tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42385825770456890812024-02-22T08:11:16.502-08:00karen- Ultras and a little bit moreUltras and a lttle bit morehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14102033182139486675noreply@blogger.comBlogger285125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238582577045689081.post-43726574122621646092024-02-04T04:22:00.000-08:002024-02-04T04:22:58.644-08:00Pendle Way in a Day<p> First race in the Runfurther series again and I know the route pretty well now. We have had all sorts of weather for it but that was not my main worry this year. I have barely run since the Bowland Ultra except for a couple of Night Orienteering events where nav and dark force me to slow down. I also played street O catch up a fortnight ago and now regret bothering. Short sharp runs and on tarmac don't suit me and I upset a niggle in my glute and hip on the Monday. A second run on the Wednesday was an even worse idea- I even started walking back to the pub part way through before trying to tough it out. Lots of climbing followed but no running and I could still feel it. Annoyingly, or predictably, those two runs will be discards with my worst points. At least the Night O went well and I seem to have won the FVet/ over 50 North West League.</p><p>I told myself that the forecast looked OK and that I needed to go to Pendle with the prizes, flags etc anyway. I managed to persuade Bob that he wanted a walk there and so we went on Friday evening. This allowed me to put up flags and banners, hand mint cake and prizes to Jamie the RO and to set up the display boards. A lie in would be possible on Saturday. Despite the forecast it was crazy windy all night and I kept being woken by the wind in the trees and worrying how the flags were standing up to it. The lie in meant I missed the walkers start at 7am and so did not see Andy but shortly afterwards I went to register. Kit check was swift and I concentrated on handing out spot prizes and left overs from last years prize giving. Concerned about how cold and wet we got two years ago I had opted for thicker tights and two base layers. A quick check outside at 7.45 and I found it was still windy and raining. I changed into my heavier cag. Mistakes.. I was far too hot for most of the journey.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOuqFncjDYnaI6aPc9qW3xybc1fkGaU0DVpTeggHZsZjugMqiFO6ZKiJeK4tllp1Rcl0yhQF2_eQELdBqGfqQpoF1Hd1RJG3YZdx4-NG6a-SOwLkfSwvUXyfNhEkjCE7XXQ0DC1B6Lv4d4yqtif28ObPuct70vCIshi0VkA0-pJY6MAS_QDa_j4wTyjEhk/s2048/PW%20flags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOuqFncjDYnaI6aPc9qW3xybc1fkGaU0DVpTeggHZsZjugMqiFO6ZKiJeK4tllp1Rcl0yhQF2_eQELdBqGfqQpoF1Hd1RJG3YZdx4-NG6a-SOwLkfSwvUXyfNhEkjCE7XXQ0DC1B6Lv4d4yqtif28ObPuct70vCIshi0VkA0-pJY6MAS_QDa_j4wTyjEhk/s320/PW%20flags.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>We gathered outside for the briefing and at 8am prompt we were off. I knew I would not beat Kat or Claire and so tried not to race off too fast even though the first kilometer or so is flat. The woods at Whitehough were as boggy as usual and I was cautious on the drop to Roughlee having promised I would not injury myself and upset our holiday plans. By Barrowford and the original start venue I was a bit alarmed to see Claire just ahead but assumed I would drop back once we started climbing a bit. A few guys overtook me in the next few miles as I walked some short sections to try to ease my glute/hip. This included Glen- the oldest racer by about a year. Before Weets we caught up with the first walkers and the day now had blue skies and great views. Martin danced by- he always looks so light and nimble and then I caught Claire. She was suffering and likely to pull out at the marshall check in Barnoldswick. Much of the next section was run with three guys and trying to keep with them helped my speed but not my bum. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVu819okSfGN9InmDoM1l_OuBzahuvBWaf0bEo0OFrDZ6Brxu7gaWwUW89GxTRD7JBnG3e3dzMB12HydVBysKSCNdg5ihxnimamR68aPjDKfhyphenhyphenwN6CRk2Ja80C0e7E72zW0phh5m9ialoOsopWaF2kBSmj4fK82msC2T9iBIfM-e7CC1vk_6CHz5wzo225/s2048/PW%20sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVu819okSfGN9InmDoM1l_OuBzahuvBWaf0bEo0OFrDZ6Brxu7gaWwUW89GxTRD7JBnG3e3dzMB12HydVBysKSCNdg5ihxnimamR68aPjDKfhyphenhyphenwN6CRk2Ja80C0e7E72zW0phh5m9ialoOsopWaF2kBSmj4fK82msC2T9iBIfM-e7CC1vk_6CHz5wzo225/s320/PW%20sign.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>Barnoldswick to Earby is fairly quick running and includes my least favourite canal section. My three friends pulled ahead a bit but coming off Kelbrook Moor we were back together again and we had been joined by man with poles (Jonathon?) and Tod man Gaz. Knowing the route on these sections of multiple paths and farm tracks really helps and pole man was very grateful. At the CP in Kelbrook I grabbed a cake and some sweets but still had plenty of my own food left too. The path through to Wycoller was less muddy than usual and I managed to run fairly well but then opted to eat crisps and power walk with the odd jog up the big track and onto the route shared by Pendle Way, Bronte Way and Pennine Bridleway. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyz5t7V5b31MRFBaKakBeTme5iMfwIyD1KhDPjpGE5aFFN9aoGQHJV6IgSd2mISrUdMM55ALHEy6C04U3A13y8JFGuD72Hz2dAPOqBLfRHI8ZlS4mVe-ZbfJ-WVJBBGo7PNP8jAKHUU1zs1wRuCy4YeX1BU3XzNJAs2_q087PyrGt4f4Fx5DbYdqrq8XTe/s2048/PW%20wycoller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyz5t7V5b31MRFBaKakBeTme5iMfwIyD1KhDPjpGE5aFFN9aoGQHJV6IgSd2mISrUdMM55ALHEy6C04U3A13y8JFGuD72Hz2dAPOqBLfRHI8ZlS4mVe-ZbfJ-WVJBBGo7PNP8jAKHUU1zs1wRuCy4YeX1BU3XzNJAs2_q087PyrGt4f4Fx5DbYdqrq8XTe/s320/PW%20wycoller.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I was now picking off walkers and those on the shorter route which helped keep me motivated to run and stomp. Pole man and Tod man were slightly ahead but we had dropped the three guys. A good track led to Coldwell but the farm track before Catlow was as bad as always with deep mud. At the ford the river was quite high and leaving the last stepping stone for the cobbles of the ford I slipped. No harm done except the weird muscle pop out thing near my ribs. I prayed that a fast walk up the very steep lane would allow it to settle and it did. The CP had moved to a tiny church room in Southfield. I topped up water and grabbed a little to eat before jogging down the track to the reservoir. Another predictably muddy section led up to the main road and then more pleasant paths leading to Reedly. Downhill roads here let me run again before the broken and submerged duckboards by Pendle Water. A broken bridge meant a diversion next- it wasn't exciting being on a pavement but was certainly easier than the usual path. Up and up to the main road at Fence and then along to Higham - it felt longer than 4km. In the CP I grabbed a donut and cup of tea. I was tired and my glute was sore but the end was in sight. Up the boggy fields to the lane and then a short pleasant section before the very boggy track to Bull Hole.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXf8mfW4zeWJyd-25YsjiTG2Fv50h8TgnJdI435wg75dPfwFMzS8pVFRRp2PoknRKSukky2hpMnJs3DWj7M0ARC6iXZimluom3OgczuAORTwcbUxmQsUQGJswanIuPqPyeiqdUmlAkx3dMPeoJ-mAksMsWqZIXZ_hyphenhyphenDoSczpo0K8EkQGAvO5U70HCt_Sn/s960/PW%20Pendle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheXf8mfW4zeWJyd-25YsjiTG2Fv50h8TgnJdI435wg75dPfwFMzS8pVFRRp2PoknRKSukky2hpMnJs3DWj7M0ARC6iXZimluom3OgczuAORTwcbUxmQsUQGJswanIuPqPyeiqdUmlAkx3dMPeoJ-mAksMsWqZIXZ_hyphenhyphenDoSczpo0K8EkQGAvO5U70HCt_Sn/s320/PW%20Pendle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Walkers ahead pulled me into Newchurch and another group was caught as we climbed to Fell Wood. Poleman was still with me and Tod man too, although he ran harder to Pendle trig point. Knowing the trod around the rim saved me a little time and knowing the runners trod near the awful stone steps save me trip hazards and fear of falling. I was hoping to beat 9hrs 10 but decided it wasn't worth risking all at this stage so ran with caution until the tarmac of the village. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiha_hZSmbhyphenhyphenw6uEWLOUvzgvTxWDfR-yjHTbpwMXMgpefynXF-cBj7gHGrL4z8jGYKDW5xH67YmV3m2jdtP8LtTSq43ei5mCNRrC-J8yNRJfRP9i4VGoFxMTqFzrI2NsQLA0IAWuwe8o33vQ9APCzKu8s4W4ELsNK2SspCCBRcd06NDGiGud5iFBrAA8b8Y/s1800/PW%20Kat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiha_hZSmbhyphenhyphenw6uEWLOUvzgvTxWDfR-yjHTbpwMXMgpefynXF-cBj7gHGrL4z8jGYKDW5xH67YmV3m2jdtP8LtTSq43ei5mCNRrC-J8yNRJfRP9i4VGoFxMTqFzrI2NsQLA0IAWuwe8o33vQ9APCzKu8s4W4ELsNK2SspCCBRcd06NDGiGud5iFBrAA8b8Y/s320/PW%20Kat.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><p>9hrs 12 was not so bad even if it was almost an hour behind Kat who was first F. I was 2nd F, 1st FV and 3V. About 15 mins slower than last year but quicker than the other two and back without needing a head torch.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPLVmVxFEy1EathwCpPMSCCfbTd9wQZ1CJGFuoCEsuW1G8806v4rNBlgL4uCjQqNXFPZRdaevP1-9pWjYsD4iUfbTvWTl5Q_9AvgfJdxqJElgfpfi2u1Z3ys0sfAIXTw0Atb3VraB4S3cesEuzTjSJFVr0O0thQunaNx_VitulAABJ6UTkve-zmw6-Z1EV/s1440/PW%20beer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPLVmVxFEy1EathwCpPMSCCfbTd9wQZ1CJGFuoCEsuW1G8806v4rNBlgL4uCjQqNXFPZRdaevP1-9pWjYsD4iUfbTvWTl5Q_9AvgfJdxqJElgfpfi2u1Z3ys0sfAIXTw0Atb3VraB4S3cesEuzTjSJFVr0O0thQunaNx_VitulAABJ6UTkve-zmw6-Z1EV/s320/PW%20beer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Bob came to meet me and I recovered with lentil dahl, beef stew and cups of tea. All the Runfurther stuff was collected together (thanks Bob) and it was a joy to do it in the dry this time. We saved the beer until we got home. Not a bad day out and a good start to the Runfurther series.</p>Ultras and a lttle bit morehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14102033182139486675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238582577045689081.post-77714837023857779762024-01-21T13:30:00.000-08:002024-01-21T13:30:14.730-08:00The start of 2024<p> It kicked off on 1stJan at my orienteering club's annual New Year Cracker. A fairly low key event where controls are not too technical- ideal for me. There was lots of fast running terrain too so the only issue was deciding how much I could manage in the allotted time and making sure I was not late back. It went well in good weather and I had fun. Afterwards I went for a walk run out onto Helsington and Scout Scar to meet Bob. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUVW9V0oHY38MY4bnmDX5djpWB1LlLEF1kTrwmeRMa3fbvYYO-Lbin2H8w79jdqMeA8ux-ygUeVWJXJjQpmjgG1Zh1-HW5rtjuVIbhZruD2qJiHagBbE2RNoOpv_sO3AV4ZCXEW6m0kMRR1MEFgOrhOPSfMn_e9gFgeaNJNOEtI3BIcirBsGGqZckm1XdU/s809/NYD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="809" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUVW9V0oHY38MY4bnmDX5djpWB1LlLEF1kTrwmeRMa3fbvYYO-Lbin2H8w79jdqMeA8ux-ygUeVWJXJjQpmjgG1Zh1-HW5rtjuVIbhZruD2qJiHagBbE2RNoOpv_sO3AV4ZCXEW6m0kMRR1MEFgOrhOPSfMn_e9gFgeaNJNOEtI3BIcirBsGGqZckm1XdU/s320/NYD.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I have kept my promise to myself of attempting more Night Orienteering- in terrain, not just the Street O. I don't find it easy but I am sure the concentration and practice will benefit my nav and keep the skills from being lost altogether. It is so easy today to simply load up OS maps on my phone and press the little button that says You are here! The first event went quite well even though it followed a fairly tough day on the Coniston Fells.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-daXu0Rv254r4UalcTkarSN36gByYWrpaqbz87PD8oC2E2CdP1IKckRbrcSwY0su1m7EOnQAi5v-CUyae9KkuFJew4GpmYqos4afDT5TKkOVuB-34huqw3lOhB38jiTxDi0aiaMM72vX-PfIfH6rqqrTqUl_Cfee-dRvw5mraNEqAD3wdQ5GrAw6_T_0/s1080/Coniston1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="1080" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-daXu0Rv254r4UalcTkarSN36gByYWrpaqbz87PD8oC2E2CdP1IKckRbrcSwY0su1m7EOnQAi5v-CUyae9KkuFJew4GpmYqos4afDT5TKkOVuB-34huqw3lOhB38jiTxDi0aiaMM72vX-PfIfH6rqqrTqUl_Cfee-dRvw5mraNEqAD3wdQ5GrAw6_T_0/s320/Coniston1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>It was cold but dry and although hesitant in the forest at times I did not get lost. I missed the next event despite my over ambitious hopes of fitting it in after an Ultra race but made the following one. Again this was on a new area to me, a big disadvantage compared to many of those running. I made a complete hash of CP1 thinking the map looked easy. In my defence I became muddled in part because the line led me to CP4 which in the dark and my haste looked like 1. By the time I had wandered about trying to make it all fit I was starting to panic. Once sorted the rest of the event went well on a lovely and so much milder evening. Two events in one day as we had our club handicap in the morning in very chilly weather and on some very icy paths. With luck I will make the event next weekend too.</p><p>Bob is celebrating a big birthday this year and so has set himself some challenges. It will mean many days in the Lakes and not wanting me to be left out he suggested if he could do 80 Wainwrights @80 I should do double my age and collect 126. Never one to refuse a challenge I have made a start. We had sort of planned a flying ski trip but when the weather looked dry and bright we binned that and took the van to the Lakes. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimgncDjXe4jvy-KeX_SnkAamSe-RFS1VulnNfoIi1-YzHbfD3o4jYCBQxkFnAJ5v5fr-aJed5A6UmuryniN6VClSHt5hwfbXm8ZehIE7LXnw2rcfTYsJ7b86szokjkv3VH8RblmnCrvM4dSomX7jcT67s5lj7qi6KSTgxGS-0W2dOfHF3Fry1km0zyAJNA/s1080/Coniston%20sunrise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="1080" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimgncDjXe4jvy-KeX_SnkAamSe-RFS1VulnNfoIi1-YzHbfD3o4jYCBQxkFnAJ5v5fr-aJed5A6UmuryniN6VClSHt5hwfbXm8ZehIE7LXnw2rcfTYsJ7b86szokjkv3VH8RblmnCrvM4dSomX7jcT67s5lj7qi6KSTgxGS-0W2dOfHF3Fry1km0zyAJNA/s320/Coniston%20sunrise.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>First stop Coniston in some very frosty weather. The views were superb, Bob got to see a beautiful broken spectre </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOQMDlZruqcmW6tYd5DemxR9rjdjSW9gQsjiJvRL89glDGNa6VZsJGGAAK-BAX7xFLGFE4ygFE4FuKsduV5KhQmQye2bvtcImHyilOL9N5g6HgMgB9vANESfUNeuOV2NdN-Hd8J-l-SNdLQrGx_pn3C0Zkl4tYFlUgNQfc1rVd5h4FXa8TrgDz-OCIaCsp/s607/Broken%20S.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOQMDlZruqcmW6tYd5DemxR9rjdjSW9gQsjiJvRL89glDGNa6VZsJGGAAK-BAX7xFLGFE4ygFE4FuKsduV5KhQmQye2bvtcImHyilOL9N5g6HgMgB9vANESfUNeuOV2NdN-Hd8J-l-SNdLQrGx_pn3C0Zkl4tYFlUgNQfc1rVd5h4FXa8TrgDz-OCIaCsp/s320/Broken%20S.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p>and I bagged 7 Wainwrights with some running and a great deal of power walking. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXoy9TlNZH5Kt-H3LUxFbxlV9prfZkPf5_1K52lz3-EwlxzEp2HIFcOOtYLCCrx-5too5Kks_vxmdwM9tmBfqTLry2-kudwjoTOjHBxSbg3LEersqm0SdG-Z_5fIiqtiiSPwzioqiQoMa_szEEtk-oXgeJBGHqMmv3jaJLqoSJOrFUPEgRFukUMjFqhKkh/s1080/Coniston%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="1080" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXoy9TlNZH5Kt-H3LUxFbxlV9prfZkPf5_1K52lz3-EwlxzEp2HIFcOOtYLCCrx-5too5Kks_vxmdwM9tmBfqTLry2-kudwjoTOjHBxSbg3LEersqm0SdG-Z_5fIiqtiiSPwzioqiQoMa_szEEtk-oXgeJBGHqMmv3jaJLqoSJOrFUPEgRFukUMjFqhKkh/s320/Coniston%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I was hoping tired legs would let me run more slowly and carefully that evening at the Night O. An easier rest day saw us exploring the Ravenglass estuary and parts of Muncaster Castle grounds before heading up to Wasdale. Van parking is no longer easy here and given the forecast we booked onto the campsite. This allowed an early start up Lingmell. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr5GBpSCKQHIxQ7ep0JqAVGU9zzH6qfw_ziqkUcZt8s0mL1IXaS0KuDU5k3UBQPaDZvh74k0GFnEbInykPRKej24w-hktXp7NtAE12YSmwSclRnaRbDdJjV0ZztKZh6d_N4ervUKgX3kbgzSmpOm3zKhH4CqlJR11Fx6t3bEb2a_AgStWKxsZ-_YZUFFK1/s1080/Wasdale%20sunrise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="1080" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr5GBpSCKQHIxQ7ep0JqAVGU9zzH6qfw_ziqkUcZt8s0mL1IXaS0KuDU5k3UBQPaDZvh74k0GFnEbInykPRKej24w-hktXp7NtAE12YSmwSclRnaRbDdJjV0ZztKZh6d_N4ervUKgX3kbgzSmpOm3zKhH4CqlJR11Fx6t3bEb2a_AgStWKxsZ-_YZUFFK1/s320/Wasdale%20sunrise.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>It got a bit sketchy from then onwards with poor visibility, strong winds, icy ground etc but I made it up Scafell Pike seeing only 3 other people in a couple of hours. No photos of these early bits! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYkjElUc58uufXaFaGvoSqHIUapJd85BarWITKqHyFuP5GnSOPQHa_zWJ09aCBFbhpb6ie9kS3RX_H6mSxlp8t3XqQxdWjbAMLpU46ChJ-5N8FbNabhRIFw6xyJbvAf7wGFUGTuW8MxabzdCatYoh_NyURQgpSiIikWxe3x8sXvhMYFia31GE7jNmsG0No/s1080/Wasdale%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="1080" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYkjElUc58uufXaFaGvoSqHIUapJd85BarWITKqHyFuP5GnSOPQHa_zWJ09aCBFbhpb6ie9kS3RX_H6mSxlp8t3XqQxdWjbAMLpU46ChJ-5N8FbNabhRIFw6xyJbvAf7wGFUGTuW8MxabzdCatYoh_NyURQgpSiIikWxe3x8sXvhMYFia31GE7jNmsG0No/s320/Wasdale%203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>By the time I was lower and near Esk Hause conditions improved so I included Great End even though I saw very little. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXraYYwO02-TRIZEEh-DqKEgrbYhsqxb9219LzZ0xsbkuwLjwmJX4iBH60lyiHUywpOW3ktYXXuh0Gp6Xk6LfnD7A0Yzr-KkSi9lltw4pVhbT2F7FHUvx7pFshBOkOnxdFxGCP8vfh9tb9zflNjo88l3vAKhrodUk0exTiSjUrL6lE4ceen1QRIhdib6yT/s1080/Wasdale%20SH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="1080" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXraYYwO02-TRIZEEh-DqKEgrbYhsqxb9219LzZ0xsbkuwLjwmJX4iBH60lyiHUywpOW3ktYXXuh0Gp6Xk6LfnD7A0Yzr-KkSi9lltw4pVhbT2F7FHUvx7pFshBOkOnxdFxGCP8vfh9tb9zflNjo88l3vAKhrodUk0exTiSjUrL6lE4ceen1QRIhdib6yT/s320/Wasdale%20SH.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>By Styhead things improved considerably and so I went up Great Gable. So glad that I did as the 360 views were amazing! I thought about Green Gable but was concerned there may be ice in Aaron Slack and so simply reversed my route and doubled back to find Bob. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFUyQ66pqzdxeLS5BeRLQ_g6CFXITjnFbq75lBGFHVWJ9jyhnPzaST0aMhI08OJP4krFkq1oSkgBH1nT3IlQ_hXtklfhbLlw-i3ChCfJ3f_2XjeGevuGDgSYOymlgCCTnGW7-cucl61FLTToP89OnaPN6rlTnBUKCwWHl2i_3EJd69NdRwiXT_bo9tPr3i/s1080/Wasdale%20Bob.