Well I wrote day 10 on Day 10 but it seems to have disappeared.
A working day today so the first part of my exercise was a 10 minute walk from my car to work. Then of course at the end of the day 10 minutes walk uphill back to the car (in the pouring rain).
Wasn't feeling too enthusiastic tonight but wanted to keep up with my Janathon so got my running gear on. I took my daughter in the car to Guides and left the car there so I had a different starting point for my run. I had no set route in mind just nknew I wanted to be out for about 35 minutes and I upped the running to run 2 minutes and walk 1 minute.
I set off down Bradford Road and round onto another A road which is fairly flat for a good way but then climbs up to a bypass. A combination of running for a continuous two minutes and uphill meant I could really feel my calf muscles and I was puffing like a steam train. At the top I turned and ran back down to the flat bit. Being a glutton for punishment I then went up another road with a hill in it. Just as I was thinking of slowing the run part to a walk a man appeared walking his dog and I didn't want to appear a wimp so managed to keep my legs turning.
At the top I crossed to a quiet little road and followed it around until it came back to Bradford Road. I noticed 'Bucks Fizz' wasn't bleeping at me from my Garmin(speed it up, slow it down). Anyway back down Bradford Road and a glance at the time showed me I would be back at my car too quickly so I turned up another small road that I knew led to an alleyway. From the alleyway I made a quick dash through the churchyard and the car was the other side of the church.
The watch told me so far I had done 35 minutes 30 seconds so I ran up the road for 30 seconds so that I had done 36 minutes in all. Walked back to the car and did some cool down stretches and jumped in the car.
Blow me, when I got home I loaded the Garmin onto the laptop and it didn't bring up the graphs etc so I had to use mapmyrun to discover my mileage. It was 2.76 miles.
It was quite hard work I've got to say but bit by bit I'm getting there.
Showing posts with label hills. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hills. Show all posts
Tuesday, 11 January 2011
Thursday, 25 March 2010
A joint training ride with the Sports Group!
Last Sunday morning dawned clear and cool. We all met up at Guiseley Station in various modes of dress. The Sports Group looked (mostly) sporty and the Leisure Group were the usual mishmash ranging from lycra clad to sunny holiday wardrobe mode.
In our group there were seven of us. Lead by Mike, with support from Richard and bringing up the rear was yours truly. Included in the group were Peter, John and John Jnr and Mark.
We set off from Guiseley and I assumed we would be going down the hill into Otley but no, the Sports Group lead us straight up a blooming hill or two. How can you go down into Otley by going up!!! Rounding the first corner I saw a glimpse of the Sports Group disappearing into the distance. Having done 49 miles two days before my muscles were still aching and that hill set the scene for the day. That was the last that we saw of the Sports Group until later in the day.
We came down the Chevin and landed in Otley and then set off on our usual group ride through the lanes to Knaresborough. It was always apparent that I would not be able to keep up with their speed. Everytime there was a hill we would re-group at the top, where the rest of them had had a rest and then we would set off again. Throughout the ride one or other of the guys was always 'babysitting' me! Making sure I was alright.
All was going well until they decided we weren't going to take our usual off road track but go by road. Not a good move! We carried on until the end of the road. Turned right, followed it to the left and set off up a hill until we got to a roundabout where we took a right. Then Mike stopped and decided we had gone wrong and we should have gone straight on.
We corrected this and carried on uphill for about 100 miles, or so it felt. Richard, who was keeping me company at the back, and I noticed a sign showing Knaresborough to the left so of course at the next opportunity the group had turned right! We eventually decided that we should carry on right and go up to the road and turn right again (are you still with me?). This new road also went uphill for another 100miles and this time I had John Jnr with me (I think it was more by accident on his part rather than design). The rest of the group had got a move on and disappeared again. We arrived at a roundabout and it showed a right turn to Knaresborough which was only 1 mile away and downhill, yippee! John and I set off down this road.
Alas my joy was short-lived when Richard suddenly re-appeared and said we had gone the wrong way and the rest of the group had gone on uphill to the next roundabout. How can one journey have so many uphills with so few downhills? We re-grouped at this familiar roundabout and headed in our usual direction for Knaresborough.
On arriving at the cafe we found a right rowdy bunch of cyclists in there headed by our very own Ian Wood. After an exchange of stories of how we got there, we decided to go and sit outside in the sun. Ten minutes out there and we realised it wasn't as warm as we had thought. Beans on toast were consumed but the drinks hadn't arrived so we adjourned to the inside part of the cafe as the rowdy bunch had now cycled off into the distance.
