EYJ

EYJ tells me that his computer will be out of action for about a week.

Vets' Fell Championships - Possible Outcomes

First, may I also offer my congratulations to our rising star for his fine win over Loughrigg-Silverhowe. John has asked me to pass on his thanks to us all for our company and encouragement over recent months. He says that we've not only provided help ourselves, but we've also put him in touch with other groups (Peter R et al), who have ensured that he's barely had a day without coaching of some sort.

But...the fat lady hasn't sung yet. With just one race to go in the V70 championship, John is a clear leader with 33 points. In second place is Ray Brown, with 25 points. If John doesn't score at least five points at Whittle Pike, Ray could pip him at the post if he secured first place.  Alternatively, if John doesn't run and Peter Covey places first, John's gets = first. Worst case scenario:- Peter Covey wins and moves up alongside John, and Ray brown places second and with those nine points moves into first place, leaving John as equal second. There is no other contender.

John, you need to run and to place at least sixth to be sure of the gold.

Good Luck!

Looks like he's done it again our star performing V70. Results from the mens championship race at Loughrigg-Silverhowe http://www.ukroadraces.info/results/2011/loum.htm

Just need EYJ to write a report now!

Next one is at Whittle Pike.

TF

This Week

Abandonning Tuesday fells and returning to the track on an ongoing basis.

Thursday 30th, UTUPing.

Saturday UTUPing, but not for usual duration, probably just two hours.

Reccies done, well sort of....

The second time I've been on the top of Great Gable and still haven't benefited from the climb for the panoramic view!

Weather-wise it was worse than last week, proper drizzle and 20m visibility. Borrowdale route was slow going from Bessy Boot to Esk Hause, in most parts there is a well worn trod but it occasionally fades in and out so required lots of concentration. Decided to skip Scafell Pike completely and turned right for Styhead. At this point, passed walkers on their way to Scafell Pike, I know 'cos I was asked 'Is this the way to..'. I did debate with myself if I should have pointed out that they were heading to Esk Hause and had to turn right for Scafell Pike, but thought that would be stating the obvious?

Coming off Great Gable and heading for Windy Gap managed to go slightly 'off piste' having lost the route of the path and nearly found a quicker way off, well it would have been if I'd packed a 25m rope with me. Anyway, back up a bit to regain the proper route. Did ok with the contouring route off Green Gable, but really messed up the one round Brandreth. Given the amount of time I wasted here it would have been quicker to just go straight over the top. Relieved to eventually find the right fence and stile to climb over. Wimped out a bit after that and followed the fence line until I dropped out of the mist. Back down to Seatoller to say hello to the Man from the NT again. He'd remembered the car, now proudly displaying it's money-saving sticker.

Sunday's forecast had sounded a bit better with the potential for the tops to clear. So headed round to Wasdale for one final chance of a recce of the Scoat Fell-Pillar-Black Sail Pass section. Thought that by the time I'd climbed up to Dore Head and over Red Pike it may be clear. No such luck. Despite the mist, I managed to find a couple of the better lines, so pronounced my self satisfied with this.

Back on home turf this Saturday for a change!

TF

Darwen Tower via the scenic route

Having forewarned YJ that I may turn up at UTUP, for once I did, At the start the weather seemed not as bad as expected, dry enough for me to pack the waterproof into the bum bag. Two Lads and then Winter Hill by which time YJ was struggling a bit so he sent us on our way as he felt the destination of Darwen Tower was not a good idea but gallantly wanted NLN to achieve her target for the morning. I had no idea whether I would keep up as on Tuesday I couldn't even complete my regular circuit of the climbs. Due to choice of footwear, we chose to head down to the bridge and then along Georges Lane to Horden Stoops before heading up Spittlers at which time the cag was needed as it started raining. Looking for the diagonal path to Piccadilly, we went off too early and explored the moors before retracing our steps and eventually picking up the correct path. The route across to Piccadilly was particularly wet. Then it was straightforward to continue up to Darwen Tower, en route chatting to FSS who was descending the hill. We left the tower at 11.10, knowing that it would be quicker going back taking a more direct route. But first we didn't want come down from Darwen Tower by the same route so our alternative route also through up its challenges but eventually we were on our way, I did manage to find a nice deep hole just before Spittlers before we took the direct path to Drinkwaters then Ammunition Corner to complete a good 4 hrs 10 minutes on the fells on a typical summer's day - wet and misty all morning.

