How hard is winter walking again....

This was actually taken last year in the Cheviots...this year there was even more snow in the Eastern Lakes (the hills around Blencathra) and much of it was unconsolidated and about ankle deep!

This adds up to a very tiring excursion for Gill and myself, on a day that could be described as changeable - photo's will appear in a couple of days.

We are off back on the family trail today and tomorrow before having a go at Grizedale Pike before New Year in Edinburgh....the snow is thawing fast on the lower ground but will hopefully still be there higher up...

Sorry for the absence...

oh lets see how boring how life has been recently....coming up to the end of term the internet at school decided to crash in a heap for 2 weeks - thus making it rather hard for my referee to submit the reference to the GTTR to advance my teaching training application - however we have finally got there..

then there was covering a whole raft of history lessons whilst the head of history was on Paternity leave - these ranged from the fantastic to the truly awful (these tended to follow on from each other given the make up of his timetable)..

have managed to get into climbing a bit recently - after school with a couple of teachers and have surprised myself by being less incompetent than one might imagine; I am deffo short of finger strength and stamina however the mental side of things is going pretty well and I have still got good technique (not to mention my huge reach!!!!)

Now as I sit and write this with a LOT of snow in the ground in Cumbria we are in the middle of the xmas family season - however I am hoping to get out tomorrow even for a few hours snow-shoeing.

Right - off to wrap some presents!!

Missing another event...

following on from the luck of this summer it looks like I might well not be able to do the 10km this weekend - I have come down with a lovely, heavy cold...

Given that a) a lot of people at school have had this and

b) It has rained non-stop for nearly a week here....

then I suppose this is not much of a shock...the timing is exquisite though as I felt quite strong whilst running last weekend.

the power of nature.....

or yet another example of the crass stupidity/arrogance of man and global warming..

This was taken this morning - the time I am posting this is due to the fact that school is closed today as half of our students would not be able to get there. Ironically, the weather today is actually pretty nice - although the forecast is awful for tomorrow..

Just back from the gym - I actually feel quite strong at the moment; next weekend will tell

Il pleut....

Lots and lots and lots......early from school today as it was closed at 3pm; we may not even be in tomorrow at the moment...

It is very autumnal here at the moment - lets hope its better next weekend for the 10km

Trying to find the right form of words...

I am back working on the personal statement for the GTTR application before I go down to Lancaster in a couple of works. This is one of the most important things I have ever written and, like a lot of my written work, is going through several drafts (my record is something like 12 edits of a 1250 word book review and I have NO idea how many 'cuts' of my MA dissertation I did!)..however it feels like it is getting somewhere. The trick is that you are only allowed 47 lines on the online form and there is a lot to put in as I get more and more experience each day....

New Yoga class....

is one that was running at school before I went away for the High Atlas trip...I went for the first time tonight and thoroughly enjoyed it - nice and relaxing after a day at school.

Another wintery/autumnal day today...will need to get back in the gym but was pleased about how the yoga went.

Marvin is back.....

Following his convalescence in the workshop of Arragon's cycles' with the post strike hampering Phil's attempts to get the relevant parts I can report that Marvin has returned to his owner - looking in a lot better shape than when he went in!!!

He does still need a bull bar to replace the one that came off on day 2 of the High Atlas trip; however the repairs were still cheaper than buying a new bike and pennies are tight given that Tibet is looming next year...

I must confess that riding Marvin is not my highest priority at the moment - given the small amount of biking done over the summer and the need to do some running - not to mention the fact that winter has arrived with a bang in Cumbria today...god its cold!

Have I finally got the knee strapping right...?

Did one of my circuits last night - the flatter of the two and its about as flat as one can get up here..probably just shy of 4 miles although I have not measured it. Actually went pretty well with no knee pain at all - admittedly off a pretty slow pace - so all in all am quite happy....

The stresses of modern life...

This was taken on day 3 of the High Atlas Trek - the village to the left is where we came from...to the right is where we were headed that day...

What is NOT apparent from the picture is that Zaouiat Ahansal was over two passes with a 600m drop in between them; a 20mile uphill that we had tackled before lunch....just another day on what is the hardest physical thing I have ever done.

As the rain pelts out of the sky in Cumbria and we all settle in for autumn training and dark nights a big thanks to Rob who took this picture and whose CD of photo's arrived yesterday - I must do mine as well and send them out...a nice reminder of what was less than a month ago.

