Good Preparation Paid no Dividend
Recognising the value that some folk put on good preparation, before my holiday I searched my personal library for information on Oban. The only reference I could find was in the 2008 CAMRA good beer guide, which pointed me to the Oban Inn in Stafford Street. Should be easy to find with a name like that, I thought.
On Monday 22nd, my first full day in the area, I cycled into town to get my (the bike's) gears fixed and whilst they were being seen to, I went in search of the Oban Inn. On the way I saw a town map which indicated that Stafford Street was not only home to the town's eponymous Inn, but also housed the Oban Whisky Distillery. Good gracious! I thought, Staffers would be proud of this.
But no! When I got to said street, the distillery was, sure enough, alive and well, but the Inn was not only closed down but to add to its degradation there was a notice declaring that "All items of value have been removed". Sounds about right; one out of two ain't bad.
Wonder if they also removed the beer Matts?
EtU (Unquenched)
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Where did NicO get that finishing speed from?
Just myself and NicO from the group at Aggie's Staircase last Thursday with heat replacing last year's downpour. Plenty of familiar faces - Tony V, Albert, Colin W, the Smiths, Suzanne, Paul M etc. Took it steady on the initial climb, passing Smith the younger near to the tower with NicO some 10 yards ahead. Aforementioned Smith soon passed me on the first descent as did his elder brother who I managed to pass again just before starting the second climb with NicO a little further ahead. By the time we had returned to the ridge, NicO was maybe a minute ahead and I was trying to do my best to catch up. Smith the elder went past just as we turned off the main track down from the tower. Of course I lost many places as we headed through the mud and rocks just before the finish.
Looking at the results, NicO beat me by over seven minutes, about 5 minutes in front of Smith the younger (a good descender) and had gone ahead of Colin W and Paul M and was only a good two minutes from winning the women's trophy (Suzanne finished second by 3 seconds!)
So where did that descending prowess come from?
I also failed to be the final Horwich man, just staying ahead of Mark S fro the first time in 3 races.
Results at http://www.dashers.org.uk/results/aggies09.htm
Early morning training
Although I have failed to make the Saturday UTUP repeatedly, I did manage an 8am run on Saturday alongside the River Tyne on one of Diane's regular training routes followed by 45 mins on the Coastal Path north of Sunderland, even earlier on Sunday morning whilst she and her mates went for a 45 minute dip in the North Sea. Tockholes Gala race next Saturday if anyone fancies something after their 3 hour UTUP.
Just myself and NicO from the group at Aggie's Staircase last Thursday with heat replacing last year's downpour. Plenty of familiar faces - Tony V, Albert, Colin W, the Smiths, Suzanne, Paul M etc. Took it steady on the initial climb, passing Smith the younger near to the tower with NicO some 10 yards ahead. Aforementioned Smith soon passed me on the first descent as did his elder brother who I managed to pass again just before starting the second climb with NicO a little further ahead. By the time we had returned to the ridge, NicO was maybe a minute ahead and I was trying to do my best to catch up. Smith the elder went past just as we turned off the main track down from the tower. Of course I lost many places as we headed through the mud and rocks just before the finish.
Looking at the results, NicO beat me by over seven minutes, about 5 minutes in front of Smith the younger (a good descender) and had gone ahead of Colin W and Paul M and was only a good two minutes from winning the women's trophy (Suzanne finished second by 3 seconds!)
So where did that descending prowess come from?
I also failed to be the final Horwich man, just staying ahead of Mark S fro the first time in 3 races.
Results at http://www.dashers.org.uk/results/aggies09.htm
Early morning training
Although I have failed to make the Saturday UTUP repeatedly, I did manage an 8am run on Saturday alongside the River Tyne on one of Diane's regular training routes followed by 45 mins on the Coastal Path north of Sunderland, even earlier on Sunday morning whilst she and her mates went for a 45 minute dip in the North Sea. Tockholes Gala race next Saturday if anyone fancies something after their 3 hour UTUP.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
A Short Week in Oban
I'll not bore you with tales of playing mid-wife to the cat, conflict in a chip shop, cross-country mountain bike rides to the pub, being crag fast (twice) on a Munroe, or multiple tastings of the local malt, but you may like to see these shots of the high point (literally) of my week just south of Oban.
