Isle of Wight Challenge & Training walks

This blog is long overdue.

On the 30th April a group of us "Team Ilson Glowsticks" participated in the Isle of Wight half Island Challenge. As you have seen from previous blogs we have done various training walks throughout 2015. These walks carried on in 2016 to make sure we were fully prepared.

24th January - Erewash Valley Trail 21km

Jo, Tricia, Rob, Jo, Danny, Sian, Me, Lauren. 

After all the different training walks this was the first one we managed to get all 8 Isle of Wight Challenge walkers together.

It was a simple 21km walk around a small part of the Erewash Valley Trail. We did the area around Ilkeston linking the West and East sections of the Trail. It just shows what you can achieve without having to travel too far. Check out your local walking routes and see what you can link up to turn a couple of 5/10km walks into a full day out exploring your local surroundings.

13th February - Kinder Scout

Ready for Isle of Wight I went to Kinder Scout with Lauren for a nice hill test walk. Fully kitted out for the conditions forecast we set off. The walk started in the rain, which turned to sun, followed by at least 3 good flurries of snow as we closed in on the top. By time we got back to the car it was the nicest part of the day and glorious sunshine.

Between the snow flurries and blustering winds attempting to blow our lunch away the views were spectacular. The walk wasn't all straightforward and you can easily see how people get lost up these places especially when the weather can change in seconds.

If you do go and attempt Kinder Scout or any major walk please make sure you're fully prepared. You've got the correct kit, supplies and training.

Map of our route with incline chart.

20th March - High Peak Trail 46km

This was our last big training walk and I made sure it was a little bit dull! The views, walk, company etc weren't dull but walking 23km along a trail then turning back and walking the same 23km back made it a little bit tedious. This was intentional as the Isle of Wight Challenge won't just be tough physically but mentally challenging too. This walk was the last chance to break the boredom barriers and get focused on the big task coming up. We set off from High Peak Junction and Cromford Canal walking to Parsley Hay and back.

A good walk 23k out and 23km back all on the High Peak Trail.

This wasn't our first time on the High Peak Trail as you will have seen in previous blogs. Last time we took on the climb to Middleton Top we didn't enjoy it. However this time after Kinder Scout and no snow around the walk up seemed a lot easier this time! Much to the joy of the little group on the walk.

Middleton Top

The views were brilliant as always along the High Peak Trail and I would recommend a walk along there no matter what time of year. The walk joins up with the Tissington Trail which we previously walk along at Halloween. On the Tissington Trail walk we turned back just before we joined with the High Peak Trail. This time we pushed on past the join to have a little rest at the Parsley Hay.

Once we had refuelled we set off on the return leg. We knew where we were going as we just retraced out steps along the trail. We had given ourselves plenty of time for the walk but with it being such a long walk and in a rural area we required our head-torches as we closed in on the finish. Again this gave us good preparation for isle of Wight Challenge as they would be required on the day. It proved a simple cheap head-torch provides a bit of light but maybe something a bit more powerful would be required along with our glowsticks.

The walk was eventually finished in the dark with all 5 of us feeling the effects of such a long walk. There were some major blisters which again allowed for good preparation as it highlighted suitability of footwear.

30th April - Isle of Wight Challenge 2016

The big day is here and we all made it down and across to the Island safely. There were lots of pre-walk nerves but all the training had taken place and I knew we could do it.

Sian, Jo, Jo, Danny, Lauren, Rob, Me, Tricia - Photo taken by Cliff!!!

We couldn't have asked for any better weather, the sun was out a gentle breeze coming off the sea and smiles all around. The route was the reverse of the route I did a couple of years ago. We set off from Chale walking West towards the Needles, then back East to Cowes. 

As with previous Action Challenge events I've done this event was really well organised, signed and supported. We all had different reasons for doing the event, personal goals, in memory of loved and lost family members, charity, health, fitness, the list goes on. Between the group we were supporting Cancer Research UK, Crohn's & Colitis UK and Miscarriage Association.

Since the event I've set up a team page on JustGiving so you can support all team members really easily - Ilson Glowsticks

We've raised a lot of money for the great charities and hopefully we can keep the donations coming.

The event went as close to perfect as possible. There were ups and downs along the way, tears, stress, doubt, but the was all cancelled out by laughter, joy, food, views, jokes, conversation, friends, and most of all crossing the finish line like we started as a team of 8!