Hopefully this can also be used as inspiration for those having especially bad weeks....hopefully you have got to the top of the climb...

Aching and in pain this morning...

tried my first road run for a while yesterday...set off at quite a decent pace and felt ok (this is a relative term as those who know the hill will understand!!) on the climb of Beacon Edge. However my right knee started to hurt a bit on the top...am still a little unsure as to what kind of strapping it needs and I probably do some more of the strengthing work as well.

Tired and sore this morning - however a gentle yoga session will help I hope before I depart for Newcastle...

Traffic...

Was down in Manchester last week for a course on Thursday. Due to abysmal train times (not REALLY a great incentive for people to use public transport) I elected to go down on Wed night and stay with Janet and Rob...

Weird thing about the journey was when I hit the M60/Manchester airport junction and encountered stationary traffic...this is not something that we see in Cumbria at all...was a weird feeling and one that I can't say that I have missed since I left Leeds...

On a different note, have started the application form for Teacher Training and head to Carlisle tomorrow to the Open Day...

The group in Marrakech...

Now its half-term and I might have a little time I will post some more on this trip...those who have seen the slide show will know a bit more already. All I can say is that the group really helped, a great bunch who contributed a lot to the trip...

An interesting birthday weekend...

Gill took me away this weekend to a superb B & B that she had discovered whilst walking Hadrians Wall..Leazes Head Farm comes highly recommended - especially to those who like cats as they about 7 or so!! http://www.bedandbreakfast-directory.co.uk/uploads/estate/hotels/hotels43896.htm

Saturday meant a nice walk from Housesteads to Steel Rigg and back, before a look around the very interesting Chesters Fort just by Chollerford in Northumberland. Sunday dawned much windier and so we became historical tourists with trips to Birdoswald Fort and Carlisle Castle; the latter is actually very interesting indeed.

Having arrived back at Gill's and been shouted at by the cats for leaving them inside all weekend, we then noticed that there seems to be a slight water leak in the house - luckily it is half term so my next task after finishing this blog is to call a plumber out and see what we can find. Oh, and the boys elected to bring us back a few presents; the live mouse is still somewhere in the lounge but at least we got the bird out!!

A frenetic weekend...

of a different sort - Gill's parents, Aunt and Uncle have all come up for the weekend - so lots of running around and mad dashing here and there...a bit different from what has gone before.

On a different note; I have put together a slide show on the High Atlas experience that I am hoping to get up on this and Picassa in the very near future..

Bike at the shop...

First of a few pix from the trip I'll publish....when I get my website up and running will hope to publish a whole lot more...

Took Marvin to the shop today - not sure what the damage will be literally or metaphorically. Meanwhile, am slowly starting to get things washed and/or unpacked...life is slowly returning to what passes for normal!

Back to work....

and back from Morrocco, which was pretty amazing in almost every way..

LOTS more details later

Soon to depart...

Well Marvin has returned from the shop and looks like he is actually fixed. It seems he is probably in better shape than his owner at the moment as the packing is not exactly flying at the moment - however most of it is done.

Still searching for some pipe lagging to get the frame protected however; and not having the car at the moment does not help as its being MOT'd...in Temple Sowerby which is not great - although it was easy to leave there and walk to Gill's..

There will probably be no posts for the next two weeks; limited computer access at best.

Improving Conditions...

It has been a long time coming and it has regrettably co-incided with me starting work (although the new job is very enjoyable) but some stable weather has arrived. After poor Gill took a soaking on Tuesday walking the Newlands Horseshoe we have some nice stable weather with the promise of a good weekend to come.

Was hoping to get out climbing last night however was unable to make contact with Luke so took Arjuna the road bike out for a quick spin. The climb up Celleron was okay, however the steep drag up to Lowther was a bit of a pain. This was the first time I have been on a bike for a bit however so not too bad - the real test will come over the next few days. I am planning to run some intervals after work today; Gill and I are going to do High Street and Harter Fell on Saturday and then on Sunday I fancy a long bike ride - either Cross Fell/High Cup Nick or the High Street..

Back in the groove...

of training after a lovely walk with Gill yesterday. We made a rapid ascent of Plaice Fell before dropping down, up Great Dodd and back along the Ullswater Singletrack to the car..

Work is also going well and the forecast for the rest of the week is good (after tomorrow which is shit!!)...

