Well I guess it wasn't the end of the world after all. So unspectacular in fact that it didn't even rain much so no risk of being washed away. All in all a very poor effort by the Mayans. For the school report, must do better next time.
Hurrah for the weekend. It's been a tiring week. I struggled to shift my arse out of bed this morning. I managed a go on the rower and the exercise bike tonight. Couldn't face anything more effortuatous - that's another of my new words. Hopefully I'll be feeling energetic enough tomorrow to make the journey across the boarder for the Skirrid race.
Friday, December 21, 2012
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Better Wish Everyone A Happy Christmas Now While There's Still Time
Yes, that's right, another year is almost complete and another end of the world almost upon us. Apparently the Mayan's have forecast the end is nigh and if they forecast that we'd all be washed away then I'm more than a little scared...
What rubbish weather it is though. It's getting beyond a joke. Got caught in some mystery traffic on the way home. No reason for it all to come to a grinding halt on the A40. Can't find any reports of problems. An odd one. Talking weather - a British speciality - the forecast for Saturday's Skirrid race looks absolutely pants. It's a new race and looking at the terrain, likely to be very wet underfoot. I'm going to need extra special motivation in order to shift my arse over there if the forecast is even half right.
What rubbish weather it is though. It's getting beyond a joke. Got caught in some mystery traffic on the way home. No reason for it all to come to a grinding halt on the A40. Can't find any reports of problems. An odd one. Talking weather - a British speciality - the forecast for Saturday's Skirrid race looks absolutely pants. It's a new race and looking at the terrain, likely to be very wet underfoot. I'm going to need extra special motivation in order to shift my arse over there if the forecast is even half right.
Sunday, December 16, 2012
Vera
After a month off the road for various reasons, and after a few test drives, Vera is good to go again. I am definitely going to get away to the mountains in the coming year. There are many hills and mountains I've yet to run across. I'm going to book up some holiday - 33 days of it with carry over - and then, come hell or high water, I'm going to use it. Unlucky for some, twenty 13 is going to be a good one for me. Have to admit I'm not a great one for new years resolutions but this coming year I'm making it a focus to 'try' and get to Chepstow training on Tuesday night's. I'm going to get me some speed to go with the endurance. I'm going to shed me some lard and I'm going to fly. I'm going to soar like a rather portly eagle...
On other matters, I have finally managed to get some sense out of BT - not too much though, mind. After six or seven calls and a couple of hours wasted time I have finally got the number for compensation. Mind you, it's not one of those fancy 'you're in a queue' style affairs. No, this one gives out 'engaged' so you have to keep re-dialing - in my case, about a dozen times before I finally got through. Can't understand why it hasn't got the normal queuing system of all their other numbers - it's like they want to make it really really difficult for you to get recompense for damaging your property. I should hopefully receive the claim form tomorrow or the next day. Oh, and the number for the BT Legal Compensation line for any one else unfortunate enough to be done over by BT is .... drum role .... 0800 671130. That's 0800 671130. Come on Google do your thing and index this number. That's 0800 671130 for the BT Legal Compensation telephone hotline...
On other matters, I have finally managed to get some sense out of BT - not too much though, mind. After six or seven calls and a couple of hours wasted time I have finally got the number for compensation. Mind you, it's not one of those fancy 'you're in a queue' style affairs. No, this one gives out 'engaged' so you have to keep re-dialing - in my case, about a dozen times before I finally got through. Can't understand why it hasn't got the normal queuing system of all their other numbers - it's like they want to make it really really difficult for you to get recompense for damaging your property. I should hopefully receive the claim form tomorrow or the next day. Oh, and the number for the BT Legal Compensation line for any one else unfortunate enough to be done over by BT is .... drum role .... 0800 671130. That's 0800 671130. Come on Google do your thing and index this number. That's 0800 671130 for the BT Legal Compensation telephone hotline...
Stiff Neck
Don't know where it came from but as I set out from Speculation heading to Ellwood I got a spasm in my neck and from there on I had neck ache. It did ease but made the first half of the outward journey less enjoyable than it should have been.
Despite the discomfort I put in a reasonably hard effort along the firm going of cycle path over to Cannop Ponds. From there I knew I would slow. The softer ground of the Nagshead Planation was plenty wet - yikes, I sound like an advert for kitchen tissue - and, not to mention, plenty slippery. Two feet forward, one foot back.
I finally made to Ellwood and circumnavigated the race route in reverse until I caught the front of the race. From there I snapped some photos of most of the racers before continuing the reverse of the route back to the start which was actually the finish.
