Sicklesmere Suffolk

8.30am 10 miles in 1 hr 22 mins 35 seconds

Week to date mileage 28 miles

Month to date mileage 147

Average weekly rate 30.1 miles

Average monthly rate 131

Year to date 778

Lifetime 10371

I would have sworn that I have run this course this year but when I started looking back in my diary I couldn't find an entry. So I looked back over 2006 and still no record so incredibly at least to me I had to go back to 2005 for the last time I ran this course. It was on September 10th 2005 that I last ran this course. and a look through showed the following times.

10.9.2005 1hr 22. 11
15.4.2005 1 hr 24.06
15.1.2005 1 hr 25.36
2.9.2004 1 hr 27.35

Course: From town centre through the water meadows and out onto the A134 road to Sudbury. There is a good pathway for about 3 miles although it is besides an A road so this does mean plenty of traffic. When the pathway finishes return by the same route. This is around the village sign to Lt Whelnetham.

I reached the halfway point in 41.09 and returned in 41.31.

Before you reach the Rushbrooke Arms this toll house is passed dating from the days of coach travel.

Cullum Rd /Ramada Hotel/Newmarket rd Bury St Edmunds Suffolk

5.30pm 5.4 miles in 41.34 mins

Week to date mileage 18 miles

Month to date mileage 137

Average weekly rate 29.9 miles

Average monthly rate 130

Year to date 768

Lifetime 10361

A regular steady run on Friday night. I always get a bit jealous when I pass by the Kings Arms in Brentgovel Street at the Friday night drinkers. The rain kept off and I completed a decent run in an ok time.


2007 15 June 41.58
2007 05 May 42.26
2007 23 Apr 42.28
2007 20 Mar 41.22
2007 1 Mar 41.54
2007 22 Feb 42.1
2007 21 Feb 42.10
2007 25 Jan 42.32
2007 21 Dec 41.35
2007 5 Dec 41.48
2007 3 Nov 42.37
2007 24 Oct 41.10
2007 19 Oct 41.08
2007 6 Oct 41.06
2006 29 Sep 42.10
2006 29 - Aug 40.40
2006 27 Jul 40. 47
2006 13 Jul 41.11
2006 6 Jun 41.33
2006 18 May 41.18
2006 7 Apr 40.30
2006 7 Mar 41.31
2006 3 Mar 41.34
2006 21 Feb 41.35
2006 27 Jan 41.56
2006 13 Jan 41.30
2006 2 Jan 42.42
2005 23 Dec 43.34
2005 9 Dec 42.0
2005 6 Dec 42.04
2005 29 Nov 42.17

West Suffolk Athletics Track Bury St Edmunds

5pm 6.4 miles in 49.30 mins

Week to date mileage 12.4 miles

Month to date mileage 131

Average weekly rate 30 miles

Average monthly rate 130

Year to date 763

Lifetime 10356

The weather looked ominous as I headed out of doors to run down to the track. I wore my 2nd pair of running shoes I got from Do Running a pair of Reebok Premier Road Plus III . I like to alternate and have 2 pair of shoes on the go at any one time.

At the track tonight it was fairly quiet do the weather and road traffic problems. I warmed up with 5 laps of the track.

The session tonight I found tough and I think it was a challenging set of intervals but my lack of regular attendance makes track work harder when I do go.

At 10k we ran 3.5 minutes (30 seconds recovery) followed by 3 mins (30 seconds recovery) and then a 400 metres lap at 1500 pace followed by 2.5 minute (30 seconds recovery) and finally 2 minutes. With a 3 min recovery in between and then we repeated the whole set again.

For me it was the 400 metre in the middle which did for me. It takes you out of your comfort zone in the middle of the set and I managed to get a bit of a stitch.

We managed to avoid the rain until the 2nd set and virtually the last 2 minute when there was a heavy shower meaning no one hung around and few did any warm down.

Perhaps the highlight of the night was when the rest of us had stopped the lead group got confused on the instructions and were flying past us on a much longer interval then the rest of us before being told the error of their ways.

A run home in the steady rain and I was pleased to get in doors.

Sudbury Suffolk

5pm 6 miles in 50 mins

Week to date mileage 6 miles

Month to date mileage 125

Average weekly rate 29.9 miles

Average monthly rate 130

Year to date 756

Lifetime 10349

Tonight I visited Sudbury for a short run around the town centre and the common land meadows. I parked in the free car park in the centre of the town which gives you 3 hours free parking which is great for visitors and local business.

