The Big Thaw

It's the day after  Boxing Day and I've finally got out for a proper run without the fear of falling over. There's still a bit of snow around but most of the ice has gone. It was good to get out running my usual morning 7.5km route. This involves running through Victory Park, up through the top fields to Broomhill, across to Eastwood Farm Nature Reserve, along by the River Avon and then down through to Nightingale Valley before returning home. I struggled on the hills - I blame the lack of running over the last couple of weeks due to the three i's - illness, ice and indulgence. Too many  chocolates  and mince pies. However knowing I had eaten too much made me try harder particularly up those steep hills.

The ponds in Eastwood Farm were still frozen - a solitary heron carefully walked across the surface of the ice. But the River Avon - half frozen on Christmas Day had thawed. The pavements were pretty much OK for most of the run and where it did look slippery I diverted to the roads.

The shady Nightingale Valley was still covered in a blanket of snow but if the thaw continues, it will no doubt disappear  soon.

I've ordered some running crampons in preparation for the next cold spell. Not being able to run due to the ice is sooo frustrating. Still despite the ice I did manage a short run on Christmas Day around Arnos Court Park and Arnos Vale Cemetery while Dave and the girls went sledging. It was a beautiful day, with clear blue skies and warm sunshine. Check out my blog post on www.bristolrunningresource.org.uk. What else could you ask for on Christmas Day in Bristol?

Winter Wonderland

Ahhh the joys of winter.  I haven't managed to get out running much this week due to various sickness bugs but the beautiful fields linked to Victory Park have had yet more coverage on the TV. Check out the footage.

Many thanks to Richard Payne from ITV Westcountry. Fingers-crossed we may have saved at least some of the land threatened with development. Long live green open spaces for us to run, explore and have fun.

Running Free

Having been stuck indoors for days nursing my poorly daughter it was great to get out for a run around Victory Park. All my usual running buddies were busy so I charged up my ipod and set off alone for a great run around the park a few times.

There were lots of dog walkers enjoying the sunshine wrapped up in various hats, gloves and scarves. I put on my Lowe Alpine power stretch leggings (very cosy) and an extra thermal top. Considering the freezing temperatures I was pretty warm. I don't know what I'll do when it gets too icy to run. Or is there such a thing as too icy. I guess I'll have to stick to off-road routes with crunchy grass and mud. Does anyone have any tips on running in icy cold conditions without breaking a leg?

The big green space sell-off

Managed to get Brislington Meadows - my local green space under threat through the green space consultation - on the TV yesterday. I run through these beautiful fields three times a week and will be absolutely gutted if they are built on. Check out the footage on West Country Tonight.

The Lib Dems are certainly not making many friends after their recent record of national and regional politics as reported in the Evening Post.

We really are in crazy times!!

Dogs!!

The early morning run started like any other. The alarm went off at 6.30am. I rolled out of bed and straight into my running gear. I took a couple of bites out of a banana, drank some rooibos tea and then slipped on my rather bright pink hi-viz top and running cap. I like to be seen in the dark.

My neighbour was waiting for me in the fine drizzle. Off we went on our usual Brislington run past the Pilgrim Pub, through St Luke's church yard and up into Victory Park. Just as we were about to enter the fields beyond the park, a rottweiler dog sprung out at us and started growling. We had obviously surprised it and it looked very angry. It's owner was way across the other side of the field completely oblivious as to what was happening. We both immediately stopped running and I put my arm straight down by my leg. For some reason I thought this might protect my leg should the dog decide to bite. I said my usual 'hello doggy' before slowly walking on. Thankfully the dog just followed us with its eyes before running back to its owner.

We then carried on our run into the fields and across to Eastwood Farm. We were both pretty shocked and wondered how differently things could have turned out should the dog have decided to bite. I am pretty happy around dogs usually but may be a little nervous next time I come across a dog like this off the lead. Has anyone had any similar experiences? Is there such a thing as a dog scarer that you can carry when running and how effective are they?

