Saturday 26th July - Rudyard Lake

The Start

Wow - what a scorcher - a good turnout for a hot and humid run around Rudyard Lake. Welcome to two new group members - Ania & Charlotte (who both ran well!).

We split into two groups - one ran around the lake clockwise (4.8 miles) and the other ran anti-clockwise and then turned back (a bit flatter and in the shade - still ran over 4 miles!).

There was good looping back and lots of banter - the post run debrief was accompanied by a few bacon butties.

Thanks to Mel W for leader support.

Neil and Ali

Was a hill at the start a good idea?

A flat fast bit ...

Running through somebody's front garden

Wonderful day - wonderful views

Good group running ...

Long flat return to base...

Very hot in the sunshine ... water was needed...

Happy runners!

Good style from Ania...

Alison with Jordan in pursuit...

Helen and Karen

Oops ... a walk break is needed...

Mel doing that hand-on-ear-stretch-thing

Always end a session with stretches...

Post run meeting ... with tea and a butty!

Wednesday July 23rd - Countryside Orienteering

Before the run

MDOC (Manchester & District Orienteering) hosted another 'Countryside Score' event using local footpaths etc.E group were represented by Neil and Dawn on a very warm and humid night.

MDOC were as friendly as ever and the area was brilliant for orienteering - lots of fields, paths, canal, hills, mud, water, horses, cows, electric fences and great views.

Dawn paired up with another member of MDOC and ran the 60 minute course (with no falls or getting lost) and Neil ran the 90 minutes (shown below).

Afterwards beer and curry were consumed during the post run review!

Neil

Re-hydration

Neil's route

Saturday 19th July - Middlewood Madness

Twelve hardy runners braved the humid rainy morning to meet in the Bollin Valley Car park. Due to the rather wet weather, following a warm up by Wendy, the group set off on the Middlewood Way. 

The route took us down Summerlea Close, up the Middlewood Way and across the brown bridge, followed by some soggy "donkeys" down to the bridge Clough Bank. The group then turned around and headed back  up Middlewood Way to base camp Bollin.

There was great grit shown and some excellent running, with lots and lots of looping back with a distance of approximately 4.4 miles (7km). 

Well done everyone, you should be very proud!

Mel and Wendy

The Start

Its only a "slope"

Soggy Donkeys

Drowning Donkeys?

Soaked but smiling

Still Smiling

A blurry finish :-)

Wednesday 16th July - the Forest Five

The Forest Five is one of the four races organised by Macc Harriers each year (along with Macc Half, Langley 7 & Teggs Nose Fell Race). This is an 'off-road' event starting near the Leathers Smithy Pub and doing a hilly circuit in Macc Forest.

It is a really friendly event and a good way to get into 'Fell Running' - all net proceeds donated to East Cheshire Hospice. People generally go to the St Dunstan afterwards for a post-run debrief.

The race is organised by Peter Nolan (Macc Harriers) and will be looking for volunteers as well as runners!

Go on ... you know you want to...

Neil

Saturday 12th July - Rainow Loop

Today sixteen runners set out in very warm sunny conditions on the Rainow Loop.

A challenging 4.5 mile route, along bridlepaths, up hill, down dale, up more hills and over some pretty spectacular countryside.

All of the group dug in and made it to the end, with a few scarecrows to cheer us on and the prospect of tea and cake at Cheryls for some.

Well done all on conquering a tough yet beautiful route.

Cheryl & Mel

The Start

Heading into The Vale

Attacking the Hills

A welcome flat bit

The final hill

Made It!

Saturday 5th July - Hurdsfield Hobble

A great turnout for the "Hurdsfield Hobble" today, in warm muggy conditions. The route took the group along canals and quiet  roads with some challenging hills along the way. All the hard work paid off with some lovely views.

Well done all

Cheryl

The start with happy faces

Pushing On

Still Smiling

Encouraging wildfowl

Canalside Capers

Harry is not Hobbling

Speeding by Lonesome George

Great running

Hill Challenges

Happy at the Top

Wednesday 2nd July - Forest Park Ladies 5k

Today Spectrum Striders are holding the first 'Ladies only' 5k in Warrington. STarting time is 7.30.

Could be worth getting a group together!

Details HERE.

Neil