Back to Tier 3 - Where you can still run trails in Manchester

 Unfortunately I can't talk about the weekend because Manchester has been moved in to Tier 3. So instead I thought I would do a post about where I can still run in Manchester (sorry rest of the world), as while there are limited hills in Greater Manchester, we are blessed with a few wonderful places to run 

Marple and the Goyt - with both the Peak Forest Canal and the Goyt way, you can do a lovely lower level route to Torrs and the Millenium walkway and link the two, or head up to the cross on Mellor Moor for a bit more elevation.

Ice creams at Torrs in summer 2020

Millbrook and Wild Bank- Hills and reservoirs are likely to feature heavily on this list, and this is the first. This area sits adjacent to Stalybridge.

Rivington and Winter Hill - Not entirely in Greater Manchester but you could park in Horwich or Bolton and attack the hill from there. Alongside the ever popular Pike and the masts, there are also routes around Smithills and Burnt Edge, plus if you are more ambivilant about rules, towards Anglezarke. 

Some of the amazing views from Winter Hill

Turton and Wayoh reservoir/ Warpers trail - further round the Pennines, I hadn't heard of the Warpers trail befor ebut this 9-10 mile route can be followed around some lovely reservoirs and Turton tower. It also incorporates some of the Witton Weavers Way which I have yet to explore. 

Greenfield and Chew Reservoir - Saddleworth Moors have a complex history and not all of it is pleasant.  But the moors here still offer an accessible and beautiful paths and trails across moor tops. Run from Greenfield or run from the car park. Go low around the reservoirs or high along the edges. 

The view down towards Greenfiedl

Holcombe Hill and Peel monument - One of the many large towers on hills around Manchester (trust me, there are a few), and also bounded by a tank range, this area offers some quite wet and wild running over the top. 

Darwen and Jubilee Tower - Another tower on a hill, but you can go up inside this one. I have run here from Sunnyhurst woods. It afford excellent views over the surrounding moors, towns and reservoirs. 

On a clear day, you can see the Lakes and Yorkshire Dales from the tower.

Manchester's many country parks - Daisy Nook, Reddish Vale, Jumbles, Pennington Flash and many other smaller ones make for lovely escapes from the city if only for a short distance. 

Irwell Valley - Not one I have done yet, but you can follow the river from Bolton to the city centre through some green areas including the Irwell sculpture trail. The Irwell 20 miler follows this route and is also on my list. 

Hollingworth Lake and Watergrove Reservoir - two beautiful areas, set on a background of the moors, and home of the infamous Watergrove Parkrun. The Lake can be busy with tourists, there are a number of routes from Littleborough you can take to escape.

Early spring Littleborough

Lyme park - High Lane marks the cut off of Greater Manchester but I doubt that will stop many people using the park for running and walking. If you want to park in the NT car park, you will need to book but you can run from Pott shrigley or Poynton easily. Alternatively, I build it in to a loop from Marple using the Middlewood Way and either Ladywell Valley Interest Trail or the canal to return. 

If you need GPX files for routes in any of these areas, let me know and I can send some across. I guess I should remind you to obey the rules etc etc but  I have had enough of such things. Other recommendations please coment below! Happy running, even if it is a bit restricted for now. 

Hilly races (without the bogs)

 I love muddy feet. I have no objection to uneven paths. I like a bit of narrow single track (sometimes, probably not my real favourite) However, I know I am probably a bit of an annomaly in this. So I thought I would compile a list of some hilly races that are run on road. 

(NB I have not run all of these, and this list is far from comprehensive. Also, I not sure which will be resurrected post Covid next year, but keep your eyes peeled)

 The Langdale Half Marathon (Brathay)

I am running this route in a week and goodness knows I am not really fit enough to be doing it. Fortunately there are going to be some good views to keep me going. Having run several sections of the route before, I know what to expect and it is HILLY. At 1700ft of ascent and with 2 1:3 ascents, I suspect I may have to walk some of this one! But you do get a day out in the Lakes, with splendid views of the Langdale pikes, Little Langdale, Loughrigg and at least three tarns. Lets hope it doesn't get cancelled and I can get round 😨. Race report to follow (hopefully) 

(Not) The Langley 7

This is a little local wonder, and sells out every year. Also, its existence seems to be in jeopardy fairly frequently due to issues with parking etc. Set in the hills just outside Macclesfield, this route provides plenty of work for you glutes. After a bit of a trip through a village you begin a steady climb through a few villages then it rockets up to the edge of Wildboar clough and some stunning views of Shuttlingsloe and Manchester before a fast desent down to the reservoirs where there is a tiny bit of running on well made track before a dash for the end. The route has altered slightly since I last ran it, sso apologies if this description is inaccurate. There also use to be an excellent cake sale at the end, but I think the change of start line may have kiaboshed that one. Still, you finish with a real sense of pride and just a taste of what fell runs can be like. 

