6.70km Wright's Green and Dingle Loop in 32:06

By-heck it was a bit windy today!

I ran, well trotted the 6.70km Wright's Green and Dingle Loop for the second time. There appeared to be no point blasting it today, especially when you're being blown backwards by the gale winds. I simply went for a reasonable lunchtime distance rather than for speed in any case.


The Stats

Time: 32:06
Distance: 6.70km (4.16 miles)
Average Speed: 12.523kmh (7.782mph)
Average Pace: 4:47 per km (7:43 per mile)
Heart rate: HRavg 156, HRmax 162, and 454 kcals

5.08km Appleton Thorn Loop in 23:16

It was warm, humid, sunny, yet windy in places during my late lunchtime run around the 5.08km Appleton Thorn Loop.

My first mile time was recorded at 6:45, so I was initially going at a reasonable pace for me. The kissing gates (especially the two wooden ones) certainly sap your energy when you have to come to a complete stop, then negotiate the gate, before pushing off once again. Well, I felt it today - that's for sure.


The Stats

Time: 23:16
Distance: 5.08km (3.157 miles)
Average Speed: 13.100kmh (8.140mph)
Average Pace: 4:35 per km (7:22 per mile)
Heart rate: HRavg 161, HRmax 169, and 349kcals.

Stalybridge Celtic FC 3 - 3 Vauxhall Motors FC

Saturday 28th October 2006, 15:00 Kickoff

Conference North

Stalybridge Celtic 3 - 3 Vauxhall Motors

Vauxhall took a very early lead in the second minute, but lost the lead with two very quick goals by Stalybridge Celtic near to the half. In the second half, Stalybridge added to their tally with a third goal. Vauxhall then got one back with nine minutes to spare. Then late late in stoppage time, the third minute of four added, they equalised.


Referee: Pat Dunn
Assistant Referees: Clive Brown and myself
Assessor: None

First Half: 47:00, HRmax 163, HRavg 139, 618kcals.
Second Half: 49:00, HRmax 163, HRavg 131, 548kcals.
Totals: 1:36:00, HRmax 163, HRavg 135, 1166kcals.

Stretton Fox

It was my wife's last working day today before going off to prepare for having our first child.

So, all except Andy and Alan went to the Stretton Fox for a couple of beers and some food. It was quite pleasant I have to say.

Work bought my wife a baby bath, baby bouncer, and a baby warm and fluffy full body suit. All very nice presents.


So, no training today, but then again, I think that I had earned a day off...

Monday: 9.10km;
Tuesday: 6.70km;
Wednesday: 17.70km; and
Thursday: 5.08km.

Total: 38.58km (23.97 miles).

5.08km Appleton Thorn Loop

This post relates to Thursday 27th October 2006:

I had a half day's holiday to go to the last Antenatal class with my wife. Following the class, my wife went back to work whilst I headed off to the gym.

The day was dry and cool which made good running conditions, very unlike yesterday! It was quite windy, but I still had the running bug considering I had now got time to burn.

I wanted to run a reasonable distance, but certaining nothing like the 17.7km that I did yesterday. So, the plan was to run the 5.08km Appleton Loop, which involves running towards Appleton Thorn, turning left at the Thorn Public House and down Green Lane, before heading back along the Oak Tree Walkway path towards Stretton Road.

I set off and noticed that my lefts felt like wooden boards which made running fast extremely difficult. So, I gave way and ran at the pace my legs would allow.

I completed the course just shy of 25 minutes, but today's run certainly was not about the time, it was all about getting around.

Still, nothing that a steam, suna, and jacuzzi wouldn't sort...


The Stats

Time: 24:44
Distance: 5.08km (3.157 miles)
Average Speed: 12.323kmh (7.657mph)
Average Pace: 4:52 per km (7:31 per mile)
Heart rate: HRavg 155, HRmax 163, and 348kcals.

17.70km Antrobus "magical mystery tour" in 88:12

Well, where do I start? I basically had a lot of time owing to me due to the extraordinary hours I have been working recently, so even though it was pouring down with rain, I had decided to run a brand new 13km (ish) route around Antrobus. However, although I had planned my route a couple of things went a bit wrong and I in fact ended up running a 17.70km (11.00 miles) instead!

