Calva Or Bust

I like to ride my bicycle.......

2012-02-04T20:42:00.001Z

Last January I had ran 190 miles in training and raced in two fell races.
This January I have JOGGED 28 miles and WATCHED two fell races.

I'm in despair regarding my injury. I have spent over 200 quid at physio and not feeling that much improvement.
In desperation I visited the doctors again and asked if I could get referred to a Groin Specialist.... she is going to send me for an ultra sound scan. Suppose its better then the hip x-ray they sent me for last time!!!
The groin problem I have had since the BGR but I have been able to manage it myself. The bigger problem is in the lower stomach - almost like a muscle tear but becomes very painful if I over exert myself. Sometimes it hurts to get in and out of a car or lie down in bed. The physio thinks its all connected with the groin.
I have found a groin specialist in Bradford but at 190 quid for a consultation im holding back for a little longer.

To keep me sane and I have been cycling to the odd fell race to take photos. It allows me to keep in touch with my fell mates and also helps keeps me a little bit fit, but nothing is a substitute for running.
I have entered the Fred Whitton Challenge so at least I have got something to focus on. Not sure it was the right thing to do after seeing them hurtling down Kirkstone pass last year!!!
Im still enjoying reading other folk blogs and hopefully this blog will start being a RUNNING blog again soon, but in the mean time I'm afraid its still a photo blog.

Ullswater

Martindale Hause

cycle miles

Blakes winner Ricky Lightfoot

Carl Bell chasing Kim Colinson

congrats

Bassenthwaite

River Lowther - Askham

Kirkstone

Snowy Blencathra

Ullswater

2012-01-02T00:05:00.000Z

Nine Standards Fell Race

Business as usual for Carl Bell after he demolished the field at this years Nine Standards fell race.
Eden club mate Kim Collison continued his good form with runners up spot- 5days after finishing runner up to Rob Jebb at Wansfell.
Keswick new boy Steve Angus made a decent debut for his new club (after training ont fell all summer with Eden) finishing 7th, four places behind his club mate Russell Maddams who finished 3d.

Pippa Maddams and Lauren Jeska had a good battle up and down the fell and crossed the line together.

This is a great race and a great way to see the new year in.

More race photos on my flickr site

Winner Carl Bell

In Form Kim Collison- Runner up

Russell Maddams 3rd

Ladies Record smashed

Eden old boy Steve Angus

I'm still not running so I'm afraid this running blog is in danger of turning into a photo blog......

Ullswater

Priests hole cave

Scales Tarn

Mayburgh Henge

Happy new year!

Stopping and Listening

2011-12-18T17:31:00.003Z

..is what I am doing at the moment.

For the past 18 months I have had trouble with my left leg. At times it has stopped me running for a week or two but mostly I have been able to manage it and run through it, but 4 weeks ago after a hilly 15 mile fell run I was was hobbling back to the car and decided enough is enough.

I love running, especially on the fells this time of year, but if I listen to folk who know how to fix me then hopefully I be back sooner rather than later, though at the moment it seem it will be yonks before im running pain free again.

To try and keep my base fitness I have been doing a few bike miles, which even in the summer I find hard enough, so its double hard in this weather.

Im still enjoying reading other folks blogs, even if it is making me reet jealous!!
Sorry for the short post but without running I have not got nowt much to say, but hopefully in the new year....

Some photos I have taken in the last few weeks below.

some coos

coming down gatescarth pass

lone mountain biker

Haweswater

some trees

swindale - Shap

mr ugly

haweswater

honister pass

gt mell fell

honister crag

Aches and Pains

2011-11-07T20:20:00.000Z

A quick update

The week after the FRA relays I did no running at all, serious flu. (Susan says it was a minor cold at worst.)

I am not one of them fellrunners who refuse to run/race on the roads, quite the opposite really - so it was my intention to up my road mileage for the up coming Brampton-Carlisle 10 mile road race.

2 weeks ago I left the house and ran a hard very hilly 9 mile circuit, and was pleased to see my time was 59 minutes. Not bad, I thought, for starters.
The next night I planned to do the same route, but as a slow recovery run..... I got carried away and did the same time as the night before.
The following night was club night and with my run up to the club, back from the club and the clubs "rocket run" my mileage totalled 8 miles.
3 days in and 27 miles covered, all good sessions.

This is why I'm useless ont roads.....
The next day my left calf is seized up and I could hardly walk let alone run.
2 days rest and I set off to do a 12 miler and I cut it short to 6. Calf gets worse the further on I run.
The next day I take desperate measures......the road bike comes out and I do 45 miles that include kirkstone pass.
Another 2 days pass before I try and run again and this time its hill reps at the club.
I feel fine for the first 7 but begin to feel the calf tighten again on the second 7. I jog home knowing im an idiot.

On Saturday the bike comes out again and I do a 56 mile circuit that include kiirkstone again, but this time I carried on down to Ambleside and back along Thirlmere. Really enjoyed this apart from the frost bite on my fingers!!
Yesterday I parked at Seathwaite farm and jogged/walked up to Scafell Pike via the corridor route. I then made my way to Sca Fell via Fox's Tarn and returned to the Pike again before I made my way back to the car, again via the corridor route. Glorious blue sky's and never seen a soul til my descent.
Today my hips are aching.....I'm such a wuss!!!

I wont try and run again till Wednesday night now.
Some photos below from the last 2 weeks.

Ullswater

Thirlmere

footbridge on the way to Styhead

Borrowdale in fog

On Scafell Pike

Not today

Wastwater from Sca Fell

....and finally

this fella broke Kenny Stuarts Derwentwater 10 mile record on Sunday!!!!!

FRA Relays Kettlewell

2011-10-23T12:51:00.000+01:00

First time ever for our club (Eden Runners) in these relays.
Six of us was picked by Andy Tompson and in two cars we made the trip to Kettlewell on a glorious morning, which would make the running even better.

On leg 1 we had Jonny French who who ran fast and handed over to me and Steve Bennett in 30th position.


flying scotsman jonny

So it was on leg 2 where myself and Steve had the task of trying to keep the team from falling too far back.
We ran hard, but on the descent into the village (2 mile in, 7 to go) Steve rolled his ankle, I was behind him and seen it buckle, so it was a fantastic effort for Steve to finish at all. Im sure this knocked the stuffing out him because he really struggled after it, even on the climbs where he is so much stronger then me normally.
We got passed a few times and were disappointed to finish our leg in 1.25 and 42nd for our 9 mile leg.

me and Stevie B finishing our leg

We passed over to Kim Colinson and Sam Ware. These fellas were our Nav men and what I can gather from Sam, Kim was unstoppable. Sam had all his work cut out just to keep up with kim,, let alone to get his map out. They both ran incredibly well and finished 13th fastest on there leg and really got the team back up.


Sam and Kim setting off (doesn't look that fast Sam)

Who would want to be anchor man. Step forward Andy Tompson.
Andy had his work cut on the final leg, where a lot of teams kept their fast men. We had hoped Jonny would do this leg for us but it was decided on the morning (quite rightly too) that Andy wouldn't get lost and and Jonny most definitely would of, good call Kim. Still, Andy well a fantastic leg running 49th fastest and ensuring the team came in 27th over all.


Andy brings the team home

We would of taken that at the start of the day so happy enough. We are only a small club but the fell side is getting stronger and and stronger and with a couple more additions (preferably under 30), the club could start and push on more on the fells.

12th at the Pennine relays
15th at the Ian Hodgson relays
and 27th here is not a bad year for us.

Team Eden

Next year we are hoping to field a V40 team at these events........phew.

Not done a jot since last Saturday.

Short Sharp Shocks

2011-10-10T20:29:00.001+01:00

Cockermouth XC

Saturday saw the first fixture of the Cumbria Cross Country league and what a shock to the system !
Approx 8000m or 4 laps of a hilly muddy field - I thought it was only 3 and really struggled to come to terms with the devastating news when I was told by Ian Davis on the second lap!!

Its run in a handicap system with the fastest group setting of 6 minutes after the so called "slowest" and 3 minutes after the "fair to middllng" group.

Standing on the start line with the faster group witch included a slight uphill start I felt perhaps I would of been better off parking at Dunmail and running over to Thunacar Knot to watch the Langdale Horseshoe fell race.

The faster lads ran off into the distance and I settled on trying to keep my pace even, which I did for the first 2 laps until I ran out of power and ended up having to work really hard to keep my position.
Think I maybe finished 6th of 7th. I will do the whole series over the winter as everyone keeps telling me its good training and to be honest, I really do enjoy them..... once I'm back home !!


getting ready to attack the orange Keswickian

Penrith 10K Trail Race

The following day I was going to do 12 mile on the roads easy, but after looking at Eden's website I was reminded there was a 10k trail race 5 mile up the road, so I hopped on my bike and had a blast round it.

Very wet and muddy under foot which sapped your legs and after about 2 mile I found myself in a clear 4th with 3rd about 50-70 yards ahead. At the 4 mile mark I was aware of some one on my shoulder but I never had anything left to fight him off and I gave up my V40 yellow jersy position easy.

In the last mile I had a good battle for 5th with Steve Murdoch, swapping places a couple of times, but he proved to strong for me and I settled for 6th and 2nd V40.

A great hilly course and I really enjoyed it. A strong turn out from Eden Runners and it was good to catch up with a few who I aint seen since last winter/spring training but will soon be forced back to Wednesday night training next week with the nights getting too dark to mess about on the fells.

Eden's Jonny French won. Not sure on first lady. About 200 ran.

In between the two events I attended Shap Wells Hotel on Saturday evening where I was presented with my Bob Graham Certificate.

with fellow Eden runners

Ian Hodgson Mountain Relay

2011-10-04T21:56:00.002+01:00

Last year Eden Runners secured their highest ever finish in this event and this year the team were all keen to try and improve again.
With the team picked two months before, we all had time to recce the course, but none of us were expecting the organisers to reverse the route two weeks prior , cue some last minute recceing.

Another problem we had was that we had no one to drive us in between checkpoints. Somehow the day before we mastered a rough plan that would involve my car and Alex's. All sorted.

The weather leading up to it was warm and clear but typically on the day it was wet and claggy on the tops- perfect for all the local clubs.

I met Alex at the start line half an hour before the race with the news his car was stuck half way up Kirkstone Pass with a flat tyre...... Panic stations.
A new plan was made that involved a lot of rushing about at checkpoints but by the time leg 3 was under way we had managed to get Alex's tyre changed and we were back on track.... phew.

Our team consisted of six V40s and two senior men.Not the strongest team Eden could of put out but a strong one nevertheless.

On leg 1 we had a veteran of many a relay, Anth Labram, and Alex Davies, running his first but hopefully not his last fell relay.They got us the good solid start we wanted coming into the changeover in 19th position after running a fast leg.

Leg 2 was my leg along with Steve Bennett. The climb up to high street went on and on and we got passed a couple of times despite us running hard. Once up on the tops the wind was in our faces and the visibility was poor. A decision was made to go straight up to the Beacon rather then contour around it. On the path descending into Threshthwaite Cove we were joined by a few other teams who appeared and then disappeared again.
We climbed well and got to the tarn bang on a previously recced line. A lot of teams had lost a lot of time looking for the tarn and then checkpoint. It was all down hill now and apart from me leading Steve over a wall and then back over we descended well. I had to try really hard to keep up with Steve and at times I was hanging on!!!

Amazingly we handed over to Sam Ware and Andy Thompson ( the young 'uns) having gained a place!!

These two fella's had an absolute storming run. It might be only 4.5 mile but route choice and nav are critical for a fast time. There never put a foot wrong and by the time they passed over to Derek Hurton and Dave Sargent we were in 11th position. Sam and Andy were 10th fastest on their leg. Brilliant.

Dave and Derek were the perfect 2 to bring the team home. Both fast and very experienced. Conditions had not improved on the tops and apart from a slight wander on Fairfield, all was going well......
... until Derek's sole came off his shoe!!!!
Dave described it best " It sounded like someone was clapping me all the way down St Sundays, such as the noise it made". ha ha ha.
They came into the finish in a magnificent 15th position and apart from been annoyed for a minute or two, they were full of smiles and laughter again. A fantastic effort by all (especially Derek and his flip flops)

A great day and great result for our small club . Roll on next year.

Borrowdale won.......again!

Anth and Alex

other teams were trying to intimidate us

Derek with flip flop in hand. Enjoyment on their faces echoed all around.

Sam Ware let slip bout this on curry night after the relays

Orton Autumn Fair Fell Race

2011-09-25T09:44:00.000+01:00

6 MILE/845 FT

Its been 9 weeks since I last raced and feeling upbeat with how my left leg has been improving these last 2 weeks, thought this 6 mile race would be ideal to give it a proper test
With only 845ft of climbing it felt more like a cross country race and with all the rain we have had recently it was ankle deep in soft mud for parts of the course- just like cross country.

A small field of 63 stood on the start line and a good turn out from Helm Hill was present. I positioned myself in about 3 rows from the front and as we set of up the road for the first 500 yards I fund myself jostled into about 20th position, so as soon it was possible I started moving up on the inside and by the time we had set foot on the fell I had got into 5th place and was on my own, with 4th place about 20 yds ahead and group of 4 about 20 yds behind.

The hill was all runnable but eventually the group of 4 caught and passed me as if I was stood still and I struggled for a couple of minutes whilst they got ahead of me.
Once on the top I managed to open my legs out on the descent and caught one of the 4 who had past me and was beginning to catch up on another runner.
Managed to catch another runner on the run in and ended up in 7th place and 2nd v40, 15 seconds behind David White of Helm Hill, who I have never beaten since he turned v40.

So, happy with run and got some great tips/stretches of Dave Stones and Gavin Thomas regarding my problems with my left leg. All in all a good day.

Tom Addison was first male and Melanie Hyder first lady. A double for Helm Hill.

Helm Hill team bath

Why is it....

2011-09-22T22:16:00.000+01:00

....that you only stretch when your injured ?

For the last couple of weeks I have been stretching a lot more, and touch wood, things seem to be improving.
I hardly ever stretch unless I see someone else doing it and I copy them so it looks like I know what I'm doing!

I have managed 4 good fell runs in the last 7 days and even so I can still feel a bit of tightness all down my left leg, I feel im picking up a bit more speed.

It was a big test last night when I joined up with mates Stevie B , Sam Ware ,Carl Bell and roadie Steve Angus (who are all much faster runners then me) and apart from the climbing I just about managed to hold some pace going on the tops without feeling too much ill-effect this morning.
Stretching is the key for me and hopefully I be be back blogging soon about races instead of self pity.

All smiles after a good run out

Still complaining

2011-09-10T14:31:00.000+01:00

Not raced since Snowdon - injury is stopping me from stretching out, more about that later.

It has been a piss poor year for me on the racing front, I normally get about 30-35 races in a year- this year I have done 13. Its is the racing that I enjoy most, meeting up with friends that you only see at race meets and that special moment you always get in a race when your half way up/down a fell side and you look up to see the amazing view and the feeling of great well-being.

I had an entry for Ben Nevis but it was too much of a risk in case I made the injury worse. I was gutted not to go and to be honest I have not read any other blogs if it had the words "Ben Nevis" in the title, pathetic I know, but it is so painful when you have badly wanted to do a race and not been able because of injury.

The year started and I had high hopes of improving my times, concentrating more on speed rather then endurance. I felt like I had a good winters training leading up to February and at the Pennine Relays I don't think I had ever felt so fit.
Since February though I seemed to have been through a rotation of injured -getting fit -injured again.
When I was free from injury I was really enjoying going to the local tri clubs speed sessions and I felt I was improving and beginning to look forward to the Autumn road racing season, but I have not been able to attend them for about 6 weeks now. If I do any road racing at all this year it will to try and build up my speed for next year.

So the injury or should I say injuries. Two. First one was like a torn stomach muscle that really hurt if I did anything that involved me tightening my stomach muscles. Still sore but 80% better.

The second one is a bit more complicated for me to explain. I'm fine if I jog slowly and take very small steps but as soon as I try and stretch out my legs to pick up a bit of speed my left calf, hamstring, groin and buttock goes really tight and sore. The good thing is that its not stopping me from running up hills, very slowly, so slow that some of my fell running mates would question if it is running at all. Even roadie Stevie A , who I ran up Blencathra with last week last week thought it was ridiculously easy.

So not all bad I know at least I can still plod away, but after 6 weeks I would of hoped it would be better by now.
One thing I have been doing is instead of running up a fell side as fast as possible and then running back down again, I have taken a bit more time on the tops enjoying the views..... which aint a bad thing.

Some photos below from the last 6 weeks plods.

I enjoyed watching the Lakeland 50/100 mile race

My kids took great delight in beating me up Blencathra

Haweswater with Kidsty Pike


Hope it was on a training exercise

Climbing Great Mell Fell

Sun going down on Blencathra

Haweswater

Survey Post

From Catstycam


High Pike

Blencathra Ridges

Clives BGR

2011-08-18T21:18:00.002+01:00

I first met Clive via this blog in 2009, when he got in touch with me wanting to recce leg 1 and 2.
We both had plans to attempt the BGR, but Clive had the slight disadvantage of living on Mars (Wales).

After Clive had purchased some kindaloos from George Fishers we were off up Skiddaw, sometimes wading through a foot of snow. Banter was easy and by the time we had reached Threlkeld Clive was still very much determined to do leg 2 (a determination that was needed 2 years later).
Clive wont mind me saying, but he found leg 2 very tough and was on his arse by the time we reached Dunmail.

We kept in touch via email and text, but the next time I saw him was this year on his second attempt, where due to some dodgy stomach problems, bailed out on leg 4.

On his third attempt he decided he wanted to do it more low key and instead of having 2 or 3 folk on each leg, just 1 or 2.
Its not for me to report on his round so all I will say is WELL DONE TAFFY and never again will you convince me to come down the Parachute again!!!!

Clives Blog is here.

As for my running.......its not.

Ben Nevis in 2weeks too!!!!!

Snowdon Fell Race 2011

2011-07-24T20:31:00.001+01:00

10 mile/3065 feet

Wanted - One longish pair of climbing legs- last seen May 2010.

This is one race that I will definitely return too. Loved it.
A car full of Stoddys left Penrith early on Saturday morning for our first sortie into Wales. Jane (our sat nav) opted to take us along some stunning roads once we got into Wales. We were still on dual carriageway,but it really didn't feel like it as we passed steeples, castles and roaming dragons.
Very impressed by the coastal road and Colwyn Bay. I particularly enjoyed going through the 3 tunnels where I pretended I was in the Monaco Grand Prix!!
We stopped for a full English at a aptly named cafe caledl "the dragons nest". In hindsight this was a mistake.

We arrived about midday and I made my way to the registration area, where I was pleased to see familiar faces of Steve Hepplethwaite and David Burton. David had ran this race a few times, so he was quickly interrogated and a quick discussion on the the choice of footwear followed. I opted for an old battered pair of 330s.

A quick change in the car park and I went to the race start area. With still an hour to go I opted to lie down on the grass, whilst the Stoddys went for a wander.

After nearly dozing off I thought I best go for a warm up. I had only ran once since Monday....the day I did 200m reps...the day I felt my groin tighten. By the next day my hamstring had tightened too along with pain in my lower stomach, it hurt to get in and out of bed. On Wednesday I went for a short fell run with Steve B and felt awful, more so on the descent.

