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22-12-6 Have just finished a weekend and week of ward duties at my new base, the University Hospital of North Durham. This has coincided with the start of winter, at last! After weeks of wind and rain the skies cleared and one continuous frost. Working the weekend of course precluded any runs, and the first chance was on the Monday past, running the 12 miles from the hospital to home. Felt prepared with appropriate clothing but had underestimated just how cold it would be. The route was all following the main roads, so well lit apart from a few short stretches. The only disadvantage are the hills, it is almost continuously up or down hill, great for training, hard on the legs. The last 4 miles were uncomfortable because it was so cold. It took a couple of hours to thaw out! Ran back home two days later, even better prepared (thicker top and gloves) but of course by now it was another 3 degrees below freezing. Again the last 4 miles were torture. It is just so difficult to get the balance right. Too many layers and you sweat, which is even more unpleasant in cold weather, too few and you freeze. Hey let's not grumble, because at least running outside reminds you of how great it is too be alive and healthy enough to run. Today was the first chance in a long time to run to Spennymoor along the rail track. It would have been far too wet earlier in the month. Still very cold but strange. In the cuttings the ground was still frozen solid, and the air bitterly cold. There were the most amazing thermoclines, with a thin layer of mist hovering about 7 foot off the track. At other times only 3 or feet high. Then in the areas exposed to the feeble winter sun temperatures rose enough too feel quite warm. All the hilly runs from Durham have left the legs a little sore but it's all good training. 9-12-6 Can't believe it has been over a month since the last entry, not good enough. So much has been happening at work that it became very difficult to get any runs in. The end of October and early November went well with what seemed almost effortless 20 mile runs and of course such unbelievably mild weather. The only real difficulty arose with the tracks being so wet. There was the opportunity to run in different places, first at Warwick University. Was there for a meeting looking at care for children with diabetes. I was asked to chair a session and then run an insulin pump workshop. The run itself was fine, cold and hilly. Then earlier this week was at another meeting in Stratford, this time to give a talk on insulin pumps. It was a great opportunity to inform other children's specialists of how well the pumps work in children. With a bit of luck this should be the start of greater awareness across the country, and of course more children given the opportunity to start on pumps. This was an interesting run alongside the river Avon and the Stratford - Avon canal. Have never seen so many swans! A few anxious moments but they weren't at all bothered. Could only run around 5 miles because of increasing mud and the danger of falling into the canal or breaking an ankle. Inexplicably at the end of November had a period of extreme fatigue. Went to run on the treadmill with the weather being so dreadful. It was awful, even at a slower than usual speed I felt short of breath and had to stop after only 2 miles. It was days before another opportunity to run came along and I was truly worried that it wouldn't be possible. In the end it went well. It was a very windy day, and at times so strong that it was difficult to move forward. The bonus was returning home and being blown along so fast it really felt like flying. And so to today. Again windy but not so cold. Woke later than usual so did the weekly shop before setting off around 1pm. Wasn't sure how far to go but eventually managed 14 miles before the rain started. 22-10-6 One of the more difficult decisions to make before setting off on a long run is what to wear, especially as the weather gets colder. Today the sun was shining but the trees were buffeted by the wind and the forecast was for rain. Too much clothing and you overheat, too little and frost bite! In the end plumped for winter wear with a shirt that the sleeves would roll up. For the first 5 miles the going was rather hot but just out of Willington the rain started, gently drizzling. A deceptive, sneaky sort of rain which was pleasantly cool out of the wind, and leading to a false sense of well being. Even though I was for me, relatively well wrapped I must have seemed almost naked to the cyclists and walkers also on the track who were positively swathed in layers of jumpers and raincoats. Then as Brandon was approached the rain really started to get heavy and showed no signs of abating so even though my legs felt really good it seemed sensible to turn back and only go for an 18 mile run instead of the 20 hoped for. It was getting to be really cold and of course with the track puddling my feet were getting wet. I am like a cat, hate wet feet, they feel so miserable and demotivating. Bizarrely on the return route the weather reversed so by the time home was reached it was obvious that they had no rain, it was still sunny and rather warm. 21-10-6 Had hoped to go for a 10 mile run yesterday after work but the best laid plans ... We have been trying to update a bathroom and it has taken months. Every time it seems to be finished another problem. The shower cubicle and fittings are just a nightmare. Anyway the plumber had come to finally finish the shower, but it wasn't to be and in the struggle to try and find a solution the opportunity for a run disappeared. Still the chance arose today after the weekly shop. The weather is so unbelievable and it was surprisingly warm. Ran towards Spennymoor but intend for a very long run tomorrow so limited it to just 6 miles. Lots of small children on bicycles, or being pushed along or carried, usually by grandparents. It was so nice to see the obvious pleasure they took in each others company. The track was really crowded in places. Only now are the leaves starting to change colour and fall. 16-10-6 Have a few days holiday so should get some runs in. Had meant for a long 16+ on Sunday but did lots of other things instead, like painting the bathroom, doing other DIY jobs etc. Friday and today with the rest of the family getting up for work and school got up with them but went for an early morning run to Spennymoor and back. Had to wait until it was light enough to see. So quiet on the tracks, only an occasional dog being walked out, a few birds and the occasional rabbit. The stillness allows for plenty of thinking time and the miles just fly past. One of the ideas running through my head were for future lectures and talks. Have been invited to give another lecture on insulin pumps in November near Stratford. This should be an opportunity to encourage other paediatricians to use them. Not enough children are being given the chance, but it will change. 