Again, another glrious day. Out on the bike, am keen for a longer ride so think of a different route. Out to Sedgwick, Levens, Witherslack, Bowland Bridge - stop at the Hare & Hounds for a sandwich and a pint, impressed - then on to Crosthwaite, Crook, Underbarrow, Brigsteer, Levens, Sedgwick and back to Natland - 31 miles. A great route, hardly any traffic, great weatehr and a highly recommended pub stop.
Monday 28 May 2012
Helvellyn & The Dodds Recce - Saturday 26th May 2012
So me and Russ head out to recce the race route. It is another scorcher but the forecast is for 45mph winds - this proves to be correct.
We park close to Threlkeld cricket ground and follow the track to Newsham, the sun is strong, so is the breeze. We take a slightly different line to the BG route, cutting right, through the fence and then up - this is how the race map has it marked, it is also the route of teh Ultra Lakes 100.
Over the Old Coach Road and then a steep climb to Clough Head, once on the ridge the wind really becomes apparent and relentless. On to Great Dood and then easy running (in less windy conditions), bypassing Watson's and Stybarrow Dodd, to Sticks Pass - very different to how it was when I was last here, on the TdeH, and several feet of fresh snow !
On to Raise, checkpoint 3 and then over Whiteside and Lower Man to Helvellyn, we shelter for a few moments from the wind - it is hard going - from our left all the way to here and soon to be on our right all the way back. The 'back' route is the same as the 'out' and navigation / visibility are no problem today.
It is a relief to drop off Clough Head and out of the wind, we are exhausted from the battle. Back at the car is just under 4hrs, a good run out, I wonder how long the race will take me !?
Lunchtime run - Friday 25th May 2012
Another hot day, legs are tired but I drag myself around the usual river / canal route. Colleagues comment that this is the first time they have seen me build up a sweat !
Friday 25 May 2012
Arnside Ride - Thursday 24th May 2012
Another glorious day and this continues on into the evening, too good to waste. Head out on bike, usual route to Arnside, via Stainton, Viver, Milnthorpe and Storth.
I head straight to the fish and chip shop and then enjoy this sitting on the promenade looking out across the estuary to the distant fells.
Head back via Sandside, Heversham and Sedgwick; 21 miles at a steady pace, very enjoyable.
Training - Wednesday 23rd May 2012
Not been training on the Helm for a few weeks. Run from home, it is a warm muggy evening and the mist rolls in.
We are again training on race walking, at the far side, far end...the big climb, 2 sets of 5 reps with a couple of vagaries en route. I work hard but find it really hard, its feels like my weekend has finally caught up on me.
It is a relief when the session ends and I amble down the hill to home - need drink, food and shower.
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Lyth Valley Ride - Tuesday 22nd May 2012
Another glorious day, have been office bound all day so need to get out and enjoy this great weather while it lasts. Ride around usual route and stop-off at Strickland Arms on the way home for a quick pint - a good way to spend the evening.
Training - Monday 21st May 2012
Shouldn't be here tonight, legs are tired ! However, a gloriously warm and sunny evening, Shaun works us hard, I respond well and work hard. Glad when it is over though !
Windermere Marathon (supporting not running !) - Sunday 20th May 2012
A race I should run sometime but this year I'm taking it steady after my big run yesterday. I take my bike and ride around the route, providing support to fellow Helm Hill runners and, in so doing, am careful to not get in people's way.
The conditions are ideal, perhaps a little too hot early on but it cools and is a good day out. Kath has a fantastic run, 3rd Lady in a impressive time of 3hrs 21mins, a great achievement.
Old County Tops - Saturday 19th May 2012
So me and Garry running together in this 37 mile race, visiting the highest summits in each of the 3 old counties: Westmorland, Cumberland and Lancashire.
An early start and not a great forecast but set to improve as the day progresses. We are away at 8am, about a hundred teams entered this year, one of the highest ever entries for this race.
We are steady away, from the New Dungeon Ghyll we are along the Langdale valley then up and over to Grasmere. It is windy, cold and a bit wet as we head along the road before bearing off for the long climb to Grizedale Tarn. From here it is a reverse of the BG descent route from Dollywagon, but we cut off before the top over to the main path.
Good running from here to the summit of Helvellyn, in the mist and the last hundred feet or so there is fresh snow on the ground...it's mid-May ! We get a good descent to Wythburn Church and take advantage of the refreshments; for the next half an hour or so, Garry is unusually quiet - I think he glued his mouth together with malt loaf !