So the warm up was a big test for me. I gingerly jogged slowly in a nearby field and if I didn't push hard felt OKish. It was like a who's who of fell runners warming up, so I spent more time retying my shoe laces than running.
Met Sue and the kids again and told her not to worry if I was a long time, I might have to do a fair bit of walking if things were hurting.

Positioned myself in the middle of the pack for the start and before long we were off.
A slower then normal start for me and once on the road I speed up a bit, but still feeling relaxed I started passing a few runners. The road steepens sharply before you get onto the fell and I was feeling some mild discomfort but nothing I couldn't put up with.

On the climb I tried to get into a good rhythm but was finding my legs were not so keen. I don't know what's happened to my climbing legs of late, but Im struggling a lot at the moment.
I tell myself not to race and to relax. I started getting passed but I wasn't too bothered. The full English seemed a bad idea at this point too.

Eventually I noticed I was catching people back up and passing them too. I didn't seem to be working too hard and it felt comfortable. The views were stunning too when I did look up.
I was aware of my groin/stomach pain but not enough for it to hamper me. I started really enjoying it.
Three quarters of the way up and it steepens again. I bend down and start marching. Im not marching hard enough as a couple of runners get pass me. I dig in again.

The leaders start coming out of the mist now. I notice Steve Hebb is in about 7th and I give him a shout.
The top is nearly reached and I see Pippa running down the railway track on my right, I give her a shout of encouragement too and think to myself that the track looks nicer running then the rough ground im on at the moment. Within seconds other runners are tearing down the rough path that im on. I can only think that there is a time limit of running down the track before the train comes. It serves me right for been to slow on the climb.

The summit reached at last, in 57 minutes and 93rd. Its all down hill now but not before I have some tricky steps to negotiate just off the summit. I start thinking a hand rail would be useful.

Legs soon realise there going downhill and soon im passing other runners making their way up.
I make one bad decision on the whole descent and it cost me 4 places but apart from that I really enjoyed the run off the mountain. Never really flat out as I didn't want to run out of gas before the finish.

The support was fantastic on the hill but nothing had prepared for what the last half mile would be like in the village. The noise and atmosphere was brilliant and I now understand what a lot of road runners get from the big city marathons.

I cross the line in 1.25 and 81st position.

Buckets of cold water are supplied for hot feet and everyone's got a smile on their face.
Superb.

Andi Jones first man and Pippa Maddams first women - A double for England.

On the descent

The finish, 20 minutes behind the winner below.

Race winner andi jones

Pippa and Steve H (with his white shirt on too)

The next morning I set off to run 7 mile on the road as a recovery.... I get 2 in but make my way back home very slowly. Bloody groin.

The week that broke me

2011-07-17T21:27:00.001+01:00

The Sunday after Wasdale and there was no way I was going out for a run..... I couldn't walk.

If I thought my legs were bad on Sunday, On Monday I thought I needed a wheelchair.

By Wednesday my thigh muscles were still in shock but were ready for a slow recovery run.
A few texts later and im joining fellow Eden lads, Kim, Sam and Stevie B for what I hoped would be a jog and a walk up Scafell Pike from Seathwaite farm.

We set off at a far old pace though, which seemed easy enough along the valley floor until we started the climb up Ruddy Gill on the way to Esk Hause. For some reason Sam decided to race Kim which left me and Stevie B racing to keep up.
No bother, I thought, they will run out of steam soon......Wrong.
By Esk Hause im now at the back trying to persuade the racing group ahead, which now included Steve B, to slow down and enjoy the views, Its not very often we up here in such good clear conditions. My plea fell on deaf ears.
Two weeks earlier it took us (without daft Sam and Kim) 80 mins to get to the pike. On Wednesday it took us 62. The photo below shows what Steve thought of it.


Kim, Steve and Sam

The idea of this run was to recce the scree run and corridor route for the upcoming Borrowdale fell race and before long we running down the scree run which included very little scree.

Quick way off Scafell Pike

By the time we got to Styhead tarn I made the mistake of jokingly suggesting we should go up gable too...

Scafells from Great Gable


Sam and Kim admire the view. Steve looks to sit down.

We eventually get back to the car and waiting tins of coke. 10.5 mile and 4400 ft. Im also thinking of picking my running mates differently for recovery runs.

Thursday and Friday I spend recovering...... well not quite true, I couldn't be arsed.

On Saturday I did the Coledale Horseshoe race route with Steve Angus in the rain.
Very enjoyable apart from the fact that Steve started complaining on the final hill of Barrow that he thought he was doing Grasmoor and Hopegill head too (the walkers horseshoe).... funny tho he didn't mention this on the rain lashed top of Grisedale.

On Sunday I was all set to to do a 13 mile road run, which I have neglected for 3 weeks now, when Stevie A texted me to see if I fancied doing the Blencathra Race route. Its pouring down but sounds better then the lone road run.

Steve is entered into the Lakeland 50 this year and has really put some hard fell miles in lately and like yesterday, he really put me to the sword on the climbs. I think and hope if he keeps his head and not start chatting his way around, he could do really well , fingers crossed for him.

Wasdale Fell Race

2011-07-10T20:15:00.001+01:00

21 mile/9000ft

Well it doesn't get any tougher then that.
21 miles, 5 summits and 9000ft of climbing over some of Lakelands roughest/highest ground.

Did I under estimate it.... yes.
Did I think I was fit enough to do it .....yes.
Did I set off too fast, after been told by much better runners then me, to take the first 2 hours easy.....yes.
Am I a numpty.... you bet!!!

I lined up on the start line with club mate Sam Ware, my plan was to run with him for as much as I could.
We set off with about 266 other runners and the climb up Whin Rigg was a lot longer then I thought it would be.... bloody map deceives me again.

Once up on top tho and its good running and I follow Sam, who is following a Dark Peak fella.
Clag caused us all to stop when DP guy stops and says we missed first checkpoint.A quick discussion and 5 other runner streaming past and we off again. Maybe a minute lost but no need to panic, still 19 miles to go.

The run down to the valley floor and the heat its you again.

Running easy and chatting effortlessly to Sam and I'm enjoying it. The run to Greendale is soon done and we are met by Joss, who is handing out water, Sam thinks about a autograph but I remind him that we in a fell race.

The Screes

We climb Seatallan together and Sam says is legs are dead (he did a 9hr fell run on Wednesday). Secretly im pleased, it means I can keep up with him. I tell him to get some food and drink down on the climb and he be fine when we reach the top. We are chatting away, with DP runner just behind, when out of the blue Sam decides to start running again. I know its too early for me but foolishly I set off with him.

We soon catch Paul Nield up of Bowland and we reach the second checkpoint. Sam is first to dib and by the time we have registered our dibs Sam has done a full circle of the summit, unsure of the way off. This amuses me greatly.

The run over to Pilar is a long slog and im in a group of four who seem to be running easily, this is where I should of backed off and took it easy but foolishly I kid myself I can keep it up.

On the climb to Pilar and Sam has got a good minute ahead, Paul and DP not far behind me.
The top in clag and Paul has gone a different way, DP looks a bit unsure and I show him the grassy line off but within 5 minutes we out of the cloud and he whizzes past me.

I stumble down to Black Sail Pass and get a bottle of Peter, who had carried bottles up for Ellenboro lads.
While im getting my bottle Paul runs past along with 2 other runners, I set of again but soon realise im knackered, thirsty and hungry. I walk when I should be running. I fill my bottle up at the stream crossing, I walk a bit more and drink. I have a gel and a jelly bean, but I only have a stinger bar which tastes disgusting, why did I not stick with the triad and tested Eccles Cake that works so well for me..... oh yeah thats right, the day before the stingers were half price....idiot!!

I somehow find myself climbing Gable. Half way up I stop. I look around and see a fast approaching group coming towards me. I don't care. I stand there admiring the view, savouring the last drops from my bottle.

Somehow I reach the top and I think back to 2 weeks earlier, when me and Sam raced each other to the summit. No chance today, I'm thinking of jacking in.
Nick Ray overtakes me on the descent and gives me some encouraging words and persuades me to keep going, that I have gone too far and its only a short ridge run back.
I know he's lying but its enough to keep me going.

I carry on getting passed and at Esk Hause I suffer cramp in both quads, agony.....I'm f**king hating this now.
The cramp goes and I try a light jog, I hit a stone and stumble, cramp again. Walkers looking at me must be thinking "what a loser" and im thinking the same. Antoher runner goes past.

Scafell Pike reached and its all downhill, first third on rock and boulders, a nice 300-400 yards on grass and the remaining down Lingmell Nose, which if your fit and well is a delight. When your legs have gone, its agony. I lookup and the view of Wastwater is fantastic, but looks a along way away. A quick glance at my watch and if I hurry up I can get back under 5 hours.

I do, with 20 seconds to spare and in 38th posistion. I vow never again.

other eden runners were

Kim Colinsin an amazing 5th in 4.16
Sam did superb 4.38.
Olly 5.22 (well not quite eden yet)
Jon Toombs was lucky and got timed out.

Rhys Findlay- Robinson and Joss Naylor

Tea and cake and more cake and all of a sudden its been a good race and next year maybe, just maybe I will remember my Eccles Cakes.

Ben Abdlelnoor was first man and Hazel Robinson first lady.

Ian Charters was running and as well as taking some stunning photos, also got in on the prizes.

spotlight on IWC

Wasdale Fell Race

2011-07-09T21:35:00.000+01:00

21 mile/900ft

ROCK HARD.... Hardest thing I have ever done (even harder then Tomb Raider 1 without cheats)

Full report to follow, after much needed alcohol.

Lazy Bones

2011-07-03T15:16:00.000+01:00

Had a very lazy week- no where near my 40-50 miles or 7-10000 ft.

Just been one of them weeks where I have either been tired or not had time to fit a run in, mainly though I have been feeling washed out so made the most of it and drank and ate well !!!

Monday I made the pilgrimage to the speed sessions where we ran 8 x 200m flat out.... rock hard!!! went home a broken man.

Tuesday I did nowt knowing that I was running with the 2 Steve's the next night.

2 Steve's running along the corridor route

Wednesday we all met up at Seathwaite Farm and ran up to Styhead Tarn, Esk Hause and up to Scafell Pike. The top was in cloud and made our way back down the corridor Route, but not before missing the turn off point by a good 500m, and having to climb back up again. We should off followed Scamp (Stveie As dog) as he was on the right path till I shouted him back!! Luckily for me the 2 Steve's weren't up for fast running this week.

Scamp sniffs his way out of Piers Gil

Thursday, Friday, Saturday......... Nowt.

Today, Sunday I left the with intentions of running up Blencathra, but on the way out I noticed Great Mell Fell looking lonely, so I parked up and ran up it. Once on top I noticed Little Mell and made my way to it.
They might be small fells but they provided me with a good hard run...... and a change is as good as a rest.

Blencathra

Ullswater from Little Mell

Seldom seen Golden Eagle.... on Gt Mell of all places

Last week I entered Wasdale, but after having a quick look at the entry list my names not on and my cheques not been cashed yet...... fingers crossed......that im not !!!!

Its been 6 weeks now....

2011-06-24T17:37:00.001+01:00

...of injury free running.

During that time I have raced in 3 fell races and supported 3 BGR attempts, but its what I have been doing in between them that im going to blab, bore you about.

Last year was a super year for me, as well has it being my BG year it was also a very satisfying time for me in the autumn where I got some new PBs on the roads, my sub 1 hour ten mile meant as much to me as my bob graham round. So its with this frame of mind that for the last few weeks I have been doing speed reps (on grass) with the local tri club and adding at least 2 road runs to my weekly training, one at 6 mile and another at 12.5 mile, both run hard and always against the clock.
The other 2 runs I do to complete my 5 day training plan are done on the fells, and again I run these hard..... most of the time I have to to keep up with either of the 2 Steve's or Sam.
My climbing on the fells over the last 6 weeks is averaging just over 7000ft and my weekly mileage is between 40 - 50 miles.

I don't follow any training plans, I don't think I would understand them, I just run... a bit forest like maybe but I don't know owt else.
I get little tips now and then of Steve Angus, but sometimes I think he enjoys taking the mick.
I also find my speed really improves over the winter months when I return to the club for some tough sessions, mostly hill reps

The one problem I do have is that the local tri club do their sessions on a Monday evening, which means im usually knackered after the weekend, Tuesday would be better for me James/Alan...

So, I guess what im blabbing on about is that my training is focusing on the Autumn for some road races, but also trying to keep my eye in on the fells, which I do enjoy much, much, more. (im also hoping the speed work will benefit me on the Snowdon fell race race next month)

Had a very good, enjoyable morning on the fells today, covering 21.5 miles and climbing over 7000ft .
After parking at Seathwaite farm, we ran over to Wasdale via Styhead tarn and then ran along the road the full length of the lake and climbed up Seatallen , Scoat fell, Pillar and Gt Gable before dropping back down to the tarn and farm. The more aware will notice its half of the Wasdale fell race route, which Sam is running and im thinking about. We had a special guest joining us today in Keswick AC runner Craig Smith (he knew the route up and off Seatallen).

Still smiling after 17miles.

One final note of mention is that Stevie B is helping on a BGR attempt tonight.
Maybe , just maybe he is beginning to think about doing it himself ..... nothing would give me greater pleasure then seeing my good friend succeed..... and seeing his gurning face from Wasdale onwards!!!!

Tebay Fell Race

2011-06-16T15:47:00.002+01:00

8 mile/3000ft

Only a short trip down the M6 for this tough, challenging fell race. The last time I did this was in 2008 when I suffered stomach/cramp pains for 24 hours after it, which I put down to the effort I put in and not quite being fit enough.

Four of us made our way down with Steve Angus following us for his second fell race of the year, after I cheekily told him it was a good all runnable course (well the last 2 mile is).

Stevie B, who is in resurging form, which can only be put down to his wife's Jackie's "special flapjack", was full of the usual "im only out for a jog", but im used to his mind games now, and knew he be keen to put me to the sword.... again.

A quality field of 101 started and I soon found myself running behind Ian Davis of Keswick, who was also making a rare appearance on the fells after injury had kept him out for 6 months.
Steve Angus was always just ahead and I was trying hard to keep him in my sight, it was feeling like hard work though.

On the first climb it started..... yakerty yak. I had forgotten how much Steve likes to talk and it soon was feeling more like a mad house rather then a fell race, im sure he had Stevie B singing at one point!

Only made one bad route choice where it maybe cost me a minute, but it was enough to get Steve Bennett and Paul Nield make some ground up on us.

Me, Stevie A,StevieB and John Nichol

The pace picked up and we were soon on the horrible climb of Blease fell where along with the 2 Steves we made good progress and could see Sam about a minute ahead. The top reached and its all down hill to the finish back in Tebay. I ran most of this fairly hard and worked well with Steve A ,picking off a couple of runners.

Blease Fell Summit with the M6 below

Onto the finish field and Steve Angus beats me by 3 seconds, and by doing so securing 20th positon, but with no complaints from me, he was in front of me most of the way and deserved it.
Steve Bennett followed us in maybe a few seconds behind. Sam finished less then a minute ahead of us and Eden runner to be Olly Bloomfield finishing just behind us. A very enjoyable race.

Oh, did I say I beat Steve Bennett......

results here

Nick's BGR

2011-06-13T16:47:00.002+01:00

On Friday evening I had the pleasure of supporting Nick Ray, a Ellenboro runner, on his Bob Graham Round.

On a glorious evening we left the moot hall at 7pm and I have got to say it was one of the easiest rounds that I have ever assisted on.

Nick's a great mountain man and he knows the route inside out and as a result the supporters had very little to do, apart from give him food and drink and enjoy the banter.

It felt so easy that I could take a different line of Calva and meet up with him again on Mungrisedale Common.

Nick Completed leg 1 in what felt like a very easy 3hrs 15 mins. I think the reason it felt so easy was because he was/ is so laid back and relaxed. Nick opted for the Halls Fell descent, which he did comfortably in 20 minutes. Why are people so obsessed about the parachute drop when you can get down Halls Fell or Doddick in 20 minutes.... and not trash your legs in doing so??

Nick completed the round in 21hrs and 38 mins and looked really fresh in the Dog and Gun afterwards.
Well done Nick.

checking the watch

nick powers up Skiddaw

no clag or wind, just great views

calva or bust


Ronald McDonald in the middle


Scamp wants to carry on

as with all BGRs, you cant do it alone

More photos here

ans some proper good one here by Steve Angus

Blencathra Fell Race

2011-06-02T14:39:00.001+01:00

8 mile / 2700ft

Should I, shouldn't I.

That's what was going through my mind all day on Wednesday. Legs were still feeling battered from the Helvellyn fell race on Sunday, 5x 800m reps on Monday and a steady 6 mile road run on Tuesday, but this was no ordinary fell race, this was Blencathra fell race, organised by my club, and all for a quid..... in the end it was a no brainer.

Picked Steve Bennett up at 5.30 and headed out to Mungrisdale village, where fellrunners were already parking up. We made our way to the start area to register and passed over my pound coin, no going back now.

Noticed some fast runners knocking about and as always felt intimidated and very unfit, maybe I could ask for my pound back!

I had a small warm up with Sam Ware, who has got himself really fit again and is now well out of my reach, but maybe with him racing Ennerdale at the weekend he will take it easy, fingers crossed. We had a quick chat with Phil Davies and asked him which way up he was going, his reply "straight up". None of this fannying about for Phil.

We jogged back to the start and along with 110 others we were off.

Straight away, not even 5 yards had gone and theres a route choice to make, follow Carl Bell, who had kept to the path, or follow Steve Birkinshaw, who had made a more direct line through the bog, I chose the bog.... first mistake.

The start. click on image to enlarge.

Eventually we all meet up again and make the climb up towards Bowscale, where again I was caught in 2 minds. Follow Phil Davies up the more Direct route or choose the more traditional route, which Phil Winskill had made. I chose Phil Davies way.... second mistake.

The direct line is maybe shorter, but its a lot, lot steeper and by the time we had met the other group (who were jogging along)my legs were shot and it took some time to get them moving again.

Before the final climb of Bowscale there's another route choice to make, either run to the top or skirt around it. Steve Bennett, who was just behind me always insists on going up high where as I stopped slightly lower (cheers dave o) and has easier running to get back on the main path.

Now its all good running to Blencathra and Im soon joined by Steve Bennett, where we make good time and route to Blencathra. On the climb the cloud is low and Steve, who is a stronger climber, takes 20-30 yards out of me to the summit.

The run to Souther Fell felt easy (I maybe took it too easy) and when I came out of the cloud I could see Steve again, who had stretched ahead of me further, maybe about 200 yards, and in front of him was a NFR runner. I felt strong on the run up Souther Fell and thought I would catch Steve up, but he too upped his pace and had got in front of the NFR fella . I managed to over haul NFR man on the last descent (ok, he tripped) but Steve was too far ahead and was casually chatting to Sam when I crossed the line in 14th place.

The ground was wet under foot and breezy on top.

As with every fell race I do, there's always a part of the race that I wonder "why", usually at the first steep climb, but there is also a section that makes me think " there is nothing I would rather be doing". Fantastic.

Sam obviously has one eye on this weekends racing and finished 6 minutes ahead of me!

Phil Davies was first man and Sarah Ridgeway first women.

It a shame that this fell race will never make a championship venue. There was talk last year of it, but parking is a problem. It would also have to move to weekend, which would take some of its charm away.

photos

Helvellyn And The Dodds Fell Race

2011-05-30T15:53:00.004+01:00

15 mile 4388 ft

A new race route replacing the old route that used to start and finish at Bram Crag farm, a good 4 miles longer too.