9-10-6 Quite a week all told. Not much running after the GNR on Sunday. Managed to squeeze in a 6 mile run to Binchester along the track on Wednesday lunchtime. The weather is so good at the moment, sunny and not too hot, perfect. Didn't feel too stiff and because it was lunchtime, not another soul in sight. The only disadvantage is the rush to get showered, changed and back to work. It was only possible because there was a half hour extra before a meeting at work. The next opportunity wasn't until the Saturday evening. Was on call the weekend, but things were quiet so snuck in a 6 mile treadmill run so as to be near the phone. Was so gutted with my performance on Sunday that am determined to get faster. Started off at a decent speed but set it faster after each mile so by the end of 6 was moving pretty fast. My but it is boring on a treadmill, find it so much harder to drift away with my thoughts, its much noisier and doesn't need quite as much effort. This afternoon was able to finish work a bit early and after a very stressful morning couldn't wait to get out and run the stress away. Once again headed along the track to Spennymoor. Definitely autumnal with the first leaves drifting down. The wind was cool, light and from behind on the first half. The treadmill run on Wednesday had clearly done something to the running rhythm because I managed the 10 miles in just over 1hr 15 minutes. It just felt great to have the wind blowing in your face with a setting sun giving off just enough heat to take the chill off. Arrived home completely de-stressed. 1-10-6 The Great North Run. Always a great occasion and this year was so well organised. You have to arrive early to leave your bags on buses, previously almost 2 hours before the race but this year just 30 minutes early. Then the runners were strictly ordered according to predicted times so for the first time ever I was closer to the front and didn't have to spend the whole race dodging people. That said it was hot again, and with the training going rather poorly this year was little pleasure and the last 3 miles a torture. This time it was hundreds of people overtaking me! Strange thing weather. It was baking hot for the race, but quickly chilled and of course spent the rest of the day pouring down! Next year I intend to be better prepared and trained. Need to beat the 1 hr 40 barrier again. 30-9-6 Great North Run tomorrow. Can't say preparations have been the best, apart from eating an obscene amount of pasta tonight. Its just as well that you're supposed to taper down before a race as this week has been like so many others, hectic. Yesterday saw another new venue for a run, Hinkley near Leicester. Was at a meeting about insulin pumps and having arrived the previous night got up early for a quick run. Its always exciting running in a new place, with the potential for all sorts of problems. It turned out quite a pleasant run, through industrial estates, fields and mostly next to busy roads. Finished off with a faint drizzle but shortly afterwards came an almighty thunderstorm. Timed that right then. 18-9-6 This weekend saw my first tour of duty at the University Hospital of North Durham a.k.a Dryburn Hospital. Given the extra journey time and need to be available for emergencies left no time for any running until tonight when I took the opportunity to run back home from the hospital. Used the GPS monitor to work out the distance, just around 13 miles or almost a half marathon. Most of the run was on footpaths except the last 5 miles on the old railway track. In a week or so's time the nights will fall too soon to run on the track so will need to sort out a route along the roads. The only way to keep up the miles is to be imaginative and take every opportunity as it comes. Next weekend is going to be a challenge as it the 30th reunion of our medical school year. Not likely to be any training chances there! The weekend after is the Great North Run. 11-9-6 Have been away this last week. Firstly, travelled to Cambridge for the ISPAD meeting (International Society for Paediatric and Adolescent Diabetes). This is a meeting of health professionals working with diabetic children from all over the world. Met so many amazing people. Lots to hear and learn about. Even gave a presentation about the 730+ club, the children who inspired the fund-raising campaign in the first place. It was good to hear of other people's experience of insulin pumps. Yes they really are the best thing for those children who want one. Only had time for one run whilst at the conference. Well the morning sessions started at 7-30am and didn't finish until after 5pm, except for Thursday afternoon. Had a chance for a guided tour around Cambridge city or a run, so no prizes for guessing which choice. As the river Cam is a long established route for canal boats, it meant a tow-path alongside and so headed off for 7.5 miles towards Ely before returning. It was fairly flat, scenic , but hot. Amazingly quiet for such a busy city especially when people cycle everywhere, only saw three other runners and a few cyclists, perhaps everybody was working hard. As my parents live fairly close to Cambridge went to stay with them on the Friday after the meeting. The next day my younger sister, one of her sons and Jamie my brother in law decided to cycle from my parents house back to their village about 15 miles away. It was very pleasant running in company, even if it was extremely hot that day. Jamie is a very observant person, an artist and an Naturalist so it meant a running commentary on the fauna and flora we passed along the way. Altogether a rather special time. Unfortunately had caught a cold from my mother earlier in