Scout Scar - Friday 29th April 2011

Just a short run out today with Russ; same route on the Scar as the other day. Sunny but windy, hope it is not so windy tomorrow on the higher fells.

Coniston Fell Race Recce - Thursday 28th April 2011

A change of plan...after a an early hour or so in the office I head to More bakery for a quick latte and croissant - need this after last night's tough session.

Although still undecided about whether to run in the Coniston Fell Race on Saturday, I decide to recce the route. It's going to be a hot day, so travel light, wear shorts and T-shirt, suncream up and choose my Inov-8 X-Talon 212's (these are super-fast :-) ). Set-off from the village and are soon climbing the steep bank which cuts off significant distance; it is at this point that I confront one of my few fears.....a snake, probably an adder but I don't stick around long enough to find out !

Slightly confused after this climb, do I drop to the main path or try cutting across from the higher path; choose the latter option first but soon revert to the former (is this correct Russ ?). Then follow main path up and head towards checkpoint 1 on Wetherlam. Choose good lines, deviating from the main path, mainly on the left-hand side. From CP 1, follow the main path down to the Hawse and then good climb up Prison Band to CP 2 on Swirl How; I like this climb and work hard to quickly gain the summit.

The views are great, could spend ages identifying just about all of the Lakeland peaks. Easy running to Brim Fell and the to CP 3 on the Old Man of Coniston. Do not stop here as I am keen to check-out the direct descent. Had been tipped-off, this works, made a rapid and efficient descent which, lower down, was much to the amazement of tourists (including those climbing the mountain in flip-flops !!).

Good running lower down leads to the packhorse bridge and the the track to the race finish. A good run, out for a leisurely 3 hours, Russ thinks I could race this in under 1.5 hours, I'm not so sure.

Need to clean myself, not a pretty sight, covered in sweat and suncream; also desperate for food and drink - all of this is a welcome pleasure :-)

All change at the Helm - Wednesday 27th April 2011

So a little taken-a'back by Dave's sudden departure, Russ steps up to the mark - he has done a good job for the last month or so and seems the obvious choice; he gets the group's backing and my personal support and assistance as required.

Niceties out of the way, he gives us another beasting ! Something different, which is always good, we do about 9 reps, each one includes about 3 uphill and 3 downhill sections, a real good mix.

Thanks for this Russ - a tiring run home but feel good.

The Greater Langdale Horseshoe with Charlie - Tuesday 26th April 2011

So why do I like so worried....?

...probably only because I have not yet mastered taking photos of myself ! So a day out with Charlie (The Outdoor Warehouse man), we have decided on the Greater Langdale Horseshoe, a route I have run several time before.

We set-off from the Britannia Inn, Elterwater at quite a pace and soon realise we need to temper this slightly.Our first summit, Lingmoor, comes and goes quickly and we are soon heading towards Pike O'Blisco and the Crinkles. The weather is better than forecast, a cool northerly wind  but high cloud, ideal running conditions.

It is good to catch-up with Charlie, we chat about the Highlander Mountain Marathon, his business and, one of my favourite subjects, kit ! A stop on Bowfell for food and drink we then decide to cut down the BG trod to the top of Rossett Gyhll and on to Rossett Crag (where I was yesterday !).

BG trods again lead to the pass and then a short climb to Martcrag Moor then a long pull to Pike O'Stickle. Over to Harrison Stickle and then to Sergeant Man; from here long, very runable paths and trods eventually lead us to Silver Howe and then a short descent back to the cars at Elterwater.

A good day out, we guess about 20 miles, plenty of climbing and good company :-)

BG Leg 3, Part 1 - Monday 25th April 2011

A late decision...I head off to Dunmail to run the first part of leg 3 of the Bob Graham Round. Some early mist on the summits reminds me of Saturday but today this soon clears.

A stiff climb up to Steel Fell, never easy with no prior warm-up and on to Calf Crag. A few minutes up on schedule and then to Sergeant Man, spend some time here working out the best route, decided to follow main path and then cut right to col and boggy area - seems good but never quite sure if there is a quicker, more efficient way.

Easy running to High Raise, my favourite Lakeland summit, you can see just about every major peak, or at least range, from here...what a place to be on a day like this. Onto Thunacar Knott, Harrison Stickle and then to Pike O'Stickle, easy running over familiar terrain. Decide to go as far as Rossett Pike and then descend via the main path to Mickleden. Surprising just how few people about today but, for me, this is no bad thing.