Just over a hundred runners lined up at the start at Threlkeld cricket club, which included 2 club mates Kim Colinson and Andy Tompson.
The route I was very familiar with, it being the start of the second leg of the Bob Graham round as far has Helvellyn, but missing out Watsons Dodd.
I set off cautiously along the road and wasn't surprised to see Andy Tompson ahead of me (I think he is determined to beat me soon ) but by the fell gate I had got in front of him and had decided to keep tabs on Chris Upson for as long as I could rather then worry about what was happening behind me.
The climb of Clough Head is never easy at BG pace and at race pace it felt double hard. I had a brief chat with Ben Abdlenoor on the climb but told him I was too out of breath to talk, whilst he seemed to be taking it easy, jogging along.

photo "borrowed" from NFR excellent website.

The top was reached with me just behind Chris Upson. I was determined not to push hard and just relax and apart from some of the wind, where you had to work hard I stuck to some nice relaxed running.
By the climb of Lower man, the front runners were coming back and I was delighted to see Kim in about 4th place, looking really strong.

Helvellyn Trigg reached and I was still just behind Chris, who was perhaps feeling the effect of the previous days race by now, so I put a little surge on to get past him and then concentrated on relaxing again. Andy Tompson was about a minute behind me at the turn, which didn't really surprise me.

I now concentrated on the 2 runners about 100 yards ahead of me and it took up to the return climb of Gt Dodd before I managed to get in front of one of them, where he had slowed down to walk, I still felt ok to run. Got past another 2 runners before Clough Head and then got another 2 on the lower fields to the run in.
Finished 15th, but more important for me, a good solid run rather then a eyeballs out full on race. It was pleasing for me to finish strong.

Kim hung on to finish a fantastic 4th whilst Andy T faded in the second half (but he did do the BGR a week ago)

Mark Palmer was first man and Cath Evens first lady.

Well done to Keswick AC for organising yet another top notch running event.

BGR Season

2011-05-22T21:04:00.000+01:00

For 2 weeks after the 3 peaks I never ran at all.

The first time I did was on Clive King's Bob Graham attempt.
Along with Steve Bennett we paced Clive on leg 1

Clive and Steve on the climb of Skiddaw

A very enjoyable 3 hours up to Blencathra until Clive dropped us both on the descent and we had to pick our way down a very unfamiliar route, where I thought I had found him again only to realise it was a pacer from another attempt, much to Steve's enjoyment.

Bad luck Clive and hopefully 3rd time lucky for you mate.

Fast forward 1 week and it was the turn of Gavin Pattinson, whom I helped navigate for on leg 2.
A early morning start got us up Clough Head in early light. On approaching Watson Dodd the clag came down heavily and stayed with us for the most of the leg, the one time it did clear was shortly after Raise, where the view of Ullswater was fantastic. A hard wind blew us up Fairfield and we reached Dunmail some 3 hrs 50 mins after setting off from Threlkeld.

Gav arrives at Dunmail

Gav gets a break in the clouds

Gav completed the round in a fantastic 21hr 40 mins. The last 6-7 hours were in horrible conditions.

Cheer up Gav

Gav and his pacers sets off up Steel Fell

The same night/day saw club mate Andy Thompson successfully complete the round in an equally impressive time of 21.25. aginn the last few hours in horrible conditions.


Andy T looking strong

A well earned rest for Andy.

It was good to meet Bob Wightman at Threlkeld whilst I was waiting for Gav to come in from leg one. His website helped me a geat deal leading up to my own attempt.

Looking forward to helping Nick Ray next in 2 weeks time.

A road race, a fell race and a bike challenge.....

2011-05-08T14:13:00.000+01:00

..... is what I've watched in the last 7 days.

The ankle is still too sore to even attempt to run at the moment, so sore that I was thinking of going to the doctors last Friday, but it is improving each day now. The swelling and bruising has gone but what felt like a tear at the back is still very tender. Hoping it be ok by Friday evening as im helping on a BG attempt , but to be on the safe side, Steve B has stepped in to assist too.He knows leg one has well as anyone now.

As much as I enjoy taking part in races, I also enjoy going to spectate and on Sunday we (Sue came along too, shops) drove through to Keswick to watch the half marathon where a number of folk I know were running.
They have changed the course since I last run it 2 years ago and the start is now in Portinscale, which meant a 2 mile hobble for me.

Start of the race

Steve Littler won easy in 1hr 13min.

New club mate Jonny French came 3rd and Phil Winskill and Howard Seal finished comfortably in the top ten.

Steve Angus finished 10th and I think if I had been running I would of got 9th (eagerly awaits some witty remark from my Scottish friend.....)

Wednesday evening I cycled out to Dockray to watch the start of the Dockray-Hartside fell race.
There was some confusion if this race was on or not. In the end it was ran, but with no entry fee, numbers or marshals.
42 runners ran and at least half were from Keswick ac, it was their club champ race.
This was my first ever fell race that I competed in and it be a shame if bureaucracy stopped it in the future.

Phils 3rd race in 5 days

Results on Keswick ac blog
My photos and some more here

This morning I got up early to cycle up to Kirkstone pass to watch the Fred Whitton challenge.
This was the first time I have attempted to bike up this pass and to be honest I found it rock hard. Determined to bike it all though I stopped with about 30 yards to the top, im so disappointed in myself now, but at the time it was too much for me.( my shame, with the hundreds of cyclists storming down, and me stood at the side of the road, pretending to watch, where in truth, I was knackered and getting my breath back!!)
Took some photos on the the top and had a gel.

If I thought the ride up was eventful, the ride down the pass was something else.
For me, Im flying, if I go any faster I would take off.... Wrong!!!
In truth, im getting passed by cyclists who must be bloody mental. I was bricking it, and with good reason too.
Half way down a spectator is stood in the road, arms above his head, indicating for us to slow down (well them, not me), a cyclist has come off and he is sprawled at the side of the road and his bike is in the middle of it. We get pass and then it mad again.

At the bottom of the pass I manage to pass a cyclist ( he was having toilet break ) and once on the flat Im holding my own, just. (yes I know, they still have 90 odd miles to go and 4 more passes, at least).

My heart went out to a fella who had passed me earlier but was now on the side of the road, with a puncture ( I actually heard the bang) and as I passed him, his face said it all. He probably had trained all year for this and in a second, all hopes of a good race time gone.

My plan was to stay on the lakeside road and go home, but im enjoying this now and decide to add a few more miles on and carry on up to Dockray and onto the A66.
On the long gradual climb upto to Dockray, I get passed lots, but also I pass a few too.
At the top I stop and talk to Steve Angus for a while who is taking photos, again.. I also stopped to talk to Haz for a short while on the lakeside road, who was also taking snaps.(his be better then Steve's, probably.(just in case he didn't bite first time)

Biking home through Greystoke and I start thinking about giving it a go one year, but I would have to start biking a lot more and also learn to ride without stabilizers.

Three Peaks Fell Race

2011-05-02T15:36:00.000+01:00

23.3 mile 5280ft

This was my 5th race in 18 days, my way of getting fit again after being unable to run for 6 wks- race to get fit works for me and I was feeling quite optimistic about equalling my time of last year or get close to it at least.

Along with club mate Sam Ware we set off from Penrith early to make sure we got there in good time, giving us plenty of time to register and give our drinks to some top water mules who were going out on course to support Ricky Lightfoot, but also offered to take ours, thanks again Nick and Jackie.

Sam is in some good form at the moment and there's not much chance of me beating him this season, but with Sam not doing this race before I was hoping I could give him a little race at least, the long running section would suit me more then Sam, I hoped.

The day a little hot but very windy we both lined up on the start line and before long we on the climb of Pen-y-ghent with another 766 runners.
Sam was on my shoulder for a while but eventually got bored of me and pulled away, reaching the summit 25 seconds ahead.
The next section of the race I always enjoy, as its all good running to Ribblehead and I was passing runners easily and had caught Sam up and had even sneaked ahead of him again.
I was feeling fairly good and even thinking about running the Keswick half the next day. I caught another runner up and instead of going on the outside of him, I tried to steal a yard by cutting a tight corner...

.. race pretty much over.... Stupid F****R!!

I've rolled my ankle, the same one as last week, it wasnt even on the path, my own stupid fault, for the sake of a yard and a place.I hadn't even taped it it up, how Frigging stupid.

When it happened I felt everything drain away from me and I felt weak. I have rolled my ankle about 4 times in the last 5 years but this was pain like I have never known, it stopped me in my tracks, but I knew I had to keep running or I would never get going again.

A couple runners came past while I was trying to run it off and then Sam pulled up and slow down to my pace to check on me, I told him to carry on and keep going and I would see how it felt when I got on the road which was about 1/4 of a mile away.

Once on the road it was still unbelievably sore but I was running again and I was soon back with Sam, though I think Sam he had slowed down a tad. We even passed some of the runners who had passed us earlier.

Running to Ribblehead and I'm thinking about dropping out, but im too proud and stubborn. We meet Nick and Jackie for the drinks and then set about the climb of Whernside.
I can normally run a bit of this climb and eat something, but today I'm finding it hard and I get behind a runner who is walking fairly slow and I tuck in behind him, I know my race is finished, I just got to get the end.

After a couple of mins behind this fella I realise its too slow, even for me, and pass him. I look up and Sams not that far away, so I dig in again, kidding myself.
Eventually the top is reached (always sooner than I'm expecting) and the wind is so strong that I can hardly stand let alone run, but I try and soon realise its impossible, every foot fall is sore and again I'm soon getting passed again. Eventually I get down to the farm tracks and from now on its slow jogging, thru Hill Inn, words of encouragement again of Nick, slow jog and walk up Ingelborough, past Jackie and more words of encouragement.
Cramp as always on top and then the long jog back to Horton. Runners were passing me in small groups and you could see they were racing each other and enjoying it.
Meanwhile old sorry arse was stood having a beaker of water and a chat with a marshall, who showed me a good line of grass to follow.. every cloud...
I eventually finish and Sam is on hand to pass me a beaker of water. I fall down on the grass, exhausted, stating never again.

Sam had a great run and I dont think I could of beat him, but I might of ran him close.

A burger and a drink later and we pulling out of the carpark. I know too that I will be back next year, I cant leave this great race a beaten man.

Thomas Owens won in 2.53
Anna Frost was first lady 3.30

Sam 3.37

Me 3.50

Lords Seat Fell Race

2011-04-28T20:04:00.001+01:00

5 mile 1400ft

Done nowt since Saturday so decided that this 5 mile race would do me good, a speed session if nothing else.

118 runners set off from Whinlatter visitors centre and the first couple of miles is all uphill on good forest tracks which makes it feel hard and fast (note I said feel).

As always I give it my all but it's not enough to stop club mate Sam Ware pull away and shortly after 159 year old Jackie Winn strolls by too ( im hoping to beat him when he's 200 though).
As we leave the forest track and set foot on the fell, Howard Seal too decides he has had enough of my company and scarpers off, leaving me to struggle on alone up to the first check point, Barf.

In between Barf and Lords Seat a Pennine runner gets past me ( he beat me easily 2 weeks ago at Loughrigg) and I try hard to keep pace with him.

I notice Steve Bennett and Nick Ray are close behind me and as im climbing Lords Seat Nick gives me a shout to take a slightly different path to the summit, its no good though im knackered and Pennine runner gets to the summit a good bit before us.

To be honest, getting to the summit the same time as Nick and Steve was my worst nightmare as we are all pretty much evenly matched, we also all try to beat each other in races, so the chance of a fast gentle run in were gone.
From the summit its all good running on forest tracks to the finish with only a sty to negotiate. Whilst me and Steve fannied about trying to get over it, the "flying" nick took us both by surprise and hurdled it and in doing so passed us both in and mid air..... it really could of ended in tears...I was having trouble lifting my legs let alone jumping fences!

With Nick ahead we battled to catch him up. Eventually I squeeze in front again and then concentrate on running hard, all the time though I could hear footsteps close behind.

I was glad to see the finish line, finishing 18th and and only a few seconds in front of Steve and Nick, next year I'm going to recce it and try hurdling the fence too.

A good race route, and one that I have done 3 times now, but it is more like a trail then a fell race.

I feel as good as I was before I got my stress fracture now and I don't think I have the ability to get any faster, but I will keep trying, after all Jackie Winn is 116 years older then me!

Chris Steel (Borrowdale) and Emma Clayton (Bingley)both set new records ( I think).

Teenager With Altitude

2011-04-24T17:09:00.002+01:00

15.4 mile 7600ft

Only entered this a week ago and thought it would help build up my fitness, later realising you had to be fit to do it, found it very tough at times.

The race sets off from stair and the first checkpoint is Causey Pike.
I felt quite comfortable at the start and the first climb went well. Once on the the top its fast running down to Outerside and for the second checkpoint. I was in a group of a 4 at this point and with the cloud covering the tops navigating was going to be testing.
The run from Outerside to Coledale Hause I wasn't entirely sure on so I tucked in behind Daniel Barton of Keswick ac and contoured some ground where I rolled my ankle but managed to run it off. The visibility was bad on Grasmoor and we were soon joined by Howard Seal and another runner and between us we all managed to find the checkpoint.

Checkpoint found and it was every man for himself again and it was good running down towards Whiteless Pike, where we were passing runners who were still looking for the Cairn on Grasmoor.

The descent down to Newlands Hause hurt me quite a lot but I managed to keep tabs on a few runners ahead.
Once at the Hause I had my first drink and then set of to climb up High Snokrigg with Howard, who its got to be said, was still very strong and said once he was on the top he was going to start racing, I never seen Howard again, instead I tackled a much needed Eccles Cake.

Once on High Snokrigg it was good running again until the ascent of Robinson, which was very much in cloud.

I was caught up by a Dark Peak runner and soon found ourselves on the top where we only found the cairn when we heard shouting, at the time we were running away from it, so a stroke of luck there.

Not wanting to risk any nav errors we made our way to the fence and followed it until we dropped out the cloud and could see Hindscarth and the Waltz runners. From now on route finding was easy and I started picking off lots of Anniversery Waltz runners. I made a slight error on Dale Head and found myself in some rocks but apart from that it went well til Catbells when I began to struggle but managed to hobble in to the finish in 3hr 30min and 21st position.
Bumped into Daniel Barton at the village hall where he told me he ended up in Grange from Robinson and had to hitch a lift back, a real shame too, has he was running strong.
Never seen Howard at the finish and can only presume he had a storming second half of the race.

Only one other Eden Runner in the race, Andy Thompson, who is flying at the moment with all his BG training paying off.

I could maybe do it faster next year if I recced but also realise I could do it a lot slower depending on conditions so overall very happy with my time.

Ankle swollen up today and the bruising is coming out but hoping its not too serious, I will take it easy this week as I have an entry for the Yorkshire three peaks fell race on Saturday, not 100% sure if I am running it yet though.
Not sure on winners, will update when results are through.

Coledale Horseshoe

2011-04-17T22:42:00.000+01:00

9 mile 3000ft

I hoped a few weeks ago that I would be fit for this race and for the last few weeks I have enjoyed running on these fells in a bid to try and build my fitness back up, during which I had picked a couple of racing lines out, which I totally ignored come race day and both cost me places. Why is it even if you know the people your following are going the wrong way, you feel its your duty to follow them.

The race this year set off from Braithwaite Lodge farm and after a short uphill run from the field to the road we soon found ourselves on the long, long climb of Grisedale Pike. I never lost too many places on the climb, and was in good company with Jackie Winn and John Beetham.
We all topped out together and then it was a fast run to Eel Crag, which involved a scramble. I lost sight of Jackie at this point.

Eel Grag summit reached and I followed some runners over some rough ground, even so I know its was faster on the right hand side, lost another 2 places.

I found myself back with John Beetham on the contour round Sail, where I managed to sneak past him and made a small gap on the run to Barrow, where I decided to go on the higher path and John stayed low.

John made the better decision and got to the small climb of Barrow 50 yards ahead of me, at which point I was beginning to struggle but dug in to try and keep John in my sights.

Once on the last checkpoint John decided to stay on the ridge and I came off and made a bee line through the bracken for the farm gate. We both hit the gate at the same time and for the second time in 4 days it was sprint to the finish line, where I just held on.

The great thing about racing is it does not matter if your top runner, mid packer or a plodder, we all have our own races and people we try to beat.

A good turn out and a good quality field.

Ian Holmes won. Not sure on first lady.

Some photos on my flickr

Loughrigg Fell Race

2011-04-14T19:28:00.001+01:00

4 mile / 1000ft

First race since the Pennine Relays in January.

I found it tougher then the previous 2 years especially the climb. Deliberately started slower then I normally would, in the hope that I would remain stronger, failed miserably.

After the steep road section I got myself in a good group of 4 or 5 other runners, but as soon as we got on the fell proper they all dropped me and I found myself running alone, but was aware of a group not too far behind me, who would of got a good view of me going head first into a bog!

Finally got to the summit and within 10 seconds club mate Steve Bennett came flying past me. This proved to be a blessing for me because we often train together and if any motivation was needed for a good second half, this was it.
Managed to keep him in sight until the lower fell section and then nipped ahead, both of us gaining places on the descent. Once back in the park Steve threw a sprint at me, but I just managed to hold on crossing the line 1 second ahead of him, oh I forgot to mention he rolled his ankle too, but hey ho!

Tough race as always. Delicious flapjack .Need to try and build my speed up.

A reet good night running again.

Stuart Bond of dark peak won and I think Lizzie Adams for the ladies.

Looking up

2011-04-10T16:19:00.001+01:00

Three reasons why its been a good week;

1, Leg has not bothered me as much this week
2, Ran over 50 miles
3, put in over 15,000ft of ascent (most of it ran)

But, (there's always a but) the speed is going to take some finding.

My longest run was 22 miles, 4200ft, a run I did a good few times last year and which I could do comfortably. Not so this week, the last 4 miles I was really struggling, but I wanted to see how far away I am from attempting the 3 peaks fell race. I will run it again next Sunday and decide then if I can blag it round.

My shortest runs were running up Blencathra 5mile 2200ft from Scales, which I did on 2 occasions.

I also ran the Coledale Horseshoe 9 mile 300ft twice, once with Carl Bell who after we finished it he went on to run in the Grisedale Grind fell race and finished a very creditable 8th. I thought better of it and decided to take photos instead.

Race winner Martin Barron-Mikkelson

Carl Bell ( I was sat laughing at this point)

Runner up Phil Winskill

Club mate Robin G

So fingers crossed for another pain free week. This week I will take it easier till the weekend.

Good luck to all who are running the London Marathon next weekend.

Big Bad Stu......

2011-04-03T11:36:00.000+01:00

Don't know what to do for the best. Leg still not right, but im still running (quite hard too).

Good Stu on my right shoulder is telling me to stop and get an x ray at least.

Bad Stu on my left shoulder is telling me to carry on, I've lost enough time already and you need to get some big miles in for the 3 peaks in less then 4 weeks time.

I'm listening to bad Stu at the moment because he sounds like he knows what he's talking about.

So on bad Stu's advice I returned to doing speed sessions on Monday night, ran up Blencathra twice on Wednesday night, ran 16 mile on the fells on Saturday and today did the Coledale Horseshoe again, oh and bad Stu said do 30 minutes hard on the turbo trainer on Tuesday and Thursday night too.

