It's a dogs life..

I'm really enjoying being lazy in Autumn.. don't get me wrong.. I'm training but I'm doing what I want to do rather than what I 'have' to do on the other 9 months of the year.. Fantastic running in the Dales and Lakes at this time of year, colours are incredible and just being out there is great.. but inevitably.. I've already started thinking about next year..

The topic of Ironman came up again, I had swore that I wouldn't but I'm tempted. I checked the websites and made sure that my credit card was well hidden beforehand.. the usual argument started in my head.. "it's nearly full.. you'd better enter.." "But I don't want to do it, why would I enter..?" Because it's nearly full stupid..! Get your card.."

I managed to restrain myself.. but Bolton is no yet open and that's home roads..

I did toy with the thought of doing another marathon but I don't know if I can take the mileage! I've only done one which followed yet another 'spur of the credit card moment' booking a trip to chicago a few years ago.. as that was my only real marathon then the 2 hours 36 minutes clocking stands as my pb.. perhaps time to knock that down a bit but I'd need to pick a nice trip..

A friend of mine did 5 marathons this year for charity, he ran Barcelona, London, San Fransisco, Berlin and this weekend runs NY to finish the adventure.. what a great year which has seen his pb tumble from 4:50 ish to 3:40 ish.. now that's improvement, take a look: http://www.fivemarathons.com/

For now myself and Sadie the 105 year old wonder dog are happy with another coffee.. the radiator is on and it's raining outsite.. let's crack open the hob nobs and go wild..

Here endeth theenduranceblog..

Cream Crackered..

Great weekend in Yorkshire Dales, Saturday was a long run over Whernside and Ingleborough and Sunday a horrendous ride for 4 hours in rain and wind.. on my return I had to sit in the base of the shower for 20 minutes as I really couldn't face standing.. The weather was a bit rough to say the least but when the rain did cease the autumn colours made it all worth while and my thoughts turned inevitably to Basecamps..

In recent years we have encountered a few 'adventures' during Basecamp weekends, mainly involving big hills, snow drifts (and snowball fights), tough routes, long days and all generally followed by large amounts of food.. Things which particularly stick in my mind are Brian Mullan (Man Tri) setting the all comers record for 3 jacobs crackers which still stands today at 1 minute and 13 seconds.. I have to say, the video footage is hilarious.. pure concentration..

Perhaps the best thing about Basecamp is the cameraderie and the social phenomenon which occurs when a group of triathletes descend on Ambleside with 3 specific goals: 1) to train hard 2) to experience great countryside 3) to eat, drink and be merry.. I think that those 3 things combine to make the best weekend you could possibly ever experience.. at least in my mind they do.. but i'm biased

See you at Basecamp

Here endeth theenduranceblog..

Winter is approaching..

Is it me or has it suddenly got bloody cold! I'd like to think that my body fat is slightly lowered leading to less insulation but I feel that's unlikely and perhaps the temperature has dropped a few notches.. doesn't help when the boiler breaks down! So.. training for winter.. what to do.. well I'm just back into running and cycling after my argument with a bridleway and already looking forwards to a few winter rides in'th lakes and dales not to mention the lancashire countryside.

Digging into the back bedroom boxes, trying to find mudguards, overshoes.. (found one so far, other must be down back of the shelving), lights.. batteries not great in back one.. not surprising, it's accidentally been flashing since March.. goretex socks which seem to have stretched beyond belief since waching them on hot temperature now don't fit unless I've been on a plane for 43 days.. I'll hang 'em on the fire place at christmas, I could fit 4 tangerines and a bag of wallnuts in them easily..

I found my essential mittens.. gloves are useless, the cold air gets between your fingers but mittens are great. Only problem is I can't pull my brakes.. but my hands are warm when I ride into walls and other obstructions put in my way..

The trusty fixed wheel which it's various creaks and squeeks which somehow appear harmonised has been removed from the shed and once again Sundays will revolve around cafes, coffee and whatever cake is on offer.. see you out there!

Here endeth theenduranceblog