Ashton Court 10k

The sun smiled down on the 1,400 or so runners who did the Ashton Court 10k last Sunday. It was perfect running weather - cool, clear blue skies and no wind. Ashton Court was looking it's best. Great views and a wonderful  assortment of autumnal colours. 

Despite my left knee playing up half way through, I came in at 59 mins 30 secs. Under the hour. YES! This is pretty good for me, especially with all the hills. I ploughed on with my running plod through all the hills yet I struggled on the flat. My left knee starting hurting just after the last bit of up hill around 6k. All the people that I had passed on the up hill were now tearing past me! It was so disheartening as I felt myself getting slower and slower. My mind started playing games as I got increasingly angry with myself. My knee never usually hurts at this distance! Yet I knew I was feeling stiff before the run. I hadn't stretched properly all week which for me is no good. I need to do yoga to keep myself supple.

Thankfully my cheerful running buddy caught up with me and encouraged me on. It was such a relief to have her running next to me. I instantly relaxed and continued to run through the pain. Once I was off the flat track my knee recovered and I was able to stride out on the final section down hill. In fact we pretty much sprinted the last 3k to the finish line.

My knee has been fine since but I have learned a lesson. Be sure to stretch out more with some yoga and practice running up hills!

How a run turned into a green space campaign

2010 has been a good year for my running. In fact it has been a fantastic year. I ran my first 10k (Bristol 10k), my eight year old daughter ran her first 5k Race for Life and I'm about to run the Ashton Court 10k this Sunday. I ran half way up Snowdon, ran on some great coast paths and beaches and discovered some wonderful places to run off-road in the city.


But I had no idea my running experiences would lead to me starting a campaign to help save some green spaces.

Now believe me I am not one to stand up in front of a crowd and start waving my arms around in outrage, but I was simply appalled when I heard about a planning consultation by Bristol City Council, proposing to build a large number of houses on some fields and allotments that I run through.

I live in a built up area with serious traffic problems. Not only would this number of houses cause major problems to the local infrastructure, but the traffic on the A4 Bath Rd would simply grind to a halt. Why is the council looking to develop green field sites when there are lots of brown sites left empty?

Anyway to cut a long, long story short, as nobody seemed to be aware of the consultation and as a concerned local resident, I decided to organise a walk to raise awareness regarding the proposals. The walk was a huge success and despite being held in the school holidays and on a week day, there was a great turn out. Even the press turned up. Click here for the article.

It was pretty over whelming. The number of people that joined the walk was amazing. With the help of Friends of Victory Park the campaign is ongoing. Check out the latest news. The consultation ends at the end of the month.

If this story has a happy ending is hard to tell. But it has made me aware that there are some great places to run off-road in cities and people should get out there and start exploring what is on their back door and make the most of it before it is built on. After all there is nothing better than discovering, hidden green spaces that truly inspire you to run.

This whole experience has been life changing. It has made me want to run more, get involved in the local community and help save open green spaces. It also makes you realise that standing up for what you believe really does make a difference.

Inspirational running book

If you are fed up with injuries and paying loads of money for trainers then check out the book Born to Run by Christopher McDougall. Simply inspiring. You'll never look at running the same way again. If you start seeing more and more people running barefoot you can guess they have read this book.

Off-Road Exploration

When running around the streets of Bristol gets a bit boring, it's time to get muddy and do some off-road exploration. And believe me South Bristol is full of great places to run off-road and it's pretty varied too. Plenty of mud, hills, narrow paths, mud, cemeteries, and of course the odd bit of excavation all thrown in. Oh and did I mention mud. Lets face it running around the streets is boring. Once you start exploring running off road you won't want to run on the streets again. So where are all these hidden gems? Check out BS4.

