Janathon Day 31 - Two sixes brings up the 300

So the past 30 days had come down to this - 1 day to run 12 miles to finally reach 300 miles. This would be my highest ever mileage for a month and I was therefore rightly very proud of this. The final 'running table of doom' would end up with local-adventures, beanoutrunning and myself sharing the spoils for 2nd place, whilst our Australian friend ended up with an amazing 455 miles. Maybe 1 summer mile should equal 1.5 winter miles (just kidding), that would have made it interesting!!

My goal was to keep going at a sensible rate, after all I was theoretically still on the Juneathon. I didn't seem to have got the memo about stopping!! As you approach these challenges you have all these grandiose plans on going out in style and then get to the final day and want just a short run to finish it all off. As I didn't fancy one 12 miler, I decided to split the run into two more friendly 6 milers on the same 'office loop' one at lunchtime and the other before I left the office for the evening.

Both of the runs were done on the default 'office 6 mile loop' in the same clockwise direction. The loop involved a bit of road, the track through the farm, past the two friendly dogs, the field of staring cows, more farms on the muddy lane, across the main road, down Magotty Lane, past the lake and church, along the main road and back to the office. They were both cold and the wind was in the same direction, so they were very comparable. For all you lovers of stats the runs stacked up as follows:

RUN	MILE 1	MILE 2	MILE 3	MILE 4	MILE 5	MILE 6	MILE .02	TOTAL	AVERAGE
1	7:27	7:27	7:34	7:18	7:07	7:04	0:11	44:06	7:20
2	6:46	6:46	6:49	6:50	6:36	6:23	0:16	40:25	6:43

I think I must have got a second wind for the later run, either that or the cream cake I scoffed an hour before setting out may have had something to do with it! ...and there you have it, the Janathon is done and dusted. I will no doubt blog tomorrow with a summary of the miles done, blah, blah, blah!

I hope everyone enjoyed taking part, not only logging miles but the daily blogging. There has been a lot of great miles logged and some very witty and clever bloggage!! Now what shall I do tomorrow? I know I might go for a run :)

Stats

Run 1
Distance: 6.02 miles

Time: 44:06

Run 2
Distance: 6.02 miles
Time: 40:25

Janathon Total Distance: 300.38 miles

Streak Total Distance: 1922 miles

Janathon Day 30 - Blue Knees...

A mutual consensus had been reached between the three of us in positions 2,3 and 4 on the Janathon 'Table of Doom' that, as we were all approaching 300 miles we would all finish on that said distance. This required 18 miles to be run over the next two days. The plan was for 6 or 7 today, then the 12 tomorrow split into two runs.

A very frosty morning led to a glorious sunny day. I thought I'd get my run it at lunchtime in the sun and looked forward to it. As the time approached I then get bogged down in resolving a problem for a client which ended up taking a couple of hours! The lunchtime window came and went, looks like an evening session then!

At 6:15 this evening the temperature already read -3 as I left the office, this was going to be a tad chilly and test my commitment to the #stillinshorts brigade. I set off shortly after getting home and did the reverse of the 'Knutsford by Streetlight' loop as detailed on Day 24. My knee was a little stiff from yesterday's 'fall' so decided to keep the pace around the 7:30 min mile mark for the whole run.

I wanted to go quicker to keep the legs warm but after a mile or so had settled down. After 3 miles my phone rang and it was my daughter asking if I was running past Waitrose for a 'pastry run'. After informing her I didn't have any money with me, I agreed I would drive back to the store once I got home!

The run continued without incident and I then saw two runners coming in the opposite direction, both in shorts but one wearing just a t-shirt!! Now that's extreme if you ask me!! I got home with 6.09 miles in the bag and another day nearer to the end.

Today was also another milestone day as it marks 244 days which equates exactly to 2/3rd of a year done!!

Stats

Distance: 6.09 miles

Time: 45:43

Janathon Total Distance: 288.34 miles

Streak Total Distance: 1910 miles

Janathon Day 29 - The Muddy Trail to the In-Laws

In the interest of preventing the runstreak from becoming boring, I always grab the opportunity of a different run when it arises. Today was such a day as a visit to the in-laws (who live in Wilmslow) in the afternoon was on the cards. The direct road route is approximately 9 miles,  I was going for the more off-road 'scenic' version and hoping for around 12 miles.

I set off along the road and the initial traipse through Booths Park and the fields beyond. The fields were quite boggy, a sure sign of things to come. On along the trail which skirts around the Ilfords site, a little country lane and then to the start of the airport 'Runway 2 Trail'. I was here in 4 miles in 30 mins, now the fun would start!

I was now directly at the end of runway 2 and I took the trail towards the right which would keep me occupied for the next 3 miles. The previously frozen mud had re-melted and left the trail in a thick gloopy mess akin to a chocolate cake mix! I cautiously ambled along, the trail shoes gripping like a pair of carpet slippers! Then before you know it my legs went one way and I went the other! Thoughts of the runstreak flashed before my eyes before landing in a hedge with some thorns, ouch that would hurt! I sat for a few seconds and got up, all seemed to be in working order and so I trudged on extra carefully.

This gloop contributed for the next mile or so along the path adjacent to the runway. Then a steep drop down to the tunnel under the runway before the same steep climb the other side. On past the airport fire station and another short stretch of gloop before the steps down to the road. The last 2 miles coming in at an expensive 10:56 and 12:20.

After that excitement it was on to the next adventure through Styal Woods for 3 miles. The woods are a great haven of wildlife and the undulating trail winds it's way along the river Bollin before getting to Styal Mill and on to the Carrs. The first section was more of the same mud and involved descending and then re-ascending a set of 100 steps and then another set of 80 steps. Each of these ups and downs were greeted by a bridge crossing with names like Oxbow and Herons Reach.

