Last run of the year, so better make it a good'un!

Hello lovely running folk!

Well... as some of you will know, I have been contemplating upping the distance and going for my first HM in March. Possibly. So - I decided that attempting my first HM distance to see out the old year would be a completely stupid idea, so opted for a hilly run up to Lyme Park and back instead, given that hill training has got to be a good thing, right? (Had you worried there didn't I Sadie-runs )

All I can say is that it was bloomin' hard after the Christmas indulgances, but I did it, albeit with a couple of tiny moments of catching my breath. 9.1k in total, at 6:57/km.

I got slightly freaked out when I reached Higher Poynton on the canal and turned off, when I saw a load of race marhsals in hi-vis jackets. It turns out I was unwittingly in the middle of the Bowstones Fell Race, though I arrived after most of the runners, and was off the route before the leaders returned. But good grief, the hills! I was sure this time round I wouldn't need to stop, but I just had to, I felt like my lungs were going to explode. Still, I didn't stop for long, and I recovered pretty quickly, although my pace dropped a bit. I wasn't worrying about pace today though, it was just for the fun of it, which is why, for some obscure reason, I decided running up a near-vertical hill would be fun lol

Here's to a happy new year for everyone, see you on the other side!

[DebJogsOn]

Happy New Year Neil - and wow good luck with the HM training!

Not sure that I'll ever be convinced that 'hills and 'fun' can ever actually work together in the same sentence 😂.

[Hidden in reply to DebJogsOn]

Thank you Deb! Still not convinced about the HM, but I'm one of those people that likes to be 100% sure of the outcome before committing to something, so I'll probably never be convinced! I suspect I'll probably just go for it.

Your run streak has not gone unnoticed btw, well done you!

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

Good grief Neil! Well done for surviving those hills and having a great run. 💪You’ve done amazingly well this year, and I have no doubt that 2019 has at least one HM in store for you. 🏃🏃🏃

I’ll be doing the double at our 2 local parkruns tomorrow after a few G&Ts tonight. Hmmm! 🤔 🎉🏃‍♀️😅

[Hidden in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thanks cheeky! To be honest, it did feel a bit like surviving it, the climb up to Lyme Park from the canal is really punishing. You can see from my Strava stats km 4 is the slowest, but also with 53m of climb! Enjoy the parkruns

[Deals1 Graduate10]

Sounds like a great end of the year run!!

Pleased u didn't get stuck in the race!

I'm procrastinating at the mo... Debating going out this afternoon... Making the most of daylight before back at work!

Happy new year and happy running

[Hidden in reply to Deals1]

Yes, it feels like a great run, now that I've had a few cups of tea, the last of the mince pies, and a hot shower To be honest, when I saw there was a race on I nearly chickened out and picked a different route, but fortunately I only met one or two runners from that, so it was fine in the end.

Happy new year to you as well. I have work to look forward to on the 2nd!

[Deals1 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

I've just had a hot bath after 9.5k.... I just set off and kinda went with flow! I would never of that possible this time last year. Now to get ready for tonight 🎉 enjoy

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10]

I wish you all all the best Neil regarding your training for that HM in March, even if you decide not to run it there are plenty of shorter runs you can compete in, have a great New Year's Eve and fantastic runs in 2019. 😊 🏃

[Hidden in reply to AlMorr]

Thank you AlMorr , that's much appreciated. I'll certainly do the HM distance early in 2019, just not sure if it will be an official race or not

[ChrisAllen1 Graduate10]

Really well done and a cracking pace for that distance especially with hills. Happy New Year.

[Hidden in reply to ChrisAllen1]

Thanks Chris, yeah the hills were tough, but I tried to keep moving where I could, and use the downhills to my advantage. Happy new year to you too

[Ripcurlrana71 Graduate10]

Good luck Neil! I’m not on this forum

much now but follow your progress on Strava. You’re doing brilliantly!! 🏃🏻‍♂️💪🏼😊

[Hidden in reply to Ripcurlrana71]

Thank you, yes I follow you on Strava too Happy new year to you.

[Ripcurlrana71 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

And to you Neil. 🥂🎉🥳

[Sadie-runs Graduate10]

😂😂😂 Sorry, I just cannot stop laughing at you almost getting caught up in a race! Just think, if you had, you would have inadvertently run your first race! Maybe that’s what we both need - to do a race by “accident”!

But jolly well done on those hills, Neil! That will have done you so much good (though possibly not felt it at the time!) You must be super fit now! A true mountain goat of a runner. 🐐 I am inspired. Though have no hills near me. 🙁

Here’s to a happy and healthy running new year to you, dearest BVRB. 😘

[Hidden in reply to Sadie-runs]

Thank you dear Sadie. If it's hills you want, plenty to be had up here, that's for sure. Heck of a climb up to Lyme Park, it's brutal! I actually feel really good now, and really excited about running again, not that I wasn't anyway. Knees are a little sore though, but they will probably settle with some suitable stretches and plenty of tea Oh - and happy new year to you too Sadie. You'll totally smash 2019 xxx

[quirkybee]

Hi Neil

Oh well done for attempting that run and with those hills too, very good to have done it. You have excelled so well this past year, sending you a big hi 5 👍and wishing you a more positive year personally and a happy and healthy one too. Roll on 2019 Neil and that HM to go with it 😊

[Hidden in reply to quirkybee]

Awww thanks Beth, that's lovely. I have to say I didn't really enjoy the hills at the time, plus I think they affected my performance for the rest of the run, but I feel pretty darn good for having completed the run. Thank you for all your support as always, and have a lovely new year, ok?

[mountaindreamer Graduate10]

Happy New Year Neil! And that’s a brilliant pace for those hills!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻😃🏃‍♂️❤️Had to laugh at you finding yourself in the middle of an organised race! 😂😂😂

[Hidden in reply to mountaindreamer]

Thanks Melinda, you too Those hills were flippin' steep I can tell you. I remembered why I said last time I'd never do that route again lol

I was a little surprised to be in the middle of a race, though as it was an out and back race, I think I managed to be there when the runners were ahead of me, but hadn't turned round yet. Odd!

[Hidden]

Happy new year. Get those hills conquered you will be glad you did- mind you those really are hills! X

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Same to you dear Flick yes, definitely serious hills!

[Sandie1961 Graduate10]

Congratulations and Happy New Year Neil! No hills near me but I actively avoid them (maybe that should be one of my goals!) Walked around Lyme Park in summer and that was hard, so running... Wow 😮👏

[Hidden in reply to Sandie1961]

Thanks Sandie happy new year to you too. Lyme Park is fun but challenging!!