I'll not bore you with tales of playing mid-wife to the cat, conflict in a chip shop, cross-country mountain bike rides to the pub, being crag fast (twice) on a Munroe, or multiple tastings of the local malt, but you may like to see these shots of the high point (literally) of my week just south of Oban.
The far top is Ben Cruacan (3,694 ft) taken from Stob Diamh (3,274 ft) during my circuit of the Dalmally Horseshoe. The top in the middle distance is Drochaid Ghlas.
This shot, again of Ben Cruachan, taken after traversing Drochaid Ghlas, shows residual snow, two days after midsummer's day!
Apart from the crag fast incidents, another slightly dodgy moment was when I started to feel a bit strange just before the final top, and realised that at 6:00 pm, I'd only had one banana and an energy drink since the previous night's malts. I sat down for a while and had my remaining drink, and then bagged the final of the six tops and trudged wearily back to the car ~ and, no, my mother didn't know I was out!
EtU
Where has JtE Been
I’ll give it a go!
- Top Barn outside main entrance
- Running off Great Hill towards White Coppice at the turn off from the Brinscall path
- Path from Rivington village to Lower Barn
- Great Hill Summit
- Not sure about this one JtE, is it on the Brinscall path
- Stile from the riverside path approaching White Coppice
- Is this in the vicinity of Drinkwaters and Joe’s cup?
- Gate on path below High Bullough Res.
Looks like you had a lovely day for it JtE. Was it the Saturday Run?
We too had a good weekend, seeing Iain Kelly and Karl Taylor on their BGs on Hindscarth and having a little trot out with each team as they came through. We then returned to Honister to drive back to Keswick to welcome Karl back to the Moot Hall.
Both men got round with time to spare. Iain having a bit of an epic on the night section, visiting Great Dodd three times before finding the path off. Cloud cover was pretty dense by all accounts. Both looked strong when we saw them. No precise time for Iain but we think about 21 hours.
Karl also lost an hour on the night section but got round in a splendid 22.48 and still going strong at the end. Weather very hot and humid in the afternoon.
Staying at Glen Ridding gave us the opportunity to trot out to Catstye Cam, Helvellyn over towards the Dodds but cutting back over Sheffield Pike and Glenridding Dodd to give us an early retreat down the motorway to avoid the worst of the traffic later in the day.
Enjoying the lovely summer weather - NLN
Photo comp
1.Outside Rivington Top Barn
2.Alternative route to White Coppice on descent to Brinscall from Gt Hill.
3. Track from Rivington Green towards former Jubilee race start.
4. This one's a guess. Looking down from Catherine's Edge where the current Amble route turns right towards Darwen Tower.
5.Bridge between Rivington Green and Lower Barn.
6.Stile at White Coppice
7. On the way up to Great Hill from Brinscall looking to the right of the track just before Joe's Cup
8. The gate on the tarmac road past Bullough reservoir.
1.Outside Rivington Top Barn
2.Alternative route to White Coppice on descent to Brinscall from Gt Hill.
3. Track from Rivington Green towards former Jubilee race start.
4. This one's a guess. Looking down from Catherine's Edge where the current Amble route turns right towards Darwen Tower.
5.Bridge between Rivington Green and Lower Barn.
6.Stile at White Coppice
7. On the way up to Great Hill from Brinscall looking to the right of the track just before Joe's Cup
8. The gate on the tarmac road past Bullough reservoir.
Great Lakes Run 13m/7000ft
I got as far as Scafell Pike. I lost sight of the other runners in front about 2/3rds the way up 'The Band'. So from there onwards it was just me, map & compass. I made it to Scafell Pike in 2hrs38mins, and decided I didn't feel there was sufficient time for me to make the 3hr cut-off time at the foot of the gully to Foxes Tarn. My times at the other summits were Bowfell 1hr 13mins, Esk Pike 1hr 38mins, Great End 2hrs 5mins. So as you can see I was only just about making JN/BG pace.