the week, which was starting to grip on the Sunday so am paying for the run now. 3-9-6 With all the miles run lately thought would be able to up the long Sunday run, but it wasn't to be. Yesterday went to Edinburgh to see an exhibition by a sculptor called Ron Meuk. He makes the most unbelievably lifelike sculptures of people but completely out of scale. For example a 10' baby, or a 12 foot woman in bed or two 2' high old ladies. It is very uncanny looking at these objects that look so real. Anyway it meant lots of walking so my legs were really tired before I even started to run. In the end managed 15 miles, fairly slowly. Passed lots of runners in both directions, obviously gearing up for the Great North Run in a few weeks time. Even though it didn't feel too hot today with a stiff breeze and occasional drizzle still managed to get a real sweat on. Actually weighed myself before and after the run and lost just over 2kg in weight, mostly in sweat. No wonder I feel so dehydrated after a long run. 1-9-6 Another 2 children started on pumps this week, and two more are waiting for a date to start. The pump scene is starting to become busy again as there are at least another 5 children from Darlington and probably as many from Bishop Auckland with still more from North Durham. That will be busy then. As for the running. Have been determined to improve over the next few months. Have applied again for the London Marathon and maybe after four requests this will be the one. This week so far have managed 41 miles at a reasonable speed. Tonight was fairly tired but headed off towards Spennymoor. With autumn approaching it isnb't quite so hot, and a stiff breeze helps to keep cool. Lots of people out on the track, walkers with dogs, and several runners. In fact there were more runners on the track than I can ever remember. Must be getting ready for the Great North Run next month. Nothing else exciting to report. 27-8-6 A busy first week back at work but managed to squeeze in a couple of runs. The good news is that three youngsters came to choose an insulin pump and will be starting in the next week or so. Also the Round Table of Bishop Auckland and Spennymoor sent in a cheque for £1000, bringing the total raised so far to almost £135,000. We should have enough funding for another 5 children at least. Back to the running. Today was destined to be a long run. Not just because it was the weekend, but the weather was nearly perfect. Cool fresh breeze, dry and sunny. Headed off towards Brandon with a little trepidation. Spent yesterday wandering around Newcastle and Ikea getting bits and pieces to finish off our bathroom. My legs were really aching when we finally finished and were still aching this morning, so didn't expect to be able to run well or far. In the even managed 16 miles and felt as if there were a few more possible. Perhaps it was the better weather that was invigorating, or more likely having tired legs meant a more steady starting pace. My time for the 16 miles wasn't exactly brisk. At one point on the run the white 'cotton wool' seeds of masses of Rose Bay Willow Herb were blowing like giant snowflakes across the track. It was quite surreal with these snow flakes falling in the warm sun dappled treelined areas. Surreal and quite beautiful. 20-8-6 This is the last day of my summer holidays. I can't believe that there haven't been any updates, but like any holiday, there has been so much to fit in I need another holiday to get some rest! As you can see from the running log we have travelled around some, Norfolk and Ireland the most obvious. There has been so much to do around the house as well. A bathroom to refit, some woodworking projects etc. At least have managed to get some runs in. Today was meant to be a long session of at least 15 miles. Set off towards the Brandon trail but with all the torrential rain of the past few days realised this was going to be very muddy and headed off towards Etherley and the long steep hill towards Toft Hill. Perhaps it was the heat, perhaps the long miles in Ireland but by the time I was heading back into Bishop Auckland felt so exhausted that headed for home after only 13 miles. At least one of the runs in Ireland was interesting. The first a ten miler was simply out and back along the Armagh road, predictable, safe but boring. The next day followed a route suggested by my brother in law towards a place called Battle Hill. The hill bit is important. Off along the moderately steep route onto a narrow but potentially busy road. Took the first left turning as advised but this was a road too soon and ended back on the main Armagh road again. After following this for about half a mile took off back towards Battle Hill and a very steep hill at that. The rest of the route was undulating, a polite way of saying hilly. Passed lots of interesting sights, derelict farmsteads, modern houses and the church we were married in. Running allows you to see so much more. 6-8-6 Have been chastised by my youngest sister for not updating the website often enough! Well she has confirmed that at least one other person reads this running blog. Three runs so far in August. The first was a 10 mile session on the treadmill during the week. This was for awful weather, though from a plants perspective it was probably very good weather. I have just never liked getting wet that much. With a fan, some music and a lot to think about, the ten miles passed really quickly. It is so weird when you stop running on a treadmill, especially after a long distance. You feel as if you are still moving forward, even when standing still. Walking takes on a gliding sensation, all very strange. Then on Friday there was a mandatory training day for hospital consultants working in our local NHS trust. This is a typical central NHS management tick box exercise. A fire lecture, a manual handling session, (how to lift babies?). This one had me irritated as it was the first time I had formally been given an opportunity to learn about manual handling, especially so after having suffered a bad back for the best part of 30 years! Essentially it was pretty well much a wasted day. By the time it was over I was desperate for some exercise and fitted in a 10 mile run to Spennymoor and back. Took a fraction of the time, allowed for plenty of constructive thought and helped get me fit at the same