(Days 7-16) A 360 view of #Dementia496

The last week or so has been a real mix and excuse this post as it will seem a bit jumbled together as days 7-16 have just flown by!

These last 10 days of #Dementia 496 have been a real mixed bag, adding an extra mile a day doesn't seem a lot but when life gets busy fitting in any running can be tough, I have now started adding in an early morning run, started it as a 3-4miles run and is now a 6.2miles start to the day. This will increase as the month goes on. I am now needing to put in longer runs to make this happen.

A 360 view of #Dementia496

Day 16 is over half way on the days - 15 to go but I have now done 136miles out of the 496 - that is 360 still to do. This week Mon-Sun (Strava week) will be a 105mile week, then 154, then 171.

Day 7-9 Recovery and Magazines!

Recovery mixed with Physio and a trip to W H Smith to check out the Trail Running Magazine to take a look at my article in it.

Day 10 - HPH Hill reps on the Chevin

Saturday morning early with some Hyde Park Harriers doing 10miles of hill reps on the Otley Chevin - 5000ft climbing, the next day or two were recovery!

Day 11 Sunday trails

Out on some local trails on the Meanwood Valley Trail and nearby.

Days 12-15

These have been a combination of runs to make up the miles with a few slightly longer runs after work.

So the early morning runs have really started, I must say I struggle to get out before work most of the time. Day 15 takes me over 100miles for the challenge 120/496 almost half way on the days, no where near in the miles.

Day 16

Was a proper good run out after work 16 miles at 7.58min/mile pace and a 1000ft+ climb - felt like a really good run - that is 136/496 - recovery 17miles tomorrow.

Rombalds Stride Winter Challenge - Pie, peas, and potatoes

I really enjoyed the Rombalds Stride Winter challenge this this last weekend... it lived up to its name and there were beautiful snowy moors with snow coming down as well, but no wintery pics from me just the aftermath of 21.7miles 3,100ft of muddy, snowy and boggy moors. I was determined to give it a good run with no in race pics and because I felt I had planned my nutrition and fluids well, no need to stop at check points... just get the card clipped and keep moving, this must have helped with my PB  as well as trying to chase Steve Rhodes down at the start, but with being a few 100m's ahead at Baildon moor, I never saw him again.

At one point I went into a bog over my knees with both feet... I was a bit stuck and had to drag myself out with a little help from another runner. Loved it and got a course PB 3hrs 46 so chuffed... 9mins quicker than last year! Followed it up with 9 mile run home after the customary pie, peas and potatoes at the end of the event. So all in all, I have had an ultra day.

 

I have done this event three times now and it was the first 'trail' race I entered and I went into the bog that year as well. I really enjoy this race, it isn't the easiest event, the trail is muddy and takes a lot of effort, with sticky muddy fields that seem to be the same each year, boggy sections and which today had the added icy cold to add to the day. Not to forget some climbs that come as a real kicker and the slog up the muddy section to the top of the Chevin is tantalisingly close to the end. The terrain is truly mixed from roads, lanes, trails, grassy field to moors, flagstone and rocky paths... it is a great tester of where you are up to after winter training or the lack of it. Putting on the blue plastic shoe covers to keep the school hall somewhat free from mud can be just as challenging at the end without getting cramp! Running is not always about getting some bling. I treat my clip cards like medals

https://www.relive.cc/view/1389574425 

Over the last 3 events I have run 3:58; 3:55 and today 3:46 - lost time in the bog!! Otherwise it would have been a sub 3:45... note to self 'Don't fall in'. 

After having some recent physio I am still not 100% but getting better and I was able to run the downs or more runnable sections okay and able to gain speed, but still slow on the climbs. More to do on elevation training this month.

Pie, peas, and potatoes

The meal at the end is well earned and goes down a treat, along with pudding and a cup of tea or coffee. A chance to sit and catch up with friends on how their race went.

I will for sure be doing this event next year... fixed into the calendar as a great local event... come rain, sleet, snow, or shine - I've not had any of the later in three years so you never know.