I wore my new shoes that arrived in the post on Monday with a free t shirt. Again excellent service from Do Running and as good as Joe Jogger but with a free t shirt! The shoes I am trying are Reebok Premier Ultra III's at £29.99 knocked down from £59.99 so a bit of a gamble as to whether they will last and provide support but at this price worth a go.

I headed through town and past the home of Sudbury's most famous son Thomas Gainsborough. There is a museum to visit and a statue in the town centre.


I headed out to the common land land meadows which run besides the River Stour and the old mill house.


From here you have bit of a runners paradise with a great route along the old railway line to Long Melford if you wish. However I chose today a run around the common lands and well and truly inducted my shoes there being plenty of grazing cows.

There were a number of boys fishing but the type of fishing where you hope for a quantity of small roach and perch for the fun, 1-2 dog walkers and plenty of cows. Cows have more curiosity than cats its their expression which is a give a way. I have been followed more than once when on a run as they try and keep pace with you in expectation of something.

Once again much to see and photo around Sudbury and I will add pictures to my flickr site in time.

Culford Suffolk

1pm 5 miles in 40 mins

Week to date mileage 31 miles

Month to date mileage 119

Average weekly rate 30 miles

Average monthly rate 130

Year to date 750

Lifetime 10343

Parked just off the main street in Culford which is now well known for its public preparatory school in the grounds of the former home of the Marquis of Cornwallis. Cornwallis being the Commander who surrendered British forces at York Town in the war of independence

I immediately set off into the grounds of the school past St Mary's Church.

I stopped briefly at the back of Culford Hall before following a path named the David Anderson Way which led through some trees to the back of Culford Hall.
I continued past the lovely cricket ground and down to the River Lark and another visit to the Cornwallis Bridge.

Actually I am not sure what it is called but I have read that this was built under Cornwallis direction using an old cannon from a battle in India when he was the Governor General.


Back round past the front of the hall and then along the main road in Culford for another 20 minutes.

Risby Suffolk

4pm 7.5 miles in 58 mins 39 mins

Week to date mileage 126miles

Month to date mileage 114

Average weekly rate 30 miles

Average monthly rate 130

Year to date 738

Lifetime 10338

Left it a bit late in the day for a run but considering last nights race didn't start to 7.45pm I think it is fair enough. I ran out along Westley Road and the Newmarket Road under the A14 and up past the Crematorium and out to Risby.

Left the camera behind but wished I had brought it as the hedgerows are absolutely beautiful. However feeling a little tired I enjoyed the run more than I thought I would.

I have ordered some new running shoes but this time from Do Running
instead of Joe Jogger mainly because i fancied a change from the Asics Gel GT 2110 I have worn for the last 1000 miles. The prices on Do Running compare well with Joe Jogger and they do throw in a free t shirt so worth a try I think . We will see how the delivery takes. I am going for a pair of Reebok Prem Ultra III's which seem a bit on the bargain price size and time will tell if this is a false economy.

Stowmarket Striders Friday 5

7.45pm 5 miles in 37 mins 2 mins

Week to date mileage 19 miles

Month to date mileage 107

Average weekly rate 29.9 miles

Average monthly rate 130

Year to date 738

Lifetime 10331

The Stowmarket Striders Friday 5 took place at Haughley Park which was once the home of the Dukes of Suffolk and you can see why with the extensive grounds and 17th century house.

This was my first attendance at the Stowmarket Friday 5 having previously only attended the Bury event. This is a lovely cross country event with 2 laps of a course combining woodland pathways, trackways and plenty of twists and turns and 1 or 2 hills.

I liked the fact it was 2 laps this gives the spectators in a short race something to view all of the time.

The weather held fair despite the ominous looking dark clouds and the appearance of a double rainbow proved that heavy showers were present in the area.

Entry on the night at the registration tent was possible and it certainly appeared that good numbers were taking part.

The only problem with the whole event was the lack of toilets. The four portaloo's couldn't cope with the numbers but it wasn't a big problem as large numbers chose to visit the bushes and water the rhododendron's.

