Orton Fell Race - Saturday 24th September 2011

I must confess I did not want to run this race and was only there as I needed it to count for my Club Champs results - however, I'm now glad I went !

It was a wet morning but fortunately by 2pm at Orton the drizzle had stopped - it was not cold and no wind. A big Helm turn-out and many runners keen to gain points, me especially !

I set off well, with Tom & Mark at the start but they soon left me and a few others overtook me. However, having negotiated the serious quantities of mud I climbed well and got past Robin. As expected though he came past on the descent but I again got him on the second climb. Sadly for me, the last section of this 6 miles race, was downhill so, once again, Robin went past.

I kept him in sight though and finished not far behind in 6th place; results. Some good Helm performances, particularly from Tom, Mark, Craig, Kath & Lindsay. I picked up 1st MV40 and also part of the Team Prize  - came away with two bottles of wine and some food goodies.

A good race, well chosen Russ !

Another IHR Recce and then a run on the Scar - Friday 23rd September 2011

I text Craig to see if he is about and would like a run on the fells. Now that the IHR is being run clockwise I am keen to re-recce  my leg. So, once again, over to Hartsop and run up to the outflow of Hayeswater. A steep climb from here to the path and skirt round the back of the Knott to High Street. Roman Road towards the Beacon and the contour to the right an drop steeply to Threshthwaite Mouth.

Steep climb out (but better going up this than down) towards Caudale Moor and the Tarn where the checkpoint will be located. See little need to run down St Raven's Edge so run along to Hartsop Dodd and descend steeply back to Hartsop. Out for about 2 hours, misty and breezy on the tops.

As we drive back over Kirkstone I decide to stop and recce the final descent from St Raven's Edge; I try a different line and can't decide which is best - might need to rely on Rik. Then on to the Hawkshead Brewery - thanks for the pint and the company Craig.

Had arranged to run with Russ on the Scar in the evening, so meet up with him at the Racecourse for 6.30.pm. We are out for an hour, taking in most of my usual lunchtime run route, a good pace and enjoyable run. Then to Riflemans for a quick point - cheers Russ.

A bike ride to the Arnside - Thursday 22nd September 2011

Another dry day so decide not to run but go for a ride instead. Scenic route on lanes to Arnside, coffee and cake and then head back via Sandside and Heversham. 23 miles in total, a good ride.

Pike O'Blisco / Helm Training - Wednesday 21st September 2011

Original plan was to climb Pike O'Blisco, Crinkle Crags and, possibly, Bowfell depending on when the weather turned nasty.

It was blustery at the ODG but dry and the going good for most of the way up Blisco. However, towards the top the wind picked up and it turned very wet. It was difficult to stand at the summit and I headed  down into this to Red Tarn.

It did not take me long to decide that Crinkles would not be fun today so headed down to the valley. Passed a guy who was really struggling and concerned, so walked with him some of the way back down - he was grateful.

It was much calmer back at the ODG but I am sure that conditions were no better, and perhaps worse, on the tops.

Manage to warm up an dry out ready for another run in the evening. On Helm, Russ organises a good downhill session and I run well. Dark as we finish, glad I drove there this week.

IHR Recce - Tuesday 20th September 2011

Some confusion about the Event, it may be run clockwise this year - I need to recce my leg, but which way round do I go !?

I decide to stick with anti-clockwise in case they do not make the change. So set-off from Kirkstone Pass onto St Raven's Edge. The weather is good, cool, clear and a light breeze. Up to Caudale Moor and then in from the wall to the tarn (CP 2). A steep descent from here leads to Threshthwaite Mouth and then climb left of the wall leads towards Thornthwaite Beacon. Contour just below the summit and follow the Roman Road to High Street (CP 3).

Good fast running from here leads to the Knott and then a steep descent to the outflow of Hayeswater. Follow the track down to Hartsop which will be the end of the leg (or perhaps the start !?).

Now need to get back to Kirkstone - a steep climb from Hartsop onto Hartsop Dodd and then good running back to Caudale Moor, down St Raven's Edge and back to the pass.

A good run out.

Grizedale Forest - Monday 19th September 2011

The day starts fine but is forecast to turn wet later. I drive over to Grizedale and decide to ride the Silurian Way - 14 mile loop from the Visitor Centre.