After 2 miles I reached the actual village of Styal, complete with the original workers cottages for the labourers who used to work in the mill which is now a National Trust attraction. It is also home to the quaint Norcliffe Chapel and where I got married some 14 years ago! I stopped and took a quick photo and cast my mind back to that enjoyable day!

The final mile or so to the Carrs involved a steep pathway down past the mill and another wooded section. I took the path closest to the river and was blocked by a fallen tree which involved careful negotiation. I had now reached 10 miles and the in-laws house was just half a mile away up a rocky path.

I decided to continue across the Carrs - an area of parkland very popular with dog walkers, right in to the town itself. Once there I ran up the hill before turning back on myself to knock out a quick last mile in 7:07 along the side streets. I arrived at the in-laws wearing a lot of mud, whereupon a hot shower and tea and biscuits rounded off a very enjoyable excursion!!

Just 2 more days of the Janathon remain and just the simple task of 18 miles to bring up the 300...

Stats

Distance: 12.23 miles

Time: 1:47:32

Janathon Total Distance: 282.25 miles

Streak Total Distance: 1904 miles

Janathon Day 28 - A Slippery 10

When going out for a run I usually know exactly what route I am going to take and where I am going. Today was slightly different, I just headed out the door and made it up as I went along. The aim was for around 10 miles so headed off gingerly down the road as the ice made it a slippery affair. I had in the back of mind on coming back through Tatton Park as the morning was spectacularly sunny and cold.

I ran on through Knutsford and out towards Tabley past the cemetry. Just after here is a great gravel track that is in a slightly elevated position giving good views past the motorway and on to the hills in the distance. At the end of the track I was deposited on to the very busy A556 adjacent to the very tired looking Little Chef. A few grumpy faces sat in there eating some 'warm' breakfast conglomeration!

I now knew where I was heading and spent a few metres on the busy road for heading back down a windy country lane towards Tatton. This lane proved to be very icy and I cautiously edged along so as to avoid any nasty 'slip ups'. On past the end of the lane and I skirted past the end of Tatton Park to enter the top entrance at exactly 6 miles. I knew the route back through the park to home was exactly 4 miles which would bring up the 10 miles - result.

The park was beautiful with the low sun shining through the avenue of trees above. The ground was mostly frozen and made the muddy route more manageable, or so I thought. I edged over a particurlarly muddy part expecting it to be frozen and was met with icy water as my foot broke through the ice. I really enjoyed the run through the park and bumped into one of wife's friends and her dog who was very pleased to see me!

Out of the park and a quick blast down the 'bottom' street weaving in and out the Saturday shoppers who were starting to emerge. A final up hill before the run down the beautiful Legh Road and back to the house for exactly 10 miles. So just 3 days left of the Janathonn and the 300 miles is now within sight...

Stats

Distance: 10.01 miles

Time: 1:18:15

Janathon Total Distance: 270.02 miles

Streak Total Distance: 1892 miles

Janathon Day 27 - The Office Hill

With a week of two lunchtime and two evening runs, I felt it was about time that I got an early morning run in. As it was Friday this meant an early drive up to the office to tackle the 'office hill' once again. It was a cold start to the day so I knew I would need my hat for the top of the hill (still in shorts though!).

I arrived at the office at 7 and calculated I would be back by 8:30, perfect. I started with my headtorch on and headed off towards the canal for an anti-clockwise run. The two miles along the canal were very 'gloopy' to say the least! I turned the headtorch off after 20 minutes, the lighter mornings were gradually on their way, thank goodness for that!

The next 2 miles were spent climbing the gradual slope to the top of Croker Hill. The weather was infinitely better than last week and I was enjoying the run, on through the farm and then the final steep mile along the gravel track. The track still resembled a stream and I attempted to keep my feet as dry as possible. If you got to the top at 5.5 miles in 50 minutes, you were doing well, I crested the hill in a shade over that time!

The next half a mile down the farm track took me through a flock of sheep and out on to the A54. The hill down is a 10% gradient in places so the 2 miles flew by! I took it steady though as there were quite a few cars on the road by now and there is nowhere really to jump out of the way. To bring up 260 miles for Janathon I figured there was 2.5 miles left back to the office once at the bottom of the hill which would make me hit that target spot on. A welcome shower and weetabix rounded off a great start to the day...

Stats

Distance: 10.58 miles

Time: 1:27:28

Janathon Total Distance: 260.01 miles

Streak Total Distance: 1882 miles

Janathon Day 26 - It's all about the cake

Here we are again, my apologies for my post last night and the YouTube clip seemingly not working when accessed from a mobile, I will try better next time! Before leaving the office last night, my colleague (Adam) had mentioned he was running at lunchtime today and was up for a slow 6 miles. He emphasised the word 'slow' several times, did he think I was going to go out fast?

Another usual lunchtime downpour preceded our run and as usual abated before we left. I secured the above cake for my afternoon consumption, after all there was no point in all this running if we couldn't eat cake! The route was to be our usual '6 miler' but in the daring anti-clockwise direction.

We set off at a nice gentle 9 min mile pace which would turn out to be exactly our average pace. Adam had his pre-programmed scheduled run in his watch and was constantly beeping for us to slow down! A mile along the main road and the worst part was over and we carried on through the village of Gawsworth. The next two miles along the very muddy lanes seemed much harder as the hills were in a different place. It is amazing how the same route run in the opposite direction can be so different.

On to the off-road section and as we turned left for the long sweeping hill to the farm we could see the clouds in the valley pouring with rain, right where we were heading. The temperature had dropped with the strength of the wind which fortunately blew the weather through the valley and we returned to the office in sunshine! A nice gentle 6 miles in the bank, hopefully another expedition up the 'office hill' in the morning...

