I will be at there at the UTUP tomorrow and see how it goes.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Benchmark Bonanza
If you thought trigpointing was good – you’ll love this one. This is the Ordnance Survey benchmark locator – they’re everywhere I even spotted one from the car window on the way to Coniston. The Trespass Stone is an even more attractive location now that a benchmark has been located on the gatepost. There’s also one on the gatepost at the top of the ramp. There are two on Nic’O’s drive etc… All you need is the Km square coordinates for your chosen search eg SD6614 for the Trespass Stone. You can then download them as a spreadsheet to take with you. Sent some of you your local benchmarks via email. How many can you locate?
This is what you’re looking for:
Standard Benchmark
Pivot (top) Benchmark
Eroded much older benchmark.
Let us know how many you find.
Reservoir gods
Thursday Aug 26 sounds OK for our reservoir dip.
Don't know what our pace would have been without photo and lunch breaks. I'll do a calculation based on my (non-stop) run next Saturday adding on the outlying summits with a time based on the percentage by which I better last week's time.
Thursday Aug 26 sounds OK for our reservoir dip.
Don't know what our pace would have been without photo and lunch breaks. I'll do a calculation based on my (non-stop) run next Saturday adding on the outlying summits with a time based on the percentage by which I better last week's time.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Distance/Ft of Climb for Saturday
On 'Where's the path' I got 11m and 4684ft (converted from metres). This was only a quick measure just to see if we were in the 'ballpark' with our mental arithmetic on the way home.
We did give up at about 3300ft because Mr Wainwright 'obviously' didn't do contouring, only ridge routes. We couldn't find a reference for the ft/climb for Greyfriars to Brim Fell, the sums got complicated and it all got a bit to much for EtU, so he put his book away! 12.5m and nearly 5000ft will do for me though.
I can manage a utup on thurs this week.
And finally, I've just had word from the organizers of the series of navigating events I did confirming that I won my age group and that they'll be sending me a Rab 80L Kitbag as my prize (RRP £45). This has come as a very nice surprise as I was only expecting something as a token gesture.
TF
On 'Where's the path' I got 11m and 4684ft (converted from metres). This was only a quick measure just to see if we were in the 'ballpark' with our mental arithmetic on the way home.
We did give up at about 3300ft because Mr Wainwright 'obviously' didn't do contouring, only ridge routes. We couldn't find a reference for the ft/climb for Greyfriars to Brim Fell, the sums got complicated and it all got a bit to much for EtU, so he put his book away! 12.5m and nearly 5000ft will do for me though.
I can manage a utup on thurs this week.
And finally, I've just had word from the organizers of the series of navigating events I did confirming that I won my age group and that they'll be sending me a Rab 80L Kitbag as my prize (RRP £45). This has come as a very nice surprise as I was only expecting something as a token gesture.
TF
This Week
Tuesday 27th ~ Efforts on Two Lads from sixish.
Thursday 29th ~ UTUP, definitely no efforts.
May Day, May Day, May Day! ~ UTUP
Sunday 2nd ~ Horwich Triathon ~ what had seemed a good idea several months ago, now seems less so.
Thursday 29th ~ UTUP, definitely no efforts.
May Day, May Day, May Day! ~ UTUP
Sunday 2nd ~ Horwich Triathon ~ what had seemed a good idea several months ago, now seems less so.
Even More From Coniston
Approaching Great Carrs
Grey Friar, with Dow and possibly Caw in the distance. Did that guy say all the Wainwrights 22 times? Why?
Brim Fell, or so TF insisted. Again, Dow in the distance, this time with her crags beginning to unfold.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Re Coniston Stats
YJ,
What would the pace be once we had deducted photo shoots and luncheon stops which were highly essential. Thought the waiter service was a bit slow though.
What would the pace be once we had deducted photo shoots and luncheon stops which were highly essential. Thought the waiter service was a bit slow though.
Coniston stats
Many thanks to all for the excellent outing from Coniston on Saturday which should prove invaluable come next Saturday's championship race. We explored some very worthwhile route options which hopefully will cut minutes off my time.
We covered 12.59 miles in 5hrs 13mins 38secs, an average pace of 24.56 mins per mile and climbed a total of 4,969ft.
Split times were Wetherlam 3.16miles, 1:19:53
Swirl Howe 4.43 1:56:01
Great Carrs 4.84 2:06:50
Greyfriar 5.66 2:22:57
Brim Fell 7.64 3:09:39
Dow 8.74 3:35:55
Old Man 9.85 4:09:51
Finish 12.59 5:13:38
Many thanks to all for the excellent outing from Coniston on Saturday which should prove invaluable come next Saturday's championship race. We explored some very worthwhile route options which hopefully will cut minutes off my time.
