Westpennine Moor Bridleway - if it hasn't been completed by now, my guess is it probably won't be started with all the government cuts. Pages 22 & 23 sum it up - nice little maps, although you do need a magnifying glass to read them.

Following on from recent discussions that me and EtU had re ToP, this is what’s been posted by RO on the fellrunner forum about the ToP.

‘Full Tour of Pendle, Saturday 13th November. 10:30am. 17 miles, 4830ft. £5 entry fee (or £15 on the day). If you pre enter you get a tee shirt, if you enter on day paying the £15.00, you are not guaranteed a tee shirt. Unclaimed tee shirts will be distributed to entries on the day on a first come first served basis from 10:15am on the day. Full Tour Of Pendle Entry Forms 2010 can be found at:http://www.clayton-le-moors-harriers.co.uk/

Contrary to what my notes said on the results of the 2009 Tour, the cut-off at CP4 will remain at 12:30pm (Race start still 10:30am), allowing 2 hours from the start. This year I am prepared to have an early start for slower runners at 10:00am, cut-off at CP4 will still be 2 hours. I am hoping it packs the slower runners closer together during the latter part of the race and gives the marshals an earlier finish, particularly those on the last check points’


Question - Why would you do the early start if both cut-offs are 2hrs?

TF

West Pennine Moors Bridleways Strategy

Several weeks ago someone, I think it was YJ, reported that he had been told of a plan to establish a bridle path around the West Pennine moors.  This link should take you to a comprehensive strategy paper where you can read all about it.

http://www.westpenninemoors.com/files/uploads/pdfs/strategies/WestPennineMoorsBridlewayStrategy2006-2013.pdf

I've not read it all yet, but it seems that the perimeter path is only one aspect of the plan; there is also to be ~ wait for it ~ an upland challenge route!

Grateful for any titbits that a keen reader can extract from the paper's 23 pages.

This Week

Tonight did a fairly savage session with Peter Ramsdale and Sue on and around the Pike.

UTUPing Tuesday, Whittle Pike Weds and UTUPing on Thursday ~ work and family permitting.

UTUPing Saturday and hoping to get in more than the 2.5 (only booked 2) that I managed last week.

Last Saturday

TF and I were joined by John Parker who was hoping to do a Winter Hill Race recce. Unfortunately my time was severely limited and TF wasn't planning to be out long either.

I'd submitted a CD cancellation notice to RMI "Submissions" but it never appeared and I couldn't raise anyone on any of the phone numbers on the site, so felt obliged to be at the Top Barn until 9:00 to greet anyone who turned up ~ no-one did.

TF took John onto the Pike via the race route where I met them via the direct route. Then I went home whilst  TF showed him the run in from the stream junction. We'll have to see whether New John thinks we're worth another go.

Swim Bike Run Paddle Run?

Received this from New Ray:-

It feels like the morning after the night before without the drinking and bad head but feeling a bit stiff.

Off soon to collect my bike from Rivington and Blackrod School where I left it before setting off for the running leg yesterday. Before I go just a short report on the day.

Got up at 3.15 a.m. with my brother picking me up at 4.00 a.m. and then off to collect Dave and arrived at Pennington Flash for 4.45 a.m.

In the open water at 5.50 a.m. with 1,500 other mad people. The beginning of the 2.4 mile swim was rough at the start with everyone trying to find their own open water. In the end I enjoyed the swim and felt I had done very well this year.

Got changed and on the bike for the 112 mile cycle. After twenty miles felt my right hamstring pulling and began to get worried after forty miles. Pleased I brought some painkillers with me and took a couple with another couple towards the end of the cycle. The hamstring didn't seem to get any worse thankfully although I didn't really enjoy the last thirty miles.

Glad to get my feet on the ground for the marathon and set off through Rivington for the first four mile. Felt very much at home and the first twelve miles went quite well until the painkillers stopped working and the hamstring began to play up.

At eighteen miles Dave caught me up and I began to pick up the pace a bit.

Running along the river at Lostock by the railway line with only four miles to go I took out my mobile to phone Tricia and dropped it. It bounced a couple of time until it spashed in the water. I followed it into the river and spent some time recovering it to discover the brick wall bank was too high to climb. I walked a while until I reached a pipe which I was able to climb up and onto the footpath. What I must have looked like I don't know but it can't have been a pretty picture.

Thankfully I had it covered in cling film and it is still working!

Got to the finish line of my third and last Iron Man in 15 hours.

The support I received from start to finish was fantastic and overwhelming. Friends were dotted all round the cycling and running routes. Some of them moved around the route to spur me on at different points.

A couple friends from Oxford dropped in at the finish line on their way to Scotland.

Anyway must shoot off to collect the bike (are you running there for it? Ed).

See you soon!

All the best!

Ray

Ray may not have been pleased with his time, but I'm impressed.

Gordon's G10

Received via JtE:-

Our good friend t'Y has today (Saturday 31st July) completed his Pyrenean Epic. As the French would say "Chapeau". A magnificent effort, well done Gordon!

TLoB

To which, I add my own congratulations ~ well done Gordon!  Looking forward to seeing a few (just a few) photos.

Gordon's GR10 - One Day to Go In The Pyrenees

From being one day behind after two nights at Gary and Debbie's near Ax-les-Thermes, I have since done five days in three so will now arrive in Banyuls tomorrow. The final part is so much easier especially if you have five kilos less on your back.

I did do a shortcut though - instead of taking the GR10 around Canigou, I took the short rout straight over the top so my earlier statement that I'd done my highest point has been superceded by 2744m about 9000 foot.




By the way I had 15 kilos on my back and was doing two days in one!

Weather has been quite favourable at times with a cool wind although this afternoon and Wednesday had hot climbs to the gite d'etapes.
Also more opportunity to eat food with lunchtime stops on Wednesday and today at Arles Sur Tech and Le Perthus.
So it's all systems go for the final descent tomorrow to Banyuls and see you all sometime after Wednesday.

Hope to get a run fairly soon after I get back. As I've not run for nearly two months, I may be a bit slow. On the other hand, you may say I've lost a bit of weight! I've now got four nights to put it back on in Banyuls and Paris.

The swallow nests are failing because the parents keep disappearing. Once one of the adults goes the other deserts the nest and the young fail. However there are 2 nests with very noisy chicks in and very devoted parents, so fingers crossed.

