Run Forrest Run

Written by ned

Tuesday, 07 July 2009 14:48

Kayaking has been relegated to the past for the moment. I've kept fit though, so if any of these summer downpours amounts to anything I will be there. I'm becoming more convinced that fitness, and all this 'core strength' business is the key to being able to jump in a boat and make a decent fist of a days boating.

sm_sunset

This years fitness has come largely from the fells. I just take the dogs for a walk and end up running as its quicker. It surprising how much quicker you can travel and how quickly the fitness comes. Almost accidentely ive got consistent enough to call it 'fell running'. Its a very simple sport, just some shoes (which double up as boating shoes)thrown in the car and your off. Avoiding paths and not having any really fixed goals is good. Just go to the next interesting point, or line, on the fell. heading past a tarn gives opportunity for a swim as well. Steeper and rougher ground gives a really varied workout. The fitness is pretty similar to what required for mtb biking, grind out the hills then regroup and concentrate hard for the hectic descents, as they require a lot of focus.

sm_dunnerdale

Typically I will get to the fells around 8, which means being on the tops by 9 and needing to think about coming down by about 10. The likelyhood of seeing anyone is pretty small, and that allows the lakes to be seen at their best. It allows a real feeling of escaping all the ridiculous things that we all routinely busy ourselves with. Audits, risk assessments, form filling, social status, bank statements, APR's etc etc. Perched on top of hill with the light fading and the streetlights coming on below, generates a wonderful sense of detachment.

Meg the dog is now two years into being diagnosed with Lymphoma. She was given between "2 weeks to 2 years". She's still going ...

sm_meg_beacon