Oh, I nearly forgot, the cake was magnificent!!

Stats

Distance: 6.04 miles

Time: 54:21

Janathon Total Distance: 249.43 miles

Streak Total Distance: 1872 miles

Janathon Day 25 - Turn right, then right again...

Tonight was the turn of one of my 'bread and butter' runs. A route that I have probably run over a 100 times. You essentially keep turning right at each junction until you complete a full circle of 8 miles. Clockwise, the direction I was running it tonight is marginally faster than the other way.

I really didn't fancy another run in the dark, oh how I long for those light evenings!! I knew once I was out there I would enjoy it as usual. Suffice it to say there were no surprises on the run, I could probably get round with my eyes closed. I had planned though to record another #MagicMile time as hosted by @LardyBoy2011 and his new account @LBMagicMile.

I knew in my mind that mile 5 was going to be the 'chosen one' as it starts on a gentle downward slope and is mainly flat along a narrow country lane. I gradually wound the pace up for the first 4 miles - 7:23, 7:11, 7:06, 7:03 then - bang we were off!! I cranked up the pace and had to concentrate on the pool of light being emitted by the headtorch. Arms pumping and hair flowing in the breeze (ok just arms pumping, I made the hair bit up) I edged my way along. I knew where the 5 mile marker was and just before I got there had to keep over for a passing car, valuable seconds lost!! I kept going and listened for the 'Endomondo Lady' to shout out the mile time - 6 minutes 10 seconds came the reply, ok we'll take that!!

The pace now seemed slower as I reverted back to normal speed and polished off the last 3 miles in 7:09, 7:23 and 7:12. This brought up the 8 miles again on this loop and now down to the last 6 days of the Janathon. I don't always listen to music whilst running but sometimes on a faster run it adds extra motivation. Tonight's Magic Mile was powered by the Foo Fighters and I leave you in their capable hands...

Stats

Distance: 8.01 miles

Time: 56:57

Janathon Total Distance: 243.39 miles

Streak Total Distance: 1866 miles

Janathon Day 24 - Knutsford by Streetlight

Day 24 (said in a Geordie accent) in the Janathon house and today Andrew is going for a run! An evening run was on the cards in between dropping my daughter at hockey and picking my son up from football. It was just as well as it rained continually all day, only finally stopping when I left the office!

A slight change of plans led me to having just 45 minutes to run before getting my son from football. The mysterious 'temporary' disappearance of my headtorch also meant the run would be by streetlight and take in the 'grand tour' of Knustford. I worked out I had time for a 5 mile route which took me in a clockwise direction round the side streets.

I settled in to a steady 7:30 pace and didn't deviate much from this for the whole run. I passed other runners coming towards me, people walking their dogs and others heading out for a meal or a night in the pub. This time of run is a stark contrast from the morning where the town is just waking up!

The route down the 'bottom street' caused me to constantly keep weaving in and out round people. Some you can virtually be treading on their heels and still they don't even know you're there!! I sometimes think a quick blast on an air horn would do the trick. This street is full of character and history with many unusually shaped buildings, such as the Belle Epoque (above).

I finished off the run coming up the impressive Legh Road past many a large house and unusual Italinate design. On back to home and another 5 miles were in the bag. After two days of shorter miles a slightly longer run should be on the cards, I've got to keep on top of that target of 300 miles. Whilst doing some calculations tonight, the penultimate day will bring up Day 244 of the runstreak which is exactly 2/3rds of a year...

Stats

Distance: 5.02 miles

Time: 37:42

Janathon Total Distance: 235.38 miles

Streak Total Distance: 1858 miles

Janathon Day 23 - A simple 7 down the lanes

So it's the start of the 4th full week of the Janathon and I'd managed to 'scrape' together 223 miles so far. With my initial secret goal of 300 miles, that meant another 7 for today would equal 230 for 23 days, right on track - simple. The weather during the morning was a mixture of sunshine and light showers. Approaching 'run-time' and the heavens opened and a biblical downpour ensued. Now I am not one to shy away from rain but I thought I'd give it 5 minutes before I went out. This turned out to be a stroke of genius as the clouds opened up to reveal a sunny blue sky!

As mentioned in previous posts we have a number of routes, in this bag there are a couple of infrequently run 7 milers, I decided on the country lane route. I set off down the the lane from the office and continued to the very end where it joins the main road. The road was a minefield of large puddles which I circumnavigated where possible. A short spell on the main road led me to a blast down a very narrow lane above. It's very rare to meet cars on this 'road' so was suprised to have to 'squeeze' past 3 in the space of one mile. I would later realise that this lane was one of the official diversions past Gawsworth as the road is closed because of bridge repairs. Heaven help if two cars had to pass each other!!

Out of the narrow lane and past the 4 mile mark and it was a gentle downhill all the way to the village of Gawsworth itself. I stepped up the pace and managed to throw in a cheeky 6:49 mile, I should have kept an eye on the time and gone a bit quicker and I would have been able to log another #MagicMile. On past the picturesque church and lake, I shall never tire of running past here, and back on to the main road. The final mile back along to the office and it brought up 7.2 miles and the rain was avoided completely...

Stats

Distance: 7.20 miles

Time: 53:28

Janathon Total Distance: 230.36 miles

Streak Total Distance: 1853 miles

Janathon Day 22 - Tatton Loops

I had run lot's of different combinations this week, the commute run, hills, even a run to the supermarket! What was left - loops, as today was the Gloucester 50K (4 laps) and some fellow Tweeters were running (@m8dkn and @marcusscotney). It was only obvious to run a couple of laps of the park in their honour. Another very windy day dawned so I decided to make the most of the light and run after lunch.

