Potter Tarn & Potter Fell - Thursday 14th August 2014

Out with Russ tonight for a steady run in the rain. Out along river and then to Potter Tarn, not warm enough for a swim tonight ! Then on up towards Gurnal Dubs but cut off left on a trod and eventually to Potter Fell. 

The rain is relatively light and intermittent and the views are spectacular; to the Howgills, the light is stunning and the heather, coming in to bloom, is very vivid.

We then head down the track, across the fields and back into the village. Out for about an hour and twenty, well worth it. 

Training - Wednesday 13th August 2014

On Helm, most Elite runners take it easy and head off with Billy; those wanting a tougher session are referred to Russell. 

We work on pairs, a bit of a tag session, short fast sprints....these are not for me but perhaps do me good. Thanks Russ !

Btw, had the Quattro exactly 2 years today ! 

Pilates -Tuesday 12th August 2014

So I've stuck at it, still there, me and the girls ! I'm told that I am much more flexible and actually feel it too so, onwards and upwards. 

Training - Monday 11th August 2014

I head to training hut having raced Saturday and been out on the fells again yesterday, I settle for running around steady laps and not much else. 

IHR Leg 2 - Sunday 10th August 2014

Forecast not great for today, we're due to get the tail end of hurricane Bertha from the States; but actually this never really materialises. It not a great day, a bit wet, a bit misty and a bit windy, but really not that bad.

I head over to Kirkstone with KA, in the Cali again, and we decide to start from there and run down the valley to Brotherswater and Hartsop, where leg 2 starts; a much more gentle way to start than Hartsop to Hayeswater. But we still have that to run, or walk, and slog it out into the mist to High Street. 

It's actually quite a fast and short leg, we are soon picking up speed towards Thornthwaite and then the steep descent to Thresthwaite. Another short, rocky climb from here and I try to explain...justify.....excuse my and Rick's nav error from a few years ago; it falls upon deaf ears, I wish I hadn't bothered !

Then fast running, down Raven's Edge and the last steep descent to Kirkstone. A quick change, cuppa and the to the Hawkshead Brewery for a pint. A good afternoon out.  

Turner Landscape Fell Race - Saturday 9th August 2014

Raced this one last year, a real classic route and looking forward to it today. Head over to the Duddon with Russ in the Cali, the weather is reasonable, a little mist but forecast to improve. 

Once registered we meet up with a view other Helm runners, Chris, Brian, Karl, Lee, Jonny and Jayne, and discuss the race and route choice. We soon under way and after the usual mad dash at the start, the slow grind up to Seathwaite Tarn begins. I dig in, keep running and soon am climbing Grey Friar; a am rubbing shoulders with Brain, just as I did last year !

There is a little mist on the top, but I know my way and now hard to Swirl How and see Joss our marshalling on the route.....now there's an inspiration. Then to Coniston Old Man, I feel like I am running ok an deliberately did not look at my time from last year, really don't need the pressure. 

Very windy across Brim Fell and the a horrible descent to Goats Hawse and the short climb to Dow Crag; fast running from here then and a good line below Brown Pike, across the Walna Scar and out to White Pike on an obvious grassy trod. Flagged from here, a steep grassy descent to the wall/gate, then along the wall past the quarries and then a drop down through grassy and bouldary terrain to the finish field.

I finish in 1:49, 20th, and am pleased with that; felt good and enjoyed the race.  Other Helm runners come in, all run well and looked pleased. Then it's time for tea and cakes, the sun is out, as are the deck chairs from the tailgate of the Cali.

Link to results:

http://forum.fellrunner.org.uk/showthread.php?15507-Turner-Landscape/page17

London - Thursday 7th & Friday 8th August 2014

Best laid plans to run one or both days in Hyde Park never materialise, perhaps the rest will be sensible before Saturdays race. 

Go car spotting instead: