No running and no riding ! - Thursday 30th June 2011

Not much to say other than I don't run and I don't ride today !

Dockray Fell Race - Wednesday 29th June 2011

Is it on or isn't it on - it is, thanks Joe.

This is a reincarnation of an old race and a longer version of the Dockray Hartside race. A low-key, £1 entry, race and only 37 runners, 9 or so being Helm - a fiercely contested Championship race !

I run well and love the route, the cloud is high and there is a chill in the air. I can see Robin lead the way and me and Garry have a tussle. I manage to pull away and stride out and finish in 8th place. Robin wins.

A great race and quick beer afterwards in the pub - thanks Garry for driving.

Lunchtime run - Tuesday 28th June 2011

A hot and sunny day so I head out from the office along the river and back along the canal - easy running but very enjoyable.

Also manage a bike ride in the evening, back along the Lyth valley - good to be out in the fresh air.

An easy day - Monday 27th June 2011

I had planned to climb more munros today but my knee is troubling me and my achilles are tight - I covered almost 100 miles in the last seven days !

So I head home early and take advantage of a sunny evening for a bike ride along the Lyth valley -  pleasant way to stretch the legs without any heavy impact.

Lairig Ghru Fell Race - Sunday 26th June 2011

This is the second time I have raced this, Braemar police station to Aviemore police station - 28 miles.

A record entry of 151 racers, previous entries had topped just 82. Russ and I had raced this three years ago so I had a target time of 4hrs 34mins to beat.

A heavy downpour at the start made clothing choice difficult but I decide on windtop rather than waterproof. It always amazes me the contrast in what people wear and carry - I'm sure I wear and carry too much but prefer this to not enough.

The route follows the road for a few miles and then cuts down through Mar Lodge before picking up a track to Derry Lodge (now ruined). Good running and the rain eases, I make good progress but can feel my 20 mile day from yesterday !

The path is obvious but rocky so full-on concentration is required. The route basically goes steadily uphill for 18 miles and then steadily down for the final 10 miles.

Near the top of the pass the route crosses two boulder fields, these are not much fun but at least the rock has dried. I am 28th at the top but am soon passed on the rough decent. Aviemore looks a long way away from here.

However, as soon as I pick up the forest tracks my pace increases massively; I go into over-taking mode and manage to keep this pace on the last few miles along the road. I finish in 3hrs 51mins, a noticeable improvement on my previous time. I am placed 24th.

A good race followed by good post race refreshments and a hot shower. The coach journey back to Braemar ia long but scenic - a great race, thanks to Deeside Runners for excellent organisation.

Cairngorm Munros - Saturday 25th June 2011

I only have 2 munros left to climb in the Cairngorms so these are my mission for today.

Short drive to Linn of Dee - had decided not to bring bike so have an extra six miles to walk but the distance will do me good.

A little wary of leaving the camper, this parking area has a reputation for cars being broken in to and the amount of shattered glass in the area shows this is true !

So walk in to Derry Lodge and then head into the mist and drizzle to the first summit, Derry Cairngorm. Nothing to see here and chilly on top so head straight on to Britain's second highest mountain, Ben Macdui. Only see three people on the summit and decide to not stop long. Head off on a bearing to pick up the stream which I follow down until the ground eases off on the left.

From here I follow one of the few ridges in the area to the summit of Carn Mhaim, my third munro of the day and last remaining one in the area.

A long but easy walk out from here, over some of the ground which I will cover in tomorrow's race.

A good day out and two more munros ticked off.

Heading North - Friday 24th June 2011

So heading to Braemar for the weekend....but decide to start with a bacon & egg roll and latte at More Cafe. Then lunch in the new Tiso store on the edge of Perth.
A good journey in the camper, get to the campsite in Braemar in good time and head out for an early eveing stroll - a great place to be.

No running..again - Thursday 23rd June 2011

This worries me - should I be doing more ???

A busy day though, lots to do - off to Braemar tomorrow for the Liarig Ghru race on Sunday...hope to bag a few munros as well.

Hawkshead 10k - Wednesday 22nd June 2011

There is a big turn-out tonight and my legs feel tired from Monday.

This is not an easy run today but I work hard and finish 12th in 36mins 54 secs - not my best time but not bad considering.

Eight Helm runners out tonight, no prizes but some good running. An enjoyable evening with burgers and drinks at the prize-giving in the square.

No running but a cycle - Tuesday 21st June 2011

Need to take it easy today, fell tired.

Head out on my bike after work for a quick blast to Natland, Sedgwick, Levens; then the Levens 10k route and back to Sedgwick and Natland.

