I kept telling my friends, Jorgen and Zoe, that it might be a bit wet on the West Coast but it doesn't rain as much in the East so not to worry too much when we get to Newcastle. You guessed it! It was tipping it down on the final day!
The deal was that Dan and Jorgen would come with me and Zoe and small do would stay in the nice warm hotel and perhaps potter a bit. We set off for brekky at a cafe just a few hundred yards along he quayside, we got as far as the hotel door where the dog refused to go outside, he's a very sensible dog!
Having coaxed the dog out we probably shouldn't have bothered as the cafe would not let him in, Jorgen walked him a little then put him back in the room whilst we ate a big brekky - don't worry he did join us! Great coffee in the 'great coffe' cafe - very large sizes!
I had hatched a plan on seeing the weather when I woke, and revealed it to the team - to save us getting very wet then sitting shivering all the way home on the metro we would take a short walk to the station then get the metro to the coast and walk back. Same distance, reverse direction. Dan was not keen as felt it would be disingenuous but seeing as the point was to walk the path we were still doing what we had talked about.
Dan decided to go and get an extra pair of shorts as he'd borrowed a pair from Jorgen for the past two days and we'd not managed to wash them last night (we did the night before). Any excuse to go to the LD Mountain Centre! Plus he was looking for another pair of, more comfortable, Salomon shoes. I asked him to get me a cheap 'boil in the bag' waterproof as my lightweight shells were simply going to wet-out in the deluge. He got me a small but it was still huge - cue detour to LD for an XS on way to metro station.
Alighting a Tynemouth we looked at a few stall on the weekend market then headed off for the beach (a bit of confusion about which way to go but only 30 secs worth). On the beach we took some photos and got the lifeguard to take some too. There were some guys training on the stairs that go up and down to the beach - my H&S hat came out as some of them had shoes that were sooooo unsuitable for wet concrete! Quick loo-break and we were off on the last leg.
We took a few more piccies a the end marker of the path (I changed waterproof to the thicker one by now so when I get the photo's loaded it is the same day honest! We knew that today was to be the shortest day but the weather made it very unpleasant. Quick snack stop at a coffee shop in the Royal Quays outlet centre (dripped all over their seats and floor).
We're on home turf now and are really excited about giving Jorgen an industrial tour of the areas, starting with the Tyne Tunnel pedestrian tunnel complete with wooden escalators and separate cycle tunnel. Next was the location of the old steel works (gone!) and the weather, as we remarked, was improving.
Oh, yes we spoke too soon! If I was a little damp of foot before in the next 5 minutes my running shoes were squelching! The planned - 'this is where we used to live' detours became a 'it's up there' arm pointing. The rain was so bad the roads were flooding - I had to take a long detour up one street as my legs were too short to jump the puddles at the bottom and unlike Dan my shoes had not even the semblance of waterproofing.
Next came the Riverside park and Keelman's Way - more industrial tourism here. The weather was really improving now and we were able to stop to look at the Kittiwake tower and read the info. Quick text from Zoe came now and I let her know I though we were a few miles way only - strange how even if you know the area when you can't see many landmarks you lose certainty!
I had been explaining that the Tyne winds such a lot that it was not easy to follow it from the air- heck we werent' sure where we were and we were alongside it on foot! We could see St James Park but it looked like it was on the South side from where we were.
Around the next bend we would see the bridges again (well I got it wrong twice but third time lucky!). I called Zoe and let her know that we would be there in a few mins and she got ready to come over the Millennium Bridge to meet us at the Baltic.
Sitting eating cake and drinking a beer (hey, I deserved it!) I realised that we'd done it (well almost). Bath, bubbles, dinner with bubbles, comfortable bed!
Thursday, 21 July 2011
Day 6 - And now we are four!
We had been talking about when and if Zoe would be rejoining us and who to deal with the fact that 5-6 hours in the car travelling home would make her back worse. The idea of flying home came up and the receipt of a copy of her return flight details confirmed that she'd be back - hooray! I had been feeling a bit selfish as everyone had 'been there' for me but not for Zoe when she was ill.