Up the Wythburn valley into the 'bog', the weather does improve and we are making good progress. Across Greenup Edge and then a long gradual descent to the top of Stake Pass and on to the next checkpoint at Angle Tarn. Garry recalls both his and Russ's 'wobbles' in this area in previous races....don't tempt fate Garry, please.
On up to Esk Hause and then across to the second summit Sca Fell Pike, again we are moving well and Garry persuades me to drop back to Little Narrowcove and head down this way to Great Moss. This works really well, much easier ground we remain confident of this despite no other teams heading this way. The run out to Cockley Bridge drags and Garry starts to find it hard going.
We stock up on food at the checkpoint, the marshal's, as I do, seem a little concerned at Garry, he's definitely lacking colour ! He set's off ahead of me, the marhsals ask that I keep an eye on him...we are a team, I would do this anyway. We climb at a steady pace and hit good lines, then the long contour before a short climb to Brim Fell and on to the Old Man of Coniston, our last summit.
Garry is suffering, progress slows as we head back and down to the Three Shires Stone. Down the road and then off left to Blea Tarn and the final descent to the NDG. We finish in 17th place, 3rd MV80 in a time of 8hrs 45mins.
A good day out, Lawrence and Paul finish a little behind us and after serious amounts of food we head to the NDG for a well deserved beer.
Evening Run - Friday 18th May 2012
Should be resting ahead of the Old County Tops tomorrow but decide to head out for a short run and along the river and back along the canal path. Good to be out.
Friday 18 May 2012
River / Canal Run - Thursday 17th May 2012
Take a late lunch and head along river to Hawes Bridge, back along the canal. Warmer than I expected, overdressed but still far from summer-like weather.
Potter Tarn Run - Wednesday 16th May 2012
Old County Tops on Saturday so decide an easier run would make more sense.
Head to Staveley, along river, to Potter Tarn, Gurnal Dubs, Potter Fell and Brunt Knott. Another cool but clear evening.
Tuesday 15 May 2012
Training - Monday 14th May 2012
Another tough training session....I think I have been doing too much running, lacking energy and drive tonight; at least this makes Craig feel good ! :-)
Monday 14 May 2012
Great Lakes Recce - Sunday 13th May 2012
Not a great forecast, very windy and heavy rain coming in later....we vaguely have a B plan !
5 of us set-off from the ODG carpark in Great Langdale (Kath, Russ, Caroline & Tim) and head along to Stool End Farm to where the race starts.It is already windy as we run along the valley, we look up at the grassy shoulder and even think about just a recce of this, but we press on.
We make good progress up the Band and cut off to the right on the Climbers Traverse. before it contours under the crags, we cut left up a line of scree on a cairned trod and eventually, over some boulders, to the summit plateau. The cloud is down and once at the summit we trust Caroline's compass bearing to take us towards Ore Gap and on to Esk Pike.
A brief stop at Ore Gap to put on more clothes and then we push on, the wind at the summit is gusting strong and after a quick regroup and discussion we decide to head back down to Ore Gap and descent to Great Moss. A sensible choice, the Sca Fells would not be pleasant today and, more to the point, dangerous !
We follow a good grassy line to Great Moss and re-join the race route for the climb to the top of Stonesty Gill. Then across towards Cold Pike to pick up the main path towards Red Tarn and then to Blisco. From here is one of the key navigation sections of the race, we decide to try the race route (Blisco Dash & Langdale) to avoid the crags and then cross the path and head to the grassy shoulder. I don't manage this as well as I would like, too far right and have to back-track; I think I prefer my direct route, even with the craggy sections.
Fast running then leads down the shoulder, across the river and to the finish line. Once back at the carpark, time for coffee and then a beer....why did we sit outside in the cold when we could have sat in and listened to the folk music ?!
Kentmere Horseshoe - Saturday 12th May 2012
A good forecast so decide to have a quick zip around Kentmere. Start with bacon roll and latte at More and then drive down to the church.
Usual clockwise route and take in all of the summits. It's a clear day, great views and good to be out on the fells. A rescue Sea King is out on a practice sortie and comes in to hover and almost land very close to me, I think it wise to keep a safe distance !
Good running, soft under foot but not too wet.
River / canal run - Friday 11th May 2012
Showery day but manage to stay relatively dry. Quick zip along river and back along canal, good to get some fresh....stock markets tumbling !
Friday 11 May 2012
Lyth Valley Ride - Thursday 10th May 2012
What a day, it has not stopped raining ! But there is a glimmer of hope, the rain eases and I decide to head out around usual Lyth Valley route.