Just out for an hour - cycling definitely uses different muscles to running !

Ultra 100 Recce - Monday 20th June 2011

The sun is out early, it is going to be a hot day and I have 35 miles to run.

I start from Buttermere, one of the checkpoints on the race and carefully follow the route book - this leads me out of the village and to Sail Pass before dropping to Braithwaite and the next checkpoint - could have done with this being manned today, already running low on water.

The next few miles are not much fun, along the side of the A66 until picking up the old railway line and then on the familiar BG route towards Skiddaw. Fortunately only as far as the Latrigg carpark today and then bear off towards Skiddaw House. I head up this valley before dropping down to the beck and doubling back to the Blencathra Centre (another checkpoint). Manage to fill up with water here.

I then drop down to the railway again and follow this as far as Newsham. BG route, again, up to the old coachroad and then follow this as far as High Row - I'm, again, running low on water and the streams are too low for refilling.

From High Row (checkpoint), I drop down on the road to Dockray and then skirt above Aira Force and contour Gowbarrow Fell. This is a beautiful section but today I am hot and thirsty and it is hard work. This section is much longer than it looks, I will remember this !

Then a few miles on the road to Dacre and track to Dalmain House, the half-way point and the start of the Ultra 50. Just a few more miles to go today, across fields and along the river to Pooley Bridge and my car.

I am glad I have left a drink here, it is warm but still appreciated. Out for 6hrs 45 mins, 35 miles - I am pleased with this and fell in good shape.

A day to recover - Sunday 19th June 2011

After a full-on day yesterday I need to take it easy. Head to the Hawkshead Brewery in Staveley to meet up with the jubilant team and enjoy a few beers and tapas - very relaxing.

Helm Ladies - Billy Bland Bob Graham Challenge - Saturday 18th June 2011

I had offered to provide road support when the idea of the ladies attempting this challenge was first raised. Keeping to my word, the use of my camper, and me, for the entire challenge was provided.

The ladies had worked hard to get to this stage – training had taken place, recces undertaken and planning meetings (involving the consumption of wine) were attended. The final pairings needed to be altered as ‘Captain Kath’ was injured and very clearly, and understandably, upset at not being able to run her leg. Final decisions had to be made as the weather forecast was not great….would Sunday better….would the all the Team still be available if it were postponed….Kath kept a cool head and stuck to the mid-night Friday start.

The camper was loaded and we headed to Keswick ready to meet Ruth and Becky who were to run Leg 1. Coffee and cake were duly provided and the atmosphere in the car park was good – Becky was impressed with the lightstick which I gave her and both her and Ruth were full of enthusiasm, despite the threat of gloomy weather conditions.

Other BG attempts were also setting off at midnight although Helm was the only Team taking part in this challenge. At exactly midnight (according to Kath’s watch) the girls set-off, there was quite a crowd in Keswick, some less sober than others. The downside to supporting is that there can be a lot of waiting around but rarely long enough to have any decent sleep. A few hours was all that I managed before needing to be at Threlkeld to meet Caroline and Jayne who were to be running Leg 2 and to be there ready to provide drinks, food and warmth for the Leg 1 runners finishing their stage.

Caroline and Jayne, who had grabbed a few hours sleep in the back of their car, were set ready to go, but where were Ruth and Becky. It was an anxious wait, the weather was far from great and the occasional flash of torches on Hall’s Fell ridge told us very little. Eventually, and slightly over-due, they arrived; hastily the baton was handed over and Caroline and Jayne shot off into the gloomy dawn.

However, all was not well, Ruth had taken a serious fall and had damaged her hand badly; she looked visibly shaken and she was soon bundled into the camper for warm clothing, soup and some tlc. Her hand was bad; she had done a fantastic job descending the ridge, in dark and wet conditions, one-handed. It took some time to make her more comfortable and once back in Keswick, Becky was to take her home and ensure that she went to hospital asap.

Next stop for us was Dunmail Raise; again this was a busy place and no time for sleep. Lindsay and Ali arrived early and we eagerly awaited Jayne and Caroline’s arrival. Tim had kindly climbed Seat Sandal to offer support and encouragement, a good effort considering the early start and foul weather. We did not wait long before they came over the horizon, ahead of schedule and running well. They had done a fantastic job in poor conditions and were absolutely buzzing with excitement at the finish. Again the baton was handed over to Lindsay and Ali who charged off up Steel Fell.

