Pennine 39

 When L5P got cancelled there was really only one obvious alternative- go back to our much loved Nav4 P39, which was on the same date anyway. Joe was happy to have us back. It would be my 9th running of the race and I was happy. Well, I was until the van got sick and then suddenly we couldn't use it and both go and sleep in the van as usual etc. I decided to go by car and Joe kindly found me a bed. It meant Bob missing out on the party etc but seemed the best option.

The forecast was not great and for the Friday it was even worse. So much so that there seemed little point trying to SUP or walk on the way to the event. Instead we went to Preston Wall and found lots of nice new routes. The M6 was nasty with heavy traffic and heavy rain. Once I left Penrith things improved but you couldn't see the tops of the hills we would be running over. I arrived in Alston at about 5pm and it was almost dry, certainly dry enough to put the flags up. Once these were up and the display boards and prizes sorted I was free to chat with the team and then claim my bunk. The rooms were too hot as usual but Stevie and I had a small room to ourselves.

I was hungry after climbing and so wandered down to the SPAR for extra snacks before my main evening meal. I did share the donuts. There wasn't much to do in terms of helping so it was lots of chat and cups of tea. As the evening wore on more residents and friends appeared. I thought I was pretty much organised and before 10pm was ready to go up to bed. Lying there I could hear Sarah and Sara debating what to wear, what to take etc , the forecast, and then I started questioning my kit. I checked what I had packed one last time but didn't change anything.  I slept better than I often do before a race.

There was movement around the hostel from about 6am and although I had two hours before the bus to the start I was rested and thought I might as well start getting ready. Coffee, breakfast and several toilet trips filled the time as did getting my tracker fitted. The forecast rain had not appeared yet and I wandered down to the bus stop early. A seat next to Ken gave me lots of chance to chat and I also managed to speak to Rory too- I wouldn't see him after the start unless he was still at the finish when I arrived! On the moor tops we ran into rain but at Bowless it was dry when we first got off the coach. It didn't last and I then had a debate with myself.... cag on? or risk getting wet and then cold later? short and long sleeve base layer or with the cag just the one?

The water at the falls was massive and a swirling peaty mass. I couldn't believe how much more volume there was compared to a month ago. It was the only photo I took all day.  The start was predictably low key and some didn't even realise we were off. Rory shot off and Bonnie followed. One thing I have got better at over recent years is sticking to my pace and not wildly chasing.  I was a bit anxious as several men charged past and I couldn't keep up but decided just to settle into my own space. I knew the way and didn't need others around me. It's a lovely route but there was no time to stop and admire the falls today. I was able to call people back and keep them on route a couple of times  and we were soon on our way to the notorious Falcon Clints- slippery stones that are unavoidable. I was cautious and hoped I would make up the time later. I had settled into running with Matt and he was good company. 

Not this year- we did not have blue sky

The rocky scramble by the side of Cauldron Snout was wet but not really slippery and we reached CP1 at Cow Green Dam. Here we caught the first of the runners that had set off on the early bus an hour before us and then we passed Birkdale the highest inhabited farm in England.

Once we left the big gravel track the ground was wet and muddy  but no worse than often. Somewhere here I suggested Matt pushed on. I seemed to be struggling a bit, perhaps it was the headwind. After Maize Beck bridge I was suddenly alone and the visibility was now only perhaps 100m. I pushed on hoping I might catch a runner admiring the view at High Cup Nick but there was no view.  I found the lower smaller path and in doing so missed Paul who was out meeting us but did also overtake two runners. By the time I was leaving the moor I could see at least one more runner ahead and I ran steadily to reel them in.  We were still passing early starters too. I managed to wrestle my way out of my cag on the move- it was boiling as we dropped off the tops.