Aggie

Again the sole representative from the group for this very muddy fell race from Darwen around the moors surrounding Darwen Tower. I managed to stay upright despite some awkward footing on the climb through the ferns to finish some ten seconds slower than two years ago which I suppose is acceptable.

Two Lads and a TLoB

Apart from a young engaged couple doing the timekeeping at the finish, I was the sole representative of the group at the Two Lads Race. Having marshalled the previous evening at the Jubilee Road race where EYJ put in a fine performance, good enough for him to count for the Horwich senior team (that says more than one thing) with a poor turnout of just over 80 runners, the registration at the Bridge was teeming with runners. Eventually we got away and as usual I lost plenty of places on the descent to finish 159th of 220 finishers with a time within seconds of two years ago so could be better, could be worse.
TLoB had arrived late Thursday night so came over on Friday for a run from Anglezarke car Park around the reservoir, taking in Healey Nab from where the photo was taken.


As a glutton for punishment, he then wanted more and returned on Saturday for a route from Wilderswood, up the side of Two Lads, across to the shooting hut and then over to Winter Hill whereupon he offered me the choice of the longer route down to Georges Lane whilst he found plenty of mud on the more direct route via Noon Hill and stream junction to meet up again at the Pike.
A rare three days consecutive running for me and TLoB managed to run most of the way so must be happy with his visit up north.

Up for an Outing

I'll keep you company YJ - UTUP - how about ToT via 2Lds, WH, Hordens, Spitlers and then JtE and I found a direct trod to Piccadilly before Amble reverse straight to Tower!  Should give us a good 15.


Fingers crossed for clement conditions - forecast not great :( 

NLN

Summer Mini MM - Round 1 Tegg's Nose/Macclesfield Forrest

Weather hadn't looked too promising earlier in the day, but cleared up nicely in time for the start. Usual format with controls of differing point scores varying from 10 to 25.

Normal tactics, which I've now honed to a fine art, is to pick a route that heads out to the highest scoring control, aiming to be there by half the time allowed, and then wind my way back. With only 2hrs to play with this time instead of the usual 3, I decided to be a little cautious and stick with the 20's and miss out the 25's. With this being the first of a new evening series event, I wasn't sure whether the course planner would gauge it right either.

Having run round the area a few times now I'm finding I'm getting the feel for which tracks to use, and trying them in reverse directions. All in all a good nights running. 170 points bagged and 8.8m and 1800ft. Felt the planner judged it right with placement of controls for the time allowed. No one managed them all on the night, but a couple of runners came close. Might be tempted by one of the 25's next time

Results here
overall - http://www.darkandwhite.co.uk/results/2011SummerEveningMMMRound1overallplaces.html

splits - http://www.darkandwhite.co.uk/results/2011SummerEveningMMMRound1splittimesbyclass.html

TF

Saturday 25th June

I will again be UTUPing tomorrow (Saturday) and hoping for a better turnout than last week when I had to plan my own route, find my own way and single-handedly fight off (that means run away from) aggressive horned beasties on the path across the fields from Ammunition Corner.

I even went on Two Lads only to find I was the only 'lad' there.

UTUPS

No utups for me again this week. If this keeps carrying on I'll end up having to post a photo as well just in case you forget what I look like.

Tomorrow I'm off for a navigating race from Tegg's Nose Country Park. One of the 'Dark & White' organized events. I might be cheeky and ask where my prize is for third place in the last series, as it definitely stated on the entry form that there would be one. Just 2hrs running for this event rather than the usual 3. Still plenty time to go wrong though!