Hope the twites are not endangered because the cats killed quite a few before we put the bells on them and have even got a couple since. They do seem a bit easy to carch.

The buzzards were soaring this morning and make a strange sound, any ideas why? They seemed to be searching for food. The swallows get very agitated when they are around.

Twitcher?

A twitcher is defined in my dictionary as a bird watcher who tries to spot as many rare varieties as possible. Postings on this blog that relate to birds can hardly be categorized as twitching. They are simply the comments of people who have interests in addition to that of running and like to share them with their friends. However, point noted!

This Week

Aiming to UTUP Tues, Thurs & Sat ~ but not for long on Saturday as I have a daughter to marry off.

Apologies to anyone who turned out last Tuesday (20th) I was held up at work.

Twite Watch

Whilst generally deploring the various efforts to turn this blog into some sort of twitchers website, I must admit to showing some interest at the mention of the twite.  I recently had lunch with a couple old friends who had taken part in a twite survey. Can't remember whether this was primarily to help the twite population in its own right, or whether the twite is seen as an indicator of local conditions, a sort of canary of the fells.

Perhaps if you read this, Chris and Joyce, you could get in touch to remind me of the exact purpose.

Saturday morn

Just a thanks to EtU and NLN for nursing me through my return on Saturday, though the climb up the ramp exposed my lack of climbing fitness. TF lasted till Two Lads before she'd had enough of me. Sorry you couldn't come along because of your BP problems NicO. Hasn't the US had some of those? JtE was missing, rumour has it, because of a knee problem. Sounds like a lame excuse to me.

Good luck to t'Yorkshireman. Keep going, and here's hoping YJ makes a quick recovery from his injury.

Hope to see you all after my return from Austria.

Blog Heading Picture

I like the new blog heading picture. I imagine it is the work of our transatlantic friends.

Buzzards and Swallows

It must be wonderful to have Buzzards around. To me, like Curlews, they are evocative of the wild. (EtU would say that I like them because they are big and they kill!) They are ground feeding, taking animals, birds (such as nestlings) and carrion. Whilst they would take a Swallow in this way I don’t think they would be capable of visiting the nest because of their size. A bird that would take them on the wing is the Sparrowhawk and I know that you hill people have them up there. I don’t know if they would be inclined to visit a nest in that restricted area but a bird that would is the Magpie. Other than that, I wonder if an owl could be responsible.

Buzzard

Sparrowhawk

Magpie

Gritstone Tryal

No don't ask, 'cos I don't know why it's spelt like that. But 'tryal' it was, well locating the first check point anyway. I did occur to me (once I'd cleared the half way cut -off, concentrating too hard before then) that I'd arrived with enough time to go and do a recce for CP1. Registration opened at 8.30am, race started at 9.30am (mass start) and you were given the map as you registered so you had time to plan your route.

What I should kick myself for was that I knew exactly where CP1 was, but like a lemming decided to follow everyone else down the wrong path over the cliff. I'd used the correct path about 6 weeks ago for an orienteering event on the same bit of Teggs Nose!!

Anyway rest of it passed without a hitch, and I got to explore a few more bits of the Peak District. Travelling down one tricky rocky path I was informed by a fellow runner that it was part of the route for the Bullock Smithy Hike and that it was a change for him to come down it in daylight. Having got to the bottom I thought it would be one event I might give a miss, the 56 mile length factored in the decision too!

I'm not sure if I'll be able to make midweek utups, but should be ok for 2 hrs on Saturday.

TF

PS We have got some Buzzards now but think they are catching the swallows. Do they do this? Nests keep failing and it isn't the cats now. Baby swallows hatched in the open shed, fingers crossed for them. We also have Twites, cute little sparrow like birds with stripy markings, thanks JtE for identifying them.

Hi Everyone
Sorry, meant to put this on a week ago but can never remember my password at work and forget at home. Congratulations and commiserations to everyone doing races etc. I am following the blog, just not adding.
I am struggling to get my BP down with associated headaches etc and am struggling with the different drugs my gp keeps trying. The last batch brought my sodium levels down to the point where I was nearly passing out on long, hot runs. So I am off those and the BP is soaring. The only Pbs I have now are in bp units. Anyway am not doing the Saturday run until it all stabilises, or it kills me, but am doing a shorter run with David to keep some fitness. Last week we explored different routes to and from the T of T starting at the information centre, 5 miles. Today we explored alternative routes, yet again round the T of T, to meet the Amble route above Catherine's Edge. Lots of climb and 7.66m.
Hope to be back soon.
Have a great hol, NLN. (Do you want any more ginger, ordering some more this week?)

This Morning

Short one this morning - very social.  Good to see Matt back on the hill along with EtU and TF.  Up and over Two Lads where TF turned back to save her legs for tomorrow's outing.  Then Matt and I struck out along the quarry path to Burnt Edge, meeting back with EtU who decided to cut the corner.  On to the Trespass Stone and up to the stream junction to run along the Reser, over Whimberry Hill where we had a long stop to chat to Brian Walton before dropping down to Shady Dingle.  Climbing out was troublesome with bracken etc which reduced us to a walking pace more or less all the way to the Ramp which we ascended and visited the Trig Point.  Over the back to Noon Hill with the path a little more boggy than we've seen it recently, a quick drop off down to Little Houses and back to Lower Barn.


We all had people to see and places to go and bags to pack so settled for the 10.71 miles and 1,869ft of climbing.


We're all wondering what you've been up to Nic'O - give us a blog.


All packed up and ready for the Rockies waahaay!!


NLN

Ultra ultra?

Roger, brother in law of EtU and YJ, has just completed an outstanding long distance run, completing the Wainwright Coast to Coast traverse in five days, running up to 40 miles per day. He and running colleague John were each celebrating their six decades and were supported by two friends from a camper van.

They camped overnight and ran up to eleven hours a day. Possibly the worst weather week of the summer failed to dampen their determination and fortunately they encountered better weather as the week went on.

Pyrennees Man

Again, well done T’Y. I have nothing but admiration. I’ll bet you were glad to get to the comfort of Gary Devine’s place. Gary was a highly respected fellrunner during his early days in UK competition and, no doubt, he is equally respected now. It’s good to hear that he and his wife have done so well. Enjoy the easy bit and update when you can.

Unutunup

I'm aiming to be there at 8.30 tomorrow to at least make a start, but don't wait as I'm out tonight and could be suffering from an EtU style hangover.

