Snowdon!

I said I would and I did! To be honest running Snowdon was much easier than racing on Mount Famine the week before... (see blog post on that here)

Over half term, we set off on our family bank holiday weekend to a new touring site in Llanberis, Snowdonia.  

I was hoping to get chance to run up Snowdon, but as the weekend progressed I didn't think I would get time.  We did however cycle around Lake Padarn taking in the Dinorwig quarries en route.  My little lad W (6) did so well cycling the full 12 miles, especially with some of the brutal climbs up Fachwen.  I wont say he didn't cry, but lets just say the descent down the other side was worth it - that and the picnic which involved Grandmas brownies - they helped too!  Mr A did especially well as he had our daughter, S (age 4), in the kiddie seat on the back of his Marin, which is a bit tired to understate it entirely.  He was nearly going over backwards on the steepest section!  

On the Monday we headed to Surf-lines to hire a kayak for Mr A and W.  It was another beautiful hot, sunny day, and as S and I paddled in the lagoon, I looked up at the mountains and thought how clear it was and how I couldn't leave without at least attempting to run up Snowdon!  So at 2pm I headed off towards the mountain railway and up the steep road which leads to the Llanberis path.  


I was fully expecting to be heading up with other people but there were dozens and dozens, some in correct gear, lots of quite young children and some in totally inadequate clothing! Lots of people had walking poles which were a good idea for the way back.  

I had agreed with Mr A that I would set off and see how far I got, we arranged a phone call at 4pm, if I hadn't come back.  I had no idea how long it would take.  The heat was really intense and I was hoping I had enough water with me.  I took my new OMM Ultra Waist Pack, which took a bit of getting used to but once in the correct position on my waist was really useful and comfy.  I took gels, vaseline (for my feet, in case of blisters and my lips) and my OMM Kamleika jacket just in case it was chilly at the summit (if I ever got there!).  I really wished I had taken a sunscreen stick as I found the sun was burning my arms a bit, but it was only a problem on the way up and I wore a UV cap which stopped my head burning.    

On my way up the first steep road I was thinking that I had probably made the wrong decision to run up Snowdon on the hottest day of the year, it was boiling!  I passed hikers walking backwards to stretch their legs after all the downhill they had endured and I ended up walking a bit of the road before the path and telling myself it wasn't a race and to just see where I was in an hours time.  Fortunately, the route was really obvious, they don't call it the motorway for nothing!  I just cracked on up the rocky path and followed everyone else!  I say follow, I must have overtaken a hundred people by the time I got to the halfway house.  It was quite amusing hearing all the comments as I ran past, some of my favourites included a man asking me if I was going to run all the way up, some lads saying "f**k that" a lady stating that they had no reason to be moaning about walking up when "that girl is running it".  There were loads!  Honestly I think they thought my level of insanity affected my hearing - it didn't, but it did make it more amusing though!

Before the first underpass (where the mountain railway passes overhead) Kevin and Perry thought it would be hilarious to run after me, mimicking me.  It was laughable how far they managed to run before giving up and I never saw them again...what a shame...

I stopped a few times to marvel at the views down to Llanberis and take pictures.  I also took a few photos for people who readily handed over cameras and smartphones, I could have made a mint legging it back down to town and firing up ebay!

The route was lovely, I would recommend it to anyone as a first mountain hike, it wasn't too steep until about three quarters of the way up, after the second underpass.  It got very dramatic on the left hand side with a huge drop down what must have been the Pen-y-Pass below, where the cars looked tiny, and a steep and shaley section followed.  I was thinking how hard this was going to be to negotiate on the return journey, some people were really struggling - but I noticed a bit of moorland not to far from the track which looked far more runnable. 

I was nearly there after the steep section and ran at a half decent pace (considering the heat) all the way to the summit, which felt brilliant!  Once there it was crazy!  People were sticking to the summit cairn like ants round candyfloss, and queuing up the steps!  I decided I would nip up as I was on my own and I sat with my legs hanging over the edge, overlooking the summit station for a few minutes.  It was so busy I struggled to get up without being knocked off the top,  but there was no way I was running all that way and not touching the cairn in the middle!  I reached past people and I was off, running down with gusto!

