With my Barnstaple marathon in 9 weeks time running further was today’s goal. A steady couple of tarmac miles had brought me to Titchfield village and it’s pretty narrow lanes, then onto Titchfield Haven, a local nature reserve, this would ultimately bring me to the coast. The video shows the Haven’s narrow footpath and its meandering canal . The overnight rain had left a number of puddles but wet socks and mud up the back of your legs never hurt anyone 🙂

The morning sunshine had brought a number of animals out, including some inquisitive cows who nodded their approval as I ran past. The path has a few tree lined sections that block out the sky as if you were running down a green tunnel and the canal frequently changes colour between clear, dirty brown and a pea soup green. In no time the coast was in view and after a quick to chat with a lady from Gosport Road runners I was climbing up the narrow path that takes you along the coastal path.

There were an abundance of puddles along the cliff top as well as lots of people out taking in the fresh coastal air. It’s great to see runners, cyclists, walkers, horse riders and family’s enjoying our local area instead of being at home. The Solent waters were busy with all manner of vessels and the large fields hay bails were staked up high almost like yellow towers dotted along the landscape. These are the kind of sights I enjoy will running off road.

I’d reached my 6 mile mark so it was time to turn around and choose my return leg. The nature reserves puddles were nothing compared to the coastal path ones so I quite simply ran through them all not even trying to skirt around them 🙂 Heading back towards the end of the path I realised my late start meant it was time to press on so I chose the roads of Hill Head to return on.

The line of beach huts after Hill Head sailing club always interest me to see who is using them and what they have done to personalise them. Once through Stubbington village that just left 2.5 miles of pavement and I was pleased to average 8 minutes 52 seconds for the 11.5 miles with a sub 4 hour marathon in mind. A pleasant mornings run with plenty to take in along the way.

A lovely sunny morning by the sea was the perfect venue for Lee on Solent’s 3rd Parkrun and the first of today’s two runs. With the Solent waters lapping on the shoreline and a clear view of the Isle of Wight it’s an impressive location for a run.  The sun was quite hot today but the glow I came away with was that of sharing my passion for running with new and old friends.

On arriving I could see Auz Grey (Gosport Runners) in his florescent bib, the team that he is part of put on a great event and they should be very proud of what they have achieved. I’ve only recently got to know Auz and today’s event was a far cry from the South Downs marathon we both ran last month. The next runner I spotted was Ros Clarke, she ran with our club a few years ago but then had an injury that stopped her running. We have chatted on twitter but it’s years since I’ve seen her, so it was great to catch up in person. As we were chatting Brian Penniall, from work, came up to us looking eager to run, so this was to be a new event for us all.

 9am and “we were off” LOS Park Run No. 3

I started far too quickly, eager not to be boxed in further up the course, but on reflection I probably didn’t need too 🙂 Due to this quick start Ben Strudwick from the Crusaders, who I didn’t know but I recognised from his facebook photo, overtook me with an “Alright Roger” so that was us introduced too. I saw quite a few familiar Crusader faces with the course being out and back twice and I shouted encouragement wherever possible. Lyndsey Howell was sadly sitting on a park bench but once we’d established she was ok I pressed on.

Crusader Sarah Moulding, was taking photos, so I owe her thanks for using some from today. With Brian overtaking me at half way he will have bragging rights at work on Monday, so well done Brian. My final surprise of the day was seeing Stubbington Green’s Simon Hearndean who had said hello while we were running, but had sunglasses on so I didn’t recognise him !! I first met Simon 20 years ago but he has spent a lot of that time in the navy so again it was great to shake his hand and say well done. Park runs are just that, a run and not necessarily a race, I think this is the route of their success judging by the variety of people all enjoying it.

All in all a very rewarding 5K that lasted 23 mins 37 secs, which was fine rather than “great”, but much more importantly an enjoyable coming together of the local running community. As I drove back  home reflecting that a sub 7 & 3/4 minute mile pace was ok the final twist was, that I had time to go out again, so 3/4 of an hour after I’d finished I set off heading for our local creek/golf course.

