wotsit for 8.
All went ok. Nothing to report except my testicles are back!
Day 4 AM
Feel crap today. Muscles are reasonable but in myself I'm not right, I can't get warm. Worried its exhaustion and thinking back to last day of Sud Tirol holiday disaster.
Up as usual. I did 10 minutes warmup before anyone turned up as I know I'm slow to get started. Down to cliff top for 10 minutes warm-up and 30 circuit training. In the freezing rain again. Fortunately next two morning sessions will be indoors. My right ankle keeps getting a sharp twinge which doesn't help with sprints.
Also still worried about my Abs. I'm guessing indoor work will use them a lot and mine are screwed.
Just had breakfast and now lying on my bed, cold. I can hear my coat and bootcamp-bib still dripping onto the floor even though they've been hung up 45 minutes already.
Just cheated and had an energy-gel sachet. I'm hoping it helps me get warm.
On a positive note I know all this is definitely helping me for the Three Peaks.
Ok. Not so bad. First session was boxercise again, I quite like it and definitely feel an improvement in my muscles and my technique.
Second session was sprinting. We walked a couple of miles to a rugby pitch and did warmups in the mud. Not pleasant. Filthy after lying in it many times. Then sprinting which I feel I did very well, pushed myself a lot. Walk back I felt great and even sprinted up loads of steps to win a bet!
Day 4 PM
Out for surfing, get ready, walk a mile to the beach just as the coastguard red flags it. Trainer decided to do football & rounders on the cliff top park. Everyone goes to change except 3 (inc. me) & trainer who do the 'zig zags' to get the gear from our beach hut. Back up to the top and have a kickabout. When everyone arrives we split into 2 teams and play for fun although the other trainer (a mad Scotsman) takes it very seriously. By now it's pouring down. England lose 6-2 but no surprise as there were only 4 footballers present and 3 were on Scotland's team. Lots of fun but absolutely drenched. Shattered and the walk back to hotel surprisingly tough. Now back at hotel for 30 minute break before indoor workout.
3 grapes, half a walnut and 10 raisins never tasted so good.
...
Well don't I always cause the commotion?!
This session was using tension bands... there were 8 different exercises. Two minutes each, 4 times for the lot so about 40 minutes.
My arms are very weak so I can't do much but the odd thing was my legs were killing me (as noticed on walk back previously), and all I was doing was standing on them. I kept swapping weight from one to the other to no avail. I did about 20 minutes and then I got pins and needles in my ears! :( Then my whole head and then my entire arms and legs. I felt faint so I stopped for a short rest then carried on.
No good, I felt dreadful. I stopped and went out of the room to sit down, pins and needles everywhere.
Then my entire arms and legs started to vibrate. I can't explain it, they were ok visibly but internally they felt like I was being electrocuted.
Gary, the trainer came out to look after me and tried to get me to calm down and breathe slowly. I didn't know (still don't know) I was breathing quickly.
Then my fingers turned to wood. I could see them, I could tell they were attached to me, but they weren't my fingers. They were stiff, almost deformed.
Gary got me an iso-gel drink as he suspected my electrolytes were low. When that didn't help a sugary tea which did help a little.
However when it got worse a few minutes later he called an ambulance and two minutes later I was on the phone to the Triage for a good 10 minutes by which time a paramedic had arrived. A GP on the course with me was also there comforting and encouraging me. Paramedic gave me a full MOT during which time my fingers came back and eventually the pins and needles left.
Official line is that I was exhausted and ran out of electrolytes or sugar causing the pins and needles and dizzyness. I then (unknowingly) panicked and caused a lack of oxygen in my blood which caused the stiff fingers (I forget the medical term).
All I needed was energy and rest, the paramedic even recommended I go ahead with tonight's planned jacuzzi.
Tea was the nicest meal of the week and I devoured it eagerly.
Gary doesn't want me to do tomorrows pre-breakfast run but I still want to. I feel well, just tired. I'll see tomorrow but of course play it safe.
Gary was great, I am truly grateful for his care, and everyone else was so concerned I actually felt a bit of a fraud.
I'm such a wuss!
Day 5 AM
Really struggled to get up today; late to sleep with vivid dreams and fitful sleep all night, plus having been told not to attend till 9 which made the 6:15 wake-up a huge challenge.
I felt like I had a head cold and my right ankle has some sharp pains so I joined the Green team to take it steady.
A gentle walk down to the beach and then stretching which was much better in a small group as I could ask which muscle each exercise was meant to stretch. Some are obvious but some are not and because I don't know all the muscle names I struggle when they say "lean like this to stretch such-and-such" - often I think I've not quite got it right and stretched a different one or even my back which isn't right.