I had not been looking forward to going back down as I thought my shoes would rub, but it wasn't too bad and I felt like I held quite a good pace as I trip trapped like a little mountain goat past people coming up and heading down.  I loved the rocky sections and jumped from rock to rock dodging dogs and kids.  

Once at the steep, technical section I tried sliding down the scree but didn't want to make a fool of myself by falling, so I hopped onto the right hand moorland and ran down the grass instead, as I had planned on the way up.    

After a couple of miles Mr A rang to check in with me and we arranged to meet up near the ice cream parlour in the town.  As I passed yet more people walking backwards down the steep road I remember feeling a sense of relief at being able to run on the flat again as my toes were becoming quite sore.  
I ran past the little semi circle of shops and cafes at the Mountain Railway and remember seeing people chilling out and watching us come past.  I could read a few of their minds as they thought I wonder if she ran up to the top. Well I did, and it was great! According to Strava, I did the whole up and back in 2 hours and 2 minutes, which I was really happy with in that heat! I'm now considering the Snowdon fell race next year, watch this space! 

Happy mountain running!

TLF :-)

Neighathlon - is that a thing?

The view from Taxal Edge

Well it's over a week since my last post so I thought an update was in order!

This week I have done quite well for mixing running and biking, with a 10k fell run on Tuesday, to test my new trail shoes, a short MTB Wednesday where I discovered my front brake wasn't working (oh the irony, one bikes brakes are too good, the others are knackered! - fortunately this time it didn't end in disaster as I realised very soon into my ride! Plus, my rear brakes are pretty much new, which helped) so I had to detour once again to The Bike Factory! Surely I'm their best customer by now!

Still a bit of snow on the tops

Thursday saw the "big ride" with Caz and Katie to build confidence on Ladybird (my road bike) which was eventful in a good way with cattle grids - yikes! - More braking problems (change the record Anna) and Friday was a proper multi-discipline day where I rode a horse, a bike and did a run - maybe a new event opportunity - neighathlon anyone?

This weekend, I managed a little tempo run after helping at Whaley Bridge junior parkrun, but I didn't feel up to much as I have a sore throat brewing again.

Here is the Amarok rocking my girls...

March has seen the arrival of a long -awaited VW Amarok, our new caravan tow car - we have been saving and researching and bought some new bike carriers as our old eBay ones were about fifteen quid each and have done thousands of miles so are totally knackered! 

We settled on the Thule 598 Proride, as they are really solid and have handy features such as matched locks for all 4 carriers.  We did learn something new too - Thule is pronounced Ta-Hoo-Ley - who knew?! Its like the Ikea advert all over again! 

Fab foot care range from Mavala

I have been really lucky to have been sent the Mavala foot care range, after I emailed asking about sports products, and shoe care.  I am really looking forward to trying the products - especially the tired leg gel, which I am hoping will ease my bruised leg (which is much better but still a bit lumpy), and the foot bath treatment.  Mavala is an established Swiss company who specialise in nailcare predominantly but have a great range of skincare for eyes, feet, face and hands.  

Not the best photo!

With flash!

Proviz - I have been living in my Reflect 360 outdoor jacket since it arrived in its beautifully wrapped packaging!  I love it. 


I have had loads of interest in it and think its a brilliant product.  I have done everything from the school run to a bike ride to the sailing club and it has performed really well!  

The fit is just right for me, it is fitted enough to be smart and look like a ladies jacket, but not so small that it is tight.  I went for a size 10 and find I can wear a vest top and thick jumper underneath it comfortably.  For running, I would wear a long sleeved base layer only underneath to stop overheating.  

The jacket isn't breathable but is very well vented with pockets and mesh lining.  It is exceptionally wind proof and waterproof with taped seams and zips and comfortable "zip garages" to stop them rubbing.  At night the jacket comes into its own, I think the white glow it takes on is actually a really cool look!  It is a great safety jacket for dog walking, going out to the pub or just about anything really!  

