A Quiet Week?

Its been a quiet week, well sort of. Still trying to manage as carefully as possible recovery from the damage caused on the Old Crown Round run three weeks ago.
Me on Skiddaw Summit Ridge, Old Crown Round (02/10/10)

So no caving last week.

Last time I had this problem in the back of the knee / medial side it took 6-7 weeks of reduced activity & NSAIDs to recover. This time I've continued with the NSAIDs (diclofenac really is effective) and taken some proper rest from activity. The injury does seem to be responding. So last week did 2 x 1 hour vigorous sessions on the bike - just around the local NW Cumbrian lanes. The weather has been quite good & the early evening views of Skiddaw & the Solway Firth were excellent, even from the bike!! Earlier this evening went out for my first run - a night run just about 25 minutes off road through the woods & across the fields that make up the Centre grounds. It was a beautiful evening, full moon & clear. I disturbed a Tawny Owl, don't who got the biggest fright!

Other

The main event of the week  was a drive down to London on my rest days. Ferg loaned me some music for the journey, David Bowie's greatest hits was a no brainer but didn't know how I'd get on with the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain - no problem - they were excellent their version of Pinball Wizard being better than the original in my humble opinion http://www.ukuleleorchestra.com/

Anyway the reason for the journey was for the birth of our second grandchild. "Little Evie" was born in the early hours of Friday morning - what a blessing to see new life coming into the world & a privelige to meet her at less than an hour old! Big congratulations to Mum & Dad!!

Little Evie just 36 hours old

18 October 2010

I've always recorded the stuff I do in the outdoors: diaries, log books, drawings ............ but this is a new thing, a bit of an experiment. So here goes.

Its starting at an interesting time - doctors are encouraging me to take a look at just exactly what I do (dodgey knees!), consultant seems to have quite a pessimistic outlook but thankfully GP & Physiotherapist are more positive (Andrew - if you read many thanks, really appreciate all you do!!) 

Caving
The back end of the summer is always a quiet time for personal caving but lots of group work. Recent outings have been: County - Wretched Rabbit (trip out with this year's new trainees) and an afternoon in Calf Holes/Browgill with a group staying at the Centre over the weekend (see also below)

Running
Ran the Old Crown Round at beginning of October with Martin. "Team In2venture" (Alan-R; Ferg; Paul & Joy) made a cameo appearance for Great Cockup. The Old Crown Round is set in the area to the north of Skiddaw / Blencathra - our local fells.
"Our round" was: Mosedale; Mungrisdale Common; Blencathra; Sale How; Skiddaw; Bakestall; Great Cockup; Great Sca Fell; High Pike; Carrock Fell; Mosedale - 20.1 miles & 6,939' of ascent weather was dry, cool & clear except for Blencathra & Skiddaw. Felt good at end, apart from sore knees!

Martin on Carrock Fell

Me - same place

Since the round have only ran once - eight miles around the local lanes. Did this too soon after the longer run - no good for the injuries! If I follow medical advice will probably stick to running in the fells from now on & add some biking / more walking to the mix.

Other
Done 3 x approx. 1 hour sessions on the bike this week, all around the local lanes which are quite hilly.This is a new thing - I don't love the bike but might have to learn to like it!

Went out with Kay the other day & walked up Lattrig for the first time - can't believe I've never done it before (Kay had) - weather was glorious, excellent views in all directions - coffee in Keswick when we finished. Just Lonscale Fell to do & I've completed everything in Wainwright's "Brown Book"

Kay on Latrigg summit with skiddaw in background

Took group (see above) down roped section of Stoneycroft Ghyll on Sunday, always a good day out & water levels were more sporting than expected despite quite a dry spell over recent days in the Lakes.