Friday – Revision

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

NLN

A Non-Running Birthday Weekend

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

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

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

Lovin the zip wires – sister Julie below centre taking photo

Makin it look easy

 

 

Harry can’t believe my elegant landings!

Got the hang of it now!

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

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

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

NLN

I did it!

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

Friday - Solstice Supper

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

NLN

Lots to Talk About...

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

Isn't it a busy life.

Mitten hunt failed.

Pennine Wayfaring

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saturday the 26th.

UTUP for me.

 

70@70

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

Great Lakes Run

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

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

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

TF

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

Yesterday

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

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

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

TF

Going Missing

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

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

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

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

Gone missing

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

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

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

YJ's 70@70

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

NLN

Our Pyrenees Man

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

Scotland – A Few More Pictures

 

Ben Nevis from the our cottage.

The signpost says it all.

Job done.

The start of the Caledonian Canal near Fort William.

Glenfinan.

5 days in Pyrenees

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

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

Solstice Do

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

Solstice Supper

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

Pennine wayfaring

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

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

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

Solstice Supper - Friday 2nd July?

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

Please Post

NLN

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

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

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

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

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