Reston Scar - Sunday 29th May 2011

A bit wet and wild out there today. Want a short run so head to Staveley for a gentle run around the Reston Scar Scamper race route. Would not be a great day on the higher fells.

Good to be out though and finish with coffee and croissant in More Bakery - they are beginning to get a lot of free advertising from me, perhaps I should tell them and negotiate a discount !

Lingmoor - Saturday 28th May 2011

I should be out for a long run today but my legs say different....so I listen to my body !

I park at Elterwater and head through slate quarry and over to Little Langdale. Drop down to Slater's Bridge and follow track West. The earlier rain has cleared, a bit windy but not too bad at this level. Come out onto the Wrynose Pass road and then cut off to Blea Tarn; same path as last week towards the end of the OCT; don't feel any fresher today than I did last week and, at that stage, I had been running for over 9hrs !

From the cattle grid I head up to Lingmoor, a steady climb which goes quickly; then just a gentle run along the ridge before dropping back down through the quarry to Elterwater. Coffee in the camper tastes good.

Out for about 2 hours, a good run and enough for me today.

Feel the need to stop at More Bakery, Staveley on the way home for a bacon & egg bap....so I do :-)

Lunchtime run on Scar - Friday 27th May 2011

A dry day, a bit windy and not that warm; I drive to Brigsteer Woods and head off on my usual route to the Scar. Up to Helsington Church, down to the track, along to the Brigsteer road, then farm track, through the woods to the farm, steep climb onto Scar, to Mushroom back along to trig point, head down to Brigsteer Road, Heslington Church, across field to car - that's the route !

A good run, great views to the Lakeland fells from my favourite place on the Scar :-)

Long weekend ahead, hope to run Saturday, pack in some miles on low level trails and then on the fells on Monday. Weather forecast not great but can't let that stop me.

Post work run - Thursday 26th May 2011

Manage to dodge the heavy downpours and have a run along the river from the office as far as Hawes Bridge, then back along the canal path. A steady run, perhaps two hard sessions after the OCT was not such a good idea.

Helm Training - Wednesday 25th May 2011

Russ works us all hard tonight - flat and fast along the top - varying times for the reps, anything from 15 seconds to 60 seconds - I find this hard, especially the shorter ones, just as I get going I have to slow down, just as I slow down I have to speed up - I guess it does me good.

It was a long and slow run home !

Beer & Curry..again - Tuesday 24th May 2011

No running again today but a celebration....I have been with Rathbones for 10 years this month so Richard and I visit an old haunt, The Hole in t'Wall in Bowness for a pint and a curry - this brings back memories of when we were based in Bowness and often visited here for a quick pint (and a curry..!).

Back to running though !

Track Session - Monday 23rd May 2011

Legs still feel in good shape so decide to go for a track session. It's hard work but the legs respond well - various 800m, 600m, 300m, 200m & 100m reps, it all becomes a bit of a blur but I keep my head down and stay focused.

I take advice and sit in a cold bath for 10 minutes when I get home....well actually I think I could only manage 5 minutes....it will take time to recover from this, I think I am now only half the man I was !!

The day after the OCT - Sunday 22nd May 2011

Feel good today but decide to be sensible and not run !

Old County Tops - Saturday 21st May 2011

Not a great forecast and as I wake in camper on Elterwater Common...it's raining. However by 7am it has stopped and the cloud base is reasonably high.

Quickly register and then back to camper for coffee and some decision making on what kit to wear and what to carry; should have brought less with me, this would have made it easier. This is a long race, 37 miles and 10,000' of ascent and with the forecast I do not want to be ill-equipped. Some runners have just small bumbags, I have my Raidlight Endurance 12 litre sack and it's close to full; at least I know I can cope with most situations which I might encounter today.

We set off at 8am, a steady start down the track and onto the Langdale road to the sound of a cow bell, I remember this from last time ! Soon offroad and climbing to below Silver Howe and then drop down to Grasmere. A short section on the A591 and then the long climb towards Grisedale Tarn.

The rain is holding off but it is windy, glad of my Montane Featherlite Smock. From the Tarn I decide to head straight up Dollywagon (via the BG descent route), despite many racers taking a lower line. The advantage is that I reach the runnable path sooner and, in the cloud, head towards Helvellyn, the first of the three county tops.

The marshals have a real task ahead of them, they do a fantastic job and allow races like this to happen. A bearing of 205o from the summit works well and I am soon joining the path which leads up from Wythburn Church. A checkpoint at the carpark allows a quick cup of tea and some cake before the trudge up the Wythburn valley and into the Bog !

