Why oh why?

Do I turn up to do a 33 mile race after no more than ten milers since last June?
Aching today, but it could have been much worse if the weather had been bad. Had planned to retire at Heptonstall, having forgotten it was no longer a checkpoint but luckily the ibuprofen started to work from there so managed to recover a bit of lost time and avoided a PW (by 27 minutes in the end). But whereas last year 6:50 was a doddle with a very gentle first 10 miles, this year's 7:30 was hard. Suppose I can take comfort that it's as fast as my debut - 23 years ago.
I should have held back early on with the rest of the team but seemed to got drawn along. Stopped at Top Withins but no sight of anyone so kept going. Started to suffer on the Calderdale Way and by the descent to the Tod road was in agony. The climb up to Stoodley with the rest of you was enjoyable and would have probably gone quicker but by the time I was descending was becoming very disgruntled and seriously contemplating retirement - just couldn't get running. Having run all the way up to Heptonstall and the option of retirement removed, I seemed to pick up a bit and decided I may as well keep going at Hardcastle Crags. Was able to run most of the rest of the route and finish 18 minutes behind the rest of the group.

M70 Masters

Congratulations to EYJ on his success in the Long Mynd Valleys Race. Now, not only have we got a master on the roads in YJ but also a master on the fells. Pretty soon, anyone wanting to join the group will have to fill in an application form detailing their achievements, and be interviewed by a panel which will have to include YJ and EYJ. What an elite group!

This Week

Planning to UTUP on Thursay 10th, work permitting, for the dreaded monthly reps; we'll be short of at least one regular due to that prospect.  We'll have the choice of either doing our own thing, or joining the Harriers' session, what do you reckon, TF?

UTUPing on Saturday, but, in the pursuit of miles, will probably run from home, so may be even slower than usual.

Saturday 5th March

Saturday's outing saw EtU, NLN SN and myself heading out to 2 Lads to meet EYJ who stayed with us briefly before heading off to rest up for Sunday's championship race while we continued to the mast and then to Belmont.

Undaunted by the barricades across the dam access road EtU's strength and perseverance created a gap for us to squeeze through (under) and after pausing briefly to admire the standard of the new stonework we took the track through Dog Bucket Farm and on to Hollinshead Hall, Piccadilly and Great Hill where the squad split up EtU and SN returning via Spittlers leaving NLN and myself to take the Amble route back to Rivington.

EtU and SN had done about 13 miles, NLN 15 and myself 21 having done a warm up lap earlier.

My stats for the day were 21.36 miles in 4hrs 45mins 25secs (13.22 mins per mile) with an elevation of 3750ft.

Hi, Ho, Silver Shining...

Probably a bit too early in the season to be clearing a space in the trophy cabinet, but our youngest John finished in silver medal position in the Long Mynd Valleys Race, the first of this year's English champion races.

No first hand account as yet, but full results at http://www.merciafellrunners.org.uk/node/1699 indicate that he came in as second over 70 in a time of 2:45, behind his category winner, Peter Covey of Bingley.

Other names to spot are John's assistant coach Peter Ramsdale, who took a nasty fall but got up again to finish, and Mary White and her sister Margaret Huyton.

Well done that man!

Black Combe 8m/3400ft Sat 5th March

Well chuffed with the result for this one. A dry week prior to the race helped me achieve a sub 2hr finish. A bit of mist on top of Black Combe, but all nice and springy and no boggy bits to speak of on the top circuit round to White Combe. Thought I could get close to 2 hrs, but in the end absolutely 'nailed' it with 1:52:27.

A quicker time than Noonstone, when all around were doing slower than the week before. I'm sure it must have something to do with the % leg length that sinks into the peat bog. Being 50% in, must have a more detrimental effect on your race time than being 25% in.

Await the split time results with interest, but for now have to make do with the straightforward results
http://www.bcrunners.org.uk/races/black-combe/2011

New Chew 'O' Sun 6th March

Choice on this one was 4.5hrs Score Event, 3.5hrs Score Event, and a Scoreless event (find designated controls, no time limit)

I entered the sensible option of 3.5hrs Score, given the fact that I knew I was racing the day before. Albert S and Mark Sammon (paired) opted for 4.5hrs and Tony V and Paul Murray (paired) opted for the Scoreless. Controls had different values, furthest away from start had the highest points, being back late incurred penalties of three points per minute.

At the end of the day we all left with prizes for various reasons. Mostly alcohol, and something to drink it out of. So a definite result for the all the Bolton/Horwich contingent. Some minor quibbles about not being able to spot controls at twenty paces and time keeping but all in all a tough but satisfying event.

Will we be back next year? Jury's out on that one! Results available for perusal on Saddleworth's website here
http://www.saddleworth-runners.co.uk/results
(tab keys at bottom of excel page to bring up the results of the separate races)

I'll be out for a utup on Thursday this week. I notice that an official 'whistleblower' will be available on Foxholes from 6.30pm (see Horwich website). Will we be making use of this service?

TF

Tomorrow

Planning on UTUP tomorrow - Saturday

This Week

Planning to UTUP today (Thursday) and Saturday.

Duddon

Entry form

http://duddonvalley.fellrace.org.uk/assets/9/long_duddon_2011.pdf

Don't blame me if you don't get an entry. This needs to be sent NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TF

Noonstone Fell Race 9m/2300ft (Sat 26th Feb 2011)

Well I've moved onto pastures new in the world of the results list. I finished in front of Sue Roberts from Todmorden on Saturday, she's been a very distant target in the past, but not any more. I didn't see her coughing/sneezing as she cross the finish line so will pronounce her fit as a fiddle to race and a fair contest.

A time of 1:56:24 wasn't much to write home about but like conditions at Winter Hill it was very heavy going and with a slight detour to the usual race route to avoid some United Utilities groundworks meant only a 3min improvement on 2008's time. But a vast improvement on finishing position, such a shame they couldn't get my name right on the results, not one of my favorite variations! http://www.fellrunner.org.uk/results.php?id=599

Dark & White Mini Mountain Marathon - Round 1 - Chesterfield (Holmebrook Valley Park, Sun 27th Feb 2011)

Not looking good when I had to get the phone out with the GPS to check car's position on the way to the event! Will print colour version of map next time so I can make out which are the red, green & yellow wiggly lines.