Wasdale 2010!

Lots of excuses:-

High winds

Low Cloud

Rain

Delayed start ~ got cold

Inov8s were a bit worn for the wet conditions

Trained too close to the event ~ out with JtE and Botters on the Thursday

Body not used to no alcohol since preceding Sunday

Lots of other folk timed out ~ 46 (27.5%) of the 167 starters failed to finish, including such notables as Peter Ferris and JtE's nephew Paul 

The winner, Ben Abdelmoor of Ambleside ran a full hour and 8 minutes slower than Billy Bland's 1982 record of 3:25.

But ~ the real reason, apart from age and lack of inherent ability, was that I hadn't done the work. S'pose I could blame it on you lot for not having given me enough encouragement...

Knew it wasn't going well when I looked back, halfway up Illgill Head to find I was in last position.  Shortly after, the rest of the field disappeared into the clag. I was 5 minutes over the first cut-off time on Whin Rigg, but allowed through and after a poor descent I reached Greendale bridge after the feeding team had dispersed.

By then I had decided it wasn't worth continuing (using the boxing vernacular "to save myself further punishment") and managed to catch Joss speaking to a neighbour and asked him to phone through my retirement.

Must get fit for the Smithills Res Challenge ~ still on for Thursday 26th August?

GR10 on schedule

Landed last night at Gary & Debbie Devine's Pyrennees Haven
I've done an update on
Now 75% of the way through with what is supposed to be the easy bit to finish with.

Hope everything is going well. Hear you've finally had some rain!
Will have a read of the blog.

Gordon's G10

Nothing on t'Y's blog for two weeks now. Anything known?

I'll ring Julie (S) tonight to enquire.

Gordon, hope the only problem is that you're moving too fast to bother with the www.

Regards and very best wishes,

EtU.

Coope's Dozen

Thank you all for your inputs; event hereby postponed/cancelled. I'll get something posted on the RMI blog and I'd be grateful if you would mention it to anyone you bump into that may have been interested.

In slower time we can discuss a revised date, or possibly an alternative outing, such as the Chipping Trigs or the Howgill 2,000s ~ suggestions?

Coope’s Dozen.

If it’s not to be abandoned for this year then option 3 does seem to be the one to go for.

This Week

UTUPing Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Coope's Dozen

Option 3 seems sensible.  Not out Tues, hope to be out Sat, packing permitting - don't wait if not at UTUP.


NLN

I can manage a short utup this thurs and possibly short utup Saturday.

Found a couple of new paths (to me anyway) on my short trip out on last Saturday, one of which wasn't marked on the map. I don't think I'd want to try it in winter though but I've a least got a non too taxing little 6 miler for the summer evenings.

Prefer option 3 for Coopes 12

TF

Coope's Dozen ~ Re-Schedule?

With NLN out of the country, YJ with his plantar fasciitis, the eponymous JtE with his problem knee and yours truly going to a wedding, the 31st is looking a bit lean. Should we change our plans?

Option 1 ~ No change ~ It will be a bit lean but it is the traditional day (one week before Borrowdale) but then Borrowdale's not very relevant to our immediate group.

Option 2 ~ Let it stand and set up an additional, later date for those that can't make the 31st ~ Avoids any change, and gives us all a second chance to turn out.

Option 3 ~ Postpone to a later date ~ Avoids a poor turn-out and gives us a chance to generate a decent amount of participation.

If we decide to cancel I'll make sure it's posted on the RMI blog and I'll contact anyone who I may have mentioned it to.

Views as soon as possible please, I prefer option 3.

Today

My thought for the day was to take it easy in consideration of the re-emergence of my knee injury sustained on the Pike race. I turned up at UP at about 8.45 and TF, also doing her own thing, by coincidence, turned up slightly afterwards. She went off to explore some new paths shown on her map and I went off at a walk/jog pace to go by Ammunition Corner to Spitlers, Great Hill, White Coppice and back to the barn. I struggled far more with the injury than I had last Saturday especially on the down hills and I think that, as before, the only remedy will be rest and the pills.

The weather was cold and wet. You will be able to imagine what Spitlers was like, particularly after all the recent rain. I envied those of you who were at home!

10.31 miles. 1553 /1559 feet climb / descent.

Utup

I'm planning on turning up tomorrow. Only want to do max of 2hrs. Any one else turning up so I know whether to wait or not?

TF

Saturday

I'm sure nobody is expecting me to turn out tomorrow with plantar problems but just to be clear I am still not running though the pain is reducing each day. I am still expecting to make a non combative appearance on the Coope's Doz and await details and/or instructions as to how I can best help.

Saturday

No UTUP-ing - off to Lakes to get a bit of practice for the Big Mountains.  Hope everyone's injuries not being too troublesome.

Look forward to reading what you get up to!

NLN

Old Running Fox

I mentioned this chap to some of you on one of our Saturday runs and promised to post a link to his blog which is:

               http://oldrunningfox.blogspot.com/2010/06/great-lanhydrock-trail-run.html

It's a great read from a 78 years young fella who has just taken up racing again after a bit of a break!    In this post he tells the tale of his win of the MV65 gold medal in a race whilst on hols in Cornwall along with that of his (always referred to as) 'wonderful partner'.   More than just a running blog, I've been inspired for holiday locations, Britain and abroad, appreciation of the Dales, his home territory and much more...   (and no he's not my favourite uncle!)

Well worth becoming a follower.

NLN

Wasdale

Yes, the weather must have been horrendous in Wasdale. My brother and Margaret stayed at The Wasdale Head Inn on Friday night as Paul, their son, was doing the fell race. Yesterday morning they left the inn to walk across the fields to the start of the race near Brackenclose but had to turn back and go by the road because the fields were flooded. They saw EtU at the start but don’t know how he went on. Paul packed it in, at Pillar I think.

Today

We certainly made the most of the morning given the extremely humid conditions and what I’m sure was a very painful knee affliction on JtE’s part, although he tried to make light of it.  Despite being able to see the lakeland fells by the end of the morning from Spitler’s, the weather put paid to Geraldine’s BG attempt and at least one other that we know about.  Driving rain and strong winds stopped play.  Be interesting to read EtU’s Wasdale race report, as conditions in Wasdale were apparently horrendous according to Joss when Pete placed a phone call on behalf of his wife.

