On up the Ashby

We had an extra day at Trinity, not leaving till today. Two reasons really. Brother Andy and family came over to visit last evening, and it was a lot easier for him to find us if we stayed put. And I was still feeling the effects of my exertions on Sunday.

Up at 5 am, after losing an hour as the clocks went forward, on the road by 6 am, and running a half marathon in Liverpool at 09:30.

The run went well, better than I expected actually. Cool and dry with no wind, it was a good day for a run, and the Liverpool course is enjoyable. Not my best time, but comfortable. Enough left for a sprint over the last 200 yards, anyway. Out of 6,500 starters I came in 2260^th, 123^rd in the 50+ age category.

For the first time in 20 years Liverpool is hosting a marathon in October. Part of the route will follow Sunday’s course. I’ve always said I’d like to do a marathon before I hang up my running shoes, and having failed to get into the London, maybe this could be the one. Not this year though, I’m committed to the Great North Run again in September and I don’t think I’d manage both.

We made full use of the marina facilities, getting the bedding washed and leaving this morning with tanks filled or emptied as appropriate.

Off at around 11:00, we only made a short trip.

Leaving Trinity Marina.

We always enjoy a stay here. The staff are pleasant and helpful, there's a big field for the dogs to run in, and you're not that far from the town. Couldn't do too long though.

On the edge of Hinckley we passed the Triumph factory, the last remaining example of a fine motorcycle production heritage. There’s a potted history of the company here, and the official website is here.

We pottered on slowly (you can’t go fast on the Ashby, it’s too shallow), enjoying the Leicestershire countryside in the occasional sunny spells.

Typical Ashby Canal scenery near Bridge 20.

One for George and Carol

We moored after only 2 miles, near Basin Bridge.

Moored for the afternoon.

We’re going to have a very gentle trip up to the terminus and back. Since we were here last there’s been a short length restored at the end, above Snarestone, part of a project to reconnect this section to the bit up at Moira.

Locks 0, miles 2