I drove up to the park after dropping my son and his friend at the leisure centre. I figured I would just start at the main gate and go in a clockwise direction. A rough loop is 4 miles, if you go berserk and go to the furthest reaches you can squeeze out as much as 7 miles. I aimed for something in the middle - 5 miles x 2 laps for 10 miles, that would be enough for today.

The first mile took me through an avenue of trees which lead up to the main house, the volume of mud had increased the width of the trail as more and more people had skirted the mud whilst out walking. The best option was just to plough on through. The wind was pretty strong but the sun was out so not too bad until I ventured out in to the open and then all hell broke loose. A torrential wind-assisted downpour gave me a good pummeling (good for the skin and cheaper than buying moisturiser!!). I skirted the edge of the children's playground where a few hardly souls with their kids were enjoying compulsory Sunday afternoon fun.

The next mile brought me out onto a small road section with the wind behind, these ended up as the two fastest miles of the run at 7:07 (Lap 1) and 7:03 (Lap 2). The path then splits either side of Tatton Mere, the right would take me back down to the start, the left, on through the trees. I took the left fork and now was off-road again and running over the very boggy grass. This route is very picturesque with great views towards the airport and the Peak District hills in the distance. I continued on and entered Dog Wood along a great trail and finally out of the side entrance to the park at 4 miles.

I figured this would leave me 1 mile on the road back round to my starting point. The path went over the railway line, briefly along the main road and then back under the railway line via a small tunnel and out on to the Knutsford Moor. The Moor is at the very end of Tatton Mere and the surrounding area had become very waterlogged. A quick up hill and I ran back through the main gate and 5 miles for 1 Lap. Off we go again I thought, the weather had calmed down and was now just windy. The stats in the end - Lap 1: 38:57, Lap 2 39:24 - another good run, I was tempted to do a 3rd lap but with the previous two half marathon distance days, I was happy to call it a day...

Stats

Distance: 10.02 miles

Time: 1:18:21

Janathon Total Distance: 223.16 miles

Streak Total Distance: 1846 miles

Janathon Day 21 - Supermarket Running

A run to the supermarket, whatever next you have probably been thinking? As many of you had mentioned on Twitter, no I didn't run home with the shopping - now that would have been just plain silly and required a gargantuous rucksack!! The decision for this particular run lay mainly with a) I didn't fancy getting up for an early jaunt and b) I wanted to run a different route. I then came up with the idea of running to our local Tescos in Altrincham and start the shopping. Whereupon my wife would drive up and meet me and then drive home together with the said groceries - sorted!!

I knew this was going to be a windy one as it was pretty gusty when out and about in the morning. The direct route was 9 miles but having run three 13+ milers this week, I fancied going for another, so had devised a circuitous route that would net me the required distance. I set off after lunch and headed towards the far entrance of Tatton Park. Once in to the park I was heading straight in to a headwind, this was pleasant I thought, at least it wasn't raining! I ran around the outer perimeter and got the full force of the wind, this was even stronger than yesterday. I felt like I had to run much faster to keep going at a reasonable pace which was still sub 8 pace so was pleased with that.

I was finally out of the park at just short of 5 miles and then turned away from the wind. The downhill on the country lane with excellent views of Rostherne Mere and the wind behind, I was fairly flying now and ended up with the fastest mile of the day at 7:01. The next mile in contrast would take two minutes longer as I picked out the farmers track and subsequent boggy trail before traversing the M56 via a small footbridge. Another boggy section was then followed by a gravel track and greeted by a very friendly dog, this was more like it. Out on to the country lane at 8 miles, if I carried straight on this would take me the 1 mile to my destination.

What followed next was a 5 mile loop out around Hale Barns. Local readers of this blog will know this is an area of large, very large and huge houses, resident to some wealthy people and probably the odd footballer or two. I knew this area fairly well as it was close to where I used to work and had run through here many times. I wound my way round the back roads and got to the furthest point of the run at 10.5 miles and then on to the main road. The wind was now back in my face but fortunately the next two miles were a gradual downhill before the final half a mile up to Tescos.

I stopped outside, the distance measuring 13.1 miles, my fourth of the week! Wiping the sweat from my face and checking there wasn't too much mud on me I headed in and grabbed a trolley. I could see people thinking "why is this man doing his shopping in his shorts in January?". After half an hour I was met by my wife and daughter where we finished off the shopping and then headed home in the car, NO I wasn't going to run home...

Stats

Distance: 13.13 miles

Time: 1:39:40

Janathon Total Distance: 213.14 miles

Streak Total Distance: 1836 miles

Janathon Day 20 - Numb on the Gritstone Trail

With the close proximity of 200 miles on the horizon, an effort of around 13.5 miles would see me make my 2nd century. My plan was to drive to the office early and then head off up the 'office hill' for a run of around 10-13 miles. I awoke to rain bouncing off the windows, this was going to make it interesting! A quick cup of tea and some weetabix and I set off, pulling up outside, the wind and rain was bouncing off the car. 'Whose idea was this, I thought?' The office is at roughly 450ft with the 'office hill' rising to around 1350ft.

So off I went, the first couple of miles down to the main road, not too bad, maybe this won't be as bad as I first thought! I headed along the road on the small pavement, with the oncoming cars and rain, it made it feel like a tightrope! The wind was coming in from the side, this meant it would be blowing across the ridge and would make for some ticky running later on. At the 4 mile point it was finally off this tack and up the long and winding lane/track to the summit of the hill. The lane rose 800 feet over the next 2 and a half miles. Time to get my head down and grind out the hill!