This goes well, and I'm soon climbing up Greenup Edge. From here a long sloping descent leads down towards the summit of Stake Pass and then round the back of Rossett Crag to the checkpoint at Angle Tarn. It is still windy but, again, the rain is holding off.

From here, climb to Esk Hause and then the main path to Sca Fell Pike (this is easy to follow...how could one go wrong here....Russ ?). It is busy today and the last climb to the summit is hard going as everyone seems to be heading down. I see other racers deciding to drop back to Narrowcove, the safer descent line to Great Moss.

Having recce'd this and having noted bearings, I decide on the direct descent and I seem to be leading the way. It works well, the rocks are slippery and it is steep but once out of the cloud I am pleased to be in the  right place. It is easier going from here and I am soon heading down to Cockley Bridge and another cup of tea, cakes and a banana.

The rain which ha been holding off finally gives in and conditions on the long climb to the Old Man of Coniston turn grim. This is full-on weather, visibility is reduced to very little, the wind is gusting very strong and the rain torrential. I have no choice but to keep my head down and do battle with the elements. I pass Garry and Paul somewhere on Brim Fell, Paul is suffering, Garry is still smiling !

The marshals on the OMC are doing a fine job (all be it from the relative comfort of a tent which is close to be flattened by the wind). Turn back from here and soon catch Garry & Paul, keep working hard and make the right navigation choices just as others start to head the wrong way; they soon see where I am heading and turn to follow me. Again this works well and once out of the cloud the descent line to the 3 Shires Stone at the top of Wrynose Pass is obvious.

From the Stone it is a mile or so down the tarmac (this is hard on the knees) before cutting off towards Blea Tarn. Over the road and the finish is close. This is where recce'ing pays off, a short-cut here safes time and gains places and I am soon at the farm track which leads to the road and the finish.

Over the line in about 9hrs 45mins, it has been a good day and went to plan. The soup goes down well, as does changing into dry clothes back at the camper (with the heater full on) and coffee.

What a race, this was my second time and I'll be back for more.

Rest day - Friday 20th May 2011

So the big race tomorrow....The Old County Tops....decide to have a day off from running. Will be heading over to Langdale in camper tonight; need to decide which fell shoes to take....can't decide, so settle on 4 pairs, at least my choice tomorrow morning has been restricted somewhat !

Post work run - Thursday 19th May 2011

Legs massaged this morning, they were not in great shape but feel much looser now.

Head out for my usual river / canal run after work tonight - a glorious evening, much better than the last few days.

I take it easy as the big run is not far away - rest day tomorrow.

Helm Training - Wednesday 15th May 2011

A cold, blustery night. I run to the Helm from home, this is always hard but the extra few miles each way does me good.

Russ has organised an excellent short, steep uphill rep session - not one we have done before. 12 reps, sounds tough but the climb is shorter than it looks. Should really be taking it easy as I have the OCT on Saturday but, as ever, never manage to hold back.

The run home is steady and hard work but, all-in-all, a good evening.

Massage in the morning and maybe a steady run after work...I'll see what state the legs are in.

Lunchtime run - Tuesday 17th May 2011

Make it back to the office by 12, a straight forward drive back from Raglan, no traffic issues.

Need to stretch my legs though so head out on usual river run to Hawes Bridge and back along canal path. Not very warm, a bit wet and a bit windy - had started to get used to good weather....should have known better.

Still, good to be out - legs fell ok today.

Work ! - Monday 16th May 2011

No chance to run today and my legs are glad of this (actually, I should have run - I'm not far from Abergavenny, some good hills around here and time to spare.....)

But the rest, three course lunch and restaurant dinner will do me good. Have booked a massage for Thursday, legs feel tight and have the Old County Tops on Saturday !

(short) Ultra 100 Recce - Sunday 15th May 2011

Legs tired today, me tired today- wide awake from 5am despite my still needing to make-up sleep from Friday night.

But feel the need to put a few more miles in the legs...decide on an afternoon run from Ambleside on a section of the Ultra 100 route.

It's a bit wet, a bit cold and low cloud....not the most inspring of days. I head out from Low Fold carpark and take the route below Wansfell to Robin Lane and then into Troutbeck. Desend to the Kirkstone Road and start the long grind up the Garburn Pass - manage to run all the way to the top.

It's colder, wetter and windier up there so I did not hang around, headed back down and retraced my steps to Ambleside. Out for 2 hours, that's enough for today.

Pop into Cafe Altitude for a much needed latte and waffles with maple syrup :-)

Fairfield Horseshoe Fell Race - Saturday 14th May 2011

...rude not to, especially as it's a Club Championship counter !