At that point more tears followed, maybe because it was over, we could rest, or maybe because the jokes ended!!! Those on the walk understand why I focus on the jokes.

A massive well done to everybody who took part, it nearly broke us but we did it and you should be very proud of yourselves and each other. A big thank you to our "support crew" with Mum aka Fitness Mum, Seacombe family, Maron Family, and Bradshaws. It was nice seeing you along the way for a little boost and encouragement. Finally a thanks to everybody who has already donated and to those who donate after reading this.

JustGiving Page - Ilson Glowsticks.

Bring on the next challenge.

Ilkeston/Kirk Hallam Walk - 5th December

With light being an issue in December but we still wanted to get another walk in to keep us gooing we did a local walk. We aimed to link a few local walks into one with a little stop off at Hollies Farm for snacks on a cold day. It was a combination of the Hermits Walk - Erewash Route 1 and Millers Walk - Erewash Route 8.

Setting off from home we walked to Kirk Hallam and Pioneer Meadows. At this point we followed the Hermits Walk following the fields across to Furnace Pond and onto Dale Road. From here it's a short walk to Hermits Wood and Dale Abbey.

From here we switched to Millers Walk and crossed the fields to reach the A6096 and Hollies Farm. After a little stop for some nice home made warm food we set off again over the fields we've walked before to Lower Hagg Farm, Upper Hagg Farm and eventually to Cat and Fiddle Road. Once back down across the A6096 we rejoined Hermits walk near Ladywood Farm and it wasn't long until we were back in Kirk Hallam.

Now we just walked back into Ilkeston and to the finish. To say it was a nice little local walk, combining two different routes we still covered just under 16km/10 miles.

Please visit the Erewash walking page and see all the different routes in the area - Erewash Walks.

We've covered parts of this walk on a few occasions now as you will see on previous blogs but at no point do the routes become dull. They all look totally different as the seasons change and are well worth trying. I'm looking forward to doing smaller local walks again once Isle of Wight Challenge 2016 has been completed.

Carsington and Middleton Top Walk

On the 21st Novemeber we did out next training walk for isle of Wight Challenge 2016. We took ourselves off to Carsington Water to do a bigger walk I found - Map.

This walk is 21km so shorter than last month however it included a big climb up to Middleton Top and a nice descent back into Carsington. The morning on the walk we woke up to a nice little covering of snow. It had been forecast but we didn't think it would actually arrive. But in Ilkeston it was just a little covering, nothing major.

So we set off to Carsington and soon realised that short distance into Derbyshire the snow had been falling a little bit heavier.

Carsington Water

We set off on the walk from the Carsinton Water visitor centre where we've done previous walks from. The route took us 3/4 of the way around the reservoir before we left the path. At this point it was a nice climb over a couple of fields in ankle deep snow. You work you way towards Wirksworth with some really good views. 

From here you make your way towards the National Snow Centre near Cromford. At this point it's once again up hill to join the High Peak Trail. We had already had a few inclines along the walk but this was a main one! The climb to Middleton Top.

Middleton Incline!

Middleton Top Visitor Centre.

Once at the top it was a great feeling knowing we had done the biggest hill on the walk and something we wouldn't have to do on the Isle of Wight Challenge. The cold winds and snow made it a nice challenge and we all dug in deep to get through it. From here we walked along the High Peak Trail with another couple of inclines towards Hopton. This is when we left the trail and headed across a deep snow covered field (Carsington Pasture). 

Ilson Glowsticks in Trainingwith Carsington Water behind us.

Once over these fields it was a "simple" little descent back into Carsinton for a bite to eat and 3km walk back to the car.

Please notice the "simple"!!!

This little descent was far from simple, it was great fun in my eyes but others in the group took a few slips and stumbles as it was very steep and slippery with the melting snow on the grass.

The walk was really good and easy to follow, it was a really nice addition to the usual Carsington Water loop. I would definately recomend this walk if you're capable of walking 20+km and can cope with some good hills. I can't wait to go back in Summer and do the walk again to see how different it looks without all the snow.

Again some hard work went into the walk and people deserve sponsoring.

