A personal blog to record running/walking with 50 unique women over the next 12 months
I am 50 this year, and to do something different I am contacting a number of diverse women
regarding getting out for a run/walk with me (50 in all) Most of my
contacts are members of my own Club Saddleworth Runners, other are
people I have worked with in my life working for Remploy a disability
organisation, but also anyone who feels their story could inspire
others. The plan is to record the route and do a little biography of why they run and what has inspired them to get out there.
Running also has the positive benefits of addressing low self esteem
and mental illness. I am looking to publish the book among my own
circle of friends and team mates. Normal women inspiring others to get
out and do something.
* 80% of women do not do enough exercise to stay healthy * Over half girls are put off physical activity because of school sport and PE.
Happy New Year!!
2nd January
Well it all begins tomorrow with a run with my
good friend Nicky Torr, not quite sure what to expect yet, but I'm sure
it will become easier as I get into the challenge over the coming
months. Rather than me just asking all the questions, why not throw one
back at me?
1st January
In what promises to be a fantastic year in many ways, I got the year off to a great start by organising a walk from Standedge Cutting, Diggle, Oldham. Jo along with two of our life long friends took on a route Saddleworth Runners use as a handicap race in the Summer. Biting winds and squally showers lasted throughout our 2.5 hour trek that too in Boat Lane, Pule Hill and the old Packhorse Bridge in Marsden. As we climbed back towards Millstone edge on the Pennine way, the winds grew even stronger, whipping the legs away at times. By complete coincidence we met met up more SRC fools on the Edge either running or walking, great to see people making the most of their free time. After a welcoming meal at the Great Western pub, a few beers and a warming fire in the Snug.
December 2013
A fantastic festive period so far, managing to get out every day doing some form of exercise. In the last few days some great days on the hills.
31st Dec 2013
We had a great turnout for our early
morning New Years Eve run out today. Meeting at 8.30 was a little too
early for some, bu 11 brave Saddleworth Runners headed out from Binn
Green car park on what was breezy, but relatively clear day. As a change
there was no set route, with each of us taking turns to lead the run
wherever it took us before handing the baton over to the next person for
them to plough their own furrow over the Wild Saddleworth Moors.
our
run covered just 8 miles with some good climbs and boggy moorland
terrain to contend with, only after the last summit at Fox Stone
(picture) did we have to don cags as the rain came in with vengeance. A
fantastic group of people, what a great way to spend the last day of the
year.
Saturday 28th -
What a
great run out this morning with the ever lovely Mrs Torr. Starting at,
Binn Green we ascended Alderman in cool biting winds taking in stunning
views as the clouds parted to glimpses of sunshine. A quick descent back
through Binn Green (I used to run through the plantation at Crowthers,
but he caught me a few too many times ;-( ) across the dam and up the
ramp to Ashway. Around the Edges to Fox
Stone before descending to the bridge at Dovestones. The weather was
really brightening up now, so cags and gloves removed for our next climb
to Dove Stone. Once again along the edges before descending to the tram
tracks and into Chew /brook, before our final climb up Stable Stone
Brow. Around the edge over Indians Head, descending via Rams Clough to a
very busy Dovestones. We battled our way along the dam through hoards
of dog walkers and via the N side of the Res back up to Binn Green. Just
about 7m in two hours, but over 2800' of ascent, all before noon. http://connect.garmin.com/activity/420611303
Friday 27th -
Well,
what a great Winter Day out in Honley this morning (full report to
follow from Tanya) A varied route of paths, tracks and just for me a bit
of tarmac. The expected bad weather lasted all of ten minutes and we
were blessed with a clear if not windy day. Great to see our MEP Chris
Davies out with us too. After, the Golden Cock rose to our expectations
with great food and a good after run crack. A pity only eight of us in
total, but a massive thanks to Tanya for offering to organise this
festive milestone: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/420214671
Boxing Day
In a scene that could have been taken from the infamous Christmas Day
truce on the Western Front in 1914 were soldiers from both sides of the
lines laid down their arms and played football, the respective leaders
of Saddleworth Runners three sparing factions (The Owls - Chris Martin, Gentleman Joggers - Tony Greene and the Lamppost Chaser - Howard Chambers) joined by neutral onlooker David Hailwood
met up at Grains Bar today to share some seasonal Bon Ami. Despite
Chris struggling with natural daylight and Tony feeling the cold only a
week on from India, we had a very pleasant trot out taking in the Cross
at Besom Hill, the now defunct Counthill school, and down into
Strinesdale Valley. The climb out took us through a tiny hamlet that I
wouldn't be able to find driving, before skirting High Moor Quarry and
into the lovely wooded copse of pine trees just below Bishops Park. It
was pretty wet going all the way round, though sill frozen in places. We
summited at the monument before making our way through the golf course
to the cars. A hours running and just under 5 and a half miles. A really
lovely way to start the morning..