Given the rather unpleasant sultry air, I left Two lades ‘til Tuesday and opted for a run out in the afternoon with Brucie who appreciated greatly the opportunity of a four mile knockabout with a ball launcher!

Out Tuesday UTUP if you can make it SN, TF.

NLN

Today

The depleted team today was NLN, TF and me. TF was going to a posh wedding in the afternoon and only wanted a short run. We went to the Pike where she parted company. NLN and I then went via the direct route to Winter Hill taking advantage of the dry conditions. Here NLN correctly identified a Lapwing! At the mast the road was closed again  and will be for the next two months. The usual detour took us to the ramp and from there we wanted access to Catherine Edge so down we went to Belmont Road and as the Belmont Reservoir dam is still closed we took the Amble route as far as a large signpost at a crossing which is a checkpoint on the Amble. Nic’O will know where I mean. We initially turned right as NLN wanted to see the glut of Curlews seen previously in that area but none were seen. We retraced our steps and continued past the sign to Catherine Edge and to Hollinshead Hall. At this point my old knee injury had become a problem and at NLN’s instigation we took the shortest route back to the barn which was along Belmont Road to the track giving access to Spitlers and then by her route to Ammunition Corner and in. After a break I think NLN went on to do some reps of Two Lads.

The weather was initially warm and humid and a cool breeze in the Spitlers area was very welcome. Sorry about the slow progress, particularly in the latter stages NLN.

14.26 miles. Climbing: +2,291 / –2,306.

 

Moving swiftly on

I've read an article in the RSPB magazine which says that swifts travel about 500 miles a day, are in perpetual motion and sleep on the wing. We know a Swift like that, the YJ, except that he sleeps on the run. How else could he fit it in?

I never realised how much sense t'Yorkshireman has. He must have picked it up since he came to Lancashire, although when he lived there some could have drifted over the border to West Yorkshire, borne by a sympathetic wind. Anyway, he obviously timed his challenge so as to avoid the hysterical hype that always surrounds England's participation in the World Cup. I say "participation" rather than "bid to win", as only those with an unimaginable imagination, that is, the frenzied press, players and FabiGO Capello, could harbour such fantastical dreams. Next time, t'Y, could you take us with you? Please.
Well done so far and keep going. We don't want a Stone on knees in the Pyranees.

For myself, I didn't get as much climbing as I'd have liked last week in the Lakes, changeable weather being one of the reasons. However I do know what a hill looks like now. This week I have managed for the first time since January, to run for more than an hour-and-a-half and also, take to the Belmont hills. Time is freeing up a bit now and I'm targeting 24th July to rejoin the group, fitness and Achilles, which still posts reminders when I'm climbing, permitting.

Wedding Dates

YJ’s wedding date and Preston North End fixtures reminds me that on our wedding day 50 years ago Bolton Wanderers were playing away at Newcastle United and they won 2 – 0.

From the sidelines

Footnote: I regret I shall not be UTUPing on Saturdays until further notice as the plantar fasciitis is still controlling events. The limp is less pronounced and the rest and ibuprofen gel seem to be having beneficial effects.

I am maintaining fitness by extra swimming and cycling (not necessarily at the same time) and will not return to running prematurely. I am glad to hear a date has been set for Coope's Dozen and will hope to make an appearance if only as a supporter.

Another footnote: EtU was quite right about our wedding date being fitted in around Preston North End first team fixtures. This has caused quite of a lot of problems with our anniversary clashing with races, a problem that I never anticipated all those years ago.

GR10 blog updated

just been updating my gordonsgr10 blog including comments. See you all in August

This Week

UTUPing Tuesday 6th and Thursday 8th, then in the Lakes for a week; next local public appearance Tuesday 20th.

Coope's Dozen

Omitted from JtE's Saturday morning report was mention of our impromptu committee meeting in the vicinity of Hordern Stoops, at which it was decided that our annual running of Coope's Dozen will be on Saturday 31st July.

Unfortunately, when I returned home, I was informed that this is also the date of our eldest daughter's wedding. There may also have been a suggestion that perhaps I should not have needed reminding of this.

Suggest that the show, indeed both shows, should go on. I'll appear for the early part of the dozen, but will need to proffer my excuses and leave well before completion.

I was only young at the time, but I seem to remember some talk about the date of YJ's wedding needing to avoid clashing with a Preston North End Home game... Perhaps YJ can give the full story.

Pyrenees Man

Great stuff T’Y and thanks for the info. Keep it going and keep us informed when you can.

Nearly half way t'across Pyrenees

Just landed in Bagneres de Luchon after an overnight stay in the remotest of all refuges - the Refuge d'Espingo. The last part of getting ther via Lac D'Oo was in two parts - the first was like Mamhanm to Malham Cove on a Sunday afternoon the second less busy - nevertheless a near 3000ft climb in the heat in two and half hours with 15 kilos on my back.
Next begins the tricky bit - the Ariege - it's a bit remote
Hope is well around Horwich - see that the Vicar of Brentford has been opening his gob. Is that how he lost a tooth?

Today

Today the team was NLN, Nic’O, TF, EtU and me. As NLN was with us it was not surprising that we went, initially, to the trespass stone. We went, as usual via the ornamental gardens, over Two Lads then along the edge of the quarries and skirting Holden’s Farm. We amazed TF by pointing out to her the two benchmarks on the way. From the stone it was to Winter Hill and then dropping off to Hordern Stoops. At this point a conference was held in order to decide upon the rest of the route, Nic’O saying that pain from the after effects of falling down stairs was causing her some difficulty in breathing properly and that she felt it unwise to go much further. We all carried on towards NLN’s route to Spitlers Edge, Nic’O turning for home at a point near to the ruins of Holden’s Farm. The rest of us carried on to Spitlers Edge and there turning towards Great Hill. It was noted that, unusually, EtU was running on the flags rather than on rough ground. When this was mentioned he asked us not to let his brother know what he had been doing and we all agreed not to. At the base of Great Hill EtU turned for home via Round Loaf and TF, mindful of his poor navigational skills, kept her eye on him until, indeed, he crossed the summit of Round Loaf. NLN and I carried on over the summit of Great Hill but TF, who was feeling a bit leg weary, skirted the hill and met us on the  White Coppice side. It was then to White Coppice and via the new bridleway to Waterman’s Cottage and back to the Lower Barn via the reservoirs as usual. NLN spotted a new benchmark on the wall at the bottom of the cascades.