One thing that he is insistent on is NO ROADS.

Deep down I know it will end in tears but im having fun again.......just!

A step in the right direction

2011-03-27T20:40:00.002+01:00

"Lakelander" Nick

Another week in and another week of steady improvement although im finding it all a lot harder then I did 7 weeks ago.
After last weekends run on the fells it took me 3 days to recover before I could run again, my thighs were like concrete and even walking was a struggle.
On Wednesday evening I parked at Roe head expecting a slow run up to Arthur's Pike, little did I realise that Steve and Sam would be there too, so instead of a slow/steady 1500ft run I ended up running a very fast/tough 10 mile 2600ft battering instead. Steve and Sam have got stronger over the last few weeks and its going to be hard work to get anywhere near them for a while yet, if at all.

Saturday I again parked at Braithwaite and ran on the north western fells.
Grisedale again prooved to be tough but I was pleased to run it all up to the final scrambles. From Grisedale I ran continuesly for the next 2 hours taking in;
Hopegill Head (twice)
Whiteside
Sand hill
Grasmoor
Eel Crag
Sail
Scar Crags
Causey Pike

looking back up Hopegill and Grisedale

Crummock Water

Sail and Eel Crag

From Causey Pike I ran down to the road at Stair, where fell runners were mingling and getting ready to run the Causey Pike fell race.

I didn't envy them at all, as they streamed past me for the climb of Rowling End.

Met up with Steve Angus (who was again taking some top quality photographs) and then went to the beck crossing to watch them come back down.

Rob Jebb and Pippa Maddams were the winners.

A run along the road back to Braithwaite completed a very enjoyable day.

Look closely for the ants on Causey Pike


follow the leader


Rob Jebb

Pippa Maddams

a few more photos on my my flickr

Time to put the sock drawer away....at last.

2011-03-21T20:59:00.001Z

Its been 6 weeks since injury stopped me from running, but I now feel im back on the ~~road~~ fell to recovery.

I stuck to my plan of not running at all for four weeks and over the last 2 weeks I have been jogging very slowly on the local football pitches, not very far, between 3 and 4 miles at a time. Each time the leg was still sore but nothing like it was, I convinced myself it was just grumbling after being so inactive for a while and on Saturday I gave it its biggest test yet, the Coledale Horseshoe.

So Saturday at 6.30am at Braithwaite and with clear blue sky's I had the whole Horseshoe to myself. I did plan to walk it all and that was still my intention on the eye opening climb of Grisedale Pike. Once on the top though with views as far as the eye could see I couldn't help running..... and running, and running.

Hopegill, Eel Crag, Sail, Outerside and Barrow was all ticked off and if I was worried what the leg would feel like after it, or the next day there was no need to be as the the leg feels fine today (2 days later) apart from very, very stiff quads.
The rest of the week I will continue to run on the flat grass of the football pitches and venture out onto the fells again at the weekend.

It might be some time before I tackle the roads again though.

Not Quite the sock drawer

2011-02-20T13:22:00.000Z

Needs no caption!

Had a walk up to Ashness Bridge this morning, really just to take this photo and to stretch my legs.
Its 2 weeks now without doing any running and its flippin frustrating, so in a bid to maintain a little bit of fitness a mate has lent me his turbo trainer, (cheers Sam) where im doing 2 x 20 mins reps each night - apart from last night where wine got in the way!

Last week I went out to watch the Buttermere Round road race. The 22 mile race was won easily by Ricky Lightfoot and it was good to see Howard Seal having a great race finishing strongly in 4th. Steve Angus was not too far behind, not bad considering its the furthest he has ran since April last year - tho I like to think I could of beaten him this year...............my chance gone now though!

Some photos are on my Flickr site

Ricky Lightfoot

Howard Seal

Steve Angus


Only kidding Steve!!

So two weeks in, (one bedroom painted) leg still sore, hoping in another two weeks it wont be tender to touch and start a little bit of light jogging, but in the mean time the turbo trainer awaits and who knows I might be as good as this dude by the end of if it....

Cheers Nick.

Stressed

2011-02-08T21:01:00.002Z

For the last 4/5 weeks I have been troubled by a pain in my left leg, on the outside above the ankle. It hasn't stopped me running but it has been very tender to touch.

After the Pennine relays it was very sore, so I took 5 days off running.

On Saturday I met Steve Bennett and had a good fell run, covering 18 miles and over 3300 ft of climb. I felt good and felt strong after it and could easily of carried on, my leg was hurting, but no more then the last few weeks.

Sunday I foolishly met Steve Angus for a 9 mile road run which included 2x12 minutes hard. This Hurt, a lot, and I struggled to keep up with Steve on the second rep, but then again I would of struggled even without a sore leg!

During the afternoon it was tender and sore even when I was sitting down and decided I would make an appointment with Ray Pescod, whom I got see today.

He confirmed my worst fears - Stress Fracture.

I cant say that I was surprised, as I have had a hairline stress fracture before on my other leg in exactly the same place , but what did surprise was that he thought it might be healing because he could feel a very small lump where he thought the bone was moulding again.

The last time I carried on running though until I could hardly walk before I got it seen to.
The last time I kept trying to run before it was fully healed.
The last time I was out of running for 10-12 weeks.

Ray told me no more running at all on the roads, but said that I could do 3-4 mile of very light jogging on grass twice a week, but I have decided to stop altogether until the pain/tenderness has disappeared altogether. I'm hoping if I do this I might be running again in 5-6 weeks. A real shame and I cant pretend that im not pissed off, I am, but I have got to be sensible.

It means that I will miss Buttermere Round this Sunday and Haweswater Half next month, both events that I was hoping to set PBs in.
Hopefully I will be fit for the 3 peaks in April, fingers crossed.

It also means that I wont have owt to blog about so things might go a bit quite on here for a while.

A friend of mine who blogs was out of running for 8 weeks and continued blogging.
One day he blogged about his sock drawer!!!!!!!
I will try and resist such temptation!

Also Sue thinks she is getting the house decorated!!!

Happy running !

Pennine Bridleway Relays

2011-02-03T22:08:00.000Z

First time Eden have entered this event, but im sure it wont be the last. No better event for uniting the club road runners and fell runners for a thoroughly enjoyable day.

We managed to field 2 teams of 10 and both teams did themselves proud, especially as most of us hadn't a clue what to expect.

The team I was in consisted mostly of fell runners and the first leg was ran superbly by Anth Labram and Sam Ware who passed over to Kim Collison and Carl Bell in a fantastic 14th place. A fantastic start.
Kim and Carl did what we all hoped they would do and ran a solid leg, passing over to myself and Alex Davies in 12th position, a gain of 2 places.

Sam and Anth- leg 1

Carl and Kim- leg 2

At the finish

Because me and Alex didn't have a clue of the route we were hoping that they would come in with another team near them, so we could sit on their shoulders and follow them. They did.....Borrowdale!

So we set off with Borrowdale only seconds ahead. We had promised each other that we would work as a team and pull each other along if the other was struggling, I cant understand why some runners run so far ahead of their partner only to wait for them at the checkpoint!

We both had strong runs and we soon caught and passed Bowland with a Clayton team not far ahead.
Luckily for us tho Borrowdale missed a tight turn and carried on thus taking Clayton with them costing them both a good minute.
We had one big climb left and soon passed over to Andy Thompson and Jon Toombs in 9th place and very relieved.

Andy and Jon ran strong on leg 4 and held on to 9th place to pass the dibber on to Gary Johnson and Mark Bissell, who had the tough task to bring us in.

After a anxious wait they emerged through the school gate neck and neck with Bowland.
A sprint finish and a confused marshal saw us finish the day in 12th position out of 104 other teams.
Our other team had by all accounts a brilliant day and all are looking forward to it again next year.
Results

More blah blah blah

2011-01-23T17:49:00.001Z

Another week of no racing but all four training sessions have felt like races.

From Blencathra

Monday I went along to the speed sessions with the tri club where we ran 5 x 1000m loops on the local industrial estate. What pleased me most about this session was that all four reps were in 5 seconds of each other, slowest was 3.07 and the fastest 3.02 (the last one), so at least im holding my pace better. I'm enjoying these sessions a lot, but I do find them very hard, especially with them being so soon after the weekend, where I have usually done some long runs.

At the club on Wednesday night we did mile reps which I know benefit me but still hate doing them.

On Thursday I ran 6.5 mile on the roads as fast as I could. This is something new for me as I normally just go out and run this distance, but on this occasion I ran hard right from the start. This im told helps you a lot.
I am also sure that all these speed sessions will cease when the light nights return and I can resume to plodding on the fells again, although plodding was the last thing on Carl Bells mind when along with Steve Bennett we did leg 1 of the Bob Graham on Saturday morning....

After parking the cars in Threlkeld, all 3 of us ran into Keswick along the railway path to Spoony Lane. On the climb of Skiddaw we soon caught a group of fellas recceing the leg. They were from Ripon (I think) and after a brief chat with them we were off again. Carl ran on ahead and was half way up Little man until me and Steve caught him up.

Future Bob Grahams in training

What a view

Carl and Steve showing his best side

On the climb to Gt Calva, Carl ran it all whilst me and Steve marched up. Surely the long slog up the back of Blencathra will slow him down.
Nope. Instead he ran away from us zigzagging it. Too much energy he has!
I had a Eccles cake!
The top was soon reached where we had a quick drink and took some photos before we descended via Doddick. Again I maintain this is the best way of Blencathra (for me anyway) and we all reached the cricket club car park in less the 23 minutes (road in 19). The going was icy in places too.
We did the leg in 2.52 and I have no doubt at all that Carl could of done it at least 20 minutes quicker.

Nothing done today due to having a night out last night where the coca cola king (Steve B) must of spiked my drink........ Feeling very tender today!!!

1559 (answers on a postcard)

2011-01-16T20:50:00.001Z

A good week running, but no races to report on.

Last year was all about one thing for me, getting around the Bob Graham Round, and as a result, every time I stepped out onto the fell the only thing on my mind was the BGR.
Looking back, the reccying and long days out were brilliant. One of my favourite long days out was the Ullswater round, which I did in some awful conditions, but it was so good to run into Pooley Bridge feeling very strong, after some 9 hours after I had left. My account for the day can be read here.

At the moment I am down to help out on 4 BGs this year, maybe 5. Looking forward to them all.

Also has a result of all my prep for the BGR I missed a few fell races, I think I did 4 before it, one of them was the 3 peaks in Yorkshire. I have entered again to see if I can beat my time from last year, which was 3.39. To get near 3.30 would be fantastic, but I wont be too hard on myself if I don't. I very much doubt that we will get conditions as good as last year.
The last 3 years has all been about fell running for me, I cant think of anything better - I love it - even being on my own and running onto new tops, getting home and retracing my steps on a map. Brilliant. ( I need to get to the pub more, I think)

I have got a new route (for me) planned to run on the Ullswater Fells that I have been wanting to do for a while now. I thought I would maybe do it this weekend but the weather was too crap for a long day out on the hills so instead I parked my car In Pooley Bridge and ran up to Loadpot. The wind and rain was in my face all the way up and it took me 57 mins , about 10 minutes longer then normal, but as soon as I turned at the cairn ,I flew back down in 32 minutes.

Yesterday I met up with Steve Angus at Talkin tarn near Brampton for a very wet, very windy very hilly 15 mile road run. The plan was to run the 15 miles at a steady pace , but with about 3 miles to go I realised Steve had dropped back a few meters, so wanting my revenge on him by beating me last week at the XC, I upped my pace slightly. He didn't react to my invitation to race and I got back to the cars some 3-4 minutes before him. Steve is a proper road runner who trains proper, eats proper and is too long in the tooth to react to my foolishness, unlike Stevie B, who takes no encouragement at all.

A fine example of this was on Wednesday night where, along with Sam, we opted out of the 400m reps and instead ran all the steep hills in Penrith. We all agreed at the start that we would take it easy, we all lied and some 8o mins later we were on our knees back the club house, even running on the flats we were trying to keep up with each other, good fun nonetheless though.

On Monday I again went to the local tri club, where we did some, yep, you guessed it, hill reps!

So not a bad week, admittedly there is more road miles then fell miles at the moment, but with the weather and dark nights I am trying to push on them as hard as I can. A bit of speed wont do anybody any harm.

Keswick XC

2011-01-11T22:19:00.001Z

The 4th race in a series of 5 for the Cumbria cross country league was held in Keswick on Saturday. The course was the same as the one used for the county championships in December last year, so it would be a good test to see if any improvement had been made.

A much bigger and stronger field lined up at the start, which was again in handicap formation.
James Douglas won again beating some top fell runners (Steele, Winskill, Heppelthwaite and Abdelnoor).

I found it a lot tougher then the county championship race and was pleased to record a time some 35 seconds faster and taking 10th place.
My faster time might be down to Steve Angus who was racing. I was ahead of him until the 3rd lap where he eased passed me. I tried to keep the gap respectable and he beat me by 15 seconds.
No shame there as he is beginning to recapture his form from last year and I don't think I can realisticly expect to stay on level terms with him any more, making the nine standards fell race even more memorable for me.

Its a shame that the final race is on the same day as the Buttermere Round 22 mile road race, as I think I will be entering that again, Its good training for the Yorkshire 3 Peaks.

The "faster" group get ready.

Over the festive season I have eaten far to much rubbish, especially toffees (which I still have a mountain left to eat ) so I am now on my second day of eating healthier again, ( all tho I have just been to the pub and had 2 pints, but alcohol doesn't count).
Even with just 2 days of better living im feeling a bit more energetic.
I plan to get some longer fells run in this month and up my mileage slowly.

Nine Standards Fell Race

2011-01-06T22:27:00.000Z

When will I learn?
I should off known accepting a lift off Phil Winskill to Nine Standards fell race on New Years day would have its price to pay.
Normally before a race, my pre race warm up consists of keeping my jacket on just before the off.
Not so with Phil though, who after registering insisted we have a look at the start of the race. Some miles later and im doubting we will get back in time for the start !

The route goes on road for about 2 miles and then continues on the fell for another 2 miles before turning at the cairn and running back the same way, all runnable and this year free off snow, which last year was over a foot deep.

Back at the start line and there's another good turnout from eden runners, who last year won the team prize.
Also wandering about is Steve A, who is running competitively for the first time since August after a stress fracture forced him out for 8 weeks. His account of his race can be read here.

The race sets off and after the initial mad rush I settle into about 8/9th place and try to concentrate on keeping my pace even.
Once on the fell the field is really stretched out and I notice a club mate 200 yards ahead off me, I try to keep him in sight.

A couple of runners go past me with still about half a mile to the top still to climb and I start to think that maybe im struggling and then to make matters worse there's a horrible noise in my left ear. I try to ignore it but it gets louder and louder, it has a horrible Scottish twang mixed with a bit of Geordie in it, the next insult confirms my worst fears....
..its Steve A having a storming run and wanting a bit of crack on the toughest part of the course, I tell him to f**k off but he just laughs and carries on yapping. He yapping away whilst I can hardly breath and eventually we reach the summit where Steve turns in 11th and me 12th.

In a bid to get give my ears a rest I throw myself down the fell and slowly Steve voice trails away.
I have a good descent passing 5 on the fell section alone.

Once on the road though I knew Steve would be gaining on me again so I put my head down and pretended I was doing a 10 mile road race where I had to push to get under the hour!
This seemed to work because I slowly began to catch my club mate . On arrival back to the village/town I was right behind him and settled in to finish in that position...... and then I got a rush of blood with about 300yards to go and sped up to get past him, to my amazement he didn't react and I crossed the line 60 minutes after the start and in 6th place out of 95 runners.

Phil Winskill won convincingly in 56 minutes and I deliberately hid away from him in case he wanted a "run down"!! (not making that mistake again)

I was delighted when Steve A crossed the line only 20 odd seconds behind me, the only thing missing was the absence of Steve b (whom I'm lead to believe is in training for something quite a bit longer).

As always the "meet up" in the club afterwards was as good as ever meeting new folk and catching up on others. Fell running is quite unique at this, I think.

Eden runners got the team prize and Eden's Julia King got fv50.

Boxing Day Slog

2010-12-26T15:57:00.002Z

Making the most of the holiday period with some good fell runs already in the bag..... and more to come, I hope.

Monday I went along to the local tri club and did some speed work and then had a steady run run around town afterwards.

Tuesday and Wednesday I had a did a few easy miles around town.

Thursday I ran up to Arthur's Pike, a run I had neglected for a while.

A gate.

Are my legs getting longer?

A misty Arthur s Pike.

Friday I parked at Threlkeld and ran along the railway line to Keswick, up the side of Latrigg and then followed the Cumbrian Way footpath for a bit till I cut of it to go directly up Lonscale Pike, a top that I have wanted to go up for a while now. I followed the fence line straight up and then after visiting the two cairns, ran along to the main Skiddaw path, where I then ran up to Skiddaw little man. Great views were had.
I returned to Threlkeld by running down to Latrigg and then back along the railway line.

View from Little Man

View from Lonscales.

Today, Sunday I again parked at Threlkeld but this time ran/slogged up Clough Head. Always a good work out!


Clough Head summit with Blencathra behind.

Needs no introducing....


Looking towards Keswick

On the descent I put on my Kahtoolas, something I purchased last winter, which made my descending easy, even running fast over sheets of ice!!

Nearly at the end of the year and nearly 2000 miles ran.....
A successful BGR.... a half decent time in the 3 peaks and Borrowdale...... a few top 10s in fell races..... some PBs in road running this autumn and most of all....... lots of fun!!!!!

Ten Days

2010-12-19T17:20:00.001Z

Only 10 days since my last post, but a lot as happened in that time - A county championship XC race, some speed reps with a tri club, a 4 mile road race and pacing leg2 of a BG mid winter attempt.....oh and a couple of heavy nights out!!!
The XC was held at Keswick and I wasn't going to run this but with the langdale 10k cancelled due to the snow, I thought "what the heck".
A lot stronger field then the usual Cumbria xc league with it being the county championships, most notably a strong contingent from Border Harriers.
It was 4 laps of a fairly fast course and I soon found myself in a race with Graham Millican of Border, and as the norm, he proved too strong for me and beat me by 19 seconds.
I was quite pleased though with my effort and I feel that the speed work I have put in over winter is starting to pay off.
James Douglas won it finishing ahead of Ricky Lightfoot, who after the race said that he was thinking of having a go at the winter Bob Graham record the following weekend.

The same night was the first heavy night out which resulted in having a very lazy Sunday.

On a Monday I normally run a few miles around town, but this week I took myself along to Aragons Tri club who hold weekly speed sessions. Really enjoyed these, even if was questioning my sanity after each one.
I will try and do more of these.

Tuesday morning resulted in my legs feeling a bit stiff so I ran a few miles around town delivering Christmas cards for Susan!!!

Wednesday was club night and the dreaded New Streets Race. A tough 4 mile race taking 4 of the steepest hills Penrith has to offer.
Last year I set off too quick and paid for it later on where I really struggled up the last two hills.
About 30 of us set off, and again I set off too quick (I will never learn) and I soon found myself out in front, but this time I felt a lot more relaxed and held on to finish first, mainly due to the fast lads not turning up and Steve b still feeling the effects of falling of his bike the day before!

On Thursday I had a call from Nick Ray who was organising Rickys BG. He thought it wasn't going to go ahead. I must admit of feeing slightly relieved as I hadn't done leg 2 in dark.

