Saturday 23rd August - Bollin Valley

A very wet morning in Macclesfield but a strong bunch of 15 runners were met by a sea of cones upon arrival. Wendy decided to try something new for the warm up (see photo's below) and after a competitive warm up, we set off down the Bollin Valley, around an extended lollipop through Prestbury and back to face the '3 fields'.

To mix things up a little, we ran one of the fields as Donkeys  (avoiding cows) and when we headed back onto to the path, Wendy led us through some Fartlek running. We paired up and without the other member of the pair knowing how far and at what pace, the pairs took it in turn to run the final section of the route. There was some impressive sprinting taking place and there was a consensus that it was good to pick up the pace and run a little bit faster even at the end of a run. Something we will definitely do again in the future to increase speed. In total, we ran 4.1 miles this morning (more for those who looped back). We welcomed Sophie and Kerry to the group this morning.

After a stretch, Jenny completed the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge to help raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support and nominated group member Louise Brown - so keep an eye on Facebook if you are on!

Click HERE if you want to know more about how to incorporate Fartlek training into your midweek runs.

Cone warm up

A few tactical challenges 

Picture before we start (the rain was pouring)

Heather and Karen

Soggy morning 

Loop back/circle 

Welcome Kerry 

There are no words Wendy

Speedy Charlotte and Kate 

Karen

Smiling Sue :)

Ania -loop back Queen 

Fartlek Preparation (and sun, we were steaming!)

Fast finish - welcome Sophie 

Sprint finish

Abi and Wendy 

Fast finish 

Freezing!