We covered 12.59 miles in 5hrs 13mins 38secs, an average pace of 24.56 mins per mile and climbed a total of 4,969ft.
Split times were Wetherlam 3.16miles, 1:19:53
Swirl Howe 4.43 1:56:01
Great Carrs 4.84 2:06:50
Greyfriar 5.66 2:22:57
Brim Fell 7.64 3:09:39
Dow 8.74 3:35:55
Old Man 9.85 4:09:51
Finish 12.59 5:13:38
PW
Having been encouraged(?) by three walk/runs on the moors above Horwich and then two more whilst in Devon, I thought I would try a continuous run yesterday.
There is a circuit of 5km, some of which is off road, from my house which used to take me about 25mins. The morning had been showery and cool so that would have been the sensible time to go, but she who is never wrong said otherwise. As a result is was about 4 when I set off and very muggy. After five minutes my mouth was dry and after ten I was tired and wishing I hadn’t bothered. However, I had determined to run the whole way so I kept going. (If you look run up in the dictionary, it goes into some technical jargon about feet not touching the ground – what I was doing counted as running because I was moving and not walking). Things did improve a bit and I made it in a personal worst of 30min 44sec.
Things can only get better- I hope.
TLoB
There is a circuit of 5km, some of which is off road, from my house which used to take me about 25mins. The morning had been showery and cool so that would have been the sensible time to go, but she who is never wrong said otherwise. As a result is was about 4 when I set off and very muggy. After five minutes my mouth was dry and after ten I was tired and wishing I hadn’t bothered. However, I had determined to run the whole way so I kept going. (If you look run up in the dictionary, it goes into some technical jargon about feet not touching the ground – what I was doing counted as running because I was moving and not walking). Things did improve a bit and I made it in a personal worst of 30min 44sec.
Things can only get better- I hope.
TLoB
Sunday, April 25, 2010
More from Coniston
Firstly this is not the Matterhorn Rock on Grey Friars but a slightly bigger version south of Zermatt in Switzerland. No comments please about the belly!
Here's a few that I took with my cheap little camera phone from the Old Man - not come out so bad - can't tell a thing just after I've taken them. At least we've got one of NLN who as chief photographer is missing from her shots. As usuall click the photo for a larger version.
Here's a few that I took with my cheap little camera phone from the Old Man - not come out so bad - can't tell a thing just after I've taken them. At least we've got one of NLN who as chief photographer is missing from her shots. As usuall click the photo for a larger version.
Coniston Fells
Fantastic day on the fells with thanks to YJ for shouldering the main responsibility for driving and to TF for a pick up en route to Etu’s. T’Y made his own way to Walton Summit whilst SN met us at Coniston, already being up north.
The purpose was to accompany YJ in reccying the route of the Coniston Fell Race for next weekend and with six runners it was great to be able to explore alternative lines and report back to YJ to make (mental) notes of the pros and cons of each of the chosen routes.
Three lines presented themselves on the way up to Wetherlam with YJ going over the tops EtU and NLN taking a contouring route whilst T’Y, TF and SN kept to the main path.
The three routes rejoined at the turn off up to the summit
The haze never really lifted which gave some protection from the sun and with a not too cold breeze on top, conditions couldn’t have been better. Looking across to the Langdales from Great Carrs
Climbing the rocky rib of Prison Band and looking back to Swirl Hause YJ wanted a visual prompt for the grassy descent to the right of the very rock and eroded path.
After some discussion as to what constituted Brim fell, we arrived at the summit
The Matterhorn Rock on Grey Friar – I believe T’Y has a match to the one below?
Thirstt work – last one, The Old Man himself – no not EtU ‘of Coniston’
Every which way looking good
The old winding gear for the disused mines
Again the descent gave us lots of interest as we split to test various lines. Lots of food for thought for YJ for next week. Just makes you want to go back for more.
Garmin/operator malfunction so will leave it to others for the stats.
Next weekend is pencilled in for a very long outing for FSS in the Lakes and I’m down for the support. However, weather not looking favourable at this stage, so may be UTUP-ing Sat depending on conditions. Out Tues, all being well.
NLN
Friday, April 23, 2010
Conistons
Suggested running (!) order, to cover most most of the race route is: town ~ Wetherlam ~ Swirl How ~ Great Carrs ~ Grey Friar ~ Brim Fell ~ Dow Crag ~ The Old Man ~ town.
Do you know why a wether can't father a lam(b)?
Do you know why a wether can't father a lam(b)?
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Coniston
YJ has offered to drive and will be in the cul-de-sac near the Hob Inn Bamber Bridge at 7:50.