In my progress along the route it was becoming apparent that the runners immediately ahead of me (position-wise) were informing the marshals that they were last. The marshals on Bowfell and Great End had stayed a bit longer just in case, but the one from Esk Pike I passed on the path up to the summit and the one on Scafell Pike had disappeared completely. I did however speak to a nice man with a clipboard from the National Trust, who can vouch for the fact that I made it to the top along with the hoards of other visitors. So 5.5m and 4500ft into the route I turned round and headed back to Esk Hause and took the path to Angle Tarn and headed down Rossett Gill back to Stool End Farm.
So tried my best. But having recced most of the first half now and with a few important changes to my pre-race preparation, I'm sure I can do better. I'll certainly be back again for the post-race hog roast and beer. Getting a bit of a taste for it now, this time a strong Pale Ale from the Coniston Brewery. So I'm off now to go and try the other bottle of TT Landlords just for comparison!
TF
Working on the photo competition, can do 3 definites so far.
I got as far as Scafell Pike. I lost sight of the other runners in front about 2/3rds the way up 'The Band'. So from there onwards it was just me, map & compass. I made it to Scafell Pike in 2hrs38mins, and decided I didn't feel there was sufficient time for me to make the 3hr cut-off time at the foot of the gully to Foxes Tarn. My times at the other summits were Bowfell 1hr 13mins, Esk Pike 1hr 38mins, Great End 2hrs 5mins. So as you can see I was only just about making JN/BG pace.
In my progress along the route it was becoming apparent that the runners immediately ahead of me (position-wise) were informing the marshals that they were last. The marshals on Bowfell and Great End had stayed a bit longer just in case, but the one from Esk Pike I passed on the path up to the summit and the one on Scafell Pike had disappeared completely. I did however speak to a nice man with a clipboard from the National Trust, who can vouch for the fact that I made it to the top along with the hoards of other visitors. So 5.5m and 4500ft into the route I turned round and headed back to Esk Hause and took the path to Angle Tarn and headed down Rossett Gill back to Stool End Farm.
So tried my best. But having recced most of the first half now and with a few important changes to my pre-race preparation, I'm sure I can do better. I'll certainly be back again for the post-race hog roast and beer. Getting a bit of a taste for it now, this time a strong Pale Ale from the Coniston Brewery. So I'm off now to go and try the other bottle of TT Landlords just for comparison!
TF
Working on the photo competition, can do 3 definites so far.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Don't Give it to the Slugs!
Having only very very recently returned from north of the border and very quickly having scanned the blog, just two thoughts:-
1. Sounds like I've missed a lot of fun, and...
2. NO! don't give the the TT Landlord to the gastropods! Serve at room temperature or chilled, whatever you fancy, or give it to the wfdbwgua slug (Swift Loves Unrequired Grog).
EtU
Having only very very recently returned from north of the border and very quickly having scanned the blog, just two thoughts:-
1. Sounds like I've missed a lot of fun, and...
2. NO! don't give the the TT Landlord to the gastropods! Serve at room temperature or chilled, whatever you fancy, or give it to the wfdbwgua slug (Swift Loves Unrequired Grog).
EtU
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Aggie tonight
Rare for me to join UTUP in Summer - tonight I shall be heading over to Darwen for a 7.15 start for a good little race with lots of goodies at the end. Ed did it last year so would be nice to see others. Hopefully I can run the race in fellshoes tonight - last year wellies were more appropriate.
Rare for me to join UTUP in Summer - tonight I shall be heading over to Darwen for a 7.15 start for a good little race with lots of goodies at the end. Ed did it last year so would be nice to see others. Hopefully I can run the race in fellshoes tonight - last year wellies were more appropriate.