time. Today wasn't really meant to be a long run. Each year since beginning running in 2000 there has been a 10km race around Bishop Auckland, the Auckland Castle 10K, and each year I have competed. OK so not amongst the front runners but not at the back either. To be honest the applications have always been made just before the closing date but this year, the race was held early, and I missed the date for applying. So whilst several hundred people were settling themselves down for a 30 to 60 minute jaunt, I headed off towards Durham. Weather wasn't too bad to begin with, overcast, warm and humid but on the way back it really started to heat up. Despite a good 750mls of drinks in a water carrier I was really quite dehydrated on getting back home. Not surprisingly there weren't many other runners out on the trail, just one to be precise. There weren't that many cyclists either. Just before reaching Bishop Auckland passed a couple of older men walking towards Willington. "You should have been in that race back there" one of them quipped. "I'm a bit too slow."was my reply "The way some of them were running you would have been up among the medals!" I don't somehow think so. The Kenyans who normally win the race are getting in about 28 to 29 minutes, my best ever time was 43 minutes. How dehydrated? Well have drunk over three litres of fluid so far and still feel thirsty. I've noticed it normally takes at least 24 hours to fully rehydrate. Next time to be more accurate I'll weigh myself before and after a run. 30-7-6 Another week of too much to do to run. Things looked absolutely hopeless as I have been on call this weekend, but luckily things were fairly quiet and I managed a couple of short runs. The first was on Saturday, it was so hot I decided to go on the treadmill. The shed is in shade most of the day, so reasonably cool and there is a fan to pretend a breeze. The last treadmill run was during foul weather so it felt very strange. Then today the ward was still quiet and took a chance on a run around the town. The weather had cooled down a bit and with the breeze it wasn't too unpleasant. Only another week to go before my holidays so maybe another chance to run then. 23-7-6 Thirty miles in 3 days! Twenty run but the last 10 walked. Some explanation is needed. On Tuesday had the day off work (actually swapped a days holiday) to go and see our eldest son graduate from Sheffield University. We didn't have to leave until 10am so squeezed in a quick, or perhaps not so quick 5 miles before driving down. As hot as ever. The rest of the week gave no opportunity for running until Friday, after work. Oh, so hot and humid. Its not so bad while you run, at least you generate a bit of a breeze, but on stopping the sweat pours off in torrents. That first 10 minutes after finishing are the most uncomfortable. Hardly surprising to find no other runners on the track. Then on the Saturday took off for another 10 miles. This time it was not so hot but dreadfully humid so even sweatier than usual. I finished up covered in black flies. Some of the rotten insects bite or sting so am constantly wiping them off in a stream of sweat. Today was the Great North Walk. Ten miles starting from Darlington. For once I get to walk with Colette. We were a little late for the start so the first 500 were ahead on a narrow track. It was just a bit too slow. Things got even worse at one point with a single file and slippery stile to negotiate. Long queues built up though at least that was in the shade. Afterwards things got easier and the whole thing took 3 hours to complete. It would have been so much easier to run it! 16-7-6 Still struggling but squeezed in a 5 miles on Thursday night and 10 miles on Friday morning. Took a last minute journey to visit my parents on the Saturday but managed to fit in a longer run this morning. I've run through the Thetford forest before, but today wanted to go for more than 8 miles. A bit silly really as the weather was so hot and I felt pretty exhausted over the last few miles. At one point was stuck on a path by Lynford Lakes. A Cobb abd Pen swan with their cygnets were standing on the path. I had no desire to have an arm or leg broken by an angry swan and was just about to turn back when I heard voices coming from the opposite direction. It was a group of cyclists. They edged gingerley forwards with the swans hissing so I made a dash for it shielded by their bikes. This next week will be a struggle to fit in any runs, but another child is coming for a trial of an insulin pump and there are several others queuing up. 9-7-6 At last a chance of a decent long run, and with a cool breeze and overcast skies it promised to be reasonable comfortable as well. The lack of running these past months has taken its toll on y fitness as I really started off very slowly. As for the weather, about three miles out of Bishop it started to drizzle, then rain, then pour. I'd taken a light waterproof, tucked into the running back pack, reached to put it on but it must have dropped out on the trail. I must be a real woos because I hate getting my feet wet or brushing against cold wet objects. The track quickly became one giant puddle, and all the grasses or worse at the side of the track leaned inwards. The rain stopped after another few miles but my trainers were waterlogged for the rest of the run. Each time my feet struck the ground a loud whoosh of air came through the wet canvas. Better than carrying a bell to warn anybody on the track of my coming. Still managed 15 miles, so can't have been too bad. 3-7-6 Determined to be more active, both running and writing. Finished work a bit early after the on-call weekend. Felt very tired but knew that if I didn't go for it now would end up lying around regretting my indolence. Of course it was really hot, but no hotter than Rome had been. My legs were so stiff and sore. Couldn't get any real speed up and ended up with the slowest 10 mile run for almost a year. Why when there was hardly any running last week so the legs should have been fresh? The track to Spennymoor was surprisingly busy for the time of day, there were even a few other runners out, but everybody seemed to be taking it easy. 2-7-6 Sorry folks! Hadn't realised how long it had been since the last update. A combination of workload, tiredness and mea culpa, the World Cup. I'll say