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="1080" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFUyQ66pqzdxeLS5BeRLQ_g6CFXITjnFbq75lBGFHVWJ9jyhnPzaST0aMhI08OJP4krFkq1oSkgBH1nT3IlQ_hXtklfhbLlw-i3ChCfJ3f_2XjeGevuGDgSYOymlgCCTnGW7-cucl61FLTToP89OnaPN6rlTnBUKCwWHl2i_3EJd69NdRwiXT_bo9tPr3i/s320/Wasdale%20Bob.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>This gave me some extra miles and allowed us to return to Wasdale together. Another 4 added to my tally. </p><p>We then moved to Ennerdale. I had planned a nice clockwise tour for the van. It is always a quiet valley and this trip was no exception. The dark skies made for awesome star gazing and we stayed two nights.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8b7gV-K_n1pUci_L5aFly5mCaWklR-613grQHaI1UtO4gqQYSeUfD3fQv1Jlb0qZCIwRDLkO3R20dBoSiRoRPgJOeaNOEEbV9gzSawE-KYiY8m5rE9TSdzY0S_RWJll3ZQP5Dm4svN219OGTY3LenU9nJbrCJDCjRWPwDE9IkeDntv-aQFnEWOoMx6GJy/s1080/Ennerdale%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="1080" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8b7gV-K_n1pUci_L5aFly5mCaWklR-613grQHaI1UtO4gqQYSeUfD3fQv1Jlb0qZCIwRDLkO3R20dBoSiRoRPgJOeaNOEEbV9gzSawE-KYiY8m5rE9TSdzY0S_RWJll3ZQP5Dm4svN219OGTY3LenU9nJbrCJDCjRWPwDE9IkeDntv-aQFnEWOoMx6GJy/s320/Ennerdale%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The pull up to Caw took less time than I expected but wow was I greeting by cold one the top. A fierce wind on the ridge as I battled towards Haycock. Then turning south to Red Pike the wind dropped and I even found somewhere to stop and eat before returning to the wind and Scoat Fell. It wasn't as bad on the exposed ridge to Steeple and the ice was no issue. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2CF17cbP_L7jHIC3eOqElp-TxEYl0Ggc_X-u4UQRSkMwDRzDn50c4fgEqRDIhSWWTMz2EblhLl3zu6g-YZkkhq2LZwvgcQxuNsjhxy2Q1VK9F2i_tQtWk87dgrWODXKfqtPzZcUZkXl6ekRcrkF4qYI23BS8SJa0enWD1B_yi7RG6uoMCm3Gazv1Pbqh4/s607/Ennerdale%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="455" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2CF17cbP_L7jHIC3eOqElp-TxEYl0Ggc_X-u4UQRSkMwDRzDn50c4fgEqRDIhSWWTMz2EblhLl3zu6g-YZkkhq2LZwvgcQxuNsjhxy2Q1VK9F2i_tQtWk87dgrWODXKfqtPzZcUZkXl6ekRcrkF4qYI23BS8SJa0enWD1B_yi7RG6uoMCm3Gazv1Pbqh4/s320/Ennerdale%202.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>I spotted Bob coming off Haycock and ran back to meet him. I guessed I had time to make it to Pillar and although the track after Black Sail hut would be a bit annoying it would be a safe way to end the day if the light started to fade. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP2zxdxoOkzDgHpiN30JbKhK9dyGTK6aLrR4fEZxQXjCFqO9NZo6QrELlw1V2Yq69i5hbuSE7oSB-2VCT-C2159L6v9apVPlxJb1YofAiq68XjRMqjU6hRtY6CCkLy_xE9wcCBu-qskrt_C2SntjtR95pf7hChXVWdRucLwwiiObmc01qTMai1DKwzbqPB/s1079/Ennerdale%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="1079" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP2zxdxoOkzDgHpiN30JbKhK9dyGTK6aLrR4fEZxQXjCFqO9NZo6QrELlw1V2Yq69i5hbuSE7oSB-2VCT-C2159L6v9apVPlxJb1YofAiq68XjRMqjU6hRtY6CCkLy_xE9wcCBu-qskrt_C2SntjtR95pf7hChXVWdRucLwwiiObmc01qTMai1DKwzbqPB/s320/Ennerdale%203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>At least the descent to the hut was easier than on L100- legs much less tired and I could see where I was going! Another 7 bagged and back long before dark. </p><p>The next days forecast was less good and an easier day was on the cards. A short drive via Cockermouth for some essential shopping and we were still in Buttermere quite early. We set off for Rannerdale Knotts together. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhttA9EmuT-ZB9EHzN1IQF2q3otOFsVN_ZPhLBlnCNoWj8X-OlwAjx_KHppakaojMQkn40gGdOxSAhjVzcyqCHtYK1ISXTVM5-W0kzW9AdhgilDur-xyvjhM_5OzTXNlbHWGbNQEJkQaflDdli1DHuyQqKiqwXBgXNOCPOiHCcBfg5w0GEaXySI0LpFtUCj/s1080/Rannerdale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="1080" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhttA9EmuT-ZB9EHzN1IQF2q3otOFsVN_ZPhLBlnCNoWj8X-OlwAjx_KHppakaojMQkn40gGdOxSAhjVzcyqCHtYK1ISXTVM5-W0kzW9AdhgilDur-xyvjhM_5OzTXNlbHWGbNQEJkQaflDdli1DHuyQqKiqwXBgXNOCPOiHCcBfg5w0GEaXySI0LpFtUCj/s320/Rannerdale.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Bob then headed back down the valley and I power hiked up Whiteless Pike. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8w7KzS1KJhDA74b6LTwrMYYca9ZJQ0BbLF3JgQDYLc7An2LJ-uwX8Kgkh1ZBkq-52FjgNNSXMITKdVtG5fozm529d0kL1ajOuT-oqpAegUv_FXeKrWpdE0egc-C9Sr48YqBMXcqms7REDSzo645Lufpu7EVGFI-k5FIm2pQCEZyzVSyx1zYDGmcPipLRS/s1080/Rannerdale%20Bob.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="1080" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8w7KzS1KJhDA74b6LTwrMYYca9ZJQ0BbLF3JgQDYLc7An2LJ-uwX8Kgkh1ZBkq-52FjgNNSXMITKdVtG5fozm529d0kL1ajOuT-oqpAegUv_FXeKrWpdE0egc-C9Sr48YqBMXcqms7REDSzo645Lufpu7EVGFI-k5FIm2pQCEZyzVSyx1zYDGmcPipLRS/s320/Rannerdale%20Bob.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>It took very little time but my legs were tired, I didn't have much gear with me and clag showed no signs of moving off the higher tops. In dobbed O shoes I had a wonderful jog downhill all the way to the van. A short day but 2 more notched up.</p><p>A cozy night below Rannerdale Knotts didn't really have the van in the correct place for the next day so we moved to the NT Buttermere car park. I decided to start with Haystacks and not to bother with Fleetwith Pike in case it was icy. This would also allow me time to continue along to Starling Dodd and beyond if all went well. The weather was great again- cold, very cold but dry and beautiful views. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZVDOwpoOaCE_SndBcYC5Cg0nV5jRUZLLi-if0VWigo7lUXeFtDCsLfnaBlJIXXkVTraDjs2Y6OHUy40KMJ1PMrnvxegoC6oxVOabt2ucjDY5O0hyl55khq2uATANqyYzuP2uLclI3BqoxOztVr44qwRdi0GK-W024lvwHkiDiS0lezmTO8pBbwhJDog87/s1080/Buttermere%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="1080" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZVDOwpoOaCE_SndBcYC5Cg0nV5jRUZLLi-if0VWigo7lUXeFtDCsLfnaBlJIXXkVTraDjs2Y6OHUy40KMJ1PMrnvxegoC6oxVOabt2ucjDY5O0hyl55khq2uATANqyYzuP2uLclI3BqoxOztVr44qwRdi0GK-W024lvwHkiDiS0lezmTO8pBbwhJDog87/s320/Buttermere%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p> Haystacks took a bit of time with all the little scrambles and false tops but I made it back to the col in time to meet Bob in Scarth Gap. We parted again and I hurried off up High Crag. I had still seen no other people until a fell runner came flying towards me. The ridge to High Stile was interesting in strong winds but the going was good on frozen ground and as I reached the summit the clouds cleared giving me great views as I wondered around the several summit cairns. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinEVcNNjVdV_n5X22PqiptsqA8bEf3hbmRk7JdBKhK3BwBoefHjZvakq16QW0t6GtMEHgOj0ITkKTSbAzPCx4bFEfGfJS96Yb2zU87rmC7_0lvNjMP-94fIiWWcDZXfYf48X5NRmeu0yokiClkEwDj84-yxkcXW6-qXZq-HIUGKX4U7OSj1vGoYFdfF0Zh/s607/Buttermere%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="455" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinEVcNNjVdV_n5X22PqiptsqA8bEf3hbmRk7JdBKhK3BwBoefHjZvakq16QW0t6GtMEHgOj0ITkKTSbAzPCx4bFEfGfJS96Yb2zU87rmC7_0lvNjMP-94fIiWWcDZXfYf48X5NRmeu0yokiClkEwDj84-yxkcXW6-qXZq-HIUGKX4U7OSj1vGoYFdfF0Zh/s320/Buttermere%202.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>It was too cold to linger for long so I was soon on my way to Red Pike. By now I was dropping slightly and the weather was improving. I raced off over to Little Dodd on wonderful grassy paths. I found a sheltered hollow to eat and even catch the sun before moving on again to Starling Dodd. From here all the tops are wonderful rounded lumps covered in grassy paths. They suck me in and make me wish I could just run and run all the way to the coast. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaqraW2Gm6OpxyfbSYkJOZwYfTKft_GMjgeZxAvhWQ1TEfrjR0TtXq96h6exZ0kSIrtF1pDNo1kLhil8XXT_vUuUBJb0vJxG2mb4vNf27gRRuKVbVjq6AgMMnVR_6wGn3lGL6mnbd3B9pm4oar49AGtUP0-6bpi82xd43TJdp83Hkbk_Xz6MviDv325a5g/s1080/Buttermere%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="1080" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaqraW2Gm6OpxyfbSYkJOZwYfTKft_GMjgeZxAvhWQ1TEfrjR0TtXq96h6exZ0kSIrtF1pDNo1kLhil8XXT_vUuUBJb0vJxG2mb4vNf27gRRuKVbVjq6AgMMnVR_6wGn3lGL6mnbd3B9pm4oar49AGtUP0-6bpi82xd43TJdp83Hkbk_Xz6MviDv325a5g/s320/Buttermere%203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Not today though. I explored Great Bourne and then picked up the bridleway that links Ennerdale and Crummock Water. I got wet feet here but I had expected this. It seemed too early to head back so I flogged across the bog until I reached drier paths up Melbreak. It is ages since I have been up here- on the DH memorial Buttermere race with a bashed face after a fall on Whiteside edge. I wondered if I might see Bob but now had no signal to see how far he had got. After a direct line temporarily got me crag bound on Scale Knott I was soon low down by the lake on big paths.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzntbl1M8Ifylc9ynvLUS2rXUkM-fSGevB_FI8db4bzDzrgfKuotF80E8Uhqu2NCndcMjpnKjtn0Lc35U2KHOgc9pvNqiJwek5QwkD3uaoSXPqv1vKi7ejLvZH6fPs-72PL-GaGBO8E1EVT2PxeG1b5RhNfTmUrBgPOTDxXknsnGNQs05GQP5n0VOzO8LB/s1080/Buttermere%204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="1080" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzntbl1M8Ifylc9ynvLUS2rXUkM-fSGevB_FI8db4bzDzrgfKuotF80E8Uhqu2NCndcMjpnKjtn0Lc35U2KHOgc9pvNqiJwek5QwkD3uaoSXPqv1vKi7ejLvZH6fPs-72PL-GaGBO8E1EVT2PxeG1b5RhNfTmUrBgPOTDxXknsnGNQs05GQP5n0VOzO8LB/s320/Buttermere%204.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I had very wet and muddy feet so did not loiter even though the cafe looked enticing. I was back in the van changed and with the kettle on when Bob appeared. A quiet night on Newlands Hause finished off the day. Unbeknown to us the next day had an amazing temperature inversion but we were committed to an errand in Keswick and the journey home. A pretty good week.</p><p>Saturday 13th saw my first Ultra of the year. It was the inaugural Bowland Ultra. A very early drive in the dark led me thanks to Google maps by some interesting roads to Slaidburn. Runners were struggling with the pay and display machine but it did accept my card even though the time would run out at 3pm. Ah well- who would be checking on a wintry day in January just before dark- hopefully nobody. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyf7A2W9Q6sXvVjg6cF9s2QPMK_AGZjRd6GNPgiUnBhEOVBdLaXpR186g6iy31ULchcgtipGXYFHrVDR3Qf1E5DSq8mvGy-wgm646iTN544SAkVT3Ys8fbaNuzyz4QfaOori9qvPBG0lgeDcEObY1ffjorsJTQ4SNofLNofzPPBjHysMaqNetSj3uXKPg/s1080/Bowland%20RO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="718" data-original-width="1080" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyf7A2W9Q6sXvVjg6cF9s2QPMK_AGZjRd6GNPgiUnBhEOVBdLaXpR186g6iy31ULchcgtipGXYFHrVDR3Qf1E5DSq8mvGy-wgm646iTN544SAkVT3Ys8fbaNuzyz4QfaOori9qvPBG0lgeDcEObY1ffjorsJTQ4SNofLNofzPPBjHysMaqNetSj3uXKPg/s320/Bowland%20RO.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I introduced myself to Seth the RO as he had asked about being in the Runfurther series. Too late for this year but you never know in future. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4dNqlSCFLyUKEU261D08v_IxCI8hGExy62K7ba4xEatIhHy_dlNYzaj2hnzqCoao6QkAOUIhgIhDWr8-Y6ThcH6mJLQ94zhhaXU7PQX_PXI9oCAdctRs4FWkbH6_XuNtlAs9KBh7ffEa-M3Y9VjJExdfmgnS1TGTihQMsJ16wnWT07CadLIDFGjQyqQSK/s1200/Bowland%20tracker%20photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4dNqlSCFLyUKEU261D08v_IxCI8hGExy62K7ba4xEatIhHy_dlNYzaj2hnzqCoao6QkAOUIhgIhDWr8-Y6ThcH6mJLQ94zhhaXU7PQX_PXI9oCAdctRs4FWkbH6_XuNtlAs9KBh7ffEa-M3Y9VjJExdfmgnS1TGTihQMsJ16wnWT07CadLIDFGjQyqQSK/s320/Bowland%20tracker%20photo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Soon I was through kit check and chatting to friends. I knew most of the route if not in detail at least well enough to not be anxious. It was cold but dry. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6s9EjnXzTVmzNLpPBk37mvBG-jKyWmCCLbdJMR6EluWo69RIV9RGswyO-RYgHWMMFJBwQ41hDBz-NxyJy3fyuqdmSJo2aC-BZDhQX5GrmT1RnlpmR2KoG4GNfwn9v3KPVUJUZ4U1qGFQzEWZV0INw4txzhhCJgyDwrGQ11IL0G1i9E875rcY2ET8TLgUe/s1080/BU%20brifing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="719" data-original-width="1080" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6s9EjnXzTVmzNLpPBk37mvBG-jKyWmCCLbdJMR6EluWo69RIV9RGswyO-RYgHWMMFJBwQ41hDBz-NxyJy3fyuqdmSJo2aC-BZDhQX5GrmT1RnlpmR2KoG4GNfwn9v3KPVUJUZ4U1qGFQzEWZV0INw4txzhhCJgyDwrGQ11IL0G1i9E875rcY2ET8TLgUe/s320/BU%20brifing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>A 8am start meant no need for torches as Seth on his bike led us out of the village and to the first road junction. A rollercoaster of mostly ups led to the Salter Fell road. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNWjOZipDnJJNmtjIMwUNcOwVx45-0d6VQXl-035IEwGbSXJeALxT5WQQmKzeRQ2WEZGlg5pO8mdMZjGq9Vd80cWojygVP4WPpxB60O0f25_70t1SZ124niIaT-XP-P47u0HhRvZn8O3o2lzUfWuTHSPuU6VvzL6jF8UM1ZatYMnvFoyYUKNofpSScBodf/s2048/Bowland%20big%20track%20(Mort).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNWjOZipDnJJNmtjIMwUNcOwVx45-0d6VQXl-035IEwGbSXJeALxT5WQQmKzeRQ2WEZGlg5pO8mdMZjGq9Vd80cWojygVP4WPpxB60O0f25_70t1SZ124niIaT-XP-P47u0HhRvZn8O3o2lzUfWuTHSPuU6VvzL6jF8UM1ZatYMnvFoyYUKNofpSScBodf/s320/Bowland%20big%20track%20(Mort).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>This huge gravel shooting track heads north towards the Lune valley and I knew it from several runs including the Witches Way. We were soon heading into cloudier skies with mist at the junction where we turned west. I had been making good time and the gravel was less nasty than expected with a fair bit of soft ground to use. I could still see Claire up ahead and was running with Bridget. I should have realised the pace was a bit fast for me but all felt OK.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19nk35IrpgWMMXnW9X4PgVOw1gR3MXpB-oLq3HFdstAeqACCOuysUdmpXackf-Xw5K16OR8EZrp_ypkLxdrMehmR4Sc4XyYDTyF-Jo5vVsfvOF0j0eRYHHOk7DX5w-DVgZOBs5oEl6Uauc2a_DiOpC39VKoeG3DVKL1-UXq3Cy01obzc2fspBGumnUA2r/s2048/BU3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1542" data-original-width="2048" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19nk35IrpgWMMXnW9X4PgVOw1gR3MXpB-oLq3HFdstAeqACCOuysUdmpXackf-Xw5K16OR8EZrp_ypkLxdrMehmR4Sc4XyYDTyF-Jo5vVsfvOF0j0eRYHHOk7DX5w-DVgZOBs5oEl6Uauc2a_DiOpC39VKoeG3DVKL1-UXq3Cy01obzc2fspBGumnUA2r/s320/BU3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>It was shame not to be off track and plodding up Wolfhole Crag but permissions had been tricky on the shooting estates so it was shooting tracks for lots of kilometers here and it seemed to take a long time to pass below Ward Stone and reach the turn for Abbeystead. Again lack of permissions sent us on a little detour of lanes before we reached the village hall. I spotted Claire and had no longer been able to keep up with Bridget- yep- too fast too soon and I was going to pay for it! This must have affected my mood as I really disliked the next section. There was some road running but nothing near as much as I felt at the time. I guess my Bowland runs are usually all off road and it was a shock. By Oakenclough I had had enough- a real low point as I dawdled along the tarmac. At this point I knew there was no hope of me finishing in time to recover and drive to the Night O. Strong words and some food improved things and by Stang Yule I was a bit more cheery as I ran to Bleasdale village hall. I knew I needed to stop and eat here. Paul T caught me and passed me but hey ho. This was the only part of the day where we had any rain- blustery showers as I plodded up to Fiensdale Head. I was now back on familiar running routes and happier. The descent to Langden Beck is a bit gnarly and I had opted for comfort not grip and so was cautious here. Marshalls had kindly flagged the river crossing although I knew the way.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTNzp7UUwM5ndR8zlcRpgaqGpF_B25TrR_HYXtSmoHhoos3-IVXaKZkPNw6CBrcVq1TQm9WTCa_1LXgl8ZbbJDU8HpmBacDLmHUU22tU7mOClPZmBNaoQz1szxzLsftqf7yEVuNN7_15y7HUt88rEAWUfKfthgDoznew_Xx8nhyphenhyphen5VGBYoM7uCEBWW5HQM/s2048/BU1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1363" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTNzp7UUwM5ndR8zlcRpgaqGpF_B25TrR_HYXtSmoHhoos3-IVXaKZkPNw6CBrcVq1TQm9WTCa_1LXgl8ZbbJDU8HpmBacDLmHUU22tU7mOClPZmBNaoQz1szxzLsftqf7yEVuNN7_15y7HUt88rEAWUfKfthgDoznew_Xx8nhyphenhyphen5VGBYoM7uCEBWW5HQM/s320/BU1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p> I was soon passing Langden Castle (it is NOT a castle) and on my way along the river to Dunsop Bridge. Another food stop and some some cheery words from Graham who was spectating set me on my way to Whitendale. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-K-aAtXY7P_etuDNDUJYXJhU3iF03BQ_aZrj5FXGf3vtNvltPJUce_yKxfueWpMRdQLb_GIlBPFMLUL-81qRV4bByLLcUDwbpkkBGtolrw0a5MnwbyJjYDosDO3RFNR0cQNTsaFxeDEGrYN2n1WsYXyDMVVAU_BvREDL3TPY3z4dOX_crILcCQYeTrZrR/s2048/BU2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1363" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-K-aAtXY7P_etuDNDUJYXJhU3iF03BQ_aZrj5FXGf3vtNvltPJUce_yKxfueWpMRdQLb_GIlBPFMLUL-81qRV4bByLLcUDwbpkkBGtolrw0a5MnwbyJjYDosDO3RFNR0cQNTsaFxeDEGrYN2n1WsYXyDMVVAU_BvREDL3TPY3z4dOX_crILcCQYeTrZrR/s320/BU2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The shooting fraternity were out in huge numbers and I had to step aside for lines of posh 4B4 vehicles going in both directions.Then near the waterworks bridge I had to squeeze past a dozen parked along the usually gated bridleway. As I left this and took the contouring path to Whitendale Farm they were shooting non stop. I knew that from here it would be pleasant running and paths over Dunsop Fell and then down to the lanes leading back to Slaidburn. I had been on my own since seeing Paul at Bleasdale but that was fine. It was just getting dark as I approached the village but I had made it without needing my head torch. Personal service from the RO saw me swilling tea and tucking into food very promptly. I was surprised to find that Claire was not 1stF and that an unknown to us woman had shown Phil a clean pair of heels! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4VNWVdUB3iIupccNyPKnYVJQn_zKco6xBANvmm-CWJ4FcjfwfoTDwv5LkVVolGObctJa1VBA98M8pQYKj_xbdkouYffPnB5Ge358OLZQHPjvAMgRBJ8-gaGe-lYkDw-QPwy9iCFV_JsGF63wNLFdY4JGLJv9ZwW4tPf3mnm1sCZiaKnNF3nxXbS43F9R/s607/BU%20map%20etc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="341" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4VNWVdUB3iIupccNyPKnYVJQn_zKco6xBANvmm-CWJ4FcjfwfoTDwv5LkVVolGObctJa1VBA98M8pQYKj_xbdkouYffPnB5Ge358OLZQHPjvAMgRBJ8-gaGe-lYkDw-QPwy9iCFV_JsGF63wNLFdY4JGLJv9ZwW4tPf3mnm1sCZiaKnNF3nxXbS43F9R/s320/BU%20map%20etc.