Winter Wonderland

Fantastic weather forecast saw us heading up to the Lakes to make the most of the conditions – a real bonus to have snow this early in the season.  What a surprise to see the lack of winter in the Wasdale region.  Still sounds like TF and SN witnessed a bit of eye candy in the West Pennines!

 

Just had to stop below Helm Crag above Grasmere to get this wonderful early sunshine on the hills – quite alpine.  Parking at Dunmail we set off up Seat Sandal and were rewarded by stunning views.

Looking across at Gable and Pillar from the summit of Seat Sandal with Steel Fell in the foreground

and in the other direction over Dollywagon and Helvellyn

The summit cairn on Seat Sandal again looking at Gable (centre) with Steel Fell again in the mid-ground

Grisedale Tarn, with Fairfield just catching the cloud and St Sunday Crag beyond

Me, climbing up to the main path to Dollywagon with Seat Sandal behind

Looking up at Nethermost Pike

A break through the cloud revealing Thirlmere in the distance from the summit of Nethermost Pike

Whilst on the ridge we spotted two skiers in the distance.  Since found out it was Ros Murray and friend.  Strange, as we saw Ros last year on Christmas day at the trigpoint on Winter Hill – and yes she was on skies then.

Hoping for more of the same this weekend – fantastic for Novemeber

NLN

Autumn Break at Santon

A bracing few days up in Jennings country.

Up on the Screes on Friday morning in very cold conditions. My slowest ever time for this round ~ 3:57 compared with a best of 3:11 in 2006 when I was dragged around by the brother-in-law.

Gable and Scafell with their heads in the clouds, Lingmell just about clear, Scafell Pike mostly obscured by cloud and Scafell; from Illgill Head.

Then on Sunday, proof that curlews really do take their winter breaks on the coast.

This was at Saltcoats, just across the Mite estuary from Ravenglass; spotted by the OSH. One of ours? More likely one of Joss's.

Saturday Dec 4th

A disappointing run at Sefton Park mid Lancs cross country fixture in arctic conditions had me 5 mins slower than last year which is about where I have been for the last few weeks.

I will be out UTUPing on Saturday but may drop the solo midweek run for safety reasons if the weather doesn't warm up. I don't fancy being stuck on Spittlers Edge in sub zero conditions with a twisted ankle, or whatever, waiting for the rescue squad!

Winter Hill Run Sat 27th Nov

Just me and SN for this one. I'd left the car at the car park near R&B School given the icy conditions and run to the lower barn. SN was there waiting for me and was happy with an 11:00am finish so we set off, heading for the track to the Pidgeon Tower as the initial starting point for our run. At the top barn we came across a bunch of about 20 fine looking specimens (missed a treat NLN) just setting off on their run. We both made the assumption that the (rugby) match had been cancelled due to a frozen pitch.

You'll all be proud of me and SN as we beat them to them Pidgeon Tower, us two emerging from the north, them from the south. I think our superior local knowledge won the day. We waved them off from the top of the Pike and headed our separate ways. So off we went to 2 Lads, took a bit of a short cut across country to the path down to the shooting hut (higher up to avoid wet feet). On up to Burnt Edge and back to 2 Lads via the top of the Quarries. We avoided a second visit to the Pike and instead turned downhill to the school, where we parted company to return to our respective cars. About 10 miles for us both if you include the sections we did on our own.

I completed Saturday's running with a 30 min orienteering event in Leverhulme Park. Finished 2nd, although it was a low turn out, but beat a couple notable faster runners on their first orienteering event. i wonder how long it'll take them to get the hang of it. If you wish to know who they were have a look here www.seloc.org.uk


An early start on Sunday saw me line up for the Women's 5.25m race round Swinton. This is one lap of the 2 lap course that EtU ran as the Swinton 10m in September. Bitterly cold, took 2 miles for my hands to warm up. Pleased to report that I managed my first sub 8min/m for a 5m race, 41:46.

Could be a minor hiccup in the training this week with the wintry conditions forecast, but I suppose that's why they invented gyms and treadmills.

TF

Tomoz

Chance of a run with FSS from Clough Head and over the Dodds - I'll probably resist Fairfield to allow us both to finish together.   Just too good an opportunity to miss - perfect conditions forecast for the Lakes tomorrow.  Winter Hill will just have to wait for a grey day - of which there will be plenty over the Winter I'm sure.