I'm still wide awake and feeling good but know that my legs will not like the climbs or the fast runnable sections (that just about covers the whole route !). A big field, nearly 300 runners, a FRA Championship counter as well.

Not raced this one before and the route differs from the Rydal Round. The first climb is tough but I manage to keep ahead of Ben and John but know they are not far behind. I take a big tumble somewhere after Heron Pike, Ben is very kind and stops to ask I'm ok....I am but this knocks me. Ben and John push ahead and I know that I won't be able to catch them today, perhaps I could keep them in sight though.

It's cold and windy on the tops, I push on, it's hard going but less tired than I expected. There is just no spring in my step though and I'm glad to make it down to the track. I pick the pace up and manage to overtake someone along here. The finish is at the top of a short climb through the woods, glad to make it across the line.

A big Helm turn-out and I am pleased to be 3rd Helm and 30th overall in a time of 1:36:40.  I listen to advice and sit in the beck for 5 minutes (my equivalent to an ice bath) - this is painful but hopefully I will get the benefit over the next days...I'd better!

So, glad I raced, not my best result but may need this to count as my 8th race in the Club Champs.

BG Leg 3 - Saturday 14th May 2011

An early start...to be precise a very early start. Manage a couple of hours sleep in camper, parked in Grasmere carpark. The alarm goes off at 1am, and within 10 minutes I am driving out of the carpark and being followed by the police....I know what's coming next....yes, blue lights !

I pull over, get out and say "good morning", I tell them I'm off running, a leg of the Bob Graham.....they think I'm mad and wish me good luck....no further questioning ! (Glad they did not keep me longer or breathalyse me..not an issue as such but tight on time !).

Get to Dunmail for 1.30am, Daniel is due in at about 2.30am. Garry arrives soon after me and we see headtorches coming down Seat Sandal; this can't be Daniel, it's too early...it is ! He is going well and looking strong, only been sick a couple of times so, for him, this is an improvement.

It's dark (obviously), cold and raining as we set off with Daniel, and another pacer, Stuart, up Steel Fell. Fortunately the cloud base is well above the summits but the rain increases and the wind picks up. Me and Garry work together on navigating, but don't need or map or compass (although, somehow, Garry manages to lose his compass on route...not good).

We are moving well, Dan is talking and managing to eat and drink but is finding it hard going (he tells me later that this section was the hardest of his Round). Calf Crag is ticked off and we head to Sergeant Man, I was worried about this section, it can be tricky to navigate but we stick to the the path and it goes exactly to plan. On to High Raise, Thunacar Knott and Harrison Stickle; I feel good, wide awake and not tired....this will catch up on me at some point.

It starts to get light but is still wet and the rain is heavy. On to Pike O'Stickle and the long leg to Rossett Crag; we keep ahead of schedule and manage to improve on this further. Bowfell is always a hard climb on the BG, half way point and not many people manage this climb without some suffering. Dan climbs well and we get to the summit. The rock are very greasy and lethal !

To Esk Pike, Great End, Ill Crag, Broad Crag and Sca Fell Pike, all pass without incident. I had already asked Dan his plans for Sca Fell, initially he was keen to climb Broad Stand if a rope was to be in place but, today, given how slippy the rocks are he decides on Lords Rake and the West Wall Traverse.

Dan sends Stuart down to Wasdale (it's very quiet without him !) as Lords Rake is very loose rock and it is safer the fewer there are of us. I would not be wanting to climb this gully if there were to be anyone ahead of us, there is also a huge boulder wedged at the top (this fell here a couple of years ago) and some people do not think it will stay there for ever - this would be a very quick way to go !

We make it to the top of the Rake and cut back into the West Wall Traverse, conditions improve and we are soon topping-out on the last summit of this section. I lead a rapid descent to Wasdale, down a great scree run and across the fields to his waiting support team.

We started the section 22 minutes up on schedule and finish 34 minutes up, despite some tough conditions....this is good, he is in good shape and looks strong. Me and Garry take some time out, eat and drink and put on warm and dry clothes. We watch Dan and his next set of pacers (who arrived literally as he set-off) climb Yewbarrow - good luck to him.

Dan's father-in-law drives us back to Dunmail, I'm deep in thought....should I race Fairfield in a couple of hours or not....?

Update, Dan completes his Round is an impressive 21hrs 25 mins - great stuff :-)

A day off ! - Friday 13th May 2011

Have a lot going on later tonight and tomorrow so don't need a run today.