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><p>I still got a prize- 4thF and 1st FV. Lots of chat and more tea followed as various friends also finished. I needed my torch to find the car and decided to ignore Mr Google and follow my nose to Dunsop Bridge and home. A tough day out at 8hrs 58 and almost 43 miles. After a day or so my feelings about the race changed and I might do it again. Seth cannot help the awkward land owners, it is a great set up for charity and food banks, plus he needs a route that will work in the worst weather we could get in a Lancashire January.</p><p>The weather then became even better- cold and bright. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_hkSskFTsAxV-hmnwquyUwOzfyuoTAFbJOvCoxYJJX-Pd_SyBbv1Ncn0QlSpVvnU6wJJdGKHrlG81NgdDUdr6Q2iJaiH7VCCrC6_pUeArvD2v1F0XmRFnKh95rOo_ZELfuHPeqzSuDlLEh6378iOyrW74HShRIPMBorl7_y5hXRa7TS4set1qYya2M9hu/s1080/Darwen%20clean%20shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="1080" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_hkSskFTsAxV-hmnwquyUwOzfyuoTAFbJOvCoxYJJX-Pd_SyBbv1Ncn0QlSpVvnU6wJJdGKHrlG81NgdDUdr6Q2iJaiH7VCCrC6_pUeArvD2v1F0XmRFnKh95rOo_ZELfuHPeqzSuDlLEh6378iOyrW74HShRIPMBorl7_y5hXRa7TS4set1qYya2M9hu/s320/Darwen%20clean%20shoes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>So a day on Darwen Moor where I kept clean dry feet thanks to frozen ground and then a trip to Langdale mid week. It was an interesting drive through the valley on Tuesday afternoon as no buses were running and the snow plough and gritter had not arrived yet. We made it and managed to blag a spot on the Langdale NT campsite. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNBIGRo8hzo2drGUzn8ldS5YIr9wBKaY_E_EyNXGwLmqP7o0U4jviyk1jy_ahySoZwDcro1cOw3h7e6I-ycldP_KLYz92R7fzRC20cd-zRijan49qW5-fS1fMAHczsV0MZFqycqjzXjsGfAByhc7W5WLf8_w8_oT97kw82PAsXKqrVyVvMeJplARTEPP4/s1080/Langdale%201%20N.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="1080" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmNBIGRo8hzo2drGUzn8ldS5YIr9wBKaY_E_EyNXGwLmqP7o0U4jviyk1jy_ahySoZwDcro1cOw3h7e6I-ycldP_KLYz92R7fzRC20cd-zRijan49qW5-fS1fMAHczsV0MZFqycqjzXjsGfAByhc7W5WLf8_w8_oT97kw82PAsXKqrVyVvMeJplARTEPP4/s320/Langdale%201%20N.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>It was cold and icy but not quite as cold as the previous week. Early Wednesday saw me set off in microspikes along the valley floor. They were needed all day and in fact the lowest paths with compacted snow turned to sheet ice were the worst. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRxgHW-AwyhmGz7VEt70wKHXn3FTTfviy4QFk6hsV2OOMPfpD0yLgujz3OlWHFIJP6hSRsQFj0SmH6gOOs8T3UMWBSm4lUBDLTK04chvm2hzExjytv6wEUfdcE8Dnltc73WmIfnQMCaXOBWL_ZYLaQna_NSEMTFK62HCmXx87Zo7-SCcijVwVbXwVpfZFS/s1080/Langdale%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="1080" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRxgHW-AwyhmGz7VEt70wKHXn3FTTfviy4QFk6hsV2OOMPfpD0yLgujz3OlWHFIJP6hSRsQFj0SmH6gOOs8T3UMWBSm4lUBDLTK04chvm2hzExjytv6wEUfdcE8Dnltc73WmIfnQMCaXOBWL_ZYLaQna_NSEMTFK62HCmXx87Zo7-SCcijVwVbXwVpfZFS/s320/Langdale%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I had a wonderful day from Rossett Pike, out and back to Allen Crags before heading over Esk Pike, Bow Fell and Crinkle Crags. It was tough going with a crust of snow that was firm in places but in many dropped me through to knee deep soft snow. The unpredictable nature of this made running or moving fast a bit dodgy. I took masses of photos and kept stopping to admire the views. It was very quiet until I met a few people who had come up the band. From the Crinkles I struck out for Cold Pike and then decided I just had time to take in Pike O Blisco. With some footprints to help guide me this was actually a more pleasant descent than in the dry last autumn. I was back at the van well before dark and soon cozy.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwN54Tn-R3MNKguAmAc7iXcgITzr7E-38JMHK1psOl9oaNQJ8aXL9XDWwfuUQMvhMSBS-u6LqhD-_OWdEA37p0sRJYBvzU091EaP_z9lXlMuhs-jxogUqeF2t8TK4W_zZHkqchTE3SrWbwZZ6WiriL5rpRqe72D2AqRjCxS-KzKM8NqmTFOtdyYxoEaPD/s1080/Langdale%202%20tarn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="1080" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwN54Tn-R3MNKguAmAc7iXcgITzr7E-38JMHK1psOl9oaNQJ8aXL9XDWwfuUQMvhMSBS-u6LqhD-_OWdEA37p0sRJYBvzU091EaP_z9lXlMuhs-jxogUqeF2t8TK4W_zZHkqchTE3SrWbwZZ6WiriL5rpRqe72D2AqRjCxS-KzKM8NqmTFOtdyYxoEaPD/s320/Langdale%202%20tarn.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Day 2 saw a trip on the other side of the valley. I was a little anxious about the ice on the path up Stickle Beck but it was fine. Stickle Tarn and Pavey Arc looked spectacular. I toyed with the idea of Blea Rigg but the Wainwright point is quite a long way down and the deep snow was sapping my energy. I made it over Sergeant Man and headed off to High Raise. Again my stops to admire the views and take photos were many.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBChE4wqkku6jPL3a4xCFISCJrr5mVdBHMtNxv4Y2VQniYvYzjmKQWZs9kTkzjpPvIysUlWWFSdR_RTsswx-cbK3TF69qtQSAT80qWQsWBSGzqwnsluuTzYSbcss4ca2jtqCREGuiszCJFW2yLv7WCCGBtyMM02mxuOjJNlQryi9JOEVxzXHOMZAN55z70/s809/Langdale%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="809" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBChE4wqkku6jPL3a4xCFISCJrr5mVdBHMtNxv4Y2VQniYvYzjmKQWZs9kTkzjpPvIysUlWWFSdR_RTsswx-cbK3TF69qtQSAT80qWQsWBSGzqwnsluuTzYSbcss4ca2jtqCREGuiszCJFW2yLv7WCCGBtyMM02mxuOjJNlQryi9JOEVxzXHOMZAN55z70/s320/Langdale%202.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p> From here it was a snowy wander over to Thunacar Knott, the top of Pavey Arc, Harrison Stickle and then the rocky dumpy scrambly lump that is Pike of Stickle. This last top was actually easier in the deep snow. Sadly it was not yet 1pm and other than Loft Crag I had nowhere else to go. I should have done Blea Rigg after all. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYISkYBWttTbwT68YrhcQ6tX8qqTd3_rW2D53UP6E0N9EC4Fwle9dDU5vHOI9Jtsui3o4hTBlWi2ch0xpUWH3ftKUchbHxsGGlHtWvepbLkINwMpLGlxS7zqbHqLQGTIGmDKi7Wn8h32yZvtYoApFnmF8-icGV10Hc8ucK4RY_c4IbpsykcQw7nWIO1YUo/s1080/Langdale%202%20snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="1080" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYISkYBWttTbwT68YrhcQ6tX8qqTd3_rW2D53UP6E0N9EC4Fwle9dDU5vHOI9Jtsui3o4hTBlWi2ch0xpUWH3ftKUchbHxsGGlHtWvepbLkINwMpLGlxS7zqbHqLQGTIGmDKi7Wn8h32yZvtYoApFnmF8-icGV10Hc8ucK4RY_c4IbpsykcQw7nWIO1YUo/s320/Langdale%202%20snow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I dawdled on the tops and visited every little cairn wanting to stay high and in the sun for as long as I could before heading gradually down to the New Dungeon Gill car park. Back at the van by 2.15pm I made a sandwich and sat in the sun until chilly I decided to venture back up the path to meet Bob. Another amazing two days with 7 more Wainwrights for me on each one. We stopped off on Helsington above Kendal for one last play in the sunshine on the way home- </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwgwhhzFjYDlRHXSzqun16rJnvEcqyzO7ZkNDgb3Xhv3jozFQkKqI5PBflrwYOz8nRvXDI0kPPOd2v6pBKza9IE2hjDeT5jnXZzHGMZOfaC94iJlz6h5mRRQ2jyx7HDqvOw77wWzUnv0Hjjnk-twtTi3ZkYoiir43yFzvMIXKr_7BrTeBL_RvaMrfu9qHn/s1080/Scout%20Scar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="1080" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwgwhhzFjYDlRHXSzqun16rJnvEcqyzO7ZkNDgb3Xhv3jozFQkKqI5PBflrwYOz8nRvXDI0kPPOd2v6pBKza9IE2hjDeT5jnXZzHGMZOfaC94iJlz6h5mRRQ2jyx7HDqvOw77wWzUnv0Hjjnk-twtTi3ZkYoiir43yFzvMIXKr_7BrTeBL_RvaMrfu9qHn/s320/Scout%20Scar.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Scout Scar and Cunswick Scar.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvSDIAxMUm_4hW_i8GF68Tls3PcOPgIqRcyQ53neDWqh2L4bhUKg99kve1Iz2tcplq9mfKtwFYono6R5MN2jiGM4rNbdbr1_ofraktaiECrmPU0ocJDg7BRUxE_OPqklKgghh-74o0EfOVmQuhyphenhyphenHulF-bvBtzllOUwCulaezRuSDOMHl3JKmzqoPCLIVR/s1080/Cunswick%20Scar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="1080" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvSDIAxMUm_4hW_i8GF68Tls3PcOPgIqRcyQ53neDWqh2L4bhUKg99kve1Iz2tcplq9mfKtwFYono6R5MN2jiGM4rNbdbr1_ofraktaiECrmPU0ocJDg7BRUxE_OPqklKgghh-74o0EfOVmQuhyphenhyphenHulF-bvBtzllOUwCulaezRuSDOMHl3JKmzqoPCLIVR/s320/Cunswick%20Scar.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Lowest paths were very icy but most of the fellside beautiful and great views back into the Lakes and the Howgills. Wow days that make you glad to be alive and out there- mountains snow and sun-= good for the soul.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaCuQ1uMA6fi7PbHkWLJZm_j0QeyJnL45W_qtbDr9RiAkaq-ib_IdiY2jTKyJE28DfI7Cgs91h_usX9a7wPPbFQIlKvuPcG9t7CLUPpOD8OSMcP2rrMp6sGuDnPG9caF258U4ljI-hX22W3hN3936OnK06xsTIdMtoCBqkG4rYmCv_ut3MZTIQKFOtZOav/s1080/Coniston%20sunrise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="1080" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaCuQ1uMA6fi7PbHkWLJZm_j0QeyJnL45W_qtbDr9RiAkaq-ib_IdiY2jTKyJE28DfI7Cgs91h_usX9a7wPPbFQIlKvuPcG9t7CLUPpOD8OSMcP2rrMp6sGuDnPG9caF258U4ljI-hX22W3hN3936OnK06xsTIdMtoCBqkG4rYmCv_ut3MZTIQKFOtZOav/s320/Coniston%20sunrise.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Ultras and a lttle bit morehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14102033182139486675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238582577045689081.post-44890598018577377762023-12-28T05:00:00.000-08:002023-12-28T05:00:32.703-08:00End of year round up<p> Not a great deal of running towards the end of the year- few races, poor weather (wimp!) and some niggles meant I did more on the bike and this included lots of Turfing.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFiILf1Q9WnjvMaDaGGfyCPVAYsvnwtIgvirObd8-nvMkyqKrdhNoeBlTdqtWdlz3QZXuiX4YMxIB-v5heSs5ute2xNYe-I_MFXvAq3t4ljm94m1GV0faa9IULjsi22T_g1Do1-wCYw96bN31JQHSe-6OqhMX_LYdKgIX_5PMoI7BHQ6rUSuCvP7vIDRDq/s1067/Turf%20zones%20dec%202023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="1067" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFiILf1Q9WnjvMaDaGGfyCPVAYsvnwtIgvirObd8-nvMkyqKrdhNoeBlTdqtWdlz3QZXuiX4YMxIB-v5heSs5ute2xNYe-I_MFXvAq3t4ljm94m1GV0faa9IULjsi22T_g1Do1-wCYw96bN31JQHSe-6OqhMX_LYdKgIX_5PMoI7BHQ6rUSuCvP7vIDRDq/s320/Turf%20zones%20dec%202023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzI9ZvvZ-YzuQHGaIsfj8DCw8We51ZyK0VlpRRDtMws4POUMLgOkE-0ADdw5EB9A7qJqgXdC102WJIXar6z1BtaNxDYrkn_R9eenNSzDgcn6obceNMq-3SmjfGBs452qlqIxf22JpgVEWbIfuS10ZtAI71RCXk75CUy6szSkY2hrXgfCpFAGTO7khfRhB6/s1146/Turf%20dec%202023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="1146" height="87" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzI9ZvvZ-YzuQHGaIsfj8DCw8We51ZyK0VlpRRDtMws4POUMLgOkE-0ADdw5EB9A7qJqgXdC102WJIXar6z1BtaNxDYrkn_R9eenNSzDgcn6obceNMq-3SmjfGBs452qlqIxf22JpgVEWbIfuS10ZtAI71RCXk75CUy6szSkY2hrXgfCpFAGTO7khfRhB6/s320/Turf%20dec%202023.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Mid November saw the last Kong mini MM from the current organisers. We must be getting old because Rowena and I decided to drive down the night before and book into an AirBnB. The weather was pretty foul throughout and had been in the lead up too. Heavy rain had swollen streams causing them and lakes to overflow. The forecast was for gales on the summit ridges of Cader Idris. It was not planned in advance but before long we made a pact to run together and were both later so pleased we had. Initially we still had thoughts of the ridge as it shame to come all this way and not visit. The wind and rain had other ideas. We stopped to put more layers on and were now running in full waterproofs too. Crossing one stream I misjudged the depth of the central channel and went in armpit deep. Another CP required great care as the lake had spread and almost washed the kite away. Then we were faced with a deep fast flowing stream. We tracked upstream for what seemed ages and in the end decided the only option was to jump towards the far bank, grab the grass and pray. We both made it - wet but safe and glad to be together. The finish was a welcome site and the hall with soup, hot drinks and cake even more so. Fortunately a new RO has been found so it will not be the last Kong mini MM.</span></div><p><br /></p><p>Dreadful weather encouraged us to book a last minute trip to Cyprus. We had never been and missed the opportunity when my parents were working there. Lots of walks, loads of historic sites, far too many good meals out and even one evening run. Mostly it was hot and sunny but there was a dusting of snow on our day in the Trodos Mnts.</p><p>Dark nights mean the annual Street Orienteering season is in full swing. Running on tarmac is not really my thing and sprinting for 60-75mins is something I find tough but it gets me out, is very competitive and is usually good fun. It is also the season for full on Night O on the hills. This season kicked off with a day event on the relatively local Hamledon Hill. The day event went well and I really enjoyed the open terrain and technical rocky quarry areas. The night event was very very cold but I had quite a good run for me with the only downside being a tumble in the beech woods towards the end. One hole in tights and a sore knee and arm. No real harm done.</p><p>Most of the rest of the time has been dominated by Turf. If you have never met this it is an app on your phone and you get points for visiting places and also for keeping the zone if nobody else visits. It is quite addictive and gets me out on a daily basis when it would be easy to cuddle up inside. The one short spell of icy weather led to a dramatic tumble from the bike but although I slid a long way little harm was done. Our Runfurther AGM used a Turf Event as our pre prize giving run and it went well despite the rain. Before mid Dec I realised I could win the North West crown and so that will keep me busy until the round ends on the first weekend in January. On top of this a friend shared a link to some festive Turf fun- Advent Turf. Every day a new challenge pops up and it is as much fun planning how to meet the requirements as it is to run or cycle the zones. Friendly rivalry had me out on the bike early this morning to complete the challenge before the rain and gales swept in.</p><p>The only race has been the Tour de Helvellyn- a favorite and a way I often end the Ultra year. A visit from my grandson gave me a dreadful cold and this morphed into some sort of chest infection and persistent cough. Still, I had paid, arranged an overnight stay and the forecast was mostly dry and mild but very windy. I knew I would struggle but loved seeing so many friends and hoped to have a pleasant day out with good views. Up over Askham Common, Boredale Hause and on to Patterdale I was slow but managing OK. What should have been faster flatter running and then the climb through Glenridding certainly changed that. I was struggling to breathe, coughing like mad and even though I was walking my heart rate was alarmingly high. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBP1nS-6_Gz2ZmCrM76QkpIH2SVmguMEPqc4ntWB8xcK8g1i9CIHXz-oFdreqNlE0q_h8qlzAqJci4yGCMUhkXIvutfaqYclWa0kJuomKgmTWgeNw9xjWE0tzdLZ2w-hUjwqE_UbnkgJ5dyXoFbqxjLNm1PXTDxH4G-PSeJHwxxwRtBJObUvpfKqcYbxow/s2048/TdH%20accordion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBP1nS-6_Gz2ZmCrM76QkpIH2SVmguMEPqc4ntWB8xcK8g1i9CIHXz-oFdreqNlE0q_h8qlzAqJci4yGCMUhkXIvutfaqYclWa0kJuomKgmTWgeNw9xjWE0tzdLZ2w-hUjwqE_UbnkgJ5dyXoFbqxjLNm1PXTDxH4G-PSeJHwxxwRtBJObUvpfKqcYbxow/s320/TdH%20accordion.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Albert, Toney and Carmine</td></tr></tbody></table><p>It was great to see Carmine playing carols and Christmas songs with his accordion. He suggested I stop and even offered me a lift back to base. I arrived at Swarth Beck Bridge rather shaken at feeling so grim. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwFgqHg4YQnbwziKJnX2t32Sgpjxvkpbr315TQ6b20ZodTlZiIYHS5ekL7SINXzIe8wKzYLIyAZ4GuyspFzjwWNFZxnmKsGFwR4MiQpVL6GSlM2NTOaOE_YfWGMffov9__O51Vs407_o24yC28HGY9jixTBAjqkjOdTVwLm-RLqaZJOiAQ2sbWo-_x6azC/s1385/T%20de%20H%202023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1385" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwFgqHg4YQnbwziKJnX2t32Sgpjxvkpbr315TQ6b20ZodTlZiIYHS5ekL7SINXzIe8wKzYLIyAZ4GuyspFzjwWNFZxnmKsGFwR4MiQpVL6GSlM2NTOaOE_YfWGMffov9__O51Vs407_o24yC28HGY9jixTBAjqkjOdTVwLm-RLqaZJOiAQ2sbWo-_x6azC/s320/T%20de%20H%202023.jpg" width="148" /></a></div><p>Despite Stu's efforts to persuade me to stop it seemed sunny and a shame to turn back. From the top of Sticks Pass I even managed to run the flat and downhill. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiFK301oohoAo0d82Xe0Rge5MIe1Cylf3K8XipqXDgoMJRZxgtk1htGI8XjKnWVIzQRSP026qpRWfCCa7CtXcon0r_NESj8ovgVwzOb6z4jcByGjebUTDOYPNYMHdRhhZW-vqPUbCkuwX_YPgkQ8TiYdayw9KEzXoRLovIj1Rf0rBOfa18O4QnDw_cEj9W/s2048/TdH%20to%20Sticks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiFK301oohoAo0d82Xe0Rge5MIe1Cylf3K8XipqXDgoMJRZxgtk1htGI8XjKnWVIzQRSP026qpRWfCCa7CtXcon0r_NESj8ovgVwzOb6z4jcByGjebUTDOYPNYMHdRhhZW-vqPUbCkuwX_YPgkQ8TiYdayw9KEzXoRLovIj1Rf0rBOfa18O4QnDw_cEj9W/s320/TdH%20to%20Sticks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>This was possibly a mistake as I arrived at Stannah in an even worse state. At Swirls CP I stopped, ate and rested. Normally from here I make good time on the easy forest tracks but today felt very slow. Passing some runners gave me a boost. The race allows you to start any time so the slower runners can still arrive back at a sensible hour. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgocKM14iOy8aEdK65dMraRAVVlM6DC6YyMhq6i7muiWSqWt0RbAGsKe7GBYs2xbr6y7Lj-kbfDhdxWyM2c6lo-XT5ZegUb7YWb2-1F8M4bGt6tEKwKy-8fec75-78j5LJCVt9ttfOWBohEfhWbf14bvUQ25iY_ZEj6ciMXju3bATQjyiF5QladXvvwBmHE/s2048/TdH%20from%20Sticks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgocKM14iOy8aEdK65dMraRAVVlM6DC6YyMhq6i7muiWSqWt0RbAGsKe7GBYs2xbr6y7Lj-kbfDhdxWyM2c6lo-XT5ZegUb7YWb2-1F8M4bGt6tEKwKy-8fec75-78j5LJCVt9ttfOWBohEfhWbf14bvUQ25iY_ZEj6ciMXju3bATQjyiF5QladXvvwBmHE/s320/TdH%20from%20Sticks.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>It is odd not knowing how you are doing compared to others but today that was the least of my worries. The climb up Raise Beck to Grisedale Tarn was easier than I dared to hope. Father Christmas (John B) was guarding the one sketchy section and I caught up with Francis. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFgIuiaBH-gqdMXHUZWxyErGv3zLeqb_IsAp-Q48JmbRn1Limp68d_SBxv9tSsawMuDf_fx1D8c_ZY19dVnLne6_E1cJEuUtApIYcmJh5Sc23asW6JjOg7qMk6gC3I8tcR8ZGJE29caQL7mii2i0Zs26E__lQpMF5GKhhK0YSvVDkTa3lTHWmSiv8PhmOy/s1000/FB_IMG_1703634836353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFgIuiaBH-gqdMXHUZWxyErGv3zLeqb_IsAp-Q48JmbRn1Limp68d_SBxv9tSsawMuDf_fx1D8c_ZY19dVnLne6_E1cJEuUtApIYcmJh5Sc23asW6JjOg7qMk6gC3I8tcR8ZGJE29caQL7mii2i0Zs26E__lQpMF5GKhhK0YSvVDkTa3lTHWmSiv8PhmOy/s320/FB_IMG_1703634836353.