After a good junior race the entries to the main race walked out to the start and then commenced along the flinty trackway back up a slight rise and past the spectators and into the woods where the course was lovely and shaded.

You had to watch your footing for trees roots and a few pot holes but this is an enjoyable course and a real pleasure to get of the road.

I ran most of the way with Chris Cook from Saint Edmund Pacers before he got a 2nd wind on the last lap and I couldn't keep with him and I see he just managed to catch Roger Brand before the finish line also from the Pacers.

I always prefer the t shirts given at races to the medals given at races and the bright distinctive orange t shirt given out at the end of this race was good.

My mile time splits were 6.28, 7.24,7.42,7.37 and 7.51 a right mixed bag of times !

Well done Stowmarket Striders great event!

Great Horringer Hall Farm Suffolk

5.30pm 6 miles in 48 mins 59 mins

Week to date mileage 14 miles

Month to date mileage 102

Average weekly rate 30 miles

Average monthly rate 130

Year to date 733

Lifetime 10326

Keeping off road another return to Horringer Farm rather than the track until I get new shoes. This time I decided on 2 clockwise laps of the farm. very unusually I saw someone else running a section of the farm track which I think is the first time I have ever seen this.

Chickens in our Garden

Our chickens have now been with us about 3 weeks and have settled in well. We took what felt like a bold decision a week ago to allow them out of the confines of their house and run to roam the garden during the day time.

This has gone well we had initial fears as to whether they would try to fly over the fence but at 5 feet this has been sufficient and to be honest they haven't tried to make an escape.

Our next fear was how they would get on with our 3 cats. We kind of watched to see what would happen and who would claim mastery of the garden. At first there was a period of watching by our cats Brian, Bernard and Willow and somewhat indifference from the chickens ( the only name that has stuck so far is for our brown hen - Antony Worrall Thompson ) who were too busy eating grass like a hover mower. Suddenly the Speckled hen decided to make a decidedly chicken run straight at our oldest cat Brian who shame faced ran for it . So the pecking order of the garden has been defined in favour of the girls . To be honest they seem to get on very well together.

We have yet to get any eggs and this is something which should be do any day and every morning there is an expectation of finding one but so far nothing. We are feeding them well on layer pellets and afternoon corn feed along with odds and ends such as rice which they like a lot.

Ickworth Park Suffolk

9.30am 7.5 miles in 1 hr 1 mins 15 mins
Week to date mileage 7.5 miles
Month to date mileage 96
Average weekly rate 30.1 miles
Average monthly rate 131
Year to date 727
Lifetime 10320

Until I get some new running shoes I am keeping off the road as much as possible. So today it was a return to Ickworth park. This means only 10-15 minutes on the road, with the rest of the run being on grassy parkland or fields using my Inov 8 shoes.

The weather looked decidedly dicey as I set off as if it was about to tip down, however it never did rain until I was home when lightning and thunder struck. For my fourth run in 4 days I was feeling a little tired but generally ok though Westley Lane was a little busy with Monday morning traffic. Thankfully I only run a small part of this as I keep to the fields.

Another video this time of Horringer Hall Farm, this one of the poppies which are quite a sight to see

Into Ickworth Park I turned right and followed the path which has been fenced off half way along until recently. The sheep I think were sheared last week and moved into a different area of the park to graze and consequently the fence removed which enables a run all the way to the busted canal bank and Ickworth Lodge.

Fornham Suffolk Circular Run

5pm 7.5 miles in 57 mins 48 mins
Week to date mileage 32 miles
Month to date mileage 88
Average weekly rate 30 miles
Average monthly rate 130
Year to date 719
Lifetime 10312

Left it late for a run today. I am still using my old Asics and they are up to 487 miles. I shall replace them this week as to continue using them now the support isn't as good is to risk injury.

