Start at the start.....

I few days ago, I became anxious that I had become something of an ex-blogger. Weeks had passed with no update, despite some notable running moments, good and bad:
1) Another part of the 100 mile recce done
2) My 21st marathon
3) A hip injury. My first experience of sports massage. And a foam roller. All grouped together in my head as one big painful memory. Which isn't even a memory yet. But I am clinging to the hope that one day that's all it will be.

Due to the last point, I've been slightly out of action running wise since point 2, which on reflection perhaps wasn't a good idea to do, given point 3. As an openly admitted running addict, I also don't mind admitting that I have been feeling pretty low these last couple of weeks because I can't run much at all. And, I had no idea how emotionally exhausting training to be a dietitian was going to be either. Also also, it's November, so the annual winter SAD has rocked up again uninvited. Therefore, in conclusion, I am feeling emotionally fragile, lacking writing inspiration, and in actual time to find it. And I've run out of biscuits.

Don't panic. This outpouring of emotion is controlled, and there is a reason for it! Yesterday I became a godmother! To my dear friends Caroline and Malcolm's daughter Josie. At the christening I was catching up with Malcolm who mentioned my blog. I said I didn't know how to start writing again, and he said, so what - just write a sentence of explanation, and then carry on with it. 

Therefore, although slightly longer than the advised sentence, the above is my attempt at explaining.

So, I will start where I left off. At the last 100 mile recce, from Bolton-by-Bowland to Tosside to Slaidburn. 

A thoroughly cracking idea. Except, it was now over two weeks ago, and I can't remember it. All looking promising for the race then.

OK, let's try to get it together....at least I took some pictures to jog my memory.

It seems sensible to assume that we started where we left off last time. At the public toilet block in Bolton-by-Bowland. The glamour. If I will say one thing about this run, there are an unusual amount of toilets given that it's all around the back end of beyond Lancashire's countryside. 

Then it was....ahem.....ummm......errmm....through some fields, over some stiles...errrr.....across a stream....up a hill? No, don't worry, I've found the instructions! And it's all come back! 

If there's one thing I've learnt from the four stages we've recce'ed, it's this - if in doubt, look for Pendle Hill. If you can't see it, anywhere, you're lost.

Highlight alert! Both of my parents tried jogging during this walk! My Dad has been muttering about this for some time. The only obstacle that now seems to be between him and a run is a suitable pair of running shorts. I am unsure if this is a genuine fashion concern, or an excuse. There is one way to find out. Guess what will be in your Christmas stocking! Lack of proper attire aside, they both did really well! Certainly better at running in hiking boots than me. Like running with rocks tied to both ankles. 

Lunch stop at Tosside, which is where a real life checkpoint will be. There is also a pub, should all go wrong. 

Right on the Yorkshire border. Dangerous lands!  

Sweet - Lancashire's so welcoming. Interpretation of sign: "Come in, come in! It's so nice you're visiting! But you can stop with all your dangerous driving and thieving now you're here. Or you can turn right back round and go back to Yorkshire (North). As you will see from their sign, they have no such objections there." 

Careful to give the impression of being law abiding, and walking on the correct side of the road, we headed back into Lancashire. 

The next stage of the route goes from Tosside to Slaidburn, through Gisburn Forest, which was the best part so far! Was a bit worried about this stage, as the paths in the forest aren't well marked on the map, and let's face it, even if they were, it would still be a struggle. But the instructions and the ground matched up perfectly and there were lots of pointers (that I have now remembered) to use to keep to track. My favourite instruction: "Cyclists abound in these parts and they may emerge on to your path from all sorts of odd angles. Beware." 

Having bewared of cyclists we navigated through the forest to Stokes Reservoir.

The weather finally perked up, and came out all sunny for the last part over the reservoir, past Dalehead Church, and then through some fields alongside the reservoir, back to Slaidburn.

Cream tea time, obviously.

And a nice poem to bear in mind during the night time section of the route. Which looks like it might be over Pendle Hill.

 Oooh err.

I have checked the event website and so far there are 417 people on the pre-registration list and still 2 weeks to go before entries close, so looks like it might not be definite will get a place on it anyway. Sad times.

But at least won't be chased by the devil's dog at daybreak, which is a plus I suppose, although would be guaranteed a PB, in that situation.

Anyway, back to the foam roller. Won't be running anywhere, even if chased by the devil's dog, unless can get this hip sorted. 

Oww.