Dizzy Coo meets hairy coos

Sarah came over with her cross bike today. She asked me for something easy and not too rocky which is basically impossible out here. I took her up Baslow Edge to meet the hairy coos that live up there. Somehow apart from a five minute shower we missed all the rain and had sunshine.

Both sides of The Dale

Just a short ride today as still very tired but I thought it was important to get out of the house. I did a loop that climbed up one side of the Valley and then across to the other. It's muddy out there now. The ride had bits of everything from the lovely hills to quarries.

Out on the mountain bike

Ali was only going to work in the afternoon, having worked from home in the morning. I knew that I would probably do nothing and then best myself over it so I decided to get my mountain bike out leave at the same time as Ali and ride the route I had plotted in the middle of the night when I couldn't sleep. Only the very start and end of the route were on trails I had ridden before. I went through Chatsworth where I saw deer. Weather was lovely as well. At first the trails were wet but soon became muddy I even walked a couple of hills due to lack of traction (still have a semi-slick) on the back. I kept looking at the views which were stunning. About half an hour from home the weather changed and the rain started but it didn't matter. I got home and hosed both me and the bike down.

Getting back out on the bike

After the Doctor yesterday telling me that I really was to get back out on the bike but also not to worry if I didn't enjoy it just yet I set myself the task of putting cross tyres back on kermit. Then I headed out over to Baslow Edge. Only a short ride but I followed a new track and I was having fun. All progress.

More running

Just a short run this evening with Ali after the Doctor had visited me. 1.7miles but nice and hilly. I found myself grinning as we came over the hill and was so glad we had got out.

Dr told me I needed to get back out on my bike so I guess that is the next thing.

Running with Ali

Been a hard couple of weeks and me not being in great form we haven't really left the house. But we both have a half marathon to run in January so this morning we headed out.

It wasn't fast, it wasn't far but even in the mist it was pretty.

Not feeling it for riding at the moment, and a little scared to go on the bike in case I don't enjoy it so going to try and run a few times a week.

My first DNF on an Audax

I'd entered this Audax a few weeks ago and had really been looking forward to it. But after not finishing Dusk til Dawn last weekend, a night in hospital and most of a week off work I was unsure. But I also knew I would beat myself up if I didn't go. Ali dropped me off with instructions to call her if I needed a lift home from ANYWHERE.

The first section was flat and fast, although windy I assume it was a tailwind as we were moving fast. I rode sometimes with a group and sometimes on my own and made reasonable time to the first control. By this point I was remembering all the things I had forgotten to bring, including a bike pump although fortunately I did have a CO2 inflator with me.

From her I rode on my own, there was a random Giraffe and Panda in a field.

I wasn't enjoying it at all and felt clammy and rubbish (probably partly new med side effects). I also knew the next control was a café where I should stop and eat and I just didn't think I could cope with people. I text Ali and dropped into Leek to be picked up.

The rest of the day was spent on the sofa curled up feeling pretty rubbish.

Dusk til Dawn

I was unsure about this race I know I've lost a lot of fitness, I've been getting more and more lifts to and from work, feeling tired all the time, and 12hours is a long time. But I'd entered and Ali was also racing with Hannah in female pairs.

Leading up to the race we had some 'Amy' moments but it was soon start time and I watched Ali zoom off. I spent the first lap riding with the winner from last year but knew I had to let her go. The course was lovely but I wasn't enjoying it. A second lap and I wanted to stop, I made an agreement with myself that at 100miles I could. On I plugged, knees started hurting and I realised saddle had slipped so a quick stop to sort that. A lap with Ali and after a couple more. I was getting slower and slower and I wasn't enjoying it, which is odd even when hurting I'm usually smiling on the bike.

Time to rest and get ready for next year.

Three Peaks Cyclo-cross 2013

So this year I had a new bike but somehow had managed no specific training, there really is no excuse as I do now live somewhere perfect to train, but on the plus side I had rode my cross bike a lot including off-road. As Ali was away I stayed at Malham YH the night before with Hannah which meant no having to get up early and an easy 8mile drive over to the start. Once we registered (thanks Ros of the Whistle as I had forgot mine). We met up with Al, Sarah and Norn and enjoyed the fact the sun was shining. Lining up it was nice to catch up with people I hadn't seen a while but soon we were off.

The road section was crazy as always although I lost the back of the main group, could tell at that point I had lost fitness over this summer, still my main aim was to make the cut-offs and finish so that was fine. Onto Simon Fell and it hadn't got any flatter, this year you could also see the whole line of riders/walkers up to the top. I soon was into my slow rhythm to the top, my main aim being to not stop which I managed. I was finding the carrying hard though, but I managed a PB to the top by a minute (probably as much to do with the better conditions but one I am pleased with).

That's me bottom left

Up onto Ingleborough and I was riding the singletrack but once we started climbing the wind became quite strong and at one point I was more of less crawling at the top. Dibbed in and started descending, a bit more walking than I would like and also one crash when the wind blew my bike off the track and I went over the bars but no damage. It was great to have my cheer squad at the bottom.

I headed along the road to Whernside and for the first time I caught someone and we shared the work to the bottom. Then it was another climb before some more descending, I managed to find some of the lines off the side of the track which helped me ride more of it.

I made the last cutoff and headed up PYG lots of riding on the way up was good but my legs were struggling. The turn around came and after walking the top section it was riding all the way, I enjoyed the descent and felt strong on the way to the finish actually passing two guys on the way to the finish.

Sub 6hours isn't anything amazing but I'm chuffed to have finished again.

So next year....yes I may try and actually train....