nothing about that as the amount written about football by now will be enough to fell a forest of trees, and of course there may be some people who aren't interested, though can't imagine that for a moment. Today was the first run since last Monday. It is my weekend on call so running opportunities are limited but the ward was quiet and never being more than a few minutes away from the hospital salved my conscience. More importantly with it being six days from the last run I woke up with a miserable headache, the usual result of running abstinence. There is only one solution, a run. O course the weather was searingly hot. OK for the first mile running into a stiff, warm breeze, but later on with the wind behind, you could almost feel the body heating up to dangerous levels, even though it was only a 5 mile easy run. Afterwards had to go out to the shed where the treadmill sits in order to stand in front of a fan to cool down. Definitely intend to run tomorrow for at least 10 miles so must make sure to take plenty of water. Another barrier to running was attending another meeting in London to look at insulin pump therapy. Sitting amongst a group of people who are insulin pump enthusiasts is reassuring but I can't help feeling that all our efforts will end up being filed away in a drawer somewhere. At least this past couple of weeks have been great ones for receiving donations. Another child has also started on a pump and there are several more waiting to start. With the total now at over £130,00 raised it should be possible for them all to start soon. Keep on running! 18-6-6 Funny how things turn out! Dragged myself for a 5 mile run on the Tuesday, but still felt very tired and unfit. Was scheduled for a rest day on the Friday (supposed to have one every 2 weeks in order to keep the average working week under 48 hours) and planned for at least 10 miles but as Rabbie Burns said 'the best laid plans of mice and men ging oft awry'. Had a request to be on call for the day at the University Hospital of North Durham, what people called Dryburn hospital. Didn't get home till after 6 so instead had a short 5 miles on the Saturday and a longer 10 miles today. The weather wasn't too hot, overcast with a breeze which meant for a pleasant run. This time the legs lasted a bit better but still very unfit. Passed three runners, all women. Was this because the men were all resting for Fathers Day? There were lots of cyclists and a few walkers. Setting off early in the morning meant avoiding the swarms of flies that make it hard to breath through your mouth. Its a rare summer run when I don't get at least half a dozen flies trying to explore my airways. 12-6-6 This is clearly not going to be a year for running. It has been 9 days since my last run. Once more a combination of having to work very late at nights and a weekend on call. Had to give a lecture at lunchtime about insulin pumps to diabetes clinicians in North Durham but was able to go for a run this afternoon. Still very hot but hoped to make it an easy 10 miles to Spennymoor. Started out fine and reached Spennymoor in a good time. Turned round and within a couple of miles started to feel very tired. The last 2 miles were very difficult indeed. It took over 4 minutes longer to return! Perhaps it was just the heat, but more likely reducing levels of fitness too. There just doesn't seem to be any likely relief! Still the thought that more children will benefit makes it all worthwhile. 3-6-6 A bit more adventurous than usual. Last week whilst our youngest went to Lourdes, we took the opportunity of a 'safe house' to get away with a 5 day break in Rome. Have never been there before. Our hotel was 800 meters from the Colosseum and you could see it from the rooftop breakfast area. Managed to fit in 2 runs whilst in Rome, not something that many other Romans seemed to do, but then it was hot and I tended to start quite late in the morning.
Dreaded the traffic, after all the tales you hear about Italian drivers but in fact whilst the roads were very busy and speed limits didn't seem to have been invented, (there were no signs for permitted speeds anywhere!) the drivers seemed very considerate of pedestrians. People just walked out in front of the traffic and the cars slowed down. There were hardly any beeping horns or any other aggression. Not knowing the city took what looked like a straightforward route, heading North till I reached the old Roman city walls and ran besides them for a couple of miles. They were immense, at least 80 foot high in places, and although obviously repaired many times the original wall was obvious and in remarkably good condition. It was very distracting running as every where you looked there was some ancient building or wall, the remains of huge aqueducts and the odd triumphal arch or two. Eventually headed back to the hotel, using the colosseum as a landmark. A truly amazing run. The second time out followed pretty much the same route. Reckoned that it was better to run steadily than get lost, and besides there was still so much to see. The main difference was a diversion to take in the circus Maximus. That's the one Charlton Heston rode his chariots around in Ben Hur. Nowadays a big field but the basic layout is the same. Couldn't quite make up the speed he was though. In between times we walked the streets of Rome, probably covering a good 5 or more miles every day, but that doesn't count as running. Finally, back home legs aching and feeling very tired managed to fit in a single 10 mile run. Somehow this year is not proving very good for running the miles. 21-5-6 The weather forecast for the weekend was a disaster, heavy rains predicted and of course Friday and Saturday was spot on. Imagine my surprise this morning to wake up to a beautiful blue sky, hardly a breeze and wonderful cool conditions. Too good a chance to miss. Bearing in mind the weather predictions decided to only go for 10 miles instead of the usual 15-20. It was so good to run in sunshine and the only dampness underfoot. The cub scouts must have been taking their long distance walking badge as there were three parties on the track from Bishop to Spennymoor. Passed them on the way out and on the way back. Such a contrast between each of the three groups, two being very polite and interested, and a third much more boisterous. It reminded me of my own scouting days in the dim and distant past, going on my long walk of 8 miles. I remember how sore my legs were and how it seemed to take all day. Apart from a minority of careless dog owners (most are very considerate) it was a great day to be running and alive. 