So initial minor hiccup overcome and the rest of the morning went ahead smoothly. Well as smooth as waterlogged ground can be. A good mix of terrain and views, just as I was hoping for, with nearly 15m covered in 3hrs. 2 penalty points for arriving back 1min41sec late, but the extra 10 point control was therefore justified - net gain 8 points. Total points 213, lying in 4th place in the WV40-49 category, 52/121 overall.

Round 2 on the 20th March from Chapel-en-le-Frith. Next weekend sees another fell race and navigating events back to back on Saturday and Sunday. Last minute training to get me up to scratch for the two speed merchants I'm accompanying at the Hobble the week after that!

TF

Blackpool half

Taking things easy on Saturday did not do a great lot for my time at Sunday's Blackpool half marathon as the time of 1hr 46mins and 24secs, while still giving me first place in the over 70s was 6mins slower than last year.


Some of the time lost can be put down to the vicious wind coming off the Irish sea which made each of the two laps of the Bispham promenade a combination of three miles of wind assistance and three of battling into that wind.

Saturday 26th Feb

I won't be UTUPing tomorrow as I am taking things easy in preparation for Sunday's Blackpool half marathon.

I intend to be back the following Saturday with a warm up lap starting about 7 am.

Beacon Bash Weekend

Reading TF’s account of the National Cross Country event I came across a few pictures here.  I have to say that during the Beacon Bash, which was 21miles of mud,we kind of remembered why we didn’t do this event last year.  FSS has some pictures here.   Trotted round together in a time of 4.21 which given the conditions, I’ll take!  Still, a very well organised event and great to see familiar faces, more and more runners doing these LDWA events which are becoming recognised for their friendly atmosphere, value for money and great training potential.  Good to see Albert, Tony, Mark S and Sarah H trotting round, with most of these doing the new event, Peeler’s Hike next weekend.

After the run, we were sitting with the organisers of the re-launched Four Passes on 19th March – a true Lakeland classic and he was saying it’s as good as full.  Entries on line shut down, if you’re interested you may still get a place by contacting the organiser direct.  List of events coming up can be found here.

Given Sunday’s outing I went for a later start on Saturday, picking up Brucie.  As my sister was away I thought I’d better leave a note for the lads, who were still in bed, to let them know the dog hadn’t been stolen.  Drove to Wilders Wood trotted along George’s Lane, Pike, Two Lads, Burnt Edge, Quarries had flask of coffee, drove back – lads still in bed, binned note!

A bonus was running into Ed on Pike, but rain never stopped, contributing to conditions for Sunday.

Don't Leave Our Lad Alone on Two Lads

This week I hope to UTUP on Thursday, but family matters may preclude this, so don't rely on it.

Saturday I'm planning to do my Miterdale Round, can let you know the arrangements if you're interested.

But EYJ is planning to be on Two Lads at 9:15 a.m to meet any of the squad who go that way.  So if you're out on Saturday, go over there and pick him up.

Bolton Park 5k Sunday 20th February

For what seemed to be slightly different reasons, SN and I toed the line on the track on Leverhulme Park at the start of this interesting little race. Although most of the distance was on tarmac, there were muddy rough tracks as well, and a fair proportion of the tarmac was on traffic free park paths. It included one decent hill and a few other minor undulations.

SN seemed to be there in pursuit of her Horwich Ladies Road Championship campaign, and I was there to try to regain the speed that I hope will eventually lead back to that now elusive sub 50 minute 10k.

We were both pleased with our performances, SN finished 153rd overall, third Horwich lady in 25:32, and I placed 139th, 4th V60 out of 8, in 24:45 ~ sub 50 minute 10k pace!  SN pleased to have me in view throughout the race, and encouraged by shouts from Horwich supporters.

Marc Tillotson of BUH won the race in 15:46 and Maria Lowe of Astley and Tyldesley was first lady in 18:57.  219 finished.

More info at http://www.centrallancsgrandprix.blogspot.com/

Engilsh National Cross Country 2011

Yes I know it's not a fell race but yesterdays course was the closest I think a National Cross Country was going to get. Proper muddy it was, although in parts very sloppy mud, more akin to farmyard slurry but without the smell!

Things not looking good on the H&S front when part way through the event some of the juniors were being stretchered off the course on back boards with neck collars on. With the casualty list rising and the first aid tent full to bursting, the organisers decided to shorten the later courses to try and prevent further delays.

Upshot was that the womens course was downgraded to 3 x 2K laps of the top field, missing out the delicious-looking climb from the bottom field. Absolutely gutted, we'd have got two gos at this on the original course. Finished 428/552 on 37:25 (13 mins behind the winner), and first counter for Salford and 3 mins in front of my next team mate. We were two team mates short for a team. The others missed a treat!

My only previous appearance at a National Cross Country was in 2005 where I finished 415/451. If I remember correctly the grass was bowling green perfect!

TF

I'm Training for an Ironman

Warning - it contains a few expletives so don't play if offended.
Saw this on my daughter's facebook and thought it rather amusing


Then looked at related videos to find a similar one for marathon training (no expletives at all). Again worth 2 minutes of your time if you want a giggle (I need one after the past few weeks!).

Hope to UTUP in the morning

After three weeks of some very long days and very little running, I hope to be out with you lot in the morning.
I did manage to get out the Saturday before last for an enjoyable couple of hours with TLoB and last week went straight from a morning doing a Maths Masterclass at Uni to the Mid-Lancs XC at Blackpool.
I overdid it during the first lap and felt tired so lost a few places on the other three laps. Still my time and place was something I could only dream of 3 or 4 years ago, so shouldn't complain.

Utups

Not out now until Thurs 10th March. Plans for the next couple of weeks on organized events are as follows
Sat 19th Feb English National Cross Country at Alton Towers (chip timed event, whatever next!)

Sat 26th Feb - Noonstone
Sun 27th Feb - Dark and White Mini Mountain Marathon - 3hr Nav event on trails near Chesterfield

Sat 5th March - Black Combe
Sun 6th March - New Chew - Long 'O' 3.5hrs on Saddlewoth Moor

Debating how hard I should make the Thurs Hill Session on the 10th March as I'm out with YJ and NLN on the Haworth Hobble on Sat 12th March. Might need to go a bit easy in the spin class on the Friday night too!

TF

Amble ramble-ings

It all seems to have been said as far as the Amble and Winter Hill outings are concerned, except for my own particular observations.