The plan was to head out from St. Matthews C of E Primary School, Stretton, Warrington, towards Appleton Thorn, turning RIGHT at the Appleton Thorn Public House into Arley Road, continuing for 2.70km (going over the M56) until reaching the first right-hand turn into Reed Lane. Then I would continue along Reed Lane (with Antrobus on your right) until reaching the A559 Northwich Road. I would then turn right heading northbound along Northwich Road for about 800 metres, turning left into School Lane.

Now it starts to get interesting...!

The plan was to continue along School Lane and Pillmoss Lane which goes back over the M56. At Hatton, turn right along Hatton Lane towards the Cat & Lion Lights. Left at the Cat & Lion Lights, across the Cricket Ground, along the Old King Street Roman Road and then onto the bus stop finish on Stretton Road. However...

At the School Lane and Booths Lane junction, School Lane was closed by a barrier that said "Private Road", so I then went off plan and turned into Booths Lane!

At the end of Booths Lane, I turned right into Raddel Lane, heading towards the A49 Tarporley Road. However by this time I had lost all sense of direction considering that all these lanes look the same and they bend, twist, and turn.

So, at the A49 Tarporley Road, I turned left instead of right! At about a mile running in the wrong direction, I began to have my doubts, but could not be absolutely sure that I was heading in the wrong direction. If I turned around and I was wrong that would compound things. So, I decided to continue and look for road signs. At the Red Lane junction at Lower Whitley, some two miles in the wrong direction, I noticed a green sign that pointed towards "Whitchurch" in the direction that I was heading and "Warrington" in the direction I was heading away from! About turn!

So, I ran back up the A49 that went on forever until I reached the M56 roundabout. I then ran anti-clockwise around it crossing the A559, M56 Westbound exit, M56 Eastbound entry, before turning left into Spark Hall Close (leading to the Stretton Fox). I then ran back down Spark Hall Close, right into the Park Royal Hotel car park and around the back, stopping at the door of the gym.

At that moment, when I stopped, I realised that I was extremely exhausted. My legs went like jelly and I was both hungry and thirsty. I struggled to remove my wet and soggy trainers and socks due to my jelly legs.

I walked into the reception area dripping wet, leaving a puddle of rain water where I stood. Thankfully, I had found two pound coins in my locker during the week, which allowed me to purchase (in advance) two Nutragrain bars and a can of Lucozade.

The shower that followed was very welcoming...

And that was my mini adventure!


The Stats

Time: 1:28:18 (88:12)
Distance: 17.70km (11.00 miles)
Average Speed: 12.041kmh (7.482mph)
Average Pace: 4:59 per km (8:01 per mile)
Heart rate: HRavg 156, HRmax 170, and 1,254kcals

6.70km Wright's Green and Dingle Loop in 31:17

I decided to use my NavMan today on a brand new Loop in the drizzling rain.

See multimap 1:25000 scale view


Basically, you start at St. Matthews C of E Primary School, Stretton, Warrington and head out towards Appleton Thorn, turning left at the Appleton Thorn Public House into Lumbrook Lane. Then you continue along Lumbrook Lane (instead of going down Green Lane).

Follow Lumbrook Road, until you reach the sharp right-hand bend with Dingle Lane. Then turn into Dingle Lane.

At the Lyon's Lane and Cann Lane North junction, turn right into Lyon's Lane, then immediately left into Longwood Road.

Follow the bends of Longwood road for about 1 mile until you reach the Pewterspear Garden Path before heading down it for its 800 metre length. The Garden path is very autumnal with its carpet of brown and orange leaves at the moment which helps to occupy the mind whilst you are running.

Exit the Pewterspear Garden Path at London Road, but take the Old King's Street Roman Road (a public path) and follow it until you reach Stretton Road. At Stretton Road turn left and head past the Church. The run terminates at the bus stop just before St. Matthew's C of E Primary School where you began 6.70km (4.16 miles) ago.


The Stats

Time: 31:17
Distance: 6.70km (4.16 miles)
Average Speed: 12.850kmh (7.985mph)
Average Pace: 4:40 per km (7:31 per mile)
Heart rate: HRavg 162, HRmax 168, and 472 kcals

9.10km Appleton Park and Reservoir Combination in 42:50

I ran the 9.10km Appleton Park and Reservior Combination (Anticlockwise) in a very pleasing effort and time of 42:50 beating my previous time by 1 minute and 14 seconds.