16-5-6 Worked the weekend in Darlington so got to run back to Bishop on the Saturday afternoon. A bit chilly and wet with legs still tired from the 20 miler on the previous Sunday. Then traveled to Leicester very early Monday morning for a two day clinical course to help improve consultation skills. There were a couple of hours from the end of the first day till the evening meal so headed out on the London Road to get a better view of the city. Ended up at a large open space called Victoria Park, as well as a marvellous pedestrian only thoroughfare in the city centre. Again a bit wet but a lot warmer than Saturday. 7-5-6 Not a good year for running. Fewer miles than anticipated, a combination of a heavy workload and awful weather on the few days available to run. Today was no real exception. It was a miserable drizzly sky, cool, even cold but sometimes you've just got to go for it. Taking a light rain mac headed off into the drizzle. As always the reality of the run exceeds any expectations. Cool and drizzly stops you from overheating, keeps unleashed dogs off the tracks so isn't all bad. So in the end managed 20 miles, the longest distance since January. Managed a reasonable pace and still had plenty of running left in the legs by the time the run finished. Perhaps getting to bed a bit earlier might make it easier to get the runs in. 4-5-6 The first run in May. It was just too beautiful a day to miss, the warmest of the year so far. Fortunately a lovely breeze to prevent overheating. A good fast time too! At times the number of cyclists on the track put me in mind of the old photos of Beijing where the streets were packed with them. Grumpy old men on bikes, cheerful couples, hot and bothered, sleek Lycra clad and whole families. One group even brought their tea with them to eat half way back! Tonight was one of those times when running is such a joy. Everything works, the legs move smoothly and the miles just slip by effortlessly. Its days like this which make up for rotten weather and aching joints. A lot has happened in the past week, but not much running. Another two started on pumps and one more will begin on Monday. Two more children, both quite young have also decided they would like a try too, so we'll have to see how the money is holding out. 23-4-6 What a beautiful day to run. Sunshine and a cool breeze. Such a long time since a long run, headed off to Brandon for at least 15 miles. Decided to keep running for 16, but couldn't have made it any further. Quite a come down from January when I'd run 20 miles on two consecutive weekends and then a marathon! With the nice weather came the cyclists, walkers and other runners. Grandparents out with the grandchildren, whole packs of cyclists at some points. Spring is so imminent that I could have sworn that the run back was greener than the run out. Another child has started on their pump, so that makes 54 on pumps, and there are another three coming to choose a pump next week. Gave a presentation to the Diabetes liaison group of the Durham PCTs. They were very sympathetic, and some PCTs fully fund, but not all, and no indication of when. 17-4-6 At last the weather is improving, though having said that tonight's run was very, very windy. Spring is so much kinder, at least the sun is warm. Have been feeling a bit under the weather the past few days. It's often the case, after a really hard few weeks, the first few days off and all the illness you didn't have time to get finally catch up. Felt a need to try and run on the Saturday evening, and managed 10 miles. Couldn't face eating much the next couple of days so tonight, out for another 10 miles and the legs had no strength in them at all. Still finished it, and still running. 10-4-6 Was thinking that April was starting better than March, but in reality there still hasn't been much running opportunity. Again work has conspired to get in the way. Was due to have this past weekend off, but a colleague became unwell with a flu like illness and so it seemed best that I work this weekend instead. Had the Friday night off which gave a chance of a quick 5 miles but no long run. Mind you given that the weather was awful at times it probably has worked out alright in the end. As for the runs, 5 miles on a treadmill is nothing much to write about, and tonight's 5 miles around the town wasn't exactly a thrill either. Cold wind, brilliant sunshine and tired legs. The 52nd child started her pump on Friday and seems to be doing well. The 53rd will start this Friday and then another possibly for the week after. This weekend received an envelope containing the winnings of a Grand National Sweepstake held on one of the adult wards. Such a kindly gesture so went and thanked the gentleman today. Turns out he is grandfather to one of the children on a pump and knows how much of a difference it has made to them. 2-4-6 The weather was awful today. Nothing for it but a treadmill run, and a full 15 miles at that. Managed to keep sane by writing lectures and designing water-wheels in my head. Another child comes to start a trial of her pump tomorrow, and then another 4 starters soon. Just when I think it is all quietening down, demand suddenly picks up. Will have to be careful to ensure there are plenty of funds available! 