Started the Amble feeling good with lots of effort early on keeping me in touch with NLN but the slippery conditions underfoot were soaking up a lot of energy from everyone and probably had an adverse effect on all our times.

The invisible cord that seemed to be keeping NLN on my heels during the middle section finally broke on the run across Darwen Moor from the tower. But the threat was ever present.

As far as Sunday is concerned the race went as well as I dared hope. TF was in sight for the last time just before the Shooting Hut and the descent to the bottom of the ramp showed me at my worst form. The climb was slow and easy and a good descent to the knoll followed and I declined a lift back from the marshals. Getting out of the dip was like climbing a greasy pole as all the vegetation had been scoured from the almost vertical slope by those ahead of me.

By the trig point it was obvious that I wouldn't make the cut off at the wooden bridge so I retired myself and took the easy way down to the bridge, arriving 10 minutes out of time.

Energy was not as much a problem as slow pace because once back at the car there was enough juice left to take me down the road to clock up nine miles on the Garmin.

Congratulations to all those who did complete, especially to EYJ on his impressive win.

My View

Yes EtU, that is me on the left in the nostalgia picture. I’m obviously becoming so senile that I don’t recognize myself any more. I had thought that the person on the right might be Ray Miller so I go along with that as well.

A view From the Back

Nostalgia

TLoB aka TMFtS is obviously having some sort of identity crisis, can you please decide which of these you are. I think you're about right with the year, as I had the BMW for 5 or 6 years and an Escort for about the same prior to that. The Montego was stolen from my driveway, probably very soon after the photo was taken.  I'll check my training diary, as I used to list all the Coope's Dozen participants.

However, whilst not wanting to disagree with all your posts, JtE, I think you've got the wrong John, surely that's you in the pink T shirt. Also TLoB/TMFtS is right with his Ray Miller identification, Colin Jones has never had that much hair, even when he was a hippie.

Amble

As was probably guessed, not a good day for me, I blame TF's Foxholes reps just two days before. Well done to NLN and YJ, who were both back almost two hours in front of me. For much of the event I progressed like a small child out shopping with an impatient parent; tucking in behind a walker and keep running a few steps, just to keep up.

Winter Hill

We all thought we had a star in EYJ and he proved it to the racing fraternity on Sunday. Onwards and upwards John. TF seemed puzzled that she was included with the Horwich photos, doesn't she know that she's an honorary member, not sure whether that's as a pin-up or a mascot though. Not spoken to YJ since Sunday, but he'd said that he didn't expect to finish; running to exhaustion seems to be just a part of his extraordinary training regime.

This Week

UTUPing Thursday and Saturday, then Bolton 5k on Sunday.

A few more pics from the weekend

http://www.justusuk.com/

Nostalgia continued

I think it must be 1997 or 98. Looking at the photo, I have short hair which means it can't be earlier than 1997 and I was down here by 1999. also I think the person with his back to us might be Ray Miller but I can't be certain.

TLoB

A Bit More Nostalgia

YJ, EtU, my good friend Dan, TLoB (in red for those who don’t know him) and, possibly, Colin Jones at the start of a Coope’s Dozen. When was this EtU? Does your car give you a clue?

Ambling Along

Another Anglezarke Amble completed with conditions on the day proving testing.  The mud and gore certainly took their toll on my legs which sort of died on me on the climb up to Great Hill – which I put down to not taking on enough fuel on the way round

But quite pleased with my time, albeit ten minutes slower than last year.   Going into the event, I didn’t feel as fit as last year, and with no Nic’O to pace me round I felt that 5.30 would be good, in the event the certificate registered 5.20 but having taken shoes off outside I reckon I could knock a couple of minutes off that.  I was inordinately pleased initially, as my Garmin was telling me I had completed in 5.09, but then I remembered I forgot to start it at the beginning of the event Doh!  Great to see friends old and new and a very sociable way to spend the day.

YJ had a storming run coming in seven or eight minutes in front of me and having taken the longer route across the track beyond the Strawberry Duck.  Training seems to be coming together this year after last year’s injuries.  FSS enjoyed his outing with a time of 4.22 followed by a 2.27 the next day at Winter Hill.

…and what a day that was – even marshalling was challenging in the wet conditions so hats off to TF, YJ and EYJ for turning out.  Full results can be found here.   A quality outing for EYJ, beating last year’s vet 65 silver medallist in the FRA English Championship – hope it lived up to your expectations after a 20 year running vacation!

Good to see JtE at White Coppice and for tea at the end, but no sign of EtU when we left the school house.  Look forward to hearing further tales of the day in due course. 

Some good photos of the Horwich contingent from yesterday by Mark Birbeck. Not sure how I managed to get on them and he missed EYJ, Albert and Rachel!

https://picasaweb.google.com/alastair.murray/WinterHill2011MarkBirbeck?authkey=Gv1sRgCJ7JpYqHnLOqwwE&feat=embedwebsite#

TF

Winter Hill 13/2/2011

Well done to EYJ on his triumph at Winter Hill today finishing 1st V70, with a time of 2:31:16.

My race didn't go so well as I failed to make my intended 2hr40 target, finishing with 2:42:21. Sub 2:40 finishers at Winter Hill, seem to clear the cut-off at Edale. Conditions were tough today, but if the weather's similar for Edale I don't think the cut-off Marshall will accept 'it's a been a bit wet and windy' as an excuse and allow me through.

YJ made the wise decision to retire. How he could summons up the enthusiam for a race in that weather after his previous day's efforts on the Amble I'll never know! Ray finished on a time of 2:53:08 which was extremely respectible if he did the Amble the day before (?).

EtU was laying odds on thursday evening as to the time differential between myself and EYJ for todays race. So a 10 secs difference on Foxholes works out at exactly 1min/mile on Winter Hill. Need to work on getting that down to 5 secs for Foxholes.

TF

ps A big thank you to the organizer and all the marshalls and helpers today. They definitely had a tough job, I was glad to be running, honest!

Amble Pictures

At White Coppice:

 

YJ arriving

 

“I hope that’s not NLN coming”

 

“Right, I’ll be off now”

 

“Hi, isn’t this good fun?”

 

All back to front.