UTUP-ing – Tonight, Thursday
In the absence of EtU I wondered if anyone else is planning to be out tonight. If so, would they confirm UT, I’m familiar with UP. Unless anything posted, I’ll carry one with usual Thursday routine.
NLN
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
TF missing again
Sorry to say but I'll be absent again on Saturday. That's the day I get to see if all the racing I've done this month has had any beneficial effect.
I'm going to attempt the Great Lakes Run. This is a 13m/7000ft route starting from Stool End Farm near Old Dungeon Ghyll and takes in the following summits Bowfell, Esk Pike, Great End, Scafell Pike, Scafell, Slight Side and Pike of Blisco. The half-way point is the foot of the gully to Foxes Tarn and the only check-point with a cut off time, this being 3hrs.
I haven't had a chance to recce this route, so have no idea as to whether the 3hr time limit is do-able, but I can only try. The winning time last year was Simon Booth in 2hrs46mins, the slowest 5hrs51mins. Helpful indicators as to the length of time between some of the early summits are on FSS's and EtU's Josh Naylor schedules and any clockwise BG schedules. Big question is, can I cover this ground at that pace?
At the end of the day even if I only get as far as Great End, I will have visited 3 summits that I haven't been to before and will be pleased to have given it my best shot.
TF
Sorry to say but I'll be absent again on Saturday. That's the day I get to see if all the racing I've done this month has had any beneficial effect.
I'm going to attempt the Great Lakes Run. This is a 13m/7000ft route starting from Stool End Farm near Old Dungeon Ghyll and takes in the following summits Bowfell, Esk Pike, Great End, Scafell Pike, Scafell, Slight Side and Pike of Blisco. The half-way point is the foot of the gully to Foxes Tarn and the only check-point with a cut off time, this being 3hrs.
I haven't had a chance to recce this route, so have no idea as to whether the 3hr time limit is do-able, but I can only try. The winning time last year was Simon Booth in 2hrs46mins, the slowest 5hrs51mins. Helpful indicators as to the length of time between some of the early summits are on FSS's and EtU's Josh Naylor schedules and any clockwise BG schedules. Big question is, can I cover this ground at that pace?
At the end of the day even if I only get as far as Great End, I will have visited 3 summits that I haven't been to before and will be pleased to have given it my best shot.
TF
Monday, June 22, 2009
Darwen Fell Series (& Two Lads)
Very embarrassing, looking at your 20 mile excursions at the weekend as my mileage was a big fat zero. And we shall be away in Newcastle this weekend, so that will also limit the running although at least Diane may drag me out for a training run - hope I can keep up with her.
Just noticed there has been no report on Thursday's Two Lads Fell Race. I would have thought there would have been a full turnout of the Thursday night gang but alas only Ed and myself were there at the start line. Had my second battle in a week with Mark Sammon who just shaded me by a few seconds on the run in. Meanwhile my real battle was to stay ahead of another runner in the Civil Service North West Fell Champs, which according to the results I acheived by one second! This resulted in me not only counting in the gold medal winning team but also winning the individual bronze medal. Okay not many taking part this year but you can only beat who's there on the day. Chatting with Mary W's husband after the race, I find he is also a CSSC member but didn't run this year!
Ed was much improved over Henderson's End, closing on me like a good descender does.
How about having a wfdbwgua presence at the Darwen fell Series this year? First one is Aggie's Staircase this Thursday then Tockholes Gala on July 4th (think I may have to skip Rossendale Relay LDWA event due to having to go to a wedding previous day which may not be good preparation for a 5.30am start). Series is completed with Darwen Gala Race on Aug 22nd. Or are these races much too short?
Very embarrassing, looking at your 20 mile excursions at the weekend as my mileage was a big fat zero. And we shall be away in Newcastle this weekend, so that will also limit the running although at least Diane may drag me out for a training run - hope I can keep up with her.