A couple of resting days...

Taking a couple days off from training to get used to the new job and give the body a bit of a chance to chill....hope to get out tomorrow after work however; the Garburn Pass with the video camera would be nice if the weather is reasonable...

Happy to lend a hand...

a big shout to all those who took part in the 2nd Penrith Triathlon yesterday. I was able to help for a couple of hours only - as had to collect Gill from the airport - however it was a great privelege as well as an amazing insight into how complex even fairly small events are to run.

Gill is now safely back at home from the Turkey trek - much to the delight of the cats!! Having looked at her photo's it does look quite aweswome - so much of the world I need to see...

The benefits of more than one sport...

Coach Ilg always emphasises that specialisation is for insects. Today was a clear cut example of where I agree with him and why I undertake a wide variety of outdoor pursuits. I had not slept well or long enough and when Felix hopped up on the bed for a cuddle and snooze I was seriously tempted to join him.

I finally made it back to my flat having decided to ride to Keswick via the Coach Road and back via the Tour of Blencathra. Setting off into a strong headwind and in the rain and with my knee hurting I just couldn't summon up any enthusiasm for the task at hand. Coach also says that "character is what you are when no-one is around" however I think I am just bored of mountain biking - especially in the North Lakes where I have trained for the last three months. Reflecting on this now I suspect this mental disorder helped cause my crash on the Whinlatter on Thurs as I was trying to "spice up" the ride in order to find something new; it was also probably why I SO enjoyed the ride on the Garburn Pass on Tuesday.

I actually managed to digest this fact quite well; so went home had some lunch and then drove to Keswick with my trail running shoes. The circuit along the railway and then over Latrigg is about 5 miles and having danced round in 50mins I am not 100% convinced that trail shoes were the correct choice - with a very steep and muddy descent. Having said that, running along the old railway in fell shoes would not be ideal either - maybe I should take both pairs!!

Anyway; felt a lot better for the run and now have a quiet day tomorrow when I collect Gill and then will do it all again on Monday - I fancy a long fell run to be honest or some time on the road bike - although the weather forecast is not great, typical bank holiday weather.

Back on the Arnica...

having finished one lot of Arnica to help the rib heal I have gone to buy some more for the knee.

In all honesty it is not too bad; a little stiff at first but ok once it gets going, I'll be off riding tomorrow before I go and get Gill from the airport on Sunday. Monday is a bank holiday so I expect either a walk/bike ride depending on the weather before the new job starts on Tuesday - weird.

Have managed to acquire a bike bag via e-bay which is good; another piece in the holiday puzzle taken care of...

falling off the bike... - again..

a training ride to Whinlatter; trying to ride an obstacle that I usually walk around and whoosh...over the handlebars I go..

not to much damage at all luckily; just some cut up knees...will post more with pix later :-)

The Garburn Pass...

yes it probably is the best descent in the Lakes; at least the Troutbeck side.

The descent to Kentmere might be doable on a full suss bike with conditions a little bit drier; however this way also enables one to experience the descent to Kentmere Church from the Bridleway from Ings...if only one had a couple of tame walkers to open the gates it would be SERIOUSLY good fun...

Felt quite tired today actually on the bike; yesterday evenings ride was quite a tough one and the speed was pretty good on a lovely evening - which it is now. It is hard to believe that the last forecast I saw for tomorrow was terrible; ho hum we shall get what we get....

A pain free run....

with extra hill for good measure!

Have decided to go to the Garburn Pass tomorrow to do what is supposed to be the best descent in the Lakes - so elected to go for a run instead today. Delighted to get round the 4 1/2 miles with no pain in the knees; so delighted I then decided to run up the next street to Fell Lane - a nice few hundred metres of uphill to close the run....

all this and the weather is good as well...amazing!

This is not one of the many photo's that one of the party, Gav, took on the ride down Bowderdale, however it does give some flavour as to the kind of terrain. I can safely say that this was one of the most enjoyable and technical rides I have ever done and one which I enjoyed immensely despite being considerably slower going down than everything else.

Regrettably this did not surprise me too much; however I was pleased that once the ascent got off the mega steep and onto the long grind I was climbing very strongly, also not much of a surprise given the amount of training I have been doing for this!! I was also quite pleased that I seemed ok at the end - obviously the distances will be much greater in Morocco, however I am hoping that the climbs are of the long grind variety reminscent of the Alps rather than the shorter steeper climbs we often get in the UK...as the former enable you to get into a groove and just grind away.