Down into Langdale, now just need to get back to my car at Dunmail !

Easter - Sunday 24th April 2011

Another sunny day, out early with Barney - a walk though Levens Park before it gets too hot for the little fella.

Need a run, so a late afternoon trip to the Scar - a good time to be out, running for just over an hour and pick-up most of my usual lunchtime route, including the big climb which leads to a special place - the views from here are fantastic :-)

Old County Tops Recce (Part 2) - Saturday 23rd April 2011

Russ and I out on the fells today to recce the second part of the Old County Tops route; we had recce'd the first half back in March and now needed to look at the section from Angle Tarn.

Expecting another hot and sunny day, we set off from Langdale in shorts, t-shirts and a layer of suncream; the run along Mickleden is a good warm up before the steep pull-up to the col between Bowfell and Rossett Crag; then down to Angle Tarn, now the recce can begin. We are in and out of dense mist and a cool breeze adds a chill to the air.

We make good progress to Sca Fell Pike, familiar terrain for us. However, from the summit is where our recce is important. It worries me that Russ is looking vague, it is three years since he (we) raced this route and memories are fading (must be his (my) age !). We pick up a good trod that leads us through the mist. Russ thinks we should be heading more to the right, I'm not sure. We do, but it does not feel great. We eventually come into a small valley, we know where we are and it is not the usual descent route. However, it is good, less steep, more runnable and still puts us where we want to be; perhaps this is the route to take in the race next month ?

We cross the Upper Esk valley and head, generally, in the right direction towards Cockley Bridge. A quick stop for food and drink here and we then again into the mist. This time we get the route spot-on and we are soon reaching the col between Swirl How and Grey Friar. We follow the usual trod towards Brim Fell and then to the Old Man of Coniston; too many people on the summit for my liking so I make a hasty u-turn and head back to Brim Fell and the trod we used on our outward journey.

Russ gets a good line below Great Carrs and we are soon descending Wet Side Edge. Still in mist we turn left and take the now well worn trod to the road at the top of Wrynose Pass. A run down the hard tarmac and then cut left up to Blea Tarn. Easy running now and the finish not far away. We get another good line and are soon at the road which leads to the finish of the race.

A good day out but, in places, a little more testing than expected. Then to the Hawkshead Brewery, Staveley for a post run debrief !

A rest day - (Good) Friday 22nd April 2011

The first of eleven days off work but no running today; the first rest day since before the Highlander...I need this.

Just a easy walk with Barney (my Border Terrier) on Scout Scar, a bit hot for him...he is glad of my carrying some water.

Early Morning Run - Thursday 21st April 2011

Sometimes an early, before work run, can, for many different reasons, be really special - today was no exception.

To vary things a little, today I park in Natland and run down Hawes Lane to the bridge. Chillier than expected, glad I decided on my long sleeve Berghaus top with thumbs loops to keep my mitts warm ! Along the river and into Levens Park to Levens Bridge - the office is in sight but at least half an hour before I need to be there.

Back through the park on the other side of the river and then onto the canal path all the way back to Natland.

In work soon after 8, showered and at my desk with coffee and toast by half past...not a bad way to start the working day :-)

Helm - Wednesday 20th April 2011

Russ in charge again.....hard work running from home tonight but soon get into the spirit of the session. To the far end and hill reps of running & walking (with varying times), another RC beasting !

Good session - thanks Russ.

Inov-8 Bare-grips get another outing (and continue to perform well) as do the Inov-8 road shoes.

The Epic Tri - Tuesday 19th April 2011

Anthony Emmet had already told me of his plans to take on a monster challenge...to be more exact an 'epic tri' ! This entailed a Bob Graham Round, cycling tandem from John O'Groats to Land's End and the kayaking tandem the length of the Thames from Devizes to Weestminster Bridge.....a truly epic challenge.

http://www.theepictri.com/

I felt privileged to receive a text from Ant a week or so previously asking if I would like to run a section of the BG with him and fellow challenger, Bruce. I jumped at the change (as you might have guessed) but was concerned that so soon after the Highlander Mountain Marathon I may not be fully up to supporting him. A quick exchange of e-mails and texts and it was clear that he already had his requirement of pacers and had just hoped I could turn-up for additional support; this, therefore, suited us both.

I planned to run in from Honister on leg 4 in reverse and get as far as Kirk Fell and wait for the guys there. It was a hot (perhaps too hot for them) day and wearing shorts, T-shirt and plenty of suncream I climbed Grey Knotts having heard from Russ that they were well ahead of schedule according to their live tracking device. Onto Brandreth, Green Gable, Great Gable and then Kirk Fell, well ahead of my planned schedule.