I bump in to Jon Broxap, who is heading to Levens to collect his car, so ride with him as far as the Lyth valley - it's good to chat.
It stays dry but there is a lot of surface water, it's windy too but this seems to be behind me most of the way.
Soggy bott.....need hot shower !
Kendal 10k - Wednesday 9th May 2012
The first race of the Kendal AC 10k series. I ran this last year and got a 10k pb but was not expecting to match or improve on that tonight - still have the 80 or so miles in my legs from the weekend.
The afternoon had been wet but the rain eased and led to good conditions. Another good Helm turn-out, we do have some runners keen on road.
I set-off strong and wonder how long it will last. Craig is on my shoulder all the way to Sedgwick, I am alternate between 3rd ,4th and 5th place. Turning left out of Sedgwick, and uphill, I pull away from Craig and soon the front runner heads stops off in a field (!) which then moves me to 2nd place. I continue to push hard, knowing that Annie Conway and Craig are not far behind and will be keeping the pressure on.
I am pleased to see the finish, and cross the line in 2nd place, 36:41 - happy with this result.
Helm finish well, we pick up 2nd and 3rd lady (mel & Kath), as well as both Mens (Me, Craig & Robert Crawford) and ladies (Mel, Kath & Shelley) team prizes.
Wednesday 9 May 2012
Canal Run - Tuesday 7th May 2012
Should be resting today but decide to stretch my legs for a short run along the canal path.
Great Lakes 3 Day - Saturday 5th, Sunday 6th & Monday 7th May 2012
Great Lakes 3 Day
Having competed in this event 5 times previously I was pleased to hear that it had been resurrected by Shane Ohly following Joe Faulkner deciding that after organising 10 events it was time to move on.
Details of previous events, results and reports can be found on Joe’s website and details of the 2012 on Shane’s:
I had not trained specifically for the event and had kept it at the back of mind for a long time; this having been said, I have been training and running hard recently so felt confident that I could go the distance. However, knowing that Charlie Sproson (the dude behind the ….http://www.outdoorwarehouse.co.uk/) had planned the routes, I knew I wasn’t in for an easy 3 days !
The event started in Great Langdale, just along from the ODG; I arrived Friday evening, in the camper, an chilled, chatting with Nic and Charlie and other competitors, also had to go for an obligatory pint of Old Peculiar in the ODG.
The forecast for the first two days was great, cool, clear and possibly light flurries of snow, but to turn wet and windy at some stage on Monday. Having registered and been handed the pre-marked map I could spend time contemplating the route, getting my head round the route and planning my route. The though of visiting Black Combe worried me and I had visions of nightmares as I slept Friday night !
However, I slept well, was up early and breakfasted and packed my kit bag (what luxury, the overnight kit is transported J ). Setting off at 8.30am, I was one of the last to leave and headed straight up the main path to the first checkpoint on Pike O’Blisco, some 40 minutes later. From here, the next control was on Brown Pike, so reverse of the 3 Shires race route to the 3 Shires Stone and then the Duddon race route to Brown Pike and on to control 3 on Caw.
Now the fun really started, the next control was on the summit of Black Combe, that is a long way away (from anywhere !) ! On day 1, this was perhaps the only real opportunity for racers to choose different routes; I opted for a contrarian route, down to Ulpha and then headed high rather than a longer road route which many others chose. I might have been a few minutes quicker but I really don’t think there was much in it.
The summit finally came into sight, a welcome relief and I knew from there that it was about 8 or 9 miles almost due north, via Whitfell, to the overnight camp in Dalegarth. The running was good, Whitfell passed easily and then down to Devoke Water and low level paths to the camp. I finished in 6hrs 40mins, 4th position and 32 miles covered.
The overnight camp was perfect, a flowing beck to soak in, great views and a friendly atmosphere. It was good to watch other racers come in and give support. My camp set-up worked well – warm and cosy and well fed and watered. Good kit doesn’t come cheap but makes life very comfortable. I always sleep well in my tent and that night was no different.
Day 2 dawned well, the weather still settled and my legs still functioning….just as well as today was predicted to be longer than the first ! Bag packed and an 8.15 start, I knew the first leg to Wasdale as this followed the route of the Ultra 100….or at least I should have ! I miss the path off to the right and find myself climbing higher…I soon realise this is wrong and cut-off along a wall to re-join the path…complacency !!!