Scar Run - Thursday 12th May 2011

Legs feel good despite my 10k last night. Head out at lunchtime for my usual route on Scar. It's cold and windy, glad I wear my long sleeve top.

This is one of my favourite runs, the views are good and the Scar is a special place.

Kendal 10k - Wednesday 11th May 2011

The first of Kendal AC's evening 10k series was tonight, this one being in Kendal. Have not run a 10k since last summer and have run very little on roads (try to avoid them as far as possible !), so not sure how I will do.

A cool evening but the rain is holding off, ideal conditions. The race starts in Natland Road and follows a relatively flat route through Natland to Sedgwick. From here, a sharp left turn and uphill to Crosscrake before another left and an even steeper uphill, and then a downhill, to get back to the main road. Then, from there, retrace the outward journey.

The race started at 7.30pm and I set-off at the front and run the first few hundred metres as joint leader. Obviously this couldn't and didn't last and several fit, and young, looking runners head past. However, I stick with it and find myself running in about 8th place.

A couple of undulations allow me to move to 7th and then following support from Helm spectator I move to 6th. This is soon lost but I again retake this on the climb from Crosscrake. I manage to hold onto this and steadily gain on the 5th place guy. More support from Helm spectator keeps me going but the race is just not longer enough for me to close the gap.

I finish in 6th place, in a time of 35m25s - I'm happy with this - almost three and half minutes off my previous PB (Langdale Christmas Pudding race in 2007). Helm have a good turn-out, Will Smith finishes in a fantastic 4th place (a talented youth here and one to watch) and our ladies also do brilliant, picking up the team prize. I get 1st M V40 (by default) but am very happy to have another Pete Bland voucher to spend on new kit :-).

The next race in the series is at Levens on 1st June.

Things to have checked out ! - Tuesday 10th May 2011

No running today - need to get something checked out - seems to be ok - back to it tomorrow.

Helm Evening Run - Monday 9th May 2011

Decide to train on the track for half an hour, this is tough going - could cope as I had not over-run at the weekend but would not be good after a hard race or big distance.

Then across to Leisure Centre, head along river to Sedgwick and then back along canal path. A very steady run - 6.5 miles.

Kentmere Horseshoe - Sunday 8th May 2011

Took a while to decide on a plan for today, had originally wanted to run my 'Spine' route, Keswick to Ambleside (to the West of Thirlmere) but due to weather, 17 miles on the road yesterday and that.......blister, opted for a shorter Kentmere Horseshoe with Russ.

Set off from the church at 1.15pm, weather not great, rain and low cloud but forecast to improve. Steady run up the pass and then cut-off on the race route to the first summit, Yoke. The weather did improve and I was frustrated at having decided to leave my camera behind.....lesson learnt.

The next few summits came and went quickly and we were soon heading to High Street, had not been here since January and then it looked very white ! Down to Nan Bield and the last main climb to Harter Fell. We continued our plan to go to all of the summits so visited Kentmere Pike and Shipman Knotts on the way down.

Back at the church in 2hrs 45mins, a steady run, just what I needed...cheers Russ.

Keswick to Barrow - Saturday 7th May 2011

Set off to Elterwater in camper last night - parked up just a thunder storm started, some impressive lightning !

An early start this morning, up just after 5 and set-off at 6 to run, in reverse, until I bump into Helm runner. Make it a mile or so past Grasmere and then run as far as Coniston to support - a good run, the rain clears, it's humid and still, a good atmosphere.

Turn back at Coniston, soon get very tired of runners and marshalls telling me I'm going the wrong way ! After a while, decide to avoid eye contact - this seems to work.

Back at camper by 8.30, 17 miles run but small in comparison to those taking part; need breakfast so head to Booths, Windermere for coffee and a sausage bap - good stuff :-)

Successful surgery...! - Friday 6th May 2011

It worked, pierced, drained and cut away skin....not pleasant but will now start to recover.

It meant I could get out for an early run, so from work, in the rain, through the park and along the river to Hawes Bridge, back along the canal path - a good run.

A forced recovery day ! - Thursday 5th May 2011

Not what you are thinking.....this is not because I trained in Billy's group last night but because, shock horror, I have a blister :-(

And, as you can see, it is right in the middle of the underside of my foot.....this is not good !

Not sure how best to deal with this, really do not want another day of non-running...feel some DIY is required.....tomorrow's blog will reveal the results !

Helm Training - Wednesday 4th May 2011

So with pressure from both above and below I finally bow and decide to join Billy's 'elite' group for training tonight; I am daunted by this....

This is not helped by Billy suggesting that I start further down the hill, close to Tom (he came 5th at Coniston and has represented England at International level !); however, I am surprised at the pace, I keep up and overtake many of the others in the group.

