Saturday 30th August - Hurdsfield 3 hills

Before the start

A 'select band' of 7 runners braved cooler temperatures and rain to run the 'three hills' from Hulley Road. This is a tough route that goes up Hurdsfield Road, Well Lane, Swanscoe Lane, Kerridge Road, Windmill Lane, Redway Lane and back via the canal. ... oh, we threw a few 'donkeys' in at the end for good measure (they are good for you!).

Some impressive running up the hills (Nina even sprinted to the top of Kerridge Road!).

Sadly it rained for the last 1.5 miles but that just made us run a bit faster. Thanks to Dawn for helping today.

A few of the group went along for coffee with E Group afterwards.

Well done,

Neil

Harry and Savitri - Well Lane

Off we go .. first 'incline'...

Hurdsfield Rd - coats off...

The hills are our friends...

Nina 'blitzing' the hills

A quick 'breather' at Adelphi Mill

A fast, flat return along the canal

Nina and Dawn

In disguise...

End of 'the donkeys'

The end ... wet, wet wet

The splits (note the 9m31s mile)

The Route

The 'Badge of Honour'

Saturday 23rd August - Boxing Day Handicap route

The Start - already soaked after a warm up

Well done today - despite heavy rain 9 runners were out 'raring to go' at 9.00am from the starting line of the Boxing Day Handicap route.
This is a 4 mile route that goes along, up, up a bit more, along, up a bit more, along and then down a lot. It is a tough route demanding strong mental powers ... fortunately our brave runners were feeling strong and the dual mantras of THE HILLS ARE OUR FRIENDS and THE RAIN IS OUR FRIEND served us well.

As the route was short for a D group run the pace was good with sub 10 minute miling and a couple of 9 minute miles thrown in. You would think that was enough but no, several of the group ran an extra lap of Ridgegate Reservoir for good measure.

Tea and a teacake afterwards were very much needed.

Respect to you all for a strong run .... now, what are you doing at 10.30am on Boxing Day ...

Neil

The start - with the flash

Off they go ... start with a gentle incline...

Is it me or is it getting steeper...

No, it is DEFINITELY getting steeper

Are we there yet Neil

The inside of a cloud at our highest point

Tough conditions but Chris and 'Man Up Nina' make it to the top

Smiles now we have descended and it is drier

9 minute miling ...

Wet?

Philip demonstrating the latest waterproof running top

Good running!

Last mile...

Extra lap ... why not!

Back at last...

The route ... HILLY!

Splits

Saturday 16th August - a Kerridge hilly route

The Start

Today we ran a hilly 5.3 mile route around Kerridge - there were 9 D group runners out (including new group member Julie Smith - welcome). It was a lovely morning and a very sociable group - there was some very good running especially up the numerous 'hills' we tackled ... and not one moan or 'coffee stop'!

Seriously - this was a good effort by everybody on some challenging terrain.

We met up with E group at The Waterside for some post-run chat and coffee/cake.

Well done!

Neil

Nina and Mel 'in full flow'

Chris doing an all terrain demo

West side of 'the ridge'

Up Lidgetts Lane

Climbing higher

Working hard Mrs W?

Sally looking good...

Brief pause for a 'group selfie'

Down Lidgetts Lane

Grassy descent off Kerridge

Along to 'The Waterfall'

Caption - what is Janette doing?

The end - tired but happy.

The Route