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 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.

Virtual Spine Day 3

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Virtual Spine Day 3


Distance Covered Today – 13.88 miles

Total Distance covered – 40.30 miles


Virtual

Slightly warner day but still barely getting above zero degrees. Slightly stiffer breeze gives a colder feel.

This stretch lacks the scenic splendour of the last two days and the sound of ‘civilization’ (i.e. the niggling buzz of traffic) are never far away. However, there is still much to enjoy, especially the views approaching the Calder Valley, under the watchful eye of Stoodley Pike, which dominates the second half of the day. There’s plenty of flat walking and much of this section sticks to the high moors and gritstone edges. Close to my home town now as I pass through Todmorden and stop for the day just before Hebden Bridge.


Reality

Cold day hovering just above zero with a fresh NE wind making it feel icy cold out of the sun

Walk 13.88 miles – A nice steady walk today which was meant to be around 9 miles to Salterforth and back but we extended the route up into Barnoldswick for a coffee and some lunch albeit from a garage due to the shops closed with the pandemic.

   

 

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 2

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Virtual Spine Day 2


Distance Covered Today – 15.67 miles

Total Distance covered – 26.42miles


Virtual

Very cold and sunny with a gentle breeze

Another cold but clear day today with a sharp frost and -3 degrees to wake me up this morning. Not as tough, or as scenic, as yesterday as the compelling journey through the savage beauty of the Peak District’s gritstone moors is mostly flat walking followed by a long but enjoyable descent into tiny Crowden. It’s undemanding, mostly moorland running and often on stone flagstones but with the moorland vistas and some invitingly picturesque valleys, the walk has stacks of charm. The days running takes me to a marathon in just 2 days as I reach Standedge and I’m 9 miles ahead of my target


Reality

Very cold & sunny start at -3 degrees turning to heavy snow by lunchtime

RUN 15.67 miles – From Briercliffe myself and Ed Lee set out towards Catlow bottoms where we joined the PWIAD route. It’s really cold and very icy underfoot but we make steady progress. We head down towards Walverden Reservoir and through very boggy fields before climbing to Nelson golf course. From there it’s down through Reedley, alongside Pendle Water and then on towards the Crossroad of the Pendle Way and Burnley Way. From here it’s a 1-mile climb up to Higham before turning round and heading back down the hill. Up to Ightenhill then down to Crow Wood and along the greenway where the snow became very heavy. It was a slow plod from there back to Briercliffe in a blizzard.

           

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 1

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Virtual Spine Day 1


Distance Covered Today – 10.75 miles

Total Distance covered – 10.75 miles


Virtual

The weather isn’t too bad for the start of this epic challenge, very cold hovering around zero but light cloud and no wind makes it good for running and walking. The race starts and I opt for walking the first 3.2 miles out of Edale on the road and towards the starting point of the Pennine Way at Newfold Farm where I then turn into the fields. Its a climb now up Jacobs Ladder to the summit of Kinder Scout. From here I head out over Bleaklow Moor passing a B29 plane crash site, a very sombre place in a remote part of the peak district the wreck is surprisingly well preserved seeing as its been there since 1948. At 10.75 miles my first day comes to an end with me 2 miles ahead of target.


Reality

  Very Gentle breeze with light cloud and around 2 degrees.

WALK 3.18 miles – An easy walk with Linda up to Walton lane cemetery to lay our Christmas wreath in the tree near to my dad’s grave.

RUN 7.57 miles – Ran a loop of Colne up Albert Road, along through Laneshaw Bridge and up Emmott Lane. From there it was past the Alama and down Castle Road, up Red Lane then down through Alkincoats Park before heading back home. A lot of snow still around making running on the pavements a little treacherous so tried to stick to the road most of the time or ran on grass where the snow was a little deeper.

                                   

.             .             

 

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, were 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.