Scones and drinks finished we then re-adjusted ourselves and set off again. We went back on the normal return journey with nothing untoward happening along the way. The long climb up to Weeton took it's toll on me and Richard tried to slow to my pace to keep my spirits up. He had to give in and go a bit quicker though. I have never had to get off the bike on any hills though so that's a plus. When I arrived at the top of the world er I mean Weeton I was ever so slightly shaky so asked Richard if I could nick his Go Gel.
Off we went again and stopped for a quick chat just before the main road. Mike decided it was probably wise for me to stop at Otley and get a lift back to my car. I tried arguing but he wouldn't hear of it. So we pootled into Otley, where I took my leave and disappeared into Sainsburys for a milky drink and then went to the car park to await my lift.
Peter came and dismantled my bike and took me and it up to Guiseley and back to my car. I was tired but I wasn't dying or aching too badly.
A nice warm bath soothed my muscles and I was good to go again.
In our group there were seven of us. Lead by Mike, with support from Richard and bringing up the rear was yours truly. Included in the group were Peter, John and John Jnr and Mark.
We set off from Guiseley and I assumed we would be going down the hill into Otley but no, the Sports Group lead us straight up a blooming hill or two. How can you go down into Otley by going up!!! Rounding the first corner I saw a glimpse of the Sports Group disappearing into the distance. Having done 49 miles two days before my muscles were still aching and that hill set the scene for the day. That was the last that we saw of the Sports Group until later in the day.
We came down the Chevin and landed in Otley and then set off on our usual group ride through the lanes to Knaresborough. It was always apparent that I would not be able to keep up with their speed. Everytime there was a hill we would re-group at the top, where the rest of them had had a rest and then we would set off again. Throughout the ride one or other of the guys was always 'babysitting' me! Making sure I was alright.
All was going well until they decided we weren't going to take our usual off road track but go by road. Not a good move! We carried on until the end of the road. Turned right, followed it to the left and set off up a hill until we got to a roundabout where we took a right. Then Mike stopped and decided we had gone wrong and we should have gone straight on.
We corrected this and carried on uphill for about 100 miles, or so it felt. Richard, who was keeping me company at the back, and I noticed a sign showing Knaresborough to the left so of course at the next opportunity the group had turned right! We eventually decided that we should carry on right and go up to the road and turn right again (are you still with me?). This new road also went uphill for another 100miles and this time I had John Jnr with me (I think it was more by accident on his part rather than design). The rest of the group had got a move on and disappeared again. We arrived at a roundabout and it showed a right turn to Knaresborough which was only 1 mile away and downhill, yippee! John and I set off down this road.
Alas my joy was short-lived when Richard suddenly re-appeared and said we had gone the wrong way and the rest of the group had gone on uphill to the next roundabout. How can one journey have so many uphills with so few downhills? We re-grouped at this familiar roundabout and headed in our usual direction for Knaresborough.
On arriving at the cafe we found a right rowdy bunch of cyclists in there headed by our very own Ian Wood. After an exchange of stories of how we got there, we decided to go and sit outside in the sun. Ten minutes out there and we realised it wasn't as warm as we had thought. Beans on toast were consumed but the drinks hadn't arrived so we adjourned to the inside part of the cafe as the rowdy bunch had now cycled off into the distance.
Scones and drinks finished we then re-adjusted ourselves and set off again. We went back on the normal return journey with nothing untoward happening along the way. The long climb up to Weeton took it's toll on me and Richard tried to slow to my pace to keep my spirits up. He had to give in and go a bit quicker though. I have never had to get off the bike on any hills though so that's a plus. When I arrived at the top of the world er I mean Weeton I was ever so slightly shaky so asked Richard if I could nick his Go Gel.
Off we went again and stopped for a quick chat just before the main road. Mike decided it was probably wise for me to stop at Otley and get a lift back to my car. I tried arguing but he wouldn't hear of it. So we pootled into Otley, where I took my leave and disappeared into Sainsburys for a milky drink and then went to the car park to await my lift.
Peter came and dismantled my bike and took me and it up to Guiseley and back to my car. I was tired but I wasn't dying or aching too badly.
A nice warm bath soothed my muscles and I was good to go again.
Sunday, 28 February 2010
A long cycle ride
I was up early this morning as the last few weeks I have been late getting to the training sessions. Went to set off in plenty of time but, horror of horrors, the car wouldn't start! We managed to jump start it from (my) Peter's van and I got away in reasonable time and arrived in time.