It was at this point that updated information put them on schedule rather than ahead (this was sensible given that this was only the first stage of their epic tri). Despite the sunshine, a cool breeze and a wait of over an hour meant that my carrying my lightweight Rab down jacket was not wasted. Eventually Ant, Bruce and a large crew of pacers could be seen. I jogged towards them and it was great to catch-up with them.

Ant was suffering a bit, struggling to get food down; this is so vital in taking on these epic challenges. Bruce was going well but suffering on descents as an old injury was niggling him.It was great to be a part of this challenge and the guys made good time to Honister.

A huge crowd of pacers, supporters and road crew were their to greet them and provide for their every need. Many of Ant's work colleagues at North Face were there to run with him on leg 5; I joined him, Bruce and them on the climb to Dale Head and it was here that I wished them good luck and said that I would be in Keswick to see them finish.

The guys finished well, a little inside the 24 hour target. They were whisked off for a massage, food and then an overnight drive to John O'Groats; another two massive challenges still to conquer.

I followed their progress throughout the next few days and was fortunate enough to meet up with them briefly in Shap as they cycled South. The ride took longer than expected but they still completed this in an amazing time and then went on to kayak the Thames. They finished the epic tri late on 24th April and, to date, have gone a long way to hitting their target of raising £25,000 for Cancer Research UK.

Well done guys, this was truly awesome, you deserve to enjoy the glory and now take a well earned rest.

Helm Monday Evening Run - 18th April 2011

After a tough weekend at the Highlander Mountain Marathon I was glad of a (very) steady run on Scout Scar.

Highlander Mountain Marathon, Ullapool - 16th & 17th April 2011

Russ has written an excellent report on his blog, not much more I can add to this other than some photos:

 

But guess I should say a few words........Ullapool and its surrounding mountains rates high on my list of favourite places so word that this was the venue for the 2011 Highlander Mountain Marathon was good news.

We, for once, performed well on both days, good route choice, good navigation and good team work, three essential elements to a successful Score event. It was great to catch-up at the overnight camp with Charlie & Nic (from The Outdoor Warehouse), Natalie White & Tim (who, as you may have read in my blog, completed their Bob Graham Round last weekend !) and Jo & Ian (fellow Helm runners).

A great weekend and very pleased to be in the prizes (3rd in Score Event) for a second year running - more Haglofs kit, that can't be bad :-)

Another rest day - Thursday 14th April 2011

It's been a busy week or so and the Highlander Mountain Marathon is this coming weekend....need to take it easy, get some shopping and sort kit - so that is exactly what I do...how disciplined am I ?!

Loughrigg Fell Race - Wednesday 13th April 2011

A tough day at work today...feel fired-up for a good race tonight. The weather is not great, misty, cold and damp but this might make me run faster, no views to enjoy !

A massive turn-out from Helm, 35 of us in total including juniors...fantastic, what a Club :-) This race always has a mad dash from the park to the stone bridge; for once, I am part of this and near the front. I climb strong, overtaking, to my surprise, some of Helm's elite athletes and make the summit in 4th place. However, these younger guys have no fear and soon rip past me on the descent. It was great to hear words of encouragement from Helm runners as I passed them on back.

Finished 10th and 3rd MV40 in a time of 30:59, by far a PB. Helm did great, both ladies and mens team prizes and many more. Full results and details can be found at:

http://www.amblesideac.org.uk/loughrigg2011.htm

I need to run today.... - Tuesday 12th April 2011

Can't have another day without a run, so my usual lunchtime run on the Scar is required. A cold wind blowing, pleased to have my Haglofs windtop with me - clear and good views, feel good today.

A rest day - Monday 11th April 2011

Nothing more to say.....no running for me today !

Bob Graham Pacing Duties - 10th April 2011

I felt privileged to be approached by Natalie White, she was attempting her BG with friends Helen Jackson and Tim. I slotted in for the glory section...leg 5 so Russ and I made our way to Honister on what was another hot and sunny day.

Updates had revealed them being ahead of schedule so it was not too long to wait...whilst there, bumped into Lindsay and Helen Samson who had been out recce'ing Leg 5 in anticipation of Anthony Emmet's Epic Tri (more of this later...).

