Quite A Partnership

We start off in bed, get up around 11.30am, run 16km together, and then end up back in bed afterwards. Quite a partnership and quite duathlon.

The run went really well, even if L did keep extending it and it was really nice weather for once, sunny for the first time in ages but still quite chilly with a light wind. Good running weather really.

Despite this inspiring run L is still hoping the weather turns colder and next week’s Four Villages Half Marathon gets iced off. 

Apparently our cottage in Kendal has been hit by the weather. It isn’t flooded but the roof is apparently leaking, hopefully nothing too serious. 

(Sunday 10^th January)

Jump Start Required

This morning we get up early and I manage to collar some poor camper still with sleep in his eyes to jump start our car. Once up and running we head to Keswick for the Parkrun. As we pass back into mobile reception it is confirmed that Derby lost 1-0 last night.

At the Parkrun they are also running a GoTri event which is Duathlon incorporating the 5km parkrun, a 13km road cycle ride and a 1km run around nearby Fitz Park.

I did offer to pack L’s bike but she declined, so it’s just the run she’s doing. There’s one other complication, it’s tipping it down. The start is at the former railway station which is now part of a hotel but the platform works well as cover from the rain for us hardy spectators. Who aren’t quite hardy enough to brave the rain.

Afterwards we go for a Full English in Keswick and then take in the Keswick Museum where there is a display on Wainwright.

Then it’s back to the tent for a shower and some chilling in the tent in the rain.

Later, we head down to the Sticklebarn for food and drink. The place is now National Trust owned which I think is a bit like being run by the local council. Consequently it stops serving food at 8pm and closes completely at 9pm despite being over half full. Everyone decamps back to their accommodation or to the other pubs. We head into the New Dungeon Ghyll next door for a night cap.

(Saturday 7^th November)

Still Limping Along

L gives me my birthday present early. Some new cycling shorts which I can now wear in today’s sportive. L doesn't make the start line but comes to support with the boys. Who weren’t going to get to come but now do. Again it’s bloody windy. What is it with the weather and my bike at the moment?

This is the Rutland CiCLE Tour Sportive and I’m doing 57 miles, there are two longer and one shorter options. We start from Normanton on the South Shore of Rutland Water, which is the other side to where the duathlon starts. We still end up parking at Sykes Lane though and I have to bike round. This turns out to be 2.4 miles and I’m knackered before I even start. L points out that this is a good warm up, that I skipped sex for. Not that I recall being offered any.

It takes me 1 hour 33 minutes to reach the one and only feed station at Owston. Shoot me now, as some folk would say. At least they have some decent snacks and real tea, L would approve. I stash some cheesy biscuits in my pocket for later, for the boys.

It’s a tough ride. As well as being windy, the course is hilly. Full of silly little hills that they appear to have gone out of their way to find. At least my new shorts are nice and snug.

I reach the finish, having done 57.58 miles in 3:44. Not exactly quick.

After we get back in the afternoon L heads over to Derby to visit her brother in hospital whilst I listen to the match. After a 4-4 draw with Huddersfield last week, this week’s game finishes 3-3 as free scoring and free conceding Derby draw again, this time at Millwall. Somehow they continue to limp towards the play offs.

I then head into Nottingham and meet L at Peacock for another night on the OP and the Northern Stout.

(Saturday 25^th April)