Jayne and Caroline were supplied with refreshments, as was Tim when he finally caught up ( J ). Next stop for me and Kath was Keswick for breakfast….a large breakfast, a hot shower and some sleep would have been good as well but no time for this, we had to pick up Sharron and Helen and then drive to Wasdale.

This is a long and boring drive, Kath nodded off and I came close but needed to stay awake as I was the driver ! Driving fast seemed to keep me awake but later realised that Sharron and Helen, travelling in the back, did not entirely agree; Helen did not feel great on arrival at Wasdale – sorry ! The usual routine kicked-in, kettle on, drinks, food and no chance of sleep. Sandra Scott and her husband were also here to support, very loyal of her and much appreciated by all.

After not too long we could see Lindsay and Ali descending the steep scree run, they were moving well and again up on schedule despite grim conditions. Sharron and Helen were desperate to get going and we had already spent some time looking at the best line up Yewbarrow. The baton was, again, handed over and they were off. Food and drink supplied to Lindsay and Ali and then the long drive back to Keswick – at least the thought of chips kept me awake.

We met up with Yvonne, Bethan, Victoria and Ruth – she had been to hospital, was well bandaged and slinged up and was back to support – what a girl. Becky was desperately trying to get back as well but had been delayed by the traffic from the Great North Swim. Eventually we all got to Honister, again for the well rehearsed routine.

However, even less time to wait, Sharron and Helen came bursting over the skyline, well up on schedule and flying down the steep descent to the carpark – great stuff. No time wasted, Yvonne, Bethan and Victoria set-off up Dale Head on the final section. We dashed, via, Keswick to Newlands Church ready to help with the change over to road shoes. The girls did not disappoint, they were on a mission.

We had no time to waste; we needed to get to Keswick before they did ! parked up we headed to the Moot Hall and very soon they were in sight; they had run fantastically well and sprinted to the finish in an overall time of 21hrs 48mins, by far a new ladies record. What an achievement and great team work – a very good day was had by all. Off for a celebratory drink but the lack of sleep was soon catching up on me. The drive home was a struggle and bed very welcome.

Presentation, drinks and food at the Hawkshead Brewery on the Sunday was fun, a great opportunity to catch up and chat about the fantastic day and achievement – well done ladies J

Fairfield Horseshoe - Friday 17th June 2011

Craig and I set-off early for a quick run around Fairfield. The rain starts as we arrive in Rydal and the cloud is down. This does not deter us and we head up into the gloom. Not too windy though and we make good progress to Fairfield.

It is good to have company and Craig and I chat as we run along. The summits pass quickly and the rain goes un-noticed. We are soon heading down out of the cloud and back to the car. Just over two hours, not bad given it felt steady.

Into Ambleside for tea and a bacon & egg bun - good stuff.

Need to head home, take Barney for walk on Helm (he is reluctant) and then need to get prepared for my BG support role tonight, more on this later.

Another rest day, unplanned though - Thursday 16th June 2011

Back to work, I had hoped to get out at lunchtime but plumbing issues at home force me to abandon this. Never mind, the rest will do me good.

Tebay Fell Race - Wednesday 15th June 2011

A Club championship race and one which I have not run for a few years. It is a long evening race, over 9 miles, very runnable and plenty of climbing. A big Helm turn-out in a field of, say, a hundred or so.

Carl Bell takes the lead and I show Jebby the way....for a minute or two at least.....I enjoy it while I can ! A long run out, for me the hardest part, before a goo climb to Rispa Fell and the first checkpoint. Easier running to checkpoint 2 and then a steep descent before picking up the contour path. I am running well and can see Joss and Seb from the club a little way ahead; Robin and Alastair are much further ahead and only just in sight.

After the long contour I manage to run the short climb to the third checkpoint and then a long, fast descent to the ghyll. I lose a few places here, much pay more attention to Russ's downhill running tips ! However, Blease Fell, the climb that many fear, suits me and I climb well, regaining some of my lost places. Once at the top there is about 2 miles to the finish, only gradually downhill so need to keep working hard.

I overtake Joss and then Seb is in my sights. I am thinking that I might need an extra half mile to catch him but manage to gain and then overtake. He responds and we run hard together for a short while before I manage to pull away from him.

I hold this lead and am pleased to be 3rd Helm across the line, perhaps in the top 20 of the race ? All Helm run well and we then enjoy a pint and a pint at the prize-giving. A good evening out.

Canal / River Run - Tuesday 14th June 2011

I set-off late from Natland and head along the canal path to Levens. A bright, sunny evening and legs feel good. Back along river and cut-up into Natland.

Rest day - Monday 13th June 2011

After a long weekend in Scotland I decide on a rest day - not that I manage to rest much, a busy day !