Lauren - Cancer Research UK

Danny - Crohn's and Colitis UK

Moorgreen Duathlon

Last Sunday (16th October) I took part in my first ever Duathlon, this is an event which has three parts. A run, followed by a cycle, then a final run. The Moorgreen Duathlon classes as a Sprint event as it's a 4km run, 14km ride, 2km run.

After finishing the London to Brighton ride a few weeks earlier I was confident I would manage the ride easily enough without making the run too difficult to finish. The main worry was the transition zone as I haven't done an event like this before. All the way on the first leg of the run I was telling myself "helmet on first then sort out footwear and bike" and to be fair once I finished the run the transition wasn't anything as bad I as I expected, saying that I was still slow at the change over!

Out of Transition No1 time to cycle.

Out on the bike course I soon realised Moorgreen area really isn't flat but at the same time it's nice to cycle around. The cycling route wasn't anything special but did the job for the event. Once back at the transition area it was time for my second set of instructions in my head "put your bike away befoire you take off your helmet", I wasn't the only one like this as I did hear one of the staff telling a bloke he didn't need to run in his helmet and he could take it off if he wanted too, I think he was that focused on racking his bike and running he forgot he had it on.

Back into transition and time for the final section.

The last run now was only 2km which shouldn't be too difficult but I've never ran, cycled then got off a bike and ran again. My legs felt very strange! I had been warned of this by a few people and it really is an odd sensation the first time you do it. The second run took me longer than I wanted but over all I finished in just over an hour and placed 51st out of 115+ people.

Overall I was a little disappointed but it's given me a taste for Duathlons and I will be doing more in the future and hopefully I will see my times slowly decreasing event by event.

Finished!

It wasn't only my first Duathlon but Danny ran/cycled his too. He did the shorted event which was a 2km run, 7km ride and 1km run. This was an amazing achievement to do this seeing as the previous day he took part in the Men's Health Survival of the Fittest which I've ran in the previous 3 years. 

He's doing all these events for his own personal health and fitness benefit but at the same time to raise some money for Crohn's and Colitis UK - www.justgiving.com/Daniel-Brooks3

Bring on the next challenge and event!

London to Brighton and back!

On the 26th and 27th September me and Rob had been daft enough to sign up to cycle the London to Brighton Challenge, there and back!

We originally looked at doing London to Brighton but the offer for the there and back ride was too tempting to say no too, or so we thought at the time. The ride was a total of 120 miles or 200km setting off from Smithfield Market in Central London all the way South until we hit the coast at Brighton, before cycling all the way back again.

Pre ride happy photo.

Before we set off it was time for a few photos, last bike check, some food, hydration and a little panic about what we had signed up too. At about 11pm we set off and it had to be said cycling out of London around midnight really wasn't simple, I thought the traffic would have died down slightly but it really hadn't. The roads weren't the best and I was one of many who had a light on pop out of it's holder and onto the road, thankfully everybody on the ride was really friendly and helpful and they all had their lights returned. The first rest stop was at 17km so not far but it was just out of London and a good point to meet back up with Rob and then time to set off again.

Once out of London the temperature really dropped cold but the roads improved and it was nice to be away from traffic lights. The next aim was Tulleys Farm which was around the half way point to Brighton (57km roughly). By this point we were both feeling confident about the ride and we became very happy once we got into the tent and saw the food they had put on for the riders. It was time to get some carbs in the system to help keep us going on the ride over night. Once we had used the facilities available it was back on our bikes and off to the next rest point.

Oakmeeds Community College was the next stop off point around 80km and it was really cold by now. I had to warm up in front of one of the heaters in the sports hall, after about 10 minutes I could feel my toes again and my socks had warmed up nicely to put back on. After warming up, refilling our water bottles and a handful of sweets to keep us awake we set off once more, next stop Brighton.

Well Brighton is the next stop but first we've got to get up and over the Ditchling Beecon. We have both cycled some nice hills around Belper and surrounding areas in preparation knowing they weren't anything like Ditchling but still some good hills. All I can say is I'm so glad we cycled up there in the dark so you couldn't make out the gradient. At first it wasn't as bad as I was expecting but it soon became a relentless uphill challenge. I could hear one of the guides encouraging a woman behind me and telling her "the more you cycle the less you need to walk." it made me laugh but also helped me keep focus. This was my challenge within the challenge, don't walk at any point on the up hills. I have read other blogs and it gets mentioned so often that this is the point to walk. I refused to do that and powered on to the top! BOOM I had done it!!! Ditchling Beacon conquered, happy days.