The weather throughout was broken cloud and a lightish breeze. On our return to the Lower Barn we found a note left by Nic’O saying that she hoped that we had had a good run. Thanks Nic’O. Here’s hoping that the pain goes away soon and that you will be in full flight again by next Saturday.

The full round gave 15.53 miles with 2641 feet ascent / 2618 descent.

Goon Body Shock Double

Whilst driving back from the University earlier today I saw an amazing sight: a Goon runner. Clearly since t'Y is in Spain it couldn't be him but whoever this person was, he ran in an identical manner to our good friend.

Watch this space for any further sightings.

TLoB

Two comments: Firstly, I thought t'Y was in France (how's his navigating?) and secondly, TLoB tells me that he has broken a tooth (whilst biting  the Lady of Brentford?) and whilst this is hindering his eating, it isn't interfering with his drinking.  Perhaps, God willing, it wil also hinder his talking.

This Week

UTUP for me tonight and Saturday.

Mobile phone not working

Can't get phone to fully load so if you need to contact me please do so via Julie (not TF Julie).

A Few Piccies Fra Bonnie Scotland

The clag was down to about 3,000 ft on the ascent of Ben Nevis as we looked towards the conjunction of Loch Eil and Loch Linnhe over the summit of Meall an t-Suidhe.

But on the summit of the Ben we were nearly in clear air.

Whilst back at the ranch the OSH was preparing to toast some real speckled hens with a bottle of OSH. That fox would have been proud of her!

Friday – Revision

Table put back to 7.45 on advice of EtU.  Good outing tonight of 7.3m for SN and me.  Managed to hook up with EtU for last 500M as Auditors delayed play!  Venue is Waggon and Horses, Chorley Rd nr Wingates, A6 -  not to be confused with the hostelry of the same name at Adlington once visited by the Squad.

NLN

A Non-Running Birthday Weekend

When your birthday is in January you need to be forward thinking, and so it was that last weekend I took my four best boys (three nephews and FSS) to Go Ape in Grizedale Forest to celebrate my big birthday.  My sister chose to be the photographer and thought the five of us were mad to put ourselves through this.  It was fantastic as you can see from the snaps below.

Smiling for the camera – not!  L to R Harry, Rory and Niall

I can’t believe my youngest boy is taller than me

Lovin the zip wires – sister Julie below centre taking photo

Makin it look easy

 

 

Harry can’t believe my elegant landings!

Got the hang of it now!

Stopped to photo these gorgeous babies!   As Rory said – made you wish you’d passed on that bacon barm!

A pint at the Brittannia in Elterwater went down very nicely after the exertions, where Niall was able to re-visit the scene of his famous fling from a scooter in front of the crowds from a few years back.  A night at the Youthie at Coniston with a slap up meal at the Yewdale Hotel Saturday night, just left us with a meander along Coniston Water on Sunday morning.

Great weekend to add to my Big Birthday year – lots more to come.

NLN

I did it!

Finally took the plunge on Saturday and entered ( on the day) the South Lakes Half Marathon.
Managed to get round the first 10 miles in an hour and forty but then slowed at the end to finish in 2 hours 16. Really pleased to have finally done one, and pleased with time considering heat and hills. Slightly frustrated at passing "runners" on the hills, only to watch them sprint past me on the flat bits - don't they get disqualified for walking the hills?!
At the caravan at the weekend so can't make do unfortunately.
SN

Friday - Solstice Supper

Table for 10 booked from 7.00pm onwards.  Two for One deals available on main courses, varied menu.  Those confirmed are: EtU, YJ +1, JtE +1, Nico +1, me = 8   I've added a couple more places as this doesn't include other 'usuals'.  Can EtU pursue enquiries perhaps?  I've emailed TF.  We can probably add to this if anyone else would you like to join.  Please advise either here or by email.

NLN

Lots to Talk About...

... but for the time being ~ UTUP Tuesday 29th, possibly Eddie's Revenge Weds, UTUP Thursday, "DO" Friday and UTUP Saturday.

Isn't it a busy life.

Mitten hunt failed.

Pennine Wayfaring

Thanks for all the commiserations following my failed 70 at 70 up the Pennine Way last Saturday. Having trained hard it was disappointing not to complete the full intended route from Edale to Gargrave but as we all know, if the weather is not kind these long challenges become a severe test of body and mind.

Leaving Edale with four layers of clothing, I felt overdressed for the day before the summer solstice and as Eden and I began the first leg along the valley bottom to the climb up onto Kinder, neither of us guessed what we were in for. Within an hour we were up on high ground and battling into a strong pre-dawn wind that met us head on for the rest of the run over Shelf Moor and Bleaklow reducing temperatures to a hand numbing coldness. Kinder had been rough, very rough in places, and flagging across some of the moors was a welcome respite, although at times somewhat boring and monotonous.

The first feeding point was at Crowden following a rough traverse along Torside Clough with an almost perpendicular drop into the valley. Not very comfortable and a very slow section.

At Crowden, after 17 miles, Sally took over from Eden as we encountered slow climbing followed by more rough terrain navigation went haywire as we missed a turning and ended up at a drought hit reservoir and no PW signposts. It was obvious something was wrong and fortunately hitech Sally produced her I phone with Google maps and a short correction took us back to the Pennine Way.

By now the wind was becoming more of a problem and the cold and a badly swollen right hand was causing some concern. The strength of the headwind was now making breathing difficult and it was obvious we were losing time big time. We had started the section half an hour down and this was now approaching two hours.

We went through Wessenden and back up onto the moors where there was a brief respite from the wind, the sun cam out for the first time and the rolling grass moors suddenly looked more friendly. At this point Sally took a phone call from JtE and in a better frame of mind I resolved to keep going to the bitter end.

We were soon back in the wind and not making good time. Having strayed from the Way once we were constantly checking the route book and this was losing us further time. By the time we got to the next feeding point on Bleakedgate Moor we were a good three hours behind schedule and discovered that Eden and Sheila who were with the car had had an equally testing time both finding the meeting point and coping with the wind. Eden's post run breakfast took an hour and a half to prepare as he battled the wind with a small camping stove.

It was here that the decision to abandon the run after 35 miles was made and I sensed that the support team were more than happy to retire to a less hostile environment. My calculation was that with the prospect of further slowing in the pace it would take close to 24 hours to complete even if I managed to run the full 70.