The 5 mile run was at an 8 & 3/4 minute pace so again, quite pleasing after my earlier efforts. So todays “irunoffroad” comprised of the coast, a creek and the outskirts of the golf course 🙂

 Today “hurt” but in a good way 🙂

 

My aim today was to test my back after treatment for trapping a vertebra. I ran the mile and a half to the start of the Deviation Line (a disused railway line) so the country footpaths were mine to choose from. The shade that the tree lined path gives was both helpful from the sun and enjoyable at the same time, after all if there aren’t any hill top views the next best running option is a green tunnel stretching out in front of you.

Today wasn’t about pace just to keep running, as I had some time to spare, I was keen to try a couple of paths I have seen on maps but not actually run down. I left the Deviation Line and ran along a winding, partially overgrown, footpath that took me past a farm and up a lane, then onto the Wickham main road. A brisk 100m along the tarmac took me to Sprincles Lane and next to Whitley golf course. I now know how to link this up with North Segensworth so running home from work will be “largely” on country footpaths from now on 🙂 (De-stress)

The second route I wanted to explore was a small opening along a quiet road I’ve run many times before. The road is between Funtley and Knowle and the gap in the hedge almost resembles a door. (Narnia ?) An unexpected descent brought me to a small wooden bridge over a stream, the track passes a house and winds it’s way again out onto the Wickham main road again. My interest with both the routes I ran today was to see if they joined up going into Whitley woods but that adventure will have to wait for another day.

So, in short my back behaved and I can now look at my map of the area with a mental picture of more routes and how I might link them up. A satisfying 8 or so miles in which I saw virtually no one and had only the sounds of the countryside which create such a relaxing back drop 🙂

“Bad News”, a silly rib injury from lifting something up at the wrong angle has meant running is on hold at the moment. The “Good News”, I’ve got around to adding a new page to my blog with lots of links to websites that I’ve found useful for training and races as well as inspiring and motivational.

Injuries can be looked at in two ways, you are either miserable or you are planning your return with anticipation. I fall into the later category, can’t wait to get back out there. Happy running one and all. P.S. Jason from Bodyfusion sports therapy has got me back on track today 🙂

Todays “irunoffroad” was a trip to the coast, Hill Head more specifically, which is just around the corner from Lee On Solent and Stokes Bay. With views of the Solent and the Isle of White the 10 mile run promised to be visually enjoyable. On arrival the wind was blowing and the clouds were gathering overhead. The sight of an IOW ferry reminded me that it was Festival weekend and my start time of 8.30am meant the SDW100 runners had been going for 2 1/2 hours, inland.

With the marathon next Saturday it was unfortunate that neither Dave Fuller or Paul Coates could make this run but I look forward to meeting up for the race. The wind was behind me when I set off so immediately I was pondering that the return 5 miles would be harder. As I ran past the beach huts and along the seafront I was treated to kite surfers, wind surfers and a couple of brave swimmers all out enjoying the sea.

Lee On Solent will have a Parkrun as of the 4th July so they too will have sea views to enjoy. I ran inland for a mile or so in order to reach Stokes Bay which is next along the coast. The famous Bayside café, home to the swimmers of the Tri Club and Absolute Running came into sight, as well as the finish line for AR’s Golden mile. The “tide was high”, as Blondie would say, and combined with the wind this meant I caught some spray just to remind me I was coastal running.

I passed the Coastguard and yacht club buildings and with the Coastal Defences Fort in sight I was at half way. The pace of 8 min 45 sec was a little quicker than planned but fine, however, as soon as I rounded the fort it was clear the return leg would be a different “kettle of fish”. Head down and against the wind I was running probably the most exposed section now and just to underline it a dog walker chipped in with “Go on son, give it some”. I was already enjoying the challenge and his comment did make me laugh.