On Saturday I'll be recceing the Borrowdale Race Route from the start to Honister. The weather forecast looks no worse than last week so taking my chances, last weekend of steep stuff before the wind down to Wasdale. I sneaked a look at the descent to the 'corridor route' whilst racing last Saturday and looking forward to see how I cope with that!

I've now joined the National Trust, NLN had suggested it a while ago but I never got around to doing it until now. It's 2 months free for new members at the moment. Shame the bloke in the Landrover wasn't there before I parked up at Seatoller rather than when I returned (£5.50 for 4hrs parking, still not quite as expensive as Kendals in Manchester!). So if we plan any little group jaunts and we intend stopping at a NT site, remind me to bring the sticker for the car window with me. Now planning to see how many big houses I can go and have a nosey round, after I've run round the gardens, of course! Need to remember to take some clean shoes and avoid the cafe on the way out.

TF

Great Lakes Race 13m/7000ft

This could definitely end as a 'woe is me' tale if I lose sight of the fact that I managed a 10min improvement on last years' time. It wasn't as much as I'd hoped by a long way, but given the lack of preparation specifically aimed at this race (recce, taper & weight), I think I'll have to accept what I got.

By half-way I was about 15 mins up on last year despite the conditions. Then came a navigational error off Scafell. Found it hard stopping myself from nutting the rocks without both hands free. So ended up drifting off west instead of south (with a few others I'd collected on the way). A traverse back onto the intended route south and then a bit of uming and ahing to check we hadn't over-shot the next check-point.

Some minor quibbles with myself over not quite hitting optimum route choices past Little Stand and off Pike 'O' Blisco, but the others with me seemed satisfied enough. I can't say that I really pushed myself hard on the stretch from Slight Side to the finish, having got a bit disheartened by my errors, so was a little surprised to finish inside last years' time.

Sunday's recovery route was a walk up Dale Head from Seatoller to check out that part of the Borrowdale race route. At least I managed that without any hiccups, but it's easy when you've got a fence to follow and no time pressure! Prospects for Wasdale not looking so good given my performance yesterday, but I won't know unless I try.

TF

Up North

JtE, I am up North this weekend, and would love to join you on Saturday. I too am very unfit as my back prevents me from doing any sustained running. However, it does not prevent me from making the odd comment about t'Y, so no change there!
TLoB

Kettleshulme Fell Race 6m/1100ft

The final race in a series of three as part of the Lyme Park Fell Series. A bit stressful getting there due to the traffic in south Manchester. But having sat in lectures all day at a conference I was all geared up for a run in the fresh air, that apart from the number of biccies I'd scoffed.

Memories of the stressful journey evaporate on being presented with a bottle of Happy Valley Beer at registration for attending the three races. Nearly cracked it open there and then, but thought I'd better save it for later so that I'd have more time to saviour it.

More cross-country than fell, but none the less enjoyable and you still needed to keep your wits about you due to all the twist and turns. Despite that it still managed to include one steep section reducing us to a walk. Must have taken the organizer most of the afternoon to mark out the course with tape, and there must have been at least 12-13 marshals at various points along the route. So a pat on the back for her for the organizing.

Finish time was 62:54, so almost comparable with the first race. It'll be interesting to see how everyone else did when the results are publish.

I'm not out on Saturday as I'm off to the Lakes again for Great Lakes Fell Race.

TF

Saturday 18th June

I shall be UTUPing on Saturday. Is anyone else planning to be there? I don 't know how far I shall be running because recovery is proving to be slow but I hope to last for a couple of hours.

I managed a few miles whilst on a family visit to the south, including six miles on the South Downs where the clag was as bad as it ever gets on the West Pennine Moors.

More 70 at 70 Pictures : Leg 3 Recce.