1. 2007 2nd June 59.00
2. 2007 28th May 57.19
3. 2007 12th May 58.29
4. 2007 18th March 57.54
5. 2007 12th March 56.40
6. 2007 10th March 59.25
7. 2007 1st Jan 58.26
8. 2006 23rd Dec 57.59
9. 2006 16th Dec 58.48
10. 2006 16th Nov 59.56
11. 2006 26th Aug 58.01
12. 2006 6th Aug 57.20
    
13. 2006 26th July 57.29
14. 09.07.06 58.44
15. 24.06.06 57.24
16. 03.06.06 59.17
17. 13.05.06 58.20
18. 6.05.06 57.03
19. 25.04.06 57.02
20. 18.05.06 56.51
21. 11.02.06 59.25
22. 14.01.06 1.0.05
23. 17.12.05 59.29
24. 29.10.05 59.52
25. 03.10.05 1.0.19
26. 11.09.05 1.0.14
27. 28.08.05 57.42
28. 19.08.05 59.36
29. 22.07.05 58.24
30. 10.07.05 59.48
31. 01.07.05 59.42
32. 23.06.05 1.4.0
33. 18.06.05 1.2.18
34. 29.05.05 1.0.26
35. 23.05.05 59.38
36. 5.4.05 1.2.41
37. 1.4.05 1.0.26
38. 19.3.05 59.0
39. 12.3.05 1.0.43
40. 5.3.05 1.2.16
41. 26.2.05 1.2.16
42. 6.2.05 1.1.23
43. 28.1.05 1.1.2.
44. 16.1.05 1.1.14
45. 8.1.05 1.3.19
46. 29.12.04 1.0.11
47. 24.12.04 1.1.26
48. 20.12.04 1.1.31
49. 3.12.04 1.1.13
50. 30.11.04 1.1.18
51. 11.11.04 1.0.32
52. 2.10.04 1.0.40
53. 24.09.04 59.50
    

Horsecroft, Nowton Bury St Edmunds Circular Run

8.10am 7.6 miles in 1 hr 3 mins 29 mins
Week to date mileage 17 miles
Month to date mileage 73
Average weekly rate 29.7 miles
Average monthly rate 129
Year to date 704
Lifetime 10297

As I set out this morning the weather was clear blue skies but soon changed as a breeze picked up and very quickly we had some clouds. I ran out of Bury on the Horsecroft road through Hardwick and Horsecroft. There were some wonderful poppies to be seen along the field edges.

My shoes need replacing. I have noticed a lack of spring in them to cushion my runs in the last week and this is sure sign along with the fact I have run 480 miles in them. The Asics Gel GT 2110 have been get for the mileage though if I was racing I would always prefer the New Balance 1060 I last had. So a bit of a poser as to what to buy next. I shall continue to buy from Joe Jogger
I have had always had good quick service from this company.

After the recent heavy rains the off road sections taking me to Nowton were wet. I stopped by the Hardwick Trig to get this short video. This is a pillar trig and has been placed here as a significant high spot in Suffolk at 84 feet.

Cullum Rd /Ramada Hotel/Newmarket rd Bury St Edmunds

5.30pm 5.4 miles in 41 mins 58 mins
Week to date mileage 17 miles
Month to date mileage 73
Average weekly rate 29.7 miles
Average monthly rate 129
Year to date 704
Lifetime 10297

It was warm and muggy and considering this not a bad run.

2007 05 May 42.26
2007 23 Apr 42.28
2007 20 Mar 41.22
2007 1 Mar 41.54
2007 22 Feb 42.1
2007 21 Feb 42.10
2007 25 Jan 42.32
2007 21 Dec 41.35
2007 5 Dec 41.48
2007 3 Nov 42.37
2007 24 Oct 41.10
2007 19 Oct 41.08
2007 6 Oct 41.06
2006 29 Sep 42.10
2006 29 - Aug 40.40
2006 27 Jul 40. 47
2006 13 Jul 41.11
2006 6 Jun 41.33
2006 18 May 41.18
2006 7 Apr 40.30
2006 7 Mar 41.31
2006 3 Mar 41.34
2006 21 Feb 41.35
2006 27 Jan 41.56
2006 13 Jan 41.30
2006 2 Jan 42.42
2005 23 Dec 43.34
2005 9 Dec 42.0
2005 6 Dec 42.04
2005 29 Nov 42.17

Horringer School /Hospital /Cullum rd Newmarket rd Bury St Edmunds

6.30pm 5.4 miles in 42 mins 33 mins
Week to date mileage 11.4 miles
Month to date mileage 68
Average weekly rate 29.8 miles
Average monthly rate 130
Year to date 699
Lifetime 10292

A slow run, I had hoped to go down the track but I was late getting out the door for this run.

