Virtual Spine Day 13

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Virtual Spine Day 13


Distance Covered Today – 10.82 miles

Total Distance covered – 136.89 miles


Virtual

Very cold with snow showers most of the day turning heavy snow by evening

Is it heartening that today finally marks the halfway point of the Pennine Way? Its also a day of trudging over endless, often squelchy moorland and with snow around and falling late in the day it’s another tough one. Highlights along the way, include verdant valleys, a Bronze Age burial site – traders from that era used the Stainmore Gap as they did the Aire Gap, Romans too – and a castle (sort of). There is also a lot of wall following feeling like a rehearsal for the stretch on Hadrian’s Wall which I plan to do in June this year. And finally, there is the A66 to navigate which is most definitely not a highlight.

Reality

 Cold Icy start turning to light rain and becoming heavy by evening

Walk 5.52 miles – The boring route again this morning as I bring up the halfway point after only 12.5 days. The walk this morning is treacherous with black ice everywhere. Several close escapes nearly slipping into the road but thankfully I made it in one piece.

Walk 5.30 miles – The boring route home again and today, including this mornings walk, I decided to ditch the music for an audiobook. The choice for this week is ‘Madness – Before We Was We’ which is the story of the band from teenage years at school through until their breakthrough in 1979 with One Step Beyond. Made interesting as its done documentary style with each of them narrating their own story on and off throughout the book. Got to Chapter 7, about 40% in 3 hours walking. Definitely made the walk interesting.

 

                   

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE consider sponsoring me for this mammoth challenge, it’s for an incredible cause and inspired by an incredible person in Laura Nuttall 🙂

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gd20in20

My motivation for this has come from a very special person called Laura Nuttall who in late 2018, was diagnosed with terminal multiple brain tumours at the young age of 18. Her determination and positive attitude to not only live her life to the full but also to help others as an ambassador for the charity is just incredible and I’m proud to join the fight in whatever way I can. You can read Laura’s story at the following link. Please be generous and help this great charity to raise much-needed funds for researching a cure.

https://www.facebook.com/DoingItForLaura/

The Brain Tumour Charity is the world’s leading brain tumour charity and the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally. Committed to saving and improving lives, we’re moving further, faster to help every single person affected by a brain tumour. We’re set on finding new treatments, offering the highest level of support and driving urgent change. And were doing it right now. Because we understand that when you, or someone you love, is diagnosed with a brain tumour a cure really can’t wait.

 

 

Virtual Spine Day 12

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Virtual Spine Day 12


Distance Covered Today – 5.47 miles

Total Distance covered – 126.08 miles


Virtual

Very cold but bright and very light winds

A steep but short ascent today took me back onto the moor, and the short day finished with something to remember. 200km completed and celebrations in one of the Way’s most legendary pubs, The Tan Hill Inn.

Reality

 Cold but bright and very light winds

Run 5.47 miles – Still feeling the effects of all these miles and today’s run felt torturous even though it was only 5.47 miles. I’m really struggling right now but determined to carry on. Tonights run was through to Nelson then back to Colne along Regent St and Vivary Way before the climb back up home. A walk day tomorrow which will hopefully be double today’s miles.

 

     

 

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE consider sponsoring me for this mammoth challenge, it’s for an incredible cause and inspired by an incredible person in Laura Nuttall 🙂

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gd20in20

My motivation for this has come from a very special person called Laura Nuttall who in late 2018, was diagnosed with terminal multiple brain tumours at the young age of 18. Her determination and positive attitude to not only live her life to the full but also to help others as an ambassador for the charity is just incredible and I’m proud to join the fight in whatever way I can. You can read Laura’s story at the following link. Please be generous and help this great charity to raise much-needed funds for researching a cure.

https://www.facebook.com/DoingItForLaura/

The Brain Tumour Charity is the world’s leading brain tumour charity and the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally. Committed to saving and improving lives, we’re moving further, faster to help every single person affected by a brain tumour. We’re set on finding new treatments, offering the highest level of support and driving urgent change. And were doing it right now. Because we understand that when you, or someone you love, is diagnosed with a brain tumour a cure really can’t wait.