NLN

The Amble

I think you're right there JtE. Turn left onto the track that heads towards Catherine's edge and then on to Slipper Lowe, instead of crossing straight over the track and heading into the tussocky bit which the long course does.

T'Ys your man, because I remember him saying he did the short course one year. Unfortunately you're only allowed to walk this one, no runners on the short course.

The Hebden

I've entered this LDWA event on 22nd Jan. Lovely route from Hebden Bridge. Doing the long course this year. Food on route is absolutely fabulous. Details here http://www.alangreenwood.biz/th2011/index.html . A 22 mile route and a 14 mile route, runners allowed on both.

TF

The Amble

I am trying to determine the route of the 16 mile Amble. The LDWA website describes the 24 mile route but not the 16. I imagine that the 24 mile route is taken as a basis with a shortcut perhaps linking checkpoint GR681159, or the tall marker post 235 a bit beyond, to Slipper Lowe via Catherine Edge. Can anyone enlighten me please?

Next year’s Amble is on Saturday the 12th. February.

Top ToPing


EtU's ToP results posting has sorted me out. I was a bit peeved at missing this year's race but seeing the results I was better out of it, otherwise I'd have been shown to be an imposter. The V70 winner's time was remarkable. Last year I didn't get announced at the presentation. Now I can see why. Kieran obviously knew what was coming. Well done to our new ToP stars. Also to TF who continues to improve, though judging by one of her recent posts she has probably not "figured" it out yet.


EtU has a strong case for painting me as a Lowry but I have to brush it aside. The trouble with Lowry as far as I'm concerned is that he had a tendency to flesh out his characters too much. For authentic Matchstick man see photo below.

Beyond Lowry

I'm not sure if EtU is implying that like Salford folk I can't read or write, but it does strike close to home. I've had close encounters with these subjects but not really had much contact with them. The proof is in front of you, unless your eyes are not in the standard location.

I'm back running now after a couple of months off with unhappy back, received as a result of a failed attempt at flying. I had a slight set-back on my second outing when I attempted to assault a large and formidable step with my knee. In the face of this unprovoked and vicious attack the step remained unmoved, which is more than can be said for my patella. Next time I'll use my head. Similar density. Anyway since then I've been running for a couple of weeks(not continuously), which for me, these days, represents a sustained spell. My objectives are no longer to increase the speed and length of my runs, rather the duration between injuries. I have the somewhat ludicrous ambition of seeing the year out without further mishap. One can only dream. And One does!

I have not yet taken to the hills but when I do, who knows, our paths may yet cross. Just as long as our eyes dont. See you on the 11th. You can't say thats not fair warning.

This Week

No UTUPs for me this week, travelling up to Santon Thursday 25th, back on Monday ~ will we see snow?

Re : ToP Results

It's curious that the early start didn't just attract the slower runner. The first 'early bird' back across the line was only a couple of minutes behind the race winner! I wonder if the intention was to try to be back before the winner? No wonder they had bother with the results!

Rossendale XC

Well that was hard, forgot how tough running on flat mud is when you've got short legs, and it was 'quality' mud. Have a look at some photos here www.sportsunday.co.uk Gained a few places on the steep hill at the back end of the course, but lost 'em all on the flat run in to the finish. 2 mins quicker than 2006 so can't be too bad. Roll on Witton Park on the 18th December.

UTUP

I'll be out for a run on Saturday this week. I'll need to be back at the car for about 11am as I want to have a go at the orienteering event that SELOC are putting on in Leverhulme Park. It'll cater for all abilities if any one else fancies having a go.

TF

Tour Results

Guess the complication of collating in the early starters delayed the publication of the Tour of Pendle results, but they are now available on the Clayton website. James Logue, formerly of Horwich, and now with Calder VFR, won in 2:27 and Lynne Clough of Chorley H was first lady in 3:07.

Kieran Carr, the organiser, and first V65 in 3:20, declared the run of the day being that of Malcom Coles of Valley Striders, first V70 in 3:38!

All our squad were behind that man, EYJ in an excellent 4:01, TIM/NR 4:19, yours truly 4:59 and YJ 5:09.

