A Flying Visit To Madrid

Flew out to Madrid on Friday morning and was pleased when disembarking to find the weather not too hot. Registered for the Marathon without too much difficulty, although I did resort to pointing at my my map and pleading "por favor" more than once.

The difficulty was in finding the right bus out to La Cabrera, a small town about 40 miles north east of Madrid where Jorge's (our Spanish son-in-law) parents lived. However this obstacle was overcome and I homed in on the Spanish in-laws. Some difficulty in communicating as Hazel had failed to teach me the Spanish for "pasta's good the day before a marathon" or "I've got to stay well hydrated".

Saturday morning, went for a stroll and was impressed by the line of crags overlooking the village. They reminded me of a mini Cullin; another volcano rim?

...but not impressed by the registration number of Jorge's father's car in which we were to travel to the start!

On another walk later in the day after Rachel, Jorge, Sam and Sarah had arrived, we heard a loud clattering from the top of the church.

It was a pair of storks getting aquainted.

Then on Sunday it was an early start to get to the race, with warmer weather than I had seen since arriving.

The field was about 8,500 strong, and it took four minutes to cross the line. Most of the first quarter of the race was uphill, the middle half was gradual downhill, then most of the last 10k was uphill again, but by then it was getting quite warm and despite the regular 5k water stations I was begining to suffer. However the finish eventually arrived without my pace dropping too much (no splits published yet) and it was good to be able to stop punishing my weary legs any longer.

Very few Brits were in evidence; my main contact was with trio of ladies from Coventry, who I identified as Brtish by hearing the bossy one instructing the wild one about how to get her stop-watch back on song. The bossy one beat me by a few seconds, the wild one who couldn't fix her watch dropped back by about five minutes after suffering from my usual complaint, but I don't know what happened to the poorly one who'd been in bed with the flu during the week ~ I know you're meant to rest up before a marathon, but that's a bit extreme!

Final result:- 1st Moses Arusei in 2:10:58, 1st lady Girma Tadesse in 2:35:28, Yours Truly, 6,784th in 4:21:06 (chip) 4:25:15 (clock) 8,583 finished.

Anybody know anything about copyright legislation?

On a happier note, TBIL placed 3rd V60 at London in 3:05.

Blogging

In response to TF’s comments on posting, suggest downloading Windows Live Writer.  Just google it –free to download and makes posting stuff much much easier, especially if you’re uploading pictures.  Been using it for ages now and recommended it to JtE who started using it about a year ago I think.

Weekend

Having set off with not a cloud in the sky very early Saturday morning, a little disappointing to find the high fells in the Lakes a little clagged in at the start of the Grasmere Lakes and Tarns event.  However, this soon cleared and a glorious day evolved although not in time to get the best views from the summit of Fairfield.  A good 20 mile outing with 6,565ft of climbing, which might explain why my quads are creaking going down stairs today

Piccies will be here soon.

Another Lakes weekend coming up – so not out this Saturday

NLN

 

Weekend Update

Sat 16th April Ras Y Moelwyn 10.5m/2800

The course runs through old mine workings and the surrounding hills of Blaenau Ffestiniog. I had to miss this race last year having been called up for road relay duties, so was keen to see what I'd had to give up.

Turned out to be a bit of a shock to the system all the wet rocks after months of peaty bogs. Even had to navigate on my own for a stretch after pulling away from the runners behind. They soon caught me up as I slowed negotiating a really rocky ridge in the mist with map and compass in hand. Mind you I had left a trail of blood for them to follow having scratched the index finger of left hand. For such an apparent tiny scratch it continually poured forth copious red stuff. Had to keep hiding it from the marshalls just in case they retired me.

A bit of navigating cock-up (yes I'd put the compass away 'cos I could 'see' where I was going) coming off the last hill meant I lost a place. I felt my time (approx 2hr20mins) was very slow compared to recent results. But will be back sometime to do it 'properly'.

Sun 17th April Rab Mini Mountain Marathon - Hope Valley

Stewards enquiry ongoing. It looks as though I'm going to be hit with time penalties for this one. The area in question is just south of Castleton. As you can see from the map below



there are 2 small areas of out of bounds (red hatchings) and some paths/ROW (green lines). Red numbers on map are the control numbers, blue ones are the point score. I'd got number 15, then number 12 and had intended on going to number 10 next. However runner in front headed off right. I hadn't considered 7, but did now seeing that it was 15 points.