The feeling of relief didn't last long though because on Friday I got another call saying it was back on and if I could do leg 2. He Had Steve Birkinshaw for leg 1, setting off at 1 am.
As Well as I know leg 2, I didn't want the responsibility of taking Ricky alone so I phone some good fell running mates, Craig Smith and Sam Ware. Their were well up for it and as it turned out it was one the smartest things I have ever done.

4 o clock Saturday morning, me Craig and Sam are sat in my car at Threlkeld cricket club. Not a star to be seen, no sign of the moon, freezing cold and wanting to get going to get warmed up.
Eventually we see 2 sets of head torched coming of Doddick.
After a few falls on ice on Skiddaw, Ricky and Steve arrive in 3 hrs 28 mins. No road support for Ricky, Steve was going to run back to Keswick for his car, so I gave him my car to take to Keswick.
It was good to get running and Clough Head was reached in 45 minutes.
Gt Dodd was found and Sam took a bearing for us to Watson Dodd. The path to it could just be visible but we had to spread out to find the cairn. It was the same on Stybarrow where we wondered about for a few minutes looking for the top, once found Sam took a bearing to get us back on the path to Raise. It was snowing Heavy now and the wind made it even colder. The freshly laid snow was hiding ice and great care had to be taken.
Raise was found and I thought that the nav would be straight forward now but we got totally disorientated and the map and compass had to come out again. for 3 or 4 minutes we were lost, but Craig took a bearing which didn't seem right, but we trusted the compass and eventually we came to the path which had a few footprints in ( there were 3 other teams who had set off 4 hrs ahead of Ricky).
Going up Whiteside was tough with the wind and the snow getting blown in our faces and when we stopped to record the time at the summit noticed we all had icicles hanging from our faces! Our drinks had turned to slush puppies.
It wasn't till we were coming down from Dollywagon to the tarn that the dark started lifting, what a relief. Even so I slipped and slid about 30 yards on my back, trying to dig my heels in to stop.
Craig and Sam stayed at the col whilst I took Ricky up to Fairfield. With light coming through now, this big BG climb felt easy after the night we had been put through.
Once on top I took my spikes and gave them to Ricky so he could descend with confidence and reach Craig and Sam to go up Seat Sandal.
We all reached Dunmail 4hrs 10mins after we had set off. Ricky was still well under 21 hr schedule and myself Craig and Sam were relieved to of got him there in that time in some horrid conditions.

Climbing Gt Dodd


Ricky coming off Fairfield


Dunmail and support cars


Ricky pondering his next move.

It was decided at Dunmail that it wasn't safe to carry on, all the roads were blocked to Wasdale and Honister and Ricky probably made the right decision, with the only other team that had carried on after Dunmail retiring after finding Bowfell too Icy.
A top effort though.

As for me, the night made me realise no matter how well you think you know the fells, dark and extreme weather can make it a totally different monster. So much so that I today purchased a cheap GPS to throw in the packpack............ Just in case!

Later on that night I indulged in my 2nd heavy night!

Club Night Beacon Run

2010-12-08T21:59:00.000Z

Club night at Eden runners thrown into chaos with the weather, but no such let off's as club coach Alan Marshall arranged a run up to Beacon Pike, followed by some road miles and then another short off road section thrown in.

First wave up.

Second wave appearing

Whats the joke? oh its Steve b!


Mark Nik coming down.


Getting ready to go off road again

Into the unknown


They were never seen again.

Beats the mile reps though !!!!

3 Races In A Week - All Cancelled

2010-12-06T22:10:00.001Z

On this blog this time last year I wrote - 3 Races In A Week - in which I did the Cumbria XC , New Streets road race and the Hexham Hobble. I was hoping to write the same title again this year, but the snow and frost caused all 3 to be cancelled.

Still managed to get some good miles in though which included 3 town runs during the week,and one really enjoyable fell run of 17 miles on Sunday.

The first town run was about 7 miles in the snow, which made me a good moving target for some kids (2 near misses and 1 direct hit) throwing snowballs. It felt like running on the fells to be honest with the snow making the pavements all bumpy and uneven.

The 2nd town run involved about 5 of us who turned at the club but didn't fancy the speed reps that Alan had planned, so we had a run around town which included a run up to the BEACON.
Quite magical in the dark with the snow on the ground giving us enough light to find our way without torches. The sky was full of stars and Steve B tried his best to show us all his knowledge of the galaxy, which amounted to " I think that's the plough"!

The following night I again ran up to the beacon but added a couple of extra road miles in too making it 9 miles at a good steady pace.

Saturday I spent the afternoon fighting my way around Carlisle Xmas shopping, with the deal being I was free to go for a run on Sunday.

Parked my car at Pooley and ran up to Roehead and continued on the path that runs slightly above Ullswater to Howtown.

I continued up to the church and made my way along to Boardale Hause which was still all runnable until the last 5 minutes where the snow was too deep. I have never had reason to run up here before, always preferring the Hight Street range or the BG route, but this was about to get quite breath taking with clear blue sky's and snow clad hills.

Once on Boardale Hause my plan was to retrace my steps put with being well up on time and the views too good I carried on to Place Fell, a top that I have never visited.


2 walkers making their way up Place Fell


Looking towards Helvellyn and Fairfield


Brothers Water and Red Screes

The summit with fantastic views

Looking back to Penrith under the fog.

Blencathra

On my down I disturbed a herd of Deer where at first I thought there was about 10, but it turned out there was over 20.


Click on image to make bigger.

I got back to my car in 3 and a half hours, not bad going with the snow and views that I took in, but today my "bg groin" has flared up again. Hope a couple of days rest will ease it.
More photos can be found on MY FLICKR

Woodys Round Up

2010-11-28T16:15:00.001Z

Possibly my favourite photo of the year

The day after Brampton - Carlisle 10 mile road race I met up with Scamp to run leg 1 of the Bob Graham Round, unfortunately he brought Steve A along too so it was a case of me and Scamps having a good run out and Steve A yapping all the way round. We missed the climb of Blencathra though and opted to run along to Skiddaw House and then back to Threlkeld. A good 3hrs out and it was good to catch up with Scamps!
Good to have Steve A back running too.

Scamp

Monday night I did nowt and on Tuesday I set of to do a good 8 miles but cut it short to about 4. I was starving and felt horrible.

Working late on Wednesday and parents evening on Thursday but managed a good 8 mile run after it.

Friday is traditionally shopping night in the stoddys household so not much chance of fitting a run in, fish and chips the more likely option.

Saturday I had 3 choices. Kirkbymoor fell race, Ravonstonedale 10k or Cumbria cross country at Maryport.
The big dumping of snow made my choice for me though, with kirkbymoor to far on the back roads and Ravonstonedale cancelled it was the shortest and most boring option, the cross country at Maryport. After having the drive from hell to get there (window washers frozen up) I got there to be told some knob had put a stonking big poster of me up in the register area........Steve f*****g Angus advertising his race photos!

As for the race, well I never know how to run a race under half marathon distance - go off quick and hang on or set off steady and try and make places up - I decided to set of quick, so quick that I was still with eventual race winner Steve Hepplethwaite of Keswick AC after 1 lap. Needless to say that I crashed and burned and finished 4th out of the fast group, but for 3/4 of a lap I like to think I had Steve h worried...........in case I had a heart attack!!!!
He said to me at the end that he looked over his shoulder and thought ...
"bloody hell, its Stu?"
Good fun and 4 other Eden runners made the long trip too.


Me chasing Steve H down!!!!

Thanks to athlets in action photos for above image

Today, Sunday I was going to park at Askham and then run to Boredale Hause and back, a good 4 hours I was hoping for, but again there was another fresh dumping of snow and after getting the Sunday papers in the car, decided that it was too risky to drive out of town. This is when I came up with my brilliant idea. Bike out, do the run , bike back.
I got a mile and after nearly coming off for the 3rd time and unable to feel my fingers gave up on this hair brain plan and returned home, again nearly falling off.
After defrosting my fingers I gave up on fell run plan and opted to run out of town and through Lowther Park to Askham and back, about 10 miles.
With the snow it really was a picturesque run.

Some photos below and more at my Flickr

Sorry for all the photos today, but it really was a great run/photo day.
No sign of Steve B this week but reports have reached me that he is having an assault on the new streets race on Wednesday night. Report to follow.

59.46........And Relax.

2010-11-20T20:40:00.003Z

Over the last few months, I have used this blog to poke fun at some good running pals, notably Steve Bennett and Steve Angus, both have been, and still are (well maybe not Stevie B any more ) very, very good road runners.
Both of them have, countless times ran well under the hour for ten miles and well under three hours for the marathon, both of them I have uppermost respect for ( well maybe not Stevie A), and have recorded times that I will never get close to, but neither of them have done the Bob Graham Round in 21 hours.
In fact they haven't even attempted the BGR.......yet.
So for that reason alone they will carry on been the blunt of my crap jokes. Losers.

My point is for the last 2-3 months I have been road running, a lot, mainly to try and get under the hour for ten miles which I consider the Holy Grail for me!

After some decent half marathon times I thought I would push myself a little bit harder and try for it at Brampton - Carlisle, today.

The race sets of from Brampton, after getting a bus from Carlisle and you run back, the course is historically quick mainly because the changing rooms/showers are small at the sands centre. First back, first changed!

Walking nervously to the start

I set off with the plan of keeping up someone one who I thought I could keep up with. I couldn't.

After the first mile I glanced down at my watch only to realise that I had not set it off. I pushed the start button again and decided I would keep check on my time from now.

I tried to keep with this guy. He ran it in 56 mins

At mile two the fella I was trying hard to keep up with was obviously too quick for me and I let him go. I glanced down at my watch to see what time I had ran the second mile in.It was blank, I had failed to press the button correctly. I gave up on the stop watch idea and reverted back to GMT.

At five miles I was really struggling with the pace and felt rubbish. I calculated that if the race had set off on time I had ran the 1st 5 miles in 29 minutes. This spurned me on, but more importantly I stopped trying to race people around me and started to relax more. My running improved and it felt easier. 6,7 and 8 miles felt much better. I have ran this race a few times before and never have liked mile 8 to 9 but I pushed on and even caught another runner up. The last mile was a case of just hanging on but I felt like I was catching people up.

Club mate Alan M storming around

I crossed the finish line and asked the guy who was right behind me what his time was, he said "59.48". But I still couldn't be sure if I had managed it.

After collecting my bag from the holding room and had a quick shower (they are actually quite big) and then went outside to wait anxiously for the results to come through.

Again a good turn out from Eden Runners, who this week have fielded three teams for the Pennine relays in January. For a smallish club, quite a achievement.

Bumped into Steve Angus, who had also ran the race. He has only started running 2 weeks ago after a stress fracture had stopped him running for 10 weeks.
He was 11 minutes behind his PB for this course.
He still managed 64 minutes tho!!

Steve Angus. Gobbing off no doubt.

Finally the results came out and my time was 59.46

Wonder when the two Stevens are going to step up to the Bob Graham Round?

Big thanks to Micheal Pluckrose for the photos. ( with the use of Stevie A's camera)

Dunnerdale Fell Race

2010-11-14T20:46:00.000Z

A few weeks ago, Craig Smith of Keswick AC described to me Dunnerdale as a smaller version of the Langdale Horseshoe, and a fell race that I would enjoy...........well I beg to dither, I would describe it as Four little Ben Nevis's!!

As soon as my feet left the road and onto the fell I was in trouble, maybe I had set off too quick, but what ever it was I knew for the next 50 minutes it was going to be a struggle. I was relieved to reach the first checkpoint thinking that most of the climbing was done. No such luck. It was only the first of four little steep climbs.
I was feeling absolutely done in, and other runners were streaming passed me all the time. This continued till the last half mile where a bit of power retuned to my legs and lungs and I managed to over take 3 of them before the finish.Never have been so glad to see the finish line, you would think that I had ran a marathon, not 5 mile and 1800ft of climb.
I finished in 41st position in a time of 49.05.
Four other Eden runners had made the trip into Lancashire (only joking ) for the race, one of them been Sam Ware, who sometimes runs with me and Steve Bennett on a Wednesday night. After telling Steve of Sam's good run, it was agreed that we need to find someone slower to run with now!

I always find these short races hard and even so I found this one tough, it was a good way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Great pie at the end is enough for me to give it another go next year.

Verdict. More fell miles and hills needed.

I'm not sure if Craig Smith reads this blog, but if he does, you should do the Great Lakes Run, its a bit like Latrigg!!

The photos below were taken by Luke Appleyard. Thanks.

Kim Colinson

Sam Ware

Still cursing Craig Smith

Gary Johnson

Andy Ramsay

Derwentwater 10

2010-11-09T21:36:00.001Z

Runners start in the shade.

Along with 585 other runners I lined up on the main street in Keswick for the Derwentwter 10 road race.

The race set off at a fair old pace, well for me it did anyway, I never can tell how to pace a race and as a result ended up doing the first mile in 5.30, which is OK if your capable of running sub 60, im not.

At the five mile mark I was bang on 30 minutes and I was feeling it.

The next mile was up hill and I should of been a lot stronger on it, but I felt like I was really having to work hard.

On the top I started getting caught by the odd runner and over the last 3 miles I got passed about 7 times,
I crossed the finish line in 61 minutes 40 seconds and in 38th position.

During the race I never felt relaxed at all, maybe I was trying too hard, but I never felt like I was running comfortably and the runners who passed me all looked relaxed and easy.

As you can tell I wore my watch.

There's another local 10 mile road race coming up in a couple of week s and I will carry on trying to get my speed up over the winter months, but also get out on the fells for a few long days.

James Douglas won in 51.56 followed by the Borrowdale pair of Morgan Donnelly and Chris Steele a minute behind.

As always a good turn out by Eden runners.

On Saturday I did a few miles on my bike and I think I'm beginning to enjoy it.

You can just make out my house between the trees. Not.

Having A Moan

2010-11-04T20:00:00.002Z

The day after doing military service for the RAF I punished my self more with a tough and hilly 9 mile run, it was the least I deserved.

Following a family weekend away where the most tiring thing I did was splash about in the hotel pool, I again did the same tough and hilly 9mile run which was followed the next day by some 1 mile reps.....
I hate reps of any sort.

Surely I had punished myself enough, well it appeared not as the next night I found my self doing hill reps with Eden runners.

It was after doing them and I was running back home that a thought came into my head "WHY ?".

For the past 2 years I have slowly improved by...... running.
Nothing more than that, running, uphill down hill,sometimes pushing myself, sometimes not, but nothing compared to what I have been doing these last few weeks.

I never used to wear a watch but now its the first thing I look for before a run.
Now I find myself timing a recovery run!!!
I think im in danger of taking something I really enjoy too serious.
Yes I want to get faster but do I want to do it to a watch?

In the Cumbrian run this year I was looking at my watch every mile.

Last year I used to run on feel, if I got tired, slow down.

For the last 2 years my speed session has been to try and do as many races as possible

I'm doing the Derwent water 10 this weekend where 2 years ago I ran 64mins 24 secs.
It will be interesting to see if any improvements have been made.

I think im just a lazy trainer but on a more positive note Stevie A is back jogging and Stevie B is wanting to jog more then run at the moment.


Derek, me and anth all set for the off

Getting congratulated by George.

No recent photo action so threw these ones in . Before and after.

Slight Nav Issues

2010-10-27T14:59:00.001+01:00

All smiles at the start

Along with Lieutenant Commander Watson or Charlie from the post office as we prefer know him, we made our way to RAF Spadeadam for the Border Riever Half Marathon, a undulating course that is ran on road and forest track.

About 100 folk had turned up and a good few RAF personal.

The race sets of out of the base and follows the road for 2 or 3 miles and than mostly good forest tracks. I quickly found myself in 2nd position with the first guy about 30 secs ahead and the 3rd place a good bit back.
It stayed like this for about 9 miles until I missed a turn and carried on for about 2 miles on my own until the Military Police pulled up and said that I had gone off Course.

After a bit of cursing at myself I ran on to the finish and disqualified myself.

The 3rd placed guy was well made up when he crossed the line and got told he was 2nd tho!!!!

In my defence for going off course tho, they was a lot off missiles and rocket launchers to be looking at!

Charlie had no such nav issues and ran well.

I fear Steve B is going to have laughing fit when he hears about this....

... I think I will go into hiding for a week or two.


Charlie finishing

Thanks to Paul Dobson (Dobo) for the photos......See you next year.... with my compass!!!!

Where's Steve?

2010-10-24T21:50:00.001+01:00

Quick run down on the week...

Tuesday...............A steady 8 mile on the roads around Penrith

Wednesday..........Back to the club. Mile reps. Agony. Stevie B wasn't there.....Unless he was at the back???

Thursday..............Night run up to Arthur's Pike. Bumped into Sam on the way back down. Told him about my bike ride the week before. He told me about his. The Fred Witton. Ran back to the car feeling stupid.

Saturday...............Cross country. Agony. Made the mistake of racing someone who is obviously faster then me. Died on the last lap.Wished I did the Screes fell race instead. Photos can be found at Sportsunday. Link can be found on the right.

Sunday...................Intended to go out early onto the fells but made the mistake turning the TV on. Watched the Grand Prix instead. Late afternoon I ran hard up loadpot from Pooley Bridge and then pottered about easily taken photos.

Next weekend we are going away, so for the first time in 8 weekends they will be no race, but im hoping to do the Spadeadam half marathon on Wednesday, which is on trail.

St.Sundays in the spotlight

Cloud on fire.


A distant Blencathra

Getting Dark

What A Week

2010-10-17T15:39:00.001+01:00

After the Cumbrian Run last Sunday I had Monday and Tuesday as rest days, I was also covering a night shift, which takes a couple of days to get used to.

On Wednesday afternoon I did a steady 7 mile road run.

On Thursday I parked my car in Pooley Bridge and ran up to Loadpot, it was a misty sort of day, but a very enjoyable run.

Friday saw me on the bike and my longest bike ride, in terms of time and distance yet.......26 miles in 2 and a half hours...... maybe not super fast but in my defence there were some hills in the route, one of them up to Dockray form the lakeside, which felt like never ending.
Once out of Dockray there is a small downhill section where I felt like "Armstrong", but in reality looked like a sweating, red faced, white knuckled joker with an air filled jacket .
I'm resisting the urge to buy proper cycle clobber in case people start to think " hey, that guy on the old bike looks a bit useful"
Got to admit though once I was off the lake road it was a lot more enjoyable with less traffic. I hope I can find time to do one ride like this a week.

Saturday was a day I was dreading but also looking forward to. Cross Country.
Dreading because its bloody hard and fast(ish) work and looking forward to because I know it will do me good in the long term.
Cockermouth was the venue for the first Cumbria Cross Country meet and after getting my start time mixed up (1 hour early, 1st there, looking really keen) I had a walk down into the town centre where its hard to believe that about this time last year it was all underwater.
After buying the "Press Guy" a tuna roll I made my way back up the the field where we were going to run.
I thought most of the quick guys would not of bothered with it been fra relays the day after, but 1 by 1 they drifted in, Ricky Lightfoot, Phil Winskill,, Russell Maddams and even Carl Bell!!!!
It is run in an handicap system and last year I was in the fast group, but luckily for me, this year I've been put in the middle group, which also sets off with the 17 yr olds, and the faster group stetting of 3 mins later.
For the 1st 2 laps I was 17 again but by the last 2 laps I was a sorry 42 year old, hanging on for grim death.
On the last lap first Ricky passed me( who even tried to talk to me, but I was incapable of speech), then Phil who was having a battle with Russell, but still had time to push me up the hill, git!!!
I waited for Carl to pass but I held on for 4th ( don't forget, its handicapped). Carl must of got lost in another field!!!!
A good turn out as always by Eden Runners and as it turns out a very enjoyable day.