At breakfast there had been some discussion of who would be running and who would be transporting the packs and dog to the next location. Although I would really have preferred Jorgen to be with me on this stretch so I could have run if I'd wanted too I was not going to upset my hubby by saying so, afterall he had stepped up to the plate the previous day. I was a little worried that his feet were a bit sore though.
So, Jorgen dropped us off in Castleside (we originally though we were in Consett but had not really checked and there was only about 1 mile difference on what was going now to be a 12/13 mile day). We set off from Morrisons - which strangely we found does not have a loo and we needed one! S'OK we found the facilities in the local park where they also had an interesting display about the old steel works.
Once on the Derwent Walk section of the path we kind of knew where we were as we used to cycle this a lot with one of the friends we had met the night before. The plan for today was 15 miles from Consett to the Tyne Bridges (final hotel being near the Millennium Bridge in Newcastle). Although we were walking we were still getting tired and slowing down and I could tell that Dan was really hungry and tired but he refused my offer of a protein bar or Kendal Mint cake. I managed to hold things together far better as I had someone else to worry about and when we hit the Metrocentre we took a detour to TGI Fridays of all places for a full sit down lunch! Even though I say it myself, my Quesadillas are far better than theirs!
After lunch we did manage to drag our heavy stomachs out again and it seemed that in no time we were seeing the bridges in the near distance - I had expected to get all emotional when I saw them but I didn't, I just took loads of piccies! We called Jorgen to let him know where we were at lunch and again once in sight of the bridges - he'd already checked us in and put out kit in out rooms, star that he is!
A relaxing bath and rest later and we headed up to the station to meets Zoe (train in, plane out). We got there early so we could have a pint in the Centurion where most of the clientèle came over to ask about the dog! Once Zoe arrived we headed back to the hotel for dinner and drinks.
Dan had worried that the last hotel (Malmaison) was an extravagance but it was worth it he agreed later. We made a plan for the next day including a lie-in til 9 and brekky at 10 in a local cafe and then the 3 of us would be setting off on the final leg.
At breakfast there had been some discussion of who would be running and who would be transporting the packs and dog to the next location. Although I would really have preferred Jorgen to be with me on this stretch so I could have run if I'd wanted too I was not going to upset my hubby by saying so, afterall he had stepped up to the plate the previous day. I was a little worried that his feet were a bit sore though.
So, Jorgen dropped us off in Castleside (we originally though we were in Consett but had not really checked and there was only about 1 mile difference on what was going now to be a 12/13 mile day). We set off from Morrisons - which strangely we found does not have a loo and we needed one! S'OK we found the facilities in the local park where they also had an interesting display about the old steel works.
Once on the Derwent Walk section of the path we kind of knew where we were as we used to cycle this a lot with one of the friends we had met the night before. The plan for today was 15 miles from Consett to the Tyne Bridges (final hotel being near the Millennium Bridge in Newcastle). Although we were walking we were still getting tired and slowing down and I could tell that Dan was really hungry and tired but he refused my offer of a protein bar or Kendal Mint cake. I managed to hold things together far better as I had someone else to worry about and when we hit the Metrocentre we took a detour to TGI Fridays of all places for a full sit down lunch! Even though I say it myself, my Quesadillas are far better than theirs!
After lunch we did manage to drag our heavy stomachs out again and it seemed that in no time we were seeing the bridges in the near distance - I had expected to get all emotional when I saw them but I didn't, I just took loads of piccies! We called Jorgen to let him know where we were at lunch and again once in sight of the bridges - he'd already checked us in and put out kit in out rooms, star that he is!
A relaxing bath and rest later and we headed up to the station to meets Zoe (train in, plane out). We got there early so we could have a pint in the Centurion where most of the clientèle came over to ask about the dog! Once Zoe arrived we headed back to the hotel for dinner and drinks.
Dan had worried that the last hotel (Malmaison) was an extravagance but it was worth it he agreed later. We made a plan for the next day including a lie-in til 9 and brekky at 10 in a local cafe and then the 3 of us would be setting off on the final leg.
Day 5 - New balls please!