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The only poor weather was up near the tarn where strong winds and missle out of low clouds was unpleasant. I dislike the rocky tourist path and so now always take the grassy intermittent trods. It is slightly more direct and for me so much more runnable. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPUFi0-IhpenHfyzjzawf5zILbWzzaCFElbrOWxykZxU_NRZHymPPDH8QoUYzJtg_Di3IGt9XFWYLnps0J_gZpi3KZpXwDn4KKB5vegbL0pgKpP3DEoEd-8-d5wi8vMCB9JwhHLgx7tf958IOM_tODfiHT0tBEfJaZOIDq-jJ7DkdGP0w9J0HjjqFXCUrY/s1000/FB_IMG_1703634831012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1000" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPUFi0-IhpenHfyzjzawf5zILbWzzaCFElbrOWxykZxU_NRZHymPPDH8QoUYzJtg_Di3IGt9XFWYLnps0J_gZpi3KZpXwDn4KKB5vegbL0pgKpP3DEoEd-8-d5wi8vMCB9JwhHLgx7tf958IOM_tODfiHT0tBEfJaZOIDq-jJ7DkdGP0w9J0HjjqFXCUrY/s320/FB_IMG_1703634831012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I met more friends on this last section and so made better than hoped for time back to Side Farm. More food here allowed me a brief rest and then to catch Albert and Toney (who was suffering with a damaged knee). Picking off other runners helped me the rest of the way- I might be ill and slower than usual but I was still feeling competitive. On the outward route I stayed high to arrive behind Martindale church but on the return leg I used the road- it was faster too as I got ahead of a group of three who if anything had been moving slightly faster than me. Approaching the common it was clear I would need my head torch at some point. It seemed daft to trip or blunder into wet holes at this point. A trail of lights lit up the grassy paths and again it was good to have company to spur me on. Job done. 9hr10mins was about 1hr20 slower than last time but was far better than I dared hope earlier in the day. I think I was still first FV60. Staggering into the hall I suddenly felt a little wobbly so Joe gave up his seat and cup of tea for me. Before long I was in the main hall and refuelling with soup, tea and cake. A great way as always to end the Ultra year.</p><p>Strava stats are interesting (and will go up over last 10 days or so of the year)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSQYiquc8xl_uyVHr9q5jqmhxkLjTlj8b28yVb_2tDDJEGxoQKLCoDHJRC8feXm1Gfr8v2CBHRrkNVvJSY3-PIyyHjE_p_-Qsuvg7V61jENTj1-B9daUC7RI2IB-4MlLa9LsS78dei_7Yehde1URuEvTyh32i_SSsQCUiF2wpgKnMVx8xxLI-CtbpLcdcT/s607/Strava%202023.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="266" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSQYiquc8xl_uyVHr9q5jqmhxkLjTlj8b28yVb_2tDDJEGxoQKLCoDHJRC8feXm1Gfr8v2CBHRrkNVvJSY3-PIyyHjE_p_-Qsuvg7V61jENTj1-B9daUC7RI2IB-4MlLa9LsS78dei_7Yehde1URuEvTyh32i_SSsQCUiF2wpgKnMVx8xxLI-CtbpLcdcT/s320/Strava%202023.png" width="140" /></a></div><p>7647km of distance now with 165330m of climb. 495 PRs, lots of local legends (including the interestingly named My Back Passage) and in the top 1% of most active on Strava at 1216 hrs. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj59qE6RCnUXYqCQBJcU0ooJWHmoVOdEoEcH3W3jLSX7SegL4lZwzixWeWp4CUXK3ssAsxlCJLJDZhu8kxNdM1g7PrKyNN20kszXQb9jzwOBmTPWWeV0jU-klPXasr3TsJz6enIBb1dIH6LPdjOgDB0u3FHbmsCdCxmr-PlzpUHeJQFJObfRrVXp00CqGT0/s607/Strava%202023e.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="266" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj59qE6RCnUXYqCQBJcU0ooJWHmoVOdEoEcH3W3jLSX7SegL4lZwzixWeWp4CUXK3ssAsxlCJLJDZhu8kxNdM1g7PrKyNN20kszXQb9jzwOBmTPWWeV0jU-klPXasr3TsJz6enIBb1dIH6LPdjOgDB0u3FHbmsCdCxmr-PlzpUHeJQFJObfRrVXp00CqGT0/s320/Strava%202023e.png" width="140" /></a></div><p>August was not surprisingly the big month with 870km a longest run and 65000m of climb. Running was 33% of all I logged on Strava with climbing, hiking, Bike all pretty equal.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfoyo91RKP0887G9daJ7W0QgrCtPDfWxqttRmjZtWdzNYi-9In-R1MFgjCZJ41jVxxo5GROOXeQxcuu8C1X-TVDtwtye6lMjxP0HMPEL84n_jZL3MhEflwGV4e6JwpOyeiYhT6Z0dvccVjL48u4EjIFpmtn1OpswnRf5U6zI6NWrSGIQXCs2eGBJr_5pvz/s607/Strava%202023c.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="266" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfoyo91RKP0887G9daJ7W0QgrCtPDfWxqttRmjZtWdzNYi-9In-R1MFgjCZJ41jVxxo5GROOXeQxcuu8C1X-TVDtwtye6lMjxP0HMPEL84n_jZL3MhEflwGV4e6JwpOyeiYhT6Z0dvccVjL48u4EjIFpmtn1OpswnRf5U6zI6NWrSGIQXCs2eGBJr_5pvz/s320/Strava%202023c.png" width="140" /></a></div><p>So a bit more Turf and some climbing before the year end. All I need to do now is plan my big adventures for 2024.</p>Ultras and a lttle bit morehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14102033182139486675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238582577045689081.post-31157887491841062682023-11-05T12:40:00.003-08:002023-11-05T12:40:56.602-08:00Chalkland Way Ultra<p> Summer seems a long time ago. Since my last blog I have orienteered locally, travelled to a mini mountain marathon and nearly lost all my points by being very late back, have 'hashed', run a winter Street O and done rather a lot of climbing. We also had a mini break in the Lakes with a wonderful mountain run. The Yorkshire Trod was great and it is just such a shame it did not get more entries- the route is superb as was the food. This was followed swiftly by the OMM... the weather was far better than forecast but sadly for me it has suffered since they changed the linear courses and this year our course was ridiculously short.</p><p>November has started with a new race for me, the Chalklands Ultra. It was the last of the Runfurther 12 races this year and attracted a big entry from our members. I had chatted with the RO by phone and was keen to meet the team in person. Much of the route would be new to me but I thought I would recognise some bits from when I ran the Hardmoors 200 and H80 along the Wolds Way. I remember liking the steep sided grassy dales. One tough decision was shoe choice. I knew the mud would be tricky but there would also be a fair bit of tarmac and track. A need for grip and cushioning. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjbZ-ICrcYpKxrr08GUUm422_XQwrrO_gIl2CcLL6XcJCyrTzPlAY-4pMKljxmeIoFe1oatfx_4If9qIT3mitjiV0mATeVOXJp2mAejeGj-Ik9p3425P5qG6YAp7g8vzvdObAyEuWqcLkxJjD7s91CFkr7b5h1pk3dtEWFa-NDGcib5-_JcpWPQGVtlSKK/s960/H80%20dale%20again.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjbZ-ICrcYpKxrr08GUUm422_XQwrrO_gIl2CcLL6XcJCyrTzPlAY-4pMKljxmeIoFe1oatfx_4If9qIT3mitjiV0mATeVOXJp2mAejeGj-Ik9p3425P5qG6YAp7g8vzvdObAyEuWqcLkxJjD7s91CFkr7b5h1pk3dtEWFa-NDGcib5-_JcpWPQGVtlSKK/s320/H80%20dale%20again.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>We arrived in the dark just in time to find Grant the RO and to park the van up for the night. Jenny and Ken had kindly arrived much earlier to put up flags, banners and display boards with the prizes. Up bright and early as usual there was plenty of time for breakfast, registration and meeting up with friends. It was dry- a bonus as far as I was concerned. (sadly it had rained a great deal recently, as we were about to find out). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLBAdYaV5A-Dn2UaMI7M9YOQR4IG0m_dMFoKghcH6gp-UUqvuXezivC9_DhvAsE1yjFV4Pnot4I5aAtHTFLw1y-GoGyN5kL9kwiIXfxChr6iojrlUV_WnXWtdz4qATmVe-7HYYIXqk0LxlfWHRhbUVJXmsVHQpXVPJPJ1yHN_WA0RCjN1Kh4apwoBeaNS2/s1920/Chalklands%20pre%20event.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="652" data-original-width="1920" height="109" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLBAdYaV5A-Dn2UaMI7M9YOQR4IG0m_dMFoKghcH6gp-UUqvuXezivC9_DhvAsE1yjFV4Pnot4I5aAtHTFLw1y-GoGyN5kL9kwiIXfxChr6iojrlUV_WnXWtdz4qATmVe-7HYYIXqk0LxlfWHRhbUVJXmsVHQpXVPJPJ1yHN_WA0RCjN1Kh4apwoBeaNS2/s320/Chalklands%20pre%20event.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I walked up to the start with Grant with a trail of 120 runners following. With just a minute to go my watch went blank as I pushed the button 'Do Course'. Bugger. I tried turning it off and on. No luck. I think I should have just left it and hoped. Grant was busy telling us about markers and flags so perhaps all would be well, plus I did have paper maps and OS on my phone.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN2qOw609BON_QO-MR2EDthwyVIh19phLyTRRLFeUqi2RW4yqjh8PpWFQekTaLDytgEbTBHfKqDel6_yQuLf-qkoCgxYzMk0cL_8lCUIPOdmY_omsF6KpRwwT6vFo5hvNgq2cCZ218kLbRf0IcSxSMvFrpofT2rrZHUBU8TKu63IisjrsXmieSQjTjJDdf/s1999/Chalklands%20walk%20to%20start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1652" data-original-width="1999" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN2qOw609BON_QO-MR2EDthwyVIh19phLyTRRLFeUqi2RW4yqjh8PpWFQekTaLDytgEbTBHfKqDel6_yQuLf-qkoCgxYzMk0cL_8lCUIPOdmY_omsF6KpRwwT6vFo5hvNgq2cCZ218kLbRf0IcSxSMvFrpofT2rrZHUBU8TKu63IisjrsXmieSQjTjJDdf/s320/Chalklands%20walk%20to%20start.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Somehow I managed to start fairly near the front. Perhaps too near the front. There were limited options for passing in the first few kilometres and a very skiddy muddy path next to a barbed wire fence meant single file only. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSahSR_dCLf0xkqRT6leZykGfuPdMPVa2m_85yMW-TRCcuF2UPVdPNmb91WLiPZn5mrtcifsL5SAAqzKdQww2USIkKUx9-xewsnFAJChzqTaCRpTIoeIix6-Usu967AcnN1ivPNlcwSEwiNlnO9A6XZiQS55xvBetbVtPcqY9sgBZv62JGVbbAPlEvO64/s1821/Chalklands%20the%20start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="878" data-original-width="1821" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwSahSR_dCLf0xkqRT6leZykGfuPdMPVa2m_85yMW-TRCcuF2UPVdPNmb91WLiPZn5mrtcifsL5SAAqzKdQww2USIkKUx9-xewsnFAJChzqTaCRpTIoeIix6-Usu967AcnN1ivPNlcwSEwiNlnO9A6XZiQS55xvBetbVtPcqY9sgBZv62JGVbbAPlEvO64/s320/Chalklands%20the%20start.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I stayed upright over all this and was pleased to be keeping up with Ant TC. I should have perhaps realised the pace was a bit fast, especially when I passed him! Just before the first village I skidded in mud. I stayed upright but in doing so wrenched my groin and my knee. It was sore. From Bishop Wilton there were more lanes than I like but it did make for easier running. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyuDpIKgI50unakISIAW43-F8j_29Ex1H_2IPgZmbBNlaGsijUnZdwiWj7G57TN1LABxhcl8IAkndXL_kXqEbqOW2TV4XqYVe6CoAWwKfZPiS9NSaJgP8cZLl2j8r45vFcx407LelH3VwI2Q7QaWBQ86iZA_0iFaFtHpItAE9R080pp5E46rz9a1bAkTH9/s1920/Chalklands%20first%20quarter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyuDpIKgI50unakISIAW43-F8j_29Ex1H_2IPgZmbBNlaGsijUnZdwiWj7G57TN1LABxhcl8IAkndXL_kXqEbqOW2TV4XqYVe6CoAWwKfZPiS9NSaJgP8cZLl2j8r45vFcx407LelH3VwI2Q7QaWBQ86iZA_0iFaFtHpItAE9R080pp5E46rz9a1bAkTH9/s320/Chalklands%20first%20quarter.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Odd- leading Darren and TC</td></tr></tbody></table><p>After a short section off road it was back to lanes for a while around Bugthorpe (what wonderful names). There followed a nicer section of Wolds dales towards Thixendale and an indoor CP. I was grumpy about my lag and so grabbed a banana and left. I tried to ignore the discomfort but must have slowed as Charles and group of runners caught me. The paths in the dales were beautiful but the ones around enormous muddy fields less so. Mud on the flat was fine, steep sticky mud on slopes or narrow field edges more tricky.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-AcuqPzIkmxmy9gAvO2YRKjwWKpfyRUfXaeoDRjyP97gMteJzZ5TMf30flVSxWfJhmUKdPDBCjHsGdYbgggYLHhhq0WiOjNZkiifUrs3U5W-gRkrYKq2gGZwOMRsEYV5Q10Q5rhoMJFFQ92nxNTIhcgQD3Yz9dDO_3S24g3O42ilG1OhOZ4wlyH5IXsY/s2048/Chalklands%20mud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1540" data-original-width="2048" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-AcuqPzIkmxmy9gAvO2YRKjwWKpfyRUfXaeoDRjyP97gMteJzZ5TMf30flVSxWfJhmUKdPDBCjHsGdYbgggYLHhhq0WiOjNZkiifUrs3U5W-gRkrYKq2gGZwOMRsEYV5Q10Q5rhoMJFFQ92nxNTIhcgQD3Yz9dDO_3S24g3O42ilG1OhOZ4wlyH5IXsY/s320/Chalklands%20mud.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Francis enjoying some mud and puddles</td></tr></tbody></table><p>A 5km road section led us to the next CP in Fimber. I hadn't eaten much so declined my tiny drop bag of food and just got my number registered and left. It was raining and I stopped to safeguard my phone. I was suffering. This was definitely a race for those who can run and run, whereas I am better at stomping up big hills. From Fimber there were more very muddy field paths to the gloriously named Wetwang. I had perked up a little and was trying to convince myself that if my groin and hip hurt walking then I might as well run. I overtook a few people and was further boosted. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHlO4CgbpSGkXbdrPZu1svuofBEKfygFjRg_N2yooz-cWlqx-zzBBTAQ6yBWOj2iWSgRefGeUX4fr9-GIDO8Knyg5cyre2gCom33UMx8GItXewihT-zdy7q4dXJJ1wSyKihFIumWvJhvoADWS9z4i6Nz79qEhE_BkvQcuN5AZMwh_BVdsWef3A5ZzFt3_A/s960/H80%20Dale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHlO4CgbpSGkXbdrPZu1svuofBEKfygFjRg_N2yooz-cWlqx-zzBBTAQ6yBWOj2iWSgRefGeUX4fr9-GIDO8Knyg5cyre2gCom33UMx8GItXewihT-zdy7q4dXJJ1wSyKihFIumWvJhvoADWS9z4i6Nz79qEhE_BkvQcuN5AZMwh_BVdsWef3A5ZzFt3_A/s320/H80%20Dale.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>After more muddy fields we dropped into a series of linked dales near Huggate and these were beautiful. I skidded on a muddy section and upset my groin/hip again. Stopping now was pointless so on I pushed. My mood was lifting as others were starting to suffer. I had passed Darren, not seen Ian who had earlier caught me up but then dropped back and was now back with and then ahead of Charles. Things now seemed less muddy and there were some short sharp drops and climbs. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlUn8cZui_LRuXDTHyWVCbSPHUWINJq51CJLEIO4fupxM2r_NWHEIHQZapgS1pby6WfdpcUV796hvEQRawdxTlrUCb2xZ1BrHkg8pXeeM0UmZIK50GfXntsudM4uGXVdxeaM9tNocK3cvOeoNuO7va7JGLFElaC4DQd7_sYwaTpQKkmX-tpKHW78LVuiI1/s960/H80%20another%20dale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlUn8cZui_LRuXDTHyWVCbSPHUWINJq51CJLEIO4fupxM2r_NWHEIHQZapgS1pby6WfdpcUV796hvEQRawdxTlrUCb2xZ1BrHkg8pXeeM0UmZIK50GfXntsudM4uGXVdxeaM9tNocK3cvOeoNuO7va7JGLFElaC4DQd7_sYwaTpQKkmX-tpKHW78LVuiI1/s320/H80%20another%20dale.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Despite this a female runner came flying past me. I had been second since about mile10 and was now 3rd, oh well. At CP4 it was lovely to see Hardmmors friends Jon and Shirley- just a shame not to stop and chat. I refilled water but had no need for food.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkeU230YexKRC4vWFFL1FmeTp2dx-SVwf9kyKV4NgIMg5RJUe5SyuDXiwaRWakiv1zcAmVLb1pQ0zfv5I3t73u3ddeWAkr9WwHaZm-9MtUVYn8mACr1304cuqczH__re1NcrH-TusiAij_GtEKRmEiUC7bM6TCKcePo5MVmNmXD_tk740Jov5lHQRz38v4/s2048/Chalklands%20CP4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkeU230YexKRC4vWFFL1FmeTp2dx-SVwf9kyKV4NgIMg5RJUe5SyuDXiwaRWakiv1zcAmVLb1pQ0zfv5I3t73u3ddeWAkr9WwHaZm-9MtUVYn8mACr1304cuqczH__re1NcrH-TusiAij_GtEKRmEiUC7bM6TCKcePo5MVmNmXD_tk740Jov5lHQRz38v4/s320/Chalklands%20CP4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Selective memory- I don't remember it being that wet</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I left the CP and dropped into the woods and then Tun Dale and Frendal Dale. I could see the other runner ahead but there was no way I was going to catch her even though I kept her in sight for the big drop into and climb out of Nettle Dale and a similar drop and climb at Sylvan Dale. She powered ahead and out of sight as we climbed the field edges above Millington. From here it was soon downhill, first on a big track by woods and then on lanes to Kilnwick Percy. I had been struggling to work out distances properly without my watch but now knew there was only 2-3km and it was all on tarmac. I am not usually a fan but I told myself it was better than more skidding on mud. I knew there was a guy close behind me and I used this to make a final effort to finish without being caught. I made it and was welcomed at the end of the finish flags by Grant, the photographer and Bob. It had pretty much stayed dry all day with just odd spells of drizzle and light rain. We had also seen hill mist and sunshine. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrnSvHcsqd3Y7jQxfQhI1iIhGFK1DCm4dIyd_LydmTTXr5vytKkoZvNWqxP8G3b_zlmUD-p-qyJ3EMKuSQRQppB4bx8Up_5VnrEZbOF5KhvT6SKirGgpNz3xXVTeirlVHqkizja9Fxg5Ci81w3i1BWgX4OQINLC1Kf8hyphenhyphenX5HqcJCCV1FAaQ8nBM1GB7mek/s2048/387560675_363884542743789_3071600709458596889_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1538" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrnSvHcsqd3Y7jQxfQhI1iIhGFK1DCm4dIyd_LydmTTXr5vytKkoZvNWqxP8G3b_zlmUD-p-qyJ3EMKuSQRQppB4bx8Up_5VnrEZbOF5KhvT6SKirGgpNz3xXVTeirlVHqkizja9Fxg5Ci81w3i1BWgX4OQINLC1Kf8hyphenhyphenX5HqcJCCV1FAaQ8nBM1GB7mek/s320/387560675_363884542743789_3071600709458596889_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>My reward was a piece of recycled Wolds finger post reworked into a beautiful trophy. 3rd woman and 1st V. (less then 5 mins behind second female- I should have tried harder). Another nice touch was being able to decide when I entered that I did not need an other T shirt and the choice of a wild flower seed medal.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg1ijak6Zfw0V5jMB-AlyqTHhpBlJPxAVSfiAeMynEq3FcW76MrOlQiSsE1PVhmhO1cvIt1zgbweW_P3dlBwWOb-uKQjc2rx3egRfAnHVHgvpLLHgkl1aUnleXOBPXeRErATZLRaJl14mA5YRMlIhebXS00Kl_PAEkN5W0RPOJ0NWqpu8xsmg6PbgsUXRC/s2048/387572256_6493595597434522_8931269523845438345_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1538" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg1ijak6Zfw0V5jMB-AlyqTHhpBlJPxAVSfiAeMynEq3FcW76MrOlQiSsE1PVhmhO1cvIt1zgbweW_P3dlBwWOb-uKQjc2rx3egRfAnHVHgvpLLHgkl1aUnleXOBPXeRErATZLRaJl14mA5YRMlIhebXS00Kl_PAEkN5W0RPOJ0NWqpu8xsmg6PbgsUXRC/s320/387572256_6493595597434522_8931269523845438345_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>Multiple cups of tea and a few snacks revived me. Bob kindly went back to the van to put the heater on and to boil a kettle so that I could wash. Everything from knees down was caked in mud although my shoes had been partly washed clean in puddles.</p><p>I spent the later part of the afternoon cheering in runners. It was good to see Sarah finish not far behind me plus Steve, Charlotte, Francis, Darren, Charles and Claire. Ken had sadly retired. I missed Jenny finishing as once it was dark we took down the flags in the rain and then decided we needed to go in search of food.