So, it was not a successful run but it contributed to a challenging and enjoyable weekend especially for those of us who saw the moors from close quarters. It all made for a good family weekend that might have had a better conclusion if the weather had been kinder.

From comments on the blog it would seem that a second attempt is expected, a prospect that at first I did not contemplate. However, with the right support, more preparation and a slightly slower, more realistic schedule a re-run might have a chance of success.

Before a plan is even contemplated I have a longstanding problem of plantar faciitis to resolve. A slow recovery run showed no sign of problems following Saturday's outing but today, with no prior warning the problem flared up and for the first time in thirty years I had to walk the last few hundred yards of a training run.

Until this issue is resolved I cannot even make plans for my next training run and will review the situation on a day by day basis.

Thanks once again to all who helped in my training and offered support on day. Any views on how a re-run could be supported will be well received.

Saturday the 26th.

UTUP for me.

 

70@70

Sounded like a gallant effort made by YJ to battle against the beastly Northerlies blowing along the Pennines. With a linear route you haven't got the luxury of a better 2nd half with the wind on your back. But then YJ doesn't do things by 'halves' and I'm sure will be back to triumph on the full 70 miles.

Great Lakes Run

I on the other hand could only contemplate less than a half of a half of the mileage planned by YJ on Saturday. My challenge was a circular-ish route known as the 'Great Lakes Run' (13m/7000ft) organized by the Lakesrunner shop and Ambleside AC. Having failed to complete the race last year, I was back for another go.

This year I was in luck, the weather was kinder (not as hot) and I had trained better, including some very useful recceing assisted by YJ. So chuffed to bits to say I got round, comfortably clearing the cut-off time at the half-way point much to my relief. Total time 5hr 33mins 09secs. Full results are on www.lakesrunner.com on the events calendar section (sorry couldn't get direct link to work).

What I hadn't realised when I set off, having been too nervy to do a head count, was how few women had turned up to run. So imagine my shock when crossing the finishing line to be told I was first LV40 (5th lady) and had won a prize. Wildest dreams would never have come close to imagining that!

TF

(hoping to be out for a UTUP on Saturday this week)

Yesterday

Very sorry about the abandonment of your run yesterday YJ. In these circumstances it really is the luck of the draw so far as the weather is concerned. A strong headwind and low temperatures are both debilitating features on a long run, or on any type of run, as we all know only too well. Have a good rest whilst you consider the next attempt!

The intended support team, Nic’O, NLN and me, assembled at Nic’O’s by mid afternoon  and ran 13.5 or so miles to Darwen Tower via Cranshaw’s and Darwen Moor and back via Catherine Edge. As usual, the girls ran ahead, waiting for me from time to time. Towards the end of Catherine Edge we saw a concentration of  a dozen or so Curlews at close quarters, swooping around and calling to their young. They were, I think, anxious that Rafe was around! On our return to Nic’O’s we sat in glorious sunshine,  with those marvellous views, eating flapjacks and, some of us, drinking David’s wine. A superb afternoon / evening out.

Best of Luck YJ for tomorrow. I'll try and make it across after my race if I'm able, blisters, cramp etc permitting.

TF

Going Missing

Good luck to YJ and all his support team on the Pennine Way, I'm sure it will be a fine outing, with the weather probably more suitable than it has been for the last couple of days.

Good luck also to TF on the high Lakeland fells, that heavy week up there should now have consolidated into super-fitness.

All that work on the descent from Two Lads to the dog kennels on Tuesdays didn't pay off quite as planned.  On race day I was two seconds slower from TL cairn to the finish; but 22 seconds faster on the ascent, with the net effect of being 20 seconds faster than last year overall.

Leaving in the morning on a week long mitten hunt ~ don't ask!

Gone missing

We can't make the Solstice do as we'll be in the Lake District where I'll have taken to the hills(any), for the first time since the end of January. Still, as NLN points out, I have done a recce of the venue.

Good luck YJ on your 70 at 70, whatever that entails. I would have volunteered for driving duties had I not been dragging my caravan up to Braithwaite for my daughter and her husband. I'm impressed by your weekly mileage of 90 miles, you just seem to be getting better with age. I suppose if you reach the age of 100 you'll run down to Buckingham Palace to collect your tribute from the Queen, who no doubt will still be around!

T'Y, I've not been following your exploits too closely but it seems like quite an undertaking and you seem to be doing fine. So, well done. I'll make a contribution to BHF and you'll be able to hold me to it now I've put it on the Blog!

YJ's 70@70

Good luck for Saturday - lookin forward to seeing you in Yorkshire!

NLN

Our Pyrenees Man

Well done T’Y. Keep it up and post further reports if you can. The weather forecast shows an improvement in your area.

Scotland – A Few More Pictures

 

Ben Nevis from the our cottage.

The signpost says it all.

Job done.

The start of the Caledonian Canal near Fort William.

Glenfinan.

5 days in Pyrenees

Just arrived after a good walk over from St Etienne de B.
Quick update from office de tourisme as they only allow 10 mins at a time.
Weather has been horrendous. Hadly seen the sun. Worn thermals for past 2 days. Despite this, times are now quicker than schedule. Did today in 5hrs against book schedule of 6:20 probably because it was too cold to stop on the tops in 90mph wind.

Best of luck to YJ in his Pennine Way adventure - not sure when I'll next have access. Looks like weather is still poor for a few more days. In a hotel tonight so will catch the meteo. Hear it's crackin t'flags back home.

Solstice Do

Thanks NLN. 2nd. July ok for us. Waggon and Horses sounds good.

Solstice Supper

We are OK for July 2nd and anywhere is OK as long as I can get chips.

Pennine wayfaring

Many thanks to the squad's indulgence for last Saturday's final serious training session ahead of my Pennine Way adventure. After my warm-up lap and then taking in the Right of Way Stone, Coal Pit Lane, the Trig, Georges Lane and Spittlers Edge we parted company on Great Hill and I returned via White Coppice, the bridle way and the Yew Tree.

Total distance was 22.63 miles, total time 4hr 53mins 41sec giving an average pace of 12min 56secs; and total ascent of 3582 ft, 158ft per mile compared to the 147 ft per mile of the Pennine Way.