The sun came out as I approached LOS and I could taste the salt on my forehead from the sea breeze as well as smell the chips from the beach shack snack bar. I was pleasantly surprised with an 8 min 55 sec average time but it does go to show all those hills really do help on the flat. With an easy week in store today was an ideal warm down ready for my next marathon. Whenever I run by the sea I’m always reminded of a vinyl record shop that was called “A sides & B sides by the seaside” 🙂 Photo 1 : Hill Head/Lee on Solent, Photo 2 : Stokes Bay

Today’s run was all about packing in as much elevation as possible into a relatively short space of time. I had set myself 2 hours as a target and knew where I was going after last weeks hills. Portchester Lane was my chosen hill, if you click on the link at the beginning of this sentence it takes you to Google Maps Street view, hide the images at the bottom of the page and click up and down the Lane to your heart’s content. Equally for a profile click on  Portchester Lane Strava as another guide. “Yes” !! I have worked out how to name the Links 🙂

One quick note, the Lane is meant to be “Access Only” but if you ever run/cycle it keep your eyes open for traffic, that said, I watched a grey squirrel bounding up the Lane ahead of me that showed no fear of any cars.

The Lane’s 270 feet of elevation starts with a steady climb that levels out and then kicks up hard, followed by another good section up to the junction. When you are running slower it’s surprising what you notice, butterflies and bees but not necessarily pot holes (watch the video). Hills aren’t everyone’s cup of tea but as I turned to approach my 7th time I tried to record the sense of achievement and pleasure I had gained from the experience. My compression socks worked well and I had no signs of cramp.

So 2 hours in the sunshine and the best part of 1,900 feet run in less than 10 miles (even if it was on tarmac) with a classic 1 mile warm up/down through the fields meant I finished at peace with the world and completely relaxed, in only a way that us runners would understand.

The beauty of running for longer distances in the countryside is I’m less worried about pace, I can just stop, pause my watch, and take some video footage 🙂

P.S. My Fareham Crusaders hoody came yesterday …. My Club, my passion, my running 🙂

With 3 weeks to the South Downs Trail marathon, today was all about elevation. In the end the best part of 20 miles and 2,000 feet were the result. Portsdown Hill is not only close at hand but offers many different routes up and down, basically it’s a win – win, beneficial and beautiful.

Setting off early I passed Fareham creek via Bath Lane recreation ground and was soon running the lower slopes of the hill within 2 miles of leaving home. Paradise Lane is an old track that I imagine is seldom used, with it skirting a large field, that’s away from the main road, ideal !!  The peace of this track was then lost as I got back onto the main road, it gets steeper but it’s a fairly short route to Fort Nelson and the monument to ‘said’ hero.

Across from Nelson’s monument there’s a style and a good ‘metre wide’ track that runs across fields with various crops until you reach Portchester Lane that’s also close to Crooked Walk Lane. I ran up and down both of these testing climbs and was off towards Southwick Hill that backs onto Portsdown Hill (PH from now on !!) The fact that I had the company of numerous cyclists meant I knew I’d chosen the right location.

Once Southwick Hill was run and I’d said hello to Charlie Fuller, who was out cycling, it was down and up QA hill and across the top of PH then down towards Cosham and back up. The temperature which had been rising was luckily replaced with cloud and I could retrace my steps back towards Crooked Walk Lane. Crossing the fields and back to civilisation I was grateful that the cricket pavilion was open at Bath Lane, as I topped up my drink, “thanks to them”.

All in all I was in a ‘world of my own’ for well over 3 hours running up and down testing hills in the countryside. Hills are very similar to life in many ways, they are a challenge but can boost your confidence once tackled, bring on those SDW hills 🙂 Next week, reps up and down the best of today’s 7 hills, the 3/4’s of a mile and 270 feet elevation that is Portchester Lane

   

Today’s run was quite simply a pleasure. I decided to leave my garmin at home and just set off, no pace indicators, no stopwatch, no miles covered, not even really a plan of where I was going. Running in it’s simplest form equates to freedom, you step out the front door and off you go. Today I was “unplugged” and “stripped back” the only measure of my performance would be getting home in about an hour and a half.