Glorious weather helped too; a little windy on top but no rain, which was just as well given there was a fair amount of mud but not too much. All in all a great training ride and a circuit I'd recommend.

Yesterday was spent doing some tidying of Gill's and just chilling out. Will definetly go out on the road later - I should really head up to Whinlatter for a couple of circuits as well if time allows.

Mountain biking in the Howgills...

27 miles; 1100 metres of ascent; a bit of a tricky descent and 7 miles of some of the best singletrack this side of paradise.....yesterday was some day!

Suffice to say that Marvin took a bit of cleaning!

Even better news is that the forecast for tomorrow is pretty decent so should get two sessions in; one on Whinlatter and one on the roads tomorrow night.

Will post more details with photo's later

This is taken on the top of the red route on the South side of the Whinlatter pass. Not much a shot perhaps but I was playing with the helmet camera as it can take "normal" photo's as well as video's....

...speaking of which; I taped the whole descent of the red 8 mins 15 secs of it; including a couple of wussy walky bits; one time where Marvin was going sideways at about 20mph and I thought I was off and some SERIOUSLY fast bits as well. It was the second time round; I was climbing well too which was encouraging. To be honest, I felt pretty strong and would have gone round again but am hoping to do a big ride tomorrow.

I'll edit the video over the next week, may well add some music and will post it on Vimeo in due course....

What we did NOT see yesterday...

Or much else to be honest!!

Things look like they are settling down for the weekend however and the long range forecast for next week looks ok at the moment. Most of the kit is now dry and I am looking forward to heading back out on the bike over the next two days; have got a big ride booked in for Saturday with one of the Monday night cyclists and her hardcore gang of mtbers!! Not so sure what I will do tomorrow but do quite fancy another trip to the Whinlatter - can do the south side red route and some good footage with the helmet camera. The big advantage of the south red is that it features a long, slightly technical and pretty sustained climb. A couple of circuits of this and you know you've had a good workout.

More good news in that I managed to hang on the finger board for a little bit - might even get a bit of climbing in on Sunday although may wait until bank holiday monday..

A soaking in the Lakes..

Well, a long and damp day which was also a lot of fun. Mum and Peter came over and we met up for breakfast followed by doing a bit of work in the flat.

Having got ourselves down to Haweswater we started walking up the ascent of the Nan Bield pass. This was a day that promised some interest for me; the chance to go to a valley I had not been to for many years (Kentmere) as well as checking out what is rumoured to be one the best mtb descents in the Lakes. Having had a quick bite to eat on the Nan Bield we descended and the rain started - coupled with a good breeze it made the walk interesting to say the least. The descent is very long and quite rocky in parts; not really rideable.

This is interesting as I wonder what the Garburn descent will be like - which is pretty much accepted as the best pass descent around.

Back on the walk, the rain continued incessantly but the wind dropped for the majority of the walk. Over to Sadgill and then down into Longsleddale followed by a VERY long ascent over the Gatesgarth. Descending the lower part of the Gatesgarth pass my knee started to ache quite a lot and so I was unable to ascertain how rideable this might be - the top section looks ok at least.

There are times that I wish the High Atlas trip was a walking traverse rather than cycling as I felt strong walking all day and climbed well - not sure I can say the same about the bike!!

Anyhow; looks like I might have some company in bed tonight - Cusco is definetly pining for his mum and has fallen asleep on one of Gill's bags!!!!

Bottle cage failure..

As the weather has now turned gorgeous I decided to go back to Gill's to hang the washing out...so I hopped on Arjuna and cycled there. The outward leg via Langwathby (and an extra 1 mile by going via Edenhall) was fast, over 20mph which is good for me. Coming back I went up the big hill to Cliburn for the first time and found it surprisingly easy; could still do with getting a compact fitted to the bike though if I want to try the big hills of the Alps.

Anyhow, was coming back along the road from Cliburn to the A6, focusing on breathing well as I was going into a stiff headwind and suddenly looked down to see my drink bottle make a bid for freedom! It seems that both the bottle cages have given up the ghost, they must have got damaged somehow in the car...Luckily they are quite cheap really so off to get some more!!

The Iron Temple..