It has been suggested that I should publish pictures taken on the Leg 3 recce taken on the 7th. May. As they were taken at road points they are much the same as those taken during the actual run. Here are a selection:

Preparing to start at the A672

At the A640

At the A62

At the A635

Finishing at the B6105

As the pictures indicate, the weather for the recce was somewhat better than it was on the day.

better late than never

My excuse is I forgot my password, that, and an invasion of family and belongings when the wedding was off, ( it's on again now.)
Anyway a big congratulations to John on his 70@70. Also a massive thanks to him for letting me join in the fun - well it was fun for all the runners not doing 70. It has also showed me how much I miss the group and I am looking forward to getting back to running Saturdays when I have recovered from the op on my ankle. This was fine on the event and then broke down a week later on a 2 mile run, ok again for now. It seems something catches and is painful for a few days until it sorts itself out. Hoping to be out Tuesday night this week. Thanks to J the E and NLN for the photos. NicO
PS Lots of swallows but no buzzards or twites yet.

Utup

Not going to be able to make it tomorrow. Too many errands to run before heading in to Manchester for the Take That concert.

Bet none of you had me down as a 'teeny-bopper' but I'm guessing the average age of the crowd will be about 40. When I agreed to go (before xmas) I did assume we'd be indoors and sat down. No such luck, the concert's at Man City's ground and we're on cheap tickets so in the standing up area (£60, dread to think how much it was for a seat).

Will be taking my fell running 'full body cover' because although the forecast suggests it may be dry, don't fancy getting drenched in beer either. Came across this nifty device the other day for beating the queue for loo, thought I'd post a link as EtU and Steve couldn't quite picture it as I described it on our run last night http://shop.packyourbags.com/acatalog/Travel_John_Urinals.html .

TF

Packing it all in- as it were!

Having helped on John’s 70@70, we had a week of extreme weather ranging from heavy snow on the Ben, albeit we were in the Ben Nevis Inn at the time, to blistering heat at Ennerdale.   We learned later that on Sunday a young French hillwalker perished on the tourist track on Ben Nevis in the appalling conditions.  Although well equipped he was suffering from hypothermia and despite being evacuated off the hill, efforts to revive him on reaching hospital were unsuccessful.

Anyway our week’s adventures started in the Dales at Gargrave at 3.00am on Sunday morning when FSS set off to accompany YJ on the first of his 23 miles of 70 in not great conditions.  I met them at a couple of road crossings, but with the car being blown all over the place, I was glad I wasn’t out on the moor overnight.

Ready for the off

End of second leg just over M61 bridge “So where’s my coffee…     and your trousers are?”

It was great to run the second leg with YJ and TF even ‘though the driving wind and bitterly cold temperatures coupled with squally showers made for heavy going.  I was glad to climb into dry clothes and a warm car for the journey to Scotland.

It’s tough doing support you know

Looking down Loch Leven with the Pap of Glen Coe on the left

As you can see dramatic weather North of the border – and this was the good day.  Plenty of extreme water events.

 

Our plan was to travel back to the Lakes on Friday, but the forecast for Wed and Thurs was appalling and there seemed little point in mooching about and then travelling on the only decent day on the horizon.  So having packed up we spent Wed heading back to Keswick and a little light shopping before heading to High Moss in the Duddon Valley.  Great move as Thurs and Fri were great days.

 

Lank Rigg, above Ennerdale before the cloud cleared to brilliant sunshine.

FSS and new club mate Sarah finishing 4th lady at Ennerdale

Two lady Horwich runners (Rachel and Geraldine) at Ennerdale, no chaps but a heap of Bowland fellrunners and three hardy Lostock Lads made it round the course.   Bit of a do Sat night at High Moss to celebrate two Rucksack friends wedding.  

Fantastic week of hills and wonderful and varied company – what it’s all about.  Leaving High Moss early Sunday morning we followed a rather familiar car sneaking out of the Duddon Valley before taking the road to Wasdale – you’ll be glad the race is back on after all that reccying TF

NLN