After that some walking along the beach front alternated with power walking. I felt much much better and this was too easy for me so when we got to the Zig Zags I pushed myself and tried running up them. I only got half way but I was making extra effort which is why I was here. Once at the top I jogged a lap of the park while the others caught up, again to push myself.
Then walk back to the hotel for stretching/cooldown.
Breakfast was a bowl of porridge which I struggled to finish, as did many others. We all think that our stomachs must be shrinking - a week ago I could have wolfed it down without trying. Sounds good!
Now awaiting the 9 o'clock restart, still mindful of yesterday's 'performance'.
A mile to the beach and then energetic warmups followed by an hour building and moving a "cannon" in two teams. Seriously hard work on the sand.
Quick break and then a walk up the steps to the cliff top. Great. Not. Now we walk/run up and down them for 10 minutes. It doesn't sound long. Go try it! I'm exhausted after the initial walk up and only manage 2 full 'laps', one of the other guys ran 4! Then across the valley/gulley to another set of steps and another 10 minutes. This time I did 3 laps. Exhausting.
Finally jog/walk back to the hotel for stretching which, because I've never done it and I'm stiff as a board, is like another energetic session for me.
I'm aching all over, I can't get fully rehydrated despite drinking loads, and I'm now at the stage where I want it to end. I'm enjoying it but I've had enough.
Thankfully a 30 minute break before dinner.
Day 5 PM
That was fun. A walk down to the beach and then rounders in the sun(!) All a bit of fun, no serious rules and a fair bit of confusion but a nice change. Walk back up all the bloody steps again and now a short break before the last session.
Last session was stretching. Easy in some respects, hard in others but a nice way to end the week 'proper'.
Just the early walk/warmups and the final assessment tomorrow before the long drive home.
Day 6 AM - final half day!
Up early, after an early night, and extra stretching on my own.
Then down to the beach for proper warm-ups before going into the re-assessment.
Sit-ups and press-ups as before. I did the same sit-ups as before but more press-ups - mainly because I used my knees.
Then the 1.5 mile run. Christ on a bike. I had thought I felt better and ready for it but within 100m I knew it was going to struggle. I had to walk twice before I was half way.
On the way back it was against the wind but I dug deep and focused on a song, then another song where the verse fitted my rhythm so I repeated it again and again and again.
At 7/8 distance I lengthened my stride, not being a runner simple things like this aren't obvious. It was a bit harder of course but a fair bit faster. I was flagging but pushed. At 15/16 distance I increased again and damn near killed myself to get over the line. 60 seconds slower than Monday but considering the exhaustion, aches and pains I was fairly happy with it.
Back to the hotel for the measuring.
Waited my turn. Gutted, everything is less but my stomach is only 1.5cm less which doesn't make sense. I can SEE it's different so what's going on there?
Finally the weight - lost 5lbs so that's a small bonus.
Leaving here a new man... motivated and educated!
Here is my exact heart-and-soul diary as typed in half-day-to-half-day on my iPhone. (Fixed a couple of typos.)
Day 1
Check in, chat, measure, walk and run, stretch, games on beach for 45 mins. Absolutely knackered already :(
13 here so far. Me, Steve and 11 women. Bonus. Three more people arrive tonight.
Small but nice tea. Chat. Shower. Downstairs alone. :( Others in rooms or gone to check out spa facilities at other hotel.
My room is crap. Stinks of damp plaster. No wifi up there and shower is dreadful - a mere trickle.
Just spoke to manager, he's offered to move me for the wifi. Didn't mention the other stuff.
[I have to add here - the staff and service at the hotel were exceptional, really really faultless.]
Jessica and Emma, who I'd spoken to earlier, joined me. Both really nice.
In bed for 9:30. Aching already and I've done nowt!
Day 2 AM
Up 6:15 for 7 start - a walk down to beach. Warm-ups then counted press-ups and sit-ups. I'm in bottom 5% easily. Then timed 1.5 mile run. I did well I think (for me) at 14:50. Came about 10/16 for this.
Back up to hotel for Breakfast.
Then back down to beach for an hours circuit training: Single weights. Over-head weights. Tension band forward arms. Tension band side arms. Running. Star jumps. Squats. Little hurdles. The 8 things each for 2 minutes. The whole lot 3 times. All this in pouring rain on the beach.
Back to hotel for an hours boxercise. I can't do arms whatsoever. Absolutely knackered me out.
Just waiting for dinner, it's only 12:30.