30-3-6 Managed to fit only one run in whilst at Birmingham and the Diabetes UK conference. Had asked for an early morning wake up call for 6am in order to squeeze 5 miles in before the conference started. Always find it difficult to sleep away from home anyway, but eventually drifted off. Kept waking, waiting for the alarm to go off. Eventually looked at my watch, not 6am but 8-30am! Just managed to get to the first lecture but no run the first day. The second day was a bit better, and decided to run along the canal system, in a southerly direction. The canals go on for miles and being built in the days where barges were pulled by horses, meant plenty of tow paths to run along. The quality of the surface varied and in parts was very muddy after all the recent rains. With so few opportunities to run decided to make it a decent distance and tried for a half marathon. Probably went off too quickly and having only had a very light lunch my blood sugars dropped quickly in the last mile. I started to get the staggers and could feel my vision going, not a good idea running next to a canal full of very cold water. Fortunately met up with somebody who was running in the opposite direction. I asked, actually begged, for a piece of the energy bar he was holding. Thankfully he very generously gave me a piece and I was able to finish the run, in a pretty reasonable time in the end. The things you do for food! 26-3-6 Managed a reasonably long run today, from Bishop through Witton Park, Toft Hill, the Haggerslee line, West Auckland and home. The hills really took it out of me, so unfit with the enforced reduction in running. Remarkably have run as much in the past 7 days as in the three previous weeks combined!. The weather forecast had promised sunshine, the reality was cloud, wind but no heavy rain thank goodness. At least it was a lot warmer. This coming week is going to be very busy as well. Another child starts their insulin pump tomorrow, and another four are wanting to start as soon as possible. No let up there at all, but that is what this whole fund raising is about, giving children an opportunity they wouldn't have otherwise had. Then there is the big annual meeting of Diabetes UK in Birmingham. Not only are there plenty of lectures to go to, but also I have been asked to chair a session, which takes some of the pleasure away. An opportunity to catch up on some old colleagues and hear about new advances. With a bit of luck there may even be some runs to squeeze in over the next few days. 20-3-6 Its like a bad dream! With a weekend on call and a busy previous week, it was 8 days between runs. To cap it all, the weather had been cold but dry until just before I finished work, eager to stretch my legs, then the wintry showers began. Soooo disappointing. Mind, should be grateful to run at all. Nothing for it but to head for the treadmill, and at least put in 5 miles. Worried about running more in case developed an injury after so long . Will just have to wait and see if its possible to get any more runs in this week. 11-3-6 So once a week is the current trend! Yesterday morning felt tired, unwell and not at all like running anywhere. Still with heavy snow forecast it was run then or probably not at all. It was freezing cold, a bit windy but at least it wasn't raining or snowing. Decided to stick to the roads as the tracks were all likely to be very muddy after all the recent rain. Despite feeling under the weather it was good to be out running again, and as usual, after the first few miles it just felt easier. At least it was all run in natural light, which always helps. There weren't any other runners out though. Took off towards Escomb via the bottom end of Bishop Auckland. Had considered the tough climbs to Winterton, and dismissed that as silly. Amazing how much changes in a few months, houses built or repaired, building projects completed, there is always something new to see. Let's hope the next few weeks, busy though they may be, will at least allow for a bit more running. 5-3-6 The delay between blogs simply reflects the intensity of the past few weeks. February 2006 had the least miles logged from any time since the campaign started, and the two other poor mileage months followed significant injury. There just wasn't any time available. Basically there was one run a week. At least this weekend seems to be starting off a little better, with a brisk jog around the town yesterday, and a longer run today. Both runs piercingly cold despite the glorious sunshine. Saturdays run was a real pleasure after being so busy, a chance to clear the head and feel life in the old legs. Today woke feeling a little off colour, a dry throat and slightly achy. Nevertheless was determined to get a long run in. Haven't seen so many people on the tracks for ages. Lots of dog walkers, cyclists and even a couple of runners. It was interesting terrain to cross. The ground was frozen most of the time, with thick sheets of ice where there had been standing water, but where the sun shone onto the black ash of the tracks it had melted into a slippery mud slide. Not ideal but kept me awake. A rather slow 15 miles but finished. As for the campaign, was in London again at a working party looking at what is needed to better organise insulin pump services in the UK. Fund raising is also going well with a relative of a child with diabetes hoping to complete the London Ironman triathlon, and a junior doctor who used to work in Bishop Auckland, running the marathon in Barcelona. Now that is going to be an interesting time, beautiful, not too cold, mmmh. Even better there is another child hoping to start on a pump this week and two more wanting to choose pumps for a trial. That will bring the numbers to over 50. Thanks to all those wonderful people who have raised the money to make it possible 18-2-6 Such a busy week. On call for the ward, and a lot of poorly children. An added demand was having to give a series of lectures to medical students. Early starts, late finishes and too exhausted to run. Managed to get out on the Sunday, but only 10 miles, and then nothing until today, another 10 miles to Spennymoor. A strange sort of run. Cold air temperature, there was frost on the ground. At the same time blazing sunshine and no wind so it was really quite a hot run too. Still it is so pleasant running outside and in sunshine. Possibly another tomorrow. The last two starters are doing really well. 10-2-6 Amazed nothing has been written for over a week, but it has been a very busy two weeks. Not really much chance to run but this last week has been one of amazing generosity. The generosity and thoughtfulness of so many people means that another three children are starting on pumps very soon. After the marathon of two weeks ago had felt fairly good although only one short run in the following week. After the weekend on call, last Monday felt really tired but ran a laborious 10 miles and ached for days. Tonight was the first opportunity to get a decent run in. Decided to go for a hilly run around Westerton. At least the nights are long enough not to need a torch to find my way around the back roads. Very little wind which was just as well as it was freezing cold. In the end a fast run and hopefully enough to keep the fitness levels high over what are going to be some more very busy weeks. 