Preparation went well last week with three runs in excess of 20 miles and a total for the week of just short of 90 miles and feeling stronger as the week went on. From now until Wednesday there will be only short runs and then two days of rest.

Solstice Supper - Friday 2nd July?

Venue suggestion - Waggon and Horses, A6, Wingates.   Seem to have offers available.  Closer for JtE, TF, same distance from Motorway Junction for YJ - but in opposite direction,   Matt's so keen he ended up there on a previous 'Do' when the rest of us were in the W&H's at Chorley.  If folk are available and can't come up with anything better, I'll make enquiries. 

Please Post

NLN

Last Week - This Week - Next Week - The Week After That

Hope last week went well JtE. Looks like you achieved at least one of your objectives (the Ben, not the pub), hope it's a bit clearer for my assault next week.

An action packed three days this week:- Two Lads reps on Tuesday, Jubilee on Wednesday and Two Lads Race on Thursday ~ hope I'm not alone for all of these.

Off to Oban on Saturday 19th for a week, so my next local public appearance after a post-race drink in the Bridge on Thursday will be Two Lads reps on Tuesday 29th June.

Are we "doing" on Friday 2nd July, and if so, where?  TaT currently a bit grim. Perhaps someone could do a bit of organising in my absence.

Scotland

Can’t beat NLN’s pictures but here are a few anyway.

The highest trig point in the UK. (Ben Nevis.)

 

The remotest pub in the UK. (At Inverie on the Knoydart peninsula, only accessed by boat. No road access.)

The largest bird in the UK. (The White Tailed or Sea Eagle having a wing span of over seven feet.) No Golden Eagles this time but this was a first for me. Picture from the internet.

I'm on my way

In about ten minutes I shall be heading for the train. Tomorrow night in Hendaye (watching England v USA) then the walk starts on Sunday morning.
The pack is currently much heavier than I would like at 15.9Kg but I shall be eating my way through some of that today.

This ain't no fun run

So please if you've any affinity to the help that either Guide Dogs or British Heat Foundation do, please make a small donation to one of the charities. The target will be reached - both are well on the way and I'm know there is additional to come in.

Guide Dogs For the Blind
Britsih Heart Foundation

See you in August.

This Week

UTUPing Thursday and Saturday.

Duddon dibbings

Having missed the last two checkpoints dibbing the final dibber should have shown me as a non finisher. Next year I plan to win the race without visiting a single checkpoint - in a record time!

Who's a Naughty Boy?

And shouldn't have dibbed his dibber?

See the last man in the Duddon results.

Also, well done TF with your Dow to finish time!

In Praise of t'Y

No it is not a misprint, I really do want to say something nice about Gordon - after all there is a first time for everything!!

To do what he is doing is a great undertaking on a physical level alone. Add the problems of language, solitude and the potential for mishaps, and it becomes something wholly praiseworthy in my opinion.

So good luck Gordon, I hope it goes well and that you raise a lot of money for your two charities. May your God go with you.

TLoB

ps:- normal service will resume on your return

Finally completed my unpacking to find the piece of paper with my split times for Saturday (results are up on website - http://www.duddonvalleyfellrace.co.uk/ )
Caw .......................22:08 (22:08)
White Pike ............44:11 (22:03)
Wall Corner ........1:07:03 (22:52)
Dow Crag ...........1:33:20 (26:17)
White Pike ..........1:54:32 (21:12)
Caw ....................2:27:37 (33:05)
Finish .................2:41:20 (13:43)

Final time of 2:41:20 was a little disappointing as I'd managed 2:29 in 2007. But I don't recall it being as warm, I won't have done 13000ft of climb the week before and I was likely to have been 7lbs lighter (under NM's tutelage). Excuses, excuses!

YJ - The way you bounded up Pike 'O' Blisco last wednesday I felt sure you'd have had a good'un on Saturday. I'm sure the long Duddon is still well within your esteemed capabilities, but may require a bit of a longer taper. If you still need an AL this year for any entry qualifications do consider Holme Moss on the 18th July - I usually get round in about 5hrs, there's no cut off's and plenty of water stations on route.

EtU - Well done, especially impressed with the strong finish from Dow.

T'Y - Best of luck in the Pyrenees. Think you've got the training done for the up's, any chance the downs are all good tracks?

Having a go at the Boars Head Fell Race tomorrow from Poynton, but still intending on being out on Thurs.

TF

Just Thought I'd Mention...

...in response to your comment, Gordon,  that I'd taken nearly six hours to complete the Men's Duddon Race, that my time from Dow to the finish, after having already climbed Harter, Hardnott, Little Stand and Swirl, was an hour and seventeen minutes, whilst yours was an hour eighteen!

But every credit, you did beat me by a good ten minutes at Henderson's end on Thursday, well done!

And most importantly of all, I hope your epic adventure goes well.  You've certainly done the work, let's hope you have that little bit of luck that will help you bring it all to fruition, God speed.

Ed.

My First Little Duddon

It seems like everyone has been nagging me to have a go at Duddon for years so this year I thought I'd taste (test?) the water and do the short race to give me a feel for the event. Having been at the Crofters the evening before, I did manage to rise in time to have a reasonably unhurried journey to Seathwaite (allowing that the short race allows an extra 20 minutes for the start line).
Noticed EtU and YJ as I arrived and said hello to TF before heading to register. I was a bit concerned that I'd not thought to bring lots of liquid with me but managed to down what I had and get my 500ml bottle replenished.
Only 44 at the start line so set off gently along with Tf on what is one of the most awful surfaces for the start of a race, making Georges Lane seem a joy. Once we reached a more safely runnable stretch I decided to move through a little and by the time we hit the first climb was getting into the swing of things, passing a few.
Took the wrong line for the first checkpoint, resulting in a short run back along the track to dib my dibber - think it is only the second time I've used a dibber - sure it's something that JtE would be looking at.
Think I was up into the top 20 or 25 by the time I'd reached the Dow Crag checkpoint but then lost a load of places by following the wrong ones on the ridge run : I think we were heading for a non-existent checkpoint at White Maiden. From Caw I seemed to take about 2 hours, ok 23 minutes - nearly twice as long as TF who came storming in just 3 minutes after me.
Took some photos of the long race as they descended towards the finish but by the time EtU was coming down, I had returned to the field for the presentation.
Had a great time in the pub chatting to Lee & Pauline Warburton and Pete Booth and listening to an excellent blues band.
Had a bit of a walk on Sunday but decided I didn't have time to walk the long course which had taken Ed almost six hours to run, especially as I wasn't packed and ready to go till 10 and it is a 2 hour drive home. The forecast of thunderstorms also persuaded me - I'll have enough of them in the Pyrenees.
So may be back next year - we shall see.
Splits were:
Caw Quarry 19:56
White Pike Quarry 18:53 (38:49)
Wall Corner 19:09 (57:58)
Dow Crag 21:22 (79:20)
White Pike 22:58 (102:18)
Caw 32:09 (134:27)
Finish 23:49 (2:38:16)
Just in time to watch Simon Booth complete the long course!