I'll be providing a transfer service from Watters' car park on Grimeford Lane, leaving at 7:30.
At the moment, there will be five of us travelling up to Coniston (YJ, NLN, TF, t'Y and yours truly). If there are any last minute additions, I'll take my car as well.
We meet SN in Coniston at 9:30.
I'll be providing a transfer service from Watters' car park on Grimeford Lane, leaving at 7:30.
At the moment, there will be five of us travelling up to Coniston (YJ, NLN, TF, t'Y and yours truly). If there are any last minute additions, I'll take my car as well.
We meet SN in Coniston at 9:30.
Re : Shoes vs Boots
Have a look at Inov 8's Roclite range. I use the trail shoe for my longer races, sacrificing a bit of grip for the comfort, although they're still pretty good. They also do a boot version, which also comes with gore-tex. These may offer you the best of both worlds, if you still think you need the ankle support. Their website suggests that you can run in them.
I agree with NLN, I think I'm starting to veer away from using my walking boots (Brasher GTX) when doing walks. Can't manage much more than 4-5hrs in them anyway. I have considered looking at the roclite boot though, and this discussion has reminded me that this could be my next little 'treat' for some accomplishment I manage. Thank you T'Y for bringing it up!
TF
Have a look at Inov 8's Roclite range. I use the trail shoe for my longer races, sacrificing a bit of grip for the comfort, although they're still pretty good. They also do a boot version, which also comes with gore-tex. These may offer you the best of both worlds, if you still think you need the ankle support. Their website suggests that you can run in them.
I agree with NLN, I think I'm starting to veer away from using my walking boots (Brasher GTX) when doing walks. Can't manage much more than 4-5hrs in them anyway. I have considered looking at the roclite boot though, and this discussion has reminded me that this could be my next little 'treat' for some accomplishment I manage. Thank you T'Y for bringing it up!
TF
Shoes or Boots (undeleted post that NLN responded to)
I posted this yesterday by mistake (should have gone on gordonsgr10 blog), but it looks like before I had chance to delete it, Pauline was composing a response so I'll post it here as well - more people will view it so may get some more useful feedback.
Apologies for confusing everyone.
One debate that I've had going on for awhile is whether to wear boots or shoes on my GR10 walk.
I'm getting different opinions on this depending on the background where people come from.
Boots - suggest by MRT member that they reduce the risk of injury and if I did do over on my ankle, more likely that I would have less problems continuing.
Shoes - because of my background in fellrunning and relative lack of ankle injuries over the years (in 25 years, two sustained whilst running and one while not), I should have natural strength in my ankles which boots would reduce, therefore causing more problems than they solve.
I currently walk in either Columbia Pinas which I bought in the States a few years ago as an emergency purchase (ok for the odd walk) or Karrimoor Pyramid Wethertite shoes which I bought for winter walking when I didn't want to wear boots. I'm not convinced that they are suitable for 50 days walking of up to 10 hours a day. I also have a pair of cheapish (£40) Hi-Tec Knysna Mid boots which were fine for my 20 mile fast walk over Helvellyn and Thornthwaite Crag at Easter.
I'd obviously welcome any comments gained from experience. I'll also post in relevant forums. Some people have even suggested that I wear trail running shoes such as some of the Inov8 range (I usually wear mudclaw 330s for fellracing).
Apologies for confusing everyone.
One debate that I've had going on for awhile is whether to wear boots or shoes on my GR10 walk.
I'm getting different opinions on this depending on the background where people come from.
Boots - suggest by MRT member that they reduce the risk of injury and if I did do over on my ankle, more likely that I would have less problems continuing.
Shoes - because of my background in fellrunning and relative lack of ankle injuries over the years (in 25 years, two sustained whilst running and one while not), I should have natural strength in my ankles which boots would reduce, therefore causing more problems than they solve.
I currently walk in either Columbia Pinas which I bought in the States a few years ago as an emergency purchase (ok for the odd walk) or Karrimoor Pyramid Wethertite shoes which I bought for winter walking when I didn't want to wear boots. I'm not convinced that they are suitable for 50 days walking of up to 10 hours a day. I also have a pair of cheapish (£40) Hi-Tec Knysna Mid boots which were fine for my 20 mile fast walk over Helvellyn and Thornthwaite Crag at Easter.
I'd obviously welcome any comments gained from experience. I'll also post in relevant forums. Some people have even suggested that I wear trail running shoes such as some of the Inov8 range (I usually wear mudclaw 330s for fellracing).