The hill rose gradually past a few farms, winding its way through some woods and then joined the Gritstone Trail. Once out of the shelter of the trees I was now out in the open and spent the next 2 miles fighting my way along the ridge. The clouds were now all around me, I was being peppered by the rain driven by the wind and now the left side of my face became numb!! I seem to remember muttering something that rhymed with 'Clucking Bell' and carried on. The track finally wound its way to the top and I was grateful to be heading down slightly. The slope down to the road was now like a river and it became easier to run on the grass verge.

The trail now crossed the A54 Buxton Road and next up was a half mile climb across a bog to the transmitter atop Croker Hill. I was following the 'G' signs (above) and found myself wading across a field but I couldn't find the stile on the other side, after backtracking I eventually found it far off where I was expecting it to be. The summit finally came after 8 miles of running. At last I was heading down and getting out of the weather, the downhill track was tricky to negotiate as it had become a torrent of water. Half way down just before the farm I spotted 4 deer in a field! They turned and looked towards me and jumped a high fence and headed off in the opposite direction!

Off the trail and back on the steep country lane I was deposited on to the canal at 10 miles and 90 minutes on the go. I knew from this point it was about 3.5 miles back to the office which would give me the distance to get to 200 miles. The canal was a welcome change and sheltered but very waterlogged. I trudged along and finally on to the final lane up to the office. The last mile ended up being the fastest with the whole run just short of the 2 hour mark. I was keen to get in the warm and had an immediate cup of tea before hitting the shower. An epic start to the day and on reflection another great run.

Stats

Distance: 13.77 miles

Time: 1:59:03

Janathon Total Distance: 200.01 miles

Streak Total Distance: 1823 miles

Janathon Day 19 - Do I have to run again?

Here we are again, another day on the Janathon jaunt, Day 19, but in reality Day 233!! This January effort counts for just 8% of my current runstreak. So what was on the menu today? I had just got in to my car this morning and received a text from another of my running colleagues (let me introduce Nathan) - "Cheeky off road 4 2day? I have my kit". I reply with something along the lines of "of course I've got my kit". So a lunchtime 4 was fine by me, Adam had brought his kit in as well so there would be 3 of us today. On finding out our intended route (the 13 stile field crossing) he promptly opted out and said he would go by himself (he's not a big off-road fan).

It was a gloriously sunny day and after our daily sandwich lady perusal (her offerings, not the lady herself!) we set off on our run. The field involves a multitude of levels of bogginess punctuated by 13 stile crossings. Since the rise in temperature the previoulsy frozen ground was a tad moist to say the least. On we tudged at a steady pace and on approaching the penultimate stile we came across three walkers with several dogs. They were currently faced with the perplexing dilemma of trying to transport one of the weighty dogs over the stile!! We exchanged hellos and they waved us through, we climbed over the stile and left them to their procastinations.

After the field it was on past the picturesque Gawsworth Church with the resplendent lake in front of it. A couple of walkers had returned to their cars and were removing a large volume of mud from their boots. A left turn on to the strangely named Maggotty Lane and past a rope swing across a babbling brook. We contemplated a quick 'go' but thought the better of it and conitnued up to the main road. The last mile and a bit took us along the main road and finally back down the lane to the office. This was a slight variation on our 4 miler loop and came up a tad short at 3.89 miles (a few laps round the car park to make up the 4 miles, no, that will do).

I had contemplated throwing in a second run this evening to get me closer to the 200 miles. On getting home I had abandoned this idea and just didn't fancy it at all. The on and off hailstone showers throughout the evening backed up my idea as the right choice!! As I type this my aim is to drive up early to the office and head on up the 'office hill' and get an early 10+ miler in...

Stats

Distance: 3.89 miles

Time: 36:38

Janathon Total Distance: 186.24 miles

Streak Total Distance: 1809 miles

Janathon Day 18 - Just a 5 for lunch please

I was tempted in doing another 13 miler today after the previous two days but with a late night at the football (Macclesfield v Bolton at the Reebok Stadium - FA Cup 3rd Rd replay) I was pretty tired this morning (Macclesfield lost by the way!). With my two running colleagues back in the office today I knew that they would be up for a lunchtime jaunt. On asking what distance shall we do, Adam glances at his marathon schedule and boldly claims "it's intervals today". Oh great, there goes my idea of a gentle run!! "No wait" he exclaims, "today is Wednesday - a gentle 5 miles, intervals were yesterday". Phew, that was a close call :)

...and so it came to pass, at 12:30 (having previoulsy surveyed the sandwich van) we donned our running gear and set off on our merry way. The temperature contrast was amazing, probably 10 degrees warmer today! We only had lunchtime 3,4,6 or 7 miles in our weaponry, no 5 mile option! Fortunately I had remembered a 5.25 miler I had run at the end of last year on a variation of one of our 6 mile loops.

The run progressed in it's normal manner, all of us at differing paces in the beginning. We crossed the main road and ventured down the farm track up to the turning we usually take for the 6 mile loop. At this point our usual two dogs bounded down their garden to greet us. We continued on a loop to the end of the farm trail, along a country lane and then back to the same point. I think the two dogs were confused as we approached from the opposite direction for a second time.

The 2 mile journey back was with the wind behind us and made for a pleasant run in. A final 'sprint' ensued in the last quarter mile, this felt like hard work after the slower pace of the run, but certainly got the heart beating faster! Another 5 miles done and the 200 mile barrier should be broken on Friday!!