25 May 07 41.40
9 May 07 41.56
26 Apr 07 41.18
22 Mar 07 40.33
9 Mar 07 42.16
26 Feb 07 43.37
14 Feb 07 43.53
29 Jan07 42.46
3 Jan 07 42.13
19 Dec 06 41.50
7 Dec 06 43.45
7 Nov 06 42.33
10 Nov 06 42.02
30 Oct 06 42.0
3 Oct 06 41.15
19 Sep 06 41.39
8 Sep 06 41.01
1 Aug 06 41.45
28 July 06 42.25
17 July 06 42.46
13 June 06 42.08
11 May 06 43.21
27 Mar 06 42.41
8 Mar 06 42.13
24 Feb 06 42.33
16 Feb 06 44.0
10 Feb 06 41.50
2 Feb 06 42.38
17 Jan 06 42.50
10 Jan 06 42.52
1 Jan 06 41.45
14 Dec 05 42.47

Hawstead Suffolk

5pm 6 miles in 50 mins 16 mins
Week to date mileage 6 miles
Month to date mileage 62
Average weekly rate 29.8 miles
Average monthly rate 129
Year to date 693
Lifetime 10286

Hawstead the place of shelter for cattle according to Ekwall. This was my starting point for today. Hawstead is a small village about 3 miles south of Bury. Instead of the hurley burley of the A 134 Bury to Sudbury road give this road a go but allow extra time. If you follow the road out by Nowton Park you can pass through Hawstead, Lawshall and Shimpling and join up on the A134 around Alpheton - makes a pleasant change.

I parked at the totally deserted Hawstead Green next to the playground. An entertaining game of football could be held here in the long grass. It looks as if the village has achieved its target for raising funds for a village hall not sure when or where this will be built.

I decided to head out on the Lawshall Road past the fine pub the Metcalfe Arms.

Along the Lawshall Road near the Newhall Farm there is a marking on the OS Map Explorer 211 which simply says Oak! I must admit I didn't particularly notice which oak this might be but why even mention unless there is some historical reason. I managed to find out that traveling clergymen used to stop at the Gospel Oak to say a prayer perhaps when on a trip to the monastery at Bury St Edmunds. I did see a very old tree which was much the worse for wear but didn't take a photo so know I will have to revisit.

The road here is windy and undulating and can be a little busy. So I turned off at the first footpath that I could which was just beyond the Gospel Oak. Here the footpath was along a car track which had obviously been wet but had now dried to form ridges. Running along here was challenging either balancing on the top of ridges or sinking in the centre of the tyre tracks. However the first section was under tress offering some shade from the warm sunshine. I manged to startle some deer but didn't have time to catch them on camera.

I was soon running through the middle of a wheat field taking me downhill before passing a spring and then heading sharply up hill and emerging at Old Lane Stanningfield Little Rookwood Farm. This area was a Catholic stronghold and the home of Ambrose Rookwood who was one of the conspirators in the Gunpowder Plot in 1605. He was hung drawn and quartered.

I returned back to Hawstead by the same paths. In Hawstead I did a few laps of the wonderful village green. Once again I had the entire run to myself and never saw another person on the run.

Adkins Wood, Ickworth Park Suffolk

8am 9.2 miles in 1 hr 14 mins 54 mins
Week to date mileage 27 miles
Month to date mileage 48
Average weekly rate 29.7 miles
Average monthly rate 129
Year to date 679
Lifetime 10272

Adkins Wood is one of my favourite runs combining as it does hills, farmland, woodland , National Trust parkland and lakes. The run starts from Bury St Edmunds and sets off up Westley Lane until you reach Horringer,

then into Ickworth Park. Immediately inside of the park I turn left and into Adkins Wood which is a fairly narrow strip of woodland running the length of the village.
Who was Adkins?


I wore my Inov 8 shoes which I like a lot they have great grip and are a bit like a sports car in that they are low lying you feel as if you are hugging the ground as they have don't have the large cushion of normal running shoes.

When you reach the Fairy lake you know you are now in Lady Hervey's Wood.
There is a wet path way to take you over to the Canal Lake by way of some pontoon duck boards.

The Canal Lake is a very pretty spot with its summer house, vinefields and the views of Ickworth House and St Mary's Church.

Beyton Country Fair

Beyton is a lovely village with a large central green which is ideal for a country fair especially on a warm sunny day. In 1978 Beyton was successful in getting the old A45 between Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich diverted away from the village.