LAMM - Friday 10th, Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th June 2011

So after a long North in the camper, Russ, Garry, Paul and I arrive at Inverlael, just South of Ullapool, early evening. However all is not good, the beer man has not arrived - after 8hrs of driving I need a drink. Fortunately he turns up later and I enjoy a pint of the local brew - good stuff.

The next morning we are up and away early, we are on an early coach and get dropped off a little way South of Braemore Junction. We mark our maps up straight after we dib at the start, I like to see the overview of where we are going and how far away the overnight camp is. It is North of Searna Bhraigh, a remote munro which I have climbed previously.

The good news is that I am in for at least one new munro this weekend. We climb well from the start and soon dib at the first control. It is a lot of climbing,and some descent along the way, to the second control which is on top of the munro, Beinn Dhearg. The weather is good, the cloud is high, it is cool and a light breeze, ideal running conditions.

I am travelling light, trying out some new kit - exciting stuff ! Control 3 is downhill, in a stunning and very remote valley, control 4 involves a big climb, we dig deep for this and are moving well. Controls 5 and 6 are well on the way to this finish and involve little climbing, control 7 at the finish soon comes and we are one of the first teams to finish day 1. This gives us a good choice of camp spots, we choose one close to Strath Mulzie, I recognise this area having biked in from the North to bag the nearby munro.

We are soon joined by Charlie and JP and a little later by Nic and Jo, it's good to chat and catch up on how others have done. We are well positioned and chill in the very small, cosy tent, some late afternoon rain is not so good for the later finishers.

Day 2 starts cool and clear, with stunning views of Searna Bhraigh as the sun rises. We are in the chasing start and are soon up and away. We climb well to control 1 but from here the big climb to the munro is hard going for Russ - he works hard. We are slow to make a route choice decision at the summit but I often think a few minutes deciding can be useful...but perhaps we need to be slicker.

We continue to move well to control 3 at a lochan and then to 4 on another new munro for me, Eididh nan Clach Geala. From here the finish is in sight but it is never that straight forward. After a long descent we have a steep climb to take us to control 5. The finish is not that far away, just down through the woods and along the track. However, this does not go well and we lose a few places...frustrating but we live and learn by our mistakes. From control 6 a shot run in brings us to the finish and some well earned food.

Charlie and JP do very well and are in the prizes, Garry and Paul also do well in the Elite course, good effort boys.

Now just an 8 hour drive home - but what a great weekend - great company, great event and great location.

No running today - Thursday 9th June 2011

Another big weekend ahead - the location for this year's LAMM has just been announced - Loch Broom, close to Ullapool, fantastic :-)

So need a rest today, can still feel last night's Helm session !

Camper and kit to get ready tonight - heading North with the 'boys' tomorrow.

Helm session - Wednesday 8th June 2011

A steady run up to the Helm, as always this is never easy. It is a cold evening with the threat of rain - back to a long sleeved top.

Russ has another new session up his sleeve, primarily a downhill running session with some uphill race walking. It works well, 4 sets of 2 reps and new flags being used by our new coach !

It feels good tonight but I don't overdo it with the LAMM this weekend. The run home is again at a steady pace, fortunately the rain holds off.

River / canal run - Tuesday 7th June 2011

Lunch at the Strickland Arms today.....fish & chips and a pint of Bluebird....an afternoon run is going to be uncomfortable with this laying heavy on the stomach !

But not a good enough excuse, so I head off after work for my usual run along the river to Hawes Bridge and back along the canal path.

It is sunny and pleasant, the earlier heavy showers have passed. I think my legs and body have not got over Ennerdale....it's just the mental scars that need to heal!

Scout Scar - Monday 6th June 2011

Still feel 'hung-over' from Ennerdale but think a short run would be good.

Head up to the Scar, a fantastic evening - usual route, including that special place with the view. See a few people I know and stop for a chat - very sociable.

Need to get back into some serious training soon though !

Battered....Sunday 5th June 2011

My body feels battered today. I'm up early though and head to Staveley for a latte and bacon & egg roll - much needed.

Manage just a steady walk on the Scar with Barney - that's enough for me today.

Ennerdale Horseshoe - 4th June 2011

One of the Lakeland classics.....23miles and 7000' feet of ascent.

Not sure why but not in the mood for this today - am not worried about it but I'm not focussed....it's going to be a tough day.

The sun is shining and it is hot. The race organisers give a very detailed chat before the start and walk us to the start line. There are 8 Helm runners here today but, generally, a lower turn-out as it clashes with the Duddon which is an English Champs race.