Now the crux! Dropped down to the green line to find a 4ft6 wall (remember previous measuring aid), the 'official' path being on other side, but I was on a pretty well marked trod/path. Ran alongside wall to the control 7, where gaps in wall allowed access, at no point did I climb over anything more than 2 inches high. From 7 dropped down into Castleton to use paths to get to 10. I didn't do as some did which was to cut across the out of bounds area!!

I finished with over 10mins spare, so await with interest how they'll sort this out as I guess I'm not the only one. My full route measured approx 13m with 2500ft. Numbers 4, 13, 14, 18, 21, 11, 19, 17, 20, 15, 12, 7, 10, 3 and 1. Not in the frame for any prizes this year, but it just shows how careful you need to be with this trail-running malarky, can't go running willy-nilly like you can on 't fells.

TF

ps is anyone else having problems when switching between 'edit html' and 'compose'? I'm spending ages on layout of 'text' just so you don't get one block paragraph to read. It's definitley altered from before Xmas. This ps is a case in point as I'm not going back into 'compose' just in case I have to realign all the paragraphs again. Very fustrating. TF

Heading North

Another great Lakeland event tomorrow.  Grasmere Fells and Tarns, visiting the fabulous Fairfield.  Let's hope the weather is as good as last Saturday when we enjoyed lots and lots of the Dales.  Some piccies here.  Have a great weekend everybody.


NLN

Saturday April 16th

I will be UTUPing on Saturday. Will anyone else be there?

Coniston 14

A report of last week's Coniston 14 road race can be seen here.

This Week

Thursday 14th ~ UTUP for a gentle meander on t'fell.

Saturday 16th ~ rest day

...and to respond to YJ's jibe on his http://www.70at70forheroes.blogspot.com/ 

Pardone senor, donde estan los aseos, por favor ~ which for those of you not fluent in Spanish, roughly translates as:- "ay oop, mucker wus t'next facilities".

Todays Run

Don't know about everyone else, but how good was that to be out in the sun? My run today was a recce of the permitted training route for the first two peaks of the 3 Peaks Fell Race. Being a girl on a mission meant a lack of photos but Pen y Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough (viewed from a distance) were looking their best.

The run started with a timed 'effort' to the summit of Pen y Ghent and then a steady pace run to Ribblehead. The permitted route then follows the tourist route up Whernside, adding no feet of climb but does add an extra 2 miles compared to the race route. A bit slower pace dodging all the 3 Peak Walkers. Overhearing some conversations I didn't like the sound of the 7am start that some of them had. My 10am one would have sounded positively decadent in comparison!

I managed to get to the Hill Inn in a total of 4hrs, which although 30 mins outside the allowed race time, I felt that come race day I might just be able to shave a few mins, hopefully 31 of them, off this time. Refreshed with a glass of fizzy pop, I completed the final mile and a bit road run back to the Station Inn at Ribblehead. The glass of fizzy pop here was fortified with a bit of alcohol, proud to have completed my longest solo off-road recce run.

Next week I can be available for a utup on Thurs, or will join the fast'uns at Wilderswood. Saturday I'm off to Wales for a go at a Welsh Mountain called Moelwyn.

TF

Utups

I'm off to do a bit of recceing for YJ's 70@70 tonight so not available for a or b, so guess it's c.

Saturday I'm back to Horton-in-Ribblesdale for final long recce for 3 Peaks.

TF

Easter Saturday

YJ and I are planning an early start, travelling up to the Old Dungeon Ghyll and attacking Scafell Pike via Rosset Ghyll. Then back to Horwich for the Pike Race. Anyone else interested?

This Week

Thursday 7th ~ three choices:-

a.   Foxholes reps, 6:45 guess where!

b   Fielden Cup, http://www.horwichrmiharriers.co.uk/articles/?p=1939

c.   None of these.

I'm opting for "b".

Saturday 9th ~ I'm UTUPing ~ EYJ, will you be on Two Lads?

Edale Skyline

Was beginning to think I'd dreamt the whole thing!