We run 3 sets of 3 reps from bottom to top of Helm, each set via a different route. I did begin regret cycling to and from work and running to the Helm from home after about the 5th ! But I kept going; what is notably different is the short, or lack of, recovery and the fact that we trained for a full hour.

The run home was hard but I was glad I stepped up...not sure this will happen every week but I was not put off.

Inov-8 X-Talon 212 Review

Inov-8 X-Talon 212's: I have been wearing these for a month or so now and initial thoughts are that they are a great summer fell racing / running shoes. They are ideal for light, fast movement over rough ground.

Initially the fit was a little close for my liking; however, being very minimalistic in their design they soon adapted and moulded to my feet; I am now very happy with the fit (usual size 8.5's, as is the case with all Inov-8's).

They sit somewhere between the Bare Grips and the heavier Mudclaws or Mudrocs and provide some cushioning but still feel fast and allow your feet to stay in touch with the ground. This is someway towards the bare foot style of running and, for me, is an excellent compromise between this and the heavier shoes.

The grip is great, the lacing positive and durability is reasonable. I probably won't be wanting to wear these during the winter but for the next few months at least they have become my firm favourites.

Canal / River Run - Tuesday 3rd May 2011

So back at work after 11 days off...!

Need a post work run so head from the office along the river as far as Hawes Bridge. Return along the canal path to Levens Park. The bluebells are beautiful and the evening is fantastic - wish these runs could go on forever.

Fairfield Horseshoe - Monday 2nd May 2011

Although my legs are keen for another rest day, the mind is saying other things...so off to Rydal for a quick zip around the Horseshoe.

Another fine day but still windy. Very few people about and I climb steadily to the summit of Fairfield. Glad of my Montane windtop and Inov-8 Wrag on the summit, the wind is cold. On to Hart Crag and Dove Crag and then stay on the lee side of the wall to get shelter from the wind.

Decide to cut off right between High Pike and Low Pike and drop to Rydal Beck, definitely no one about down here, this is a good thing. Run along beck to the pools, looks tempting for a dip but I'm sure it's cold in there !

Join track for easy run to car; quick change and then into Rydal Hall tearooms for a much needed coffee and cake.

A day of rest - 1st May 2011

Not much to add here.....I have rested !

Coniston Fell Race - Saturday 30th April 2011

So I decide to race, the day is sunny but still very windy in Kendal.

Arrive in Coniston with plenty of time to spare, don't like to be in a rush before a race. Less windy here, conditions look good but struggling to decide what to wear. In terms of footwear, there is no choice - I have only brought my Inov-8 X-Talon 212's - these are perfect for this type of fast race.

Russ has already built the pressure, he expects me to finish in under 1hr 30 mins, I can't see that this is possible. Another big Helm turn-out....Steve B, Russ, Dave Appleyard, Garry, Ben, Kath, Caroline, Lindsay, Jayne, Ali, Paul & Chris Tuson, Tom...sorry if I have forgotten you.

Having recce'd the route on Thursday I was confident of the route choice and hoped for a good race. The start is fast and steep, no Adder today, too many heavy footsteps from the 200+ runners. Good to see Gary at the top of the Bank shouting encouragement. The race starts well, I am moving fast, perhaps too fast !

Make good progress to Wetherlam, but it is hard, I stay lower than the route I took on Thursday, began to wish I stayed higher. Soon at CP 1 on Wetherlam and take different lines to the Hawse, much better, avoiding the rough path. Yvonne & Bethan are there to give encouragement, this is much appreciated.

Now the second and last main climb, Prison Band to Swirl How. I like this climb, I dig deep and make good prgoress. Billy is at the top, again gives plenty of support and a helping shove up the backside - thanks Billy. Head to Brim Fell now, just about runnable, stay slightly right of the summit and am soon at the summit of the Old Man. The marshall tells me I am 17th.

I have my descent route fixed in my mind and this goes exactly to plan. Even at the summit I do not think 1hr 30 is achieveable. My route works well, it brings me out level with a group of 5 or 6 runners who were well ahead of me at the summit - this is good.

Hard running on the lower path, passed by one or two faster runners but am still pleased with progress. Across the bridge and onto the track, not far now. I stride out, sharp left into the field and across the line.....14th, 1hr 22 mins - very pleased with this.

Tom had a great race, finsishing 5th. Good to see Helm members finishing, try to give as much encouragement. What a great race and great day. Stay for prize giving, pick-up a voucher and Helm ladies win the team prize, another great achievement for them :-)