The run range from Proviz looks excellent too, with contoured panels and run-specific features.  I would recommend this jacket and the Proviz brand to anyone - the attention to detail is second to none in my opinion.  

Whey to go!

I mentioned in my last blog post that I have been sent the Diet whey from Natures Best - which I am yet to try (need to up the exertion levels first!) but I must mention another Aldi bargain which I have bought to go with it  - a pink shaker bottle complete with little metal shaker ball and mesh strainer top.  I think for £2.99 I will not hold my breath but I do love a bargain!

Very clean Rocites

I tested my new Inov-8 Roclite 280 (AW 15's) as I said above, by running the Whaley Waltz route in them - a varied terrain with a bit of everything, road, fell, trail and river (I didn't do that section funnily enough!).  I have been a fan of Inov-8 since getting some Mudclaws last Easter, and these don't disappoint either.  The upper seems much thinner in comparison to the Mudclaws which helps with the breathability and weight of the shoe - they are so light! but I'm not sure how long they will last, so time will tell.  As far as fit is concerned they are very roomy in the toe box, which caused a bit of a rub on my big toe, I will need a thick sock and vaseline in them until my feet get used to them.  I think they are much more cushioned on the harder surfaces but need to try an extended run along the canal or similar to really test them.  

Roclites and HH tights

I also bought the Inov-8 Base Elite top in black for the bargain price of £14.99 from sportshoes.com - I found the small is a size 8, so a bit snug for me but passable for an undergarment.  Both times I have worn it I have been really warm, the only downside being the cuffs are tight so I can't roll my sleeves up which is a bit annoying as I always roll my sleeves up in my Helly Hansen baselayer top.

My friend Caz (my running Oracle) supplies the Goyt Valley Striders Kit through her (and her husband Tony's) company- a&c workwear and she has been kind enough to give me a hoodie to wear - its gorgeous!  So soft and warm, I have had lots of non runners say they like it - another ploy to get people to start running - join the Striders and buy a hoodie! I am going to test out a new race vest for them and hopefully get some kit with my blog address on the back so anyone who sees me at races can see the race reviews from a midfield perspective!  Check out the a&c workwear facebook page for all your team embroidery needs!


Looking forward, this week will be all about doing whatever training I can, as we are going away for Easter so there's much to do and the children break up on Thursday so my week is thrown out of kilter.

Over the Easter weekend Team Aspinall will be competing in the Dee Sailing Club UKIDA GP1 Open meeting.  Mr A and I will be dusting off our drysuits and (with my current form - trying not to drown) battling it out on the Dee estuary to get a half decent result in the event.  I will report on our progress after our Easter holiday in the Lakes!

I'm planning on running up the Old Man of Coniston again, which I am looking forward to.

When we return home there will be a week left of school holidays so I am hoping to try a turbo trainer out.  I will update on progress with that on my return.

In the meantime, I hope everyone has a fabulously active Easter (to work off the eggs) and look forward to seeing what everyone has been up to!

Happy Easter and Happy Running!

Downtime, Diet and New Gear...

The thing about running is that it's great when its over.  Yes, you heard me correctly, because running is actually hard at times.  I regularly find myself running along thinking WTF am I doing? It's raining, I haven't done my housework and this is supposed to be fun for God's sake!

Retrospective enjoyment is the best part of running for me - especially racing.  During the race its all about the pain and the internal battle with my body Vs my brain telling me to stop! Seriously, the achievement felt afterwards, and the ability to go over the best bits in my head (and all those euphoric endorphins bombing around my body) makes all the pain totally worth it.  Lots of my friends completed the Grindleford Gallop today - a 21 mile epic fell/trail run - and I am sure they would whole-heartedly agree with me on this right now!

Not feeling the love at all during the Famous Grouse race Nov 2015!

Yes, granted - it sucks running up a massive hill in a force 10 gale with bucket loads of rain lashing your face for good measure (and maximum dermobrasion) but the after effects make it so worthwhile! That feeling of standing in a warm shower knowing there's a steaming mug of tea ready and waiting for you is amazing!  Knowing you can eat shit loads of food and best of all eat cake without feeling remorseful is another major positive (don't go crazy though unless you've run a marathon - then knock yourself out).  

