The Cross Bay Walk, Take 2

This afternoon we walked across Morecambe Bay, partly in the fundraiser for Grange Lido, and partly because it's a fabulous experience. Some years ago I did a 13 km run from Silverdale to Humphrey Head, this time we walked from Arnside to Grange-over-Sands. The distance was an easier 10km.

It's worth stressing that although there is a Byway across the bay, and in general much of the foreshore in the UK is publicly accessible, it's very unwise to venture far into the area without a competent guide. Quicksand areas are common and the tide rises rapidly, resulting in the Arnside Bore. 

Section of OS map showing the northern part of the bay

The 'safety briefing' before the walk was not confidence-inspiring but one had to accept that the guide is experienced and will want to get to safety as much as any of us. When we mentioned the walk to friends beforehand there were plenty of disapproving looks and comments about how dangerous the bay is. Just over 2 decades ago around 23 workers died in the bay in one night  and, of course, such incidents are remembered, and many people have 'near misses' every year. So, there is a risk..

We were blessed with good weather, perhaps a little too much sun, but really you don't want bad weather whilst in the bay. This is one of few places in England where the scenery is flat for miles and underfoot neither farmed nor industrial.

Just starting to leave the security of Arnside peninsula

The walk took just over 3 hours, including a couple of short breaks. On both occasions I've found it tougher than the mere distance and elevation would suggest. There are a few streams to wade which can vary from ankle-depth to waist-depth, dependent on the day.

Our route across the bay

The texture of the sand and its softness sap energy and give legs a work-out. Only a few walkers needed a little ride on one of the accompanying tractors and there was clearly a sense of achievement as the large party came ashore.  

I'd recommend a bay crossing to any keen runner or walker. I think a fair risk assessment is that a journey with a guide is sensibly safe, remembering that we take risks everyday, often for no good outcome (I was going to put a link in here but decided to leave you to think of your own examples!).

 

Back into progress

Three weeks ago my session in the endless pool was unproductive, and unfortunately the next day I had shoulder pain and needed to book in with the physio! With hindsight I think there was a combination of holding a streamline position at the limit of my range of movement, a general lethargy of unknown origin, and no doubt an element of overtraining. Any one of these may well have been manageable in themselves but together they were too much.

After another endless pool session, some ordinary swims, another physio session, and a less busy week I felt back on track. Yesterday's endless pool session felt like a step forwards, my lead arm is usually facing forwards, my shoulder dive to the right is reduced and with concentration my head swinging disappears. When the pool speed was increased above my comfort zone I re-adopted some poor practices. I must remember to focus on the coaching tips even more when I need the power.

Today's 'ordinary' swim was more evidence that the coaching and focussed practice is working. I recorded a 200 yard PB of 4:10 minutes and two sets of 100 yards in 2:01 minutes, so not PBs, but demonstrative of consistency. Perhaps I was a little less efficient than for my last PB as my stroke average was 13 today, although some lengths were completed in 12 strokes (which of course means some were 14!).

I like to think that the plantar fasciitis is resolving slightly but the rate of improvement is so slow that I also wonder if I'm just hoping that to be true.