Stats

Distance: 5.31 miles

Time: 46:37

Janathon Total Distance: 182.35 miles

Streak Total Distance: 1805 miles

Janathon Day 17 - The cold run back

No sooner had I refuelled from last nights run home, then the alarm went off early this morning for the return journey. The two back to back runs would equate to a marathon distance over a 12 hour period. I checked the temperature (-1) and looked out the window 'not as much frost as yesterday' I thought to myself. I had even managed to get some washing done and dried overnight so that I had my optimum long sleeve running top ready for the run! A bowl of porridge (blueberry and apple), not sure I like the combination, my daughter likes it anyway and then out the door.

The journey to the office always seems to take about 5-10 minutes longer, mainly due to a) it being run in the morning and b) the net elevation gain of approx 250 feet. I decided on a route similar to last night but taking in a few more of the off-road sections. The first 5 miles into Chelford was this time achieved along the main road, a surprising amount of cars for this early hour. I don't think my legs were fully awake yet and I 'plodded' this section at a more leisurely 8:30 pace.

A slight deviation to last night's route saw the next 3 miles traversing some farmers fields. This is usually a very muddy route and the two steep drops were completely frozen which made for a slippery descent. This section affords great views towards the hills at the start of the Peak District, the outline being picked out by a red glow from the slow rising sun. I seemed to be getting colder and once on to the country lanes, upped the pace a bit. A short stint down the very busy A34 (on a sheltered footpath) and a busy country lane, led me to the final 3 miles mainly off-road that I had covered just 12 hrs previously.

Now in to proper daylight I could see the deeply rutted track through the woods that I had managed to negotiate on the way home. It was a good job I couldn't see all of the holes as there were plenty of places to sprain an ankle. I was feeling pretty good by now and enjoyed the last couple of miles along the farm track. I was spotted by 3 playful dogs who zoomed across the field from their owner to greet me. This time merely an inquisitive sniff and then retreating when their owner bellowed out to them.

At the office and a very welcome hot shower soon warmed me up. To my delight there was a 'sleeve' of chocolate weetabix nestling at the back of the cupboard. I availed myself of three of the said fellas and aided by a cup of tea was now feeling fully recharged. This quelling of hunger was short-lived so I was then counting on the 'sandwich lady' bringing a van of delight so that I could supplement my meagre sandwich which had taken a bit of a battering at the bottom of my camelbak. I was not to be disappointed and a bacon, sausage and cheese bap was purchased and hit the spot perfectly.

So 2 days done this week and already 26.5 miles on the board, shaping up nicely for a big mileage week...

Stats

Distance: 13.03 miles

Time: 1:53:20

Janathon Total Distance: 177.04 miles

Streak Total Distance: 1800 miles

Janathon Day 16 - The sub-zero run home

As the Janathon challenge entered its third week and the 'table of doom' was hotting up, I thought I would do one of my run commutes this week. With other commitments later in the week, running home today was the best option. The morning had started with a spectacular sunrise and equally impressive sunset, which inevitably heralded the drop in temperature. I was going to be in for a chilly excursion.

I had run the route home many times but only in spring and summer, with slight course variations taking on more or less off-road depending on the conditions. As this run was totally in the dark being lit only by my feeble headtorch most of the run would be on the small country lanes.

The first 3 miles were primarily off road to avoid the main road and notoriously dangerous 'Dark Lane'. The 3rd mile was particularly challenging as once through a farm a very deeply rutted path with frozen puddles presented itself culminating going thru some very dark woods, the nett effect being a 10:56 mile!

The next 2 miles put me back on the section where I would encounter the most traffic. I hugged the side of the lane and most drivers obliged by giving me a wide berth. I could feel it getting colder and would suddenly go through patches of colder air, the water in my camelbak was starting to freeze in the tube!

I crossed the A34 and onto the narrow country lane for the next 3 miles towards Chelford. For some reason this lane seems to record the lowest temperatures in winter and still holds the record for the lowest I have seen in my car of -16 degrees last January! Several cars passed me with them virtually mounting the grass verge and into the hedge to get round me!

Into the village of Chelford and I had covered 8.5 miles and knew I had another 5 to go. I was feeling quite cold now even though I had a hat and gloves on. I was visualising what I would have to eat once I got home. The next 3 miles passes 3 pubs, each one I passed emitted a warm glow with signs outside offering daily hot food. I could have easily entered one there and then a called it a night!! I ran past reluctantly knowing I had a job to get done.

I had been keeping a reasonable 7:30 pace for the last 8 miles and eased off in the final 2 which I have run along many a time. No sign of any dogs and finally stopped the phone at 13.6 miles for the evening...

Stats

Distance: 13.60 miles

Time: 1:47:23

Janathon Total Distance: 164.01 miles

Streak Total Distance: 1787 miles

Janathon Day 15 - It only hurts when I walk...

Another frost overnight meant it was going to be a beautiful cold morning. I didn't think I could repeat last Sundays marathon and as my knee was still stiff had decided on my 14 mile 'airport loop'. My main goal was to keep my runstreak going so didn't want to jeopardise it for the sake of the Janathon. The 14 miles would bring up 150 miles for 15 days and still on my unofficial 'target' of 300 miles.

I decided to wear my new Adidas Kanadia's, this would be their longest outing, the furthest they had been was 6 miles. The route took me through Knutsford and then into Tatton Park. After half a mile my knee loosened up and was feeling ok, after 2 miles I entered the park and what a glorious setting it was. I passed several runners whom I greeted with a cheery 'morning' only to be met with silence! Out of the park and the next mile and a half is along the completely straight perimeter road. A few twists and turns and up to Ashley station at 6 miles in 46 minutes.