My homemade bruise removal device

I've been feeling a bit sorry for myself this week.  9 days on from my crash and I am more bruised now than ever and my right knee is giving me gyp too.  I've been hobbling around with a heat pack (fashioned from a wheat bag tied on with a dressing gown belt) on my bad leg - trying to get my circulation pumping to clear the bruising away.

Love our girls MTB sessions!

I did get out on my MTB on Thursday with the girls, we had a lovely ride around the Goyt Valley which gave me a boost.  

The feeling of not being able to run is really gutting.  Any runner will tell you - it's like an addiction after a while, I now understand people who run everyday - which I never did before.  

I'm struggling to run and bike in the time I have at the moment.  In my ideal world my training plan would include a swim every week, 2 runs at least with one speed/hills and one distance, and 1 - 2 bike rides as well.  Reality means I have to make the most of 2 runs at best and one bike at the moment, but it does keep me ticking over and I love getting out on the MTB with the girls.  The road bike is now back and ready for action so I will be adding some confidence building sessions in with Caz as the weather permits. 

Turbo

Amanda is lending me her turbo trainer ( a device which turns your roadie into a spinning bike basically) to use in the evenings when Mr A is away so that will be a big fitness boost too hopefully.  

I read recently that another bloggers audience were asking about diet and it got me thinking that although I am by no means an expert, I have managed to keep my weight off since 2013.  How?  Well I lost my 3.5 stones in weight through joining my local Slimming World group.  It was amazing, I could eat loads and still lose weight.  I enjoyed staying to group each week and I really embraced the whole healthy eating lifestyle.  I still follow lots of the slimming world principles now, although I'm not as rigid as I was, and there are certain things that you just need when you start to exercise harder.  

I have been developing an interest in clean eating for sometime and have read about benefits of nut butters and protein shakes etc. in the world of fitness, but apart from the odd gel I haven't really tried any other sport specific foodstuffs.  

This week, I bought some Whole Foods 3 nut butter and tried it on a wholegrain crackerbread (slimming world Healthy Extra B) with slices of banana on top - OMG it was a taste sensation and my new go to snack after running!

I have also purchased some Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) to make a delicious sounding breakfast which I found on the POPSUGAR blog.

I have never really thought about protein shakes and the like - thinking they were more of a gym bunny thing, but when looking at the science of building and repairing muscle, I didn't fancy any calorie heavy shakes so I looked for a diet alternative and contacted my vitamin supplier - Natures Best, who do a range of sports supplements. They are sending me some of the Diet Whey in Chocolate for me to  review for them - I intend to use it as a recovery shake after very strenuous runs/ride and will keep you posted on progress!

New Proviz Jacket

Magic!

Another product I have been sent is the Proviz Reflect 360 Outdoor Jacket which I am really impressed with already.  I have worn it a couple of times and had positive comments about it - but I have yet to try it at night, which is where it will really impress. I will be writing a more detailed review on this when I have had chance to test it at night and on my bike.  

Cross top brake levers

In other (totally irrelevant) news, I have named my bikes, my MTB is called Pearl - owing to the iridescent white paintwork and my new roadie is now called Ladybird - again, the paintwork (its red, white and black) and my new cross top brakes look like the antenna on an insect (thanks once again to The Bike Factory in Whaley Bridge for looking after me!). I was referring to it as Deathtrap but it seemed a bit negative so Ladybird it is!  - You can tell I've had time on my hands without running!

I have also bought some Inov-8 Roclite 280 shoes as an early birthday present to use for longer distance fell/trail runs as I've been finding my Mudclaws a little too jarring on any hard surfaces I run on.  I will keep you updated on my progress with these!



Tip of the day - use Vaseline between your toes to stop rubbing/toe smashing on longer runs.  It has often saved my toes and is really cheap!

Hopefully next week I can get back on track with my training schedule, and bring you gear reviews of the Proviz jacket and the Inov-8 Base elite top.  Happy running! :-)