New room. No heating but it's being worked on. Much better. Still no wifi.
Day 2 PM
Gorgeous soup for dinner, plus salad.
Heating fixed in room so starting to dry this morning's soaked gear.
Next start 2pm. Walking boots on, hopefully in my comfort zone now. Time will tell...
A 5 mile walk at a great pace. I struggled to stay at the front and had to learn a new walk (crazy I know). 5th at the half way turn around point, 3rd almost at the end but the final hill was easy and I stormed it. I know it's not a race but I was pushing myself like I should be!
After that back to hotel for an hour's Abs training. Total nightmare as I simply don't have any. 50, 60, 70 situps and other multitudes of variations. That was most of the others. I do 10 if I'm lucky and I know tomorrow my gut is going to be agony. I suppose I have to start somewhere but it's both embarrassing and disheartening.
Lovely tea (green Thai curry) and then 30 minute walk to city centre and back.
I suppose I should add... No snacks. No coffee or milk and only green tea or berry tea. Yuk.
I saved my afternoon banana for evening so I had a treat to look forward to.
I feel starved yet I'm not actually hungry.
Day 3 AM
Warmups at 7 on cliff top then jogging. I'm so stiff I'm last at everything and in agony. Left Achilles is painful.
Couldn't apply deodorant as it means lifting 2 arms!
Really not looking forward to the rest of the day. Just had breakfast. Waiting for 9 to re-start.
Nightmare. Warmups then circuit training. My abs have completely gone and I cannot lift my feet if lying on the floor, even with knees bent. Can't do situps, pressups, squats or burpees. Agony.
Circuit training damn near killed me. Had half hour break and it took me most of it to walk to the toilets. Felt like collapsing. Absolutely drained.
Recovered a little but stretcher carrying and tyre pulling which is not easy when you can hardly walk.
Back to hotel, now awaiting lunch.
This afternoon is cycling and I'm actually looking forward to it. Even if it's hard it can't possibly be as hard as this morning.
Day 3 PM
Bicycle ride was great. 12 miles and I behaved like a kid - I'd forgotten what fun it is. Must have done a mile more than everyone else :)
[Forgot to write in my diary about my seat twisting, me taking my eyes off the road and hitting a concrete bollard stopping me dead - with my knee. Ouch.]
Last 2 miles were tough though, headwind along the seafront but I pushed myself as much as I could. Not a race but I was 5/14. Finally something I'm half decent at. Seat was most uncomfortable I've ever known and my balls have mostly disappeared. Worried.
Walk back to hotel was tough at first but I found my stride and again waltzed up the hill in front of all. Really shows the walking has paid off over the last 3 years and that we all have strengths and weaknesses.
Dreading tomorrow when it's back to Abs stuff. Mine are shot.
Tea in 30 and then chat/presentation by a nutritionist.
Booked a spa/sauna wotsit for 8.
All went ok. Nothing to report except my testicles are back!
Day 4 AM
Feel crap today. Muscles are reasonable but in myself I'm not right, I can't get warm. Worried its exhaustion and thinking back to last day of Sud Tirol holiday disaster.
Up as usual. I did 10 minutes warmup before anyone turned up as I know I'm slow to get started. Down to cliff top for 10 minutes warm-up and 30 circuit training. In the freezing rain again. Fortunately next two morning sessions will be indoors. My right ankle keeps getting a sharp twinge which doesn't help with sprints.
Also still worried about my Abs. I'm guessing indoor work will use them a lot and mine are screwed.
Just had breakfast and now lying on my bed, cold. I can hear my coat and bootcamp-bib still dripping onto the floor even though they've been hung up 45 minutes already.
Just cheated and had an energy-gel sachet. I'm hoping it helps me get warm.
On a positive note I know all this is definitely helping me for the Three Peaks.
Ok. Not so bad. First session was boxercise again, I quite like it and definitely feel an improvement in my muscles and my technique.
Second session was sprinting. We walked a couple of miles to a rugby pitch and did warmups in the mud. Not pleasant. Filthy after lying in it many times. Then sprinting which I feel I did very well, pushed myself a lot. Walk back I felt great and even sprinted up loads of steps to win a bet!
Day 4 PM
Out for surfing, get ready, walk a mile to the beach just as the coastguard red flags it. Trainer decided to do football & rounders on the cliff top park. Everyone goes to change except 3 (inc. me) & trainer who do the 'zig zags' to get the gear from our beach hut. Back up to the top and have a kickabout. When everyone arrives we split into 2 teams and play for fun although the other trainer (a mad Scotsman) takes it very seriously. By now it's pouring down. England lose 6-2 but no surprise as there were only 4 footballers present and 3 were on Scotland's team. Lots of fun but absolutely drenched. Shattered and the walk back to hotel surprisingly tough. Now back at hotel for 30 minute break before indoor workout.