Today, Sunday, I took myself up to Kidsty Pike from Pooley Bridge, a run that will get longer as the weeks pass by.


Look very hard for the deer on Low Raise

Cloud gathering over the Knott from High Raise

Readers of this Blog (both of you) might of noticed Blipfoto which is just below my followers.
Its takes you to another website which allows you to post photos each day and other people can leave comments on. Every week the Big Chiefs at Blipfoto gather around a table and choose a "photo of the week".
This award is very prestige and some wanna be Blippers would give their right arm to win it, well, guess who won this week....................
The winning photo can be found on the 10th October and the winning announcement can be found at BlipBlog
All very exciting........... even if it was for a very bad photo!!!!!!!

“This will be a day long remembered. It has seen the end of Kenobi, and will soon see the end of the rebellion.”

Planning Winter

2010-10-11T18:43:00.001+01:00

Struggling to get the miles in I did before the BG, from Xmas to May I tried to do 50-70 miles per week with most of them done on the fell. Since May I have been doing about 35 - 40, but its harder when you haven't got a particular event to aim for.

With the dark nights coming in it will be back to the club on a Wednesday night and for some of Alan's tortuous speed/endurance runs....... I wonder if I could persuade Steve to do more night running on the fells?

The cross country season starts this weekend so I will try and do as many as possible over the winter.
Not many fell races left for me this year, maybe 2 or 3, so I will try and improve my speed and hill climbing over the next few months. The speed thing I will find hardest to improve as I hate doing reps of any sort ( too lazy and its hard work) but it would be nice to improve my 10 mile time, currently 63 mins set 2 years ago, but I wont hold my breath.

Last week on Monday I ran a steady 7 miles on the roads around Penrith in 49 minutes and it felt comfortable, which was nice considering it was the day after the Ian Hodgson.
On Wednesday, along with Steve and Sam we ran up Blencathra and over Bannerdale crags, well I tried to run it all but I was finding it tough with the pace Sam was setting and walked up some parts. It was on this run that Steve and Sam were talking about the amount of bike miles they are doing and it seems to be helping them on the hills....... I hate biking but will try and do a few more miles this winter.
On Friday I parked my car at Pooley Bridge and ran up to Arthur's pike and back. Took it easy and enjoyed it, running at an easy pace over the fells, you cant beat it.
Saturday morning I put the bike to the test and did 15 miles (its a long way for me!) in just under the hour but didn't enjoy it all, too bloody dangerous. I texted a mate and asked him if spinning classes would have the same effect - his response was that it was more for lasses..... spinning it is then!
Sunday I did the Great Cumbrian Run, a half marathon around the edges of Carlisle. This is all part of my plan to try and improve my speed by doing races instead of reps and things.

Very pleased with my time of 1 hr 21 mins 59secs. and to be honest I don't think I could get any quicker without putting in all training sessions that road runners do.
Roll on Spring.

Cumbrian Run - Photo taken by David Harrison

Ian Hodgson Mountain Relay

2010-10-03T22:19:00.001+01:00

Second year I have done this now and I've got to admit, I love doing it.
In a fell race, your on your own and the only person you let down is yourself, but with a team event such as this you really don't want to let anybody down and as a result, if you paired with someone of equal ability, you really do push that bit harder.
Along with Steve Bennett I was down to run leg 2, a leg we have recced 3 times over the last few weeks, so we were more then happy to see the clag well down and rain lashing down.
Waiting for the leg 1 runners to come in, we were very surprised to see the Keswick open team come in first, with Borrowdale a good 7 minutes behind them, obviously the weather was playing a part.

Our own team had put 2 quick runners on leg 1, but something had not gone well and they arrived in 29th place.With a quick change over we were off, with me slightly ahead of Steve (Steve normally needs a mile and then he seems to have a turbo button). By the first checkpoint we had closed one team down and by the second we had passed another 2 teams.
The clag was down on the tops, but we never put a foot wrong and we were joined by the Todmorden pairing, who would be by our side the rest of the leg.
On the line down Threshthwaite mouth we kept left and picked a good line all on grass down to the bottom where we passed another team.
The climb up towards the beacon was tough, but I was relieved to be heading up because route finding was all straight forward now.
High Street came with another team passed and then it was all down hill, which Steve lead and I followed, through the beck and then down the fast track to the finish.
We passed over to Sam and Bernie with a feeling of job well done.

We had passed 7 teams and were 14th fastest overall on leg 2.

Sam and Bernie continued the good work and passed another 3 teams before handing over to the leg 4 runners who passed 5 more teams to bring us in a very credible 14th position. Last year we were 33rd.
Eden Runners is a small club, so we were delighted with the result.

More photos can be found at my flickr account

Andy,Sam,Bernie,Steve,me,Kim and Dave. Anth missing

Oh and Borrowdale won........again.

Next Time Clive

2010-09-27T19:50:00.001+01:00

Its been a odd week.

After Dalehead last weekend the bad cough and cold really kicked in which meant no running at all until Thursday, where rather foolishly I agreed to reccy leg 2 of Ian Hodgson Relay with Steve Bennett and Carl Bell.
I got a little past the first checkpoint and had to call a stop.
I could hardly breath and had absolutely no chance of carrying on so like a "reet sorry arse" walked of the mountain and got into Steve's car and drove it to hartsop to wait for them to complete the leg.
Rather then wait in the car I had a very very slow jog up to Hayswater to wait for them. It was getting quite dark and with it being an awful night I was getting a little nervous for them, they should of been back ages ago. I started to think that they maybe came off another way when I noticed 2 sodden wet runners coming out off the clag, I should of known........ Steve had got slightly lost!

On Friday night I had planned to go and wait for Clive King on Gt Calva, who was attempting his BGR but decided against it (he wasn't expecting me but I thought it would be funny to jump out on him) as I was still feeling unwell.

On Saturday I was always going to watch a workmate do the Langdale half, and due to another workmate pulling out I had his number and a free place, the only question was could I last the distance without having a coughing fit.I decided I would try but would also walk if things felt bad.
Very pleased to say that things went OK and I finished in 14th in a time of 1.28.

Better still Haz did a brilliant PB and looked really fresh at the end, I think he could easily knock 15 mins off his time too if it was a flat course and he quit smoking!!!!

Haz looking for a cigarette

Happy Haz with me.

On Sunday I got a Phone call off Clive saying that he dropped out at Wasdale, a real shame but, I have no doubt at all that come October next year that he will be at Shap Wells collecting his certificate for the Bob Graham club.

Clive on leg 1 in February

Again Cumbria's premier photographer was at Langdale taking snaps, which can also be found on my links on the right. One problem tho, is that he seems to be enjoying it too much...... will he have the stomach to train and compete again when he is over his mental illness???

One Shire Too Many

2010-09-20T20:08:00.000+01:00

Made the most out off the weekend just gone and managed a fell race on both days.

Saturday I did the 3 shires fell race, 12miles and 4000ft of climb. It starts in Little Langdale and visits the tops of Wetherlam, Swirl How, Pike o Blisco and Lingmoor. Three of the 4 tops I had not been on before so Friday night was spent taking bearings with my map of places where I was most likely to get lost.
I normally go quite fast at the start of a race but on this occasion I hung back a bit and settled into the middle of the pack.
The first big climb was Wetherlam and runners started going up the hill side in all directions. 80% of them went up at the first chance they got but I noticed a Keswick runner ignore them all and carried on up along the track a bit, so did I, but at one point I asked myself why in case I lost sight of him ,I would of been lost 20 minutes into the race. Luckily I kept him in my sight and we soon caught another 6 or 7 runners up and eventually got to the path again where the rest of the runners were, I think I made the right choice because we were ahead of other runners who were previously ahead of us.
The climb went on a long time and I was really feeling it, its been a while since I have climbed anything steep and by the time we got to the top I was relieved.

From the summit the running is good and I should of pushed on harder, but with not knowing what lay ahead of me I opted to run at a pace that felt OK, but even at this pace I took a fall on a grass bank, I blamed the fell shoes that I had just purchased from Pete Blends van before the race with the studs sticking in too well.

Before I knew it we were at the 3 shire stone and on to the easier climb of Blisco, which went well but I was aware of a big group coming up from behind so I really did push on up to the summit where I topped out with Gavin Thomas of Kendal who showed me the line down to Blea tarn. (showed me maybe is the wrong words, I followed him)
Once at Blea tarn its only Lingmoor left and whilst Gavin had got ahead of me by about 50 yards I was joined by a Dark Peak runner and a Rossendale runner for the climb, but at this point I was struggling so I faffed about in my bum bag for a drink and by the time I had sorted myself out the 2 other runners were well ahead of me, leaving me to navigate myself of the top.

With my map out I ran along past an old sheepfold or something and then started to descend, but it didnt feel right so I climbed back and ran a bit further until a Settle runner caught me up. He assured me was on the right line and we ran down the zig zagz ( not sure tho if that is the best line tho ) and to the finish together where I cheekily out sprinted him.
Rick Lightfoot won the race.

Good race and with a decent recce maybe I could knock a few minutes off my time, which I think was about 2.20 and 45th position.

5 other Eden runners pitched up for this with Kim Colinson finishing a fantastic 9th.

Eden after the race

Along the route Steve Angus was out taking photographs, and even so he was shouting insults at me it it must be tough on him to be sidelined with his on going bowel problems, after getting himself so fit again, but after saying that his photographs are very good.

athletes in action

On Sunday I did the Dalehead fell race, 4.5 mile and 2210ft of climbing.
Third year I have ran this and this was the wettest yet. Set of with good intentions but soon became apparent that I was going to struggle and when I finally reached the summit decided to hold position and not loose any more places...... Until Pippa Maddams(who was watching at the bottom of the fell) gave me a right bollocking and told me to start running and I would catch the 2 runners in front, I caught one but the other beat me by a second..... the same dark peak guy who was in front of me at the 3 shires the day before.
I think I finished 15th with a 123 for Borrowdale and Jim Davis.

Monday I biked 13 miles.
Wednesday we recced leg 2 of the Ian Hodgson again.Thursday I ran 6 hilly road miles.

Below is a link for my Flickr where some photos of the Dale head fell race can be found

running pics

Catching Up

2010-09-12T21:26:00.000+01:00

At this stage last year I had done 29 races.
Up to last weekend I had done 10 this year, 11 if you include my Bob Graham Round.
So no more excuses, I am going to make up for lost time, and this was started last weekend when I went up to Hesket Newmarket for the High Pike fell race. At 7 miles and 1700ft it was all runnable and navigation was straight forward, flagged up and down, my sort of course.

PHOTO TAKEN BY PAUL DOBSON

Not a big turn out due to it been a busy weekend on the fell running scene, but the 20-30? who did turn up all had nothing but good words for the course at the end. I managed 4th position, due to the small turnout!

Sunday I ran 13 mile on the roads
Monday I feebly did a 13 mile bike ride
Tuesday I set off to run 8 hilly miles but cut it short to 5.
Wednesday recced leg 2 of the Ian Hodgson relay

On Saturday I ran in the Great Westmorland Trail Race. 7.5 mile and 1200ft it was again all runnable.
144 folk turned out for this very well organised race and it was won by Morgan Donnelly, setting a new course record along the way. No dizzy heights for me this week though and I settled for 9th place, but more important for me it was a good speed workout (like last week too) which is something im lacking in my training at the moment. Also good to see a few Eden Runners too.

Today I ran 13miles on the road again. Hopefully next weekend I wont be working so I can have good outing on the fells.

Chocs Away

2010-09-02T22:40:00.001+01:00

anyone got a bazooka

Back from Turkey, where 2 weeks seemed to have flown by. Had a good relaxing time and managed to run about 4 miles every morning - even at 7am it was too hot to put much effort in.
Only bad part was the local mosque playing loud wailing music about 4am on the odd morning. Had a good view of the Taurus mountains but never went near them - Susan would of left me!!!

from dalehead-great view

As always my diet improves 100% when im on holiday - the sunnier climate makes me eat bucket loads of fruit and less junk. At home im always pigging out on on snacks like crisps and chocolate but that urge goes when im on holiday. Well almost goes, on the tenth day I took myself to the shop next door for M and Ms, but couldn't find any, so got a big bar of chocolate instead, realised it was too warm to eat so put it in the mini bar fridge too eat the next day. I come off the beach the next day to find my 2 offspring's wiping chocolate of their chops! I have never been so disappointed in Max since the time he was 7 and thought he was Dearth Vader and took all our fine china ornaments of our fire place in one fell swoop with his light sabre!!

On the running front I ran up loadpot from Pooley Bridge on Monday in a quick time and felt good.
Tuesday I ran on the roads for about six miles steady but felt crap.
Wednesday along with Steve B we ran up from Pooley Bridge to Arthur's Pike and it was a result of this run that has made me realise to not do the Grisedale Horseshoe this Saturday. Too much climbing for me and I would off preferred to of recced it, having not done it for 2 years now.

I'm a bit lost on my running plans at the moment, I want to get quicker and that means running faster and harder on the roads/flat, but at the same time I want to run on the fells. As a result I haven't entered Langdale Marathon - 3 weeks away and I don't think I could drag my arse around for 26 miles.

took this when I was reccying my BG earlier this yeart

So, I need something to aim for, thinking cap on.....

Its the same with my Blog, if I aint got any plans with regards to runs so I find it hard to motivate myself to write, so expect some long silences.

finishing loch ness 2 years ago

Dont Come Near Me Mark Renshaw

2010-08-14T19:04:00.001+01:00

The Sunday after Borrowdale I took myself up Arthur's Pike, parking at Pooley Bridge, running a steady 7 mile.

On Monday I biked out (and up) to Matindale church, Howtown. To most folk this would be no big feat at all, but this was my biggest bike ride to date, yep 22 miles in 1 and 1/2 hours and I thought I was going to pass out cycling up the small pass......... My plan is to try and bike up kirkstone pass before winter, but one bike ride a week is enough for me just now, it takes up too much time and its too hard!!!
Plus I tend to wobble all over the road when it gets too steep!!!!

Tuesday I met up with Steve B and again ran up to Arthur's Pike, at a pace that I could just about keep up, felt harder then normal.

Wednesday was Reeds Fell runners debut on the bigger stuff. Along with Haz and Rod, we ran the Blencathra fell race route in a little over 2 hours, a good effort in what was awful conditions (hailstones, clag and finally sunshine). Haz has got the fell running bug and I think he might even do Blencathra next year..... hopefully.


Race to the top

Are we there yet

Interesting descent ahead with them shoes Rod

Too easy for these fell monkeys

Thursday I was changed to go up the fell again but changed my mind the last minute. I'm meant to be doing Langdale Marathon in 6 weeks and I haven't done much road running at all, let alone speed work, so I did 9 miles around the streets of Penrith which included a few steep road hills. It actually felt quite good, but im a long way off trying to blag my way round 26 miles of torture.

Today (Saturday)I ran 13 hard road miles in a little over 84 mins, quite pleasing really, and it was also very undulating, whether I could of carried on for another 13 miles tho is questionable.

Tomorrow we fly out to Turkey for a 2 week beach holiday, so I will throw in my road shoes and try and do a few miles the odd morning. Looking forward to lazing about the beach....... Its been a tough year... so far.

Borrowdale Fell Race

2010-08-08T20:20:00.000+01:00

Two cars, 8 runners left Penrith on Saturday morning for the Borrowdale fell race, the second time I have done it, the first I got hopelessly lost on.........Ill Crag.....don't ask.
This year I was more nervous, probably due to not racing much since my BG and not recceing the course at all since last year.
Due to this nervousness I started further back then I normally do and as a result ended up in the bottleneck at the start and having to walk, run, walk for a while until the course thinned out a bit.

The climb up Bessyboot went well and I was soon running with a couple of runners into the clag, which would stay with us all day until the descent of Dalehead. Luckily for me Gavin Blend joined us so I quickly got onto his heels and followed him up to Esk Hause, which in hindsight proved to be one of my better decisions after hearing how many got lost on this section.Following Gavin over this section showed me how important it is to know the course as he seemed to know every stone. I did tell him tho that I had no shame and his reply was "don't worry, no one as". So I thought the least I could do was share my water with him and the other runner!!!

On reaching Esk Hause I was met by Dave Owen, who had kindly offered to meet us with water, and then the climb up Scafel Pike beckoned.

I would guess at this point I was well up in the field, but the wet rocks over to Scafell slowed me down dramaticly and I soon found myself alone, at the very place I got lost last year. I was very relieved to find the col up to Scafel Pike to know I was still on track.

On reaching the summit I had to find the scree run down to the corridor route and at first I went far to far left and after a couple of minutes of scrabbling about I heard some voices above me, so I quickly climbed back up where I met 3 other runners also looking for it. Eventually we found it and we were soon sliding down the scree. I ended up staying within eyesight off the corridor path (didnt dare lose sight of it) up until Styhead where again David had met me again with water, but this time I declined, I hadn't touched my other bottle yet.
The climb up Gable felt awful for me, and I knew from here on in I was in survival mode. I managed to keep going and I took an age to descend down to Windy Gap, but at least I was back in with a group of other runners, who all went too far left from Green Gable before I realised we were wrong and had to climbed back up.
The run down to Honister felt good but as soon as I hit the climb of Dalehead my legs had gone again and I had no water left.
I managed to hold my postilion tho and crossed the line 3 hours and 55 minutes after starting.

Just about everyone I spoke to at the end had some tale to tell about getting lost or taking the wrong line so my mishaps maybe weren't that bad after all.

What a Rabble!

Next year im going to recce the course a bit more so im sure of the route and try and get under 3.45. (dream on!)

Legs Returning........At Last

2010-08-02T18:38:00.000+01:00

Had a very enjoyable day last Sunday, where me and Steve Bennett joined up with Steve Angus and some of his mates for a run round leg 1 of the Bob Graham. We ran it anti clockwise, the first time I had done it this way, and hopefully the last. After saying that tho, we ran it in just over 3 hours and that was with a few stops.
I was concerned, that with the company I was in that I would struggle to keep pace, but in hindsight this run is exactly what I needed, pushing hard on the ups and fast descending gave me back some of my pre Bob Graham confidence and better still the groin wasn't to troublesome but the hip is still tender.
After the run we had a pint where I was amazed at some of the tales that were been told regarding training and other peoples exploits. Here are some of the following;

"I trained every day for a full year without a day off"

"I use to do 7000 miles on the bike every year"

"so and so used to bike 40 miles every night......... and eat only a bread roll...... without butter on"

and my favourite..

"so and so fathered a child...... at 50 years old"

I did think about telling them about the time I completed Tomb Raider 1 without any cheats, but thought better of it.

Steve running up Halls Fell

The following night I parked my car at the foot of Scales fell and ran up Blencathra again. The day before one of Steve's mates had dropped a gillet somewhere on the top so I thought I would go and have a look for it but the clag was even worse the the day before and had little chance of seeing my feet let alone a lost top. Still it was good effort.

