Freaky Friday Marathon with Phoenix Running, 29.07.2022

A Friday morning marathon down by the Thames.

Lots to catch up on with Sarah, as it has been almost one whole month since we have run together, so the miles flew by. Thank you Sarah for listening to me go on and on, for miles and miles, about all my work woes! And for the bring your own shrimps (smartly solving the shrimp supply shortage)....

It was a 04:30 start, and a nice bus ride to Waterloo.

By the time I got to Walton-on-Thames, I needed a wee, so had to make a detour to McDonalds. It was quiet, and I felt like the staff were watching me, so I was guilt tripped into getting a coffee, which I then had to run along the towpath with, with varying success (it got a bit better the more I drank). 

A nice and sociable run, catching up with people on the way round.

We found a tiny sleepy mouse, who I'm not sure was very well, as even Kendal Mint Cake and ice lolly didn't perk him up....

But the ice lolly (Rockets) on lap 5 had more of an effect on us, and off we tootled into the sunshine for 3 more laps. It was quite toasty by the end, but running the Hampton Court way was nice and shady.

Freakin Fabulous Friday morning! Thanks Rik and Phoenix. Well done to everyone! 

Denholme Doddle, 21 miles, 23.07.2022

An adventure with my Mum and Andrew!

A 21 mile loop (plus an extra bonus mile and a bit) starting and finishing in Denholme in West Yorkshire. 

It was atmospheric drive over!

Arrived in plenty of time, so time for coffee and biscuits at the start. At 08.30 we set off.

 From Denholme the first section headed up over the moors.....

...... down into a lush green valley, and up (a recurring theme) to the moors again...

CP1 was at the windfarm at Withens Inn. All the CPs were great, with bananas, crisps, sweet, bars, and water. And lovely marshals!

The next section included the simultaneously steepest and jungleiest path I've ever been up, which was quite exciting in it's own way.

But after a long hard climb  it made for great views at the top!

We carried on over the moors and by High Brown knoll trig point.

And then down to Hebden Road CP2, where in addition to the normal CP fare, they also had my favourite cake bars! The lady manning the CP was very lovely indeed, and we had a nice chat, and I will look out for her at Kew Gardens!

From here, we headed down the moor, and then down further, descending a steep and slippery cobblestone path to Lumb Bridge (past the elves).

Back up on to moors.

And then down to Walshaw Dean reservoirs and CP3.

From here, the next section went along the Pennine Way for a while past Top Withens (which is said to be the inspiration for Wuthering Heights)....

Then down to Bronte Falls Bridge, and up a steep hidden path through the ferns with the Falls splashing away down to the left.

Once at the top, it was a long trek along a track to CP4 at Oxenhope, where I accidently hit the cute little dog helping to man the CP on the nose with the water bottle top, which upset both of us quite severely.

The last section was full of surprises! We crossed the Keighley and Worth Valley Steam Railway, and saw two steam engines go by!

And then we saw chickens!

Some pretty miles through some heather....

Before climbing the most stylish of styles.....

To collect a rude sign photo, which is obligatory on any adventure.

And arrived back at the finish for cups of tea and a yummy meal!

What a great event! Thanks Brian and the Denholme Doddle Team. All the marshals were so friendly, and it was a beautiful route! Will definitely be back. There is a 17 mile, 21 mile and 27mile options, runners and walkers are welcome, and it's a fabulous event.

 

And thanks to Mum and Andrew for a great adventure!