It was great to see so many Harriers out and after a brief natter it was time to turn tail and head home. I went a bit steadier on the return. Mostly on account that I was surprisingly knackered. That fast start on the way out had certainly taken its toll and by the time I got back to speculation, some 19km total running later I was glad to see the van.
Here's a link to photos of the runners and riders in this years 2012 Forest of Dean Christmas Tree Race. I think I managed to snap most people although my camera is a bit old - like me, shut it - and isn't very fast - like me, I said shut it - so I might have missed a few... (and it might take a while for all of them to appear while they upload through the ether to the 'tinterweb).
Despite the discomfort I put in a reasonably hard effort along the firm going of cycle path over to Cannop Ponds. From there I knew I would slow. The softer ground of the Nagshead Planation was plenty wet - yikes, I sound like an advert for kitchen tissue - and, not to mention, plenty slippery. Two feet forward, one foot back.
I finally made to Ellwood and circumnavigated the race route in reverse until I caught the front of the race. From there I snapped some photos of most of the racers before continuing the reverse of the route back to the start which was actually the finish.
It was great to see so many Harriers out and after a brief natter it was time to turn tail and head home. I went a bit steadier on the return. Mostly on account that I was surprisingly knackered. That fast start on the way out had certainly taken its toll and by the time I got back to speculation, some 19km total running later I was glad to see the van.
Here's a link to photos of the runners and riders in this years 2012 Forest of Dean Christmas Tree Race. I think I managed to snap most people although my camera is a bit old - like me, shut it - and isn't very fast - like me, I said shut it - so I might have missed a few... (and it might take a while for all of them to appear while they upload through the ether to the 'tinterweb).
Saturday, December 15, 2012
There's Nothing Like A Spot Of Cooking
And a right tasty Chicken and Chorizo Jambalaya it was too. Just the job after a leisurely afternoon run through the quagmire that is the Gloucestershire coutryside. Despite not seeming to rain that much over the last day or two it was never the less as wet underfoot as it was during the Great Rains of November. The brook was well up again. The water table is just so high. Not sure it's going to lower much till the summer - and even then it might not lower that much going by last summer.
Anyway, back to important matter, the jambalaya... So easy and so damn tasty. Fry off diced chicken, add onion, diced bell pepper, chorizo, finely chopped garlic and the secret blend of cajun spices - paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, oregano and thyme - doh. Finally add a can of chopped tomato, long grain rice and vegetable stock. Give it a stir and simmer for twenty minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Then scoff like there are pirates about to invade - not sure where that came from.
Thinking of running tomorrow's Forest Christmas Cake Race - or what ever it's called. If I don't muster in time then I think I will park up away from the race HQ and go for a ten miler or so taking in some race spectating. There is sure to be tens if not hundreds of Chepstow Harriers out. Quite like the idea of jogging round the route cheering the runners on.
Anyway, back to important matter, the jambalaya... So easy and so damn tasty. Fry off diced chicken, add onion, diced bell pepper, chorizo, finely chopped garlic and the secret blend of cajun spices - paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, oregano and thyme - doh. Finally add a can of chopped tomato, long grain rice and vegetable stock. Give it a stir and simmer for twenty minutes until the liquid is absorbed. Then scoff like there are pirates about to invade - not sure where that came from.
Thinking of running tomorrow's Forest Christmas Cake Race - or what ever it's called. If I don't muster in time then I think I will park up away from the race HQ and go for a ten miler or so taking in some race spectating. There is sure to be tens if not hundreds of Chepstow Harriers out. Quite like the idea of jogging round the route cheering the runners on.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
When You’re Going Through Hell
Keep going...
Another day not at the office. Another day of unfulfilled expectation. Another day of not being able to find a contact within BT who can help me with my compensation for wrecking my drive. I've left messages on their claim line but no one calls back so it looks like I'm going to have to get a solicitor on the case. Not sure why BT would want to pay out more than they need to. It's a pretty clear cut case. They dug up my drive for no reason. Does that count as criminal damage? If they put a brick though my window it would be. So does shredding your driveway, private property, count too? If there are any solicitors out there who want to make themselves a few quid get in touch...
Another day not at the office. Another day of unfulfilled expectation. Another day of not being able to find a contact within BT who can help me with my compensation for wrecking my drive. I've left messages on their claim line but no one calls back so it looks like I'm going to have to get a solicitor on the case. Not sure why BT would want to pay out more than they need to. It's a pretty clear cut case. They dug up my drive for no reason. Does that count as criminal damage? If they put a brick though my window it would be. So does shredding your driveway, private property, count too? If there are any solicitors out there who want to make themselves a few quid get in touch...