29-1-6 The first marathon of the year! OK so it wasn't an official race, but the distance was completed. A much better day for it than a week a go as at least the sun was shining much of the time, hardly any wind yet pleasantly cool. Earlier in the week had run 5 miles on the treadmill, and yesterday with the weather being so pleasant, went for a run around the town. The run today wasn't without incident. First of all, preparations weren't perfect as I had forgotten to apply plasters on my chest to prevent nipple burn. Its one thing to run 5 miles without protection but a marathon would have seen a bloody T shirt. So on reaching Willington, I stopped at an open supermarket and asked if they could let me have a couple of plasters from their first aid box. I hadn't brought any money along so couldn't have paid for them. My grateful thanks to the manager for that. The track was a bit busier than usual, with several runners out, of obviously varying ability, from the lean, smooth, obscenely fast to the rather less sleek trying to get fit. As always lots of dogs, thankfully well behaved or well restrained and a few walkers and cyclists. Coming into Brandon, near the cricket pitch they were obviously having an off road cycle race around the area. I wasn't sure if the people around were just warming up or actually racing as they didn't seem to be trying very hard. On the way back, just past Hunwick, a lot of very large horses had escaped from one of the fields. They were meandering up towards Bishop and didn't seem too bothered by my running past. However a short time later I heard a thundering of hooves, and to my horror the whole harass of horses (apparently only wild horses run in herds) were galloping up from behind. They were running four abreast and there was no room to spare on the pathway. They seemed awfully big and I had no desire to be trampled to death, so accelerated, no easy thing after running 18 miles already. Fortunately they stayed about 10 meters behind till I came to the next gateway. Naturally being paranoid it looked as if they were chasing me but a minute later the reason for the stampede became clear as a cyclist appeared from behind. At one point it looked as if the nearest ditch was going to see the end of today's run. At 20 miles a decision was needed, go back now or finish the marathon, the legs didn't feel so bad so went for it, and headed off towards Spennymoor. Its a long hill out of Bishop Auckland. Eventually finished in 3 hrs 35 mins which isn't bad for a training run. 22-1-6 Another 20 miler today and only one of 10 miles through the week. As usual busy, hectic and lots happening at nights so no real chance to run. Basically if I'm not home before 6pm then I don't run. That is because evening meal is between 6 and 7 and its just not on to run within a couple of hours of a big meal, running before bed would be lunatic, it would make sleep almost impossible for me. Not an auspicious start today either. Misty and freezing cold with a nasty, sharp little breeze to chill the bones. Legs were sore to start with after a fast 10 miles on Friday night so didn't expect too much. Had thought about going for 22 miles or even a full marathon but as the weather was so miserable called it a day after the 20. Then at the end of it all ran quite a fast pace, a full three minutes faster than last week. A lot of people out today. Now there's an interesting thing, the response you get from other people. I would always say hello to people you run towards, and sometimes to people you run past. The responses fall into about three different categories. The friendly smile and reply, with eye contact. The eyes usually register some kind of benign tolerance, who is this madman in lycra or similar. Then there are the acknowledgers, no vocal response but a definite twitch of the eyebrows or head nod. Then there are the group of genuinely weird, people who appear to think that eye contact will result in some terrible curse or the end of the world. They really look scared, or is it that I just look so scary? Almost universally they are male and on a bicycle. 15-1-6 Not a lot to write about really. A busy week at work and rotten miserable weather so only a couple of treadmill runs through the week. Then Saturday was the first bright and sunny day so took a 5 mile jaunt around the town, it felt good to be out in sunshine and fresh air. Took it easy with a long run planned for today. So it was a long one. Twenty miles, to Langley Park and back. Hadn't realised it until afterwards, but that was the longest single run since the Lyke Wake run. It didn't look very promising at the start, very cold and windy. The sky had that steely gray look that always threatened rain. Running towards Durham the wind was from behind and was at risk of overheating, not so returning. Glad for a running gilet to keep the wind out. Not that many people out, unsurprisingly but in the last couple of miles was overtaken by another runner, out for a 10 mile run. He was running with his little dog and slowed down for a chat. Apparently he was training for triathlons, and was wanting to increase his running mileage. Managed the twenty miles in a reasonable time and so far feel ok. Will see what the next few days will bring. 8-1-6 To be honest, have been taking things a bit easy over the past week. As a holiday from the hospital, had the good intention of getting a few extra miles in but circumstances and a bit of laziness conspired together so not much more than a usual week. The weather had been unremittingly cold, gray and damp. Went for a run on the Tuesday towards Spennymoor but the track was still deep with snow, icy slippery and wet snow, just about the worst possible t run on. As soon as possible left the track and ran up Westerton Hill instead. A tougher but more pleasant and safe route under the prevailing conditions. Had intended going again on the Wednesday but a long lie in with plans for the afternoon fettled that and so it continued. At least managed a long run today. If it hadn't been for the treadmill it would have been a cold, damp, and miserable experience. 1-1-6 Happy New Year! Just a quick 10 miles on the treadmill |