3 grapes, half a walnut and 10 raisins never tasted so good.
...
Well don't I always cause the commotion?!
This session was using tension bands... there were 8 different exercises. Two minutes each, 4 times for the lot so about 40 minutes.
My arms are very weak so I can't do much but the odd thing was my legs were killing me (as noticed on walk back previously), and all I was doing was standing on them. I kept swapping weight from one to the other to no avail. I did about 20 minutes and then I got pins and needles in my ears! :( Then my whole head and then my entire arms and legs. I felt faint so I stopped for a short rest then carried on.
No good, I felt dreadful. I stopped and went out of the room to sit down, pins and needles everywhere.
Then my entire arms and legs started to vibrate. I can't explain it, they were ok visibly but internally they felt like I was being electrocuted.
Gary, the trainer came out to look after me and tried to get me to calm down and breathe slowly. I didn't know (still don't know) I was breathing quickly.
Then my fingers turned to wood. I could see them, I could tell they were attached to me, but they weren't my fingers. They were stiff, almost deformed.
Gary got me an iso-gel drink as he suspected my electrolytes were low. When that didn't help a sugary tea which did help a little.
However when it got worse a few minutes later he called an ambulance and two minutes later I was on the phone to the Triage for a good 10 minutes by which time a paramedic had arrived. A GP on the course with me was also there comforting and encouraging me. Paramedic gave me a full MOT during which time my fingers came back and eventually the pins and needles left.
Official line is that I was exhausted and ran out of electrolytes or sugar causing the pins and needles and dizzyness. I then (unknowingly) panicked and caused a lack of oxygen in my blood which caused the stiff fingers (I forget the medical term).
All I needed was energy and rest, the paramedic even recommended I go ahead with tonight's planned jacuzzi.
Tea was the nicest meal of the week and I devoured it eagerly.
Gary doesn't want me to do tomorrows pre-breakfast run but I still want to. I feel well, just tired. I'll see tomorrow but of course play it safe.
Gary was great, I am truly grateful for his care, and everyone else was so concerned I actually felt a bit of a fraud.
I'm such a wuss!
Day 5 AM
Really struggled to get up today; late to sleep with vivid dreams and fitful sleep all night, plus having been told not to attend till 9 which made the 6:15 wake-up a huge challenge.
I felt like I had a head cold and my right ankle has some sharp pains so I joined the Green team to take it steady.
A gentle walk down to the beach and then stretching which was much better in a small group as I could ask which muscle each exercise was meant to stretch. Some are obvious but some are not and because I don't know all the muscle names I struggle when they say "lean like this to stretch such-and-such" - often I think I've not quite got it right and stretched a different one or even my back which isn't right.
After that some walking along the beach front alternated with power walking. I felt much much better and this was too easy for me so when we got to the Zig Zags I pushed myself and tried running up them. I only got half way but I was making extra effort which is why I was here. Once at the top I jogged a lap of the park while the others caught up, again to push myself.
Then walk back to the hotel for stretching/cooldown.
Breakfast was a bowl of porridge which I struggled to finish, as did many others. We all think that our stomachs must be shrinking - a week ago I could have wolfed it down without trying. Sounds good!
Now awaiting the 9 o'clock restart, still mindful of yesterday's 'performance'.
A mile to the beach and then energetic warmups followed by an hour building and moving a "cannon" in two teams. Seriously hard work on the sand.
Quick break and then a walk up the steps to the cliff top. Great. Not. Now we walk/run up and down them for 10 minutes. It doesn't sound long. Go try it! I'm exhausted after the initial walk up and only manage 2 full 'laps', one of the other guys ran 4! Then across the valley/gulley to another set of steps and another 10 minutes. This time I did 3 laps. Exhausting.
Finally jog/walk back to the hotel for stretching which, because I've never done it and I'm stiff as a board, is like another energetic session for me.
I'm aching all over, I can't get fully rehydrated despite drinking loads, and I'm now at the stage where I want it to end. I'm enjoying it but I've had enough.
Thankfully a 30 minute break before dinner.
Day 5 PM
That was fun. A walk down to the beach and then rounders in the sun(!) All a bit of fun, no serious rules and a fair bit of confusion but a nice change. Walk back up all the bloody steps again and now a short break before the last session.
Last session was stretching. Easy in some respects, hard in others but a nice way to end the week 'proper'.