The first couple of miles had a gradual 100 feet elevation (Gudge Heath Lane/ Highlands Road) and by the time another mile or so had passed I was leaving the Wickham road and heading across the tracks of farmer’s fields. The sun was shinning and as my girls would say I was “Loving Life”. The wide open fields and a slight breeze meant you could smell the lush green countryside and appreciate the space that you simply don’t get running along a pavement, with houses either side of a main road.

The next gradual incline towards Knowle village was alongside a hedge full of chirping birds, no doubt protesting at my very presence in their field. The crops to my right swayed in the breeze and could almost be mistaken for the sea and it’s tidal movements, a “sea of green” !! I crossed a road and joined the footpath towards the Bluebell woods which is a shaded area that I’ve seen deer in before now, none there today, had I frightened them off ??… “Oh deer” 🙂

Emerging onto Mayles Lane there are two descent hills and then you pass what would have been one of the old railway line station buildings, I do like the thought of running past some of the local history. Crossing the new railway line takes you onto the old track that used to head out up the Meon Valley. Today there were no steam trains just me puffing along. Under the motorway tunnel and I was onto a footpath that’s  parallel with the motorway and Henry Court school.

This track wind it’s way down to the bottom of Titchfield Hill and is quite uneven with bricks and stones that stick out at different angles, a technical section you could almost say. I ran the half mile hill on the grass verge so as to make it a bit more challenging and then all that remained were the couple of miles along The Avenue (again on the verge) back to Fareham. So as it turned out 11 miles of relaxing running in the sun, on a Bank Holiday Monday. I do appreciate how lucky we are to be fairly close to both the countryside and the coast 🙂 This is why Irunoffroad.

 Tuesday night, Butser Hill trig point !

Depending on who you ask, the answer to the question “How long should you rest up after a marathon” will vary, as with most things in life my motto is “If it feels right  – Just Do It.” So with Tuesday night being Fareham Crusaders main training night I decided to stretch my legs and get back into the groove. Cycling to work & back had certainly helped and apart from the dark clouds over head, I was looking forward to running.

After a busy weekend for the running club, Fareham Triathlon, Netley 10K, Bognor 10K and our marathon there was much to chat about. The group I chose ran around the Summer time trial, a largely off road route which by now had glorious evening sunshine.

Running and chatting with different club members is at the heart of a good club. We label ourselves as “All inclusive” and long may it last. I moved around the group and ran the later stages with my friend Nikki Smith who will be writing an article in our local newspaper, on the build up to, The Great South run. This also included the launch with none other than the current ladies marathon world record holder. She’s a great girl and I’m sure Paula is very nice too 🙂

I definitely made the right decision to run quite soon after my marathon and for “The day Nikki met Paula” just follow the link to her great Blog….. “Happy Running”

https://fitandnix.wordpress.com/2015/05/17/the-day-i-met-paula-radcliffe/

Today was a 10 mile taper run ready for the Arun River marathon next Saturday. Rod Nairn was fresh from completing the 3 Forts marathon last week and joined myself and Paul Coates for a largely steady run. We parked at the Sustainability centre and followed the South Downs Way country lanes across to Butser Hill, were we met Paula & Darryl, who were also adding extra miles before the 9am QE Park run. Darryl had run the 3 Forts marathon the week earlier too !!

I persuaded our growing band of runners to pose for a quick video blog, so as to take in the view from Butser, (the highest point on the South Downs). The wind was blowing at the top of the hill but by the time we reached the park run start line it had calmed down. More Crusaders gathered at the start so Jim, Paul & Gary are in the photo below. The 5K park run was very well organised so thanks and hats off to them. It’s a “scenic” course which is estate agent “speek” for hilly. Great to see Emma Beattie too, who was running with her dog, (4 legs must be an advantage up hills).

Our return back to the car meant 3.5 miles with “only” Butser Hill left as the  main obstacle. The second part of my video shows the “Hell”- evation that awaited us. We all gritted our teeth and gave it most of what we had left 🙂 The light rain that greeted us towards the summit was quite refreshing along with the satisfaction of not walking. All in all a perfect way to prepare for the upcoming marathon, running hills with friends 🙂