Ghosted Survivor

Lovely route through Menston and Hawksworth — really enjoyed hiking through this area. Two key highlights. First, walking across a field when suddenly two baby deer right in front of me took off sprinting away. Second, a flock of what I’m pretty sure were lapwings on an open field near the moors. One took off and started hovering above me making this squeaky, toy-like call, then the rest lifted and circled high overhead before settling back once I moved on. Managed to get a cool video of them taking off and flying above me — never heard a sound like that on a hike before. 21th February (Saturday) 10:28 – 12:46 Total Distance: 10.71km Total Moving Time: 2:09:02 Average Moving Speed: 5 km/h Average Moving Pace: 12:03 min/km Fastest km: 10:30 Slowest km: 14:51 Average HR: 115 bpm Max HR: 150 bpm Total Ascent: 252m Weather: 10°C Calories Burned: 558

Nice evening run to end the day! 16th February (Thursday) Total Distance: 5km Total Moving Time: 34:58 Average Moving Speed: 8.6 km/h Average Moving Pace: 6:59 min/km Fastest km: 5:40 Slowest km: 7:58 Average HR: 162 bpm Max HR: 193 bpm Total Ascent: 50m Weather: 4°C Calories Burned: 335

Social hike with a friend — his first one with me. Introduced him to one of my favourite local routes. Very relaxed pace, good catch-up through woodland trails with a waterfall along the way.

-3°C, endless woodlands, and nearly 25km on foot — perfect hiking weather, exactly how I like it! The route is brilliant, mostly through woodlands and parks, and clearly popular. Plenty of runners, walkers, and people just out enjoying the outdoors. Loads of nature throughout, which makes the distance fly by. Stumbled across a coffee spot mid-hike called The Shelter, a café right in the centre of Whirlowbrook Park — perfect little reset before carrying on. With 8km left my phone battery died, but managed to navigate back to the train station using road signs instead of maps. No panic, just problem-solving. Highly recommended route! 14th February (Saturday) 08:07 – 12:43 Total Distance: 24.93km Total Moving Time: 4:09:55 Average Moving Speed: 6 km/h Average Moving Pace: 10:01 min/km Fastest km: 6:59 Slowest km: 13:50 Average HR: 135 bpm Max HR: 186 bpm Total Ascent: 544m Weather: -3°C Calories Burned: 1,494

It’s been a minute since my last run — and for once I didn’t try to kill myself. Very relaxed compared to my usual runs (normally averaging 183+ bpm). This time the aim was simple: lower the average heart rate and stay more controlled. Safe to say, mission accomplished. Not chasing pace, not racing the clock — just learning to manage effort properly, and even finding some enjoyment in the rain. Still work to do, but progress is progress. 12th February (Thursday) 15:58 – 16:38 Total Distance: 6km Total Moving Time: 39:01 Average Moving Speed: 9.2 km/h Average Moving Pace: 6:30 min/km Fastest km: 5:40 Slowest km: 7:59 Average HR: 175 bpm Max HR: 189 bpm Total Ascent: 68m Weather: 3°C (Light Rain) Calories Burned: 431

Skiddaw Mountain — the 4th highest mountain in England, rising above the Northern Fells of the Lake District. Fifteen of us came together for a charity hike to raise funds for orphans, including brothers hiking for their very first time. At 931m, Skiddaw is one of England’s most accessible high peaks with well laid out paths – proof that big challenges can welcome begginers. The key moment came at the summit: green tea shared in extreme winds, laughter as snowballs flew at each other, and a large raven hovering above the peak, quietly watching it all unfold. Raw, cold, and unforgettable memories. More than a hike — a day of purpose, unity, and moments that stay. Alhamdullilah! 7th February (Saturday) 10:54 – 3:44 Total Distance: 12 km Total Moving Time: 2:59:15 Average Moving Speed: 4 km/h Average Moving Pace: 14:56 min/km Fastest km: 13:17 Slowest km: 18:20 Average HR: 144 bpm Max HR: 191 bpm Total Ascent: 874m Weather: 7°C Calories Burned: 1,264

Castle Howard — centuries of history, architecture, and timeless beauty. Today was an absolute treat from start to finish. Watching the sunrise, endless wildlife, enjoying blue skies and sunny conditions throughout. Castle Howard was the clear highlight of the day — absolutely fascinating architecture paired with a rich, layered history. Built over 100 years, designed by John Vanbrugh, a masterpiece of English Baroque. Over 300 years of family heritage, shaped by 9 generations of the Howard family. It is well worth a visit; the grounds are vast, featuring gardens, statues, reservoirs, woodlands, and even peacocks freely roaming the estate. Overall, another 10/10 hiking experience — highly recommended. I’d suggest allowing some extra time, as I did, to properly explore the Castle Howard grounds. Makes a perfect spot for a picnic, photography, and magical moments. This isn’t somewhere you want to rush past — slow down, take in the surroundings, and enjoy it properly. 31st January (Saturday) 08:38 – 14:15 Total Distance: 25.7 km Total Moving Time: 4:37:09 Average Speed: 5.4 km/h Average Pace: 11:01 min/km Fastest km: 7:21 Slowest km: 17:24 Average HR: 120 bpm Max HR: 193 bpm Total Ascent: 345m Weather: 4°C Calories Burned: 1,514

Forgot my morning coffee, or so I thought… My parking spot at the start welcomed me to The Crusty Cob café in which they served me a nice hot coffee. This isn’t luck anymore… it’s destiny. Overall, this was a very relaxed Zone 2 hike, with the sole purpose of enjoying the journey. When I finished, I treat myself to a nice fish and chips. 24th January (Saturday) 09:55 – 13:44 Total Distance: 19.05 km Total Moving Time: 3:32:39 Average Speed: 5.4 km/h Average Pace: 11:10 min/km Fastest km: 10:12 Slowest km: 14:58 Average HR: 132 bpm Max HR: 168 bpm Total Ascent: 544 m Weather: 4°C Calories Burned: 1,227

The trails called, and I answered — The Beginning of a New Adventure Climbs were challenging, made even harder by wearing a 7 kg ruck. The first 3km incline was a rude awakening, a real shock to the system, but reaching the top delivered stunning views and a thrilling downhill where I could really fly. This ride was a mix of training and enjoyment, with paths that tested both control and focus. The highlight of this adventure was at Beaumont Park, where I took a break on a perfectly placed bench facing a dramatic 21-acre landscape with stunning Pennine views, followed by a sculpture trail that was both refreshing and inspiring. Overall, this ride marked the start of a new adventure — a chance to challenge myself, enjoy the outdoors, and take on mountain biking. 17th January (Saturday) — Mountain Bike Ride with 7kg Ruck Main Ride Distance: 19.8 km Additional Riding (to/from station): 7.56 km Total Distance Covered: 27.36 km Stats below apply to overall ride: Total Moving Time: 2:23:38 Total Elevation Covered: 450 m Total Calories Burned: 1,138 Average Moving Speed: 11.4 km/h Average HR: 147 bpm Stats below apply to the main ride only: Total Moving Time: 1:47:06 Average Moving Speed: 10.8 km/h Average HR: 147 bpm Max HR: 187 bpm Total Ascent: 370 m Weather: 4°C, 89% Humidty

Genuinely missed being on the bike. A little sunshine before sunset to round off a beautiful Friday. 16th January (Friday) Total Distance: 5.21KM Total Moving Time: 22:09 Avg Moving Speed: 14.1km/h Avg BPM: 150 Max BPM: 190 Ascent: 57m Weather: 6°C Total Calories Burned: 205