Langdale Half Marathon - Saturday 21st September 2013

Entered this a while ago and not done any specific training for it - can't even remember the last time I ran on the road. 

It is drizzly and misty in Langdale but the dampness eases as the race starts. I lead, well for the first 50 or so metres, and then settle into a steady rhythm, albeit within the first mile the route goes up a very steep hill !

I run ok, could have been better, could have been worse. Finish in exactly 1:34 and this places me 16th and 2nd in category. 

Full results:

http://www.ukresults.net/2013/langhalf.html

Photo:

http://www.sportsunday.co.uk/lm-10043

Ian Hodgson Relay, Leg 2 - Friday 20th September 2013

I arrange to leave work early to recce leg 2 of the IHR; a late change of plan and I run with Kath, instead of John B. 

The weather is kind, but the track from Hartsop leading to Hayeswater is not ! A new river crossing and constructed path makes life a little easier as we cut off the track and climb towards the Knott. 

Behind the Knott (not to the summit though.....excuse the pun !) and then on to High Street. The cloud is high but a cool wind blows and on goes the new Inov-8 Windproof. Round to the Beacon, by following the fast grassy line close to the wall and then cut off just before the Beacon. 

A steep descent takes us to Thresthwaite Mouth and then on up to the tarn close to Caudale Moor, the scene of a previous nav error ! Kath picks a good line and we are soon heading from the Tarn to Ravens Edge, fast running on a gently descending line. 

Soon down at Kirkstone, we stop briefly for cheese and jam sandwiches.....yes, jam and cheese in the same sandwich, that's weird, but tastes good ! Brothers Water looks a long way away, and the car is beyond that but we are soon down the valley despite our losing the path on more than one occasion. 

A good little path cuts along the East side of the Water and then over the road and on to another path which takes us back to Hartsop. A good run out, recorded on Strava: 11.4 miles and 3,116' of height gain and loss. 

Evening Staveley Run - Thursday 19th September 2013

After some communication difficulties we head out from Staveley for an evening run. Short on time so head up through Craggy Wood and up to Potter Tarn.  Head down from here to the river and back along on the far side. Good to be out. Then to the chip shop.

Training - Wednesday 18th September 2013

A real toughie tonight - just 4 reps !!!  But they start at the bottom, go to the top, all the way the down the back, back to the top and then down to the start......that's a serious rep. It's just about dark as we finish and I am wasted ! We all work hard tonight. 

Scout Scar Run - Tuesday 17th September 2013

Head out at lunch, park the smart looking A5 Sportback S-Line (it will be handed back in a few hours !) at Brigsteer Woods and run usual Scout Scar lunchtime route; not been this way for a while. 

There is something special about this run, and always will be. 

Training - Monday 16th September 2013

Back to training. Hard work as usual, not making much progress.......frustrating.

Staveley Run - Sunday 15th September 2013

A very wet, windy and wild day. Any hopes to head high are soon put to bed so settle for a run from Staveley. We head out along river and then up to Potter Tarn, seeing Patrick on the way. 

A good decision, the rain in incessant and we battle against the wind. On up to Gurnal Dubs, Potter Fell and Brunt Knot, hard going and a relief to drop back down to the village; especially as we head to More for a bacon roll and coffee. 

Sprint Team Triathlon, London - Saturday 14th September 2013

So in London for the World Triathlon World Series; albeit we are in the Open Race Sprint Distance Relay. Hyde Park is buzzing we are well looked after by our hosts, Threadneedle Investments.

The Team, Stephen (Swim), me (Ride) and Richard (Run), are in good spirits, despite the damp weather. We take time to read through the info and listen carefully at the race briefing, there is a lot to it and a lot going on so we don't want any careless mistakes which could lead to a time penalty or disqualification.

At 2pm, Stephen is in the Serpentine for his 750m swim, I am at the transition area, by my bike and ready to go. after about 17 minutes he is in, 48th position, and attaches the timing strap around my ankle. Only then can I take by bike from the rack and walk (run) it out of the area to the mount area, the ground is wet and muddy, not easy to negotiate in cycle shoes.

Then I off, three laps of the course, each lap is about three quarters of the perimeter of the park; i ride well, head down and dig deep. It is flat and fast, dried up to some extent but I take it a bit steady on the tight bends and turnaround points.

I pick up places and dismount and come into the transition area in 32nd place. Richard is ready to go and takes the timing strap from my ankle. He runs well, picking up two places even before he is out of the transition, and then into 27th place on his first lap.