But there I am at number 231, with 20% of the field finishing behind me (not including DNF's) http://www.dpfr.org.uk/#pages/show/skyline

Saturday Utup

Just me, YJ and EtU for this one. The usual road circuit of Winter Hill or aka 'Bolton 40' circuit (or one third of it.) This was to be EtU's last long road run before the Madrid Marathon on 17th April.

I had a few bail-out options, but in the end the company was so agreeable that I completed the full circuit, including the time trial from the Black Dog to Horden Stoops. I only just managed to hold off YJ, who'd already run an extra 4.9m earlier in the morning and EtU who was saving himself for the additional Anglezarke loop. Just the 14m for me, EtU probably 18/19m and YJ nearer 25 ('cos I'm sure he'd have done an extra loop to make sure)

Time Trial Results 1.2 miles / ? ft
TF 12:34
YJ 12:54
EtU 14:44

TF

Pics from Santon

A fine English Longhorn on Irton Park Estate.

Late afternoon sun on the Screes.

Britain's favourite view from the pumping station.

Saurday 2nd April

YJ and I will be UTUPing, but plan to do a long road run to further my preparation for the Madrid Marathon 15 days later.

Liver Hill

Just three Horwich reps last night at the Marl Pits, for this first evening fell race of the season; Paul Boardman, EYJ and yours truly, and, fairly predictably, that was our finishing order.

No results yet (PS now at  http://www.rossendaleharriers.co.uk/results/2011LiverHill.pdf  ) but from seeing him as he descended, Paul was probably in the first quarter of the field, EYJ was a good five minutes in front of me and I ran 54 something, about ten places from the back.

It's a curious little race, with a serpentine and undulating start, followed by about 2 miles across flattish, but stile-studded, fields with a bit of a rough climb at the turn, which in the fading light could pass for open fell. Time is lost on the run out, making way for the descending early runners at the stiles, but for us at the tail end of the field, the way was clear on our descent.

Ex-Harrier Danny Hope was in second place half way down the descent, so it will be interesting to see how he finished when the results are published. Jan Atkins finished a minute or two in front of me and was expressing an interest in our 70at70; her clubmate had been on your blog, John, and there were a few Lostock lads there that EYJ seemed to know.

A cream egg for each finisher and scruffy but very effective showers in the clubhouse, with the water just the right temperature.

Post Race Musings

No official results as yet, but to continue the stats theme here are mine from Sunday's race. YJ had very kindly sent me some of his stats from his Edale race in 2000 so that I'd have something to extrapolate for some timings for my race. I hope he won't mind me reproducing them for comparison. In YJ's race, he reached the half-way point (Mam Nick) in 2hrs4mins. I decided to add 5 mins for each split which would get me there in 2hrs24mins, a good 5mins inside the cut off time.

So armed with this information I knew what time I needed to hit each summit. I had 4 mins in hand at Win Hill and 7 mins ahead of schedule by Lose Hill, so was fairly confident of making the cut. So in the end 16 mins clear, which meant I could enjoy a leisurely cup of orange squash to celebrate.

In my calculations I'd added a further 5mins for each section in the second half to gain a 'best possible' finish time of about 5hrs or a more realistic 10mins a section to get about 5:20-5:30 finish time. In the terms of 'best laid plans' and all that here's what happened on the Edale Skyline (times taken between CPs)

TF -Ringing Roger 18 mins YJ - Ringing Roger 16:52
TF -Win Hill 51mins YJ - Win Hill 46:41
TF - Lose Hill 38mins YJ - Lose Hill 36:01
TF - Mam Nick 27mins YJ - Mam Nick 25:07

At cut off (2hrs30mins) TF 2:14 YJ 2:04:41

TF - Brown Knoll 46mins YJ Brown Knoll 40:35
TF - Grindslow 45mins YJ Grindslow 47:54
TF - Ringing Roger 31mins YJ Ringing Roger 31:01
TF - Finish 10 mins YJ Finish 13:55

At Finish TF 4:25:26 YJ 4:17:23

TF

Upping the pace

If anyone thought Saturday's outing was a bit pacy the stats for the last few weeks will confirm their impressions.

The numbers relating to my extended run show a distance of 21.31 miles in 4hrs. 38mins 43secs at a pace of 13mins 05secs per mile with a total climb of 3,363ft.

Pace for the previous Saturday outings were 13mins 35secs for 32 miles (Hobble); 13mins 23secs (21 miles); 11mins 56secs (South Downs); and 12mins 37secs (Amble). These figures compare with an average for our January outings of well over 14 mins. So last Saturday was pacy. But not as fast as TF's outing on the Edale Skyline which I calculate as 12mins 38secs per mile. Well done TF, your time had me hurriedly checking my records.

Stop Press!

Checked the start time for tomorrow's Liver Hill Race, it's quarter to 7, not quarter past.

EYJ and I are doing a Foxholes session this evening at 6:45, all welcome.

I'm sure we're all nearly as pleased as TF obviously is to have given the Edale Skyline Race a good seeing to. Well done TF,  you earned that one!

Edale Skyline 21m/4500ft Sun 27th March 2011

Finish time 04:25:26 (231st, winner 2hrs36mins)

When I'm back down off cloud 9 and can make any sense of my split times, I'll post a more detailed report.

Yours in shock

TF

Pennine Way recce/Lakes training runs

In my build-up to the PW challenge on May 28th I am hoping to do some extra runs either as a Pennine Way recce or in the Lakes and would welcome some company. You can see the dates that are available here:-

APR 2 Road training for EtU’s Madrid marathon
APR 3 Recovery day

APR 9 Coniston 14
APR 10 Recovery day

APR 16 Free for Pennine Way recce/Lakes training run
APR 17 Free for Pennine Way recce/Lakes training run

APR 22 Free for Pennine Way recce/Lakes training run
APR 23 Scafell Pike/Rivington Pike race
APR 24 Free for Pennine Way recce/Lakes training run
APR 25 Free for Pennine Way recce/Lakes training run

APR 30 Barbondale round
MAY 1 Recovery day

MAY 7 Free for Pennine Way recce/Lakes training run
MAY 8 Free for Pennine Way recce/Lakes training run

MAY 14 Free for Pennine Way recce/Lakes training run
MAY 15 Free for Pennine Way recce/Lakes training run

MAY 21 Easy run UTUP
MAY 22 Resting

MIDWEEK RUNS:

I am available most Monday’s, Tuesday’s and Friday’s for extra Pennine Way recce/Lakes training runs.

LAKES TRAINING:

Open to offers regarding route but prefer initially to tackle the first leg of the Joss Naylor traverse from Pooley Bridge to Rampsgill head, returning via Mardale, a distance of about 20 miles.

Saturday 26th March

I will be UTUPing tomorrow, following a warm-up lap starting from the main drive at 0710.

We're Already Doing It!

http://www.horwichrmiharriers.co.uk/articles/?p=2014

…forgot to mention!

So excited to be back out on our local hills on Tues evening, I forgot to mention how fantastic the Lakeland Four Passes event was on Saturday.   Gorgeous weather, as you all enjoyed on your outings, superb organisation and a classic route, which some of you will remember from it’s earlier format when run by the YHA Borrowdale.

Anyway, some pics here, which I think capture the day.  Hope to be out on Saturday.

NLN

First Outing of the Season

Spring really feels like it’s sprung.  SN and I met up at 5.30pm at Wilderswood for the first Tues evening outing of the season last night (Tues) and what a great night to be out.  Very busy with cyclists, runners, walkers.  Great sky, we managed 5.6m and got back to the cars just as the light went completely. 

Route – track up to water station, across to road over to quarries, burnt edge, over to stream crossing and along to green road to mast, trig point, straight down to Belmont Rd/Georges Lane, Pike, Georges Lane to WW car park.

Welsh mountains clear as a bell from Rivington Pike.

We intend to meet at 5.30 for next few weeks as EtU has signalled his intention to maintain track attendance for marathon purposes.  After that the time will revert to 5.45pm as per last year.   Feel free to join us if you’re around.

NLN

Happy Days Are Here Again...

...or rather light nights are here again.

As you all know, the clocks spring forward in the early hours of the morning of Sunday 27th March.

This means that we can get out on the fells again in the evenings, work and other commitments permitting. Dates worth considering are Tuesday 29th March, when the first evening race of the year in the FRA calendar is Liver Hill from the Rawtenstall Marl Pits, with a 6:45 start.