The Continuing Saga of the Do

26th June not now looking so good. 2nd July?

Thank You NLN for Sharing Your Holiday Snaps With Us

Your photos are superb, I am envious of your outings.

Looking for some pace work before I go to Oban, Two Lads on Tuesday will be a good start. Two Towers on Wednesday anybody?

Ed.

Goodbye Classics

In contrast to EtU's Duddon (long) experience my own race probably marks the end of any hopes of continuing a race programme based around the Lakeland Classics.

From the start my pace was not enough to keep in touch with the rest of the field, although strong climbing of the early ascents brought me back into contact with other tailenders.

Stamina and motivation was never in question but by Swirl Howe I was outside the cut off by four minutes and the well meaning marshals were happy for me to carry on. By Dow, however, I had fallen another five minutes behind and while the marshals tried to persuade me to continue I retired in consideration of the marshals on White Pike and returned via the Walna Scar road. I had done 17 miles in six hours and estimated that to complete the 18 mile race would have taken me about 6 and a half hours. So now it's time to take stock and consider a new approach to racing.

Training on the fells will continue and there will still be some long races where cut off times are more lax. I must look on it as a change of emphasis rather than the end of an era.

A weeks rest....

Well not quite, whilst I was away I managed the following

Sunday 30th May......Helvellyn Fell Race.................11m/4500ft 2hrs54mins
Tues 1st June...........Two Riggs Fell Race...............6.5m/1350ft 1hr16mins
Weds 2nd June........Run with YJ...............................11.5m/4500ft 5hrs08mins
Thurs 3rd June.........Scafell Pike...............................4.5m/3000ft 3hrs
Fri 4th June...............Holker Hall Garden Festival....1m/0ft (approx) 4hrs
Sat 5th June.............Short Duddon Fell Race...........9.5m/3000ft 2hrs41mins

So a grand total of 44m and 16350ft. Think that's the most ft/climb I've done in a week. Hopefully a good week of training to see me round the Great Lakes Fell Race in a fortnight.

I can manage a UTUP thurs this week.

TF

Scotland’s Got it All

 

 

Magnificence

Splendour

Atmosphere

Scrambling

Rocks

Grandeur

Rattling good ridges

Proper Peaks

 

Interesting routes

Weather

Good looking men

Cold looking women

Highest mountain in Britain

 

Slog

Snow

Not so wildlife

Bridges

Benchmarks

Cracking trip 14,000ft climbed, sadly only three days in the mountains due to other commitments.  Out on Tues UTUP as long as weather not too bad.  Not out Saturday - weekend in Lakes with FSS doing Ennerdale and Saturday night in Buttermere – the Fish hotel beckons!

Loving reading what you’re all up to – have fun.

NLN

Duddon ~ A Short Report on a Long Race

It was hot, very hot, for the first hour, then bearable after Harter.

Carried, found and begged enough water to wash down the energy gels which kept me going and enabled me to finish strongly, even leaving for dead on the final descent the four guys with whom I'd been to-ing and fro-ing since the Three Shires Stone.

Three of the four had passed me as I filled my water bottle at a tiny spring ~ more of a trickle than a spring ~ on Goat's Hause, but the extra water was definitely needed and probably helped with the stamina.

Final result was yet another PW in 5:53 (doesn't bode well for Wasd'le) but an enjoyable day out and not a total disaster.

Slightly disheartened to hear that Bowland Wayne, with whom I trade insults, and who beat me once again, works on oil rigs and generally goes long periods unable to train, other than by running on the spot!

Reports awaited from TF and t'Y (short course) and YJ (long course).

Henderson's End Start Time - 7.30p.m.

EtU is correct (as is Mark) - the calendar is incorrect.

Lostock website confirms.

Another hot day at the office

Blissfully unaware of the drama that was unfolding downstream, TF and myself looked briefly down on the waters of Lingmell Beck as it flowed down to the Esk valley before turning our attention to our second big climb of the day in our recce of TF's race in a fortnight's time.

We had started from the NT car park above Blea Tarn using the stony track to the foot of Wrynose Pass. From there we climbed up Wetside Edge (a good recce for Saturday' Duddon race) and then to the col below Greyfriars. By now the early morning mist had mostly burnt off and the day was getting warm. We reached the road at Cockley Beck and then made our way up Mosedale to the watershed before turning and climbing the steep flank of the valley to the col north of Little Stand.

Our next objective was Pike o' Blisco and easy running on the dry grassy terrain brought us to Red Tarn and the final ascent of the outing. From Blisco we made the long descent to Blea tarn and back to the car park.

We had been out for 5 hrs 8 mins, covered 11.57 miles at an average pace of 26 mins 42 secs and climbed a total of 4,500ft. Although the pace was not fast it was a hard outing in anybody's book and the steep unrelenting climbs were good training for what is to come later in the month.

It was not until driving home that I heard on the radio of the tragic events of the Cumbrian shootings and was glad the incident was terminated at Boot and not a few miles further along the road at Cockley Beck.

Henderson's End ~ Later Start???

Mark Sammon tells me that H's End starts at 7:30 not 7:00, so drinks closer to 9:00 than to 8:30.

Henderson's End but Hopefully Not Gordon's

The evening of Thursday 3rd June sees the annual running of this local fell race.  It's very much a local's race, to the extent that last year there was a shortage of marshalls and as a number of non-locals left Winter Hill Trig along the tarmac they didn't know to turn right towards Scotsman's Stump and carried on along our wall until they reached Smithill's Res and realised something was wrong.  Some say "Good old Lostock..."

Anyway, the start's at 7:00, entry £3.00 and we're having a farewell drink with t'Y in the Bay Horse at the top of Babylon Lane after (about 8:30 ish) to see him off.