The gym at the sports centre in Penrith is pretty good actually. It could do with a dip machine however it has pretty much everything else that I use to do the workouts.

Did the first gym session involving weights in a while...still pretty limited in terms of upper body work; however my lower body weights felt quite easy which is good. Forecast is terrible tomorrow but I think that Newlands needs to be done - followed by a walk with Mum and Peter on Wed and then a long bike ride on thurs....

A quietish weekend...

on the training front with taking Gill to the airport yesterday and going into Keswick to get the final things for her trip on Saturday. I did get a quick fell run in though and am going back into training this week having had a quiet week off.

Still got tons to do around the flat and other areas of my life as well - not to mention cat-sitting so don't think I'll be bored these two weeks...

A couple of resting days...

on the excercise front at least - have been busy around the flat and other things. Am going to do something tomorrow; it will depend a bit on the weather before taking Gill to the airport on Sunday. I quite fancy running the Newlands Horseshoe...

Healing in time..?

I went for a swim test this morning to see if I can do the Bassenthwaite Tri. The rib is better than last week; however I think that 1500m in open water has come a week too early. Given how well I ran on tuesday this is a bit of a bummer to put it mildly as its the third event I have missed this year due to injury. Next year, with luck, I will be focussing on some good races as the main goal of next summer, as it stands, will be the Tibet trek with Gill. The Garburn Pass half-marathon will certainly be on the agenda as at least one big road bike challenge.

This week has been a semi-rest week training wise as I crack on with doing some stuff around the flat and trying to decide a little as to which directions to go re accomodation and other things...however, the sun is out and I think a little trip to the Whinlatter with video camera is in order....

The rewards for determination...

"Character", Coach Ilg once wrote, "is what you are when no-one is around". This was a mantra I repeated to me as I slogged up the final climb of High Pike towards the summit (in the photo). I made sure that I ran every step - although I suspect some of the very steep sections after the quarry track it was probably faster to walk! 26 mins of torture from the gate over the Fellside car-park to the summit. I was REALLY pleased to have run all the way and was VERY pleased indeed when I finished the run and discovered I had taken 1hr 27minutes - totally destroying my personal best.

On a serious note, it does seem that I was fitter than I thought although it must be said that this was the first time I had done the circuit in summer conditions (although it's probably best in deep winter when frozen solid!!!)

With luck I may get the leak in the roof fixed tomorrow as well; the downside is that it will stop me from swimming in the morning - will have to go thurs to decide whether I can do the Tri or not....

Trying to prioritise...

despite the fact that I don't start work until the 1st September it seems that there is still so much to do....

as well as trying to train for the Atlas trip in October - and I still feel worried about whether I am going to fit enough for day after day of long rides - I am trying to sort the flat out and do some painting, as it is getting valued on Friday. This is good as it will at least give some information as to where I am and allow me to review my options in the next two weeks when I am cat-minding for Gill when she is in Turkey.

The rib is still giving me a lot of cause for concern in that it is getting no better at all - or at least seems not to be. It does hurt a bit less when I sneeze though which is good...

Anyway, did the Tour of Skiddaw on Friday (or at least my 34km version of it) and got round in under 2 1/2 hours which was quite encouraging. I do still feel quite tired climbing however, although I do seem to be able to recover quite fast after the climbs which is encouraging; and I descended better than I have on this route before. This was probably down the new wider tyres I have fitted on Marvin which I will use in Morocco.

Saturday was more a chill out day, with a lie-in and then doing some painting at the flat and listening to the football - groan- on the radio. I rode back to Gill's on the road bike; who I am really going to use a lot more of next year when the Morocco trip is done..

Sunday saw the last training walk for Gill before she goes to Turkey to climb Mt. Arrat (amongst other things). So, we used both cars and decided to go over Cross Fell and its satellite peaks before descending to Dufton where lots of food and beer would be had in the Stag Inn. This plan went very well for the first part of the walk...up Cross Fell, over Little Dun and Great Dun Fells (the latter with the utter disfigurements on top that make one yearn for gunpowder) and onto to Knock Old Man. However from there things went a little awry and we found ourselves descending into Knock not Dufton...oops. The upshot was a 1 mile road jog for me in walking boots to get the car...however I could say hand on heart the Chocolate Fudge Cake for pudding had been earned!!