Dan had transported us to the next B&B the night before along with the poorly doglet. This one we'd stayed in before when we cycled the path and were looking forward to going there as it had been great. Key words there - had been! Suffice to say we were disappointed! Check out our reviews of Bee Cottage on trip advisor for more info - wish we had done so first!
Sitting in the pub eating dinner the night before (looked like a gastropub outside - was not inside but good honest and cheap food (we reviewed all the restaurants and pubs we could too), Jorgen pointed out that his foot was very sore and he was not certain that he could run or even walk the next day. A plan was hatched!
Dan was to run with me the following day then just in case Jorgen could not and so he could take the little dog to the vets. In the morning Jorgen was OK but we decided to stick to the plan. so there would be no running as Dan does not run and had not even got the right shoes to try. He also had no food and although he did have a Camelbak his rucksack was a bit large - so we would be walking.
Jorgen dropped us off at Rookhope and we headed to Stanhope. We had planned to have a quick coffee together in the local pub before starting but at 10:50 it of course was not open. Dan and I set off along the road as the off road route although open looked a bit rough. After a few mins Jorgen and Rascal (the dog) passed and waved (not the dog!) after a quick chat out of the car window!
At this point in my mind I was on the downhill part of the trek. Not really - there were some climbs to Stanhope (and some rather dodgy signage), we had a little 5 min rest when we reached the town before heading up a whole 2 miles of hill! It just went on and on and it was mostly straight so we could see that it went on and on! To keep us going we started a 'road kill count' which totalled 27 (possibly 26 as the last 2 could have been 2 a part of the same!) most of which were on this section.
At the top of the hill we found a cafe - Parkhead Station, what a lovely place, a welcome site (and sight) and they have a B&B - we took details for later use. Great coffee and cake in just the right place and the owners where like a comedy double act (they had 'retired' there, think I could too!).
After this it was downhill!! At last! Now were were on the moors away from the road and surrounded by sheep - sheep with lambs to protect, sheep that decided Dan was a threat - a few headed for him! Hilarious! I'd had three days of walking and running with Jorgen and the sheep ran from us - Dan they try to attack! I did the 'making myself look bigger' thing but stretching out my arms and the sheep though better of it!
The weather was beginning to look threatening with big black clouds but we had about 5 miles only left so we were not really worried. Plus it was downhill and again straight so we could see it! About 2-3 miles out from the B&B - which we were walking in to we saw a figure running up the path towards us. At first a speck moving faster than the other specks then a figure in black shorts and top with a recognisable gait - was it? Yep! it was Jorgen - he was going a bit stir crazy so he had come out for a short run and did not even realise that he was on the same path as us! We all walked back in together.
Had a great evening at the Derwent Walk Pub with some local friends - a great day all in all.
Sitting in the pub eating dinner the night before (looked like a gastropub outside - was not inside but good honest and cheap food (we reviewed all the restaurants and pubs we could too), Jorgen pointed out that his foot was very sore and he was not certain that he could run or even walk the next day. A plan was hatched!
Dan was to run with me the following day then just in case Jorgen could not and so he could take the little dog to the vets. In the morning Jorgen was OK but we decided to stick to the plan. so there would be no running as Dan does not run and had not even got the right shoes to try. He also had no food and although he did have a Camelbak his rucksack was a bit large - so we would be walking.
Jorgen dropped us off at Rookhope and we headed to Stanhope. We had planned to have a quick coffee together in the local pub before starting but at 10:50 it of course was not open. Dan and I set off along the road as the off road route although open looked a bit rough. After a few mins Jorgen and Rascal (the dog) passed and waved (not the dog!) after a quick chat out of the car window!
At this point in my mind I was on the downhill part of the trek. Not really - there were some climbs to Stanhope (and some rather dodgy signage), we had a little 5 min rest when we reached the town before heading up a whole 2 miles of hill! It just went on and on and it was mostly straight so we could see that it went on and on! To keep us going we started a 'road kill count' which totalled 27 (possibly 26 as the last 2 could have been 2 a part of the same!) most of which were on this section.