 

“It’d be a laugh if I caught him up”

At the finish:

“I enjoyed that”

 

“ Yes, it was good”

 

Ray Miller was there. NLN knew him by sight. I met him for the first time on EtU’s Bob Graham recce of Blencathra, Skiddaw etc.

Monthly Hill Rep Session Thurs 10/02/11

3 participants - EtU, EYJ & TF, Location - Foxholes

Session consisted of 2min reps with a 30sec recovery to re-group, once at top of Foxholes jog recovery down Old Rake and Factory Hill to bottom of Foxholes

Start - Salt bin/Lamp post bottom of Foxholes

We did 2 x 2min reps and then one final rep to the top.

Times for complete 'Foxholes'
No. 1 - EYJ approx 7:25mins TF 7:39mins EtU 7:53mins
No. 2 - EYJ 7:29mins TF 7:40mins EtU 7:58mins
No. 3 - EYJ 7:28mins TF 7:38mins EtU 8:00mins

Should note that on his third 'Foxholes' EtU managed to cover more ground on the first 2min rep than EYJ and TF - he nearly managed it to the very narrow section with the terraced houses. His breathing rate at this point could have been counted by someone stood at the bottom of the hill!

Final recovery run starting on George's Lane to Jolly Crofters and then down to Chorley New Rd and back to the cars.

Total dist approx 6.5m - felt like 10m!

TF
ps next session Thurs 10th March @ 6:30pm

Tomorrow

Regrettably, I’m not up to participating in the Amble tomorrow but my intention is to be at White Coppice at about 12.00 to 12.15, complete with camera, to meet any of the gang that might turn up, and to try to accompany anyone who might be struggling a bit back to the finish. I’m finding that, although against advice, I am able to do a bit of running.

UTUP - planing on doing 3 'Foxholes' this time so need to head off from UTUP @ 6.30pm.  Prob take 40-45mins, then longish warm down (3m), starting from george's lane. 

A rainy day

My first trip north in 2011 and it rained! However, it didn't spoil a very pleasant morning out on the local moors with t'Y. Now I have to admit that the days when I could run up Two Lads and hurl insults at t'Y are gone forever; so much so that he had to keep running off and running back whilst I tried to keep going. We followed the Winter Hill route to the shooting huts (my first trip accross this particular path in the 2000s) and then up the long drag to the trig point. Down on to (an underwater) Georges Lane to the Pike (t'Y did Noon Hill as well) and then back.

So thanks to t'Y for a very enjoyable morning; it was apity that I didn't get to meet up with more of you but i will be up again the week before Easter, so maybe I will see you all then.

TLoB

Oh, and I almost forgot: Brentford FC are going to Wembley!!

This Week

Thursday 10th ~  UTUPing (if I get out of work on time), but note that we will have a smooth legged lady with us who'll want to do Foxholes reps.

Saturday 12th ~ Ambling.

Pennine Way Recce

Not much of a day for photos, but these two agreed to pose for the camera!


A notice on the gate further down the hill, suggested that some of the other residents wouldn't be so obliging.

Well done to everyone for putting up with my below par navigating yesterday. Blaming it on the good company and conversation for not keeping track of position on map!

TF

Pennine recce

Thanks to all who helped on the Pennine Way recce on Saturday, especially TF for shouldering the burden of navigation and to NLN for her racy stories of lady fell runners.

We covered 15 miles in just under 5 hours, almost 20 minutes per mile.

I will start work now on an overall schedule for the run and a schedule for all the pacers.

Weather tomorrow in Keighley

http://www.yr.no/place/United_Kingdom/England/Keighley_And_Worth_Valley_Railway_Station/hour_by_hour.html

This Week

UTUPing Thursday 3rd (is it today already?)

Saturday 5th Feb

Chris Beesley, aka The Lord of Brentford, aka The Marf from the Sarf, blogged on 29th Jan to ask if anyone is UTUPing this Saturday. Most of us seem to be doing a Pennine Way recce with YJ, but if anyone is UTUPing, could they please post, so that Chris knows what's happening. He promises not to talk too loudly.

View From Great End

With regard to JtE's commented query about the possibility of a glimpse of the Isle of Man from NLN's photo, Pillar is on a bearing of approx. 310^o from Great End, whereas the most northerly point of the Isle of Man, Point of Ayre is on a bearing of approx. 260^o, so probably not.

My money would be on somewhere in Dumfries and Galloway, or just a cloud formation.

But as Winnie the Pooh used to say, on the other hand I could be wrong, I often don't know what I'm talking about.

Keeping in touch

It's interesting to keep in touch by reading of your various exploits. Rather enviously I must admit. I'm off to Tenerife tomorrrow for a week to hopefully recharge my batteries. I've done a bit of running since my lastest injury and whilst my knee isn't 100% that isn't the problem. Whatever virus I picked up at the beginning of the year took a liking to my energy and has taken off with it and it's nowhere to be found. Consequently, a one hour lethargic plod round the park is the most I can manage. No change there, then. Anyone would think I was an old man! In fact, on reflection, everyone does think I'm an old man. It's a year since I was a Saturday morning regular. lt's time I was back.

That's Lyth

It was one of those days that gets off to a bad start. The 6 o'clock departure to Kendal for the That's Lyth LDWA event took a turn for the worse when access north to the M6 was closed and I ended up heading south. A quick turn round at Samlesbury put me on the right course and I ended up in Kendal to find all the public toilets closed (don't ask!).

But fortunately from there the day got steadily better. You know immediately you set off what sort of a run its going to be and so it was as I set off through the freezing streets for the first climb and I found myself in company with a lot of fit younger lads and lasses.

The route takes us over the limestone escarpments to the west and south west of Kendal and incorporates 3,300 feet of climbing over a mixture of roads, tracks and fields and a few scrambles down some almost sheer limestone faces off Whitbarrow Scar.

From there we headed for Witherslack and then back into the Lyth Valley which we crossed to Cotes Corner where NLN was dispensing tea and biscuits with her usual charm. The run in headed us back onto the limestone, this time Scout Scar and then back across the old racecourse where I managed to slip on the very last bit of exposed limestone taking a heavy fall and picking up a few bruises in the process - but no injuries of a lasting nature.

As I said the day had gradually got better and as the miles ticked by the watch showed progress that had not revealed itself in training. By the finish I had managed to beat last year's run by 32 minutes in a time that was the fastest for 9 years. Total time for the 23.57 miles was 4hrs 22mins 57secs at an average of 11.09mins per mile. The fastest mile time was 8mins 56secs (twice) and the slowest (descending from Whitbarrow Scar) was 16mins 35secs.