Back on the road bike for the second time in two days. Having checked out some of the Bassenthwaite Tri cycle route (although I still have no idea if I will be doing it yet); I managed a quick hour of so today in glorious weather.

As well as being shattered as did not sleep at all well last night and having some painting to do I deliberately took it fairly easy today as am hoping to do a big mountain bike ride tomorrow; over Helvelyn.

At least the flat is starting to resemble the end of the ceasefire in Kabul now; with some painting being done and things been chucked or moved to shelves...

Preparing for a triathlon..

it does probably help to read the website some time; which is when you discover that the swim is not 750m as I thought but actually 1500m - oh dear. I am going to have to get some serious swim training in - starting with the open water session this weekend with Stuart and the Tri club.

My serious goal for this race will be to avoid coming last -I am going quite well on the bike and hopefully that will be enough to be overhaul some people and hang on during the run. The other goal is not to damage myself too much with the run - even 25mins on the treadmill at the gym caused an aching in the ribs; although I was able to keep a good speed without much trouble which is good.

Am going to recce the 40km cycle route for the Tri in a minute. I am not going to use Tri bars although will probably my fancy deep set front wheel for this one (in the race itself at least..).

Am a little sick of having these little constant niggles really - would be nice to go to Morocco injury free.

Have made a video of a descent off Cross Fell - can be found here: http://www.vimeo.com/5937401

The art of resting..

Coach Steve Ilg always stresses the importance of rest. After 4 or 5 days off with the rib injury and being away last weekend I am trying to get back in the swing of training.

On a wet Saturday morning I begin to see that humans have a lot to learn from cats...especially in the art of resting. After all, if there is nothing to do; do nothing!!

This was one of the views yesterday in the Lakes. Gill and I (the boys decided not to come in the end!!) climbed Grizedale Pike having ascended via Coledale Hause. This was a different means of ascent than I had done before and was very enjoyable. A nice 4 hour round with views over most of the Lakes.

Saturday was a bit different as I attempted a run of around 7 miles or so - including a couple of trips up the hill that links Temple Sowerby to Culgaith. The knee did start to hurt a bit at the end - and ached a bit yesterday as well. I have been, to be honest, a bit lax on my excercises recently and this was a bit of a wake up call - need to get back to them.

Friday was less good in that I felt really tired after the double session on thurs and made it about 1/2 way up Cross Fell before a 3 min 30 descent nearly involving me going into the air again! Managed to hold it this time and have some great footage which will probably make its way onto Vimeo at some stage too. However the lack of fitness is really concerning with the Morocco trip looming and the rib is still causing me concern. I seem to be able to do most things on it (although I can't rock-climb) yet it is still painful first thing and I am probably taking it a bit easier than I would like trying to subconciously protect it. It also hinders Yoga which is not good either....

Back to training..

Things are starting to look up on the training front at last. I rode Arjuna (my road bike) over to Gill's last night - only 10.3 miles or so but averaged over 20 mph which was good. Then the rain decided to stop bang on cue this morning allowing me a nice dry ride back - taking in an additional hill for good measure.

Have just got out of the shower having taken the mountain bike up to Whinlatter. No reaction from the rib at all as I did 1 3/4 laps of the south red circuit as well as the blue. Don't feel quite as fresh as I would like however am planning a decent ride tomorrow - may try one of the Cross Fell circuits again.

Back to training..

Things are starting to look up on the training front at last. I rode Arjuna (my road bike) over to Gill's last night - only 10.3 miles or so but averaged over 20 mph which was good. Then the rain decided to stop bang on cue this morning allowing me a nice dry ride back - taking in an additional hill for good measure.

Have just got out of the shower having taken the mountain bike up to Whinlatter. No reaction from the rib at all as I did 1 3/4 laps of the south red circuit as well as the blue. Don't feel quite as fresh as I would like however am planning a decent ride tomorrow - may try one of the Cross Fell circuits again.

Family trips...

back from 4 days of seeing family (both mine and Gill's). The timing has been good in that it has allowed my rib to heal a little and it was good to see everyone again.

The rib is still not great and I am going to have to make a decision REAL soon as I have a 50 mile challenge I am supposed to do this weekend - am probably going to have to give it a miss with the Bassenthwaite Tri in August and then hard training until Morocco.