Wannabe David Bailey

AMBLESIDE SPORTS DAY

On Thursday I went to Ambleside Sports to do the Rydal Round Fell Race, the course follows the Fairfield Horseshoe race route apart from the start is slightly different (more brutal in my opinion).
This was to be my first fell race since the 3 Peaks back in April and I thought it would be quite low key, but a good few people I knew well were amassed on the start line, so it was going to be a race rather then a stroll on the fells for me.
The Start was fast and Steve Angus led the field out off the show field and along the track up to Nab Scar. This was to be the last I saw of Steve until the finish line.
I quickly settled and got into my stride but found myself running alone until Craig Smith caught me up along with 1st lady Jane Reddy and club mate Sam Ware. This proved to very good for me as it gave me encouragement to keep moving well. We kept swapping places up to the summit of Fairfield where Sam had pulled out a slight gap on us but by the time we contoured around Hart Crag we were all together again.
I had decided to keep on Craigs shoulder as he seemed to know the route quite well. Eventually Craig and myself pulled away from the others and began to put a gap between us.
With less then Half a mile to go I pulled away from Craig and another runner who had caught us up. If the course was any steeper tho it would off suited craig more then me and he would off romped home to the finish line ahead off me.
My time was 1hr 35mins and any other year that would of been good enough for a top ten but this year it meant 18th. A very enjoyable race and it reminded me what I have been missing.

Club mate Sam Ware at the finish.

A fantastic setting

A proper sports day

I have entered Borrowdale on Saturday but not 100% sure im doing it yet, as its a different monster altogether and it might be a tad too steep for my still sore hips.

AND FINALLY.....

Congratulations to Mr and Mrs Angus who tied the knot on Saturday.......after 18years!!!

Loadpot Fell Run

2010-07-24T17:49:00.000+01:00

Since the Newlands road race on Wednesday night I have done nowt.
So today (Saturday) I had a run up to Loadpot, parking at Pooley Bridge, this makes the run about 10 miles and 2000ft.
Pre Bob Graham I would do this run from Roe Head car park and do it comfortably/easy in 1 hr 12 mins. Today I did it in 1hr 15mins, but instead of it feeling easy, it felt hard and I found myself having to work really hard, especially on the ups. The downs I took at a much slower pace then I normally would due to my groin still feeling tight.

When running this route I sometimes see the odd walker, but the further on you go, the less chance you have of seeing anybody, so imagine my suprise when I was running back to the cockpit and seeing hoards of other runners coming towards me.
It turned out they were runners competing in the Lakeland 50 mile race and ahead of them were other runners who had set off 12 hours earlier and were competing in the Lakeland 100 mile event.
This is an event that I might give a go some time, what better way of seeing Lakeland!

Tomorrow morning I am joining Steve Angus and some of his mates to do leg 1 of the Bob Graham, who have been in Keswick camping for 2 nights enjoying Steve's Stag doo ( I believe you had to sport a 1970s ponytail and sing ABBA songs to be part of the stag doo)

Newlands Valley Road Race

2010-07-22T20:58:00.000+01:00

If I have got any serious intentions of doing the Langdale Marathon in September it might be an idea to start doing some road running, so with this in mind I drove out to Keswick on Wednesday night to tackle a tough 6.4 mile road race.

What a wake up call it turned out to be!!
The race set off and I was soon reminded just how hard road racing is. I clicked onto the second group of runners ( the first group were the elite) and ran with them for a couple of miles, but I soon found myself struggling to hold on to them and decided to back of a bit. I knew this was a mistake as I always find it harder to run alone in a race, but on this occasion I had no choice, I was done in..... at mile 3!!!
To make matters worse for me, my right shoe lace had come undone, but I knew that if I stopped to tie it back up I would end up jogging back, so I carried on, and to be honest it did not slow me down at all.
Sure enough, other runners started picking me off and at one stage I was in with another group of 3 for a while, but I think they got sick of my shoe lace whipping their ankles and sped off.
With a mile to go I was more then happy to hold position and get to the finish line without trying to over take any one or let anyone else over take me. The runner in front of me was a good 50 yards ahead and he had glanced back to me, just to confirm that I was spent, I was.
With about 200 yards to go I was suddenly aware off someone galloping up on my right hand side. There was nothing else for it... not seen since Appleby school sports day in 1983..... the Stoddy kick.... and with that I was off, holding off the challenger (for 21st position) and charging past the poor guy in front who, by the time he realised what was going on it was too late to react.
I crossed the finish line and said to myself NEVER AGAIN.
Within a few minutes though the pain is forgotten and im catching up with some folk I aint seen in a while. They is also a strong presence of Eden runners, amongst them is Alan Marshall, who organises a lot of the winter training for the club, I make a mental note that I must attend more this winter!

I said before the race to Steve Angus that I would be happy with 6min 18 sec miles and that is what I achieved with my time been 40mins 50 secs. This I am becoming to realise is my opptimum speed limt, as when I look back at some of my PBs they are;

Half Marathon (keswick) 83mins
10 miles (Derwentwater) 63 mins

Both are 6min 18sec miles. (roughly)
So, for me to run faster times means I have to start doing things like intervals, fartleks, and more road running and I dont think I can be bothered with all that malakee , so I will contiue doing my long runs on the fells at the weekends and try and do a couple of road runs during the week.

Getting back to the Langdale Marathon, its going to be tough, less then 8 wks away and I have a 2 wk beach holiday to fit in. Last night showed me how far behind I am.
I am going to try and do Rydel round fell race next Thursday and if I get round without the groin playing up its Borrowdale the week after.

First Man On Mars

2010-07-12T22:31:00.000+01:00

Today Mark Nicholson was the first man on Mars. Mark reached Mars in less then 3 days in his home made spaceship that he built in his garage out of spare bicycle parts (and a broken garmin).

The above paragraph would not surprise me if I read it in a newspaper in the future.

Last week I got a text of a mate telling me of Marks latest feat........cycling from John o Groats to Lands end. "No big deal" I thought as I knew he had done this several times before, but as I read on I was amazed to discover he had done it in less then 3 days!!!!! All up hill too (or is that the way it looks on a map).

This was just one of the many fantastic achievements Mark has done over the years, others include;

5 marathons in different continents in 12 months
Coast to Coasts (the wall and the Wainwright)
Iron man Triathlons
All The Wainwright s (214 fell tops)
The Bob Graham Round ( the toughest!!!!)
Hill reps up Graham Street
and many many more....

As far as I know Mark does all these for charity, what a top top bloke.

Mark being chased on Mars by aliens!

Gutted

2010-07-04T21:03:00.000+01:00

Feeling buoyed (is that spelt right) with the last weeks mileage, even though the niggles were still there, I thought it would be a good test for me to visit a regular 13 mile fell run that I do quite a bit.
Its a route that takes you over 4 tops and is all runnable, but testing (its quite tempting to walk at least 2 of the ups), but it would give me a good indication of where I was in terms of fitness

So on Saturday morning I set off and within a mile I could feel my right hip feeling tender, but after the first climb it had settled down. For the next 45 minutes things felt great, I was moving well, felt like I had a spring in my step and enjoying the environment that I was in (seen 3 other people on my run).

Then on the last steep descent I felt the top of my inner thigh tighten and made every footfall sore, so what do I do? stop? walk? no, carry on hoping it will ease off when I hit the flat.
Well it did ease of slightly so I pushed on with 4 miles still to go.
This route I normally complete in 2hours, so again I was pleased to see the clock back at the car record my time of 2 hrs 6 mins. Only 6 mins slower, but quite a hot day and the groin slowing me down. I drove home with the feeling the speed was coming back.........This feeling did not last.
By the time I pulled up in my drive and tried to swing my legs out off the car the feeling had long gone.
During that afternoon I shuffled about the house and started googling "groin strains"on the PC. The readings were not very encouraging and im hoping that if I stay off the hills for a week or two, things will improve, fingers crossed.

Sunday was Skiddaw fell race so I took my camera to take some pics.
For 8 weeks before this race the weather has been glorious. 3 hours after the fell race the weather was glorious. During the fell race tho the weather was PANTS! and I was bloody soaked!!
But like the pro I am not, I stood my ground and waited for the runners to make their way up, with rain lashing me and hands numb I started clicking. I must off took a photo of every one on the way up and when the last one passed I had a quick look at camera only to realise the setting was wrong and most pictures were out of focus CRAP!!!
But like the pro I am I waited for the runners to return and started snapping again. On reviewing the pics when I got home they were CRAPPER still but managed to salvage a few.........only for one UNGRATEFUL ROAD RUNNER text me saying how embarrassed he would of been taking such shabby photos. Thats what you get for sitting on a soaking wet fell (with a very sore groin) on a Sunday taking pictures of appreciative fell runners and STEVE ANGUS!

Apart from his complaints it has got to said that Mr Angus had a very good run today and I was very surprised to see him beat Mr Bennett.
Well done all.

The top photo was taken last year and shows 2 fell runners battling it out, a battle that lasted the last 2 miles.

The photo on the bottom shows a road runner from the 70s. (click on it to enlarge)

A Dash Up Dash Falls

2010-07-01T16:17:00.000+01:00

Duped again!!
It was promised it would be a slow steady run up to Dash Falls by Mr Bennett last night.
I know I have lost a bit of fitness these last few weeks, but this is getting beyond the joke.
I thought I was running at a good steady pace , but it wasn't enough as Steve pressed on ahead as I struggled to keep within 20 metres of him and when I did catch up to him, he would pick up the pace again.
I couldn't see his face but I imagine it had a big smirk on it.
We finally reached Dash Falls where I made the most of the water that I was carrying and we were off back again, this time it felt faster though, so I adopted the "conservation trick" hoping it would slow him down, but no good, he was on a mission.
With a mile to go and the ground a bit rougher I dared to get within a metre of him but this made him more determined, in the end getting back to the car a good 20 seconds before me.
Pleased really because last week I had no life at all in the old pistols, but at least tonight I could at least try and pretend to race him. Things are getting easier, but I was alarmed to weigh myself and see that I have put 1/2 a stone on in the last 4 weeks.
Things will get better, I hope!

An Old Friend

2010-06-29T21:39:00.000+01:00

Tonight because I was short of time I decided to do an old road run that I used to do when I first started running. Its about 6 - 7 miles long and I use to be able to run it in around 40mins.
Looking back in my running log, tonight was the first road run I've done since March, and it told.
What made it more difficult was the fact that is was a glorious night with the fell tops all in good sight, but I convinced myself that this run would be more beneficial to me with it been smooth and relatively flat (compared to the fells) and would be kinder to my groin/hip.
For me running on the roads is so much harder then running on the fells, as on the fells you can take a recovery without losing too much time, but on the road there is no hiding place, its all about 'times' and its an hard effort from start to finish.
So, getting back to tonight's run. It was horrible. The old route has fallen out with me and gave me real turning over. Where as once it encouraged to run faster, tonight it made life very hard for me, made me look a chump. I suppose that's what you get if you neglect an old friend.
I ran this hard too, with the idea it would be my benchmark for the summer, but 44minutes dead shouldn't take much beating.
Tomorrow im back on the fells but next week I plan to visit my old friend once a week until we are mates again.....it might take some time!!

Langdale Legends

2010-06-29T00:04:00.000+01:00

Things are getting back to normal, the back of the knee as improved but the hip/groin is still causing me discomfort especially on down hills.

Last week I had my biggest mileage for 4 weeks, hitting the big 25.
17 of these were done on leg 1 of the bg route where I joined up with Steve Bennett, who was wanting a long slow plod on the fells and was very keen to show me a fast line of Gt Calva.

We agreed that if I was struggling that I would skirt around Skiddaw and meet him at the bottom of Gt Calva.
On reaching the turn off point for me to skirt away (and miss the big climb) Steve convinced me to carry on and he would go steady.
5 minutes later and Steve is a good few yards ahead with me hanging on just to keep a glimpse of him. We reached the top in 63 minutes and again he assured me he would slow it down a bit. We crossed the fence and hes flying off towards Hare Crag, so I stretch out my legs and overtake but soon have to ease up. Steve's
loving it but I will get my revenge.
We are finally on Calva and Steve is dragging me through the high heather on his short cut. We reach the Caldew some 20 minutes later where it should of took us 10 at the most. He is still convinced tho that its easier then the fence line........how he works this out is beyond me.
We descend Blencathra via Doddick and this is where I really feel my groin but still get back to the cricket club car park in 22 mins whilst Steve ( who is flying, it has to said, does it easily in 19)
A big test for me and glad I decided to tag along.

The next few weeks im going to do some easy miles on the fells, not worry about racing and try and get my little bit of speed back, which I've definitely lost.

I'm thinking of entering the langdale road marathon in September but rather then train on the road for it, do most of my running on the high street range where it is all runnable. Perhaps I will do one session a week on the road, this might be the new streets race route or I might go to the grass track and do a few 800m???

I haven't really got a plan or a time for it but it would be nice to get close to my one and only marathon time of 3.16 ( loch ness ) in 2008.

]

Steve Bennett and Steve Angus

These two lads (has been's!!) above are well experienced road runners, both sub 3 marathon runners and both done fantastic times at Langdale, if I could get within 15 mins of their time I'll be well pleased.

On Sunday I rode out to Ullswater to watch a triathlon where crazy people swim a bit, bike a lot and then run up and down a valley............mad, but very entertaining.

Only a 56 mile bike ride and a 13 mile fell run left.

Here We Go Again

2010-06-24T21:53:00.000+01:00

Managed a 9 mile fell run today, first one in eight days. Groin still sore, knee still stiff, got attacked by a Buzzard (well swooped down on 5 times, but enough to scare the living daylights out of me) but you know what..... I loved it!! (the run, not the Buzzard)

Hopefully the knee and groin will sort themselves out and I can get back to tramping about on the fells once more.

Tonight my son, Max attended the school prom. How proud am I of him. Where's the years gone?

Bobby Dazzler!!!!!!!

21hr 07mins. And Relax!!!

2010-05-30T14:07:00.006+01:00

May 29th will forever be etched into my memory, not as much for my success of the Bob Graham Round, but more of the true friendship, camaraderie and kindness shown to me by some amazing folk. Im not going to thank them by name as they know who they are

I started writing this blog in August last year to record all my days out on the fells and to also to keep as a record of all things related to the Bob Graham.

I'm afraid im not going to write a report of my Bob Graham Round, as its something that does not need writing down for me to read again, it will stay in my memory long after I cant run any more.

For me now, im going to rest up a few weeks and then start doing what I love doing more then anything else, running in the hills.(oh, and Susan wants two bedrooms decorated)

Round Done!
Job Done!
Blog Done!

Thank you all for all your kind comments and advice over the past few months.

Some photos of the day can be found at http://www.pbase.com/davidharrison/root.
(Good one of Stevie B on his arse)

THE END
Stu.

A Tough Week. Doing Nowt.

2010-05-28T08:47:00.000+01:00

This last 6 days have been very tough. I have been wanting to run but resisted, hence I think has made me feel very tired, or is it the nerves??
I was going to go for a light run on Wednesday evening , but had forgotten I had a long overdue MRI scan at Carlisle for my ongoing knee problem at 5.50pm.
At time of posting this (8.45am) I still have a load of things to arrange but at least im of work today.
The weather looks like its going to be breezy and showers, but I cant do anything about that, its not as if i will melt or anything.
One tiny issue that is bothering me is not having anybody to rope Broad Stand for us, which means we will have to carry a rope with us, but again its not the end of the world.
So, that's it, at 1am on Saturday morning I will leave the Moot Hall and hopefully have a very memorable 24 hours on the tops.

Can I Have The Same Weather, Just A Bit Cooler Please!!!

2010-05-23T11:20:00.004+01:00

Last year whilst recceing leg 1, I met a fella Called Seb Pflanz at the Sheepfold by the Caldew, We recced the rest of leg 1 together and arranged to meet up again during the winter months. Due to either work commitments or the snowy winter we never did recce any other legs together, but we did keep in touch from time to time to see how the other was getting on with their training.

On Wednesday night we met each other again to recce leg 5 (hill section only) as it was the only leg that he had not gone over before his attempt on Saturday, which I was navigating on leg 2.
I was a bit dubious about this as Im meant to be tapering mode, but it was good to meet up with Seb again and have another look at the descent of Robinson.

Seb had told me he was on a 23 hour schedule but I thought I had best turn up to Threlkeld early as he is a very experienced ultra runner and I new he would be ahead on his estimated time.

Seb on Stybarrow

Seb with Dark Peak Simon just behind

Sure enough he rolled into Threlkeld early and after a shoe change we were off towards Clough Head with his other pacers Craig and Sandy, both Scottish. We weren't even on Gt Dodd before the banter started about the English and the Scottish, but I was quick to remind them who was going to the World cup, Seb is German born by the way!!!

The pace felt good and easy and I kept asking Seb if he was relaxed enough and he said he was fine at the pace we were setting.

Seb had set off from Moot Hall at 2am along with another group who was on 20hr schedule and we had caught them up by Watson Dodd, which did concern me a bit because they were bang on there own schedule and Seb was well ahead of his, but again Seb assured me he was ok with the pace.

Its worth noting here that both groups were about 50 yards apart at Dollywagon, whilst Seb went down the right of the tarn, the other team(simon, dark peak) went to the left. Seb stopped at the bottom to take his sock off as he thought he had a stone in his shoe, turned out to be a blister but we still reached the top of Fairfield just ahead of them.

From Seat Sandal I ran ahead to pre warn his valley crew he was on his way and to have things ready.

Seb had fantastic support

Seb arrived at Dunmail slightly ahead of 20 hour pace and im very pleased to report that he finished his round last night in 21hrs 47mins.

From my own point of view Seb did his round pretty much how I would want to attempt mine this coming Saturday, with getting to Dunmail ahead of schedule and then hanging on the best I can.

So, last week only 2 legs covered, but its taper all week for me now, apart from Wednesday when I might go for a light jog.
The rest of the week I will be glued to the weather forecast!!

Not A Lot To Say

2010-05-18T22:28:00.000+01:00

Last week was a much easier week for me, but still got over 10,000 feet, but only 35 miles covered.
Out of the seven days I was only out 3 and this week it looks like the same.
Tomorrow evening im thinking of looking over leg 5 , but only from Dalehead to Robinson.
On Saturday im pacing on leg 2 for Seb Pflanz's attempt and on Sunday I might have a slow run up to Skiddaw House and along the path to the Caldew and take another bearing for Mungrisdale Common. ( measure twice, cut once )
Still working on my schedule/plan/food.

Heading South

2010-05-09T19:40:00.001+01:00

A tough week, ready for a rest now.
Yesterday seen me and Iain Kelly parking at Seathwaite and climbing up to Esk Hause and doing the rest of leg 3. I have struck gold in having Iain on this leg, his knowledge of it is very reassuring.
I imagine leg 3 could be where the wheels come off for me, so with having Iain and Steve Angus im hoping they will pull me through it. Mind you Steve can talk some bloody crap at times!!!!
Yesterday also saw me banish one of my main worries by climbing Broad stand without a rope al tho I very nearly ducked out. I was stood on the second ledge whilst Iain was trying to explain to me what to do when all of a sudden a couple of other BGers came sailing by me and sailed up it, making it look very easy and me look very stupid (not hard). So with Iains encouragement I got up it, which in truth was not that bad at all, but it would be a different story if it was wet.Also went down the line of Scafell which again didn't seem that bad , but with 16 hours in my legs I think it might be a different story.
Got back to the cars via Styhead Tarn.It was on this route where I seen some runner trying to get use to running with walking poles, he was having quite a fight!