It had been an interesting race, with a disapearing marshall, fairly grim weather, and the added excitement of seeing the later runners stream past in ever increasing numbers, especially between checkpoints 3 and 4. It'll be interesting to see whether Kieran repeats the arrangment next year, and whether any other race organisers adopt this approach.

My own race involved passing and being passed by Bowland (Oil Rig) Wayne several times, before being outsprinted and finishing just three seconds behind him.

And then there were two....

The Saturday squad was down to EtU and myself for the 20th and so we headed for the familiar territory of Healey Nab, White Coppice, Brinscal triangle, Great Hill, Spittlers Edge, Hordern Stoops, Ammunition Corner and back to the Lower Barn.

We gave everyone nearly 10 minutes before setting off to enjoy the unbroken sunshine at a steady pace which saw us back at the cars in 3hr 9min 6secs, having covered 13.29 miles at a pace of 14min 14secs per miles. Total climb was 1941 feet.

It was hardly the best preparation for Sunday's Preston 10 mile road race which also enjoyed unbroken sunshine. What I have always considered to be a flat course did have 670 ft of climb. For the first time there was a category for O70 in which I was beaten by about two minutes, which was only to be expected in view of the preparation but was very useful as a fast training run. I finished in just over 80 minutes giving a pace of about 8 minute miles which was the object of the exercise.

I won't be out next Saturday as I will be heading for the cross country at Sefton Park, Liverpool.
Instead I plan to have a run from the Lower Barn on Wednesday if anyone is interested.

Plans for 2011

Thanks TF, for the warnings on fell race entries. I will have to make some quick decisions such as whether I can get round to Mam Nick before the cutoff time and whether the Duddon race will be too soon after my Pennine Way run.

I probably won't run the Three Peaks, not having finished in recent outings, and as there is a date clash with the Barbondale Round it would make sense to be sure of 24 miles in the LDWA event rather than get timed out on the Three Peaks and miss out on a long run.

I shall be UTUPing tomorrow, Saturday 20th, but on the performance of last Saturday, and not wanting to hold up you faster guys, I may have to form a slow squad.

Entries for Long Races

The entries for Edale Skyline (March 27th 2011) opened yesterday (mine's in the post already!). This year's race was full by January and there's no waiting list or substitutions allowed. Entry form can be downloaded from the Dark Peak website or if this works try this http://www.dpfr.org.uk/uploads/skyline/Skyline_Entry_Form_2011_V3.pdf . Need to provide relevant experience.

The entries for Three Peaks (April 30th 2011) open on 10th January 2011. This is an online entry and you need to provide evidence of at least 2 AL's or 2 AM's or a road marathon with a time under 3:30 !!

The entries for Duddon (June 4th 2011) open on the 1st March 2011, again from a form downloaded from the race website. This race is a long counter in the English Championship so will likely to be over- subscribed and there is a race limit of 500. I'll post a reminder nearer the time.

TF

More from Darwen

We have received the following contribution:-

"Every morning as I make the first cuppa of the day my eyes are transfixed by the view of our beloved Daren Tower across the valley. On Friday 12^th November I made the tea as usual. I took in the Tower after the GALES (80mph) of the previous night BUT it was only the visit of the farrier at 11:00 a.m that prompted me to exclaim that someone had stolen the glass & lead dome!!  It was Mother Nature that had taken the top of our Rocket and placed it just by the side of the Tower. By midday a tractor & trailer had arrived to move it to safer pastures. The whole of Tockholes and Darwen waits with bated breath for the restoration of our beloved landmark astride the moors...a target for trekkers from afar and for runners who dare tackle the Tower of Terror!! Let it be soon returning."

Our contributor lives under the very shadow of the ToT (nice how he's got into the vernacular) and rides under the name of "The Lawman".

This Week

UTUPing Thursday 18th and Saturday 20th.

Winter Solstice "Do"

Unless anyone protests very loudly in the meantime, I'll book us into the the TaT (more recently The Cherry Tree at Blackrod) for the evening of Saturday 11th December when I stroll down for my aperitif this Thursday.