The next two miles along country lanes and the knee was feeling good and at a nice pace (good fun this running lark!). I entered the field which leads to the Manchester Airport Runway 2 trail, usually this is a real bog but was completely frozen, I didn't even get my shoes muddy!! The path then goes right past the end of the runway in between the landing lights, a plane was just landing, you could see the faces of the passengers (you couldn't really). I said hello to a man sporting a camera with the longest telephoto lens I have ever seen, who quickly reeled off a volley of photos of the said landing plane.

The trail carries on round the other side of the runway, but I left it at mile 10 of my run and headed back down the country lanes toward home. Round the Ilford site and then across the fields behind Booths Park, even these were frozen solid and eliminated the boggy mud. In to the final mile and a quick 7:17 mile to finish off the run. I was very pleased with the shoes and could probably have gone further.

Later this evening I spotted Gary (@LocalAdventures) had thrown down a 30 mile run, catapulting him to 151 miles and in to 2nd on the 'Table of Doom'. An awesome performance and has spiced up the battle for 2nd as Mr Foreman has now done a ridiculous 202 miles, can he be caught? Only time will tell, there's still another 16 days of this fun challenge to go...

Stats

Distance: 14.31 miles

Time: 1:50:45

Janathon Total Distance: 150.41 miles

Streak Total Distance: 1774 miles

Janathon Day 14 - A Beautiful Day

A hard frost overnight led to a beautiful 'sparkly' morning, absolutely perfect running weather. The addage 'There's no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes!' sprang to mind. With that thought I donned my hat and new gloves with 'fingerpoint technology' and headed off on the same off-road route as last Saturday. I was expecting this to be a less muddy affair with hopefully a lot of it being frozen.

The left knee was still a little stiff but was ok once warmed up. I headed off across the frosty fields sparkling in the sun! All the mud was now pretty hard with unsuspecting pools of water if you took the wrong footing. The stiles were very slippy and had to be negotiated with caution, I noticed the unusual patterns the frost had made and stopped for a couple of quick photos above. On across the railway line and the farmer had now re-erected his electric fence, so had to squeeze down the trail between it and the row of trees.

I knew the pace was slow but with all the potential ankle breaking ground I was just taking it nice and slow and enjoying the weather. This was confirmed when the 'endomondo lady' sang out 32 mins for the first 3 miles - a heady 10:30 pace!! On to the country lanes and across the field skirting the motorway, this field was now much more runnable in its frozen state. I knew I would be approaching my favourite hounds soon behind their 'sturdy' gate and decided to take a quick video!

After that excitement, it was on with the last 2.5 miles, back now around the 8-8:30 pace. The gloves had worked really well allowing me to operate the phone without having to remove them! The sun was getting higher and the frost was starting to retreat from the last fields. The final run in down the main road and it brought up 7.25 miles, 45 miles for the week so far. So that's the first two weeks down and 136 miles in the bank! Looks like another frosty run in the morning...

Stats

Distance: 7.25 miles

Time: 1:10:04

Janathon Total Distance: 136.10 miles

Streak Total Distance: 1760 miles

Janathon Day 13 - Brrrrrrr

After two days of double 6 milers and the weekend nearly here, today was just going to be a short one. A cold start to the day, I even had to scrape ice off the car! A busy day at the office meant a lunchtime run was off the cards, it was truly a beautiful day out there. I left the office around 6pm with the thermometer already reading -2!

Still in shorts, I donned a pair of gloves to keep out the cold and set off out the door. It was very clear out and the night sky was perfect for identifying the different star constellations. My knee was still stiff so just settled into an 8 min mile pace. The first mile was under steer lights then into the darkness for the next 2.5 miles with the headtorch guiding the way. All along the road I kept hearing animals rustling in the hedgerow, probably squirrels but my mind was running in overtime thinking it was an alsation lying in wait! I upped the pace slightly in the 3rd mile before the last mile of being dazzled by headlights from the oncoming traffic. Back home and the end of the week, bringing up a total of 38 miles so far. Looking at the forecast tonight I think tomorrows run will be another chilly affair! Hopefully this will be enough to freeze some of the mud and make for less of a slog!!

Stats

Distance: 4.19 miles

Time: 32:59

Janathon Total Distance: 128.85 miles

Streak Total Distance: 1753 miles

Janathon Day 12 - Another Double Day

Another day and another double 6 miles, this would bring up the total of five 6 milers this week so far!

Run 1: Exactly the same lunchtime run as yesterday, except just the two of us! Today we were greeted with blues skies but a cold wind, you could tell that the forecasted colder weather was on its way. We set off at around 9 min mile pace and would stay on that pace the whole way round. If I'm running by myself I will tend to go off too quick and go at a faster pace than I really should. Having running company helps this and I definitely enjoy the slower pace. Nothing really spectacular happened on the run, the two dogs half greeted us as usual, the cows were tucking in to their lunch at the farm and there was still a lot of mud on the road. It's a good 6 mile loop and will never tire of the varied scenery.

Run 2: Knowing that Mr. Foreman had done his usual double runs, I donned my running kit once I was home and set off for another 6 miles. It was my usual circuit around Knutsford via Waitrose for a selection of pastries. The first couple of miles seemed quite slow at around 8 min mile pace. The weather was much colder tonight, I was still wearing my shorts though! My knee was a little stiff tonight, so thought I would keep the pace sensible. Round the houses and I then rolled up at Waitrose at the 3.5 mile mark. On offer tonight was a good selection of pastries at prices ranging from 5p to 19p. I bagged 4 of them (1 each for the kids and 2 for me). As I was paying with a £10 note I was then stuck with a handful of shrapnel which I stored in my small pocket of my shorts. So for the rest of the 2.5 miles home I was being hampered by the bag of pastries and the money jangling around in my shorts pocket. I made it back home much to the delight of the kids that I had secured some pastries!!

On to tomorrow and I shall stick with just a single run and what promises to be a few days worth of running in icy conditions!