It is all on good forest tracks and a little road at the end. The going is fast and the views good. It stays dry until the road section when a heavy drizzle starts to fall. Soon back at the camper for coffee.

Decide to call in to the Hawkshead Brewery in Staveley on the way home for a quick pint.

Staveley Run - Sunday 18th September 2011

An early start - it's dry but there is low cloud and mist.

From Staveley I follow the River Kent and cut up through Hagg Farm. Up the track to Potter Tarn, it's still misty but it looks like it might clear.

Up to Gurnal Dubs and then head north to the Summit of Potter Fell - the views are improving, but come and go, the ground is very wet. Through the mist I decide to take in the summit of Brunt Knott, I glad I do; the mist clears and the views are great - there is a partial cloud inversion with just the summits poking out of the mist - stunning.

Fast run back to the village and then in for a bacon & egg roll with a latte - a good way to finish a good run.

Fairfield Horseshoe - Saturday 17th September 2011

So Scotland trip has been put back a week due to weather - had thought about running the Grisedale Race route but the torrential rain and low cloud puts me off.

Head over to Ambleside, it's raining heavy and the roads are flooding. Have a quick potter around the shops but can't put it off for any longer. Park at Rydal, manage to delay a little longer by having coffee out of my flask but decide to get change and run the Horseshoe.

The cloud is down and the rain is heavy - it is cool too but no wind, this is good. Not many people out today, what a surprise ! Soon after Fairfield summit the cloud lifts and sinks ! Almost a cliud inversion and some impressive views of cloud slowly pouring over distant ridges. The ground is sodden and it's still raining heavy - but I'm glad I got out.

An uneventful but enjoyable run, another pile of wet kit to sort but that but that can wait, off to Ambleside for lunch :-)

Scar Run - Friday 16th September 2011

Dry all mormning and then turns wet at lunchtime - oh great !

But can't be soft, so drive up to Brigsteer Woods for usual Scar route. The weather is not too bad and clears up towards the end. A good run, one of my favourite routes.

Lyth Valley Ride - Thursday 15th September 2011

A break in  the awful weather - a dry and bright day at last but not forecast to last.

So head out early evening for my usual route around the Lyth valley - a great evening to be out, superb views towards the Lakeland fells - over all too soon.

IHR Leg 3 - Wednesday 14th September 2011

After a wet and miserable start the weather improves, as forecast, and it is a great evening.

I join other HH runners on Leg 3 of the IHR (Hartsop / Angle Tarn / Patterdale), a cooler evening but the wind has dropped and the views are stunning. A twisted ankle is a concern and we take it cautiously, particularly on the rough descent to Patterdale. A pleasant run along tracks and paths leads us back to Hartsop as light begins to fade.

Coffee and cakes go down well.

A windy run - Tuesday 13th September 2011

After yesterday's windy ride I thought I would go for a windy run on the Scar. Have not be here for a long time, too long.

Took usual route from Brigsteer Woods, it was windy on the top and got caught be a heavy squall. Good to be back up there and visit special places. Legs not feeling that great, perhaps Russ is right.....I over train ?!

A windy ride - Monday 12th September 2011

Not sure this was sensible - headed out around usual route - hard going and not very enjoyable. The wind almost took me off my bike on a couple of occasions, but made it back in one piece.

Lake District Mountain Trial - Sunday 11th September 2011

This year is the 58^th running of the Event and my fourth time in taking part. My first two attempts were not great and are best forgotten but last year was much better – I ran strong, navigated well and was well positioned; so I hoped for good things again this year.

E-mail updates and weather forecasts suggested that it was going to be a tough day; parking plans had already been altered due to water-logged fields and, on the day, the bad weather course was to be used.

Arriving early meant I had time to chat to other Helm runners, some running the Classic course as I was and some the Medium course (very wise !). Sadly no opportunity to buy coffee or breakfast and made worse by one of the organisers walking past me with a plate of bacon sandwiches…probably all for him !