There were only three of us this week. Mike, the support rider, Peter who is a stronger rider than he looks and myself. We set off from Otley town centre and got our muscles warmed up before we set off on the lanes. The weather forecast had said it was going to be windy and rainy today but it was cold and overcast.
We soon climbed the first hill and I didn't feel too bad. Mike was disappearing into the distance as I set off up the next bigger hill but Peter usually isn't far behind him. This time though he was having problems with his gears and I passed him. Just when you think the hill is coming to an end you turn right and climb a worse one. I reached the top sounding like Darth Vader but Peter was nowhere in sight. Mike headed back down to see if he could help but Peter was on his way up.
This set the scene for the rest of the ride. Everytime we were heading uphill either they would both disappear from my sight and wait at the top or Peter had problems with his gears. We got to our usual cafe and stopped for coffee and a toasted tea-cake.
We set off back again and the weather was holding our for us. Almost immediately there is a steep hill to climb. Then when we reached the main road it took us ages to cross the road. More ups and downs and we rode through the lovely village of Follifoot. Then we get back onto a main road again. This bit isn't a hard hill but it is a long, steady climb.
Along the way we saw about eight red kite birds. Just as we started climbing yet another hill there was one in the field alongside us. It can't have been more than 20-25 feet away from us, beautiful!
The last real hill was a bit of swine. One cyclist passed me going up it and I asked him if he had a tow rope. I passed a couple of walkers and asked them for a push! I eventually got to the top without getting off. I think it took it out of me as the rest of the ride I struggled a bit even on the flat. When we were on the outskirts of Otley I mentioned that I was tired and Peter or Mike got in front of me so that I could slipstream them.
We arrived back at the car park having done 42 miles. I might ache a little tomorrow!
There were only three of us this week. Mike, the support rider, Peter who is a stronger rider than he looks and myself. We set off from Otley town centre and got our muscles warmed up before we set off on the lanes. The weather forecast had said it was going to be windy and rainy today but it was cold and overcast.
We soon climbed the first hill and I didn't feel too bad. Mike was disappearing into the distance as I set off up the next bigger hill but Peter usually isn't far behind him. This time though he was having problems with his gears and I passed him. Just when you think the hill is coming to an end you turn right and climb a worse one. I reached the top sounding like Darth Vader but Peter was nowhere in sight. Mike headed back down to see if he could help but Peter was on his way up.
This set the scene for the rest of the ride. Everytime we were heading uphill either they would both disappear from my sight and wait at the top or Peter had problems with his gears. We got to our usual cafe and stopped for coffee and a toasted tea-cake.
We set off back again and the weather was holding our for us. Almost immediately there is a steep hill to climb. Then when we reached the main road it took us ages to cross the road. More ups and downs and we rode through the lovely village of Follifoot. Then we get back onto a main road again. This bit isn't a hard hill but it is a long, steady climb.
Along the way we saw about eight red kite birds. Just as we started climbing yet another hill there was one in the field alongside us. It can't have been more than 20-25 feet away from us, beautiful!
The last real hill was a bit of swine. One cyclist passed me going up it and I asked him if he had a tow rope. I passed a couple of walkers and asked them for a push! I eventually got to the top without getting off. I think it took it out of me as the rest of the ride I struggled a bit even on the flat. When we were on the outskirts of Otley I mentioned that I was tired and Peter or Mike got in front of me so that I could slipstream them.
We arrived back at the car park having done 42 miles. I might ache a little tomorrow!
Sunday, 31 January 2010
Training Ride with Group
Today was the first training ride I could get to with the group I will be going to Hamm with. There were nine of us altogether but that included one support rider and a guy from the Sports group who is a speedy rider but came along as support too. Our other support rider, Richard, was recovering from flu so came along in his car to support us.
Mike, our beloved leader, said not to worry about speed but to remember about signalling and pointing out things like potholes for whoever was behind you.
We set off from Guiseley station and before we had got a mile I couldn't see Mike and John, so much for not worrying about speed. The rest of the group were behind me still at this point. We flew down a long hill and into Burley in Wharfedale where there were a few undulations and then out onto the main road into Ilkley. At this point I was till third or fourth in the group. Mike stopped to see how everyone was doing and gave us a little pep talk. Then it was off again. Fairly flat along this road but then a flipping hill stuck it's neck out and caught me. The group sailed past and I assumed I was last apart from Adrian, the borrowed support rider. I laboured up the hill to find them all waiting for me there and I stopped to get a drink but then Adrian and Dean caught up with us. This surprised me as I didn't realise Dean was behind me.