Lakes Weekend

Fantastic weekend filled with sun, summits and socialising it doesn’t get much better than this!  Arriving early in Great Langdale the conditions were perfect cold, frosty and firm under foot but without a cloud in the sky, the sunshine looked every bit as good as the forecast predicted. 

A frosty Great Langdale with clear blue skies above

Not long after setting off from the Old Dungeon Ghyll we were forced to de-layer on the climb up Rosset Gyll to Esk Hause, meeting Kev Davison (the Navigator FRA) en route.  

Rosset Ghyll with Rosset Pike on the right

A frozen Angle Tarn with Great End peaking over Esk Hause

Bowfell with Angle Tarn below

Sunshine on Angle Tarn

We parted company on the summit of Great End, with Kev going on to Scafell Pike and us returning to Esk Hause before going on to Esk Pike and Bowfell. 

Kev and FSS with Scafell Pike between them

Highest summit in England!

Wisps of cloud gathering in Mickledore

Great Gable from Great End

             Gable, again

Pillar (centre) then Black Crags, Scoat Fell with Steeple behind – from GE

Just below Bowfell summit we met up with Dave Makin and the other Achille Ratti lads who had started at Dunmail to run back to the ODG as a recce for Dave’s impending Joss this year.  We then clambered over the Crinkles.  I made a bit of a show of meself going down the Bad Step, which I’ve done many times before with no problem but perhaps the degree of caution required in running over the hard packed snow and ice in some parts resulted in a bit of shilly shallying on the down-climb.   Lucky FSS was there to look after me! 

The last climb of the day over Harrison Stickle before the descent to the car at the ODG, where we decided to take light refreshments from the bar.   Of course, the AR lads were already in residence and we joined them in a glass or two before returning to the hut along the valley.   The day gave us 12.7m with 5,148ft climbed.

Pike O’Stickle

Interesting ice formations on the grass

At bishops Scale, after a hot shower, Dave’s wife Jan and co. laid on a splendid repast of pie and peas for about 30 or so runners/walkers.   After supper, some hardy folk returned to the ODG, however, we were content to sit by the log burner with a glass of wine before retiring.

Sunday morning and a leisurely start to the day with me dropping FSS in Ambleside at about 9.00am to run over Wansfell, Garburn Rd etc (you can read about it on his blog) to me at George’s Garage, on the outskirts of Levens, which is the final checkpoint on That’s Lyth, (LDWA event) where I was marshalling for the day.  A cold day in the garage, but great conditions for the runners/walkers – of which there were 299 starters, all of whom passed by or through the garage.  Great to pass the time of day with so many familiar faces, one of which was our own YJ, who just ran in to say hello as he was having a great run and didn’t want to lose the momentum for the last five miles – look forward to reading about it YJ  :)  The first man through was at 10.13am for interest.

Quality weekend had by all!  Hope the piccies capture a bit of it!

NLN

Yesterday

Started at UTUP yesterday and went by Ammunition Corner and Hordern Stoops to Great Hill. Then by the Brinscall triangle to White Coppice and via the reservoirs back to the barn. The old leg performed without the slightest problem and there are no after effects today. Disappointingly however my lower back problem re-emerged and I struggled over the last half mile. It felt good to be back on one of our familiar routes again after so long. I was interested to see the new fencing and gating system now installed on the latter part of the triangle, presumably as part of the development of the bridle path.

The purpose of this outing was to test my capability of doing the 16 mile Amble in two weeks time. It seems that I am still unfit at this stage and that participation might be unwise.

12.2 miles. 3 hours 57mins!

 

I will be in Bolton next weekend so hope to meet up with you then. Please let me know if it is any different from UTUP.
TLoB

Just a trio this morning

It was good to join Ed & EYJ this morning for a few hours on Winter Hill.
I decided to take my camera but checked it to find battery just about flat so these were taken with my mobile phone camara. The one with all three of us was a pot luck, point it back towards us and hope. At 0°C you can't hang around!

This Week

UTUPing today 27th

and Saturday 29th.

More From Chernobyl...

...well not from your actual Chernobyl, if you see what I mean.

Now that Jon Schofield has posted results on his website, it's easier to see that SN was placed 5th out of 14 in her category, whilst I just managed to sneak into the top half of mine, placing 8th out of 16.

Chernobyl 10K

Good stuff :- a fast, flattish course on mostly tarmac surfaced, traffic free tracks, lots of space on the park and ride only 5 minutes walk from the start (just as well as no ride available).

Bad stuff :- from a malodorous pub with unsavoury locals, downing pints of lager at about 10:45 a.m, instant coffee in plastic cups for £1.25 (£0.50 at Garstang), faulty lock on the only cubicle in the men's toilet that resulted in two ladies (I knew you always went in pairs) bursting in on me, when they thought the coast was clear!

Just SN and me from the wfdbwgua squad with Big Little Brother Swift putting in a guest appearance. BLB well inside the hour, which had been a target only a few months ago, in 58:01 (352nd), but slightly miffed because he hadn't seen the finish in time to muster the sprint that would have seen off the two ladies with whom he had been to-ing and fro-ing for most of the race. SN 291st in 53:33, having thoroughly enjoyed the race, but slightly disappointed not to have crept nearer the 50 minute mark that seems to have emerged recently as a target for several of us. I was pleased with my 232nd place in 51:19, just 13 seconds a mile outside the elusive 50.

Race won by Jon Fletcher of Border Harriers in 33:24, first lady (19th overall) was Philippa Maddams of Keswick AC in 38:30. Phillipa is presumably the wife of Russell Maddams, also Keswick AC  (formerly of Horwich RMI) who placed second in 33:41.

422 finished.

And yes, YJ we know you want to know, first MV70 was Mr (!) Robson of Manchester Tri in 53:29, but John, you've got to be in it to win it!

Note to SN :- the red vest and the purple T shirt clashed somewhat, perhaps a white T shirt next time.

EYJ Rides Again!

Good to see EYJ on top of Two Lads on Saturday morning, after he had been missing for several weeks, following his fall on the ramp towards the end of 2010, as previously reported by NLN.