 

 

Virtual Spine Day 11

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Virtual Spine Day 11


Distance Covered Today – 8.55 miles

Total Distance covered – 120.61 miles


Virtual

Heavy rain most of the day with strong winds and a cool feel

Tough weather conditions today as I leave Hardraw Force behind and head uphill for a while onto the moors and over Great Shunner Fell, the highest point on the walk so far. In a rare moment of good humour, the late great Alfred Wainwright said he could climb Great Shunner ‘nonstop despite being ‘senile and getting as fat as a pig’. Up here, more than ever before, it can feel like you’re walking along the backbone of England. No time to hang around today in this rain and the Way now leads down to cute little Thwaite and along Swaledale and to Keld, via some waterfalls, where the Pennine Way crosses its rival, the Coast to Coast Walk. Another familiar spot having done the Coast to Coast in 2014, a truly epic walk that I hope to do again one day soon. The end of proceedings for today and im hoping for a kick of energy from somewhere tomorrow.

Reality

 Torrential rain and heavy winds

Run 8.55 miles – Feeling so tired today and when I came to run the heavens had opened so it was tough getting out the door. When I did the rain stopped for a while and with the wind on my back I started feeling ok. But then when I turned up Emmott Lane the rain came and the wind was now blowing me sideways. The streetlights stopped and it was just me and my headtorch for the rest of the run into a ferocious wind, especially on the tops, and torrential rain. Really unpleasant, I could have used other words but I wont 🙂 So its another 8,5 miles done and thats what matters.

                                         

 

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE consider sponsoring me for this mammoth challenge, it’s for an incredible cause and inspired by an incredible person in Laura Nuttall 🙂

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gd20in20

My motivation for this has come from a very special person called Laura Nuttall who in late 2018, was diagnosed with terminal multiple brain tumours at the young age of 18. Her determination and positive attitude to not only live her life to the full but also to help others as an ambassador for the charity is just incredible and I’m proud to join the fight in whatever way I can. You can read Laura’s story at the following link. Please be generous and help this great charity to raise much-needed funds for researching a cure.

https://www.facebook.com/DoingItForLaura/

The Brain Tumour Charity is the world’s leading brain tumour charity and the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally. Committed to saving and improving lives, we’re moving further, faster to help every single person affected by a brain tumour. We’re set on finding new treatments, offering the highest level of support and driving urgent change. And were doing it right now. Because we understand that when you, or someone you love, is diagnosed with a brain tumour a cure really can’t wait.

 

 

Virtual Spine Day 10

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Virtual Spine Day 10


Distance Covered Today – 12.01 miles

Total Distance covered – 112.03 miles


Virtual

A little warmer today with temperatures not falling below zero

The weather improved today with signs of a thaw and for once the temperature didn’t start with a minus. But until the end of the day, thats all that can really be said as most of the day could be sleepwalked it’s that easy and dull. There’s an awkward part coming off the moors down Rottestone Hill into Hawes where the path is a bit vague but nothing too technical. The highlight is arriving at Hawes, a lovely Dales village which is the home to the Wensleydale Cheese factory, a definite stopping point whenever you visit. Its also the end of the shorter Challenger race so a boost to know im still feeling pretty good at this point. From Hawes its a few miles up the road to one of the best waterfalls in the whole country, Hardraw Force. This is the longest single drop (above ground) waterfall in Great Britain with a fall of 100ft and today with the thaw kicking in, it is at its most stunning. A superb way to end Day 10 of this tough challenge.

Reality

A damp day with mist and light rain showers

Walk 12.01 miles – Today was a warmer day but with that came misty rain. The plus side was the thaw has set in and as the day went on it just got easier to walk. Did a big 12 mile loop today from our house to Barley via Noggarth and then back via Stang Top and Blacko. Not much in the way of views and camera never left the bag but good to get some decent distance, especially for Linda.

 

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE consider sponsoring me for this mammoth challenge, it’s for an incredible cause and inspired by an incredible person in Laura Nuttall 🙂

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gd20in20

My motivation for this has come from a very special person called Laura Nuttall who in late 2018, was diagnosed with terminal multiple brain tumours at the young age of 18. Her determination and positive attitude to not only live her life to the full but also to help others as an ambassador for the charity is just incredible and I’m proud to join the fight in whatever way I can. You can read Laura’s story at the following link. Please be generous and help this great charity to raise much-needed funds for researching a cure.

https://www.facebook.com/DoingItForLaura/

The Brain Tumour Charity is the world’s leading brain tumour charity and the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally. Committed to saving and improving lives, we’re moving further, faster to help every single person affected by a brain tumour. We’re set on finding new treatments, offering the highest level of support and driving urgent change. And were doing it right now. Because we understand that when you, or someone you love, is diagnosed with a brain tumour a cure really can’t wait.