My start time was 09:15, and the start line was just up the track from the event centre at Mungrisdale village hall. I know the area reasonably well and knew that there would be a lot of heather, bog and river crossings ahead. A few seconds after the start you collect your map and it is only at that point that you find out where you are going. The map is pre-marked but it is up to you how you get from one control to the next; the bad weather course meant that control 5 was not to be visited.

Although it was wet and windy the cloud base was high and visibility good; the first control was close to the summit of Bannerdale Crags and the route was obvious, along the river then up the ridge. The next control was low down on Blease Fell and the route seemed obvious to head towards Foule Crag, contour to Blease Fell and then drop steeply to the control; again this all went to plan.

Control 3 was just west of Sale How and the obvious route was to drop to the track and head towards Skiddaw House; from them follow the path to Sale How and drop slightly to the control. Some people took a lower line and followed the Beck but I think the path option was easier going. A tough descent through deep heather led me back to the track, control 4 was a long way away. In hindsight retracing the path from Sale How to Skiddaw House and then following the track would have been much quicker – the heather was really hard going.

I took the main BG trod up Great Calva but bared off left before the summit. Over towards Knott then Great Sale Fell before a steep decent to control 4 in a sheepfold close to Dale Beck. Another steep climb out of this beck took me close to the hut on Great Lingy Fell and then down to the river Caldew. This was in spate and I had little choice but to cross. I watched others and felt anxious – I need to be heavier and taller ! I teamed up with some other members as I feared being washed away – I survived but unfortunately my map, map case and compass did not ….. gutted !

This also meant I was now running blind; fortunately visibility was still good and I followed, roughly, other competitors. Heading up to control 6 at Bowscale Tarn I passed Garry, who was suffering with cramp, and then Jon Broxap. From the tarn the last steep climb over the east ridge of Bowscale Fell then allowed me to look down on control 7 and an easy decent led me there. The end was in sight and a fast run down the valley, not forgetting to collect control 8 on the way, led to the finish. I was out for 4hrs 52mins and finished 27^th. Not my best performance, a tough but rewarding day out. Good to catch up with other Helm runners whilst having food back in the hall. Lindsay had a scare when she was washed away crossing the Caldew, she was shaken-up and cold but seemed to be recovering well. Russ had an impressive run, finishing 7^th in the medium course.

Time to head home, conditions on the M6 over Shap were wild, I need a hot shower and coffee.

Ian Hodgson Relay, Leg 3 - Saturday 10th September 2011

Don't want to overdo it today as the Mountain Trial is tomorrow. So head to Hartsop to run Leg 3 of the IHR. The forecast is not great and the drive over Kirkstone is in thick mist but Hartsop and the lower fells are clear and dry.

Head up the tarmac track to CP 1 and then follow wall up to main path. Take a few obvious short-cut trods to CP 2 at the Angle Tarn, this would make a great place to camp. From there take the higher path and then drop down to Boredale Hause. Again main path from here, taking the lower option to Side Farm. Disappointing that I am too early for the tea shop to be open, rumour has it that they bake excellent rock cakes :-)

Take easy track and then path back to Hartsop - 10 minutes cooling muscles in the river and then coffee from my flask. In need of lunch, More Bakery (2nd visit today....almond croissant and latte on the way out) for bacon & egg roll :-)

River / Canal Run - Friday 9th September 2011

Another wet day but it eases to a light drizzle whilst I am out. The usual route from the office, along the river to Hawes Bridge and then back along the canal. Very wet and muddy in places but good to be out.

Lyth Valley Ride - Thursday 8th September 2011

After a very wet morning and early afternoon the weather clears a little. I head out on usual Lyth Valley ride, not my quickest ride tonight, seem to be running on empty.....I need food !

Helm Training - Wednesday 7th September 2011

It looks like it will be a wet night so for that reason, and several others, I drive to the Helm....unheard of for me !

Russ sets a good uphill zig-zag rep x 8, my legs are still not fully recovered from the Ben race and I have the Mountain Trial on Sunday but this does not stop me giving 100%. We stay dry, it is a hard and rewarding session.

Thanks Russ.

A lunchtime run - Tuesday 6th September 2011

Legs still not fully recovered but I feel the need to run ! Head out along usual route, river to Hawes Bridge and back along the canal. Given the first autumn storm and heavy overnight rain the river is impressive - a lot of water and huge force. I stay dry but it is very muddy. Legs not too bad once I get momentum !

