granny's bay 10 miler

16th August 7:30am and the alarm went off. I turned it off a couple of times whilst I decided if I was going to run in the race today. Afterall it was only £6 to enter.
After a cup of tea and an oat biscuit, I decided that I would run. It would be somewhere different and next to the sea, plus the dog could have a roam about in the sand dunes whilst I raced.
We set off at about 9:10am and as the directions were from the M55 that's the way I went. I really don't like going on the M55 because it's such a long way round, taking you to the North End of Blackpool via Fleetwood and the north shore.
When we eventually got to St Annes we saw plenty of runners heading towards the start, and as we were on the last minute, I parked up in a street. Who should be in the car right in front of me but Shelley from Chorley Harriers. What a spot of luck! I like to run with Shelley because she goes faster than me and keeps me going.
We did a brisk walk to the start and I needed the loo (for which there was the inevitable queue) and just managed to get to use it as the runners gathered at the start.
Once round the car park then out on to the main road. I managed to keep up with Shelley for about a mile or so, but then let her carry on ahead of me. The pace was just a bit too fast. I tried not to lose too much momentum and looking at my garmin I was doing less than 10 minute miles for about 6 miles. When we turned round at the windmill in Lytham the wind was against us and quite strong so that slowed me down quite considerably.
I was quite amazed at just how many people were behind me as I ran back down the course and started to feel quite happy that I wasn't with the back markers.
Four people overtook me, but i wasn't too worried about that as I was now going at a comfortable pace for me and I knew there was still lots to do.
As i got to the last 2 miles i spotted Shelley who was walking. She had told me beforehand that she'd been on a carb free diet all week so i was a bit concerned that she'd hit a wall.
Anyway, she started to run again and I finished only a minute or two behind her in 1hr 42 mins. that's a PB for me and I was very pleased with it.
I got some squash and a goody bag containing a small box of cadbury's chocs, some shower gel, anti perspirant and a lolly. Nice goody bag!!
Shelley and I walked back to the cars together and Graham and Chaz were in waiting for me. I had some water, my banana and a couple of small biscuits which I was given with the squash. My BTM was killing me and I was glad to stretch off. Sitting down was a bit painful, but by the time we got to Preston it had eased off.
A good morning all in all.
If anyone reads this I would recommend this race. It was well organised with plenty of marshalls, water stations at the windmill and at the finish, first aiders on bikes patrolling the route and flat and fast.

10 August 2009 Dartmouth summer camp

Just got back from another glorious week at Dartmouth. I love going to BRNC, it's a very special place. Lots of uniform changes and I usually managed to get it wrong and ended up going back up to my cabin to change, but it's nice to feel part of something special. The Royal Navy always make us feel like one of them, even though we aren't "real navy". It's great for the cadets who always manage to mix well together and by the end of the week have made new friends and really bond well.

I arrived at Totnes at about 3:10pm and got the minibus to the college. Found my cabin and met some old friends. The hike up the stairs is still quite a challenge especially with a heavy suitcase but i do try to take the bare mininum.

Sunday is an easy day as is Monday and tuesday morning. Then we get our first lot of cadets down on the river in the afternoon.

My job, as always, is instructing cadets on the whalers (officially singel screw craft). Although it gets quite monotonous going through the same thing over and over with different groups, it is pleasant to do with excellent company on the river.

Tuesday it was pouring down and I got soaked, even with my foulies on. The worst thing was getting everything wet, especially my mobile which was in the pocket which had a puddle in it when I got back to empty the pockets. One poor dead phone and panic set in. all my appointments were on it, photos etc. The carphone warehouse sent me a replacement the day after I phoned them. Good service and it only cost me £14 because I didn't have insurance.

I mangaged to do 5 runs into Dartmouth at 6am every morning except the last 3. I also took part in the annual ramp race against the cadets. Our team came 6th out of a possible 8, so we didn't do too badly for oldies.