Thought the squad might be interested in this example of what Southern off-road runners wear as a fashionable cagoule on a Saturday morning, modelled by Jane who joined Sally, Eden and myself for a recent outing on the South Downs.

Mist over Pendle

Drawing a veil over my performance at Pendle (32 minutes slower than last year and second from the last) congratulations are due to the other members of the squad who performed well (exceedingly so) in rather mixed and at times cold conditions.

EtU caught me on the last climb and was going strongly enough to disappear into the distance despite a minor diversion before the last checkpoint. The others had gone flying past much earlier, despite their later start. Well done.

Christmas Solstice Do

Saturday the11th December is ok to me.

We Have a New Star...

...but no details until the results are published; for now, just enjoy the pics and the anticipation...

The Start

The middle

and not too far from the finish.

Good to hear that TF is making serious progress, but a pity to hear that all this cruising has resulted in NLN acquiring an injury; perhaps a race or two might toughen you up.

Christmas Do

I now hear that Friday 10th Dec is a "party night" at the Cherry tree, shall I book, or might a more sedate Saturday night be preferable?

Need to act soon whilst there are still places.

..and speaking of Salford folk not being able to read or write, it all makes sense now, Matt isn't a real person at all, he's a Lowry.

Dunnerdale Fell Race

After last weeks run I wasn't holding out much hope of beating my previous best of 70 mins on this race in 2006. Dunnerdale was my first Lakeland Fell Race (that I finished) way back in 2005, so it holds a special memory. It was also the race that set me on my quest to become a better map reader and navigator. So an absence of four years, meant it was long overdue for a return visit.

With half the assembled field sheltering against the pub wall from the hailstones, it meant I got off to a bit of a 'flyer' at the start, so much so that I still had Wendy D in sight before we stepped off the tarmac. Views etc are a given, but I thought I'd give the non-racing wfdbwgua members a bit of a flavour of the 'friendly' banter that is part and parcel of a fell race

On the climb up The Knott
'Are those shorts from the 70's'
'Come on Dave, stop slowing everyone up', reply 'I waiting for all the oldies to come past'
Ambleside runner to Pennine support crew after hearing 'Come on Pennine' ' How about come on Ambleside, or is that too hard to read'

(The quick-witted will note that my club name (unlike some) is not written on my vest. Two reasons - 1) we're so famous and 2) can't read/write in Salford only paint pictures!)

On the steep climb up to Stickle Pike
Fellrunner chat-up line! Male runner to female runner 'Hold my hand and you can pull me up the hill'
It didn't work!

Great Stickle
Fell runner chat up line! 'Show us your chest'
Result for the marshal - number under jacket!

Must have been a bit oxygen starved when I crossed the finish line as my initial sums had my race time as 75mins (on a par with the previous week). However as I watched the following runners cross the line it began to dawn on me that I had some notable people behind me. Walking back to the car I began to realise that they can't all have been having a bad day, so revisited the sums. Start time 12.02pm, finish time 12.07pm - what a 'dopey mare' it was 65 mins not 75mins. Raced back to Village Hall to see it in 'black&white', there it was 65.43
http://bcrunners.org.uk/races/dunnerdale/2010

Copeland Chase

A 3hr run on the medium length course (15k straight line dist) with map and compass round the fells from Dockray. Despite waterproof socks it was a bit chilly for the tootsies with a bit of white stuff lying on higher ground, splendid views when I remembered to look up from the map! No results as yet.

TF

Winter Hill Saturday

Now as you know, I generally don’t do enough training to get injured.  So imagine my disappointment, when having done even less that usual over a hectic social season, to find that I seem to have sustained a pulled adductor!   Don’t know how, but it sure is giving me some gyp when I try to run.  This said, plans for a long outing with FSS on Saturday came to naught and I found myself shuffling slowly up to Two Lads, Winter Hill and even more slowly jogging the same way down.  All told, a mere 7.8 measly miles with not an awful lot of climbing, but leg didn’t feel any worse at the end.   Kendal Mountain Film Festival luckily next weekend so no pressure to run.  I can barely remember how to do so!

However, it was a lovely morning and gave me the opportunity to stop and admire the autumn colourscapes and take a few snaps.    The storms and heavy rain produced some dramatic water features with the ground being completely saturated, but hey I probably don’t need to tell you guys that!