 

 

Virtual Spine Day 9

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Virtual Spine Day 9


Distance Covered Today – 10.29 miles

Total Distance covered – 100.04 miles


Virtual

Cold day but bright with the odd snow flurry

An enjoyable section of the Way today from Horton in Ribblesdale following the Three Peaks route over to Ribblehead. Easy walking and running along old packhorse routes and Roman roads as I head over the Dales. Lots of deep snow made it slow going but gave more time to take in the views.

Reality

Very cold morning but warming after lunch with a few snow flurries late on

Walk 5.91 miles – Went for a walk with Linda whos been stuck in most of the week so was desperate for fresh air. Very slow going within lots of ice everywhere.

Run 4.38 miles – Gave my knee a run out this afternoon, the first time since Tuesday. So it was a steady jog up Albert Road, down Skipton Road then along Birtwistle Ave and up Harrison Drive. Then from nowhere even more snow as a mini blizzard started. I ran down through Alkincoats, by which time the snow had stopped, before heading home.

                                         

 

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE consider sponsoring me for this mammoth challenge, it’s for an incredible cause and inspired by an incredible person in Laura Nuttall 🙂

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gd20in20

My motivation for this has come from a very special person called Laura Nuttall who in late 2018, was diagnosed with terminal multiple brain tumours at the young age of 18. Her determination and positive attitude to not only live her life to the full but also to help others as an ambassador for the charity is just incredible and I’m proud to join the fight in whatever way I can. You can read Laura’s story at the following link. Please be generous and help this great charity to raise much-needed funds for researching a cure.

https://www.facebook.com/DoingItForLaura/

The Brain Tumour Charity is the world’s leading brain tumour charity and the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally. Committed to saving and improving lives, we’re moving further, faster to help every single person affected by a brain tumour. We’re set on finding new treatments, offering the highest level of support and driving urgent change. And were doing it right now. Because we understand that when you, or someone you love, is diagnosed with a brain tumour a cure really can’t wait.

 

 

Virtual Spine Day 8

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Virtual Spine Day 8


Distance Covered Today – 10.17 miles

Total Distance covered – 89.79 miles


Virtual

Very heavy snow for most of the day

Starting from Malham its a nice day today in some heavy and deep snow. Wainwright thought the limestone country around Malham ‘the best walking territory so far encountered along the Pennine way’ and few would disagree. Today’s delights are the majestic Malham Cove, Malham Tarn and plenty of limestone splendour, before the daunting but curious –looking lump of Pen-y-Ghent, the highest point on the Way so far. Pen-y-Ghent is one of my favourite mountains/hills so although a tough climb its a very special treat for me before making my way to today’s finish at Horton In Ribblesdale.

Reality

Heavy snow to start then snow showers for rest of the day

Walk 5.27 miles – Some snow had come down overnight so kit made for an interesting walk to walk on the ‘Boring’ route. Less cars today too.

Walk 4.90 miles – Snowed until I got to Nelson tonight then turned to light rain making it very slushy underfoot. Decided to walk over the tops for a change and lots more snow up there.

 

                           

 

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE consider sponsoring me for this mammoth challenge, it’s for an incredible cause and inspired by an incredible person in Laura Nuttall 🙂

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gd20in20

My motivation for this has come from a very special person called Laura Nuttall who in late 2018, was diagnosed with terminal multiple brain tumours at the young age of 18. Her determination and positive attitude to not only live her life to the full but also to help others as an ambassador for the charity is just incredible and I’m proud to join the fight in whatever way I can. You can read Laura’s story at the following link. Please be generous and help this great charity to raise much-needed funds for researching a cure.

https://www.facebook.com/DoingItForLaura/

The Brain Tumour Charity is the world’s leading brain tumour charity and the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally. Committed to saving and improving lives, we’re moving further, faster to help every single person affected by a brain tumour. We’re set on finding new treatments, offering the highest level of support and driving urgent change. And were doing it right now. Because we understand that when you, or someone you love, is diagnosed with a brain tumour a cure really can’t wait.