NLN, YJ and I had rendezvoused at the UTUP, before heading for the meet, where EYJ told us of his injured ribs and head wound ~ he's now a fully accredited member of the wfdbwgua group.

On our way to the Trespass Stone (well we did have NLN with us) we played the usual Saturday morning game with a herd of cows (of both sexes) and taking advice from our on-board bovine expert, we made a wide detour to avoid the bull with all his bits intact.

Back at the Bottom Barn I peeped in to see if Nic'O and JtE had arrived but no sign of them at 12:15.

I'll leave YJ to complete the details of the outing, as I baled out on Spitlers, after EYJ had turned for home at Hordern Stoops, leaving NLN and YJ to head off for Round Loaf.

'The Hebden' Sat 22nd Jan

Might eventually turn up on time for this one day! Was just about to leave home when I realised I hadn't sent the oldest nephew his birthday present (via amazon). I make it to junction 19 on the M60 only to join the back of a queue, 7:20am on a Saturday morning!! Some degree of luck made it a short wait, but opting to take the safer (but longer) driving route via Todmorden to Mytholmroyd I arrived at the registration just in time to see everyone depart.

Lots of excuse me's and thank you's later, I got past the walkers to join the back of the runners. Wouldn't want to miss this one, a cracking route and fantastic food on route and at the finish. A nice steady pace saw me round in 5hr02mins, over 30mins improvement on the last time. Didn't suffer with the dreaded cramp this time. I have since learnt that one person walking the route sadly died during the event. Condolences must be extended to their family and hopefully they'll be comforted by the fact that their relative was enjoying life to the end. You couldn't not do on this route.

Having somehow managed to get my name on the start list for 3 Peaks, Sundays leg stretcher was a gentle trundle up and down Pen-y-Ghent.

Next out on the 5th feb for NUTNUP!

TF

Saturday 22nd - Post-run Plan

Looking forward to UTUP-ing tomorrow.   There is a plan that JtE and Nic'O will be around for a coffee and catch up at the LB cafe at about 12.15pm if anyone would like to join us.

NLN

Pennine Way reece

On 5th Feb TF, NLN, EtU and myself will be doing a Pennine Way recce in preparation for my 70 at 70ish attempt on May 28th. If anyone else is interested we can perhaps organise enough to justify another car. An earlyish start is contemplated (exact time to be decided by democratic means) and an out and back route is planned totalling 20 miles from Cowling (MR965427) to MR947324 between Widdop Res and Walshaw Dean Res.

The next possible date for a recce is March 5th.

All offers of help for all or part of the 70 mile run on May 28th will be most welcome. I will be shortly launching a sponsorship appeal for Help the Heroes, though any costs incurred by helpers will be deemed to be sufficient contribution.

I shall be UTUPing on Saturday 22nd planning a warm-up run through Lever Park starting about 08 00 and returning by 08 25. Are there any other insomniacs?

This week

Thursday 20th UTUP

Saturday 22nd UTUP

Sunday 23rd Chernobyl 10k

Rain and Mud

Last Saturday I decided to make the effort and UTUP. It was good to see EtU, YJ and TA at the start and as they ran off towards the Top Barn I started on my own walk. I basically took the “standard route” to Healey Nab but kept to the bridle route passing beneath the Nab instead of forking left at the appropriate point to gain the summit. This brought me out onto the tarmac road leading to Heapey which I took until right turning to White Coppice. From there I took the bridle path towards Brinscall for a short distance before turning back and taking the direct route to Waterman’s Cottage, then skirting Anglezarke, High Bullough and Yarrow reservoirs back to the barn.

Not having turned out since the 17th. July last year I had forgotten the pleasure there is in starting early to spend the morning in the rain and wading through mud. I must do it more often.

9.25 miles. 2 hours 55 mins!

White Holme Circular (12m/1200ft) Sun 16th Jan 2011

Thought it'd be straight forward this one, gentle ease into racing at the start of the new year. But it was a battle of all the 'elements' involved in fell running from the off.

First element, Mandy and Wayne. Who caught up with me at the queue for the first style. So much for the racing start.

Second element, the wind and rain. Had to be careful not to run to close to the drainage ditch that circles the Turley Holes plateau, just in case you got blown in and had to swim round.

Finally the third and surprise element (at least for me). Agility test. At about the halfway point the open drainage ditch became a smaller closed one. Route choice was deep, peaty mud or running along the top of a 2ft wide cylindrical concrete tube. I managed to find a picture of part of it here, it's the bigger one on the left in the centre of the picture.

http://picasaweb.google.com/Walkingmum/0903BlackstoneEdgeWarland#5308285683822199474

If it'd been smooth all along it's length it wouldn't have been too bad, but it was obviously made in sections joined together, as about every three foot there was a wider bit sticking out from the tube (the joint, I presume). So trying to stay on the top, and also not trip yourself up was extremely testing.

Came back in about 2hrs 10mins, a minute or so ahead of Wayne and a couple ahead of Mandy. Apparently according to the organizer it was the best turn out they'd had on the most miserable day for running the race.

I'm off to do the 'Hebden' next Saturday and away the following week so won't be out for a utup for the next two Saturdays.

TF

When miles matter

Saturday's outing was again limited to a small, but enthusiastic, group of EtU, TA and myself, having had a short warm up through Lever Park before the others turned up.

Already on the car park as I returned was JtE who was out for a walk training session with the Amble in mind. We parted in opposite directions.

Our route, intended to extend our usual mileage, was via the Top Barn, Ammunition Corner, Horden Stoops, Belmont and then through the dye works to eventually pick up the track via Dog Bucket Farm to the track below Catherine's Edge. By the time we reached the car park on the Tockholes road in high wind and driving rain EtU was feeling the strain of a strenuous week and some back pain and decided on a return to the Lower Barn by way of Spittlers Edge. TA and I accompanied with him till we had to turn off for Great Hill where the wind strength had further increased. From there we did the Brinscal triangle, White Coppice and back to Rivington Green in calmer weather.

We had already decided that we would again take on the bovine hordes in the field by the green but they had obviously had wind of our agressive intentions and the field was empty, except for the tell-tale cow pats that marked their dojo.

So we escaped to live another day, myself having covered 19.92 miles in 4hrs 23mins 2secs - an average of 13mins 54 secs per mile - with a total ascent of 2821 ft.