 

Just below the Pike

This was enough to get me back up to the Pike

Closer, but will it still be there when I arrive?

Yes

Back through the Chinese Gardens to see some of Lord Leverhulme’s water features at their best

Mere shadows of what they would have looked like before the vegetation took over

Lots of fallen branches along the way

But lovely autumn colours with the sun on the ferns looking particularly fetching having been washed clean by the rainwater

 

FSS took a run out to see Thursday’s storm damage inflicted the ToT and you can see some of his pics here, along with a video capturing the cascade in full flow.  Not something we see very often, even in winter.

Look forward to reading about all your exploits.

NLN

Top Blown off Tower of Terrors

Looks like EtU's perceptions of the weather on Thursday were right.  Our favourite spot has had it hat knocked off!!    Read all about it  

http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/darwen/8633422.Top_of_Darwen_Tower_blown_off_in_gusts/


NLN

Christmas Do

Yes, I’m ok for the 10th. I good date not too near Christmas.

Christmas Do

Friday 10th December at the Cherry Tree for the Christmas meal?

Thursday UTUPs...

...don't usually warrant a special mention, but tonight's did. It was special for two reasons.

First, I believe that tonight was SN's first Thursday night appearance, good to have you aboard.

Second, it was probably the wildest night that I had ever experienced on top of Winter Hill. The wind was savage. It never actually blew either of us over, but it did seriously impact on any attempt to run in a straight line. We ran to the very end of the tarmac on the mast road, and then turned and visited the trig point, before returning to slightly (only slightly) calmer conditions down in the town.

Wild and exhilarating!

Definitely a night to remember.

ToP

Just to wish everyone good luck on Saturday at the ToP and hope the weather is fine. Wish I was joining you.

Belated congratulatiions to YJ on his Snowdonia achievement. The preamble about number 9 was never going to fool anyone YJ. We knew from the start there was only one winner.

Encouraging also to see TF continue her deserved improvement.

Spin Class

This is an indoor group cycling class using a sationary bike like this.




The bike has a lever to adjust the tension of the pedals but no brake. It will normally have a small display panel which tells you how far you've pedalled, how many calories burned, what RPM you're doing and what 'gear' (tension on pedals) you're in. Most have clips to keep your feet in place when going really fast.

The difference to a normal exercise bike is that they are more mobile and can be moved in and out of the exercise studio, or more importantly moved into positition under the AC vent if you get to the class early enough. The class instructor shouts (over load music) the 'gear' and 'rpm' you need to be going at. Most classes last for 45mins - 1hr.

In affect this is my winter training for summer cycling. I'm not very good at the very fast stuff, but definitely feeling the benefits of the resistance work when you stand up on pedals, hence the reason why I feel it helps my hill climbing. I'm using it as an adjunct to my running sessions. So Monday evenings now involve 3m run (with 3 x 1K reps) to warm up, 45 min spin class, followed by 1hr circuit training. Did the circuit training for the first time last night and really enjoyed it (probably 'cos I was on the easy options when instructor wasn't looking!), so will be back for more. I also do another spin class on Friday evening which is a 'rest' day from running along with some weights in the gym.

TF

Saturday

Good luck to our racing fraternity on the fells and x-c.  I will be travelling further afield for a little outing on Saturday and so will not be UTUP-ing

NLN

Response to this coming week

With a bit of luck I shall be down at the track tomorrow.
Saturday is cross-country so I expect to be at Witton Park in the afternoon rather than a second consecutive UTUP.

The Coming Week

Tuesday 9th ~ track

Thursday 11th ~ UTUP (Horwich Stocks 6:30 p.m)

Saturday 13th ~ Tour of Pendle

Note that NLN is planning to turn out on Saturday. With at least three regulars over at Barley, and another at Dunnerdale, Saturday could be a bit lean.  Can someone let her know whether she'll have company, or will she be unlucky?

What's a spin class?

Shepherds Skyline (6m/1150) Saturday 6th Nov 2010

Well an improvement on last years' time but not as much as I'd hoped, disappointingly finished with more in front and less behind. Climbing well (spin classes definitely doing the job) but losing places on the flat stuff. Downhills, well they're just ... downhill.
Results and photos here http://www.todharriers.co.uk/shepherds_skyline.htm (TF on p8 & p20).