Just the early walk/warmups and the final assessment tomorrow before the long drive home.
Day 6 AM - final half day!
Up early, after an early night, and extra stretching on my own.
Then down to the beach for proper warm-ups before going into the re-assessment.
Sit-ups and press-ups as before. I did the same sit-ups as before but more press-ups - mainly because I used my knees.
Then the 1.5 mile run. Christ on a bike. I had thought I felt better and ready for it but within 100m I knew it was going to struggle. I had to walk twice before I was half way.
On the way back it was against the wind but I dug deep and focused on a song, then another song where the verse fitted my rhythm so I repeated it again and again and again.
At 7/8 distance I lengthened my stride, not being a runner simple things like this aren't obvious. It was a bit harder of course but a fair bit faster. I was flagging but pushed. At 15/16 distance I increased again and damn near killed myself to get over the line. 60 seconds slower than Monday but considering the exhaustion, aches and pains I was fairly happy with it.
Back to the hotel for the measuring.
Waited my turn. Gutted, everything is less but my stomach is only 1.5cm less which doesn't make sense. I can SEE it's different so what's going on there?
Finally the weight - lost 5lbs so that's a small bonus.
Leaving here a new man... motivated and educated!
Saturday, 21 April 2012
National Three Peaks
A month or two ago my sister Tam offered me a place on her work's charity National Three Peaks outing in June. For those who don't know this involves climbing and descending the highest mountain in Scotland (Ben Nevis), the highest mountain in England (Scafell Pike) and the highest mountain in Wales (Snowdon).
All inside 24 hours - including the driving.... start at the base of Ben Nevis, climb, descend, drive, climb Scafell Pike, descend, drive, climb Snowdon and descend.
There's meant to be 17 of us doing this, all from Tam's work except me. They are a veterinary practice and they are raising money to pay for treatment on stray animals that are brought in.
So I've been training. I've been doing more walking; I've got a long walk or a hilly walk planned every weekend until then and I've also started jogging three times a week.
Wish me (and us) luck!
All inside 24 hours - including the driving.... start at the base of Ben Nevis, climb, descend, drive, climb Scafell Pike, descend, drive, climb Snowdon and descend.
There's meant to be 17 of us doing this, all from Tam's work except me. They are a veterinary practice and they are raising money to pay for treatment on stray animals that are brought in.
So I've been training. I've been doing more walking; I've got a long walk or a hilly walk planned every weekend until then and I've also started jogging three times a week.
Wish me (and us) luck!
Catch-up #2
Edale circular - 14/04/2012
Drove to Edale (yet again!) with my good friend Paul and met up with my sister, Tamara, her husband Robert and the uber-well-behaved dog Dexter. We did 10 miles by heading to Back Tor, Mam Tor, Rushup Edge, Lord's Seat and then over the moors to the ventilation shaft above Cowburn Tunnel. It was very bleak and even started to snow. We then headed NE across more moors until we got to the head of a stream I can't find a name for on any map. Tam and Robert backtracked at this point whilst Paul and I scrambled all the way down the long gulley to a cache at the bottom. We then all met up and walked back to Edale. Total route 10.2 miles. 3 caches.
Dale Dyke - 21/04/2012
Drove to Lower Bradfield and met up with Tam and her supposed gang of Three Peakers - more news on next post. In the end it was only us two and Bill who Tam works with. We walked 9.1 miles around Dale Dyke reservoir and up and over Ughill Moors. No caches but a lovely walk.
PS. Forgot to add - I did this walk with 11 books in my rucksack to build strength!
Drove to Edale (yet again!) with my good friend Paul and met up with my sister, Tamara, her husband Robert and the uber-well-behaved dog Dexter. We did 10 miles by heading to Back Tor, Mam Tor, Rushup Edge, Lord's Seat and then over the moors to the ventilation shaft above Cowburn Tunnel. It was very bleak and even started to snow. We then headed NE across more moors until we got to the head of a stream I can't find a name for on any map. Tam and Robert backtracked at this point whilst Paul and I scrambled all the way down the long gulley to a cache at the bottom. We then all met up and walked back to Edale. Total route 10.2 miles. 3 caches.
Dale Dyke - 21/04/2012
Drove to Lower Bradfield and met up with Tam and her supposed gang of Three Peakers - more news on next post. In the end it was only us two and Bill who Tam works with. We walked 9.1 miles around Dale Dyke reservoir and up and over Ughill Moors. No caches but a lovely walk.
PS. Forgot to add - I did this walk with 11 books in my rucksack to build strength!
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