The video below is taken from YouTube to show what it's like the cycle up there. There was no point using my GoPro as in the pitch black it would have recorded nothing.

From here we were informed it was downhill all the way to Brighton, well in a car it may seem that was but it really wasn't. We eventually made it to Brighton as the last few people were leaving some of the bars and had some original heckling of "look it's the Tour de France.". It was nice to eventually make it to the Brighton rest stop and go to the toilet, get some food and drink. It was however depressing watching people get their medals for cycling to Brighton knowing we had to return to London to get ours.

When we set off the sun was just coming up but it really didn't warm us up. The trip back to the top of Ditchling Beacon was a long long gradual incline but once at the top the views were amazing. I did get a photo but there was some sweat on my phone so it looks a bit blurred - Instagram.

Now after cycling up the Beacon it never crossed my mind how fast it was going to be to cycle back down it. According to Robs Garmin we hit 39mph and that was while breaking most of the way down it. All there was to do now was cycle back to London and finish! This was only a matter of another 80km to get there. By this point it was the longest bike ride me and Rob had ever done and there was a long way left to go. Each rest stop seemed to be absolutely miles away and the small hills on the way seemed like mountains now. 

As the minutes and then hours past we got closer and closer to London. First passing Gatwick Airport which passed a few minutes watching the departures fly over head, then it was the first time I've ever been happy to see the M25 as it meant we were one step closer. Once past the M25 we had less than 30km left to cycle. That last 30km took us over 2 hours as our legs were spent, traffic was building up and traffic lights took away any momentum. 

Our route including elevation.

Eventually at 2:30pm we finished!!! I could hardly keep my eyes open and walking felt odd but who cared it was over! Time to go back to the hotel have a well needed shower and sleep. 

DONE!!!

So you may ask why we did this, well two reasons:- something big to aim for on a personal level for us both to work on our own fitness, push ourselves and see what we could do. Secondly to help raise money for Cancer Research UK.

My JustGiving page is - www.justgiving.com/adamfretwellpt

Robs page is - www.justgiving.com/Rob-Marron

Please visit and donate to either page.

Bring on 2016 and maybe the Leeds to Manchester ride with another client for a challenge.

Thanks

Adam

September LONG WALK!!! Erewash Valley Trail

So the aim for September was a 30km walk so we can build up 5km per month ready for the Isle of Wight Challenge next year. We were going to cover a large section of the Erewash Valley Trail including the section on the previous walk - Trent Lock Long Walk.

We had mapped out a route that was almost bang on the 30km mark so we knew it was a good route to do. The bad thing was this was planned in August and my memory is shocking and I forgot which point we joined the Canal path. Basically we went wrong at the top on my street as I keep getting reminded of nearly a month later.

The walk ended up being 40.5km so a huge 10.5km longer than planned. However everybody on the walk is doing next years Isle of Wight challenge and the distance has to keep getting bigger. We all had sufficient food and hydration with us and managed it.

Our 40.5km walk

Now the walk is over everybody is looking back on it and feeling a massive sense of achievement and pride that they did it. I actually really enjoyed the walk and loved the views, the banter and being out exercising for the majority of the day. 

The walk covered a few sections of previous walks on the Nottingham Canal (Trowell Garden Centre) and the Trent Lock walk at the end. However my addition to the walk added going past Bennerly Viaduct and Winston the windmill which explains the 10km extra as we shouldn't have joined at that point. Once past Trowell Garden Centre we walked towards and in Bramcote Hills Park, this provided our first little rest stop and time for a coffee for one walker. The next section of the walk really isn't the nicest. It's off the paths and just walking along pavements over the new Tram line until you get to Attenborough. Here we had our main rest stop on the picnic tables at the visitor centre. We didn't stop too long as it was a cool windy day as we didn't want to start to stiffen up. Once out of the Nature reserve it's along side the River Trent until you get to Trent Lock.

Along the River Trent.

On the River Trent.

Trent Lock provided our next little stop and time for a well needed ice cream as it was at this point the walk had clocked up just under 30km so we should be home, however we still had 12.5km left to walk. 