At the top of the hill we found a cafe - Parkhead Station, what a lovely place, a welcome site (and sight) and they have a B&B - we took details for later use. Great coffee and cake in just the right place and the owners where like a comedy double act (they had 'retired' there, think I could too!).
After this it was downhill!! At last! Now were were on the moors away from the road and surrounded by sheep - sheep with lambs to protect, sheep that decided Dan was a threat - a few headed for him! Hilarious! I'd had three days of walking and running with Jorgen and the sheep ran from us - Dan they try to attack! I did the 'making myself look bigger' thing but stretching out my arms and the sheep though better of it!
The weather was beginning to look threatening with big black clouds but we had about 5 miles only left so we were not really worried. Plus it was downhill and again straight so we could see it! About 2-3 miles out from the B&B - which we were walking in to we saw a figure running up the path towards us. At first a speck moving faster than the other specks then a figure in black shorts and top with a recognisable gait - was it? Yep! it was Jorgen - he was going a bit stir crazy so he had come out for a short run and did not even realise that he was on the same path as us! We all walked back in together.
Had a great evening at the Derwent Walk Pub with some local friends - a great day all in all.
Friday, 15 July 2011
Day 4 In which we ran a little and the dog got carried
After our little 'get real chat' the other night we decided to walk most of today and cut the distance short. This meant that we could walk the dog too giving Dan a rest day.
We started with a two stage plan – to get to Garrigill and if we felt OK to carry on to Nenthead. We left the B&B for Hartside Top cafe to start the walk there. At the top a few photos where taken the plan was 'approved' by the driver and we set off down the hill (my favourite direction!). After a few mins I was feeling so good that we started to jog with the little dog hurrying us along. This bit of the course is a little tricky due to the fact that it is alongside the road and there is no pavement.
We stopped running each time a car came towards us – safety first! We eventually gave up on the running not because we were tired or that it was dangerous but it was not ideal for the dogs paws' although he never complains.
We had a very nice chat with a dry stone waller chap on the roadside who kindly told us of the 'offroad' section coming up in mile (which turned out to be only half a mile – hooray!). Nice quiet road it was too and it was easy going.
It seemed like in no time we were in Garrigill after a few little hills climbs and the time we estimated to the driver turned out to be waaaaay over the top despite our chat stop and apparent tiredness earlier. We stopped the George and Dragon in the town (a pub that is lost in time with toilets that support their own eco-system, but they do a good cup of tea!). We had to use the payphone to call our driver to find out where he was as there was no signal on our mobiles and had not been for ages. Turned out he was still at Hartside Top enjoying coffee, cake and reading a book.
He came down to meet us and we all had a chat about what was next – Nenthead we decided as we were feeling good. So we'd done about 8/9 miles and that would be another 3-4. We set off again (I used the nearby public loos as I could not face the pub ones again!) on the off road version but after about 1.5/2 miles we got a little worried as the dog although off the lead was not running on and looking closely we found he was limping. Being near a road at this point we decided to call our driver to come and collect the dog – oh-oh, no signal again. What to do? Jorgen carried the dog the rest of the way. At first he was a little unco-operative but eventually he settled down. I am happy to tell you that this is an English Toy Terrier so quite small and light and one who is used to walking long distances each weekend at least equal to what we had chosen today, so he was able to carry him – although his biceps may be sore tomorrow!
A few more rough uphills and a lovely decent and we could see some old mining sites – Smallcleugh – we popped over to have a look at the sign boards explaining the site and Jorgen took a few more photos. I called Dan and he was sleeping in the car park at Nenthead mine – just down the hill. Although we did have a little 'Michelle induced' detour where Jorgen carried the dog up a hill and down again on his shoulder!
Strangely I thought I heard someone whistling to call us back but he swears he didn't – weird eh?
Tuesday, 12 July 2011
Day 3 - Gung-ho - NO!
Hard a heart to heart talk over dinner last night. If we keep 'pushing on' like we have been we're gonna end up hurt, both of us. So we decided to take a tactical rest day today. Apart from wandering around the town of Penrith and walking the dog across the odd field we've done nowt!