The funny thing that you notice when you run a course in the opposite direction for the very first time, is that you suddenly realise that there are hilly climbs which you had previous thought were flat.

It's still a tough old course this one - no matter which direction you run it in. Means that you start and finish at the same point, your brain keeps reminding you that for every metre you descend, you will have to ascend again at some point...


The Stats

Time: 42:50
Distance: 9.10km (5.65 miles)
Average Speed: 12.747kmh (7.921mph)
Average Pace: 4:42 per km (7:35.5 per mile)
Heart rate: HRavg 166, HRmax 175, and 690kcals

Heswall FC 4 - 1 Vauxhall Motors Reserves

West Cheshire Football League

Heswall FC 4 - 1 Vauxhall Motors Reserves

Heswall took an early lead and scored again shortly afterwards. Then scored a third time before the half and went in 3-0 at half time. Vauxhall Motors Reserves came out a little stronger in the second half and got a goal back, but within a couple of minutes went another goal down. The final score was 4-1 to Heswall.

No cautions or sendings off today which is always pleasing.


Referee: Myself (Level 4)
Assistant Referees: Derek Landsborough (Level 5) and Harry Smith (Level 5)
Assessor: Unknown


First Half: 48:00, HRavg 146, 605kcals.
Second Half: 48:00, HRavg 145, 617kcals.
Totals: 1:36:00, HRavg 145, 1222kcals.

4.45km Park Loop in 20:27 then Poolside

Today, I had a half day's holiday to attend an antenatal parent class with my 34 week pregnant wife.

Following the class with a couple of hours to spare, I decided to go for a shorter run than the other days this week and decided to run the old favourite Park Loop.

Afterwards, I still had time to spend 45 minutes or so in the steamroom and sauna. Which I would definitely do every day if I had the time... however, work normally gets in the way.


The Stats

Time: 20:27
Distance: 4.45km (2.77m)
Average speed: 13.056kmh (8.113mph)
Average pace: 4:36 per km (7:24 per mile)
Heart rate: HRavg 165, HRmax 173, and 323kcals

6.50km Appleton Park Loop in 30:09

What a difference a day can make! Although my hip is quite obviously still mending, it did not cause me the same grief as it did just yesterday.

In fact I felt quite good today, so off I set at a pace more familiar to me. Having said that, the Firs Lane 400 metre climb to its summit does not get any easier. I probably should measure the difference in altitude from the base to its summit with my NavMan sometime.

Still, I am very pleased with my week's lunchtime effort so far. Three runs, 19.50km (12.12 miles) and 1,463kcals burned already!


The Stats

Time: 30:09
Distance: 6.50km (4.04 miles)
Average Speed: 12.935kmh (8.038mph)
Average Pace: 4:38 per km (7:28 per mile)
Heart rate: HRavg 178, HRmax 165, and 475kcals

6.50km Appleton Park Loop in 32:05

I decided to run the 6.50km Appleton Park Loop again today. However, I quickly discovered that my hip was giving me some more grief again! For this reason, I dropped my pace but still ran the distance (albeit at a much more comfortable trot).

Still, that's 13.0km (8.08 miles) in the first two lunchtimes this week.


The Stats

Time: 32:05
Distance: 6.50km (4.04 miles)
Average Speed: 12.156kmh (7.553mph)
Average Pace: 4:56 per km (7:57 per mile)
Heart rate: HRavg 170, HRmax 161, and 479kcals

6.50km Appleton Park Loop in 30:21

My hip is now on the mend and it did not give me any real discomfort whilst running around the 6.50km Appleton Park Loop.

I noticed my HR was 169 at the bottom of Firs Lane and 177 by the time I had reached its summit. Interesting fact I thought, as I continued to push at the same pace - my HR needed to increase 8bpm due to the climb up the hill.

It was exceptionally warm today considering it was mid-October.


The Stats

Time: 30:21
Distance: 6.50km (4.04 miles)
Average Speed: 12.850kmh (7.985mph)
Average Pace: 4:40 per km (7:31 per mile)
Heart rate: HRavg 177, HRmax 169, and 509kcals

Cammell Laird Reserves 4 - 4 Upton Athletic Association

Cammell Laird Reserves 4 - 4 Upton Athletic Association

This was a much tougher match to referee, than my previous West Cheshire League appointments since I joined the League at the beginning of the season from the Mid Cheshire League.