Not this year but you can never get tired of this view

I was efficient at the CP in Dufton- a quick wee, grab some food and out the door eating as I went. I left before the two young lads and with Matt who I had now caught up. We were still together as we started on the big walled track that would lead us back onto moorland. I pulled ahead when Matt stopped to eat and I never saw him again, although I am sure he could see me up ahead. I then caught John and this spurred me on further. I could see Ken and one other runner up ahead but could not quite catch them. It's a tough climb up to Knock Old Man but I quite enjoyed it and it was now cooler in the stiff breeze.

Visibility was poor but not awful. The ground was boggy especially after the radar road and I was pleased to reach the flag stone path. My new shoes were brilliant on wet slabs and I had to confidence to run. Great Dunn and the aerial appeared out of the gloom and as I contoured round to the east I avoided the worst of the wind. Even when the flags stones were under 6 inches of water I loved it. I could see nobody in front or behind now so just got on with the path over Little Dunn which was very windy and then on to Cross Fell.  I could see the tall cairns and the path was always obvious. Before long I was turning at the top and heading north. I found the smaller short cut side path- I reckon all the Spine runners must now use it because it has grown lots. Here I caught Ken and Adrian and we arrived at Greggs Hut together and all needing water. Adrian seemed strong and slowly pulled ahead but poor Ken was paying the price for his speedy start and not feeling great. I left him and concentrated on seeing if I could reel Adrian in. 

 A smooth section- much is more rubble like

I was proud that I ran pretty much all of the Yellow Brick Road. My new shoes helped and having the slow start was now paying off. The road goes on, and on and on with several significant uphill sections too. About 2/3 of the way along I caught Adrian and as he stopped to get food from his pack I sped off. The rock plate in my shoes meant no sore feet and I trotted down to Garrigill the happiest I have ever been.

The CP was a car near the church this year and that suited me. I did not want to waste anytime going indoors etc. I topped up my water, stuffed down some fruit and with a quick apology to Siobhan I was off. I knew Adrian would not be far behind and suspected Matt might be catching us too. Leaving the village two farm workers were full of concern that the runner ahead of me had fallen and needed the hospital. I kept an eye out but never caught Andrew. The riverside path was a bit muddy but it is the stiles that sap my energy here and can make it a long 4 miles. At least my body was in better shape than on my birthday run. The 'broken' bridge was fine and the cable-ties had been removed so there was no need to climb it. I could sense a runner behind me- it was Matt. On the final 2km the open fields allow you a good view ahead and behind. I could see nobody and pushed on as hard as I could. The final section is a joy to run and having done it many times I knew to look for the telegraph pole, the cemetery and then our flags. Those flags really spur you on as well as showing you where to turn up the steps to the YHA. 

I am not sure if the finish times were as we arrived at the front door or a minute later when our trackers were scanned but I was pleased with 7hrs and some seconds. I was even more pleased to have overtaken so many runners in the second half. 

Rory had a storming run and finished in 5:30:51  Bonnie was first lady. I don't know her but recognised the name. She shot off so fast I assumed she was aiming to stick with Rory but in fact she was only 14 mins ahead of me. Chuffed! 4th overall too and I kept my record of being consistently around the 7hr mark.

Lots of soup and cups of tea revived me and I wandered up for a shower in case the hot water ran out. My legs didn't feel at all trashed although I felt sleepy enough to consider a lie down. Instead I went downstairs to welcome in all the next runners and to refuel more. Before long Ken and I started on the beer and this set the tone of the evening- lots of food, drink and chat. Perfect. Everyone mucked in with cooking, serving and washing up- a very sociable evening. Chilli was followed by apple crumble and then later a cheese board and port. I gave to Iron Brew beer a miss though- even the small was a bit much. By 1am I was ready for my bed. 

Well before 7am the flags were down and the car was packed. Paul cooked a superb breakfast  and I made my excuses to leave. The day was dry and even a bit sunny. I was keen to park at Hartside and go for a recovery run to claim two trigs. It was a bit splishy splashy underfoot and I walked the hills but it was nice to be out and to have views.