We set off again and hit a couple of more hills along the way which I trawled up sounding like Darth Vader. I'm still coughing like mad too. We eventually arrived at Bolton Abbey and went down to the Cavendish Pavilion where I promptly bought a coffee and some flapjack (as fuel for the return journey you understand).
We sat and chatted a while and got to know a little more about my fellow cyclists. Then all too soon we were setting off back. Today was very cold but absolutely gorgeous. A very bright, sunny Winter's day with blue skies.
Not long after setting off back Dean had to bail out as he had severe cramp in his legs probably due to the fact that he had only had an apple for breakfast, silly boy. Richard put him in the car and he had a nice warm journey back.
Coming back we had the undulations of the outward journey and virtually everyone disappeared over the horizon. One of the group, Peter, took it on himself to stay with me. Not sure if this was for my sake or just so that he wouldn't look so bad going up the long hill. Sorry that sounds ungrateful, it wasn't meant like that. Anyway after we had passed Burley in Wharfedale there is a long unforgiving but not too steep hill, a roundabout, then more hill. I managed it all the way up without having to get off. Peter cycled behind me which I found a bit odd as normally if you are helping someone you cycle in front so that the other person can slipstream you. Anyway after the roundabout the flapjack must have hit my legs as I then managed to start pedalling quite fast up the hill. Caught up with the rest of the group at the top and then I led the way back to the station. I only did that so that I can say I was out in front at least part of the way.
Amazingly I didn't feel too bad at all.
Mike has been saying for a while that he has a Claude Butler road bike that would suit me so I arranged to follow him home to pick it up. Flipping heck that feels light. I haven't ridden it yet but I have put it on the bike bars at the back of the car and I was amazed how little it weighed. If all goes well with it I might buy it off him as he is wanting to sell it.
Mike, our beloved leader, said not to worry about speed but to remember about signalling and pointing out things like potholes for whoever was behind you.
We set off from Guiseley station and before we had got a mile I couldn't see Mike and John, so much for not worrying about speed. The rest of the group were behind me still at this point. We flew down a long hill and into Burley in Wharfedale where there were a few undulations and then out onto the main road into Ilkley. At this point I was till third or fourth in the group. Mike stopped to see how everyone was doing and gave us a little pep talk. Then it was off again. Fairly flat along this road but then a flipping hill stuck it's neck out and caught me. The group sailed past and I assumed I was last apart from Adrian, the borrowed support rider. I laboured up the hill to find them all waiting for me there and I stopped to get a drink but then Adrian and Dean caught up with us. This surprised me as I didn't realise Dean was behind me.
We set off again and hit a couple of more hills along the way which I trawled up sounding like Darth Vader. I'm still coughing like mad too. We eventually arrived at Bolton Abbey and went down to the Cavendish Pavilion where I promptly bought a coffee and some flapjack (as fuel for the return journey you understand).
We sat and chatted a while and got to know a little more about my fellow cyclists. Then all too soon we were setting off back. Today was very cold but absolutely gorgeous. A very bright, sunny Winter's day with blue skies.
Not long after setting off back Dean had to bail out as he had severe cramp in his legs probably due to the fact that he had only had an apple for breakfast, silly boy. Richard put him in the car and he had a nice warm journey back.
Coming back we had the undulations of the outward journey and virtually everyone disappeared over the horizon. One of the group, Peter, took it on himself to stay with me. Not sure if this was for my sake or just so that he wouldn't look so bad going up the long hill. Sorry that sounds ungrateful, it wasn't meant like that. Anyway after we had passed Burley in Wharfedale there is a long unforgiving but not too steep hill, a roundabout, then more hill. I managed it all the way up without having to get off. Peter cycled behind me which I found a bit odd as normally if you are helping someone you cycle in front so that the other person can slipstream you. Anyway after the roundabout the flapjack must have hit my legs as I then managed to start pedalling quite fast up the hill. Caught up with the rest of the group at the top and then I led the way back to the station. I only did that so that I can say I was out in front at least part of the way.
Amazingly I didn't feel too bad at all.
Mike has been saying for a while that he has a Claude Butler road bike that would suit me so I arranged to follow him home to pick it up. Flipping heck that feels light. I haven't ridden it yet but I have put it on the bike bars at the back of the car and I was amazed how little it weighed. If all goes well with it I might buy it off him as he is wanting to sell it.
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