This was the hardest part of the walk, but also the most important section. Everybody was starting to feel tired and their legs were aching. However we just kept going! The locks on the return leg were vital as they let us set mini targets, rest at a lock, walk past a lock, rest at a lock etc. From walking this section on the previous walk it meant we knew we could do it and we knew how far sections were. It wasn't long until we could see the M1 so knew Ilkeston was coming. By time we left the Canal back in Ilkeston at Nottingham Road it was dropping dark and I was lucky not to have been pushed into the canal.

We might have only been 2km from home but a quick stop in the garage for water to keep our hydration levels up all the way to the end was needed. Once we got back it was time to sit and chill! After walking 40.5km (25 miles) setting off just after 10am and returning in the dark it was reflection time. Some people had been worrying about next years IoW challenge but this proved to them it is and will be possible. 

Danny is doing the IoW challenge for Crohn's and Colitis UK - www.justgiving.com/Daniel-Brooks3

Lauren is doing it for Cancer Research UK - www.justgiving.com/Lauren-Roper2015

Joanne is also doing it for Cancer Research UK - www.justgiving.com/Joanne-Seacombe2

Sian is doing it for Miscarriage Association  - www.justgiving.com/Sian-Pickering

For the fact I pushed them to walk so far and they didn't push me into one of the canals please visit their JustGiving pages read their individual stories and make a donation. 

Not only are these walks improving our lives physically with exercise but the social and psychological benefits from walking and exercise are amazing too. But we are all doing this not only to improve our lives but the lives of other people too by raising money for some very good charities. 

Exercise can improve lives, not only yours but as we are proving the lives of others too.

September Short Walk

On 5th September it was the short walk around Shipley Park and Wood. I had a bit extra time before the walk so I parked up at Shipley Cricket Club and walked over the meet everybody in the main visitor centre car park. There wasn't any aim for the walk other than to visit Nutbrook Coffee Shop again. As you will have read in previous blogs it's rather nice there and if you can combine a nice walk and a nice green tea it's a winning combo. Once again with the short walks it was suitable for everybody and we welcomed the 3rd new addition to the fitness family thanks to the 3rd and final post-natal client return.

A nice refuel at Nutbrook Coffee Shop.

All of the paths around there are suitable for all people and abilities, the views are great and you now have multiple different options for a little snack or warm drink on a cold winters day:- Nutbrook Coffee Shop, Shipley Visitor Centre and The Lodge.

Looking back over the last couple of years we've been on the Nutbrook Trail, around the old American Adventure site and Shipley Wood/Park loads. There is a reason for this, the walks are simple and easy to follow, you can walk for as long or as little as you like and the views are always really good no matter what time of year you're walking.

Trent Lock - Long walk

On the 9th August it was time to stretch the legs out on a longer walk and the next one in the training for Isle of Wight Challenge 2016.

The route wasn't anything special it was all about getting some miles in our footwear, so it was a there and back walk. Starting off from mine to Trent Lock on the Erewash Canal. The views on the walk are lovely as always especially on a nice sunny summers day as the photos below show.

The walk totalled 25km or 15.5 miles if you work in old money. The isle of Wight Challenge is 54km so this was our first test on a longer walk. In the end it didn't matter it was a there and back route as we all enjoyed the views, chatting to each other and the fact we were outside exercising and socialising. 

I'm walking the IoW Challenge for Cancer Research UK again next year, my JustGiving page link is below.

www.justgiving.com/adamfretwellpt

Bring on the next long walk taking in a large section of the Erewash Valley Trail in September.

Trowell Garden Centre Walk

On 1st August I found a nice short walk suitable for all abilities as it was time to return to exercise for 2 of my Post-natal clients. We've done the Nutbrook Trail multiple times as you've seen from previous blogs:- Nutbrook Coffee Shop, 2nd Visit to Nutbrook Coffee Shop, Shipley Walk, and Fair Walk. So it was time to find a different route and use the Nottingham Canal. Our meeting point was Cossall Road car park walking towards Trowell Garden Centre and The Digg Cafe.

The walk was around 3km from the car park to the Garden Centre and was a simple route for pushchairs apart from a slight bumpy field. Once there the cafe was lovely and the food was really nice. A light snack and time for the two newest fitness family members to get a change of nappy and nap. It was time to set off back to the cars but not before a little projectile vomiting incident. It didn't take too long to get back over the bumpy field and back under the M1. From there it was a nice flat walk back along the disused canal path back to the cars.