 

 

Virtual Spine Day 7

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Virtual Spine Day 7


Distance Covered Today – 10.60 miles

Total Distance covered – 79.41 miles


Virtual

Extremely cold this morning at -5 degrees to start and very foggy

Today starts in the Aire Gap, the lowlands which form a geographical corridor between the South Pennines and Yorkshire Dales, or between millstone grit moors and limestone. The Romans built a road through it, but Bronze Age traders had long since used the route to travel between Ireland and Scandinavia. Elsewhere it’s rolling pastures and flat riverside walking as I pass through a number of villages. Its a lot of zigzagging through undulating fields where the path can be vague, so it’s a fiddly day for path-finding. However, it’s close to home for me so I’m more than able to find my way. The end of the day is a real treat reaching Malham, a fine place to end the day.

Reality

A real sharp wake up this morning with the temperature at -5 and freezing fog.

Walk 5.33miles – Incredibly cold start to the walk but by halfway it had warmed up to be comfortable. Its a boring route with far too much traffic despite the Lockdown Stay At Home message but it’s challenging underfoot so keeping m,e on my toes. My music again was my favourite SKA compilation.

Walk 5.27 miles – Back home on the ‘Boring’ route but at least this time I didn’t trip over any obstacles. Managed a good 16 min mile pace all the way in the misty rain, although it changed to light snow just before I reached home.

 

                                 

 

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE consider sponsoring me for this mammoth challenge, it’s for an incredible cause and inspired by an incredible person in Laura Nuttall 🙂

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gd20in20

My motivation for this has come from a very special person called Laura Nuttall who in late 2018, was diagnosed with terminal multiple brain tumours at the young age of 18. Her determination and positive attitude to not only live her life to the full but also to help others as an ambassador for the charity is just incredible and I’m proud to join the fight in whatever way I can. You can read Laura’s story at the following link. Please be generous and help this great charity to raise much-needed funds for researching a cure.

https://www.facebook.com/DoingItForLaura/

The Brain Tumour Charity is the world’s leading brain tumour charity and the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally. Committed to saving and improving lives, we’re moving further, faster to help every single person affected by a brain tumour. We’re set on finding new treatments, offering the highest level of support and driving urgent change. And were doing it right now. Because we understand that when you, or someone you love, is diagnosed with a brain tumour a cure really can’t wait.

 

 

Virtual Spine Day 6

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Virtual Spine Day 6


Distance Covered Today – 10.35 miles

Total Distance covered – 68.84 miles


Virtual

A bit cold again with snow flurries but warmed up later

Smashed through the 100km barrier today which is really good progress for Day 6. There are fine views from Pinhaw Beacon and Scalaber Hill as I march on from Cowling towards Lotherssdale, Earby and Thornton In Craven. From there it’s following a section of the Leeds Liverpool canal into the stunning village of Gargrave. It’s there I rest for the night and nurse my wounds due to a fall late in the day.

Reality

A bit cold again with snow flurries but warmed up later

Walk 4.70 miles – Had some pain in my knee overnight so decided to walk all today. Tried a different route which was up and down hills rather than flat and was also 1 mile shorter. It was bad underfoot though with all the ice and a dusting of snow on top. Probably won’t do that route again but once again had my music in my ears though so was in another world. A Ska playlist this morning featuring The Specials, The Selecter, The Beat and Madness 😀

Walk 5.65 miles – The same walk as yesterday with the aim of giving my knee a rest but if only that was the case. Walking along Burnley Road and stood on the wire from a car wheel trim. My left foot landed on it which flipped it up so that my right foot went through it resulting in both my legs wrapped together and me tumbling over hitting my head on a wall and landing heavily on my right side. A few grazes and bruises to my right knee, thigh and wrist and swelling just below my elbow. The walk home from there was a very sore one both to my body and my pride. Hoping the bruising isn’t too bad so I can run tomorrow.