Lyth Valley Ride - Monday 5th September 2011

My legs are really not up to much today - a lot of time sat at my desk with just very short walks around the office is not great - it takes me at least a few minutes to get them moving !

However, I  think that a ride would do them good so head out around usual route after work - it is hard going but good to be out - does it do me any good, not sure !

Home - Sunday 4th September 2011

My legs are bad, I can do no more than head home.



A walk along the river in the evening loosens them a little and provides time to reflect on a good weekend.

Ben Nevis Race - Saturday 3rd September 2011

The day breaks wet, dull and low cloud but the forecast is for an improvement later in the day, the race starts at 1pm !

Russ, Kath and I prepare for the race together....the benefits of a camper are huge....room to stay dry, get changed, sort kit, drink coffee and eat biscuits...lots of biscuits !

The weather is still not great before the start - I warm up around the park with my jacket on, it is a bit wet and a bit windy but is definitely improving. I am apprehensive, I had hoped to beat my time from last year and also to be sub 2hrs -  I consider this impossible given my recent injury and lack of specific training - Russ has more confidence in me !

We are piped  around the park - there is something emotional about bagpipes - a true sense of occasion. We are soon off, I do my usual sprint start and am with the leaders as we do a lap of the park and out onto the road. As always, this does not last and I soon settle into a pace which I don't find easy or comfortable !

After a mile on the  road we hit the path, take a few short cuts and climb hard to the big zig-zag - here we cut-off and head to Red Burn, the half way point. I am finding this hard and have no idea how it compares with last year. Once on the steeper ground, grass, rock, scree, shale and all wet I seem to pick up the pace and climb strong. The visibility is poor and I keep others in sight for safety. There are a lot of walkers, I am not very patient, I should be !

Finally, after seeing the leaders flying back down, I see the summit and hand in my tag. Now comes the hard bit, 4,400' of downhill ! I run well but trip, stumble and swear my way down. I shout encouragement to Russ, Kath, Dave Till and David but really need to concentrate on every foot step.

Eventually to the steep grassy bank, I feared this last year but it was not as bad as expected - this year I was not concerned but should have been - it was horrendous - impossible to keep one's footing - steep, wet and and muddy grass !

Eventually hit the track and try to stride out - soon come very close to a major stumble down the mountain side - not sure how I kept control but glad I did, it would have been a sudden end to my race and, perhaps, to me ! I run well, take the right short cuts but still have no idea how I am doing.

The pub and road soon come into sight and I then realise that I should be in with a good chance of beating 2 hrs; I would usually find the road enjoyable but not today, there is very little left !

I pick up the pace on the lap of the park and finish in 1:57:38 (62nd) - I am very happy with this. I head straight to camper for a dry top and milkshake and then head up the road to watch Russ, Dave and Kath finish - all put in impressive performances: Russ 2:20:59, Dave 2:29:02 and Kath 2:30:05 - a good day for Helm runners.

Off to the river to sooth aching muscles and then back to camper for coffee, more biscuits, dry clothes and some friendly banter. Head into town later for prize-giving and collect certificate, a good end to a good day.

Heading North - Friday 2nd September 2011

A busy day today - up early, camper packed, in to work, over to Windermere and then to Staveley for some lunch.

Eventually hit the road north just after 2pm and make good progress - usual coffee stop at Hamilton services and then next stop Glencoe - Clachaig Inn :-)

Venison casserole goes down well as does a pint and then to campsite for the night - a wet night out there - hopefully better for the race tomorrow.

Lyth Valley ride - Thursday 1st September 2011

A lot to do tonight so zip out early and fast around my usual route - I hit 36 mph and ride strongly - once again though I should be taking it easy !

Back on the Helm - Wednesday 31st August 2011

Make in back from Cardiff in time so head up to the helm - not been running here for a while !

Russ organises a good session, 10 reps of fast and relatively flat along the top - I work hard, probably too hard, should be taking it easy as I am still recovering and should also be resting ahead of the Ben race on Saturday.

Good to catch up with friends and be back out there :-)

No running and no biking...! - Tuesday 30th August 2011

Work takes over today !