Some people talk about Ilkeston as a bit of a dump but it has to be said it only takes a few minutes and you have some really nice walks along the tracks and trails all with really great views packed with wildlife.

Second Nutbrook Coffee Shop Walk

Saturday 25th July A nice group of us gathered at Nutbrook Cricket Club for a little walk to the Nutbrook Coffee Shop. At the start of July we visited there on the longer walk - Nutbrook Coffee Shop Walk.

This shorter walk was suitable for more clients this time. It was a reasonable distance for one client coming back from a broken foot (thanks to a dog toy & stairs, nothing to do with my training) and another after having her baby. The whole route from Nutbrook CC to Nutbrook CS is almost 100% smooth path with no stiles or gates in the way for a pushchair. The Nutbrook Trail really is very useful for an active life, perfect space for walking, jogging, cycling, getting fresh air with the kids as there are numerous parks and green spaces along it to explore. Once again for the walks the weather was spot on, the sun was out and a little bit of shade along the route. 

We got to the tea rooms in just under an hour, walking at a nice steady pace looking at the wildlife along the way. 

Thankfully we weren't on circular walk 6 today as the cows owned the field now.

Once again the staff at the tearooms were really friendly and the food and drinks went down a treat. I am slowly working my way through their Green Tea selection, it's three different ones I've tried there now. Twinings Cherry Bakewell, Gingerbread and Caramelised Apple. All of them are really nice and I need to add them to my green tea selection at home.

Plotting how to set up their own tea rooms.

Feeling all broody.

It was a nice little walk taking about 2 hours 30 minutes including drink stop, around 6km long. I would recommend a visit to the Nutbrook Coffee Stop if you're walking there from Ilkeston or Shipley. A relaly nice friendly atmosphere and over the Summer Holidays I'm sure they're open everyday, just double check their Facebook before you visit - Nutbrook Coffee Shop.

Enjoy your exercise over the School holidays.

Nutbrook Coffee Shop Walk

Recently a new coffee shop opened up right where we've been needing one on the Nutbrook Trail, it's name should be easy to remember for people seeing as it's called Nutbrook Coffee Shop.

This month I'm doing two walks as I wanted to drop in a longer walk and a shorter one too so people of all abilities can join in. The first walk was the longer walk covering 19km (11.8 miles)

The route took us from the Beauty Spot on the Nutbrook Trail all the way to Shipley Wood and Park, around the old American Adventure site and to the Nutbook Coffee Shop. It's only been open a few weeks but it looks fantastic and fit's right in with the surrounding area. I treated myself to a Gingerbread Green Tea, others in the group tried out some of their other items (cakes) but I was being well behaved. Everybody on the walk really enjoyed their food, drinks and the service while watching a bunch of dogs that some other walkers had with them. The coffee shop was nice and busy and is currently looking at expanding it's opening hours over Summer. The prices are also really reasonable and I need to have a walk back to buy some eggs from the chickens they have. Keep looking on their Facebook for details.

A nice selection of Jams

On the walk back we took a different path which is one of the old railway lines which took us directly to Nutbrook CC. On the lovely sunny day they were hosting a T20 tournament with matches between Nutbrook, Spondon, Elvaston and Duffield. We managed to catch a few overs of the Elvaston v Duffield match and saw a flurry of wickets as they looked to put some runs on the board. It was good to see people down there enjoying the fresh air, BBQ and cricket.

From here we set off to Swan Lake and back to the trail, going back up the golf course and home for me.

We've covered a lot of the walk on previous walks, as the Nutbrook Trail is so handy to get on and enjoy some exercise and fresh air. Please look back at some older blogs and see different links of points of interest and walks around Ilkeston and Erewash.

The next walk will visit the Coffee Shop again but setting off from Nutbrook CC so will be a flatter shorter walk of around 6 to 7km so suitable for all abilities, children and pushchairs. 

Color Obstacle Rush

Team IlsonGlowsticks love a random run, something a bit different to a 5/10/half marathon event. We've done a few mud runs :- Mens Health Challenge, Water Wipeout etc.

Paint Runs :- Color Run and Blacklight Run.

Also a Santa Dash.