</p><p>A good end to the Runfurther series and a great race set up. I need to look at their other races earlier in the year. </p>Ultras and a lttle bit morehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14102033182139486675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238582577045689081.post-72198283104704267512023-09-16T01:27:00.001-07:002023-09-16T01:27:10.594-07:00Transpyrenea/Transpy or 'I would walk 500 miles' say The Proclaimers<p> It's only a real challenge if you are not sure you can do it, right? That's what I told myself once I had entered and then got a bit scared. Could I finish the route or had I wildly over estimated my abilities? I really was not sure. The event was basically the GR10 which goes the length of the Pyrenees from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic, or the other way which is apparently what most walkers do. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmRTSh5Q9IaTtIJ9nRQMmxF26k95u0qGoMgqt3RvtDP6yL63lCjz_MvKy2eMWEBlIlE_bP0WaflCruuQfyixSWAqcpIsbxonnec-Sf4H2VVuCVlAV-_eTTYQHUFq2U4yQl7X6T3OTzCA92OzcGuMtz_oc7EgjlII6tvVHxxjGKUpOSKPLbQ0Py69tZHpQe/s825/Med%20GR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="825" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmRTSh5Q9IaTtIJ9nRQMmxF26k95u0qGoMgqt3RvtDP6yL63lCjz_MvKy2eMWEBlIlE_bP0WaflCruuQfyixSWAqcpIsbxonnec-Sf4H2VVuCVlAV-_eTTYQHUFq2U4yQl7X6T3OTzCA92OzcGuMtz_oc7EgjlII6tvVHxxjGKUpOSKPLbQ0Py69tZHpQe/s320/Med%20GR.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Med back in March</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The race starts in Le Perthus and so skips the first 35km or so from the Med. I thought this was a shame and so ran that back in March after our ski holiday. It would be over 860km and with at least 65000m of climb.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-iyE-5SMRaFOzO3jDpYmrR6ZkIF0UoC2meOCpyOKfKV08cFcFIV_9ezPjcKOclR26_8IXQpFV6oidUaGcIaSwxWNvLAUCaE1sUw7r8v-Z3gJ6gQcRIh3LnlX8fXmmJ0QEfBntlPKc6h7YTJFIwV_iwUYwJLQXm26ui_eBpKMjpfatNCHdUvC03wRIgwe9/s2048/tracker%20page.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1538" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-iyE-5SMRaFOzO3jDpYmrR6ZkIF0UoC2meOCpyOKfKV08cFcFIV_9ezPjcKOclR26_8IXQpFV6oidUaGcIaSwxWNvLAUCaE1sUw7r8v-Z3gJ6gQcRIh3LnlX8fXmmJ0QEfBntlPKc6h7YTJFIwV_iwUYwJLQXm26ui_eBpKMjpfatNCHdUvC03wRIgwe9/s320/tracker%20page.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bit I had already done looked so tiny</td></tr></tbody></table></div><p>It all started last year at the GRP closing buffet when I spotted an unusual T-shirt and got chatting to the RO. I entered and then started to try to understand all that was expected of me. For over 60s he wanted a stress ECG but I could not see how to get this in the UK at any sort of sensible price. After a couple of emails I persuaded him that the age was arbitrary and that having done the TOR twice recently and various other 100 and 200 mile races surely I would be OK. I busied myself with the kit list and started gathering stuff I would need. There were things on this list that I was unhappy with but having met the RO and heard the stories of a 6 year battle in the courts against claims from the 2016 event I do understand a bit better. I still think ponchos are daft and would not be needed if those in the south of Europe used decent waterproofs and over trousers but hey ho. At least the food requirements got slimmed down, although we still needed to go to registration with a list documenting all our food in weight and Kcals. (not that anybody seemed to care from start day onwards).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5jxGfYwWasoMobOyz9Yp8PwCyOj3lYPSD-tDrczZDSWdQvj_Vw_EsXW4ZUqEEippqV8skZUfWyIjzroGzCOcMvnSPZx3W5Sd1_n5ocn69klxuEhF1YeqFwvDPLRJGKYigPltmHPYgmdojzYTliTYNrY75IvVFWv1cBjrFYRQ24uYlgCX7YbT6ZcVQyao-/s2048/pack%20and%20poles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1538" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5jxGfYwWasoMobOyz9Yp8PwCyOj3lYPSD-tDrczZDSWdQvj_Vw_EsXW4ZUqEEippqV8skZUfWyIjzroGzCOcMvnSPZx3W5Sd1_n5ocn69klxuEhF1YeqFwvDPLRJGKYigPltmHPYgmdojzYTliTYNrY75IvVFWv1cBjrFYRQ24uYlgCX7YbT6ZcVQyao-/s320/pack%20and%20poles.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>My pack was about 11kg which as a % of my body weight was crazy. I did find some ways to reduce this after a few days and once I knew more about what was being provided- for example we had to have a power bank. I worried that to charge my phone, watch and torch it would need to be powerful and so bought a 28000mA/h one but it weighed a tonne. I should have ditched this earlier in the race. After registration nobody ever checked what food I left a BV with and I gradually honed what I was carrying to match what I was eating. The same with water - there was no way I would carry 3-4 litres and in most areas I did find extra water in sources, fountains and streams. The RO had recommended a filter. I opted for Chlorine tablets as they were so much smaller and lighter- I never used them.</p><p> Initially so much was unknown. Were the water sources really as few and dodgy as was being claimed? I will drink from most streams. What would the food be like and would I prefer what I was carrying? There would be charging facilities for torches, phones etc but what if several runners all wanted to use them? Would the nav be easy? - it is a GR after all but when I ran the first 36km back in March I had been shocked at how poorly marked some bits were. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfuWD16bb3rfvDDoxDirCAc1ULHGB-FBcnxpRBx0oE_4w0aYtnd6gXrLa3_flAbOI7UyESYcLRbv2JtF3fBnpBNUFxP2Q25XTUxQGBz5xzYFexNIaXpFBR1-jr7lfi0UK3WU9H7rFtJUpeB1sR1G1z0XMs2XV9QnMb8DU14725TEnjUXJQnhFbHweOSUBN/s800/Med%20mnts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfuWD16bb3rfvDDoxDirCAc1ULHGB-FBcnxpRBx0oE_4w0aYtnd6gXrLa3_flAbOI7UyESYcLRbv2JtF3fBnpBNUFxP2Q25XTUxQGBz5xzYFexNIaXpFBR1-jr7lfi0UK3WU9H7rFtJUpeB1sR1G1z0XMs2XV9QnMb8DU14725TEnjUXJQnhFbHweOSUBN/s320/Med%20mnts.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back to the Med on a day of very varied weather</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Plus there were sections where we diverted from the GR and used alternative paths. How would the sleeping work out? We were promised pop up tents at many CPs. So much to stress about. I did do a long slow run over local moors with my pack but perhaps should have done more... and with all my gear soaked in sweaty water a few times to make it realistic. I had won new shoes last summer and hoped the La Sportivas would be a good option- great on rock, sort of OK on mud and with a big protected toe cover. I had run in them twice and they seemed OK. Initial rules said we must not enter a vehicle so there seemed little point having Bob support me- this changed.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDaDK6DWfd5mq4IDMAEYrRh5jv1UYwejYiPXb0X5X6gN2nBF9xMVyi-d2govgtDUSzGocM_xrNpjvjpAqax6WC__ZJPOgkxI_HXIdNF5utANnqBLvA39kQn8D8AzVfyacZWlAGg-xT8oB_oPbX-KnVCGcWUWtQL5E4bno7A0fGBUpM8XLTtCEcfDZdRyP/s800/Fort.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgDaDK6DWfd5mq4IDMAEYrRh5jv1UYwejYiPXb0X5X6gN2nBF9xMVyi-d2govgtDUSzGocM_xrNpjvjpAqax6WC__ZJPOgkxI_HXIdNF5utANnqBLvA39kQn8D8AzVfyacZWlAGg-xT8oB_oPbX-KnVCGcWUWtQL5E4bno7A0fGBUpM8XLTtCEcfDZdRyP/s320/Fort.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fort Bellegarde - the start</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I tried to use other long races like the TOR Tor des Geants) to make a rough schedule but so much was unknown and clearly I would need to sleep more over this event. It would only take a few really rough paths or a spell of bad weather to change my plans radically. I sort of hoped for 14 days (having seen the fastest men would do 12 or so). In the end the winners were between 24-48 hours slower than last time and so my eventual 15 days 9 hours (or 5hrs if you deduct the race paused time) were not too bad at all. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHf8qCw_M_b-5J6zuXKl_ZopA2S4XqIl6yb98MwUZ24RcWNDbw0E_DR3BsHK_i6Mc1rz1_iQuhy0ETdnFR7tkVX7T0t8umAlTw7ESip9XldO0WteQl9CkyTOsAiWtErITG4nwetcY1amiSvq55UHKQ9SyNpaDYpC0TPZDg0zByob7lOhPOxYd3U9fTPK7A/s800/Fort2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHf8qCw_M_b-5J6zuXKl_ZopA2S4XqIl6yb98MwUZ24RcWNDbw0E_DR3BsHK_i6Mc1rz1_iQuhy0ETdnFR7tkVX7T0t8umAlTw7ESip9XldO0WteQl9CkyTOsAiWtErITG4nwetcY1amiSvq55UHKQ9SyNpaDYpC0TPZDg0zByob7lOhPOxYd3U9fTPK7A/s320/Fort2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fort Bellegarde looking south into Spain</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I kept telling myself it was an adventure and a challenge not a race. My bronze standard was to finish. Silver perhaps in under 16 days and gold would be 14. I never aim for positions as I cannot control who else enters or how fast they are. There were 10 or 12 females and I was definitely the oldest.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjryorxBZ6ccvJqL3M6VvILicR95RVzboJRtxV7PoylhYU532BphAu0lFES-32HYM1Z1CTHjZwb8smjrTbI7unANTFdMzTCqKD5uW6Ph3QtCYesZhlBiOMBivePgkmzlev5tfEHAcEAGWQdh5SkA1nMOycvfkiIwspsFuWRun7ENbF6IkBbELElydEm3l95/s960/registered%20and%20T%20shirt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="721" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjryorxBZ6ccvJqL3M6VvILicR95RVzboJRtxV7PoylhYU532BphAu0lFES-32HYM1Z1CTHjZwb8smjrTbI7unANTFdMzTCqKD5uW6Ph3QtCYesZhlBiOMBivePgkmzlev5tfEHAcEAGWQdh5SkA1nMOycvfkiIwspsFuWRun7ENbF6IkBbELElydEm3l95/s320/registered%20and%20T%20shirt.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New shirt and ready to go</td></tr></tbody></table><p>A couple of months of van issues stressed me further but we set off for France in mid July. There was virtually no running but lots of climbing and some cycling and paddle-boarding. I guessed running at this stage would not make much difference and I was anxious of a trip, fall or sprain. Van issues continued and we had a unplanned day or so in the Dijon area before continuing south where it got hotter and hotter. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9IDDLrdJH_r6aUPFW4ET3Uj5DcRvi63dHWc7ti_e9USFNs4nLXfVx7p2OO6jrJ8MxJXx0n1FVb2LhjEckfe27jtGtbn_nkw7uU1H5rK0FtHh01amOCIaGHirTLEWYFkWFKnf_AVBo40z203e22K6jfglbkV501lfKqpxdVn5JfkB6Y2lASJokxIeq4Acm/s960/Reg%20I%20have%20my%20number.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="721" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9IDDLrdJH_r6aUPFW4ET3Uj5DcRvi63dHWc7ti_e9USFNs4nLXfVx7p2OO6jrJ8MxJXx0n1FVb2LhjEckfe27jtGtbn_nkw7uU1H5rK0FtHh01amOCIaGHirTLEWYFkWFKnf_AVBo40z203e22K6jfglbkV501lfKqpxdVn5JfkB6Y2lASJokxIeq4Acm/s320/Reg%20I%20have%20my%20number.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Race umber and nice coat</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I has glad to have been to the start area in March as we had picked a good wild camp spot for the van- our own private layby so nice and quiet. It was only 1km or so below the fort.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmippZyMnlmb6tzkpu8ELpQoVwSn4pce1gWcZ_HEjWzHO3H781bz21S6TvkjoAJsMrWQh9jqgmBSl1h5kkCR7xLs1WlQ50Li7ShlQ6ob-k_QajNvariACn0w04tZa14yQ0_asapWMZo1zrepSgQXuBAa4d_Z_Fn6VipgUn3MEuHrSLGgBftoOknfmVYqf/s960/Reg%20after%20kit%20check.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="721" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmippZyMnlmb6tzkpu8ELpQoVwSn4pce1gWcZ_HEjWzHO3H781bz21S6TvkjoAJsMrWQh9jqgmBSl1h5kkCR7xLs1WlQ50Li7ShlQ6ob-k_QajNvariACn0w04tZa14yQ0_asapWMZo1zrepSgQXuBAa4d_Z_Fn6VipgUn3MEuHrSLGgBftoOknfmVYqf/s320/Reg%20after%20kit%20check.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scary that my sack looks bigger than my drop bag in this</td></tr></tbody></table><p>On the last day of July I wandered up to registration in Fort Bellegarde. It is usually closed so this was my first visit inside and it is impressive. The kit check was quite thorough and I handed over my Drop Bag of 15kg. I would only see this 3 times which in the 870km seemed very little (compared to 5 or 6 times in the 330km of the TOR). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYcAL4ND5xzNVE2pUm1s81SxcwA74_AHuxcIyP_Lu1UYqOrDTfm-pvo7UFTKsZWKMz8InE84ycxlo-5OESAIA6aHOvi_-kW5_x_T4WK1HNXDyTpGMU5nBYSJyQzD6viXfLqQqeF-8KRWmub898cPSNa3GclCLOVTdVLv0AT7tnLJasz2Cr-KKfx7yToFD/s960/Reg%20in%20arch%20of%20fort.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="721" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYcAL4ND5xzNVE2pUm1s81SxcwA74_AHuxcIyP_Lu1UYqOrDTfm-pvo7UFTKsZWKMz8InE84ycxlo-5OESAIA6aHOvi_-kW5_x_T4WK1HNXDyTpGMU5nBYSJyQzD6viXfLqQqeF-8KRWmub898cPSNa3GclCLOVTdVLv0AT7tnLJasz2Cr-KKfx7yToFD/s320/Reg%20in%20arch%20of%20fort.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>Once I had my race number, tracker, T shirt and fleece I wandered around chatting and finding those I had met on line. I was the only person from the UK but there was an American and two Canadians plus Mona from Norway and some Japanese guys. I was willing to speak French but it is good to know who you can communicate with easily when you are super tired.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPIr0Jlq14wiVUWhlcTlu291awEqXg-SmslGkEa62wPCV3BD7QsyCGDbQpAehjqTtPY-J9Kcy4ZAUVL2MssCCzMaQ_uBxVMzx2QUSoi3fuAX3JOdJNMF3w8D_lCzwhs5DijZ7r3vLG2PH37hcCuXnC2npGwi7-1hjQu29y7bJbBsp8K3C4mKqxzSLy0PWW/s2048/Reg%20Transpy%20start%20me%20on%20L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPIr0Jlq14wiVUWhlcTlu291awEqXg-SmslGkEa62wPCV3BD7QsyCGDbQpAehjqTtPY-J9Kcy4ZAUVL2MssCCzMaQ_uBxVMzx2QUSoi3fuAX3JOdJNMF3w8D_lCzwhs5DijZ7r3vLG2PH37hcCuXnC2npGwi7-1hjQu29y7bJbBsp8K3C4mKqxzSLy0PWW/s320/Reg%20Transpy%20start%20me%20on%20L.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All 90 of us</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I also spotted two french people I knew from the GRP. Grand Raid de Pyrenees) I lazed at the van all afternoon and went back to the fort for a very, very long briefing and then the pasta party. Race day morning stretched out forever and I just wanted to get going. We were starting at midday as the RO was concerned about the crazy heat- he wanted us to have a shorter first day and get acclimatised.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBUQ4U__LbyBJlbCgSbeyDxctDZml9oiLkgSGovhQB-k2F5Yj5rgI1jRZx-5bAJzbRO9d1cJDVB552a_W01uav-VHci9zF-1de3s2StkjqG1o2lc75p-UrJHeUJ15NKjTh2dv06a3xr2o7QvJxtslRazGly_hxmsTjY3XmUvjWS1FGoDywgmzeVrbxy3H2/s960/all%20ready%20to%20go.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="721" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBUQ4U__LbyBJlbCgSbeyDxctDZml9oiLkgSGovhQB-k2F5Yj5rgI1jRZx-5bAJzbRO9d1cJDVB552a_W01uav-VHci9zF-1de3s2StkjqG1o2lc75p-UrJHeUJ15NKjTh2dv06a3xr2o7QvJxtslRazGly_hxmsTjY3XmUvjWS1FGoDywgmzeVrbxy3H2/s320/all%20ready%20to%20go.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>It was HOT as we posed for photos in the Fort and then marched off out over the drawbridge and onto the trail. There were 90 of us and for the first km or so it felt crowded. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0vl6OFLSuNNbfJO_uId2t_rvQO40dgIIBnrCHvq5eTHCq0phjzHnt3dUpUxwohGD3PNVonUaIR_wIkVSdIT1y-MZUteJp1Gl4C4ZBO3eS4t7pmK6NaD7UsOk3yYxEoWFgLeBq8AWub9PDpQPKqYyPZUM-ccVi0vBbkfVzr2hV7zBXSg6KB-_5-_AO-gTn/s2048/Transpy%20the%20only%20crowded%20bit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0vl6OFLSuNNbfJO_uId2t_rvQO40dgIIBnrCHvq5eTHCq0phjzHnt3dUpUxwohGD3PNVonUaIR_wIkVSdIT1y-MZUteJp1Gl4C4ZBO3eS4t7pmK6NaD7UsOk3yYxEoWFgLeBq8AWub9PDpQPKqYyPZUM-ccVi0vBbkfVzr2hV7zBXSg6KB-_5-_AO-gTn/s320/Transpy%20the%20only%20crowded%20bit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I remember some dusty trails and then some tarmac and then much more wooded sections which at least gave us some shade. I ran with a Foreign Legion guy for a bit and it was good to chat. He had never run over 100 miles before and sadly did not finish although his colleague did. There was a col at 14km with some supporters and the RO pleading with us not to go off too fast. The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur but with no navigation issues.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI3GzELAcCxiI0jtkzynwENtMmf0GVwNQxYbJVYZttY8wl9zGGJlF-33tPeIIaET9REL09cC60qvzWD9Kw7pkd-6skYbPKCUkFbjzKqy5qUuCUCcU-6ns8O2iFQnqBa3NuxVN6KyTOV0VN_hbqanMGvtaiaIDe5MP5JcUfyf4zwOCutY20IwH3k2utv96v/s2048/early%20on%20-still%20got%20hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI3GzELAcCxiI0jtkzynwENtMmf0GVwNQxYbJVYZttY8wl9zGGJlF-33tPeIIaET9REL09cC60qvzWD9Kw7pkd-6skYbPKCUkFbjzKqy5qUuCUCcU-6ns8O2iFQnqBa3NuxVN6KyTOV0VN_hbqanMGvtaiaIDe5MP5JcUfyf4zwOCutY20IwH3k2utv96v/s320/early%20on%20-still%20got%20hat.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I lost my cap with neck flap at CP4 in an over-crowded dorm</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I ran on my own but had others close by for much of the time. The first CP was at an Ecogite and the food was amazing. Miso soup, a huge rice salad, cake, fruit. I had already planned to eat when ever I could and to make time to do so. Sat outside in semi shade and all trying to air our feet.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjItNGimR_bZUg5h30haUfd7XBoJi6eIVYcdIGpKzrLVomIhBK8hY7qur7fNJDNlulbOzmrWAEEoyQxtAoK0rBVQdSnY40H-zpwn0MfhX7ImHty40pk4bK2fE0pnhhx5tzPbiGDVGvOEC1kg4yoi6MVQccI5fBgq20D2gd3mTkBlzn3yZvllM_w5ha2x2bi/s1600/CP1%20food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="902" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjItNGimR_bZUg5h30haUfd7XBoJi6eIVYcdIGpKzrLVomIhBK8hY7qur7fNJDNlulbOzmrWAEEoyQxtAoK0rBVQdSnY40H-zpwn0MfhX7ImHty40pk4bK2fE0pnhhx5tzPbiGDVGvOEC1kg4yoi6MVQccI5fBgq20D2gd3mTkBlzn3yZvllM_w5ha2x2bi/s320/CP1%20food.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>To keep going for a fortnight this would be essential. It was only another 7km or so to the next CP and I was keen to arrive before dark. The trail through the woods was mostly good and I had some company for most of it although the eroded descent to the town did slow me down. Bob was waiting here before going of on some adventures of his own. The CP was in the village hall so I went in to eat. It was now decision time- the midday start was a pain as it was now dark and the next CP was about 12km away up (over 1200m of climb) in the mountains- possibly 3 hours. I knew I had to do at least 50km a day to meet cut-offs. That sounded so easy on paper! I had done 43km on a half day so I decided not to trash myself too early. I tried to sleep in the hall along with a few others but it was too bright and noisy so after 4 hours we just got up, had a quick snack and went.