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
More from Brighton
By now you all know the result of my Brighton marathon, run on an unseasonably hot day on a course that was much like a football match -- an event of two halves! The first half was the only bit with hills (which us northerners would call slight inclines) and was the only interesting section undulating along the coast past Roedean School before turning back to the centre of Brighton, for a second half with long straight urban sections punctuated only by hairpin turns, a trundle round the docks and then a four mile finishing straight.
With an expected 9000 runners the start was strictly controlled with corals colour coded and matching coloured numbers. In spite of forecasting a 3hr 50min finish I was way at the back with slower runners. We septuagenarians are not expected to go sub 4 hrs it would seem. So from the gun I had a six minute shuffle to the start line and that handicap had to be overcome if I was to beat my target of 3hr 52mins.
The race plan was to do the first half at 8mins 30secs pace and then add another minute for the second half. I was still about 8min 30 secs pace at the 20 mile point were a local art college had erected a cardboard wall for us to run through. By now I had time in hand and was feeling great until another geriatric went flying past to finish a minute or so ahead of me. Fortunately it turned out that he was a youngster of 68 and although he was ahead of me in the results I beat him on chip time.
Now there is an anxious wait to see if I get a credit on the powerof10 rankings before Sunday's London results are incorporated. I don't expect my time to survive longer.
Having Eden making his marathon debut behind me was an added stress as I knew he would find it hard going and I was glad to see him at the finish non too much the worse for wear.
This Sunday Sally makes her London marathon debut so I have all the stress to endure again.
By now you all know the result of my Brighton marathon, run on an unseasonably hot day on a course that was much like a football match -- an event of two halves! The first half was the only bit with hills (which us northerners would call slight inclines) and was the only interesting section undulating along the coast past Roedean School before turning back to the centre of Brighton, for a second half with long straight urban sections punctuated only by hairpin turns, a trundle round the docks and then a four mile finishing straight.
With an expected 9000 runners the start was strictly controlled with corals colour coded and matching coloured numbers. In spite of forecasting a 3hr 50min finish I was way at the back with slower runners. We septuagenarians are not expected to go sub 4 hrs it would seem. So from the gun I had a six minute shuffle to the start line and that handicap had to be overcome if I was to beat my target of 3hr 52mins.
The race plan was to do the first half at 8mins 30secs pace and then add another minute for the second half. I was still about 8min 30 secs pace at the 20 mile point were a local art college had erected a cardboard wall for us to run through. By now I had time in hand and was feeling great until another geriatric went flying past to finish a minute or so ahead of me. Fortunately it turned out that he was a youngster of 68 and although he was ahead of me in the results I beat him on chip time.
Now there is an anxious wait to see if I get a credit on the powerof10 rankings before Sunday's London results are incorporated. I don't expect my time to survive longer.
Having Eden making his marathon debut behind me was an added stress as I knew he would find it hard going and I was glad to see him at the finish non too much the worse for wear.
This Sunday Sally makes her London marathon debut so I have all the stress to endure again.
Shoes or Boots
Everyone has their own views on this one depending on personal experience. For what it’s worth I would be opting for trail shoes. More cushioning than fell shoes much more breathable, forgiving and adjustable than boots. With a heavy pack, presumably you will be using poles and so this will give you stability and your experience on the hills should minimise the need for ankle protection. If not on rock you will be on baked earth and the heat will play its part. My bitter experience of wearing boots for a five day trek in the Lakes in summer was extremely painful and resulted in swollen feet which led to blisters – very debilitating.
Whatever chosen I would be buying now - testing thoroughly in the Lakes/Scotland over rough terrain, when happy these would be put away until departure to make sure they last the distance.
The choice is yours!
NLN
PS Looking forward to Coniston Sat
This Week
Tuesday 20th ~ Session on Two Lads with NLN and Peter R, but without La Petite Generale we were slightly lacking in direction and no-one had brought a whistle. However, it was a fine, if breezy evening and I'm sure we all got something out of it; hopefully, more than just tired thighs. Peter R set a new all-comers record of 2:45 (ish) for cairn to kennels.
Thursday 22nd ~ I'm UTUPing.
Saturday 24th ~ Group assault on the seven Coniston Wainwrights, using much of the Coniston Race route (now full ~ the race, not the route) but diverting to cover all the tops. Estimated to be 14 miles and 4,600ft of climbing.
Saturday 24th ~ UTUP? ~ perhaps someone could indicate if there will be a local run.
Thursday 22nd ~ I'm UTUPing.
Saturday 24th ~ Group assault on the seven Coniston Wainwrights, using much of the Coniston Race route (now full ~ the race, not the route) but diverting to cover all the tops. Estimated to be 14 miles and 4,600ft of climbing.
Saturday 24th ~ UTUP? ~ perhaps someone could indicate if there will be a local run.
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