Saturday 15th Jan

I shall be UTUPing tomorrow, hoping for a longish run.

Ribble Valley 10k

Information is now showing that the 2010 event is not being rescheduled and the sub-group of wfdbwgua road runners will be getting their money back. Ah well, £12 towards a more worthy cause. I'm sure I'll find one!

TF

Marsden-Edale Rucksack Club Outing

Last Friday evening saw FSS and I making our way to Hayfield to friends who live just above the village.  I spent a lovely comfortable night on the sofa bed whilst Ian and Helen formed part of the contingent completing the night section of this historical RC event.  The contenders battled their way through atrocious conditions from Edale to Marsden in the black of night, with rivers almost impassable due to the heavy rain.  The tops of Black Hill (in particular) Bleaklow and Kinder were treacherous with hard packed snow and ice covered with running water.  Despite this16 hardy beasts, set off to complete the 'Double'.  It was never Helen's intention to do the Double, but she was joined by several others at Marsden, who took the decision that the return journey was not for them in these conditions. 

An early start saw Rae, I and Katie driving to Marsden to traverse back to Edale whilst Helen (happily) picked up the childcare duties taking Katie, home.  By this time the rain had stopped thankfully, but conditions were still difficult with the rivers in speight being the main problem, but the return journey was made.  The five of us meeting in the pub at the end.  Sadly the Old Nag's Head was closed for some reason but fortunately there is a back up in the village. 

You can get some idea of the conditions and the amount of water on FSS's Blog

http://www.justusuk.com

Next out on Sat 22nd UTUP.

Going Soft

I'm allowed a little treat occasionally. All the weekends under canvas or in my case Kerlon 1200 (having now invested in a Hilleberg Akto Tent) allow me to sample some of life's luxuries. Can't beat relaxing in the hot tub looking across to the hill you've just done a few reps round. Bit chilly getting in and out mind, as it was an outdoor one.

The Losehill House Hotel (www.losehillhouse.co.uk) was ideally situated for last weekend's little excursion. A 3 night break with Dinner, Bed and Breakfast and 2 spa treatments. A full body massage after the 16m on Saturday and Facial after Sunday's time trial. My room had commanding views over to Win Hill. Food was delicious, Masterchef style and spoilt for choice. Would highly recommend it.

TF

This Week

UTUP Thursday 13th

UTUP Saturday 15th

Got my fell calender early in the new year, but then, I pay by standing order.

What's this mention of an hotel, TF, getting soft in your old age?

Interesting that despite my age, lack of form, weight and general disability, I was fifth in the 2010 Horwich RMI fell championship.

But that pales into insignificance behind Nic'O's third place in the ladies' championship. Well done that lass!

Well I've done it....

Entry now in for for the 3 Peaks. 15 weeks to go to get myself race fit, with a small matter of Edale Skyline at week 11.

Training started in earnest this weekend with a recce of the Edale Skyline route. Starting at Losehill (Hotel was on side of Losehill) and round to Jaggers Clough on Saturday and the remainder (Win Hill) on Sunday. Sunday's shorter route allowed a bit of testing of timings for 'racing line' vs 'main path' route up to the summit of Win Hill . Didn't quite pan out as I expected. I was 15 secs quicker on 'main path' and ran this route after I'd run the 'racing line'.

Could be a tough call on race day. 'Racing line' is more sheltered from prevailing winds, but a narrower path/trod which could make passing runners awkward, always assuming I'm close enough to get past anyone. 'Main path' is more exposed, but could be better running especially if it's been really wet the week before race and makes passing other runners easier. The other 'racing lines' offered on the race map were obvious quicker routes, especially given the underfoot conditions on Saturday on some sections.

Will be out hopefully on thurs for a utup and some hill reps. Saturday I'm at the hairdressing utup so have looked up the race diary and found myself a nice 'little' 12 miler to do from Littleborough on the Sunday instead. Anyone received their paper copy of the Fell Calendar yet? Still not got mine and it was posted out on the 14th Dec. Mind you I'm still receiving xmas cards at the moment, one arrived from Knutsford today!

Saturday

Interesting to read of EtU’s encounter with the Rivington beasts. It sounds just like my experience. I have it on good authority that, because a cow doesn’t like to be hit on the nose, the best thing to do is to give it a good slap using your bum bag. I think to do that would take some courage. The beast might think “OK pal, if that’s the way you want to play it……………”

Coincidentally on Saturday morning I walked from the Lower Barn to White Coppice and back (parking at the side of EtU at about 9.00am). I whimpishly decided that in order to keep my feet dry I would avoid the mess at the bottom of the steps near Rivington Green. I went via the Bowling Club instead and I’m glad that I did!

Old Man, Same Old Story

Saturday saw the Swift bros repeating, in reverse, last week's tour of Healey Nab, the Brinscall Triangle, Great Hill and Spitlers Edge (this week's order) in the slightly faster time of 3:11 ~ 13.09 miles.

Slight drama approaching Rivington Green as we mixed it with the cows that had harassed JtE some months earlier. YJ had skipped past the bovine blockade, but I became engaged in a sort of Mexican stand-off with fairly determined beast that instead of backing off, moved menacingly forward. Whilst not wanting to show fear, I noted that the fence behind me had an uncomfortable looking topping of barbed wire. However, loud shouting and a threatening posture (not usually my style) seemed to persuade the beast that it shouldn't bother and I was able to reach the gate with my body and most of my dignity intact.

Sunday saw us both (that's me and YJ rather than me and the cow) toe the line for the Garstang 10k. Suffice to say that YJ took the MV70 prize in 48:21, almost 9 minutes ahead of the second placed man in his age group, and 160th overall in a field of 350 finishers. The race was won by David Rigby of Preston Harriers in 32:45, whilst I finished 248th in 53:25. Not a good time, but not too disappointing after the flu and the resultant bad chest.

Lets see what the Chernobyl 10k brings on the 23rd.

Random Christmas New Year Outings

Christmas was a time of full on flu for FSS and with me just recovering from the same, our walking boots have not seen as much action for a long time, as running was out of the question.  Very enjoyable it was ‘though and gave us the time to stop and stare and put the world to rights on our outings on the paths and tracks from our front door.

 

This rather handsome beast was so disappointed when we left him that he took to head butting the fence post…  extraordinary behaviour

A couple of fields later another bunch of curious critters appeared, perhaps thinking we had some tasty treats for them.   Below some random snow scenes over the Christmas hols.