Now it's time to combine a few events into one with the Color Obstacle Rush a nice mixture of paint, foam, 5km running and obstacles. The event we ran was at Uttoxeter Race course but there are others around the country, check out their website for more details. 

We had a team of 7 all looking to have a blast. I did take the GoPro with me to this event so check out my videos of the event on YouTube - Color Obstacle Rush Playlist.

But here's a little clip of what to expect.........

It took us about an hour to do the event because we ended up trying different moves in the paint stations from paint swimming, to crab walks, making snow angels and just having massive paint fights with each other.

I won't give the obstacles away, you need to watch the videos to see them but here are a few photos to see the before and after look for us.

Ilson Glowsticks before the paint.

After the run, now a nice mixture of colours.

JustGiving Pages - Adam Fretwell PT for Cancer Research UK

Rob JustGiving Page for Cancer Research UK

Danny JustGiving Page for Crohn's & Colitis

Jo JustGiving Page for Get Kids Going

Derby Ramathon

After finishing last years Nottingham Half marathon and actually sort of enjoying it I wanted to find another one this year. At first I saw the Sporting Futures Derby Half but it's the same weekend in September as I'm cycling London to Brighton. I then found the Ramathon and it fitted perfectly into my schedule. Also being from Ilkeston having a Derby postcode and a Nottingham phone number it felt right to do a Derby half to match with the Nottingham run.

The race starts and finished from Pride Park (iPro Stadium) like the Derby 10k but that's about the only similarity in the route. The 10k going into the City centre and around the Cathedral Quarter, where the Ramathon went out to Alvaston, Shardlow, Thulston, Elvaston and back to Pride Park. 

Derby 10k route 2015

Ramathon route 2015

The route was really flat with just a few undulations, the sun was out and I was sweating as always. One of my clients was running it and her partner from Beeston Cycling Club was there taking photos. Thanks to his massive camera and bright cycling helmet I could spot him and put on a smile for his photos, or laugh at times because it felt like I was playing "Where's Wally?" looking for him to pop up and take a photo.

2km into the race, a proper smile.

About 12km, laughing at spotting him again.

About 18km, a slightly forced smile/laugh, just let me finish now.

I had never realised how big or nice the park was behind the Pride Park complex, it seemed to go on for a lot longer than the 2/3km we ran in it. Once the iPro Stadium was back in view it was nice, the finish was almost here. I knew I was slightly up on my time from last Septembers Nottingham Half Marathon but I wasn't 100% sure how much. As I turned the penultimate corner a brass band were playing some tunes and I could see about 5 people in front of me and thought game on let's see how many I can overtake. Some how there was a huge sprint finish left in my system and boom overtook all of them. Once I crossed the line I couldn't wait to get a bottle of water, a banana, the medal and some sleep!

My PB for a half marathon at this point was 1 hour 49 minutes and 31 seconds, on this day in Derby I ran in 1 hour 45 minutes 44 seconds, smashing a huge 3 minutes and 47 seconds off my PB. Time to have a big stretch and chill for the rest of the day now.

For more photos please look at my Instagram account.

Another great run done supporting Cancer Research UK too - JustGiving.

Hollies Farm Double Walk

On the 23rd May I organised a walk from Hollies Farm Cafe, well actually two walks.

I wanted to accommodate clients of all abilities and those who are/were pregnant. So I planned a couple for walks both around 6km in length with a little bite to eat between the walks.

The first walk took us down towards Hermits Cave and Dale Abbey.

Walk 1

We did have some fun in the woods as there are some steep steps and they weren't suitable for all walkers so after a little jog around the edge of the wood I met up with some of the group who took the longer but flatter route around. We then all met up at Hermits Cave for a group photo before walking towards The Carpenters Arms for a quick drink and toilet stop before walking back around to Hollies for our food stop and the end of the walk for a few people.

Hermits Cave

After some lovely food as always, we set back out the other direction from the tea rooms and looped around to Cat & Fiddle Windmill. 

Walk 2

We've been on most of the paths/trails before in other walks - Miller's Walk and Hermits Walk but it was nice to cover them in two smaller walks so all ages and abilities could enjoy the lovely views. Don't forget to look at the walks in Erewash on their website - Erewash Walks.

Just watch out for cute lambs, horses and cows on your travels....