November

Undoubtedly the highlights of this month were a long run over the Langdales plus a 10K PB at the Abbey Dash, the latter of which confounded my expectations.  Surely to achieve 36:21 I should have been doing some serious speed work, not intermittently going out for a tempo run in between long weekends on the fells?  


Face facts Simon - you're on the best form of your life, and improving.  The time has come to capitalise on the gains that you're making and dig deep during winter training because there's still abundant capacity for improvement for sure.

The run over the Langdales and later walk over Rossett Pike and Bowfell with Mrs A was a memorably splendid day out.  On Pike O'Stickle I bumped into Derby Tup out accompanying a friend who is looking to attempt her round next year.  He completed his round last year and also supported a successful attempt by a K&C club mate in May.  While the three of us were gossiping on the summit we became suddenly aware of a rainbow in the form of a halo penetrating the mist that shrouded our shadows.  DT got his camera phone out to record the phenomena, (which he was also able to name) - I'd love to see the image.  All of us fell lovers have witnessed rare and splendid moments such as these when on our jaunts and what is often so wonderful about them is their unexpected occurrence, like a secretive gift.  This day was to yield another. 

   ATOP BOWFELL

After my training run I met with Mrs A at the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel car park, changed into something less offensively fragrant and set off walking up Mickleden, heading for Angle Tarn.  For almost the entire day Bow Fell had been enveloped in the clag, so imagine our delight when seeing the sun penetrate and lift the cloud on our precise arrival at the summit, as if arranged by a divine choreographer.  


On the topic of training, it was a worthy exercise to have come down to the valley floor, changed, then set off up the fifth highest peak in the Lakes.  

CYCLING PORN

The new kit item of the month was a road bicycle acquired on Ebay from a clown who bought it new and then used it three times.  It was quite entertaining to see the dynamic in the household that I collected it from - "I told him when he bought it that he'd never use it, but would he listen?".  It was purchased new on 8th July 2011 and has now found a new home where it is lovingly appreciated, (after 40% depreciation), and has been fitted with mudguards ready for winter.  The only downside I've found to it thus far is that the brakes are not what I would like them to be on steep descents and the ride is alarmingly spirited in a cross-wind.  Other that than I'm enjoying the refreshing added dimension that it brings to my training, plus it's a fab way to get out and see something of the Dales when working from home.     


Another notable purchase was a pair of Montane 'Mountain Fury' tights.  I'll find out this weekend whether they live up to their brilliant marketing.  

November's relevant statistics are 239 miles covered and 18,108ft of ascent climbed.  My aim for December is to get three quality Lakeland runs under my belt, perfect my navigation of the Skiddaw to Blencathra route (in both directions) and climb in excess of 30,000 feet.  I'm effervescing with excitement about getting out in the fells this holiday season.  Maybe I'll catch an inversion from a snow capped mountain?

December is also going to involve some meticulous planning.  By 1st January I need a solid schedule to take me to June 2012 - and finishing at the Moot Hall.  "So when, and in what direction?" I hear you enquire.  The answers to these and other thorny but vital questions (such as whether I'm willing to do it for charity) will be provided next time I write...


In the meantime I would just like to note how touched I have been by the very generous and kind offers of support that I have received from both club mates and strangers alike.  Not only does it validate my faith in human nature, but I'm genuinely thrilled by the prospect of sharing the experience with decent folk who share my passion for running in higher places.  In my mind I have a romanticised image of meeting all my support crew at the Newlands Church and running in a pack along the meandering roads back to Keswisk, as if on a club run.  That'll be clockwise then.  

Onwards and upwards!