Then on the 31st we could have the first Thursday wfdbwgua UTUP massed start of the year from Horwich Stocks at 6:30 ... anybody?

There could also be a resurrection of the Tuesday evening fell session (reps or roaming), but I'll be giving this a miss in favour of the track until after Madrid.

Any takers?

YJ and BiL Put the Pressure on Me for Snowdonia!

http://www.fleethalfmarathon.com/archive/2011/prizewinners2011.pdf

For those  not acquainted with the Swift family tree, the over 60 winner is the OSH's brother!

Last Saturday and a Week next Friday

Just me at the barn again, then up to Two Lads to meet EYJ. Apparently he runs hard to the meeting point, uses our run as a recovery period (cheeky so-and-so) and then runs hard home again. We cruised around Winter Hill, taking in Burnt Edge, almost to the Cigarette Tunnel, Smithills Res, Winter Hill Trig and down the Ramp. John left for home and I returned via Belmont and Hordern Stoops.

A fine bright morning, I clocked a good 12 and John 15.

In the absence of any firm "regrets" I've booked the Thatch/Cherry Tree for Friday 1st April.

Weekend roundup for TF

Saturday - Part I -Parked up at Ribblehead and caught the 10:49 train back to Horton. Set off on the 3P route as far as right turn for Pen-y-Ghent, 25mins steady pace. Turned left and followed 3P route to Ribblehead, 1hr 10mins for this section. This included a short section of walking & chatting to a bloke with a dog called Dillon, he was also doing 3P route that day but was aiming to do it all. Back to the car for a spot of lunch (soup & 2 pitta breads) and then set off for
Saturday - Part II - followed the permitted training route to gain summit of Whernside. Back onto 3P's race route to the bottom of the fell and then back to the viaduct, Dillon and his owner had nearly caught me up by this point. Not sure I'm going to like that descent if I'm under time pressure to make the cut-off, so need to go back for one or two more recces just to make sure. Part II was at a lot gentler pace (mindful of my race the following day) but managed to be back at the car in 2hrs.

So a useful day out gaining critical pace info, especially the tarmac section.

Sunday -Part I - Dark and White Mini Mountain Marathon - Chaple-en-le Frith.
Some more running around areas I'd not been to before. Improved a place this time in my age category by finishing 3rd, but dropped a few overall by finishing 72/120 this time. I scored less points, 195 as compared to 213 on the first event, maybe I was playing it a bit too safe as I returned with 10 mins to spare. But better that than lose the lot by being over ambitious
Sunday - Part II - Following a relax in the sauna & steam room at the DL gym, a couple of hours strolling round John Lewis admiring the new seasons collections.

UTUP

Might be up for brief utups this week. I've got Edale Skyline on Sunday so will be taking it easy, definitely no reps!

TF

I'm doing a recce of part of 3 peaks route tomorrow so not out for utup. Depending on how much I get done will influence whether I need a further weekend trip 1st/2nd April. Could affect my availabity for soltice do.                                                                                                                                                    TF  

Tonight!!!

Change of plan, can't make the UTUP this evening.

This and That

Great run out at the Hobble last Saturday, although I didn't think that at 5.00am.  The only thing that got me there was the alternative prospect of having to help my sister with a day of domestic chores in preparation for nephew's 21st party.   I think everyone said it all, plenty craic all the way round with the five of us to-ing and fro-ing.  One highlight was stalking T'Y before he cottoned on, and then leaving him on the descent from Stoodley - as he says, big difference from last year with all his training for the Pyrenees.  No doubt this will be remedied at the end of your course T'Y.

Not out Saturday, looking forward to the classic Lakeland Four Passes event which has been resurrected for the first time for many years.

We're OK for Solstice Supper on 1st April.

NLN

Saturday 19th March

I won't be UTUPing on Saturday as I shall be in Fleet for the pre-London Half Marathon but fully intend to be back with the squad the following week.

Last Saturday and This Week

Just me at the Barn on Saturday, whence I ran to Two Lads to meet EYJ.  We proceded to the TP where we agreed that it didn't seem the same without it's main fan. Then down the road to Walker Fold Rd, left towards Belmont and then back onto the fell after the rifle range, then the wall route up to the top of the ramp, where we parted company.

John reckoned he'd clock up 15 miles by the time he got home, and I was disappointed to find that I'd only done 11 and a bit.

