Clives BGR

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

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

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

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

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

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....

...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

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

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

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

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

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.....

..... 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

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

 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

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

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

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

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......

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!