For one reason or another I had never run the Old County Tops even though I knew all about it. May is often busy but I think it was also very much a fear of letting a partner down and so feeling I had bitten off more than I could chew. Just a few weeks before the race I ended up in a partnership with Brian Melia. We had 'run' together for miles on the TOR and he had been very kind and supportive when he realised I really wanted to get an age category win. Run is perhaps not quite the correct word but we spent miles together when we were both well past our best! I thought on a good day we would be fairly well evenly matched, and if anything I might be just a little faster.
The van threw a spanner in the works and it meant and early get up for the drive to Langdale in the car but it was fine really and we were there before 7am. I left Bob in the NT car park, used the toilets and then wandered across to the race field. It wasn't long before Brain appeared along with many other friends. I chatted to Phil, Claire, Rory and Lawrence amongst many. It was warm and going to be hot later but that didn't really trouble me. Shorts and T shirt would be fine although I packed two long sleeves for later just in case. Registration and kit check were soon done.
We started nearer to the front than I was comfortable with and the pace along the first lane was as awfully fast as I had expected. By the time we left the road to head over the fells to Grasmere things were more steady and I was happy. Nav at this stage was not a problem with so many people to follow. Brian stopped to pee as I continued on the roads through the village and then as I slowed after crossing the A road he caught me. Other runners were coming past at a steady rate now (proof we had started too fast) but it was good to chat to Maria, Josie and Kat and others as we began the climb to Grisedale tarn. I was already feeling strong and this is a double edge sword- good to feel bouncy but at times slightly frustrating because you feel you could go faster. (the reality of course is that without the rests you can not go much faster in the end).
From the tarn we ignored the tourist path and went straight up the old fence line. It was steep but I felt strong and kept pulling ahead and then waiting. Once up on the main ridge we both jogged on but I was still pulling ahead and had to wait at the CP on Helvellyn. The pathless descent is steep and we ran down together. It was mercifully dry and I hate to think what it would be like in the wet or worse.
The CP at Wythburn was a welcome break and chance to refuel. I realised I had not yet drunk much and made amends. Even better were the egg sandwiches and bananas (when else do I eat pulpy white processed bread without complaint?). A short section on a concessionary path kept us off the road and then we crossed to Gavin Blands farm. I remember the next bit of our route today from the old Lakes 10 Peaks. It was initially drier today but the bit on the OS maps marked The Bog lived up to it's name.
Brian was really struggling here- it was a steady but not steep climb and it was rather hot and airless in the valley. He is bigger than me and was suffering in the heat with cramping in his legs and just heavy sweating. A MF jelly I gave him helped a little. People were settling into a more steady pace now and those we were with we would see most of the rest of the day.
We were not the only pair that were a little 'unmatched' on the day and it provided a chance to chat more than once as we climbed towards Stake Pass and then headed off on small trods towards Angle Tarn.
I was still feeling bouncy and had a lovely chat with Ian Charters who was marshalling there. I kept a look out for Bob but had no real idea of his route or timings. I munched Haribo as Brian filled his water and stopped to drink loads.
Easy nav led us closer and closer to Scafell Pike. It was busier here but not awful. From the summit there seem to be two main choices of route and Brian had already declared that we were going down the buttresses. Today was dry ad visibility was excellent. I found the perfect line the whole way but I feel it would be a rather different undertaking in the clag, Part was down I could hear what sounded like screams and prayed there had not been an accident. On a wide grassy ledge we found a female team stuck and in pain. One runner had really awful cramp in both thighs. A pair of runners had stopped but apparently others had just trotted on! We stretched and massaged the girls legs and checked they had water, food and electrolytes. It was warm and sunny at least. We had no RO number and I didn't feel it was a mountain rescue issue.
We hoped they could rest 20 mins or so and then walk slowly down. We promised to let the CP and Cockley Beck know. I loved this descent and again suddenly found I was some way ahead. BY the bottom I really wanted to RUN. The boggy bits were dry ad the terrain was lumpy but not hilly. Plus I was determined that we would not be timed out at this CP. Poor Brian got some harsh words.
We made it to the CP in plenty of time ad there were at least four other pairs around us. I stuffed my face with cheese and pickle sandwiches, egg ones, cake and more water. Eating can be an issue for me but it it is usually pace related and today I was able to fuel well.
We left the CP well before the cut off and I chatted to Alice from Saddleworth as we climbed. Think I persuaded her to do the Fellsman next year. For me passing that CP meant the end was in sight and it spurred me on. Sadly the climb sapped more energy from Brian. It is steep and nasty at this stage of the race and it was a joy to reach the col. Great views in all directions yet again and the hope of more runnable paths out to The Old Man.
This was the only time I got chilly- I had pressed on and then suddenly realised I had dropped Brian and had to wait. We regrouped and paid our respects to his dad's ashes which are scattered there. I urged Brian on and we made reasonable time back towards 3 Shires stone. Brian stopped for water and I went for a pee knowing that the long downhill on tarmac was looming. We had caught a pair now and knew there was another pair further behind us. The M130 pair were now ahead and just out of sight. I stormed down the road until the point where the L100 has the beacon on the wall corner. We cut oof on the rough path together and I could not believe how dry the ground was. Brian could sense the end now and was running more. Blea Tarn soon came and went, then it was up to cross the road and the final paths before the drop to the road in Langdale and the finish. He refused to hold hands and be pulled but we did finish together and what a great day out it had been.
We refuelled with sandwiches, cake and tea, Sadly the soup had all gone. Tony M was on the finish line and presented us with our T shirts plus a mug- we had made history as the first MixV120, a nice surprise. 11 hrs and 27 mins. My strava would show a rather embarrassing 2hrs of stationary time but I had really enjoyed y day in the sun and am very grateful for Brian showing me the way. It had been a long day so after a few brief chats and goodbyes I trotted back to the car and found Bob. I felt alert enough to drive home which was good as he had also had a long day and was suffering with his cold.
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