</p><p>I set off with Eric but he was too fast for me and in trying to keep up I was knackered. I arrived at CP3 a boarded up ski place feeling grim and struggled to eat before throwing up. Oops. From here on I pledged that whilst company was great I would go at my own pace even if it meant being alone. From a very steep wooded climb we moved onto open alpine like pastures for a while.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7awQwVHw5lZ3tBwxhP_I-eubZPqyjX7zndpIQS3PXnYAwnHToq24k12c1DWaKwXQQjCV1686Yd9vI2PAwg8DMXAtHA2x9Ie96RSmXVoBw5QRlCiZDavXNUuP3Ea0rfMlntQi9zIAIv6Yj7VzYXdNlEzp3udE81aMBuQ8VcNbj75kWKP8YRBddh2kFgiw/s5152/Below%20Canigou.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB7awQwVHw5lZ3tBwxhP_I-eubZPqyjX7zndpIQS3PXnYAwnHToq24k12c1DWaKwXQQjCV1686Yd9vI2PAwg8DMXAtHA2x9Ie96RSmXVoBw5QRlCiZDavXNUuP3Ea0rfMlntQi9zIAIv6Yj7VzYXdNlEzp3udE81aMBuQ8VcNbj75kWKP8YRBddh2kFgiw/s320/Below%20Canigou.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great views in the Canigou area</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Soon the sun came up and my spirits lifted. It was a nice trail and it was very hot. It is a popular area for walkers but I did not see that many people except near the refuges.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVxfO7nxr8qjgz5P94kU4YRCqXuwdQxru68cwIm6IF7xApXO9uYVLhrQMSF46ZfjHzQiDcVKaLIsD9N4d_ABpUzeTLCV6dW5DKg54vO1elnALJo9f4-WKdWbOY0U-PaXy39hbtuZ3FviaCG1fHIyw1dlJL2aj7RpNE7Rwx0xFD3dcsiQf43eOF-5hz7N2I/s2048/rocks%20near%20canigou.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVxfO7nxr8qjgz5P94kU4YRCqXuwdQxru68cwIm6IF7xApXO9uYVLhrQMSF46ZfjHzQiDcVKaLIsD9N4d_ABpUzeTLCV6dW5DKg54vO1elnALJo9f4-WKdWbOY0U-PaXy39hbtuZ3FviaCG1fHIyw1dlJL2aj7RpNE7Rwx0xFD3dcsiQf43eOF-5hz7N2I/s320/rocks%20near%20canigou.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not a path for easy running</td></tr></tbody></table><p>We snaked around Pic du Canigou for much of the day and the navigation was mostly easy.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM4U1nqx6Fp56-G6toS_O3HM-vb25RwvO3w7EDv-S2hpj68DJR3YHu4PDn4Jaeaf0V_uF7kfN8GXpTCXG10H_mojcrPw6HUto3TA707Oz66_n28pl9OiI7MjSI7ngV7ubsB1AYDgjVZcOR9C9WK_m8BdXlRh3dMu24bBIBAnGQzbvZjFYedQR80CflRn6W/s5152/Canigou%20area.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM4U1nqx6Fp56-G6toS_O3HM-vb25RwvO3w7EDv-S2hpj68DJR3YHu4PDn4Jaeaf0V_uF7kfN8GXpTCXG10H_mojcrPw6HUto3TA707Oz66_n28pl9OiI7MjSI7ngV7ubsB1AYDgjVZcOR9C9WK_m8BdXlRh3dMu24bBIBAnGQzbvZjFYedQR80CflRn6W/s320/Canigou%20area.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p> I had two short horizontal rests in the shade and was pretty much on my own but I had not got lost, was covering a reasonable distance and I had found water sources. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNdUilsLFz3140PEQ9q90g5m7Wil-cW39SWOx3LgIq0giJobOuuBoPlQKAZck-EyvzVGTnjQ0gXnHjNiXuz86Ptiqhb1R4PDZJmpqnX9xyuAexLWNeYqn4smhWBfxi_CLQI7d6xOx_0qODRKakBKcwJ-pPvBqUC5h7iN1G_403hdeoq_SCbS4pNPscztGU/s5152/Around%20Canigou%20HOT.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNdUilsLFz3140PEQ9q90g5m7Wil-cW39SWOx3LgIq0giJobOuuBoPlQKAZck-EyvzVGTnjQ0gXnHjNiXuz86Ptiqhb1R4PDZJmpqnX9xyuAexLWNeYqn4smhWBfxi_CLQI7d6xOx_0qODRKakBKcwJ-pPvBqUC5h7iN1G_403hdeoq_SCbS4pNPscztGU/s320/Around%20Canigou%20HOT.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>Just before CP4 I had a small panic. I knew that after this CP we would leave the GR for a while and follow different signs, so when I hit a hamlet and found those signs I wandered where the CP was- surely I had not missed it. Phew- I hadn't CP in Py village was about 1km further on.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaHZ2UDqvzIeWfp9-OMLvengs2K27DGkeAbgAhCvU1aQ8tk8U_AeAZXSgN9UNPID6iSf8T7kk4fZe-UEK6Z0Xx8dZmF3tzYhSJ0tqui4KEL_guu90zAJmbtAmPY5uICSWMGe6jGW1fkxvItXRwLpAar-9X0MhCbNmKmeq0PaBp-khdKoJsdgCotCxMiNOG/s1600/Py%20Cp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaHZ2UDqvzIeWfp9-OMLvengs2K27DGkeAbgAhCvU1aQ8tk8U_AeAZXSgN9UNPID6iSf8T7kk4fZe-UEK6Z0Xx8dZmF3tzYhSJ0tqui4KEL_guu90zAJmbtAmPY5uICSWMGe6jGW1fkxvItXRwLpAar-9X0MhCbNmKmeq0PaBp-khdKoJsdgCotCxMiNOG/s320/Py%20Cp.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>I arrived in daylight, ate, had a small blister attended to and went in to find a space to sleep as it was getting dark. The chance of a real bed in a dorm seemed too good to miss. 95km done and all OK despite a 15 hour day. I did get some sleep and set off pre dawn with Sylvain. He was great company and we would see each other a fair bit over the next few days. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiurO4hzeExt7KiWWNWu8UqsfR-hwDcgM5kMUbDuUMeZgJraL5hsY8I84L6u4mtFFZ1kh6GFLaN296qwzu9JvJEthLjxarDQ0dvKlXNkESUrpAlkDXCoEoNYgvA8IqyCaWATYCwpBdZLwk7D-Nc8KOK_uT8eXL51nl18I9q5l13-bhuRXlimrrmzV1X7GAg/s2048/S%20and%20J%20great%20guys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiurO4hzeExt7KiWWNWu8UqsfR-hwDcgM5kMUbDuUMeZgJraL5hsY8I84L6u4mtFFZ1kh6GFLaN296qwzu9JvJEthLjxarDQ0dvKlXNkESUrpAlkDXCoEoNYgvA8IqyCaWATYCwpBdZLwk7D-Nc8KOK_uT8eXL51nl18I9q5l13-bhuRXlimrrmzV1X7GAg/s320/S%20and%20J%20great%20guys.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sylvain on the left and also Jerome- great to make new friends</td></tr></tbody></table><p>His family were supporting him and he spoke better English than my French. I was glad we were together as this trail was much less used and quite overgrown and tricky to follow in the dark. It wandered strangely until we arrived at a rocky ledge with quite a drop to the side.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYt5_2vCoxpykEmA6eUOG530O-5J3gkdDz7qeh2B-AhSfh-H75S438q4yJid8GvUx1eD5Rdzkn0-Egp4J_CDoaG-rOpBSKzgsQTqblYFs-kagAinDCiJijQKwiAFYZt_za3gvcyxB9SDHHvQpzvHQNWxRt1spArTbVGjLJ-hvrYc4mr26lmqCjBq8TGlD4/s1080/Near%20Nyer%20with%20S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYt5_2vCoxpykEmA6eUOG530O-5J3gkdDz7qeh2B-AhSfh-H75S438q4yJid8GvUx1eD5Rdzkn0-Egp4J_CDoaG-rOpBSKzgsQTqblYFs-kagAinDCiJijQKwiAFYZt_za3gvcyxB9SDHHvQpzvHQNWxRt1spArTbVGjLJ-hvrYc4mr26lmqCjBq8TGlD4/s320/Near%20Nyer%20with%20S.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Near Nyer with Sylvain</td></tr></tbody></table><p>It was another hot day and as we passed a campsite at Nyer I tried to beg some boiling water for one of my dehydrated meals. No luck and I now know hot tap water is not good enough without a very long wait. The trail now climbed along the side of a valley with a very hot pipe and some sulphur springs.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxzAelJ7YMabYN9Nd7PQhlcbadacloi53bVuPM-5LFZkc2jgVSvYJkpMru0rmjLeFJAJkB1a13w5TytU638fP8J-sXdkLHiHb7ToMEmutowqRWyGCDmIKvtvszB2z_2x88WXbgHH6bVa6S74dsjE5s5UKOiGNyQrffqi1dNAVp7kfL6us_78VWgAJAAcKY/s1600/Hot%20springs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1600" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxzAelJ7YMabYN9Nd7PQhlcbadacloi53bVuPM-5LFZkc2jgVSvYJkpMru0rmjLeFJAJkB1a13w5TytU638fP8J-sXdkLHiHb7ToMEmutowqRWyGCDmIKvtvszB2z_2x88WXbgHH6bVa6S74dsjE5s5UKOiGNyQrffqi1dNAVp7kfL6us_78VWgAJAAcKY/s320/Hot%20springs.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not my photo as when we ran past there was a naked man</td></tr></tbody></table><p>We made a couple of small errors on a confusing set of paths, crossed the Little Yellow Train track several times and had good views back down the valley to a massive viaduct. By lunch time had arrived at a decent cafe near a thermal spa. Food and ice cream plus a short rest, there were 5 of us so already the pack was getting pretty spread out. The trail then got easier and crossed some villages with views to a ski area. Sylvain was met by a group of running friends and I found Bob in the van. After a quick stop and some cold Panache I plodded on to the next CP in Bolquere alone. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwE_AONGT_3n2w2nn58Pb36Ppf6T1PFQX1IkPrjJdCWXwMGOvnLDUhdqtJ3pEFpBHKvTe5HwUHUk3VTM_pztpKHF8WWGHEc01qnarN3YEQGV8oB22IqccAJ6ocH5a6Ap2cBv2inwK2EijZM7VDGMNdoFSld5fDM_CsdhnJL9eqW_MN3-zvPUuXI8MZaDNp/s5152/Near%20Bolquere.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwE_AONGT_3n2w2nn58Pb36Ppf6T1PFQX1IkPrjJdCWXwMGOvnLDUhdqtJ3pEFpBHKvTe5HwUHUk3VTM_pztpKHF8WWGHEc01qnarN3YEQGV8oB22IqccAJ6ocH5a6Ap2cBv2inwK2EijZM7VDGMNdoFSld5fDM_CsdhnJL9eqW_MN3-zvPUuXI8MZaDNp/s320/Near%20Bolquere.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>It was mid afternoon and very hot. The break was welcome as was all the food- ravioli, cheese, chorizo, soup, fruit... My feet were still OKish and there was still lots of day light left. After an initial climb through the village on tarmac it was then big tracks through some forest and the back edge of the nearby ski resort of Font Romeu before reaching higher and more open land with good runnable paths and wonderful views. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQmDK51lHxRz-CyYOI-e4jHW-U35d7byzWzvJk8c-MBNQJYm4P5pr4hqEpPSkj8E7pdANmNDX5GKY3d6nBqop74rM2pVrgAGs444Bu_CeTO9VamSKqCsckzm7Nna_V3JWnwR13h5Nr_qQxfvTpefj07leNgl9MRBlNkUjZi-1XU7Gjt5uMJii3V7S5Qbc/s4624/After%20Bolquere%20behind%20Font%20Romeu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQmDK51lHxRz-CyYOI-e4jHW-U35d7byzWzvJk8c-MBNQJYm4P5pr4hqEpPSkj8E7pdANmNDX5GKY3d6nBqop74rM2pVrgAGs444Bu_CeTO9VamSKqCsckzm7Nna_V3JWnwR13h5Nr_qQxfvTpefj07leNgl9MRBlNkUjZi-1XU7Gjt5uMJii3V7S5Qbc/s320/After%20Bolquere%20behind%20Font%20Romeu.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I checked out a bothy hut but it was too early to stop. Approaching Lac des Bouillouses I considered a bivvy and in doing so missed a group of fellow runners which was a shame. The trail around the lake was a bit more rocky and slow but it was still daylight even though the weather seemed to be changing for the worse. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrWiqMp-VS4T5g6zyD16fVB66Kx--lNRryUksfsnv9hlzfvpRYC8VTdrgk9kBp9Q_VYYeciNMZj4qmdNvhdIihrvHoe17-FiMKrswIN9PnFGFaD0vxr0Mr_Vx54F0oom_edWToJcvB6gvj2BYzUyKK1js0fPq3rFQHNaG9LtDGUeJPzfTMld2ayVy2snbv/s5152/DSC08960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrWiqMp-VS4T5g6zyD16fVB66Kx--lNRryUksfsnv9hlzfvpRYC8VTdrgk9kBp9Q_VYYeciNMZj4qmdNvhdIihrvHoe17-FiMKrswIN9PnFGFaD0vxr0Mr_Vx54F0oom_edWToJcvB6gvj2BYzUyKK1js0fPq3rFQHNaG9LtDGUeJPzfTMld2ayVy2snbv/s320/DSC08960.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>Then as I left the lake and the trail became grassy the dusk began and so did the rain. Before long I could not ignore this and had to stop to hide my phone and put on full waterproofs. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDoOVKVVEIsuavjIpfLNShH_Kc4ItiEJjfVunwYDXI822bGIaI1CLSEMqkOBAYipeoa_hr9NhH9KuTz3Tyh59F9BVVBEM_Kx382mvhiGoYFtI8u-GT3KdN0CHXWhKQNAhw9puuDRw3G3Nat-qO9u5t8hmuCC5nUkCXNwU3lJzlPelZ7WeIqdd5D0CyUDe2/s5152/Pre%20storm%20before%20Rouzet%20Bivvy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDoOVKVVEIsuavjIpfLNShH_Kc4ItiEJjfVunwYDXI822bGIaI1CLSEMqkOBAYipeoa_hr9NhH9KuTz3Tyh59F9BVVBEM_Kx382mvhiGoYFtI8u-GT3KdN0CHXWhKQNAhw9puuDRw3G3Nat-qO9u5t8hmuCC5nUkCXNwU3lJzlPelZ7WeIqdd5D0CyUDe2/s320/Pre%20storm%20before%20Rouzet%20Bivvy.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Storm approaching</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I knew there should be another bothy in about 6km. It was a very long 6km and all up hill. Once dark it also became foggy. This and the rain meant sticking on the path over increasingly rocky sections was not easy as I struggled to pick up the red and white GR flashes. I went slower and slower and still made mistakes. By the time I found the bothy I was getting cold, damp and rather stressed. It was full and although two of us squeezed in between all those already trying to sleep there was not really space to lie down and I could not even get my neo air out. I was relieved to be out of the weather but a hard chilly concrete floor in a semi-reclined position was not very restful.It was almost a relief to get up 4 hours later! It was still dark and rainy but they were all leaving so I was awake and got ready to leave with them. It seemed sensible to help each other navigate and this did work for a bit but I was slower over the technical rocky sections. I imagine this area is stunning in good weather with views to Pic Carlit and more. I opted to descend the towering rocks and winding trail on my own as it was safer than trying to keep up. I made a small error onto the GR7 but quickly corrected this and soon caught two of the others up again as they had stopped for a brief rest at refuge Besines. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnvu8C0hRXE0TM8Je6Ho4KLFoePERFZ68Bu8ORRne4VG1XQyuPp4AKqj_6uk9eJEWrTtVILorlBIXGxZlxK1ABSn57JdZRJj9eJH_Wt-l9xXZ5pYksDdgER_XTQjVkv4TInw4MIFe3zOZXUOhFCd747HOFTDXFVfqyogqsSJbA9BuPHhhm9GhmSkOlGRmM/s5152/After%20wet%20night.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnvu8C0hRXE0TM8Je6Ho4KLFoePERFZ68Bu8ORRne4VG1XQyuPp4AKqj_6uk9eJEWrTtVILorlBIXGxZlxK1ABSn57JdZRJj9eJH_Wt-l9xXZ5pYksDdgER_XTQjVkv4TInw4MIFe3zOZXUOhFCd747HOFTDXFVfqyogqsSJbA9BuPHhhm9GhmSkOlGRmM/s320/After%20wet%20night.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>From here it was light and all downhill to BV1 Base Vie/ Life Base) in Merens where I would get my drop bag. The long out and back to the CP on a campsite seemed much more than the suggested 800m and it was still raining although not as hard.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrM1vG5OkfXvm2VQIIiC8C6bppVbn7bEClmzZ2lvpIhgshHvJAUE054CIcxtqsC_CGexMXUqhOYUdEF4hpkWzbFvch_0BOTPmpBwJaky7ITFAcP8flTQhRj2S2eIsmKw0w47083tb4_7mmh1qRJcO54cqb2QoMmIj88dpVaVefAGHLk_wRjZ5euePmdFch/s2048/BV1%20me%20eating.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrM1vG5OkfXvm2VQIIiC8C6bppVbn7bEClmzZ2lvpIhgshHvJAUE054CIcxtqsC_CGexMXUqhOYUdEF4hpkWzbFvch_0BOTPmpBwJaky7ITFAcP8flTQhRj2S2eIsmKw0w47083tb4_7mmh1qRJcO54cqb2QoMmIj88dpVaVefAGHLk_wRjZ5euePmdFch/s320/BV1%20me%20eating.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>There were only half a dozen of us in the marquee so at least there was plenty of space. The 'chef' was superb and I ate well before replenishing my sack from my drop bag. Clean dry socks were great but my shoes were soaked and I had more blisters appearing at the sides of both heels. Still, 176km done. The 1km or so back to the GR trail meant I passed incoming runners and this boosted my spirits as did the fact the rain had almost stopped. I was solo again but not too bothered.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZ4qRWvMenTJcRWTZRuUsmoD-kk509Z9bJwuxMKyeOX_kzbg8tNJVUZRS4lg4mNRNSzn8z5Q4TmtR8ZvQX3LoEUjxm4wf407YxEhTct_LCVuhE_VTR_uIP-g7a8wNLrw9G73VwjiDIYHIwzipocA6jCJ9muxYZBSrDI27ufSiJ3cUAn3kUH7LHQyBQKqT/s5152/Between%20Bivvy%20and%20Ruhle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipZ4qRWvMenTJcRWTZRuUsmoD-kk509Z9bJwuxMKyeOX_kzbg8tNJVUZRS4lg4mNRNSzn8z5Q4TmtR8ZvQX3LoEUjxm4wf407YxEhTct_LCVuhE_VTR_uIP-g7a8wNLrw9G73VwjiDIYHIwzipocA6jCJ9muxYZBSrDI27ufSiJ3cUAn3kUH7LHQyBQKqT/s320/Between%20Bivvy%20and%20Ruhle.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>I really enjoyed the next section despite the 1430m climb as it was along a beautiful valley, up past lakes and streams and onto the rocky path that was a roller-coaster with some fairly major climbs and descents twisting over rocks and past tiny tarns all the way to more open land and CP6 in Refuge Rulhe.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif4hFH2yDPD92XTOZkhIxeshrMG-XCd_oprBl5PNgTcmiJfvr8-8TPFZeZLoWUij7-d_T29cGR8zRAYGQLx09yC-pcXs_FAM0qHrrgj50cTHBkvN5gKI4CF803p4UtH2CKpcOfa05xYmnk3I3AhbfCfBVXdiDyZSzTdwB-_9f30MjtdNUIOacwYJD1jvW1/s5152/Almost%20at%20Ruhle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif4hFH2yDPD92XTOZkhIxeshrMG-XCd_oprBl5PNgTcmiJfvr8-8TPFZeZLoWUij7-d_T29cGR8zRAYGQLx09yC-pcXs_FAM0qHrrgj50cTHBkvN5gKI4CF803p4UtH2CKpcOfa05xYmnk3I3AhbfCfBVXdiDyZSzTdwB-_9f30MjtdNUIOacwYJD1jvW1/s320/Almost%20at%20Ruhle.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Approaching the refuge it had almost stopped raining- for a while</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The refuge was packed with non- event people walking the GR10 or parts of it. Wet gear was hanging everywhere and it was steamy. I did though buy and enjoy a hot chocolate and an omelette. It was mid/late afternoon. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpCLE0iuzyymvAvhdcCOl-8IQ_XdOZqjTd6NOlfYbGmVDJcyRsIseV5Ru_jy_8DEvraeb7O67g-47N1WZgaA2acTSvzmRwncovss3YhSEgzzfqzO9bsSJ0SxOBr9FHYTonC8lF9h-Gd4ogQxPthkK4h_Q-7he1RnizcuyfrkAXrkGOisU4zn50b3TBHGMw/s5152/Up%20towards%20Ruhle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpCLE0iuzyymvAvhdcCOl-8IQ_XdOZqjTd6NOlfYbGmVDJcyRsIseV5Ru_jy_8DEvraeb7O67g-47N1WZgaA2acTSvzmRwncovss3YhSEgzzfqzO9bsSJ0SxOBr9FHYTonC8lF9h-Gd4ogQxPthkK4h_Q-7he1RnizcuyfrkAXrkGOisU4zn50b3TBHGMw/s320/Up%20towards%20Ruhle.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>Eric who I had been with after CP2 and it in the overcrowded bothy announced that he was taking a big break after the previous awful night and when a storm was reported I thought I might do the same. However, it was only about 5pm and I didn't really want to sit around until 3am when he planned to leave. I deliberated for some time and then Guillaume arrived. He was leaving once he had eaten and we teamed up. This was a great choice as from here onwards we saw a fair bit of each other and I was at times very glad of his company. I repacked all my gear (and lost my silk liner) and we set off in full waterproofs. We both tried to use our second language and had quite few laughs as a result but we got on well.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm9qsObKEKmPVePYddoORKCRMWGkhowCNjHZWorNezaOLKKK7xuoHz0Ro2FB5f5u3kbjAwQRmg2XmsWRR5wRGx7mZb_deW_0mEA_PjQPqn57bmRNYBP-GlGwyGTxofdZQC-54RlHv3wCVJdW9kAdzjUEFazISvDclQCvjE0IUPeOg86bAo2RSSg4FCjFyY/s640/with%20G%20leaving%20Ruhle%20in%20wet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm9qsObKEKmPVePYddoORKCRMWGkhowCNjHZWorNezaOLKKK7xuoHz0Ro2FB5f5u3kbjAwQRmg2XmsWRR5wRGx7mZb_deW_0mEA_PjQPqn57bmRNYBP-GlGwyGTxofdZQC-54RlHv3wCVJdW9kAdzjUEFazISvDclQCvjE0IUPeOg86bAo2RSSg4FCjFyY/s320/with%20G%20leaving%20Ruhle%20in%20wet.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving CP6</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The next section proved my thoughts on ponchos correct. Guillaume's kept flapping madly, annoying him and then as it obscured his feet he tripped. He hurt his knee but it could have been worse. After a fairly exposed ridge we dropped down, the wind abated and then the rain stopped. The next section was open rough grassland and not unlike parts of the UK, maybe the Howgills. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmoC6eCXWNt4rXxC7Nl2kdplE2gQKcPaUGRGtUZhBvf684LtA2Etj0MZ9sdnfIOIWORxSrs2JcCY9OAk5BsS9rrYLg3qxi9_F2IdrzkM_r8vBxF08gDbzHXDarPap95-v-s_Xh26bu6ufAf6J77xLnv-Z8D_OSCXOy_nMDkLyVZmDgPoGXkRwDk6UtJIR/s5152/G%20ponch%20after%20his%20fall.