In the second half, I sent a Cammell Laird Reserves player off for violent conduct following an ill tempered afair involving several of his opponents.

It was, however, an entertaining match with eight goals in all. It was a shame that the match did not finish eleven aside.


Referee: Myself
Assistant Referees: Gary Leech and Malcolm Oliver
Assessor: To Follow
First Half: 47:00, HRmax 171, HRavg 152, 658kcals.
Second Half: 49:00, HRmax 174, HRavg 148, 656kcals.
Totals: 1:36:00, HRmax 174, HRavg 150, 1314kcals.

Poolside

I went Poolside today to give my still injured hip a rest, especially considering my 9.10km run with John yesterday.

I applied an icepack to my hip at my desk for most of the morning and again whilst in the steamroom and sauna.

This was also allow recovery time for my refereeing appointment tomorrow.

9.10km Appleton Park and Reservoir Combination in 44:04

Considering that John had joined me for a run today and also considering that I had worked a few hours over already this week, I thought it was appropriate to go for a much longer run than usual.

So, provided that my hip held out, the intension was to run the 9.10km Appleton Park and Reservoir Combination Loop. If my hip did not hold out, then the shorter 6.50km Appleton Park Loop or the even shorter 4.19km Hillside run could be performed instead.

Due to the refurbishments in the Park Royal Hotel and Leisure in Warrington where I am a member, I showed John around the new facilities before we set out for our run.


I felt some discomfort in my hip whilst running, but not enough to prevent me running the full 9.10km distance. This is the second time that I have run this course and I have to say that it is much more enjoyable when you've got a running partner. This is especially true considering it is one of the more difficult hilly courses and definitely true during the final 2.25 miles where you are faced with a steady uphill London Road climb.

I also managed to shave just over 2.5 minutes off my time which is always pleasing! Although I can honestly say that I can really feel my hip post run. Oh well... no pain no gain.


The Stats

Time: 44:04
Distance: 9.10km (5.65 miles)
Average Speed: 12.390kmh (7.699mph)
Average Pace: 4:51 per km (7:48 per mile)
Heart rate: HRavg 168, HRmax 181, and 735kcals

Poolside Again

I went Poolside today to give my injured hip another day's rest in preparation for my run with John tomorrow.

I again applied an icepack to my hip for about 30 minutes.

Poolside

I went Poolside today, to rest my injured hip.

I also applied an icepack to my hip for about 30 minutes.

All this so that I can go running with John on Thursday - oh and try and get my hip better too!

4.45km Park Loop Anticlockwise in 21:02

My first training run since a week on Wednesday when I ran the 6.50km Appleton Park Loop with that painful hip.

The unfortunate thing was that my hip injury was still causing me discomfort today.

I could not push away with the desired strength with my right foot, nor could I stride the desired length. This was a shame because I felt aerobically fit today. However, my physcial self would not allow me to do what I really wanted.

Oh well... another day perhaps.


The Stats

Time: 21:02
Distance: 4.45km (2.77m)
Average speed: 12.694kmh (7.888mph)
Average pace: 4:44 per km (7:36 per mile)
Heart rate: HRavg 163, HRmax 178, and 332kcals

Colwyn Bay FC 0 - 1 Bamber Bridge FC

Tuesday 3rd October 2006, 19:45 Kickoff

Northern Premier League, Division 1

Colwyn Bay FC 0 - 1 Bamber Bridge FC


It was a mad rush back from The Lakes at 12:30pm, so that I had enought time to eat some "beans on toast" before being picked up at 4:30pm, for a 7:45pm kick-off at Colwyn Bay's ground.

My hip was still a bit sore, but I could coped with it. I had hoped it would have improved by now.

A bit of a late one, arriving back home at 11:40pm. Still, no work the following morning!


Referee: Ian Bonney
Assistant Referees: Dominic McDonald and myself
Assessor: Ted Egan


First Half: 49:00, HRmax 167, HRavg 137, 581kcals.
Second Half: 49:00, HRmax 164, HRavg 130, 570kcals.
Totals: 1:38:00, HRmax 167, HRavg 134, 1151kcals.