It has been a funny year in some ways.
January
I had never been around the Guild Wheel, which felt a little remiss of me. I ran it clockwise on a very wet and windy day, got cold in the last few miles and then had a week feeling rough. Never mind, I'll probably have another jog around it in decent weather since it's mostly a nice route through some interesting scenery.
February
As part of my UTLD preparation I had aimed to run a marathon distance each month. February was the Grizedale Trail 26, which I had done in 2014 with the Iron Man. He was busy for the 2015 event so I went myself. I was slower than last time but I wasn't too worried about that.
March
Solar Eclipse month! The day itself I had a trip up to Higher Chelburn with the new Lancashire Bouldering guidebook. I did quite a lot of the easier stuff and had a really good day.
I also had visit to Stronstrey, for old times sake, although everything felt very hard and it was a very hot day. Been a while since my last visit here.
As I mentioned above, I also went to Roundbarn for the first time and did a few things. Damp streaks and pulling a hamstring weren't highlights. I had a couple of months of painful physio after this visit, desperate to get sorted for July's big event.
May
First real test for the hamstring - Howgills Trail 26 with the Iron Man. This is a great event, with most of the climbing in one big lump within the first five miles. Again, slower than last time but all miles in the legs.
I had also entered the LDWA Red Rose 100 miler this month. I was going well up to 68km (Downham), but psychology wasn't right and I called it a day. Disappointing, but again it was good to get more distance in.
June
Since I'd missed the Buttermere to Dalemain recce due to my hamstring issues, the Iron Man and I decided to recce this ourselves. We rented a cottage in Thornthwaite as a family, and the Iron Man popped up for a day. We had a good 53km recce, making an excellent time, and a good weekend in general. Great weather, and a lot different from what was in store for the Lake District in November/ December.
The other event in June was the Three Rings of Shap. Iron Man and I set off on this one, but he had some knee issues so we did the first two rings (68km) then stopped - no point in getting injured the month before the Lakeland 100.
July
This was the one. The UTLD Lakeland 100 completed. Amazing. This was a huge undertaking that neither the Iron Man nor I were vaguely sure we could achieve. Goes to show what's possible. And then in a euphoric state I entered again for 2016. Iron Man was more sensible. I think I'll have a look at poles for next time.
August
Two week in France on the Vendee was a great family holiday, although the hire car was shocking. Lots of sea food on the barbecue and really nice to get away and chill. We flew each way this time, which was probably quite fortuitous considering potential issues at Calais due to the migrant situation.
November
I'd not been doing very much running at all after the Lakeland 100, but I opted to marshal the Delamere night runner event which was really good fun, and nice to give something back. I'll be helping out at the Rivington night runner in January, so may see some of you there.
Cooked a goose as well, which was excellent and therefore provided fat for the roasties at Christmas - this may become a new tradition.
December
Another great family Christmas, albeit fewer numbers this year. Food was fantastic, the presents were great and we all had a brilliant day. And all the leftovers have now gone, and we got a great selection of meals out of them.
Less good things from 2015
Quite a lot has happened this year. The Charlie Hebdo shootings in Paris was a shocking start to 2015. November brought more Paris attacks, another reminder of terrorism close to home in a city I have visited a number of times.
Over the past two months the weather has been the other big issue. Floods in the Lake District were shocking to see. The family were on the annual CentreParcs trip (Penrith) where the weather was terrible and we sat watching breaking news of widespread flooding. This must have been a terrible time for the locals, and some familiar features suffered. The collapse of the Pooley Bridge bridge was particularly poignant as we ran over it doing the Lakeland 100 only four months before.
On a personal note, it has now been over a year since we have had contact with my daughters. After four years of difficult times with me ex, matters came to a head at the end of 2014 when her ongoing attempts to threaten or blackmail us meant it was no longer safe to see the kids. An incredibly hard decision to make, but there wasn't really an alternative at that point. We have had no communication from them since, which is no doubt what was planned. Interestingly, as soon as contact was stopped I got a letter from child maintenance service wanting more money due to reduced contact - very interesting timing. Since then I have learned that CMS are entirely on the side of the claiming parent, who seems to be able to do anything whilst the paying parent has to do everything within a week or CMS come after them. I can now see why people dress up as Batman, as there is no other choice. It's just a shame some people have no self respect and behave despicably whilst still wanting more money.
The last couple of weeks showed us more rain, and more flooding this time in places like Yorkshire and our nearby village of Croston. Croston has flooded before and this time was worse than ever. We've lent our dehumidifier to the Sports Hall for people to use, but the place has taken a battering.
Anyway, enough of negativity, let's end the year positively. I'm up to 53 out of 100 books read for the BBC list, slowly getting there. A Prayer for Owen Meany was a highlight, excellent book. On my way through David Copperfield at the moment. Some interesting looking books to go.
So, our smaller family unit is doing very well and we are all happy and looking forward to another year. We are very lucky with what we have.
So, 2016 aims? Obviously the Lakeland 100 is the main sporty thing this year, but I want to get back out on rock after a bit of a washout year. Other than that, maybe drop a bit of weight and do more core strengthening. Apart from that, more family time, a good holiday and generally more of the same good time.
All the best to everyone for 2016. Happy New Year, and maybe see you out and about.