In the end I need to finish in Tynemouth uninjured as I can't train clients and can't earn money to pay bills if I can't walk or run. So, if I leave some stretches of the run uncompleted this week I will run them next week - the distance that is not the location of course as I can't come back here next week/week after because I need to be where my clients are.
Today's distance would have been 18 miles - we probably did about 2-3 walking the dog and around the shops. There will be 15 to run next week already then. My legs hurt, I have a blister that is bigger than any compeed and I have shin splints just for good measure. Jorgen has blisters and some ITB pain.
I'm not as badly off as Zoe, who sadly had to gone home yesterday on the train as her back was too bad to allow her to travel each day of the run and walk any distance. I'm happy to say that she's OK (as long as she takes the painkillers at least). I hope her GP appointment improves the situation further. We're currently waiting to hear.
Blisters are really annoying - they sound like nothing but can cause real problems and even stop us from running or walking at all. Do not underestimate the blister folks! Do not underestimate the distance either. Trinity Booth are you listening? I have always respected your ability - I feel this even more now - Go Trin!
As I type this we are planning tomorrow and due to the pain/injuries we are thinking of a shorted day again leaving miles to do next week (I'm gutted by this by the way by I have to be realistic - I can't work if I can't move! Thanks Jorgen for being with me on the run and making me think about things from a professional point of view).
So, day 4 approaches - lets see what it brings!
In the end I need to finish in Tynemouth uninjured as I can't train clients and can't earn money to pay bills if I can't walk or run. So, if I leave some stretches of the run uncompleted this week I will run them next week - the distance that is not the location of course as I can't come back here next week/week after because I need to be where my clients are.
Today's distance would have been 18 miles - we probably did about 2-3 walking the dog and around the shops. There will be 15 to run next week already then. My legs hurt, I have a blister that is bigger than any compeed and I have shin splints just for good measure. Jorgen has blisters and some ITB pain.
I'm not as badly off as Zoe, who sadly had to gone home yesterday on the train as her back was too bad to allow her to travel each day of the run and walk any distance. I'm happy to say that she's OK (as long as she takes the painkillers at least). I hope her GP appointment improves the situation further. We're currently waiting to hear.
Blisters are really annoying - they sound like nothing but can cause real problems and even stop us from running or walking at all. Do not underestimate the blister folks! Do not underestimate the distance either. Trinity Booth are you listening? I have always respected your ability - I feel this even more now - Go Trin!
As I type this we are planning tomorrow and due to the pain/injuries we are thinking of a shorted day again leaving miles to do next week (I'm gutted by this by the way by I have to be realistic - I can't work if I can't move! Thanks Jorgen for being with me on the run and making me think about things from a professional point of view).
So, day 4 approaches - lets see what it brings!
Monday, 11 July 2011
Day 2 - 24 miles
Ok so lets be honest here, yesterday was damn hard and my legs, shoulders and brain took a beating. I'm going to finished this so we took an executive decision to walk the whole distance today in order to make sure we could complete it.
First few miles on the Keswick railway path were great, flat easy although a bit stoney. We cracked on at a fair pace and thought we'd finished by 16:30. Think again! Although I am eating and hydrating well whilst on the run (or should I say walk!) I just couldn't keep the pace up - especially when it got hilly. Felt great up to mile 9/10 when we stopped for a ginger beer (and one to take with us). Started to suffer at around mile 15 and only the thought of it being a 22 mile day kept me going - we did nearly 24 in the end.
In the last few miles we slowed a lot - staggering in places and at one point when we thought we might have made a navigation error I nearly sat down and cried! Called hubby about 3 miles from end and not really thinking he asked us if we could carry on walking the 3 miles to the hotel, I didn't swear at all! We'd arranged to meet at the station and this was what I demanded he did! 3 more miles??? No chance in this state!
Right near the station we saw a Morrison's and in need of more Compeed supplies we stopped and called Dan to meet us their instead. The hotel on the outskirts of Penrith is the White House - looked twee on booking site but again very lovely - I sank into a hot bath, not really ideal but I was cold and shivering.
