SportsShoes Blog

It’s awful isn’t it….

I think I have Seasonaly Affected Disorder (SAD) or something. Everytime I venture out it’s dark, cold, wet or all three.

Last Thursday we did a hard and fast 9 mile blast round Eldwick, Baildon and Saltaire, Friday I went to work on the bike then Saturday I did a man v bike race on my singlespeed Kona. Boy that was a toughie - I reckon I carried it more than I rode it round the 6 mile course - quite a laugh to look back on but at the time I remember thinking “what am I doing!!”

Saturday night I was at a big party for some friends of mine who were turning 40 so Sunday was an easy day - me and my son went down to Myrtle park on our bikes to watch Rob Jebb win yet another cyclo-cross race (even though he was at the same party as me!!) - he makes it all look so easy.

Monday I cycled to work again then Tuesday night did 6 x 2min 40 second laps with a 1.5 min recovery jog on the field. Very cold - I had frost on my Buff when I’d finished (& you don’t want that let me tell you).

Going out tonight for a 50 min spin while my youngest plays footie — don’t feel like at the min but once I get my iPod cranked up and get out there I’m sure I’ll be fine.

No big races to look forward to yet - probably going to be next year now before anything exciting on that front.

Talking of next year, me and the boys are planning our races and trips so once they’re sorted I’ll let you know what I intend to do…

Had a rest on Wednesday then went out with the fast boys from the Bingley Harriers on Thursday night who were up for a session.

Managed 40 mins then had to let them go - the pace was just too hot for me. So me and another chap trotted back at our own pace. 

I seem to be really struggling on the hills at the minute and don’t know why. I’m wondering if it’s just  that the season is starting to catch up with me a little. I’m at the point where I don’t know if I need to train harder or have a few weeks off. Trouble is I’ve got that many races planned that I can’t fit in a rest period so I guess it’ll have to be the harder training option!!!

After the humiliation of being dropped on Thursday night I went out Friday for a quick 35 mins up the local hill and felt reasonable - song of the session - Wig Wam Bam by The Sweet - now don’t laugh (well ok you can if you like) but if you manage to ignore the cheesy lyrics and can pretend you never did the ridiculous dance it’s actually a cracking song.

Saturday I eventually managed to crack out the road bike - did 20 miles at 17.5 mph average which is about my usual pace - Hannah will probably chuckle at this and call me chicken legs but I don’t think it’s that bad for an occasional cyclist on the hills riding solo. I enjoyed the ride and decided I need to do more of this to compliment my running and in prep for the 3 Peaks Cyclo Cross in September.

Now sat here considering going up to do Sedbergh Hills Fell race tomorrow - 14 miles 6000 ft - It’s either that or a walk round Kettlewell Scarecrow festival…….I’ll let you know if you tune in tomorrow.

Well I guess you can tell it’s summer as the rain is slightly warmer!!!

Did an 1 hour 15 on the hills Saturday and felt quite good if not a little damp. The new pod phones (standard ipod) aren’t as good as my old Sonys - they were blowing out in the wind!!) Tune of the session - Whole Lotta Rosie - AC/DC - I would say the best heavy rock song ever written….

Sunday - went to Dalby Forest with my son - he’s not ridden a trail centre yet so we set off on the blue route but quickly realised this was too tame so split off on the red route. He loved every meter of it and can’t wait to get back to tackle some more. If you like riding MTBs and have never been to Dalby, do yourself a favour and take a trip east - you will not be dissappointed.

Monday - just a couple of walks out with the dog but no running - it’s amazing how much more you see when you walk.

Tuesday - a quick hour on the hills tonight and guess what, it rained - lots. Looked like a drowned rat when I got back but at least it was warm rain. iPod song of the session - Ramble On - Led Zeppelin.

Looking ahead - here’s what’s coming up :-

early Sept - Ben Nevis Fell Race

late Sept - 3 Peaks Cyclo Cross (this is going to hurt this year as I’ve hardly touched the bike…)

early Oct - Langdale Fell race

late Oct - OMM (Original Mountain Marathon) 2 day orienteering race carrying full kit - they’ve just announced the location as Borrowdale in the Lake district - NICE!!

Soon be Christmas……………