His second lap goes well and he finsihes with us being in 30th position; a good team effort and excellent organising and hospitality from Threadneedle.

Full results:

http://www.huaweidevice.co.uk/ituresults/

Hyde Park Run - Friday 13th (!) September 2013

So the Triathlon Team (Stephen, Richard and I) head over to Hyde Park in the rain at lunch to check out the lie of the land for our event tomorrow. A lot going on, including a Triathlon event, so we don't actually run that far but a worthwhile recce. 

London - Thursday 12th September 2013

Head down to London, had planned to run after work but just couldn't be bothered today !

Training - Wednesday 11th September 2013

Back on Helm after a week away. 8 up & down reps, hard work and much warmer than anticipated - shirt off after the 1st rep ! Lee records on Strava, 1,500' ascent / descent I believe. 

Staveley Ride - Tuesday 10th September 2013

A quick ride out after work, recorded on Strava ! Usual Burneside / Staveley route.

Rest day - Monday 9th September 2013

Legs not in great shape today, although not as bad as previous years......maybe taking it steadier or climbing a Munro the day after the race was sensible. 

Buachaille Etive Mor - Sunday 8th September 2013

So we plants climb a Munro on our way home, maybe it will be good for our legs !

We decide on Buachaille Etive Mor, the iconic Sottish peak. My Munro book suggest 2 hours to the main summit, Stob Dearg at 1022m, but we are strong and make it to the summit in about an hour. A little mist on the summit spoils the views but its still a good place to be. 

Going back down, the same way we went up, is the hardest bit - quads are tight ! But back down in just under an hour, a good walk and after a quick brew we head home. It made sense to have this excursion, stretched our legs and made good use of our time north of the border. 

Ben Nevis Fell Race - Saturday 7th September 2013

So after a wet night (so the campers tell me !), comes a wet morning; however, it is forecast to clear early afternoon, before turning wet again.....we could be lucky. 

From Glen Nevis campsite it is just a five minute drive to the shinty pitch; parking is very restricted but, arriving early, we secure a prime place. Registration is simple and we head back to the camper with our race numbers, t-shirts and whisky......maybe I should drink this for some 'Dutch courage'. 

I don't have a great feeling about the race, although I think this has been the case for the last 3 years, both my head and body are not in the right place. But Russ puts me straight and makes some sense. 

After a quick change just before the start, tights to shorts, we are piped around the pitch to the starting pen. Then a minute or so before 1pm we are off. My plan is to take it steady, not blow up and not disappoint myself - I have lowered my expectations and accept it will not be a quick time for me this year. 

This is a good plan and I tuck in behind Craig. However, I am overdressed and then spend an age struggling to take off and stow my Helly....it gets tangled in my vest and then I get tangled in my pack ! Not good, but once sorted I get a new lease of life and catch Craig. He too is suffering from wearing a Helly and decides to strip and use me to help him.....I must lose at least 10 minutes assisting him :-). 

Then the real climb begins, I dig in and keep going; a gel kicks in (this is a new approach for me) and  I am almost enjoying the climb, perhaps taking it steadier is the new way forward for me. The conditions are good, the rock has dried quickly, it cools a little and the cloud is high. 

The leader passes so early and then at least five minutes until the chasing pack pass. The top section is just about flat but also the roughest, I do not to enjoy this and am as slow on he way back as I am to the summit. 

But the climb is over and I am heading back down. Strange really, when on the way up I think how good it would be to be descending and then when descending, climbing is appealing ! I'm soon down to the tourist path, straight over and then Red Bank, this really hurts and I should be going quicker than this. 

However, once back on the path I feel strong and continue to run steady, but not fast, all the way to the finish, even the road is not too bad. I finish in just over 2:08, my slowest time yet but I am not too disappointed and feel in good shape.  

Craig finishes a few minutes behind me and the we head to the river so soak tired muscles, this is very sensible. Then back to camper and we get to see Russ approach the finish, he too looks strong. 

So not a bad day, but perhaps I will come back mentally and physically stronger next year. 

Results:

http://www.bennevisrace.co.uk/pdf/Results_List_2013.pdf

Heading North - Friday 6th September 2013

Things do not go to plan and this will make it a difficult weekend.

Evening ride - Thursday 5th September 2013

A busy evening but I manage a quick ride out from home. Down Windermere Road, pass Kendal Green and out to Burneside. Then towards Garnett Bridge before cutting across Potter Fell road and into Staveley. Back through Bowston, Burneside and up Hollins Lane. 