As for further training requirements, draw the line at one track session a week, so have found the XC spikes and will be making an (un)welcome return to flat mud (at least until xmas) so that I can chase the elusive sub - 50 min 10k. I'd already planned a trip to the lakes next weekend for Dunnerdale on Saturday and Copeland Chase on Sunday, so guest appearance in the Red Rose League the week after, can't wait!!

TF

Saturday Morning

Left my Brownie at home in the expectation that we would have a more experienced cameraman with us, but he failed to show, so no photos from the fell. I had taken one from home in the rearly morning sun, but it didn't turn out as well as expected. However, as I flicked through my collection I came across this one which I hope you don't mind me sharing with you.

It's a comma, taken this summer on my developing Buddleia hedge. Quite a fine little chap(ess?) I thought.

Enough of that. EYJ and I met at the Top Barn soon after the appointed hour and set off to do the climbs. We were blessed with a fine, if chilly, morning and on the descent from Two Lads towards Pike Cottage we met t'Y who was chatting up a novice lady runner, trying to impress her with his tales of derring do. We advised her to ignore him and the three of us continued on to the Pike, Noon Hill and thence via George's Lane to the trig point.

Not wanting to interfere with my recovery between Snowdonia and the Tour of Pendle, I suggested that we just do the Pike again before calling it a day. We climbed the Pike in pursuit mode with me having a sustantial start, followed by t'Y then EYJ. The later starters had been too generous with their suggested handicaps and we topped out in our starting order.

On the top we met Tony V and chatted for a while before doing one final short effort on the Pike steps, back up to the top. When we arrived back at the Barn EYJ and I had been on our feet for 2 hours 59, t'Y presumably a little less. It must be acknowledged that much of this time had been spent chatting, admiring the view and generally dawdling. Total distance, nine and a bit miles, height climbed not known ~ quite a lot?

A good morning out.

Snowdonia

Well done YJ. The training paid off.

Better Conditions on Winter Hill...

...than in Snowdonia.  Pictorial evidence of TF's, EYJ's and TIM's Winter Hill recce on Saturday 30th:-

Think you can just see Black Coombe on this one.

Snowdonia 2011

Continuing on from YJ's write-up on the Swift Family Runningson's exploits in Wales and examining the burden now placed upon me, knocking a few minutes off my 4:43 to get below the rather poor standard of this year's MV65 winner should be easily do-able. However, to have any credibility at all, I'd also need to beat the MV70 winner, a far more formidable task! But I'll give it a go, game on.

To further this aim, more road racing is called for. SN has already expressed an interest in a bit of this, and now we have the fleet footed TF to chase, there's scope for a bit of internal competition ~ anyone fancy the Longridge 7 on Sunday 12th December? All finishers get a Christmas pud ~ but then, weight loss is a part of my improvement programme, ho hum.

Soller 2010

 

Just arrived, lunch in Andratx in the south of the island and then a gentle drive up the coast to Soller

Our digs the Hotel Eden

Sunset from the balcony above and below

Historic public washing facilities at Biniraix

yeah this was steeper than it looks

but worth it for the view down to the port from the ridge

In the distance the highest peak – Puig Major, off limits due to the military installation, and a close up, below showing the military road to the summit

Lots of these chaps about

Lots of scrambling opportunities

Evenings

Tuesday was a day of spectacular storms – more dramatic photos here

The gorge of the Torrent de Pareis which leads to Sa Colabra.   A special place, below and on FSS’s blog (earlier link)

Above – road down to Sa Colabra

The signature trams of Soller and below – doing what come’s naturally, shopping

Summit of Al Fabia 

Looking up at the Al Fabia ridge where we’d been earlier in the day from the bar at the harbour.

Not alone in summiting the island’s second highest peak, Masanalla, with the big one in the distance behind.

Final day, final summit for a stroll up to the mirador at Bunyola before a rather nice lunch in this little market town before dropping the car off at the airport.  Well back to reality this week with a couple of runs anticipated with Brucie before leading a Rucksack club walk on Saturday.

Well done the Swift family Snowdonians and TF on her PB 10K at the weekend.

NLN