Family Christmas, complete with snow scenes… lovely.  Well at least one of my boys knows when to strike a pose :)

This little church is older than me, quite a vintage then, my Dad bought it the Christmas before I arrived in January and it ‘s been on show every Christmas since.  Don’t know what I’ll do when the bulb needs changing!  Don’t think you can buy this kind any more.

Sunday 2nd Jan and we were both well enough to join Lostock for their New Year’s run, where Haggis was served at the Two Lads.  Above setting off from Top Barn, and below at the Pike.

 

 

Snow gone now from Borsdane Wood revealing a small clutch of copper beech amongst the fallen leaves.

Finally, on Monday a short outing saw us out and about over Winter Hill.  Making our way up to Two Lads a runner with a familiar gait was on his way down, we were delighted to see EYJ, who was out on a recovery run of his own having taken a very nasty fall on the ramp the previous week.   Speedy recovery EYJ and let’s hope you’re fully recovered for Winter Hill FR.

Sending out Happy Birthday Wishes to Nic’O and hoping the foot recovers well enough to re-join the Saturday boys and girls

Out with Rucksack Club this Saturday.  Annual Marsden to Edale outing over Kinder, Bleaklow, Black Hill etc about 25 miles for me.  However there is a strong tradition of doubling and this is what FSS will be doing, setting off at 10.00pm Friday night from Marsden to Edale and then back again with those of us just making the one crossing – great fun.

NLN

This Week

Thursday 6th UTUP

Saturday 8th UTUP

Sunday Garstang 10k

Sorry to hear of your troubles Matt, I'll be thinking of you on Sunday.

Did (Does?) Vince Lombardi Run the Fells?

Apparently Vince Lombardi said that "The greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall."

We must find out more about this man.

New Year - Old problems

What enthusiasm! Meeting at 8.30 on New Years morning to go running. Wasn't that about the time we used to get home at New Year?

A couple of months ago I wrote on the blog(slightly tongue in cheek) that my running objectives were no longer to increase the speed and length of my runs but to increase the duration between injuries, and my target was to get to the end of the year without any further mishap. On New Years Eve morn I woke up with a cold and went for a run in the late afternoon to try to sweat it out. About 20 minutes into the run my knee gave way and trying to run it off just spread the problem through the thigh to the hip. So I finished up hobbling home. I missed my target by about 7 hours. It reminds me of the London Marathon when my time was 1min 38 secs outside that required to give me automatic entry for life. The Nearly Man.

The run was a double whammy because far from sweating the cold out, it seems to have sweated it in. My body's night-time default setting of; Sleep with minor interruptions, has changed to; Cough with minor interruptions. I've barked so much that people have been asking if we've got a new dog. "No", replies Christina, "Just an old one". I don't wish to over-exaggerate but I now drink my water from a bowl, have a staple diet of Pedigree Chum, and have been entered for Crufts. In an attempt to find a cure I've bought a book called "A Permanent Solution to Throat Problems" by Ivor Sharpacks. Apparently his methods are extreme but he guarantees success. Now that's what I call, "Putting your head on the block". Speaking of dogs there used to be a guy at work called Fido. Don. You couldn't get much closer to Dog Fido could you? Fido drove a Rover. We had site at Barking and thought he should apply to become a supervisor there. On his internal and inter-company correspondence he could then have signed himself; D. Fido, Barking Supervisor.

Seriously, I was intending to do the Garstang 10k, knowing that EtU and YJ would probably be taking part. It would have been an opportunity to see how close I was to Saturday morning standards. However whilst my canine impersonations are declining the knee is still swollen and quite tender. It seems a wimpish word, tender, used in the context of running. A pink-coloured word. Blancmangy in substance.

Good luck to those who are racing this weekend . Is TF trying to establish a reputation for racing or for being racy?

You all keep on running and I'll keep on getting injured.

This tickled me, whilst reading the instructions on how to get to one event

Sign-Posting: There won't be any signs. If you are on A640 and going in the right direction, you can't miss the assembly area. If you can't find it, orienteering isn't the sport for you.

Especially as I missed my turning to get to my orienteering event at Arnside Knotts on Saturday morning. I paid better attention to my map later on, so much so that I'm now sporting a lovely set of scratches across my face and upper lip where a tree failed to move out of my way.

Not good, when you're 'front of house' on the registration desk at the Cross Country race the following morning. The polite ones didn't ask if it was drink-related!

TF

Go Outdoors ~ Sale

Received the following from Mark Sammon:-

Just wanted to let you know that Go Outdoors have a sale on for today (3rd Jan) only. Some running gear is now 50% off.

I have just bought a pair of new Inov-8 Mudclaw 333s (RRP £75) for £37.50 from my local store but offers are available online too.

Regards,

Mark

And then there were two....

Saturday's outing was a quiet start to the New Year with just EtU, SN and myself toeing the line. EtU was obviously improving from his attack of lurgy and lasted a little further than the previous Thursday, staying with us as far as Healey Nab.

With the team reduced to two we headed for White Coppice, the Brinscal triangle and thence to Great Hill, Spittler's Edge, Hordern Stoops, Amunition Corner and back to the lower barn in a time of 3 hrs 13 mins 27 secs, an average of 14 mins 42 secs for each of the 13.16 miles we covered. Total climbing was 1720 ft.

It is interesting that we had done a slightly shorter (12 miles) but otherwise similar route in reverse the equivalent day 12 months earlier in 3 hrs 6 mins which should be encouraging for both of us as we found the tussocky run from Great Hill exhausting.

I plan to be at the UTUP next Saturday though my distance will probably be influenced by the Garstang 10K race the following day.

Auld Lang Syne

Well done TF – looked a bit chilly out there!  Another Horwich runner Mark Birbeck won a prize for his interpretation of Fellvis LMAO when I saw this one!

Photo courtesy of bob Wightman http://picasaweb.google.com/BobEWightman/AuldLangSyne31122010#

Where I think you might view the other image referred to – excellent sport TF :)

'Trinny & Suzannah Lost Cause'.

Their 'magic' knickers don't work on everyone. If ever there was an extra incentive needed to start the new year on a diet, this is it. If anyone is offended by having the photo on the blog then please say so and EtU will remove it.

TF