River / Canal Run - Wednesday 4th September 2013

Can't make training tonight so head out on usual route at lunchtime. A glorious day and I run well.

Rest Day - Tuesday 3rd September 2013

No run or ride today; Physio session with JB.

Training - Monday 2nd September 2013

Should have stayed at home tonight - went wrong before it started. Trained ok.

Ian Hodgson Round (IHR), Legs 3 & 4 - Sunday 1st September 2013

So it's September and a cool, windy day, but dry and the fells are cloud free. 

Set off from Kirkstone, up Red Screes (I'm sure I could see Russ's Inov-8's stud marks !), down to Scandale Pass and up towards Dove Crag. But contour round and climb to Hart Crag and on to Fairfield. 

Very few people on the fells today; the wind is buffeting as we climb St Sunday Crag. Get the good, runnable line from the summit and are soon down, descending the horrid pitched path to the road. Down into Patterdale and over to the farm, below Place Fell, for coffee and cake. 

Had planned to carry-on and run legs 1 & 2 too but time is against us. Along the track and paths to Hartsop and then the road to Brotherswater. Kirkstone looks a long way away for here, and it is. 

We avoid the road and take a steady run up the pass. Good to have the camper parked in the car park, it makes changing and drinking tea so much easier. 

Mountain biking in Grizedale - Saturday 31st August 2013

Head over to High Cross for some mountain biking in Grizedale Forest, not done this for a while. 

Take in a big loop on the main tracks and down to the Forest centre for coffee and a tea cake. It's a steady climb back out from here and head round another big loop back to High Cross. 

Then add in a bit of road, downhill and then back up.....just for fun !

Scout Scar Run - Friday 30th August 2013

Notice a post on Helm Hill forum about a run on the Scar at 6pm, I had not made it out at lunchtime so this fits in. 

About 7 of us head out for an hour or so, a similar route to my lunchtime one to Helsington. A good run out and at quite a pace, fortunately we miss the showers.  

Barney Walk - Thursday 29th August 2013

I have the afternoon off and am in charge of Barnus. We head over to Staveley for lunch at More and then for a walk out and back along the river.......we are chased by a pig, not that Barn is overly bothered !

Orienteering Event - Wednesday 28th August 2013

Ben has kindly organised an orienteering event tonight, for both senior training groups. 

This is going to be good, I team up with young Jacob - we have 50 minutes to visit as many controls as possible (30, I think in total). We all set off together and soon scatter across the Helm.

We run well and work well together and visit all but two of the controls and are just under a minute late, thus forgoing 5 points; however, this gives us a total of 325 points which we are pleased with, although I do not think this will be a winning score. 

I am proved wrong, we pick up Male pair winners at the prize giving in the Station Inn later - beer and an Inov-8 Wrag for me and chocolate and a Wrag for Jacob - a real little star, he's only 13 and destined for great things in his running career. 

Black Fell and Tarn Hows - Tuesday 27th August 2013

A glorious evening and head over to the Drunken Duck for a run over Black Fell and Tarn Hows.

A great little route and barely anyone about. Up to Black Fell, great views and then across to Tarn Hows; round the tarn and then back over Black Fell; the sun is starting to go down behind the fells, stunning. 

Kentmere Horseshoe - Bank Holiday Monday 26th August 2013

Another day when time is tight, I head out early to Kentmere and manage to grab a parking space by the church. 

 

It's hot again and today I carry two bottles, sensible choice. Not much energy today, plod round the usual route, taking in all of the summits, including the Beacon and High Street. 

 

Relatively uneventful run and very few people about.

Grasmere....Tarns & Gingerbread Route - Sunday 25th August 2013

Hadn't planned to be out today but manage to fit in a run between things, including spectating at Grasmere Sports. 

Set off from Grasmere, up to Allcock Tarn, across to Nab Scar and onto the familiar Fairfield Horseshoe; then Heron Pike and Great Rigg before turning and descending to Stone Arthur. 

It is a glorious day, hot and cloudless and, again, I don't carry enough liquid. A direct descent to Tongue Gill and then Mill Bridge. The plan from here is to follow the ridge to Steel Fell, a little longer than expected and time is tight but we push on. 

Then towards Calf Crag but cut off left to join the main ridge, just east of the Crag and then follow the undulating ridge to Helm Crag. Out of juice and hard going in the heat. A rapid descent from here to Grasmere, down the main tourist trail and straight into the river to cool down......fantastic. 

Back to the car and then get to see some of the Junior races at Grasmere Sports.