First there's the parks for circuits. These include Arnos Court Park, Victory Park, Victoria Park and St Annes Park. Then there are the nature reserves including Nightingale Valley, Eastwood Farm and Callington Road. Then there's the Avon River Path. Join it at Netham Lock and either run into town or run out past Crews Hole to Hanham. Beeses Tea Gardens in the summer months and the Old Lock & Weir pub are great watering holes. Another great place to run is Arnos Cemetery during opening hours. There's a gate from Arnos Court Park. Link the park and the cemetery together and you have another great (if somewhat hilly) circuit. Then there are loads of public footpaths linking all these green spaces together. Get hold of an OS map or better still sign up to Mapometer. It's a mapping website perfect for finding new routes in your area. Everytime I discover a new footpath I consult Mapometer to see where the path goes. A lot of these footpaths go through fields or follow the edge of golf courses. From Brislington you can be running in open countryside within five minutes. It's just finding the routes.

So get out there. Get the map and get exploring.

The Goats

The first time I ran further than 5k was on the Bristol to Bath Cycle Path. My mate had run the route with her personal trainer and suggested we try it. I have to admit I was pretty nervous and it was a bitterly cold day.

We set off from Bitton by the Avon Valley Railway leaving the steam trains well behind. We met a few other runners, and offered courteous good mornings. We then darted off the cycle path down to the river. Usually this route would have been a mud bath but the ground was frozen and it was pretty good going. We ran together chatting away putting the world to right, trying to navigate our way around the fields. I found it hard going - the red wine I had drank the previous night probably didn't help.

Towards the end of the run we came to a field with a style. We jumped straight over and started running across. That was when we noticed the goats. Now I'm not particularly nervous of animals but my running mate…. well. I had never seen her run so fast. One minute she was running next to me fairly chilled out, the next minute she was gone. Her acceleration was impressive to say the least. She reached the other side of the field before I had even blinked.

The goats had decided they wanted to join in with our run and started to trot along with us or should I say me. Yes I say trot as I wasn't really running that fast. I had goats either side of me and together we were running across the field like a scene from The Little House on the Prairie. Now I'm showing my age.

It was kind of surreal. I was in complete hysterics laughing at my mate who by now had vaulted the fence at the far side of the field, eyes wide with fear. I can't imagine how I must have looked surrounded by goats, trying to run. I was crying with laughter. I guess it was lucky those goats were friendly. I don't think it would have been quite a relaxed experience if they had decided to turn on me or if they had been bulls! Anyone had any similar experiences?

Sprained Ankle

I sprained my ankle. I wish I could say I did it running over rough terrain down a mountainside or trying to jump over a river whilst on a 10k run. Or even just running around the block on my way home. It would be great if I could say I had been doing some other other crazy sporting activity when it had happened. I'd been rock climbing the day before and came away completely unscathed. Hands were a bit sore, but no sprained ankle.

No, I'd been on Porthcurno Beach in Cornwall all day with my girls. If anyone knows this beach it is simply amazing - it has to be one of the best beaches in the UK. We'd had a fantastic day enjoying the sunshine.

We'd walked all the way back to Treen Farm Campsite with all our beach gear. You name it we had it. Boogie boards, wetsuits, buckets and spades and a backpack full of food. Muggings here carried everything all the way back along the rocky path without the slightest fall or trip.

When we got back to the campervan I dumped everything on the ground, kicked off my shoes and put my youngest daughter into bed for a nap. I turned…… stepped down out of the campervan….. and that was it. I stepped on to my trainer, twisted my ankle and collapsed to the ground. It all happened in slow motion, like it wasn't really me. Perhaps this was my first out-of-body experience. I found myself lying on the floor and then before my eyes a golfball lump appeared by my ankle. That was when I screamed. I felt physically sick and really stupid.

My eldest daughter, bless her, ran into the campervan and got me a cold, wet flannel. I called across the campsite to some friends staying near by. I think they thought I was joking when I first called out, but then when I didn't move they came running over. Next thing I knew everyone in the campsite had gathered round. It's amazing when there's a crisis there is often someone close by that has medical knowledge. Despite being in the middle of nowhere in Cornwall fellow campers gathered round. Amongst the crowd there was a retired nurse, a part-time physio and someone else who seemed to know a lot about injuries. I was bombarded with advice. The overall opinion was that it wasn't broken, thanks goodness, so I wouldn't need to go to hospital, but it was a bad sprain. I was gutted. A load of us had planned to go to the beach in the evening for a barbecue and I couldn't even walk to the edge of the field. Life's not fair sometimes.