Buxton Half Marathon 

This a race I haven't actually run but a couple of guys from my club say it is both challenging in terms of climb, and very scenic. At 1508ft, this is no small challenge, but it promises views of Chrome hill and Dove Dale among other Peak District finery, plus you start at the Opera House and end at Pavilion Gardens, which is a nice touch. I am keeping an eye on it depending on my other races next year. 

Edingburgh Marathon Festival

Everything from 5k to full marathon, I have had friends do some of thevents at this race. Edinburgh is far from flat, and even the 10k takes you round Arthur's Seat, meaning you'll get some hill practice without too much mud (I make no promises about the weather mind!). It would be a lovely weekend away as Edinburgh is a fantastic city to visit, with lots of history and fab restaurants. My sister did her first degree here and it holds a very special place in my heart. Its on the bucket list, even if I never do the marathon. 

A few others I have noticed but not been able to confirm routes for are 

The Penistone 10K  

The Rochdale Half 

The Ravenstonedale 10k  

I would love to hear people's recommendations for elsewhere in the country too. Please comment below if you have any recommendations for hilly road races to share! I fell there must be some in places like Cornwall, the Malverns or othe hilly places further south, and there are many I don't know about in the devolved nations and even in the north west, let alone the north east! 

I leave you with this joyful but somewhat unattractive photo of me finishing the Langley 7 in 2017. My race faces are never good! Happy running! 

Planning winter training

 Well, frankly, does anyone plan anything anymore? What is the point with all the new Covid restrictions? Especially if you live in the north of the country. 

Had another two races cancelled this week (both Lakeland trails) leaving me with only a road race in the calendar (Langdale Half, now sold out, sorry).  And it looks as though we are escalating back on to an emergency rota, of sorts, at work, so even that may go out of the window.

But I looked in the mirror the other day and hated what I saw even more than normal. sI am not running as frequently as I might. This hasn't helped the mental health situation. 

And when I feel down, I get out my diary and write a plan to make myself feel better. But what to do when my normal autumn half marathon, winter marathon, summer fell training cycle has been interrupted? 

So I started looking at what training is feasible with wet weather and longer, darker nights. And what kit might help me to do that. 

Training wise, partly it is about fewer, shorter, higher gain sessions, rather than lots of junk miles. Realistically, this is not going to be the case all the time as sometimes it is nice to just run and that is what the body needs. But run wise I like to fit the following in to a week:

- Hill repeats or a hilly run

- Speed session or tempo  run 

- Long run 

-Club run 

I am lucky to have a good hill about a mile from me to do reps up. It isn't a fell type hill, and in winter I don't go into the woods in the dark, but my reps hill is next to a main road so can be used in early morning/dark evenings. These don't have to be long sessions and I may only do a mile and a half at the hill, with a bit of a warm up and cool down to make 3.5 miles, if time pressured. I will just push harder on the reps. Alternatively I sometimes use my clubs headtorch runs as my hilly run for the week, but sadly rotas mean I am not going to make the next few. These are better training for the fells, but I wouldn't go out on my own in the dark on the fells, as I wouldn't feel comfortable. 

Club runs are more fun than reps but harder to get to after work 

I used to do my speed session at club track night but there is no sign of a return to that. Fortunately our  amazing coaches have posted a few sessions to do on our own. I know I don't push as hard when I do these alone, and often have to shorten the workout, but doing something is better than nothing. I do these locally in the park if I have the light or on wider pavements when it is darker. Sessions can be anything from 300m hard reps to complex time based pyramids to Yassos (a traditional marathon training session). This means some can be short time wise too, which is good when time pressured.  Alternatively, I go out with my running buddy Phil who is a faster runner than I am and pushes me at least for a few miles to up my pace and I think of this as my tempo run. 

Running with Phil makes me push my speed 

The long run is a vital part of any training programme. It can also become the thing you dread when you are building up distance for an event. At the moment, my long runs are only 10-11 miles long, but I would like to try get this up to 12-13 miles over the next few weeks. Also over winter, I would also like to keep doing some of my long runs on trail over winter. It can be a long time in the wet and cold over the winter, but the its good for my overall training to get out and training on undulating and uneven trails. However, over winter I suspect my runs will be lower level, and out of fairness to my partner, I suspect at lot will be at my local trail spot (Rivington) rather than big trips to the Peaks or Lakes. Sadly the long run often gets a bit sledge hammered if I am working the weekend or can't get dog care, but I will keep trying to work around this. One day Oscar puppy will be able to come too. I also try do one long run on  the road each month as it makes me work hard at continuous running as I am prone to walking up the hills on the trails. I try not to get to het up about the pace of these runs whilst I am not really training for much but I need to keep an eye on this to stop things slipping too far. 