 

                         

 

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE consider sponsoring me for this mammoth challenge, it’s for an incredible cause and inspired by an incredible person in Laura Nuttall 🙂

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gd20in20

My motivation for this has come from a very special person called Laura Nuttall who in late 2018, was diagnosed with terminal multiple brain tumours at the young age of 18. Her determination and positive attitude to not only live her life to the full but also to help others as an ambassador for the charity is just incredible and I’m proud to join the fight in whatever way I can. You can read Laura’s story at the following link. Please be generous and help this great charity to raise much-needed funds for researching a cure.

https://www.facebook.com/DoingItForLaura/

The Brain Tumour Charity is the world’s leading brain tumour charity and the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally. Committed to saving and improving lives, we’re moving further, faster to help every single person affected by a brain tumour. We’re set on finding new treatments, offering the highest level of support and driving urgent change. And were doing it right now. Because we understand that when you, or someone you love, is diagnosed with a brain tumour a cure really can’t wait.

 

 

Virtual Spine Day 5

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Virtual Spine Day 5


Distance Covered Today – 10.76 miles

Total Distance covered – 58.49 miles


Virtual

Sunny day but cold and snow flurries early morning and late evening

In to Bronte country and very close to my house today as I head over past Widdop reservoir and round the back of Boulsworth Hill. From here it’s on familiar ground as i head towards Ickornshaw and Cowling with a mix of walking and running.

Reality

Very cold and icy to start with snow flurries but warmed up later

Walk 5.38 miles – First day of walking to work and running home. Hoping to make this happen 4 days a week throughout January. Dark and icy this morning so a boring walk along the main road from Colne to Burnley. Had my music in my ears though so was in another world. Arctic Monkeys album, Live at the Albert Hall. Pure quality.

Run 5.38 miles – Basically a reverse of this mornings walk and listened to the same album. A bit slippy underfoot towards the end but otherwise a boring plod alongside traffic.

                     

 

 

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE consider sponsoring me for this mammoth challenge, it’s for an incredible cause and inspired by an incredible person in Laura Nuttall 🙂

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gd20in20

My motivation for this has come from a very special person called Laura Nuttall who in late 2018, was diagnosed with terminal multiple brain tumours at the young age of 18. Her determination and positive attitude to not only live her life to the full but also to help others as an ambassador for the charity is just incredible and I’m proud to join the fight in whatever way I can. You can read Laura’s story at the following link. Please be generous and help this great charity to raise much-needed funds for researching a cure.

https://www.facebook.com/DoingItForLaura/

The Brain Tumour Charity is the world’s leading brain tumour charity and the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally. Committed to saving and improving lives, we’re moving further, faster to help every single person affected by a brain tumour. We’re set on finding new treatments, offering the highest level of support and driving urgent change. And were doing it right now. Because we understand that when you, or someone you love, is diagnosed with a brain tumour a cure really can’t wait.

Virtual Spine Day 4

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Virtual Spine Day 4


Distance Covered Today – 7.40 miles

Total Distance covered – 47.70 miles


Virtual

 Warmer day today and very damp but still cold in the breeze

Made it to CP1 today at Hebden Bridge after a climb up to see Stoodley Pike. A brief rest then off down the Rochdale Canal before turning right with a cruel climb out of the Calder Valley. It’s a nice stretch then over Heptonstall Moor with Hardcastle Craggs to my right, such a shame I’m not running through there as its a gorgeous place but I’m entering Bronte country now so tomorrow should be nice.

Reality

 A little bit warmer today and slightly damp with the odd shower.

Run 7.40 miles – A lunchtime run today from work heading through Thompson Park, up to Pike Hill down into Townleey then 1 lap of Burnley Parkrun before heading back to work up past the fire station. Still lots of snow around but easy enough to run on.

    .   

 

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE consider sponsoring me for this mammoth challenge, it’s for an incredible cause and inspired by an incredible person in Laura Nuttall 🙂

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gd20in20

My motivation for this has come from a very special person called Laura Nuttall who in late 2018, was diagnosed with terminal multiple brain tumours at the young age of 18. Her determination and positive attitude to not only live her life to the full but also to help others as an ambassador for the charity is just incredible and I’m proud to join the fight in whatever way I can. You can read Laura’s story at the following link. Please be generous and help this great charity to raise much-needed funds for researching a cure.

https://www.facebook.com/DoingItForLaura/

The Brain Tumour Charity is the world’s leading brain tumour charity and the largest dedicated funder of research into brain tumours globally. Committed to saving and improving lives, we’re moving further, faster to help every single person affected by a brain tumour. We’re set on finding new treatments, offering the highest level of support and driving urgent change. And were doing it right now. Because we understand that when you, or someone you love, is diagnosed with a brain tumour a cure really can’t wait.