So that put a stop to my running for a while and now I'm really careful getting out of the campervan.

Too Much Too Soon

After the initial euphoria of running for more than 15 minutes, I began to find running boring and monotonous. It was a chore and my joints hurt. There's got to be more to running than this. It's easy to see how people give up.

Determined NOT to give up, I decided to try running off road on holiday a month or so before my first Race for Life.

I was inspired. I had finally discovered what all the fuss was about. There is simply no comparison between running by the sea on coast paths and beaches to the streets of Bristol. For the first time in years I felt free. I breathed in the fresh air, held my head high and wished I could run here all the time. Running really CAN be enjoyable and it felt easy. Rather than thinking "my hip hurts - when can I stop?" I wanted to keep going and run as far as I could.

But disaster struck. After running four times in one week - something I never did in Bristol - I pulled a muscle. I was at the farthest point on the beach when I felt my left calf muscle twinge and then in a moment I collapsed to the ground. My leg really hurt and I knew I had messed up. Running too much, too quickly, without decent running shoes and stretching properly. What was I thinking! I slowly limped back to my family feeling very sorry for myself and a little embarrassed too as I was covered in sand from head to toe. I felt I had failed. Maybe running was just not for me. I was devastated.

I was learning the hard way. I was going to have to approach this running stuff properly if I was going to improve. Looking back at that time I went through a bit of a crash course in running. My physio took me through running style and pronation, and the sports shops kindly advised me how expensive running shoes are! I thought running was all about putting one foot in front of the other, swinging your arms back and forth at speed. How wrong was I?

How I got into running

I confess I have always enjoyed feeling fit. My early twenties it was karate and aerobics. Then it all went a bit crazy when I was introduced to rock climbing and mountaineering in my late twenties. By my mid thirties, married and with two gorgeous children I was struggling with my fitness. Yoga and climbing were my thing but I didn't feel fit.

I had been advised against running following sciatica and a prolapsed disk in my early thirties. Ashtanga yoga had really sorted out my back, but I needed to do something else. I wanted to loose weight and feel like the old me again, but I didn't want to go to the gym. I wanted to do something that was outdoors without any paraphernalia. I kept coming back to the idea of running, but was worried about my back. "What harm could a gentle jog do?"

After much deliberation I decided to give it a go. My first 'gentle' jog was really pathetic. I could hardly run around the block without hyper-ventilating. I would quietly sneak out of the house hoping nobody would see me struggling, returning only after 10 minutes, red-faced and hardly able to stand.

Slowly I began to run further. First it was once around the block, then twice and then I would venture further. As for my running gear....well.... I would wear a long baggy t-shirt, very unflattering tracksuit bottoms, and hide under a baseball cap. Every run was the same and I would arrive back home gasping for water, unable to speak. I did this kind of running for a year or so. Not particularly exciting and I certainly didn't tell anyone I was into running. That was my secret.

It was only when a friend mentioned the Race for Life to me that I decided to give myself a goal and have a go. Several other friends had the same idea. At the time we all had young children and were struggling with fitness. For most of us it was more about having the time to get out to run than not wanting to do it. We managed to get out once or twice a week. It was hard, but we made some progress and encouraged each other. We'd run along together chatting, probably scaring anyone who happened to be walking in the opposite direction.

One strained calf muscle later followed by lots of physio and a new pair of running shoes, I completed my first Race for Life. At the end of the race I discovered my weakness for great homemade food. Invited to join a picnic I simply could not resist the gorgeous display laid before me. Quiche, sandwiches, cakes, mountains of bread and strawberries. What is a girl to do? Well that's obvious. Just devour as much food as you can, putting back all the calories just burnt off of course!