The support team had all the kit and food organised and the three of them soon jogged on looking very fresh and motivated for the last section. A quick top-up of fuel and we were off on the last main climb to the summit of Dale Head. This soon came and went and then on to Hindscarth and the last summit Robinson. This was not like many of the leg 5's I have paced before, no pressure, plenty of time and all three athletes looking strong.

Met up with support team in Newlands for change to road shoes (although I had heard that they favoured the footpath alternative to Keswick...I was keen to keep my new Inov-8 road shoes in pristine condition so decided to keep my fell shoes on....I know, I know...!). The footpath route was very pleasant and before long we were coming in to Portinscale and seeing the sign saying: 'Keswick 1 Mile'.

Plenty of friends and supporters at the Moot Hall to cheer them in, all three finished in an impressive 21:28. Well done guys and, for me, another great run out on the fells.

Bob Graham Recce - Saturday 9th April 2011

An early start and the usual stop-off at More for coffee and croissant. Heading to Langdale for a recce of the Bob Graham Round Leg 3 (part 2). It's going to be a hot day on the fells, shorts, t-shirt and plenty of suncream required.

Park at ODG and then steady run along Mickleden for a brisk climb up Rossett Ghyll to the col between Bowfell and Rossett Pike. This is where the BG recce really starts; I follow the small, cairned trod through the crags to join the Bowfell plateau, visibility is great and it's starting to get hot.

Next summit is Esk Pike and then over to Great End, perhaps one of the best positioned peaks in the Lakes. Then to Ill Crag, Broad Crag and the steep, short climb to Sca Fell Pike. Far too many people there today so no stopping and on down to Mickledore. Broad Stand is not an option today and also not a great place to watch. Some guy with his other half descending, first they don't even find the top, heading closer to much steeper ground, and then he jumps down to the ledge (leaving her still up there !)....can't watch this anymore, so head down to the Foxes Tarn path.

Another steep climb to Sca Fell and then a rapid 3000' descent to Wasdale, the scree run gets more fun every time. BG section complete and now in a very hot valley....just one minor issue, my car is at Langdale ! So a short rest and refuelling is required before the steady climb to Styhead and up again to Esk Hause; back to the col between Rossett and Bowfell before heading back down to Langdale; food and drink at the car is much needed as is a watch in the beck.

Another good day out on the fells but days like this are never complete without a beer....so I feel the need to call into the Hawkshead Brewery at Staveley on the way home :-)

Friday 8th April.....what no running !

Not much more to say...lunch at the Strickland Arms, no running, saving myself for a tough weekend !

A run in the sun...Scout Scar - 7th April 2011

A sunny day...at last. Lunchtime run required, I drive to Brigsteer Woods, just 5 minutes away from the office and this puts me in an ideal place to head to Scout Scar.

Warm and sunny, with a slight breeze, I head up field towards Helsington Church. Just before, I drop down to join a track which eventually leads to Brigsteer Road. A few metres up the road and then North along a track, someway below the Scar, to join a path through the woods. After the farm the real hard works begins, a long climb diagonally climbs the Scar and turning left at the top I make my way to the Mushroom.

Great views to the Lakeland fells today and very easy to pick out the numerous summits as depicted on the viewfinder on the inside of the mushroom. Need to head back now, so along the top of Scar and eventually back down to Helsington Church; just time it right to see a paraglider attempting to take-off but not successful !

Back at car, 6.3 miles, not bad for a lunchtime run - need to get back to the office for a shower and a healthy lunch.

Back on the Helm - Wednesday 6th April 2011

At last, back on the Helm, Spring is here. After several very wet days, it has cleared up and the brisk wind has, to some extent, dried the mud.

Got to try out my new Inov-8 Road-X 255's on the way to the Helm, but legs felt heavy, how would I push myself on a gruelling hill rep session ?!

Russ in charge, he sends me off to lead a warm-up, tempted to take the group to the far end and run some easy laps for the evening....but hardly fair on Russ ! :-D

Anyway, he has given some thought to the session and it works well; hill reps, but sort-of in a pyramid session. I work hard and my new Inov-8 Baregrip 200's are performing well. Feel tired by the end and not good for Craig who, again, went over on his ankle and may be out of action for a few days; his training for the 3 Peaks, assisted by Mick, is/was coming on so well; hopefully not too serious set-back for him.

Then just faced with the run home, Inov-8 road shoes back on and off I slog; always hard on the way home but did not need to call upon my emergency energy supply...a banana - it was returned to the fruit bowl and little bruised and feeling unloved !