One more piece of news - I managed to change both tyres on the mountain bike and without injury - AMAZING!!

my main excercise for the last two days has been painting (and that left handed!) due to the rib injury It does seem to be getting better with the help of lots of arnica tablets and lots of cuddles with the cats when I was at Gill's yesterday watching the time trial in the Tour.

This years etape du Tour took people up Mont Ventoux (ouch)...something I would quite like to have a go at next year - will see how it fits in with the school terms next year.

Anyway, am probably going to give the open water swim a miss today - although may go down and chat with Stuart anyway and resume training on Monday..

Rest days and time trials..

my main excercise for the last two days has been painting (and that left handed!) due to the rib injury It does seem to be getting better with the help of lots of arnica tablets and lots of cuddles with the cats when I was at Gill's yesterday watching the time trial in the Tour.

This years etape du Tour took people up Mont Ventoux (ouch)...something I would quite like to have a go at next year - will see how it fits in with the school terms next year.

Anyway, am probably going to give the open water swim a miss today - although may go down and chat with Stuart anyway and resume training on Monday..

Update on the Rib..

still hurting...

managed a good half hour jog on the gym treadmill yesterday and have just done a hilly 4 1/2 outside today so it clearly is not broken. Having said that it still hurts if I roll onto that side in my sleep and/or try to do any lifting with it..

Have a weekend off this weekend as it's Gill's parents golden wedding and we are going down to that..will try and do a bike ride tomorrow - that will be interesting to see how it responds to the jolting of going downhill.

Off to watch the key stage of the Tour de France now - and get thoroughly depressed with the grace of those guys as they power up those huge hills...

Falling off the bike...

First big crash of the training year today -falling on top of the south red route at Whinlatter Pass. Not sure as to extent of damage; cuts and scrapes to both legs and damage to one of my ribs; hopefully its just a bruise and don't think its broken. I was able to carry on and do another partial circuit of the red route and some of the blue route as well. Having said that am unable to do any one pull-up on my training board and have not attempted to run yet.

Fitness wise, I am climbing the hills reasonably well on the bike yet not descending well today so need to get some miles in the legs - weather was better than expected and hope to get out tomorrow again.

A couple of photo's taken from the Newlands Horseshoe...

A lovely weekend..The

Despite the weather forecast Gill, myself, Chester and Everest the travelling bear got out for 2 good walks. Helvellyn was on Saturday, up Striding Edge and down Swirral..Not a lot to say about Striding Edge really, we had a heavy shower on the ridge and I took Gill down to the left of the last descent to avoid a traffic jam. This was a little more 'sporting' than she bargained for but she took it all in her stride!! The final ascent up the scree was horrific; I hadn't done this in summer for several years and my god it was awful - loose; broken up and generally in need of serious repair or to be left alone for a while. Sadly due to the crowds of people that we saw on the edge (and we two are as guilty as the rest) the latter looks very unlikely.

Sunday was a last minute decision to try and do the Newlands Horseshoe and it was one of our better ones. Having managed to locate the correct bridleway we had a lovely walk in the sunshine. Gill had run out of water and I was down to dregs in my 2 litre camelback when a farm which sold tea and cake appeared...damn what a shame!!

More pix later or check out http://picasaweb.google.com/simon.bigair

photo btw is of Fairfield, Dollywaggon Pike and the Grizedale valley - from Helvellyn

A couple more of the photo's showing the views from Cross Fell...

As it throws it down with rain in Cumbria and I rue the fact that I left the sun-roof slightly open on my car last night, a couple of pictures from last weekends ride over Cross Fell to cheer people up and remind us all that it is still summer!

My first photo; having finally got my totally useless internet provider '3' to get enough connection time to get pictures up. This is what comes of not having a BT landline in this place; if I decide to stay here I will have to get one as '3 are the world's biggest joke; even worse than BT if that is humanly possible. Cable is not around in darkest Cumbria so options are somewhat limited.

Anyhow, this is my current screensaver, taken last summer from the approach to Grey Crag in the Lakes. Buttermere is the lake in the picture as some will know.

Things moving apace...

Well its been a little time since the last post and life has been VERY good this week. Gill and I did a good deed on Sunday giving a fellow climber a lift to Penrith from Borrowdale rather than him using the X5 - which takes forever to get anywhere - and it seems that the universe has taken note as I got offered a job on Monday - albeit one that doesn't start until Sept 09. Its going to be a massive challenge and one that I am really looking forward to; quite possibly taking my career life in a new direction.