Just noticed there has been no report on Thursday's Two Lads Fell Race. I would have thought there would have been a full turnout of the Thursday night gang but alas only Ed and myself were there at the start line. Had my second battle in a week with Mark Sammon who just shaded me by a few seconds on the run in. Meanwhile my real battle was to stay ahead of another runner in the Civil Service North West Fell Champs, which according to the results I acheived by one second! This resulted in me not only counting in the gold medal winning team but also winning the individual bronze medal. Okay not many taking part this year but you can only beat who's there on the day. Chatting with Mary W's husband after the race, I find he is also a CSSC member but didn't run this year!
Ed was much improved over Henderson's End, closing on me like a good descender does.
How about having a wfdbwgua presence at the Darwen fell Series this year? First one is Aggie's Staircase this Thursday then Tockholes Gala on July 4th (think I may have to skip Rossendale Relay LDWA event due to having to go to a wedding previous day which may not be good preparation for a 5.30am start). Series is completed with Darwen Gala Race on Aug 22nd. Or are these races much too short?
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Midsummer Madness
Well what was I up to while you were all clocking up the miles? Clocking up a few more races! This weekend was Calder Valley Fell Runners version of a Midsummer Madness, a series of three fell races over three days. I'd done the middle of the three races a few times before with varying success, so this year was the first time of attempting the series.
The first on Friday night was a short 3m blast straight up & down Whicken Hill from Mytholmroyd. The second was a 7 mile navigational challenge and the third a gentle(!) 4m trundle to finish. My flag following and navigating proved to be exemplary, just a pity I can't get the little legs to go any quicker.
In the series I finished 4th lady overall (results here http://www.cvfr.co.uk) the middle race producing my best result and came away with an engraved glass as a memento, a t-shirt and 2 bottles of Timothy Taylors 'Landlords' strong pale ale.
A couple of questions for the connoisseurs regarding the alcohol. a) Is it best drunk cold or room temperature? b) How good is it compared to others of it's ilk? In otherwords should I drink it, or should I leave it out for the Slugs?!
TF
Well what was I up to while you were all clocking up the miles? Clocking up a few more races! This weekend was Calder Valley Fell Runners version of a Midsummer Madness, a series of three fell races over three days. I'd done the middle of the three races a few times before with varying success, so this year was the first time of attempting the series.
The first on Friday night was a short 3m blast straight up & down Whicken Hill from Mytholmroyd. The second was a 7 mile navigational challenge and the third a gentle(!) 4m trundle to finish. My flag following and navigating proved to be exemplary, just a pity I can't get the little legs to go any quicker.
In the series I finished 4th lady overall (results here http://www.cvfr.co.uk) the middle race producing my best result and came away with an engraved glass as a memento, a t-shirt and 2 bottles of Timothy Taylors 'Landlords' strong pale ale.
A couple of questions for the connoisseurs regarding the alcohol. a) Is it best drunk cold or room temperature? b) How good is it compared to others of it's ilk? In otherwords should I drink it, or should I leave it out for the Slugs?!
TF
Mileage madness
Thanks gang for Saturday's long run which I am sure did us all good as well as being most enjoyable. Is it too much to hope for something equally testing next Saturday. I will be there.
The afternoon's marshaling added another 5.5 miles to the day, at a slightly slower pace than the morning, due to tiredness (surprise, surprise), carrying a heavy pack and having to collect flags on the way down. My running time of 77 minutes would have put me in last place but I would have been first over 65.
Thanks gang for Saturday's long run which I am sure did us all good as well as being most enjoyable. Is it too much to hope for something equally testing next Saturday. I will be there.
The afternoon's marshaling added another 5.5 miles to the day, at a slightly slower pace than the morning, due to tiredness (surprise, surprise), carrying a heavy pack and having to collect flags on the way down. My running time of 77 minutes would have put me in last place but I would have been first over 65.
Correction
OOps - Karl is 26 not 16 years younger than FSS – I’m sure you spotted that! Are apologies due to Karl or FSS?
NLN
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