Today I was going to do leg 2 with Steve Angus but at the last minute decided I would throw leg 1 in as well, so I arranged I would meet Steve at 10.30 to do leg 2 with him.
I set off from Keswick at 7.07 and got back to Threlkeld CC at 10.07, surprised myself at how quick I had done it, al tho it was far to fast.

I had 13mins to wait before Steve arrived so I had some food and refilled my bottles. At 10.25 we were off again and the climb up Clough Head felt very hard, but we reached the top in 44mins, too quick, but Steve was on fresh legs and moving very well.
We finished the leg in a time of 3.20.
So 2 legs done in 6.38 that included a 18Min wait at Threlkeld. I hope on the day of my attempt my pacers do a good job or I fear its curtains at Wasdale!
On Wednesday me and Steve Bennett had a good run along the coach road from Dockray to Clough Head and up over the Dodds and back down Hartside where we watched the Dockray-Hartside fell race. As always Steve supplied the entrainment by trying to convince me were running south when in fact we were running north east.WARNING : DO NOT FOLLOW THIS MAN IN A FELL RACE!
(it is my good fortune that he is completely computer illiterate and he cannot work out how to reply on this blog)

And as said in my last post on Monday I did leg 1 running from Threlkeld.

So my total feet climb for the last week was 22500 and 66 miles, im going to start backing off now and try and work out my schedule and road stops and fuel intakes, all of which I am really struggling with, its the part of the BG that Im totally no good at and wish some else would do it for me!

Into the Month of May

2010-05-03T19:09:00.000+01:00

Since the 3 Peaks I have continued all my running on the fells, putting in 69 miles (approx 19000ft, 84miles,23500ft if you inc 3PPP) in the last 8 days. The pleasing thing for me is that my legs and joints are feeling good and strong at the moment. They is no question though that I have lost my short sprint speed, but that is definitely not needed on the Bob Graham Round.

The one big worry that I have is that I may not of put enough long days in, I have done loads of 4-5hrs a few 8 hrs, but my longest day out has only been 91/2 hrs. I know im comfortable up to 91/2 hrs but what I will be like after 15-16hrs? Also Im due a scan on my troublesome knee soon, but im trying to put that well and truly to the back of my mind, it only really hurts now if I try to fully kneel down on it.

Another concern is that the only part of the route that I have not yet recced fully is Broad stand. I have been down foxes tarn before but would like to look at the other options. Hopefully on Saturday I will get that chance.

On Saturday just gone I was due to recce leg 3 with my navigator but unfortunately he couldn't make it, so I drove to Dunmail with the plan of going as far as Esk Hause before coming back on myself.

As I pulled up they was a road support crew in waiting and when I looked up Seat Sandal I could see the runners charging down.

Rather then get in the way I set of up Steel fell and waited for the runners to come up. I asked if I could continue along with them as far as Esk Hause to which they said I was more then welcome..

This was a stroke of luck for me as they showed me the correct line up Bowfell and Rosset Crag.

The fella attempting was Stuart Pitcher and he was on a 22 hr schedule and moving very well. His Navigator was Eddie Winslow, who did his own BGR in winter and his other mate was Neil? all Ilkley runners.

Stuart Im pleased to say completed his round in 20.59, fantastic.

Climbing Esk Pike

Neil, Stuart and Eddie

Today I once again went round leg 1 with Anth, who is supporting me on this leg and he wanted to have a good look at it first.

Again it took me under 22 mins from the summit of Blencathra to the cricket club car park, so nothing to worry about there ( I hope)..

Never Again (until next year!)

2010-04-25T21:10:00.000+01:00

Set off to do the Three Peaks Fell Race on Saturday morning with the intention of running it at a easier pace then last year, wanting to feel much stronger at the end and not feeling as battered.
The race started and I set off along with Nick Ray in a very relaxed manner, which is unlike me, but the heat was going to play a part today so no need for any heroics in the first few miles.
The climb up Pen-y-ghent felt ok and the summit was reached in 35.15 and in 70th position. I noticed Ricky Lightfoot wasn't amongst the leaders as they streamed past us and figured that he had pulled out. A brief chat with him before the race he had hinted as much due to a knee problem, a real shame too, what with Rob Jebb not running it was a good chance for him to win it this year.
I had a good comfortable run to ribblehead that felt easy, picking off a few runners on the way and eventually ran along with a Pudsey runner up to the viaduct. He pulled away from me on the lower slopes off Whernside whilst I tackled an Eccles cake, which just about took me the whole of the climb to eat!
Running along the top I felt my calf's tighten up a bit so took it easy for a while till they got used to running again.
Got to Hill Inn feeling a lot better then last year and pushed on up to Ingleborough Where the climb seemed to pass in no time at all. it wasn't till I turned around after the checkpoint that both my calf's got cramp, I had no choice but to stop and stretch them both whilst I lost a couple of places. I managed to get going again and had a good descent catching another 5 runners on the run in to the show field.
Crossed the finish line in 3.39.and in 35th position, but more importantly feeling a lot stronger then I did last year.

Climbing Pen-y-ghent

After a quick soak in the river and change I sat down on the warm grass looking up at Pen-y-ghent eating a sarnie, and then a burger and then a bit of cake and then a cup of tea followed by some cola.

Probably do no more racing now until after my Bob Graham Attempt at the end of May, instead do some slow hill miles and recce leg 3 a couple of times to get used to Broad stand, if I do decide to go that way.

Last week
Mon rest
Tues 9 mile fell run
Weds 10 mile fell run
Thurs rest
Fri rest
Sat 23.5 fell race
Sun 6 mile fell run

Sci fi and Swimming!

2010-04-20T22:38:00.000+01:00

Been struggling with a bad cough , sore throat and generally feeling crap for a good few days now, so not much done compared to recent weeks.

Finally registered my attempt for the Bob Graham Round for the 29th May, so spending a bit of time trying to work out my schedule and get pacers ect ect.

Im doing the 3 peaks on Saturday, but not really bothered about my time, but hoping to feel a bit stronger then last year where I really did fall apart the last few miles.

Last Weeks Efforts

Mon Rest
Tues 6 mile fell run
Wed 5 mile fell run
Thurs Rest
Fri Rest
Sat 8,5 mile fell run
Sun 11 mile fell run

Legs 4 and 5 recce

2010-04-11T12:55:00.001+01:00

With the alarm going off at 5 in the morning after a week off covering shifts, I was asking myself if this was a good idea.

One hour and twenty minutes later 4 of us are running out of Seathwaite to the start of leg 4 at Wasdale , passing lots of wild campers at Styhead tarn on the way.

The four of us were Gary, fellow bg contender and his 2 pacers for leg 4 of his attempt, Kim Colinson and Clare Mckeown.

Gary, Kim me and Clare on Gable

Looking back to Steeple

As we climbed Yewbarrow it was obvious to us all that this was going to be the warmest day of the year so far and we were going to be in for some cracking views, which makes recceing so much easier when you can spot the next top and the best line. Kim was absolutely brilliant at showing us both the best route choices(but that's what you expect of someone who has done the round in a little over 19 hours!!!)

Im not sure of any of the split times, but we were in Honister in 4 hours and that was with stopping on each top, taking random photos and talking to the odd walker.

It was interesting going up Joss rake??? on Kirkfell where we had to use our hands a bit, on which Gary commented that it made a nice change rather then using your legs, you can always do the round walking on your hands then Gary!!!

Gary and Clare climbing Kirkfell

On reaching Honister Clare dropped out but Gary had arranged another pacer to take her place with Anja and her dog, sky joining.

After about 15 mins we were climbing Dalehead which did seem a longer pull then I can remember doing on the Borrowdale fell race, but we were still moving quickly.

The view from Dalehead

On climbing Robinson we again stopped for a brief chat with some other runners who were recceing the teenager with altitude race route. The descent of Robinson went well, but I will have to be careful on the rocky scramble bit when my legs will be long gone.

Gary seems to have everything in place for his attempt, all his pacers seem strong with navigation, encouragement, and organisation, which was really apparent when we got to the road section and they all produced road shoes out of there packs, Anja even running ahead and getting Gary's ready, and Kim even producing some racing flats!!!

Whilst the shoe change was going on I shuffled about, feeling a little stupid for not bringing mine, but we soon off again.

The roadies in there cushioned shoes!!

I have raced along these roads in various road races before so I felt very comfortable and strong running back to Keswick via the bridge which is now open again at Portinscale.

We got to Greggs, beside the moothall 2 hours and 18 minutes after leaving Honister.

Far to fast but still a good run out and the most pleasing thing for me was even running at that pace I felt like I could of carried on to do leg 1, at a much slower pace though!!!!!

Food intake was 3 Eccles cakes, 4 Gels, multigrain bar and 1 ltr nuun and1/2 ltr diluted vimto

Gary pounding it out

Thanks to Gary for asking me along and it has made me realise that I need to get myself more organised in terms of getting my support up to date and even registering my attempt.

Up And Down

2010-04-09T21:09:00.000+01:00

The day after my Ullswater Round was Askham fell race, an 8.5 cross country type race with one big steep climb thrown in. It was my intention to run this but appeals by the race organiser for a marshal on Arthurs Pike summit convinced me to miss it this year, but I would still get 8 miles in by running to the checkpoint and back, at a considerably slower pace though.
What a good decision it turned out to be, watching the front runners fly by, to the to the back markers, who were putting in as much effort, if not more.
Morgan Donnelly won it in record breaking time and as he passed us, he looked relaxed and as if he was having a stroll out. I wish the same could be said for my mate Steve Bennett, who crawled past us, as if he had been shot!! Brilliant. Worth missing the race for that sight alone.

On Monday evening I had a run up Blencathra in what was very windy conditions, almost blowing me of my feet at times. a very hard 37 mins up and a easier 17mins back, Never seen another soul.

Wednesday, along with Steve and Sam we made our way over to Ambleside for the Loughrigg fell race, an evening 4 mile race with 1000ft of climb.
Good weather helped make a bigger then usual turnout. The race sets of at breakneck speed for you to try and get to the bridge to avoid any hold up. I was not quick enough and had to wait my turn to cross and then its another mad dash up a steep road which leads out onto the fell. By the time I had reached the fell I was done in, far to fast for me, I have got used to running up hills at a more sedate pace, with a Eccles cake in my hand!
I pushed on though because I knew Steve and Sam wouldn't be very far behind, but in all honesty I felt crap.
The summit takes an age to reach and as I turned around I notice Sam is not far behind.
A fall on the way down, but im soon back up (I blame the speedcross) and I manage to catch and overtake 2 other runners crossing the line in 32.27. There was less then a minute covering me Steve and Sam but, more importantly is its the 1st time in a year that I have beat Steve, he must of stopped for a crack with the summit marshal!!
At the end of the race I was disappointed with how I felt on the climb, thighs were in agony, never known that before. Im hoping its because I have spent all winter moving slower over the fells for longer periods.
Still, I was surprised to have done it 25 seconds quicker then last year so not all bad, but the climb definitely felt easier last year!. A good turn out of Eden Runners too.

The following day, along with workmates I had a run up to Arthurs pike. This was very reassuring for me because I ran it all very comfortably at a steady easy pace.. It was good to run too and not feel like I was having to push myself. A very enjoyable run where David Harrison is once again living up to his billing of being hot favourite for this year Dumfries half again.

This week I have been covering night shift at work and my diet is all over the place, as well as my sleep. The job I do (printing) can get very boring and I end up eating loads of sweets ,crisps and drinking coke so I will be glad to get back on my normal hours next week.

Tomorrow, I have been invited along to recce legs 4 and 5 with Gary Johnstone and his pacers, who is also doing the bg the same night as me, which is rather worryingly only 7wks away now.

Ullswater Round

2010-04-02T22:03:00.002+01:00

This route has always jumped out at me when I look at my map, setting off from Pooley bridge you follow the high ground around Ullswater, finishing back at Pooley Bridge.
Leaving my car at Pooley Bridge at 7.30am I set off up roe head to make my way along to Thornthwaite Beacon, going over tops such as Loadpot, Wether Hill, High Raise ,Rampsgill and High Street.
The going was quite tough in the snow and the visibility was about 50m .

Thornthwaite Beacon (again)

On reaching Thornthwaite I had a decision to make, carry on or turn back. I wasn't sure on the route from here on in, well not until I got to Dove Crag anyway. Mind made up I decided to carry on. Going down Threshwaite Cove was dodgy in places with the snow and ice and when I reached the cove the visibility improved, I almost wished it hadn't when I seen the climb ahead of me, all snow and ice too . Carefully I made my way up following a wall which I carried on following for a while. On the top of Stoney Cove Pike I followed the wall again but failed to see the T junction in it and carried on foe about 5 mins until I realised my mistake. Navigation error no 1.

Finding the proper wall again I was soon heading down towards Kirkstone Inn and Red Screes. The cloud had lifted now and you could see the top of Red Screes, this gave me confidence to carry on.
A quick rest at the car park and a pork pie whilst looking at my map, trying to locate the path up. I could see it on the map but not in front of me, all I could see was a wall of snow and then I noticed a party heading out of the car park ,well at least I now knew my way out of the car park! I soon catch them up and asked them if they had climbed it before, no was answer i did not want to hear so with head down I pushed on up. I noticed some footprints in the snow and followed them, but I think they were as clueless as me so I carried on up in a straight line. This paid off for me because somehow I came across a little wooden sign about a foot high with a yellow arrow on it, brilliant!

The summit reached I headed for Sandale pass and then up on to Bakestones and then on to Dove crag, where I began to see lots of walkers doing the Fairfield Horseshoe.

At Grisedale Tarn I filled up my water bottle and carried on up the dreaded zigzags. Once on the top I could see a change in the weather and about 5 mins later I was again in thick cloud which caused my navigation error no 2. On leaving Helvellyn summit I missed lower man and started descending towards Browncove Crags and it wasn't until I was out of the clouds that I realised what I had done , so with a heavy heart I made my way back.

Someone's happy

Look closely for the helicopter

The going was horrible now with winds picking up the snow and driving it in my face but thankfully no more mishaps.......well not until I was heading for Hartside and went onto Greenside first and with being in the cloud again I found myself in a cove starring up at..........Sheffield Pike, gutted was not the word, so with map out again I decided to Traverse round Glencoyne until I hit the wall which would take me Brown Hills and Common Fell and down to Dockray.

Gowbarrow

Dockray reached it was now up Gowbarrow and then Gt Meldrum and countless fields until I reached the road to Pooley Bridge for the last mile.
On reaching Pooley, I went to the Post Office and cadged a cup of coffee of Charlie and Mandy, the best cup of coffee I have tasted. (Charlie also said the same applies to anyone else who does the round, day or night !!!! )
Im not sure on the distance but I would guess about 37 miles. I know Iain Kelly (42 tops) (Who also writes a much better account) did it 2 years ago in completely different conditions and he thought it was 40 miles and over 10000 feet, so that's good enough for me (tho he did include Hartside!!!).
I did it in 9 and a half hours and had little food, 3 Eccles cake, 1 small pork pie, 3 gels, 1 packet hula hoops and a small packet of dolly mixtures.
An experience that I hope will stand me in good stead for my BG attempt in May.

A very very easy Saturday!

2010-03-28T17:20:00.001+01:00

This was my last week of messing about on the High Street range of fells, as much as I love running these fells, I realise I need to get some proper hills in my legs for my fast approaching BG attempt.
I am also going to start having a more detailed look at legs 3 and 4, as they say (and I believe them) that the bob Graham does not start until Dunmail.

Im hoping that my pacers will be available to help me recce leg 3(stand up Iain Kelly and Steve (oh my legs are tired today) Angus). I have been over most of the route before in various fell races but never been to BS or Lords Rake.

Leg 4 I have sort of recced before, but plans to recce it again with Mark Nicholson and Craig Harding can be more easily made.

I am lucky to have some very good support for my attempt, all lads that I know and trust and have the upper most respect for, I hope I dont let them down.

Leg 1 and 2 I am very familiar with, but I again realise I am going to have to be cautious on the these first two legs and have again got Strong support, Derek Hurton and Anth Labrum for leg 1 and Robin Gillespie for leg 2. Dave Owen was to help out on leg 2 along with Robin but unfortunately has had to pull out. I still hope to see him somewhere on the day tho.

Leg 5 I plan to have a look at over Easter and on this leg I have no shortage of support but at the moment I have Shaun Haridsty, Andrew Murray and Steve Hartley.
I know it still 9wks off yet but it is important for me to know I have got the backbone of the attempt in place. No doubts they will be other changes before May but hopefully not to unsettling.
This week has once again been an okish with a good run out on Wednesday night doing a recce of Askham fell race route along with Steve And Sam.

Thursday I again did 9 road miles but with the 200m hill reps thrown in on route. Im doing these to try and maintain a little bit of speed.

Saturday was a 20 odd mile fell run with Steve Angus. Steve is doing London Marathon next month is hoping to get under 2hrs 45mins (no chance!). In his youth he has managed 2hrs 34mins(very quick, any photos to prove it Steve?)
We were accompanied by his dog, Daisy, who put up a better display of hill running then her master and soon tagged on to me, looking behind occasionally in shame!!!
OK to be fair, Steve had done 60 odd miles in his last five runs, hasn't been on the fells in months, was dressed for winter rather then spring and did not have a clue where he was, so I thank him for making me look and feel good!!!

Today (Sunday) I parked up at Threlkeld and ran up to Stybarrow and back. 1hr16 out and 59mins back.
Legs were a bit tired from yesterday but I wanted to push myself a bit and once up Clough Head (40 mins) I ran it all. 21 GT Dodd, 7 Watson Dodd and 8 Stybarrow Dodd in very windy conditions too.
With longer days now I hope to get some climbs in on week nights after work, if the weather allows it.

Middlefell Fell Race

2010-03-23T21:14:00.002Z

46 miles run last week but I feel like im not putting enough climb/effort in those miles, maybe taking it a bit easy and not pushing myself hard enough.
On Saturday I made the trip over to Nether Wasdale and the Screes Inn for Middlefell Fell Race at 6.6mile/1750f it would prove a welcome distraction for me.
About 50 runners lined up at the start where you run along lanes and fields for the first mile or so until you reached Greendale and the fell bottom .
I was soon in my running stride and settled in about 10th position for the steep climb up the fell. I made a couple of places up on the climb but lost a place to Jackie Winn about half way up where we had a brief discussion about the bg, he also said he would show me a quick line off the fell. I turned at the summit about 50 yards behind him but he was gone. ( Thats what I call a quick line)

I had quite a good descent passing one other runner (ok his quads had ceased up but hey ho). I was looking forward to the long run in thinking I might catch another runner about 200 yards in front of me, but running along the bottom I soon realised I was stuck at one speed. Maybe not such a good idea of avoiding Alan's speed sessions on a club nigh now.
I managed to hold on for 9th place, my 3rd top 10 this year so happy with that. The race tho was dominated by Keswick who had 3 in the top 4 and are looking strong for the year ahead. It was good to see Ian Davis back in good form too.

I plan to get back on the bg trail next week.

Monday rest
Tuesday rest
Wednesday 8 mile fell run
Thursday 9 mile road run inc 8 x200m hill reps (had forgotten how hard these are)
Friday rest
Saturday Middlefell Fell Race
Sunday 22 mile fell run