Saturday afternoon rather than waste time in doors or doing gardening we decided to visit Beyton Country Fair.

A very traditional fair with something for everyone to enjoy.
I know nothing about cars and motorbikes but there was some well cared for vintage machinery on display. Like all good village fairs there in the marquee was a number of competitions for the best cake, flower arranging,photography and preserves.


There were a number of children's races including the egg and spoon.
I didn't quite get what appeared to be lobbing a sweet nearest a jar but apparently they do this every year.

One of the most interesting stands was a fitness endurance test combining a number of exercises such as the plank. The test being to hold these positions for the longest.


The food and refreshments and cake stands seemed to do a good trade. It is always a pleasure to visit Beyton.

Albana Walk Ickworth Park Suffolk

8am 8.6 miles in 1 hr 13 mins 54 mins
Week to date mileage 27 miles
Month to date mileage 47
Average weekly rate 29.7 miles
Average monthly rate 129
Year to date 678
Lifetime 10271

The Albana Walk was the purpose of my run today. This is a wonderful woodland footpath laid out with small gravel chippings. It was originally laid out in the 1770's by Capability Brown and was lined with box hedges. The name of the walk is a tribute to the 1st Marquis of Bristols wife Elizabeth Albana Upton.

There are now signs referring to the Ickworth Park Trim Trail. Along the walk there are stopping points to stop and do various exercises such as press ups, step ups etc. there are also wonderful views over rolling fields towards Chevington and Chedburgh.

I took a detour on the way back to visit Ickworth House. The house was begun in 1795 but not occupied until 1829 by the 1st Marquess of Bristol. He considered demolishing the building in the early 1820's because of the impractical design and size but continued with works to become the first of a line of Herveys to occupy Ickworth House.

A video with accompanied inadvertent heavy breathing at Ickworth House can be seen here.

Boxford,Groton and Edwardstone Suffolk

5.15pm 6 miles in 50 mins 26 mins
Week to date mileage 128miles
Month to date mileage 38
Average weekly rate 29.7 miles
Average monthly rate 129
Year to date 670
Lifetime 10263

If you ever heard of the expression kill 3 birds with one stone? No, I didn't think so I just made it up but it aptly describes what I did today on my run as I managed to visit 3 villages in Suffolk. I must do a little work soon to tally up just how many villages in Suffolk I have visited since I began blogging nearly 2 years ago.

On the A 134 just outside of Sudbury near Newton I took the Hadleigh road the A1071. This is a twisty road but immediately you are into some beautiful countryside. To my mind there is a whole corridor of less frequently visited countryside with many small villages and a few towns of no great size between the A134 and the A12/A14 . Take a look at the Ordnance Survey Map Explorer 196 for proof.

I took the first left into the village of Boxford, situated about six miles east of Sudbury. According to Eilert Ekwall the meaning of the village name is ford where box grow.The Domesday Book records the population of Boxford in 1086 to be 18. According to the 2001 census it had a population of 1,258.

I parked up next to St Mary's Church at Boxford. I don't think I have ever been here before. As I said previously this is a village in the ' Suffolk corridor' you actually have to make a conscious effort to visit it as you don't pass through on a journey from A to B.

What a beautiful village and I don't think I saw a quarter of what I wanted to look at. Unfortunately it being 5.30pm and with the roads and pavements narrow and quite a few cars there was little time to hang around. I decided to head straight out of the village to head for the unusually named village of Groton.

Named according to Ekwall after a sandy stream though I never saw one unless he meant the River Box in Boxford.


Groton is a very small village but has a claim to fame it being the birthplace of John Winthrop in 1588 who owned Groton Manor who emigrated to America in 1630 and then founded the city of Boston, and was the first governor of the colony of Massachusetts. The church of St Bartholomew's is prominent when you run up hill from Boxford as is the Suffolk pink painted pub the Fox and Hounds.

Just beyond the village sign in Groton there is a footpath which leads you to Groton Croft a fairly large area of footpaths and memorial flowers to local residents.

A very quiet and beautiful spot which appears more of a common with wildflowers.

With plenty of time I ventured on up to Mill Green and then into the village of Edwardstone. I will need to return to get a better impression as I spent all of 5 minutes there before needing to return by the same route back to Boxford.