Canal / River Run - 5th April 2011

Having not made it out earlier, an after work run from the office was required. Fortunately the rain had stopped, but what a day. The morning had started with our lane being flooded and the car park at Levens Hall being well under water, this being a combination of a high Spring tide and heavy overnight rain filling the short river Kent to bursting point.

The ground was seriosuly muddy and my Salomon XT's were hardly up to the job of keeping me upright. The river was still high and flowing fast, always an impressive sight. I ran through the Deer Park and then onto the old canal towpath as far as Hawes Lane. Needing to get some extra distance in, I did a quick river / canal loop before taking the river path back to Sedgwick and back into the Deer Park.

Around 8.25 miles tonight and finished in serious need of a shower and food. I, therefore, raided the office supply of biscuits whilst heading to the shower....it then took as long to wash the mud from the shower enclosure as it did to wash it from me....the joys of running !

Helm Hill Run - Monday 4th April 2011

Managing to set-off earlier, I headed along the west side of the Kent out of town, past the sewage works towards Natland. The ground was vey wet after earlier heavy rain, but conditions, over head, were better than expected. Getting as far as Hawes Bridge, I realised that I needed to head back into town, and quickly, so made a quick dash along the canal path back to the Leisure Centre. !

Making it back with 5 minutes to spare (and having run 4.25 miles) I just had just enough time to see the dedicated few being out through their paces on the track at KK school - glad I wasn't there !

About ten of us set-off from at 6.45pm and, for some strange reason, I led the group along the river to Hawes Bridge....familiar terrain ! However, from here, we crossed the bridge and then carried on along the river towards Sedgwick; cutting back before then we headed up to Natland and towards the Helm; a quick familiarisation for Wednesday !

Time was running short so a quick blast through Oxenholme station and down the hill led us back to the start; about 6.5 miles, bringing my evening total to around 10.75 miles.

Langdale Pikes - Sunday 3rd April 2011

Having had tough weekends for as long as I can recall, I decided to take things a little easier this weekend. As is now becoming part of my normal routine, I called in at More Bakery for coffee and croissant before heading to Langdale in the camper.

The day was already looking much better than Saturday but the cloud base was a little lower than the higher Langdale summits. I parked at the New Dungeon Ghyll carpark and after more coffee headed up the quieter path to the right of Dungeon Gyhll to Stickle Tarn; this path usually avoids the crowds of the main path but, looking down on this, there did not seem that many people out.

Soon at the Tarn, I skirted to the right and took the faint path towards Seargeant Man, the first summit of the day.

From Sergeant Man I headed to High Raise (762m) which is one of my favourite Lakeland peaks. To me, this feels to be the centre of the Lakes with just about every range and peak visibile in a 360o panarama.

The next objective was Thunacar Knott, then to Harrison Stickle and Pike O'Stickle, a familiar route and sequence for anyone acquainted with the Bob Graham Round. From Stickle, I cut back to Loft Crag and then down the main path back to the camper and more coffee...I think I have a worrying addiction to caffeiene.

I think my body and soul appreciated an easier day out, I think (and hope) this will allow me to run strong this week and on into the weekend...we will see.

An early run from Staveley - Saturday 2nd April 2011

As I plan for a longer day out tomorrow, I thought an early run from Staveley first thing this morning would be a good idea. Having heard the rain pounding on the skylights through the night it come as no surprise that this was a wet and blustery run (as I write this an hour or so later the sun is breaking through...ha ho, character building stuff !).

Parking in Mill Yard left me ideally placed for coffee and a croissant upon my return, I headed out of the village on the road to just before the level crossing and then followed the river (Dales Way) towards Cowan Head but crossing the bridge to Hagg Farm just before reaching the complex.

The rain was heavy, the river high and the ground muddy but can't let minor things like this stop me from heading out. Up through Hundhowe to Potter Tarn and on up to Gurnal Dubs. The cloud was swirling around at this level and the wind was strong. Following the same route that Russ and I took a week or so earlier I climbed to Potter Fell summit (395m); a small pile of stones marks the top of the seldom visited outlying peak.

Heading North West on a faint trod brought me to the track which leads up from Brunt Knott Farm eventually to Longsleddale, I followed down through the farm to join the road and then steep fields back to the village.

Out for just over an hour, a quick change into dry clothes in the camper and then for coffee and a croissant in  More Bakery - well worth enduring the conditions for these little luxuries.

Hope the weather is better for tomorrow, the high fells are calling !