Anyway, back to the weekend and a long training ride on Sat; over Cross Fell and then back from the East side of the Pennines over Great Dun Fell back to base - via a steep, rough and often not there bridleway. Over 5 hrs in the saddle and a really good, challenging ride on a hot day. My arms got sunburned which is odd considering how tanned they already are...and the descent to Garrigill from Greg's Hut - about 7 miles of rough tough going!

Sunday saw another walk with Gill and another drenching on the pass from Watendlath to Borrowdale followed by lunch at the Flock tea shop - a nice Herdi Stew! As well as a gripe about the fact that we always seem to get wet on that path is it necessary to build the drainage dikes with huge bounding stones which render what is a bridleway almost completely unridable in my opinion. Let us not forget that this is a national park as well - paid for by OUR money.

Anyway, away from the whingeing and Tuesday saw another trip to Whinlatter after an early morning swim with Gill. Rode all 3 of the trails at Whinlatter and I am REALLY starting to dig the new red on the south side of the pass - will take the helmet camera up next time I go and record the fun!!

More good news yesterday in that did a road run for the first time in a couple of months with no pain from the knee - which is most encouraging indeed and hopefully this is healing up nicely..

bye for now

Bouldering and interviews...

Bit mixed yesterday; have got two interviews on Monday which is obviously encouraging and something to look forward to..

Bouldering last night was not great though, my arms still felt tired from the battering they had taken on the Cross Fell cycle ride on the 8th and I felt drained and tired. Given the amount of training I am having to do to get ready for the Morocco trip that is a little worrying. Luke climbed pretty well though, on this gnarly V2 (although it seems harder) 6a arete we were trying in Honister..

Good news on one front at least...

Managed a 20 min run yesterday in the Gym and no sign of aggro from the injured knee which is good...looks like the ITB problem is starting to heal. Just as well seeing as I have a hard month ahead culminating in the 50 mile challenge on August 1/2..

Just back from a mountain bike ride on Cross Fell. Legs did feel quite weak however managed to get a bit stronger as went on and having savoured a mile walk over boggy ground had a flying descent down to Kirkhall. Might extend on Friday and drop via Pennine Way to Alston and then back over the Hartside.

Will try and upload some pics as soon as possible as well; would be rather boring otherwise!!

Just back from Whinlatter; first time on the red route south today and very good it is too...just off to clean the bike and play with the helmet cam output; will try and put some up at some point. Am supposed to be riding tonight but not sure yet; legs are feeling it a bit....

Now a grumpy monday morning here but a brilliant weekend. Gill and I took in a superb play on Friday night at the theatre by the lake in Keswick..'Summer Lightning' was a 20's farce written by P.G Wodehouse; very very funny and well acted by the cast. Couple that with a bar that sells Cumberland Ale on draught and a good time was garunteed!

Saturday led to a walk up Cross Fell; another lovely day with superb views over the whole of the Lakes and across to the Pennine's. Descent was still a little painful on the knee but was a lot better than the last time we did this walk. Looks like the ITB problem is starting to get better finally which is a great relief.

Yesterday was a bit more of a slow down; however Luke and I roused ourselves to go to Shepherds Crag and do Eve (VS 4c [5.8 for any US visitors]). This is quite a delicate and bold climb and I was very pleased with how I climbed it. Luke did a good job of seconding it before we repaired to the cafe for cake and tea....

Not sure what todays plan is; have got a job application to finish and then may hit the gym or go up to Whinlatter for some mountain biking....thats all for now.

Just a quick update; watching an amazing display of athleticism under pressure from both players in the first Wimbledon semi-final..to be able to keep that level of concentration and precision going for so long is amazing; and quite inspiring.

The start of the journey...

Well now, lets see...

Welcome to any readers by the way; I will update this as much as possible to let you know how things are progressing.

Current status is unemployed due to end of contract at Cumbria Constabulary so am trying to job hunt; sort out the shambles that is my flat; have fun in the glorious summer we are having at the moment...and spend some time with my g/f Gill and her lovely cats...

Spent about 45 mins at Carrock Fell playing on the boulders today - climbed pretty well (by my own miserable standards) so am quite chuffed; at least til I got home to find a letter advising me I had not got a job I went to an interview for...ho hum back to it I gues..

well; off to Gill's to do some more job hunting and to watch the tennis...more later.