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
It's Been A Daniel Powter
So busy at work. So much to do and so little time. Even missed the office Christmas lunch. Come to think of it, I missed lunch. Half seven to five pretty much without a break. More of the same tomorrow and the day after that... Getting fed up. Anyone need the services of a top ICA engineer?
Adding to the injury, BT have dug up part of my front driveway - and the house isn't even on BT. I'm number 10 and they should have f$&ked up the garden of number 18 - if only BT employees could read. Not happy. Not happy at all. Could well do without. Adding insult to the injury can I find out a contact point to complain and get compensation? Can I f^&k. Been pushed pillar to post. Five phone calls and still no joy. BT you will pay, believe you me. You can dodge but you cannot hide. Even if I have to drive up to London and ram-raid through the foyer of you're head office, YOU WILL PAY...
Adding to the injury, BT have dug up part of my front driveway - and the house isn't even on BT. I'm number 10 and they should have f$&ked up the garden of number 18 - if only BT employees could read. Not happy. Not happy at all. Could well do without. Adding insult to the injury can I find out a contact point to complain and get compensation? Can I f^&k. Been pushed pillar to post. Five phone calls and still no joy. BT you will pay, believe you me. You can dodge but you cannot hide. Even if I have to drive up to London and ram-raid through the foyer of you're head office, YOU WILL PAY...
Monday, December 10, 2012
Been A Long Year
And thank heaven it's almost over. As Christmas fast approaches it's time for the all important review of the year...
Let's face it, it ain't been great. True, it's not been as bad as 2010 - to be fair it would have to go some to trump that particular vintage. Training has been, what can only be considered, poor. Work has been... busy. What races I've run, I've enjoyed. I'm slower than ever but still enjoy the chase. I am counting off the days until I try to turn over a new leaf. Soon into my 41st year I want to break some new ground. 2013 is going to be a new hope....
Let's face it, it ain't been great. True, it's not been as bad as 2010 - to be fair it would have to go some to trump that particular vintage. Training has been, what can only be considered, poor. Work has been... busy. What races I've run, I've enjoyed. I'm slower than ever but still enjoy the chase. I am counting off the days until I try to turn over a new leaf. Soon into my 41st year I want to break some new ground. 2013 is going to be a new hope....
Saturday, December 08, 2012
The Pit and The Pendulum
The pit of doom. The pits. Pit-iful. Yes, it was another fail. I'm beginning to think I'm a little bit shit at this orienteering lark. At least this time I was surrounded by a couple of decent orienteers who where in as big a pickle as I was. Eventually they conceded defeat and headed home. I didn't. Nineteen minutes later I eventually found the pit that was control eleven. It was just such a damn confusing control. There were literally tens of pits in dense-ish forest. I was in the right area (the far right of the route trace) but just didn't lock into the right pit.
Up till then I was going okay. I had hit the controls pretty well and hadn't made too many mistakes but I wasn't able to cover the ground as quickly as I'd hoped. I kept getting snagged up in bramble. I got a bit shredded on a couple of occasions. You get to the point where you are losing so much time you just have to push through and take the pain - cuts and all.
Although I still think I'm improving, I can see it's going to be quite a while before I'm any good. However, I'm sure the skills I am taking on board will be helpful out in the mountains for proper racing...
Up till then I was going okay. I had hit the controls pretty well and hadn't made too many mistakes but I wasn't able to cover the ground as quickly as I'd hoped. I kept getting snagged up in bramble. I got a bit shredded on a couple of occasions. You get to the point where you are losing so much time you just have to push through and take the pain - cuts and all.
Although I still think I'm improving, I can see it's going to be quite a while before I'm any good. However, I'm sure the skills I am taking on board will be helpful out in the mountains for proper racing...
Friday, December 07, 2012
Knock Knock
Who's there? The Knockalls Orienteering of course. Looks like it's going to be dry but cold and I'm looking forward to it. I've run in the Knockalls Inclosure before and it was soggy back in the summer so I'm expecting it to be very very soggy at the moment. I am hoping I can avoid any major mistakes tomorrow. Going to try and put in a bit more speed between controls. Fingers crossed...
Wednesday, December 05, 2012
Brain Drain
It was a mentally draining day in the office for me today. My arse hardly left the chair. I got a lot of work done. The only problem is that there is still an awful lot more to do. Yesterday was another decent day. I managed to tick off four items from the todo list - only problem was I added a further eleven. One step forward... I sense this isn't going to be the best week of training but at least there's the orienteering to look forward to on Saturday - I wonder how I will balls it up this week?
Monday, December 03, 2012
I Feel It Not In My Fingers
Nor my toes. I do, however, feel it in my quads. It was one of those days where I got stiff every time I sat down for more than a few minutes. Now you may think I missed that - but you'd be wrong. Fnah fnah, ooh er misses, no, stop it, sssh. Right, that's set things straight.