Not raced this before and not had a chance to recce but visibility is perfect so should not cause a problem. The first mile or so is flat, around the end of the water and then a sharp climb to the first checkpoint on Great Borne. This initial climb was hard, the first one always is and the sun was beating down.

However from here high cloud moves in and keeps the temperature a little lower, ideal running conditions. The route is obvious to the second checkpoint on Red Pike and then I manage to pick a good runnable line all the way to High Crag. The descent is rough and I choose to pick-up the trod to the North of Seat.

I am finding it hard, it is just not flowing today. I get a good line around Haystacks and pick up the main path to the next checkpoint at Blackbeck Tarn. The climb towards Brandreth is hard but the going gets a little from here to Green Gable. The marshalls are doing a fantastic job, supplying water at every checkpoint.

Scree run from here and then contour to Beck Head. The climb to Kirk Fell is straight forward and the descent to Blacksail Pass is much easier than I expected. However, killer-Pillar is tough and I am relieved to make it to checkpoint 6 on the summit.

It should get easier from here but I still find it hard. I get the contour around Black Crag and head over Scoat Fell to Haycock. I was hoping for under 5 hours but the finish is still looking a long way off. Easier running to Iron Crag and I start to to think that 5 hours 15 would be a good target.

However, after the descent to the forest I climb the last summit, Crag Fell, really strongly...perhaps 5 hours is realistic again.

The descent from here is flagged, my legs hurt, my feet hurt and my head is still somewhere else. But I keep pushing on and hit the track with 10 minutes to finish in. This only takes a couple of minutes and with Joss Naylor cheering me on I finish in 4 hours 53 mins. 21st overall and 6th MV40.

A really tough day, I sit in the beck for 10 and then grab a hot shower...bliss. Tea, sausage rolls and cakes go down well and I enjoy watching the other Helm runners finish. Ali runs well and collects a prize for 5th lady and, once again, Helm ladies collect the team prize (well done Ali, Jayne & Lindsay).

It's a long day out, thank you to Tim for driving and to Steve for a welcome pint in the Watermill Inn on the way home.

Rest day - Friday 3rd June 2011

Ennerdale tomorrow....a big race so no running today !

River / Canal run - Thursday 2nd June 2011

The sun is shining and it is warm. I head off on my usual lunchtime route, along river to Hawes Bridge and back along canal towpath.

A great route and quite a few people about in Levens park; takes a while to cool down when I get back; nice to have a refreshing shower before back at my desk.

Levens 10k - Wednesday 1st June 2011

A warm evening, but not as hot as last year, here in Levens. Although relatively flat, this is not the fastest of 10K routes (for me anyway).

My time from last year was about 41m 30, I should beat this but by how much ? I set off quick and lead the race for the first few hundred metres, I knew this would not last but enjoy it will I can. I settle into a good pace and am about 6th or 7th. The long straight road along the valley is hard work and it is good to turn towards Brigsteer and some climbing.

I overtake one or two runners and manage to not be overtaken myself. The route from Brigsteer is more undulating which suits me. I overtake again and a supporter tells me I'm in 4th place. This spurs me on and I hold this position; the finish seems along way and I am relieved to cross the line in 36:06; 41 secs outside my PB but much quicker than last year.

Other Helm runners do well, Kath 1st lady and her, Lindsay and Ali collect Ladies Team Prize. I, again, pick-up 1st MV 40 - this is a good evening.

Rest day - Tuesday 31st May 2011

Back at work, no running today - hopefully will benefit from the rest.

BG Leg 3 (part 2) - Monday 30th May 2011

Forecast for better weather...but not to be ! Five of us (Russ, Ali, Kath & Lindsay) set off from ODG, Langdale along Mickleden and climb Rossett Gyhll to join the BG route between Rossett Pike and Bowfell.

It is a bit wet, the cloud is down on the tops and it is definitely cold. We climb the trod up Bowfell and Russ, pushed for time, decides to head down via The Band. We push on, Esk Pike, Great End, Ill Crag (Russ has been here recently), Broad Crag and Sca Fell Pike.

We decide not to push on as far as Sca Fell as it is miserable up here but go as far as Mickledore to take a quick look at Broad Stand - not a nice place to be today.

We head back over Sca Fell Pike and then main path to Esk Hause, Angle Tarn and back down Rossett Gyhll. The weather starts to improve but there is little interest in my suggestion of going round again !

The sun is out as we run back along Mickleden and we enjoy coffee and biscuits back at camper. A good day out but not great conditions for recce'ing.