I have agreed to run leg 4 with Robin and decide to run in to Wasdale from Honister. The weather is foul, torrential rain at Honister. Robin is doing well, an earlier text confirms he left Dunmail around 45 mins up.
I make it to Wasdale in good time, but conditions were not great - I get soaked and am glad that I carried a complete change of clothes. I am well looked after by Becky and Robin's Father, Dave, with tea and cakes. Russ arrives as well, much to my relief - I know that this could be a tough section. The weather seems to improve a little but this is short-lived.
Robin comes in to Wasdale on schedule but is suffering badly from a knee injury - this is not good. Sensibly he takes time to rest, stretch and have a massage before we set-off. The climb up Yewbarrow goes well, the weather has closed in again but we make the summit 8 minutes up on schedule.
However, the gradual descent from here to Dore Head proves really painful for Robin - this is not good. We climb Red Pike, again a few minutes up on schedule and then head off on a compass bearing to Steeple. From here things get worse, there is not much descent before the climb to Pillar but Robin is now moving very slowly - this is sad to see given how fit he is.
We stopped to put on more layers, it is wet and cold. We get the the summit of Pillar 30 minutes down, Robin realises that his day is over. We decide the best option is to take the traverse below Kirk Fell and then pick-up Moses Trod - we know that this is going to be a long, slow and painful walk out.
Russ goes on ahead to let his support know. The weather starts to improve and there are stunning views down Ennerdale but, from Robin, tiredness has set-in and he is clearly down. We move slowly and are eventually met by Becky and other members of his support team. It is a slow descent to Honister.
I am sad for Robin but know that he will be back and has every chance of achieving his aim of a sub 20 hour Round.
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