My third time taking part in this challenging race, and this time run with KA. I hadn't put enough training in, too much time nursing my damaged Achilles but just need to man up and get on and run a mere 38 miles in tough conditions, just two days before the winter solstice !!!
It's an early start and the weather is looking far from great, but as forecast. Chai seed porridge gets me going and after a quick kit faff and kit check we set off at about 7:45; it's only just light and we really do battle into the wind and rain as we head out of Askham onto the Common. It's only this section, both out and back, that I use my map; I know it would not go down well if I messed up early or late in the race !
We make steady progress, but it's brutal. The ground is sodden and numerous land slips and washed out becks make it hard going, and the rain and wind are relentless. But we make it to Matterdale church, CP 1, in good shape and then it's up and over Boredale Hause to Side Farm, and an opportunity to grab a cuppa.
The route is altered a little here as the main track to the village is under water, Patterdale and Glenridding are far from recovered after the terrible flooding a few weeks prior. I play it safe from here, concerned that the off road route might not be feasible due to bridge collapses, so head up the road and track to Greenside Mines, no sign of Nic putting kettle on for us !
Then it's a climb up to Swarth Beck footbridge and a smiley Stu taking numbers at this CP. There's a bit of shelter as we climb to the pass but then the wind is full on as we descend to Stannah Bridge and the next CP. Easier going from here to Swirls car park and then another opportunity for some tea and savoury snacks.
From here the route leads through the forest towards Dunmail and we really get to see the damage that the recent floods have done. Becks are completely washed out into gorges, filled with huge boulders and broken bridges. A few river crossings required but good to have shelter from the wind and enjoy a couple of hours of dry weather.
It's a steady climb to Grisedale Tarn and then with the wind behind us we descend the long Grisedale valley back to Patterdale. But the wind is, at times, unwelcome as it is violent and risks blowing us off our feet. Back to Side Farm and more tea, it's been a long day and now just the last 10 miles of retracing our outward route. The clouds roll in again and the rain returns and we reach Boredale Hause. KA's new Scott running shoes grip well on the descent and after a road section and sharing of a gel we are back at the church.
It's getting dark now, so headtorches required. It's grim, very wet and muddy and getting a bit tired. I work hard, making sure no nav mistakes and again we battle our way onto Askham Common and can see the lights of the village in the distance. We run well, despite KA taking a nasty tumble, and make it back to the village in 9:35. I am proud of our achievement.
Tea never tasted so good, we are soaked but not cold and manage to grab a hot shower, then a massage, plus more food and tea - all much needed and, actually, I feel great :-)
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