Winter trails aren't always as appealing as summer mostly due to rain and mud

Club runs are my social run these days. Again, I may not get there several weeks in a row due to work commitments. Often I lead these runs so they tend to be a slightly more relaxed pace so that I can chat and lead. Run leading is my bit of giving  back to the running community. 

The first club run back post pandemic was a washout, 

giving us a taste of winter weather to come

So that is my runs. I won't get every one of them in to a given week but the hills and speed sessions can be short so squeezed in somewhere with a bit of luck. But what else might help me be a better runner?

After a bit of a recent wake up call, I have realised I can't get away without some strength and conditioning training. I have always shirked this as I would rather just go out for a run with the time, but since having the dog I have come to appreciate working out at home whilst I am dog sitting. I don't have any fancy kit so it is a bit limited but YouTube has a whole made range of workouts, and I have got quite in to doing Nike Training Club workouts as a lot of them are equipment free. They are usually HIIT based but encourage me to do things like squats and jumps that build strength and work range of motion, as well as the core muscles, that otherwise I simply won't do. There is a link  here to the website with more info and links to the downloads. I also would like to do a bit more yoga, and as classes don't seem to be an option with my current busy schedule, YouTube to the rescue once again. I like Yoga with Adrienne and also Sarah Beth Yoga, but dabble with others. Even 10 minutes makes me feel better. 

Finally I don't want to lose all my cycle fitness. I like cycling to work but my partner is quite anti the idea due to the accident rate in Manchester. Fortunately we have a turbo with Zwift so I hope to get some use out of this over winter, and can do short or long workouts depending on my availability. 

My tech and bike obsessed boyfriend means we have a good turbo set up

So that is the workouts, now on to kit. The turbo is self explanatory. But for the running it is worth investing in a few bits. I have a luminous vest a bit like the one below that can be found at various retailers. It is convenient as it can go over any number of layers. 

I also have a few bright coloured long and short sleeved tops. I know a few people who wear reflective bands on their arms and legs, and these are great as they move and so catch the eye of traffic. Aldi often get these in. You can spend a fortune on a light emitting or fully reflective ProVis style jacked but I haven't taken this leap yet. For the fells I have a Petzl Nao + which is amazing headlight but around town I just wear a lightweight camping head torch set to red flash to help traffic and other footpath users see me. A lot of my running friends use the Alpkit Quark as another good fell torch. 

On top of being seen, the other issue iss being warm and dry. A good running waterproof that is both breathable and water proof can save a lot of heart ache and your local independent store is a good place to go and try a few. I actually have two different models; one is a bit more for trails an one I use in town with reflective seams. I can get a bit sweaty in them but it is preferable than hours of wet. Wild Ginger Running has a good video that explains the difference between race weight and proper waterproofs here. In general, her kit reviews are pretty good, as she talks you through the product and gives you an idea of what to look for. 

I am unfussy about base layers but perhaps should pay more attention. Most of my baselayers are either freebies or have been bought for me. I use a lot of race tee's for day to day to training and might put a long sleeve top underneath. At the cheap end, Aldi do a good baselayer merino that I use for everything but if you want something more ethical Patagonia and Howies do some fab, versatile pieces. Notably I use my baselayers for running, cycling, skiing, hiking and pretty much anything. I wear them until they are pretty much holes. My partner is much more discerning but I think he buys a lot of excess kit...

Final kit tips including getting out of wet kit ASAP in winter. When you are running to and from home, this is often easy but for trips to the trails and fells I leave a change of socks and shoes, as well as at least a dry top and coat in the car. I may change all my clothes if I am particularly wet and cold. Don't put your warm dry layer on over wet gear; strip off and then put on dry. I am getting good at changing in the parked car driving seat. You may even want a hat and gloves, and a warm flash waiting for you in the car as you will be cold, wet and in a lower sugar state so can get cold quickly. Even when running home, don't hang around stretching in cold, damp kit; a hot shower and dry clothes won't stop you from stretching after and still reaping most of the benefit. 

So that's my tips. I'd love to hear any kit recommendations or tips for keeping going over the winter from anyone who reads this. Feel free to comment below! I am by no means a kit expert and can go a bit soft in winter! 

I am sort of looking forward to winter if it comes with a bit more of a structured training plan. There is something magic about a warm bath or hot chocolate after are hard workout in the cold. It isn't going to be a great winter, but, to echo Sandi Toksvigs excellent podcast (if you haven't listened, they are very short and interesting), we will get through this.