Thereafter, I make good time to Wasdale and then on to control 2 at Styhead Pass. As I climb the main path the weather starts to turn, in comes the hail, sleet and then snow but hardly any wind and the cloud remains high. Wasdale to Styhead in 40 mins and then to High Raise, via Esk Hause, Angle Tarn and the top of Stake Pass.
From here the next control is on Steel Fell, I take a direct line and this works well. BG trod down to Dunmail and on to the next control on St Sunday Crag – it starts to get hard and I am annoyed at my food choice – I crave for savoury and fruity foods, not more flapjack and cereal bars !
The snow returns on St Sunday but this is no big deal, rapid descent to Patterdale and the last control before the overnight. However, the Troutbeck valley is a long way from Patterdale. I follow the familiar track to Hartsop and then climb the Thresthwaite valley…this goes on forever ! So does the descent the other side to Troutbeck, I am pleased to see the overnight camp.
It is again a glorious location, the sun is shining, I wash in the beck, eat well and drink beer….life is good. 4th again today, 4th overall, out for 7hrs 40mins and, again, 32 miles covered.
There is a big psychological difference in competing in a 3 day event to a 2 day event – the heading fro home, shorter day comes 24 hours later ! The route looks great, back up the valley and then I decide to cut left, up the wall line to join the ridge and head north to Caudale Moor, control 1. The weather is still good, but cloud is building in the distance, it will turn at some point but maybe I will get back before it does.
Control 2 is on Red Screes, obvious route choice down Ravens Edge to Kirsktone and then a steady grind up the path. Then on to Fairfield, again obvious, and contour both Dove Crag and Hart Crag. I am out in front today, having passed racers who set off early, I am running well.
I decide to take a direct line from Fairfield into Tongue Ghyll and down to the main road. Back roads behind Grasmere and then up to Easedale Tarn; I opt for the path towards Blea Crag and then contour on the trod to the last checkpoint close to Stickle Tarn, this works well. It is now just a 20 minute run down to the finish, my legs hurt but the end is in sight.
I am first to finish, out for 4hrs 35mins and, again, 4th, and 4th overall in the event. Just 17 miles today, making 81 in total.
A fantastic event, thanks go to Shane and Charlie, as well as the other racers.
Friday 4 May 2012
A day off ! - Friday 4th May 2012
So off to the Great Lakes 3 Day (GL3D) tonight so no running or riding for me today......can't remember when I last had a rest day...maybe 3 weeks ago ?!
Ride - Thursday 3rd May 2012
Time is tight tonight but manage a quick ride around the usual Lyth valley route - a good ride and warm evening....long may this last.
Staveley run - Wednesday 2nd May 2012
Legs still tired from Sunday and then training on Monday so I decide to head over to Staveley for a steady run to Potter Tarn, Potter Fell and Brunt Knott.
A warm, clear evening.
Wednesday 2 May 2012
Training - Monday 30th April 2012
Billy taking control tonight. Legs tight after yesterday's race and a hard session - does this make sense or should I be going out for a steady run or ride instead ?
Buttermere / Sailbeck Race - Sunday 29th April 2012
Another race that I have not run before; as I often do, I spend the week prior studying the race map. It is a windy day with rain forecast for later. I pick up Russ and Kath and head North to Buttermere.
Having pre-registered I pick up my number and drink coffee whilst deciding what to wear, too much choice. The race starts by the hotel and, for the first 400m, heads steeply up the Newlands Pass road. It then cuts off left, on a trod towards Knott Rigg and the first checkpoint on Ard Crags. I run well but it is hard work running into the northerly wind, some rain as well.
After the first checkpoint the race descends steeply to Sailbeck and the next checkpoint before an abrupt turn and an even more abrupt climb to Causey Pike. Fortunately this is on a good trod and sheltered to some extent. Once at the Hause and on the ridge line the wind picks up, at some points directly behind and at others from the right.
I push on, over Scar Crags, up the zig-zags of Sail and then the short steep climb to Crag Hill. The cloud is still above the summits and I pick a good line and the trod that leads to Whiteless Pike, the last checkpoint. I had recce'd this route with Russ earlier in the year, not sure if I followed the same line, just a case of heading downhill and trying to stay on both feet today.
I run well, finish somewhere in the top 20 and somewhere under 2 hours. Kath also has a good run, recovering from injury and finishes unscathed. Russ went over on his ankle on the descent from Ard Crags and had thought of heading back, he did well to continue in the grim conditions.
A tough day and one that later proved to be a very sad one.
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