Stats

Run 1
Distance: 6.05 miles

Time: 54:25

Run 2
Distance: 6.01 miles
Time: 48:52
Janathon Total Distance: 124.66 miles

Streak Total Distance: 1749 miles

Janathon Day 11 - Double Six

I apologise for the old football cliche but today's efforts on the roads was a day of two runs. With the ever increasing gap between myself and Messrs Foreman, which we jest about on a seemingly daily basis. I wanted around 12 miles in the bag today to keep the difference the same (not that this is a competition!!). I'd promised my boss and another colleague we were going to run at lunchtime, so that would be a 6 miler with the prospect of another 6 miler tonight - game on!

Run 1: The weather seems to know when we are running at lunchtime and treated us to another drizzly affair. It was always going to be a gentle run as my work colleague (Adam) was just returning back from injury and was embarking on his marathon training plan. We set of down the lane and witnessed two large tractors coming across each other, we weaved in between whilst they jostled for position. After the first mile the rain stopped and became quite warm, I am actually looking forward to the cold frosty weather scheduled for the weekend. On several occasions as we passed a couple of farms the 'fragrance' was quite overpowering. We were trotting along quite nicely at 9 min mile pace. We slowed a couple of times to let Adam catch up, he's a very determined chap and really wants the marathon. Since the injury, it's like starting again after he had achieved so much last time! Off the country lanes and back down towards the office we got back in around 54mins. A nice gentle run (for me) and always good to have company.

Run 2: The second of the two runs had me setting off from home at 7:45 after getting in from work. I was ready for something to eat so didn't want to hang around out there. I intended to run around 7:30 pace, a bit quicker if I was feeling like it. I always dislike the first mile and a half along the narrow pavement with my headtorch picking out the way only to be constantly dazzled by the headlights. Once on the country lane it was much more pleasurable and I was passed by a group of 10 cyclists all lit up like Christmas trees out on a training ride. I was feeling alright so upped the pace a little and thought I might as well have another crack at logging a Magic Mile (as explained on Day 3). Mile 5 I put my foot down and made advantage of the downhill to the 'bottom' street. I had to weave my way round people going out for a meal or to the pub, probably not the best mile to try for a quick time. The 'Endomondo lady' sang out the mile time as 6:45, not too bad considering. I slowed down in the last mile and arrived back home for another 6 miles, this time 11 minutes quicker than the first run.

I am certainly enjoying the challenge as I had done with the Juneathon all those months ago. I have to admit I am impressed with all those taking part and the miles that they are logging. The blogs being written are a constant source of witty anecdotes and often a distraction from writing mine. More tomorrow...

Stats

Run 1
Distance: 6.10 miles

Time: 54:12

Run 2
Distance: 6.07 miles
Time: 43:50
Janathon Total Distance: 112.60 miles

Streak Total Distance: 1737 miles

Janathon Day 10 - Century Up

On the menu for today was an early start and participation in the 6am Club. The @6amClub has been setup on Twitter for people to follow and to motivate each other for getting out the door for an early run. Given that I was at 94 miles the obvious choice was to run 6 miles and bring up the century for the first 10 days of Janathon. The secret (shhhh) target of 300 miles was still right on schedule! With my headtorch being intermittent, I decided on the grand loop of Knutsford - a 10km loop all under street lights.

I headed out the door weaving my way round the bins that had been placed outside the houses for collection. My knee was a little stiff from Sunday so decided not to push it too fast and just cruise round in 7:30 min pace. Running down the different streets at this time of the morning, you get the sense of the day just waking up! After 2 miles I was at the furthest point away from the house at which point a virtual U turn took me back towards the centre.

A gentle downhill  took me back down the main street past a myriad of window cleaners. Past the railway station and up the steepest hill I know in Knutsford (read hillock). The penultimate mile took me to the furthest point on the other side of Knutsford. On past the biggest houses, where the street lighting is sparse to say the least and the potholes more prevalent! I picked up the pace a little bit and finished the run with the fastest mile in 7:14.

Readers of my Juneathon blog will remember the vast range of photographs that were snapped whilst out running in the summer sun. As most of the Janathon runs are in the dark this isn't conducive to photography so my headline picture for today is of a caricature drawn of me from 10 years ago!!

Stats

Distance: 6.25 miles

Time: 46:21

Janathon Total Distance: 100.43 miles

Streak Total Distance: 1725 miles

Janathon Day 9 - A Gentle Run for Cake

After yesterdays epic, today was always going to be a gentle recovery run. I would be joined today by my boss and another colleague who is starting his training for the Manchester Marathon at the end of April. With the advent of the new sandwich lady, we decided to wait for her arrival at 12:15 and then head off on the 'office 4 miler loop'. A perusal of the sandwich ladies van yielded the above cream donut, a nice reward to look forward to after the run.

On to the run and the weather had now turned into a steady drizzle. We set off on a nice easy pace, the legs felt pretty good and after a mile had loosened up nicely. I think my legs would have been worse off not running than going for a run. The 'field of cows' had now turned into a quagmire, the short 200 yards across, meant picking the best line to avoid the worst of the mud. The last two miles back on country lanes and the drizzle was now a steady rain, I was enjoying the run but not the weather. Into the last hill towards the office and I could visualise the cake sitting on my desk!

After a hot shower the cake proved to be a success and went down very nicely. I was pleased with how I felt after yesterdays marathon and proved the benefits of the runstreak. Another day ticked off and after tomorrow we will have reached a third done and I will have broken through the 100 mile barrier...

Stats

Distance: 4.01 miles

Time: 34:54

Janathon Total Distance: 94.18 miles

Streak Total Distance: 1719 miles