Now in George and Dragon just 100 yard from hotel but we still drove, I can't walk!!!! Pea risotto - I reckon I deserve a cheat day!
First few miles on the Keswick railway path were great, flat easy although a bit stoney. We cracked on at a fair pace and thought we'd finished by 16:30. Think again! Although I am eating and hydrating well whilst on the run (or should I say walk!) I just couldn't keep the pace up - especially when it got hilly. Felt great up to mile 9/10 when we stopped for a ginger beer (and one to take with us). Started to suffer at around mile 15 and only the thought of it being a 22 mile day kept me going - we did nearly 24 in the end.
In the last few miles we slowed a lot - staggering in places and at one point when we thought we might have made a navigation error I nearly sat down and cried! Called hubby about 3 miles from end and not really thinking he asked us if we could carry on walking the 3 miles to the hotel, I didn't swear at all! We'd arranged to meet at the station and this was what I demanded he did! 3 more miles??? No chance in this state!
Right near the station we saw a Morrison's and in need of more Compeed supplies we stopped and called Dan to meet us their instead. The hotel on the outskirts of Penrith is the White House - looked twee on booking site but again very lovely - I sank into a hot bath, not really ideal but I was cold and shivering.
Now in George and Dragon just 100 yard from hotel but we still drove, I can't walk!!!! Pea risotto - I reckon I deserve a cheat day!
Day 1 - 28.30miles
So I started the run on Sunday with Jorgen as my support runner. Sadly Zoe had hurt her back and was unable to run.
We (eventually) found the start point in the car and took a few pictures for the scrap book (not uploaded any yet). We set off around 11:00 and right from the first interval I did not feel 100% and I still have no idea why but we soldiered on for about an hour before it became very difficult. Changed my interval length to add more walking and again we pushed on.
This day should have been 24 miles but we had a few little detours which meant the we ended up at 28.3 miles in total and really mashed legs and sore neck from getting tense. We walked a lot - the last 7-8 miles in total and most of the uphills all day. Started to stiffen at 20 miles and just could not get it going again. Gutted but I was going to finish even if it was on my hands and knees.
Right on the edge of Keswick by the Pencil Museum I spotted my hubby, Jorgen's wife Zoe and their cute little English Toy Terrier, they went around a bend before Jorgen looked up so he thought I was hallucinating! A giggle right a the point where I most needed it. Collapsed into hubby's arms and sobbed most of the final 0.5 mile back to the B&B.
On the subject of the B&B - lovely place called Rivendell, perhaps a bit twee in decoration but most are and the owners were friendly, rooms good and breakfasts fab (will review on tripadvisor later).
Dinner was a whole other issue - we suffered form the usual provincial problem of pubs stopping serving at 9 and some even running out of food. Eventually - I got half a cow pie, that helped!
We (eventually) found the start point in the car and took a few pictures for the scrap book (not uploaded any yet). We set off around 11:00 and right from the first interval I did not feel 100% and I still have no idea why but we soldiered on for about an hour before it became very difficult. Changed my interval length to add more walking and again we pushed on.
This day should have been 24 miles but we had a few little detours which meant the we ended up at 28.3 miles in total and really mashed legs and sore neck from getting tense. We walked a lot - the last 7-8 miles in total and most of the uphills all day. Started to stiffen at 20 miles and just could not get it going again. Gutted but I was going to finish even if it was on my hands and knees.
Right on the edge of Keswick by the Pencil Museum I spotted my hubby, Jorgen's wife Zoe and their cute little English Toy Terrier, they went around a bend before Jorgen looked up so he thought I was hallucinating! A giggle right a the point where I most needed it. Collapsed into hubby's arms and sobbed most of the final 0.5 mile back to the B&B.
On the subject of the B&B - lovely place called Rivendell, perhaps a bit twee in decoration but most are and the owners were friendly, rooms good and breakfasts fab (will review on tripadvisor later).
Dinner was a whole other issue - we suffered form the usual provincial problem of pubs stopping serving at 9 and some even running out of food. Eventually - I got half a cow pie, that helped!
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