What's been happening

After a few day of doing the exercises the physio gave me I decide it is time for a run. Not fancying any of my usual ones from home I search the internet and see it is the BOFRA Farleton Knott race. 4.5 miles 1500'. I plan to take it steady. It is warm and hard work but nice to be running again. I can feel my adductor towards the end but no pain. 2 minutes slower than last year but I was just plodding around (really!). A great atmosphere at these races and an ideal place to start.

Fed up with sitting in weekday evenings I decide it would be better to go to training on the Helm. I don't push too hard but am happy to get through the session. The next week we do longer reps over the back. I am very pleased to be able to do these OK.

Between training sessions I feel I need to get some bigger climbs in before the Ben Nevis race. I head over to Patterdale and try to park at Hartsop. It is full but I manage to find a space along the road at Low Wood. I did a run from here some 10 years ago with DR so head off the same way up onto Bleaberry Knotts. It is good to be out and the views are brilliant. I make my way to Hartsop Above How and on to Hart Crag. Suddenly there are a lot of people about, the ever popular Fairfield Horseshoe. I descend via the old IHR route and am please to run well down Dovedale and past Brothers Water to the car. Home in time to watch the Olympics for the rest of the day.

Saturday 18th August. After doing a few domestic chores I decide to go for a run as the forecast is poor for Sunday. I search my brain for somewhere with a good steep climb, not too far away and maybe something new. In the end I park at Rydal and start to run up the track by Rydal Beck. Passing a popular swimming spot I vow to return one evening for a dip. I little further up the valley I decide now is the time and turn 90 left and head direct for the summit of Heron Pike. A good steep climb, hands on grass a few times. On the top it is hard not to stop a few minutes and take it all in. I am alone.

Descending Nab Scar on the made path is a little bit of torture. Last time I did this it was dark. I think I preferred it then.

Another hill session in the week and a run next weekend should see me in better shape for the Ben. Let's hope so.

Russell