Not now UTUPing Thursday 17th, but on for Saturday 19th.

Duddon

The race site now lists accepted entries and these include TF (no. 31) and yours truly (no. 111). There is a scattering of other Horwich entries including Suzanne, who must have been sharp off the mark as she's no. 1!

As of today only 222 entries are shown and with a limit of 500 to be applied it looks like there's still time to enter; although it's not clear just when the list was updated.

Vernal Equinox Do

How does Friday 1st April sound?

Haworth Hobble/Wuthering Hike

Congratulations to the gang for putting up with the Novice Hobbler. I did warn everyone that I wasn't sure what would happen after 22m, as that was the furthest I done in one go on an off-road route.

Having handed over the navigating responsibilities to YJ, I just had to relax and soak up the atmosphere. With the added bonus of being able to stuff my face for over 7hrs. I reckoned I'd have about 5200kcal to play with, using some basic sums to calculate my daily allowance with a base of 2000kcal + 100kcal / mile.

So I went for it. The day kicked off at 5.00am with a bowl of porridge. Arrival at registration just after 7.00am and 4 biscuits. CP1 snaffled the biggest bit of shortbread before YJ. CP3 Shortbread again. CP4 hot dog sausage (for the salt) and hotcross bun. CP5 Jelly babies and Shortbread again, declined offer of tot of whisky. Last CP jam doughnut. Post race refreshment was a bowl of pasta and vegetables and a selection of buns/cakes. I also made light inroads into the bag of dried fruit I was carrying in my rucksack pocket.

I was one ounce heavier on Sunday morning than Saturday. I'm blaming that on the 2 Ibuprofen I had at Stoodley Pike taken in preparation for the last 10 miles. Definitely tipped the balance!

Will I be back? Of course, other plans permitting. Having been expertly led and encouraged round the route by YJ without putting a foot wrong, I'm confident I could manage it again. I would say that having done the Hobble now, if you like this race then you have to do the 'Hebden'. It serves as a good warm-up and has the added bonus of a proper flushing toilet at the halfway point. The post race refreshment this year included mulled wine and waitress service, always a bonus when you've seized up!

TF

70at70 blog

My blog relating to the 70at70-ish Pennine Way run on May 28th is now up and running although it no doubt requires a little refinement and a few photographs, which can hopefully be sorted out. At the moment its content is limited but I hope to have weekly updates on how training is going and an introduction to members of the support team. To this end it would help if supporters could email me a potted running biography and picture for inclusion.

Any matters relating to support on the day will probably be best dealt with on this blog. Meanwhile I would appreciate any help in publicising my blog address http://70at70forheroes.blogspot.com and the site where donations can be made www.bmycharity.com/70at70tohelpHeroes as widely as possible.

Howarth Hobble

As preparation for the Pennine Way run the Howarth Hobble/Wuthering Hike fell race produced more questions than it answered. Teamed with TF the plan was to have a nice easy day out that hopefully would produce a time slightly better than last year when the other half of the team was NLN.

The team of two had already been expanded to three by prior consent with the inclusion of NLN and as the event progressed the group swelled to five with the addition of Paul M and Geraldine W and briefly to six when we caught T'Y.

The early pace was edging ahead of 2010 and by 20 miles we were 4 minutes in front in spite of taking the climb out of Calderdale at walking pace. A pattern was emerging where TF and I were taking our pace from the other three, myself losing ground on the descents and making up the loss on the next climb. By Hardcastle Crags (25miles) the gap between last year and this had opened to 11 minutes and by the finish to 27 minutes largely due to a 12 minute improvement over the last three miles.

The question is whether the conservation of energy on the slower walk on the climb from Hardcastle Crags was responsible for the faster descent to Howarth or whether there was more energy in the first place. The answer is probably a combination of the two and a similar strategy on May 28th may well be the outcome.

To finish strongly certainly makes for a more enjoyable event and I shall definitely avoid destroying myself on the climbs when the big day comes.

To my Hobble partner congratulations on her first Ultra event. She never flagged and looked good enough for a second lap at the finish. She would have had an impressive time without me holding her back.

Stats for the event were 31.87 miles; total time 7.12.49; average pace 13.35; total climb 5,637 ft.

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.