‘Undercover Curry’ by Dave Loyden really does give the secrets of  BIR  cooking.  I was blown away by the methods revealed. I read the book until 3 am by which time I was already imagining the tastes and smells of the perfect curry. Honest I could smell Indian restaurant aromas.

This book is a labour of love, and as such has been a joy to read.

Website: www.undercovercurry.com

Photo of Coniston byEnnor

As you may know the 2010 race around Coniston water was extended from 14 to 16.7 miles, so this year was named The Coniston 14 Plus.
The race goes anti-clockwise round the lake and can definitely be described as undulating but as I would soon find, the other side of the lake has more hills.

The first 4 miles I covered in 30 minutes (7:30 pace) I felt good but my target was between 7:45 and 8:00 minute miles, so eventually settled into this.

Things that stand out include 2 cattle grids (one about 4.5 miles which we went round, another at 6 miles covered), a big puddle at 8 miles, and a long steep hill at Brantwood House (John Ruskin museum) where much encouragement was given (and needed) by spectators there. Peculiar to this race were the many cyclist going round, also many stopped to give encouragement so thanks to them.

I reached 13 miles in 1:43 (averaging 7:55 pace now). Those hills on the last few miles were energy sapping but I was happy enough with the result which was text ed to me pretty quickly after I had finished and had a bite to eat.

MY FINAL FINISHING POSITION

I was 337th  in 2:14:04  (8:02 pace average).
There were 1,290 finishers. Last person did it in 4:00:23, and well done to her (16 DNF)

A VERY VERY SHORT VIDEO TAKEN AT THE START:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Whoscjf2_-Q