I managed a decent effort on the exercise bike tonight but didn't have much leg power. I want to try and make it across to training with the Harriers tomorrow but not sure how realistic that's going to be given that I'm going to working on site in the afternoon doing a bit of pumping - snigger - and won't be leaving until enough water has been pumped. I'd like to think it will all go swimmingly - wrong choice of words - but these things never go to plan. Fingers crossed.
I managed a decent effort on the exercise bike tonight but didn't have much leg power. I want to try and make it across to training with the Harriers tomorrow but not sure how realistic that's going to be given that I'm going to working on site in the afternoon doing a bit of pumping - snigger - and won't be leaving until enough water has been pumped. I'd like to think it will all go swimmingly - wrong choice of words - but these things never go to plan. Fingers crossed.
Sunday, December 02, 2012
Cream Crackered
or should that be Cardington Cream Crackered. Hell it was tough underfoot in this year's Cardington Cracker. None of the expected frost mind, just lots and lots of sticky mud. I'd gained three inches - ssh, no, stop it - in height by the time I exited the first of the fields at the first road crossing and they made us go around the field edge instead of the normal straight across route as the farmer had ploughed it ready for barley. Right that's my excuses in...
Anyway, I ran like an old festering pile of poo but never the less enjoyed the outing. I was the slowest I've ever been - but not by as much as the results have me listed. They must have missed one of the earlier runners time because they have me a minute slower than my already slow time of 1:37:12. Still, I squeezed into the top hundred in 74th place. Did I mention it was really heavy going underfoot and they made us run further this year?
Aside from running so pitifully slow I ran it about as well as I could have. I set off steady but not far off full effort and then picked it up from half way atop Caradoc. I descended pretty well picking up loads of places and from that half way point I reckon I collected ten or so places. Somehow the last few miles weren't as bad as normal. Despite the mud - did I mention there was lots of sticky mud - I had plenty of endurance to keep me focused through the last fields - full of mud, not sure if I mentioned that, oh, and a liberal sprinkling of cow sh!t.
I'm glad I made the effort to go. This time next year I'll be a millionaire - er, no, I mean - this time next year I will knock minutes off this years time or I will let people hit me with sticks as penance - but only thin sticks, more twigs really.
Any finally, praise where praise is due. Well done to the race organiser, his team, the marshals and most importantly the cake bakers and soup-sayers on this, the races 25th year.
Today's 9 miles and 700m ascent.
Anyway, I ran like an old festering pile of poo but never the less enjoyed the outing. I was the slowest I've ever been - but not by as much as the results have me listed. They must have missed one of the earlier runners time because they have me a minute slower than my already slow time of 1:37:12. Still, I squeezed into the top hundred in 74th place. Did I mention it was really heavy going underfoot and they made us run further this year?
Aside from running so pitifully slow I ran it about as well as I could have. I set off steady but not far off full effort and then picked it up from half way atop Caradoc. I descended pretty well picking up loads of places and from that half way point I reckon I collected ten or so places. Somehow the last few miles weren't as bad as normal. Despite the mud - did I mention there was lots of sticky mud - I had plenty of endurance to keep me focused through the last fields - full of mud, not sure if I mentioned that, oh, and a liberal sprinkling of cow sh!t.
I'm glad I made the effort to go. This time next year I'll be a millionaire - er, no, I mean - this time next year I will knock minutes off this years time or I will let people hit me with sticks as penance - but only thin sticks, more twigs really.
Any finally, praise where praise is due. Well done to the race organiser, his team, the marshals and most importantly the cake bakers and soup-sayers on this, the races 25th year.
Today's 9 miles and 700m ascent.
Saturday, December 01, 2012
Well I Ain't Fit For It
But I'm gonna go run it anyway. I have an inkling it could be chilly on the tops and more than a little icy. I am of course talking about the Cardington Cracker. Last time out I managed 1:33 for the nine miles of undulating Shropshire countryside. This time I'll be happy with sub 1:40.
After the disappointment of yesterday I pretty much spent the day busying myself doing nothing. I did find time amongst the nothingness to charge up Vera's battery and rev her engine. Not going to risk taking her with me tomorrow just in case the battery is on its way out. Can't be getting stranded. I shall monitor things but I need it sorted by next Friday..
After the disappointment of yesterday I pretty much spent the day busying myself doing nothing. I did find time amongst the nothingness to charge up Vera's battery and rev her engine. Not going to risk taking her with me tomorrow just in case the battery is on its way out. Can't be getting stranded. I shall monitor things but I need it sorted by next Friday..
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)