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSmoC6eCXWNt4rXxC7Nl2kdplE2gQKcPaUGRGtUZhBvf684LtA2Etj0MZ9sdnfIOIWORxSrs2JcCY9OAk5BsS9rrYLg3qxi9_F2IdrzkM_r8vBxF08gDbzHXDarPap95-v-s_Xh26bu6ufAf6J77xLnv-Z8D_OSCXOy_nMDkLyVZmDgPoGXkRwDk6UtJIR/s320/G%20ponch%20after%20his%20fall.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>It mostly passed without incident and we even ran some of it. There was a short spell where we encountered the 'crazy killer cows' who kept chasing and charging us but we escaped unscathed. As we approached the Plateau de Beille we saw lights. It was some of his family who had come out to meet him. The wide trail was a muddy mess from farm vehicles and the rain but the family were a welcome sight. Even better they had campervans parked at the col's tiny ski resort with stoves and food. I was invited to join them and plied with soup, coffee, bread, chees and chocolate as sat in a chair and was draped in blankets. What stars.</p><p>We opted to push on together as although it was dark it was still fairly early and the rain had stopped. The next 10km section was one of my least favourite- it was the notorious Ariege after all. It was mostly a small path that we kept losing, poorly marked through muddy forests with deep rocky gorges and some very steep descents and climbs. Because it was dark we lost all sense of directions and perspective. It felt like we were on a never ending Escher style staircase. Definitely one of my low points and I was struggling to stay positive. We made a few small errors but fortunately were able to correct them. We failed to find one bothy but it seemed daft to go back and try again so we pushed on and fortunately did find the next. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZqYaJj8MXqaWEFmNfpo0nyoAgJlX2kWPWtSktK2jy9xtJXcuyCLVs9jjc8GUYARO0OdYmSp-eLPI5KPiFGR0rZnGwrF3fKdBSD0IsUPVGzBUk0W-aJD98g5Xba3a1koj1DkhgNSU_jaXvjkjT0iawj2Mf0FU6YVdIBsTywYZuMtFmhApMB3-sW8ICFHDQ/s5152/DSC08977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZqYaJj8MXqaWEFmNfpo0nyoAgJlX2kWPWtSktK2jy9xtJXcuyCLVs9jjc8GUYARO0OdYmSp-eLPI5KPiFGR0rZnGwrF3fKdBSD0IsUPVGzBUk0W-aJD98g5Xba3a1koj1DkhgNSU_jaXvjkjT0iawj2Mf0FU6YVdIBsTywYZuMtFmhApMB3-sW8ICFHDQ/s320/DSC08977.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leaving in daylight- I guess we had needed the sleep</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I felt bad disturbing others at 3am (two walkers and a Portuguese runner) but they took it well. We slept well partly because as I tried to set my alarm my tired brain just changed my watch time. The walkers had a stove and kindly made us a coffee. It was 7am and light when we set off, a real lie in! The initial chilly air warmed quickly as we climbed up into the sunshine. A much better day in prospect but it was going to be hot again. The paths on the tops were runnable for a while- so much so we raced off downwards on the wrong track. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8AHawxAw1vRcnRPSzwIAYj20h7FPgeS_YTrMS1wXYZdDyk-vYeS2TnrGJm5SRNlt4wXsQkIoHpnV-44Q8ZT5fMvzzOSp_InQRdnDLWfyhVj1WNPN80CrvQe9BiNglGMzMb_25bZ0gVjs5nysd9mxCDH2fH325fqhaEFwX-kFliDBahOTqL7JHDOqDxA7/s5152/Sunken%20lane%20to%20Siguer%20CP7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP8AHawxAw1vRcnRPSzwIAYj20h7FPgeS_YTrMS1wXYZdDyk-vYeS2TnrGJm5SRNlt4wXsQkIoHpnV-44Q8ZT5fMvzzOSp_InQRdnDLWfyhVj1WNPN80CrvQe9BiNglGMzMb_25bZ0gVjs5nysd9mxCDH2fH325fqhaEFwX-kFliDBahOTqL7JHDOqDxA7/s320/Sunken%20lane%20to%20Siguer%20CP7.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quite a few sunken ancient walled tracks near the villages</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The drop to Siguer and CP7 was gnarly and a bit slippy after all the rain plus my poor feet had now been wet long enough to be suffering on anything that was not a very even surface. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwIn9FWh5IQhkgA1V5qBRka_PskE9bnkOvPW9t111n-ZIdpnyjLBrHm7yYW1AuQEOHg1X0xBOACOpczG3BAtEEzSGxmh4zrshIRlH0Ib-xWvK9aUwFPb41ELANOv3iiZn0bZuXrHQlEVF5c0a8di0Fv5O18CUtLxwXfAIZNONsOsdOIsEyk0pNesC09UrN/s2048/at%20CP7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwIn9FWh5IQhkgA1V5qBRka_PskE9bnkOvPW9t111n-ZIdpnyjLBrHm7yYW1AuQEOHg1X0xBOACOpczG3BAtEEzSGxmh4zrshIRlH0Ib-xWvK9aUwFPb41ELANOv3iiZn0bZuXrHQlEVF5c0a8di0Fv5O18CUtLxwXfAIZNONsOsdOIsEyk0pNesC09UrN/s320/at%20CP7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Even by mid morning it was very hot as we sat first in the hall eating and then outside trying to dry socks and shoes. Guillaume opted for a nap so I pushed on alone expecting him to catch me at some point. The CP staff were wonderful and kept plying us and tempting us with different food. One of the team was out taking photos in their 'down-time'.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNyiEwISiojQMaEXzComv8QWm-o2aya7SrduKBkpS1-tjIL3I-x3fRYFMb6eGrqCB2cdYTSDquukNIVs8q7oH6veSoSRZgc9QRF-j_WRxtXuAQl2JACWdNJEmMFN-ph3p4PCW_coiNjqaRiFj941iWaR9IqY13A7c9c186DtlAXJi3tP4fQzWOxJzl7Ku/s2048/with%20scarecrow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1538" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGNyiEwISiojQMaEXzComv8QWm-o2aya7SrduKBkpS1-tjIL3I-x3fRYFMb6eGrqCB2cdYTSDquukNIVs8q7oH6veSoSRZgc9QRF-j_WRxtXuAQl2JACWdNJEmMFN-ph3p4PCW_coiNjqaRiFj941iWaR9IqY13A7c9c186DtlAXJi3tP4fQzWOxJzl7Ku/s320/with%20scarecrow.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>I had found that when I was alone I could stop for 2-3 mins and eat nuts, dried fruit etc and this mini break was the best way for me to feed properly and to rest. I had hoped for an ice cream in the next village, Goulier, but we only clipped the edge of the pretty village and I wasn't going to add more distance searching for a treat. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibkBMwuteev3E1bxflTfTQ8qeB72Z5u9GZZsBGWqf8NyEGxRzBvBTCs9sHGod7OT6x906ObQoFCA6Xl4a-bgL0ojHx2PNsQSUFuJYl1NW0b_w6bQfZvP0MttC6-G6-rwpkc3Byq16tF3G8PcdpzvLdkvTciJUCueZT_SdgymgH60La37g2jWSoWbZmi5vM/s5152/DSC08993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibkBMwuteev3E1bxflTfTQ8qeB72Z5u9GZZsBGWqf8NyEGxRzBvBTCs9sHGod7OT6x906ObQoFCA6Xl4a-bgL0ojHx2PNsQSUFuJYl1NW0b_w6bQfZvP0MttC6-G6-rwpkc3Byq16tF3G8PcdpzvLdkvTciJUCueZT_SdgymgH60La37g2jWSoWbZmi5vM/s320/DSC08993.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>I did find wild raspberries though. On the map the next section looked a real opportunity to run on a contouring path. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUkmw-2rTUnuOw4mKydb9gJMlknKvkw7l_etiSnebvAg2qAUFYOsiY4Ohq59jqyMhNnT52kmyZX1lX04Gd3nJqHtrFmVj889YfcurLNCyboCrmz0MqoSRmD8tLZpatExGNeGrPmyeCjq-2LqkixAwOLiD5xRBuEUMS0S7folwsAYwu6gu5_uRFrX3cDBze/s5152/DSC08998.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUkmw-2rTUnuOw4mKydb9gJMlknKvkw7l_etiSnebvAg2qAUFYOsiY4Ohq59jqyMhNnT52kmyZX1lX04Gd3nJqHtrFmVj889YfcurLNCyboCrmz0MqoSRmD8tLZpatExGNeGrPmyeCjq-2LqkixAwOLiD5xRBuEUMS0S7folwsAYwu6gu5_uRFrX3cDBze/s320/DSC08998.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>Hmm- rocky , narrow, lots of trip hazards, places to bash your head on rocks jutting out and a serious drop to the right. Perhaps not. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-MkXQaN5DZKuEROEMIX-ObKLgFeFb_ktmS9h_FCGuD120TeG0nBfmH_6WPTpLB-T_oo7xaTPXdfmUg9LUGCZFn6QwnH8pqVtVQuGOvV9bl8CCmUN1bc71Rn95Xf-YmT1LCfRYuVx3vHYgZpyo_JFq7t1pDfQ-qs5vbvsurOJ4Bhfmt-QfRrlCJM40FRU/s5152/DSC08996.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE-MkXQaN5DZKuEROEMIX-ObKLgFeFb_ktmS9h_FCGuD120TeG0nBfmH_6WPTpLB-T_oo7xaTPXdfmUg9LUGCZFn6QwnH8pqVtVQuGOvV9bl8CCmUN1bc71Rn95Xf-YmT1LCfRYuVx3vHYgZpyo_JFq7t1pDfQ-qs5vbvsurOJ4Bhfmt-QfRrlCJM40FRU/s320/DSC08996.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>Climbing out of the next valley and heading to Marc I was making good time but then being tired stopped being careful. I reached a sign post and saw a sign to Marc. What I did not notice was that the other way was also to Marc. In my defence the road book usually highlighted potential issues like this but not here. By the time I realised my mistake I could not face turning back and I was still on a GR anyway. My route was further but flatter. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8r6IoaH_dkldssoONc2gpHASw85pBLOMoke3zYZptB16Sraug3zbo7tLy5mEZfTzjTDC8jRLutIE5M3mkSe5M9IWPcHtNrxJsvJY7BSNIzAVZ0bilqHLRimpxkVUtX3Yzrc_hfZTnKoGCX9rhnYskbhXpMqZ0Rf5d3mD0Py3Se2IOQyNISqkwBOyMCLI8/s4624/Path%20before%20Marc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8r6IoaH_dkldssoONc2gpHASw85pBLOMoke3zYZptB16Sraug3zbo7tLy5mEZfTzjTDC8jRLutIE5M3mkSe5M9IWPcHtNrxJsvJY7BSNIzAVZ0bilqHLRimpxkVUtX3Yzrc_hfZTnKoGCX9rhnYskbhXpMqZ0Rf5d3mD0Py3Se2IOQyNISqkwBOyMCLI8/s320/Path%20before%20Marc.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Following a concrete water channel- nice and easy</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Then I lost the GR signs and panicked. Instead of stopping and searching I decided I should climb up and reach the true path. OK, fine in theory but there was no path, lots of trees, lots of mud and leaf litter in places knee deep and it was very steep. At least going up I could spot the small cliffs and so was in no danger. I only took one slide back downhill for about 50m but the whole jolly cost me over an hour. The crazy decisions you make when you are alone and tired! How could a GR just disappear? Others had the same issue with 2 GRs although Guillaume found markers all the way on my 'alternative' route and so did not have the 'fun' climb I did. I eventually arrived at Marc very tired and cross but at least Bob was there in the van. </p><p>This is where I first got to know Laurent who was running and his wife Eva who was supporting in their van. She had locked them out which was something of a disaster. Luckily Bob had tools and helped them break in. Laurent had been using their van all through the race and it was now rumoured that we could sleep and eat in vans. This made sense given that we were allowed to pay to stay in hotels, gites etc. So, I ate well in the van and then settled to sleep on my comfy bed. I set off around 5am alone in the dark but happy with 253km under my belt. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7f1y3Z7rdr8YbxzLyc_Et3YA8TpzlyjzTi_BM1YqWTmAM7LpLGKZdFOgNuZQ2TAbzENhzzeUlHOC6InB6t3Rpz7_uMz8dUMMrEo3nI6VtqPVMErB-qe3Dc4jAHtOI_IZ6tVI48TnPYZFRzSixLAqMdi3Rg0EEuNDveOW00sTgG-9OK2IjIYouDQxxGZm-/s5152/immed%20after%20Marc.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7f1y3Z7rdr8YbxzLyc_Et3YA8TpzlyjzTi_BM1YqWTmAM7LpLGKZdFOgNuZQ2TAbzENhzzeUlHOC6InB6t3Rpz7_uMz8dUMMrEo3nI6VtqPVMErB-qe3Dc4jAHtOI_IZ6tVI48TnPYZFRzSixLAqMdi3Rg0EEuNDveOW00sTgG-9OK2IjIYouDQxxGZm-/s320/immed%20after%20Marc.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>Once through the village the path followed a concrete water course before turning sharply uphill towards a big lake and the refuge Bassies. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkwJdeHhUtKfQ9WUbZJL3V4i7aTm91A8r8_uT66d1hgmISvV3-epbOFqKOyik4cCmxiwPi8PSLhrt-sqSpfFkAH03HpbEX_GM2I6GnSBGQF2lUF4xwCKPpKFiroGOiYNlxno7YOR3irogWhufoiqsUfEnv5xGhEkjbxamGEYAGK9INwVNz36Uo-dobucPU/s5152/Ref%20Bassies%20before%20the%20clag.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkwJdeHhUtKfQ9WUbZJL3V4i7aTm91A8r8_uT66d1hgmISvV3-epbOFqKOyik4cCmxiwPi8PSLhrt-sqSpfFkAH03HpbEX_GM2I6GnSBGQF2lUF4xwCKPpKFiroGOiYNlxno7YOR3irogWhufoiqsUfEnv5xGhEkjbxamGEYAGK9INwVNz36Uo-dobucPU/s320/Ref%20Bassies%20before%20the%20clag.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>It was beautiful even though the rain had made it muddy. Sadly the low cloud then rolled in and spoilt views of Pic Rouge.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJINx4htv5AgISs-3TcvL1t5tFIL3YC_EQMipVqW-i-0DLNPcU5a2BbQSUG8HKjOef8OkCChCfzLY5Gpa819cOz3eDn7Xa05MjUqgdCKMUVwNDIfZ2tmzv7DFFjaTwfvldr7L0k8uNtDvAHkCmspKUOIDX9ZSMDLLS25vkN7nnc0LseMZI4zKELdi9ZdX/s5152/Towards%20Bassies%20after%20Marc.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJINx4htv5AgISs-3TcvL1t5tFIL3YC_EQMipVqW-i-0DLNPcU5a2BbQSUG8HKjOef8OkCChCfzLY5Gpa819cOz3eDn7Xa05MjUqgdCKMUVwNDIfZ2tmzv7DFFjaTwfvldr7L0k8uNtDvAHkCmspKUOIDX9ZSMDLLS25vkN7nnc0LseMZI4zKELdi9ZdX/s320/Towards%20Bassies%20after%20Marc.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sun sadly did not last</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I met a Swiss guy and we ran together for a bit on some great paths as they zig zagged down from the col. I bet the scenery would have been great if we could have seen it. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZ6cLxjsoaPx16CR3iLLGa9TohRQK_UTInIN19TlXAwFExNugwcIWB-dTZ-1bGFqqB5Ju-bkXDPhm_u-kYYtj8USPqkj57yFu3PtU98shSEx_t0XwLGPcsZopx0iYqyhEjcFx3IyfJ70R5-4CJWKujwUxlIGtedfjGSyH2Nonols6X07DrPc__0hjh6Bx/s5152/Ref%20Bassies%20after%20Marc.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdZ6cLxjsoaPx16CR3iLLGa9TohRQK_UTInIN19TlXAwFExNugwcIWB-dTZ-1bGFqqB5Ju-bkXDPhm_u-kYYtj8USPqkj57yFu3PtU98shSEx_t0XwLGPcsZopx0iYqyhEjcFx3IyfJ70R5-4CJWKujwUxlIGtedfjGSyH2Nonols6X07DrPc__0hjh6Bx/s320/Ref%20Bassies%20after%20Marc.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>Approaching a road through a col there were suddenly more people about and more paths to select from. The path I needed was hidden by two parked cars. Then in the woods I concentrated on a walker coming up the path and missed a turn.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin56ZBk9pAFZ7sDxsLgFAMDY_tla171uZ_BW9MCIlRIBouhZl586Zdd-vq50lt3m6bLV6VQuEBEdrcnRdnKQcK1YF1GEbzzca-Ge4rTJXrAOneyUjGD0KJD763aeqqPfYT-bHuHA9Hyd0FvajXQE8q_-BjP3zZ-YrgR7jBRXrDCvB34V2bdVByEnNLwp8C/s5152/My%20error%20pre%20CP8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin56ZBk9pAFZ7sDxsLgFAMDY_tla171uZ_BW9MCIlRIBouhZl586Zdd-vq50lt3m6bLV6VQuEBEdrcnRdnKQcK1YF1GEbzzca-Ge4rTJXrAOneyUjGD0KJD763aeqqPfYT-bHuHA9Hyd0FvajXQE8q_-BjP3zZ-YrgR7jBRXrDCvB34V2bdVByEnNLwp8C/s320/My%20error%20pre%20CP8.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>It was a costly error in the woods- the error is always going downhill with a big climb to put it right. Laurent came running past as I was back on the correct path and berating myself. The downhill to CP8 in Aulus was initially very steep and tricky so I did not try to stay with him. Gradually it levelled out and became easier going. Aulus village itself had an old core, spa hotels from 100 years ago and lots of people. It was a short out and back to the CP8 on the campsite. Again I stopped long enough to make sure I ate well and aired my feet. The menu was extensive and with only 4 or 5 of us to feed we had individual service. Guillaume arrived soon after me and we left pretty much together. As we retraced our steps to the GR I spotted a very unhappy looking Eric. I had been sure that he would be miles ahead but he was suffering with an injury and in fact abandoned not long afterwards. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_NeehIJiLCU7V2QPrMWwcfdVAetyFLaY3Rkp75zVAGtBmp1JkvgjFn6PiC_nL7g5zM-6N3kgMloF83VsfbbiqS1KD1s7_6NvUrorh2ob8hQLU7CXcx89hKkwExXitRp4DpAgr9cdYaofDqVpWUWWOvPTCHfyIO3TIqxbjYjzIOjbZaewb_amG2o5hbTcV/s5152/waterfalls%20after%20CP8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_NeehIJiLCU7V2QPrMWwcfdVAetyFLaY3Rkp75zVAGtBmp1JkvgjFn6PiC_nL7g5zM-6N3kgMloF83VsfbbiqS1KD1s7_6NvUrorh2ob8hQLU7CXcx89hKkwExXitRp4DpAgr9cdYaofDqVpWUWWOvPTCHfyIO3TIqxbjYjzIOjbZaewb_amG2o5hbTcV/s320/waterfalls%20after%20CP8.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They were spectacular and there was water everywhere after the rain</td></tr></tbody></table><p>It was a hot and steamy climb up to the cascade d'Ars. Having company made it easier and people were now settling into more of a steady pace. I saw Sylvain again and Jerome as well as Guillaume. I made a slight detour to see the falls and so ended up solo for a while. The trail was steep and muddy in places so it was good to see Guillaume's support had driven up a dirt road to meet us on the next col at the top of a ski lift. It was chilly in the wind and mist. A quick snack break and we were off on a rather nasty path churned up by mountain bikes and cows.We reached CP9 on the campsite in St Lizier at 7pm. The food was good again and I spent some time having my feet looked at- the wet trails of Ariege had trashed them with blisters on the side of my heels and a tiny but deep hole under the ball of one foot where it met my toes. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNf_qWH1WcOWKwX1b5w01TNHnk3FKYqDpQPwpKlgBwrHzeuKbZh9GMwNs5HGg9EOyWjsHbS884MEb1GFMHUQUgsuV8htcMO7N9dkyGMvXiB2ttOXE9-fjmmq2SgeeG7NzgqBw6o_R2t_MGBr1qVmoZxlckg8udFUmScp2f_SGuhGxwZXAbDcqTY77r7PT/s1600/foot%20care%20foil%20blanket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNf_qWH1WcOWKwX1b5w01TNHnk3FKYqDpQPwpKlgBwrHzeuKbZh9GMwNs5HGg9EOyWjsHbS884MEb1GFMHUQUgsuV8htcMO7N9dkyGMvXiB2ttOXE9-fjmmq2SgeeG7NzgqBw6o_R2t_MGBr1qVmoZxlckg8udFUmScp2f_SGuhGxwZXAbDcqTY77r7PT/s320/foot%20care%20foil%20blanket.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's antiseptic not blood!</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Sylvain arrived too and his elder daughter was intrigued but horrified at my feet. She couldn't stop watching but her face was a picture. By the time all this had gone on it was chilly and dark so I decided with 298km done, over 1/3rd now I would sleep for a little while. The bonus was that they moved a camp bed and blanket into the tent for me. More comfort and no need to blow up and then later deflate and pack away my neoair and sleeping bag. Guillaume and I agreed to set off in a few hours time and carry on through the night to Conflens. It was late when we got there but another 10km was ticked off. He tried to sleep in his van but with all the family it was crowded and I don't think he slept very well. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-MZS_rLdG80PiqFbELczbIjs5MGxPmc-hwxbO8DSzm_Akz4kcrMq6FaQZ0l6EiyAQxxNqYEugMb2VsBj74AyCdWjhdJS72a6D3zDOJCGLHVD3tErxq0AzxdvK_bsZi5HOJw-32kFr3HTiL8nFtlw1zGy66_bxK-a_Jp8qnWGgSLq7--H-UnKoYnBLWNX-/s5152/Mnt%20Valier%20first%20light.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-MZS_rLdG80PiqFbELczbIjs5MGxPmc-hwxbO8DSzm_Akz4kcrMq6FaQZ0l6EiyAQxxNqYEugMb2VsBj74AyCdWjhdJS72a6D3zDOJCGLHVD3tErxq0AzxdvK_bsZi5HOJw-32kFr3HTiL8nFtlw1zGy66_bxK-a_Jp8qnWGgSLq7--H-UnKoYnBLWNX-/s320/Mnt%20Valier%20first%20light.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First light near Mnt Valier the day after Conflens- superb scenery here</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I slept in an old lavoir that had been converted to a picnic area- I was very grateful for them scoping this out for me. It was quite comfy with a broad wooden bench to lie on. I even had my own toilet and I slept well until a van woke me at 4.30am. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWsYAFwLq83SrjhCa22Hflg6y92mf8Perdeh8ImuHtE41KaKIQGRKc_17NfLs5b3_EYC5N6tDqdxV8OLO02iRi4ngbN9molt2gF-5-qS_QLjxQ6ZonRPvTBpx64cIjZJGH9LjjFK4CFD2x_dRgpCi8xTTTEdaetE8k7eNRShoe2kf3VDJrde03p6JQVzsC/s4624/around%20Mnt%20Valier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWsYAFwLq83SrjhCa22Hflg6y92mf8Perdeh8ImuHtE41KaKIQGRKc_17NfLs5b3_EYC5N6tDqdxV8OLO02iRi4ngbN9molt2gF-5-qS_QLjxQ6ZonRPvTBpx64cIjZJGH9LjjFK4CFD2x_dRgpCi8xTTTEdaetE8k7eNRShoe2kf3VDJrde03p6JQVzsC/s320/around%20Mnt%20Valier.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The area around Mnt Valier was stunning</td></tr></tbody></table><p>A quick repack of my sack and I was back at his van before Guillaume was up. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh7LOuM8MpJn73xqE4urpkYOQRFLNWYJg06OlDrvkvlaUOeSwjrcbn1ZadtCYqNoW0Q90vcwI4KwxvP7nvOlLi7FoRce22e5QkVGvJUC7mjITigV2IanIk6lixSiMxoPmbLZdulerCe_F4uURPx08gy02fnd3OBvhsRmhmsYySva8EICv-NYGrW7owFpTu/s5152/mnt%20Valier%20beauty.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh7LOuM8MpJn73xqE4urpkYOQRFLNWYJg06OlDrvkvlaUOeSwjrcbn1ZadtCYqNoW0Q90vcwI4KwxvP7nvOlLi7FoRce22e5QkVGvJUC7mjITigV2IanIk6lixSiMxoPmbLZdulerCe_F4uURPx08gy02fnd3OBvhsRmhmsYySva8EICv-NYGrW7owFpTu/s320/mnt%20Valier%20beauty.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>I begged hot water for my meal and we had a coffee before setting off together. The rest of his family tried to ignore us and stay asleep.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMuWHNzwfsM0QLW88slhh6lN9K1jqKMy2VQtiw-0jHvh_w2z1Kr4ciJMsAueum6507nQ1pcVYf4j-5yauN56r3CAJIBJY-3kWFCHqynni7Tl_epPSr_J-eLHiDdtV08LM8aP0PatfvECxOCBN26RYNNyCK4ALhqFj4Lit56Z87Q9NVjQmKCNKhvXXPHzvH/s2048/after%20Conflens%20lavoir%20sleep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1538" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMuWHNzwfsM0QLW88slhh6lN9K1jqKMy2VQtiw-0jHvh_w2z1Kr4ciJMsAueum6507nQ1pcVYf4j-5yauN56r3CAJIBJY-3kWFCHqynni7Tl_epPSr_J-eLHiDdtV08LM8aP0PatfvECxOCBN26RYNNyCK4ALhqFj4Lit56Z87Q9NVjQmKCNKhvXXPHzvH/s320/after%20Conflens%20lavoir%20sleep.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0FQsNCD65stZeeFKtPno5g2hM6ZzQmYZTG-g-Sx9rkoemk1ssERAp5cBg26EuPZOy0IOkZmsHDR7fYpsnbjSgy_w_Qxhwv-LsVhgHqM0f_Xx-1jH0PPRaXUlb1TwLA2xaqOUvm4CPzBT6oxy34shlBIu3RiCRbZZetypxTeWYuf8goJLNhDLlQjWl7YMy/s5152/Mnt%20V%20lots%20of%20pics.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0FQsNCD65stZeeFKtPno5g2hM6ZzQmYZTG-g-Sx9rkoemk1ssERAp5cBg26EuPZOy0IOkZmsHDR7fYpsnbjSgy_w_Qxhwv-LsVhgHqM0f_Xx-1jH0PPRaXUlb1TwLA2xaqOUvm4CPzBT6oxy34shlBIu3RiCRbZZetypxTeWYuf8goJLNhDLlQjWl7YMy/s320/Mnt%20V%20lots%20of%20pics.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNeWXVZHm8CfksqDuyo-lLEy7OCKImr9Bf3KB2dqCmHtLPktPHNgYZf07XQ6O__bYdzUX_BjnSW-TYeZp9TtoKS1wQi_9QDHG3-HxAilMuKDYSP0zRIABLadFL3YzNZrpdB4ZvLd4_5y63_GANbkJf5DwShA1nBdDz7kYiipTyMYOv0PQyq0i8ZF26k7ed/s5152/more%20mnt%20V.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNeWXVZHm8CfksqDuyo-lLEy7OCKImr9Bf3KB2dqCmHtLPktPHNgYZf07XQ6O__bYdzUX_BjnSW-TYeZp9TtoKS1wQi_9QDHG3-HxAilMuKDYSP0zRIABLadFL3YzNZrpdB4ZvLd4_5y63_GANbkJf5DwShA1nBdDz7kYiipTyMYOv0PQyq0i8ZF26k7ed/s320/more%20mnt%20V.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These were all the morning after the lavoir and before Aunac!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">14km later we arrived at Aunac. Guillaume, Sylvain and I didn't stay together quite but were never far apart. The CP10 at the gite seemed to take a long time to reach from the village but we were treated to good food, a chance to charge stuff and more foot care. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-z8Kn9HG1bDOcgOw1NhUjr1ppPCiACrhVcVFd4meVr2V1GehlbbU_4I0CXJewZ8by4QOjk2YEn4Hmtj3ivjYOejmJAnyTmbhbHxtST9g6tcD0ssDzXMmjJ_etghv94vDaz8X-3GXMH-zrUum-AGqt-KPLglbf2eYlPek0QNJBzLjjLhz5DIfhFQIzQOIp/s2048/Ivan%20CP%20feet%20up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-z8Kn9HG1bDOcgOw1NhUjr1ppPCiACrhVcVFd4meVr2V1GehlbbU_4I0CXJewZ8by4QOjk2YEn4Hmtj3ivjYOejmJAnyTmbhbHxtST9g6tcD0ssDzXMmjJ_etghv94vDaz8X-3GXMH-zrUum-AGqt-KPLglbf2eYlPek0QNJBzLjjLhz5DIfhFQIzQOIp/s320/Ivan%20CP%20feet%20up.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>Ivan a runner from Quebec was keen to tape my feet and wanted to use'TOR' style taping. It encased the front of both feet entirely which was good for the maceration but unfortunately hid the hole. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiywBJSAWe6Nk-NhcnLaCxQGWYKEdSHTSLxxhS3PUYnX-N5RMsc_b6JSIHp_MA7pxZhxkikAinT4WRKhP3hbr_0mln8Ok6PM0X2jQlEEjS_h5OHyfcHLv-BzKSBzp2y8YzuVwjNRWWioo4VrOoHynDh1mxsGsQLF8aPvxE41Q6NFlffGCH39v14FU3hRgr/s4624/IMG_20230814_212619607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiywBJSAWe6Nk-NhcnLaCxQGWYKEdSHTSLxxhS3PUYnX-N5RMsc_b6JSIHp_MA7pxZhxkikAinT4WRKhP3hbr_0mln8Ok6PM0X2jQlEEjS_h5OHyfcHLv-BzKSBzp2y8YzuVwjNRWWioo4VrOoHynDh1mxsGsQLF8aPvxE41Q6NFlffGCH39v14FU3hRgr/s320/IMG_20230814_212619607.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Plus concentrating on that meant the heel blisters had less tape and padding than I would have liked. It was 1pm and boiling so we all took our time resting in the sun and drying out shoes and socks. From there to the road at Col de la Core was only 8km but it felt hard work to me and I really felt I was struggling to keep up with Guillame for the first time. It was a big climb and it continued after we crossed the road at the col. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7r5HbIdPErV2LKtas1i4WqZNderGvfvp0LS9bredJzIRqLo58vfKQUAmN_UF5qnvm8jdFwKnbH4nQRanHTE6Y8l9BlWHR6d8U4h2YExHASxeTJDgzAZ4AeVv6hZRlGcpGBB7Qe4-YeGslxPjM0Bqk2ytEuQuten4h5BEl3JqElBw7lFHadFrMePfVIaMc/s5152/after%20Aunac%20to%20my%20solo%20hut.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7r5HbIdPErV2LKtas1i4WqZNderGvfvp0LS9bredJzIRqLo58vfKQUAmN_UF5qnvm8jdFwKnbH4nQRanHTE6Y8l9BlWHR6d8U4h2YExHASxeTJDgzAZ4AeVv6hZRlGcpGBB7Qe4-YeGslxPjM0Bqk2ytEuQuten4h5BEl3JqElBw7lFHadFrMePfVIaMc/s320/after%20Aunac%20to%20my%20solo%20hut.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunset paths and raspberries on the way to my solo bothy hut.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Aunac is at 770m and our next high point at 1920m. Another big climb. Soon after the col Sylvain, Jerome, Riou and I all ended up pretty much together. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjyX03MO7k9bMR0ttXBLXpEZswtr8iuU11lOIcseShgBbB4k_zzvRmYQ3rfZiVxqnvjKEFHvchHIsBOnA7j-rdHFuU0w0kZeL5kRv30EGPpLpBR3hO3TrRjDAgMaQjAJTmnvabmBsGmx4AgUsUua50kBb7JJ4vwnqPofQhkLHCbKhPK_Ws4Xk2Ruy5LHnj/s2048/the%20team%20inversion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjyX03MO7k9bMR0ttXBLXpEZswtr8iuU11lOIcseShgBbB4k_zzvRmYQ3rfZiVxqnvjKEFHvchHIsBOnA7j-rdHFuU0w0kZeL5kRv30EGPpLpBR3hO3TrRjDAgMaQjAJTmnvabmBsGmx4AgUsUua50kBb7JJ4vwnqPofQhkLHCbKhPK_Ws4Xk2Ruy5LHnj/s320/the%20team%20inversion.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>It was tough but a gorgeous late afternoon with a stunning lake and peaks, then a beautiful inversion and wonderful sunset. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiud4wBCgfp57Q5DMwU_z3_ldPSAEDjOnabdmTdOoBrwAaZ6GqRCIg770QJx0yfKOQ2X26NpWPR1EawQOVSp3DcPPcdLI-DxKcce_r2cxtVnA2SCR34LCyno0xILu206Ds_8jorC_Y2p-fFnZZ5ac2xzyKPdI-sduCcImAVivOPrmvjWxNCCvMx6JGz2QX0/s5152/DSC09021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiud4wBCgfp57Q5DMwU_z3_ldPSAEDjOnabdmTdOoBrwAaZ6GqRCIg770QJx0yfKOQ2X26NpWPR1EawQOVSp3DcPPcdLI-DxKcce_r2cxtVnA2SCR34LCyno0xILu206Ds_8jorC_Y2p-fFnZZ5ac2xzyKPdI-sduCcImAVivOPrmvjWxNCCvMx6JGz2QX0/s320/DSC09021.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>One of the better parts of Ariege. Oh, and lots of raspberries. Sylvain and Riou stopped at the first bothy hut and the others had gone on ahead a bit. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyi-MYjSBdIpy_VQQa4ayeRns3qBmP2KPp6o0Q5rQsudFBFd6_dWXxmyzLp4PU8SP-20c8p_oqOQZzXNb7GIsPegkgaopbJpjjU0PyFD5KEGtw_V6MLHTIh4LI7UJXXQPplAppl9VONfYFBlrv09KhhqfVtkJLxImImgBsyuJRlBGzrgSWpDpuTCM-n43/s5152/DSC09016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyi-MYjSBdIpy_VQQa4ayeRns3qBmP2KPp6o0Q5rQsudFBFd6_dWXxmyzLp4PU8SP-20c8p_oqOQZzXNb7GIsPegkgaopbJpjjU0PyFD5KEGtw_V6MLHTIh4LI7UJXXQPplAppl9VONfYFBlrv09KhhqfVtkJLxImImgBsyuJRlBGzrgSWpDpuTCM-n43/s320/DSC09016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>The descent to Maison Valier suddenly looked really steep and not very attractive in the dark. I knew I would be slow in the dark and did not want to slow them down.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP8zv9pF_Z4cYY-_9yd6dHWbFnNNjmTQ4bOkoaglTETL7nJFw-gMJl0RkTPEHOUd8l5h_Jogbx51RroQG0BkFz_3ZNhPgdW_rwOCyaprn_wpfl0KH4a9VLm_2-mzWhpn_P_SNuE37M1CnOpqQOLJ0MxNqwY1QF2H6vQONKHmhtGJXwSIPLeeh8un-9iSbE/s5152/after%20Aunac%20pre%20my%20solo%20hut.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP8zv9pF_Z4cYY-_9yd6dHWbFnNNjmTQ4bOkoaglTETL7nJFw-gMJl0RkTPEHOUd8l5h_Jogbx51RroQG0BkFz_3ZNhPgdW_rwOCyaprn_wpfl0KH4a9VLm_2-mzWhpn_P_SNuE37M1CnOpqQOLJ0MxNqwY1QF2H6vQONKHmhtGJXwSIPLeeh8un-9iSbE/s320/after%20Aunac%20pre%20my%20solo%20hut.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>I opted to stop at the next hut only a few 100m off our path while Guillaume and Jerome planned to go all the way down into the valley.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9HEhLJSnji2DeI5mjynxHVa0N8Whp3BdjO-V9CndlHPBHtW4uLH3plu1p1eTLV2gx79ufP1upGivm2TStexwwGdz_sMc4Jj4z8AULQvg6EO3WUcu_WOqyK3F63uE_TwRUEbwKros3Xq3EuAsf97Vyi-4whWH6u02wsfl4xKOVF76dnZQopp_pLtWH8hw6/s4624/IMG_20230807_211412599_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9HEhLJSnji2DeI5mjynxHVa0N8Whp3BdjO-V9CndlHPBHtW4uLH3plu1p1eTLV2gx79ufP1upGivm2TStexwwGdz_sMc4Jj4z8AULQvg6EO3WUcu_WOqyK3F63uE_TwRUEbwKros3Xq3EuAsf97Vyi-4whWH6u02wsfl4xKOVF76dnZQopp_pLtWH8hw6/s320/IMG_20230807_211412599_HDR.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>There was just one other occupant in my hut- a Portuguese guy reading poetry and very interested in our adventures. He was walking West to East, slowly.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8VBrTDKbQUT14kPuj0Fa0ZM6FqtIb_qC_CKoAyBcYdEmR-K17w9JxyBs2pN27fiVkrxyBCpQg1dGfyOYDUoBWJjfvWhK_ZCbhcb1TEq3CSvcYAoA0HxVaKCNv3FLy7SWaJdwPZzZomq214FnsCR6zq56jCjvgYk5X_vFLf8cy9AdqlSF651WM4Hcot8OL/s4624/IMG_20230807_204305648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8VBrTDKbQUT14kPuj0Fa0ZM6FqtIb_qC_CKoAyBcYdEmR-K17w9JxyBs2pN27fiVkrxyBCpQg1dGfyOYDUoBWJjfvWhK_ZCbhcb1TEq3CSvcYAoA0HxVaKCNv3FLy7SWaJdwPZzZomq214FnsCR6zq56jCjvgYk5X_vFLf8cy9AdqlSF651WM4Hcot8OL/s320/IMG_20230807_204305648.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I slept well and got up pre dawn. I had no idea of knowing if the others had already set off. The steep trail eventually got easier but in the valley near Maison Valier there were multiple GR routes and variants plus 'touristy' paths near the car parks and refuge. I got confused more than once and was getting very frustrated in the dark. I could see nobody at the refuge where I hoped I might get some breakfast and so pushed on. It was a tough climb but it was now light, and hot again.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRqoSPmXRwdgXIUASD8M1PqyzcogSCPP9x2pJbnGBhle4IOZjaPPc4ca5N6veK6-U1m0vJrmNhIcoWaVVlgLiATprYtuZJZVe8OzsgxtksHdNofjHl2v_WogQYpWzwwCPfeL9KgVhfe6LZ4wn5GXoSfqRctTGzVZgNWeJyXFiAgxGPBLMYEyAz4Oi0csGW/s5152/Vulture%20and%20carcass.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRqoSPmXRwdgXIUASD8M1PqyzcogSCPP9x2pJbnGBhle4IOZjaPPc4ca5N6veK6-U1m0vJrmNhIcoWaVVlgLiATprYtuZJZVe8OzsgxtksHdNofjHl2v_WogQYpWzwwCPfeL9KgVhfe6LZ4wn5GXoSfqRctTGzVZgNWeJyXFiAgxGPBLMYEyAz4Oi0csGW/s320/Vulture%20and%20carcass.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vulture and carcass - I think on the mountains as we dropped to Fos.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>On this next section there were many sheep and we met our first Patou- dogs trained to see off any dangers to the flock, usually from wolves. A female hiker had gone up the trail ahead of me and had no issues so I stayed on the path too. One dog did come and bark once but I dropped my head, made myself small and put my poles low. I passed with no issue. I knew Guillaume was not far behind me when all hell broke loose. The dogs were racing up to him barking, snarling and barring their teeth. Then the herdsman started shouting and swearing from below. The poor guy had to make a cross country detour to appease them all. I am not sure whether it is because he was bigger, smelt different but he was certainly seen as more of a threat. The next herd was enormous with several hundred sheep spread widely over the hillside. Oh heck, what to do? We left the path and circuited wide past most of the herd but started counting the dogs...9 and they were not happy, what the hell. Then we found a bear print. I guess the farmer had reason to be anxious. We were very relieved to get through without mishap and to continue down to CP11 at a small road. This was the worst CP yet really. Not the fault of the marshal at all but just a gazebo, small stove and two chairs. She did have a little food which was unexpected and boiled water for one of my dehydrated meals. My tracker was apparently showing only 15% battery... There was no power supply to charge it here. I would likely be with Guillaume to Fos and would worry about it there. It was the middle of the day and baking hot. I should have made a better effort to find shade or a way down to the river. I did eat and rest though. The climb from here was tough in the heat but the trail and scenery were great. Even the ancient mining area was interesting with ruins, tunnels and old machinery lying around.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0pC-6gKpS9UGdrwZjJ30og7FEr2HigZfQeFTZGL9xRloQxaP2VvlLmLUlOWO8frGexNaELG_LPzUPkU2myDeYgdAslob3k27i-7IPsvJIndIereL4jP6ej_TqM8SJC-JZiGWz_fErnny8Rf7QevhPRrb8-thC9yHo2-LXZu4M6mPFjXviyDZnTVgPzpq5/s5152/Above%20Araing%20hot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0pC-6gKpS9UGdrwZjJ30og7FEr2HigZfQeFTZGL9xRloQxaP2VvlLmLUlOWO8frGexNaELG_LPzUPkU2myDeYgdAslob3k27i-7IPsvJIndIereL4jP6ej_TqM8SJC-JZiGWz_fErnny8Rf7QevhPRrb8-thC9yHo2-LXZu4M6mPFjXviyDZnTVgPzpq5/s320/Above%20Araing%20hot.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>Refuge d'Araing was not a CP and had no ice cream left but we did stop to buy drinks, top up water and soak in the scenery. It was busy with people staying in the hut, day walkers and lots of tents wild camping. I was most jealous of those who had time to swim in the lake.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY4nxvq05yIiecLaUHx30laameFCYf-17aBv5yQaXpZvQK-3uwg8sW1q9OB6MgdjFKw_KsbqsxWNHYed_2l7ql7disMiBuKPmC6FnpHSl4ia2SZ1XUv7ANHvrJ7Ir3Vh7RrGUlE__sxWD2Wb0F0tQrUwnsn3pBAJtxoWnB0SZXw8AX-SEonsIhKxcQ_phI/s5152/After%20Araing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY4nxvq05yIiecLaUHx30laameFCYf-17aBv5yQaXpZvQK-3uwg8sW1q9OB6MgdjFKw_KsbqsxWNHYed_2l7ql7disMiBuKPmC6FnpHSl4ia2SZ1XUv7ANHvrJ7Ir3Vh7RrGUlE__sxWD2Wb0F0tQrUwnsn3pBAJtxoWnB0SZXw8AX-SEonsIhKxcQ_phI/s320/After%20Araing.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>From here to Fos is a bit hazy but the trails were certainly better than in the Ariege. My feet were very sore and so when we had track or tarmac it was almost a relief.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOxDc32_DAMeugRyqCIWcsCDuJszuPgQwZe05RDRgP472hLFNQurftYScnnWgzyy8_AytMkzr9zgEx9r8diij3gNoe0zVxROhtrt41-mbBKx10hWOCMJAxqoafrhpeK8Zo4OBuqrJExGiqSVdpsikSvCHoWwtyp2RXKnS1UVGJQZSKZSGeMYxrhFlAe3Xq/s5152/Araing%20area%20before%20Fos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOxDc32_DAMeugRyqCIWcsCDuJszuPgQwZe05RDRgP472hLFNQurftYScnnWgzyy8_AytMkzr9zgEx9r8diij3gNoe0zVxROhtrt41-mbBKx10hWOCMJAxqoafrhpeK8Zo4OBuqrJExGiqSVdpsikSvCHoWwtyp2RXKnS1UVGJQZSKZSGeMYxrhFlAe3Xq/s320/Araing%20area%20before%20Fos.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>Stopping was the worst thing. Getting going hurt but after 20 mins I managed to just blank it from my mind providing I didn't catch my foot on an unexpected rock. Approaching the town of Fos some of his family came out to meet us again. It lifted our pace a bit and kept us on track even if I was cursing all the little off tarmac short cuts that hurt my feet. We looked down on the old border car parks and then continued along the valley side to the very far northern end of the village. The CP had been moved to a gite but only one room and we had to be quiet for the real guests upstairs. I ate and sorted my gear and charged my torch, phone and garmin. It was almost a ritual and second nature now. I also found out here that Paulette the American woman had bailed along with Bruce the Canadian and that Mona the Norweigen lady had arrived here several hours earlier but with a badly damaged achilles so she had also retired. I was now first and only woman out of the 10-12 who had started (very frustrating that once you stopped the trackers did not show you as DNF, you just disappeared making it hard to know how many had dropped). It was dark by now and so I opted to sleep. This meant a walk through the village to the campsite but the CP staff did escort me there. I slept quite well and got up at dawn. Back at the CP I grabbed a coffee and some breakfast before setting out alone. Guillaume was not yet ready. </p><p>Initially it was easy going on old lanes and an old road by the river. No traffic, just getting light and lots of wildlife. I saw huge deer, a wild boar with 'piglets' and hoped not to see any bears this low down. The climb up was through some really pretty beech woods on a nicely angled zig zag path with no mud. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjju-a-L-bi-cO4dZwKUShE7tyqhe8GjSmGUs8uaPlxMWQeD7Jx09j_U5AqV4h1f8xNoWqgKZ2EH5omeGciTNdnClYnzy1npxBFLv-vuPF6U5lo56u9rCdcQ7pzTNOn4Ji470DfbrLz-1HZVD2XXv0VSnY-ZZY-BJZnyRhb88DiX6JLepdxu7Id9138xGw1/s5152/Beech%20forest%20after%20Fos.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjju-a-L-bi-cO4dZwKUShE7tyqhe8GjSmGUs8uaPlxMWQeD7Jx09j_U5AqV4h1f8xNoWqgKZ2EH5omeGciTNdnClYnzy1npxBFLv-vuPF6U5lo56u9rCdcQ7pzTNOn4Ji470DfbrLz-1HZVD2XXv0VSnY-ZZY-BJZnyRhb88DiX6JLepdxu7Id9138xGw1/s320/Beech%20forest%20after%20Fos.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>It was another massive climb to the open tops but so worth it. The views south into the big mountains which even had snow were superb. The road book showed a dangerous section of path but in the daylight I could not see where this could be. I stopped to take in the views and to cool off several times but the tops were quite runnable in places.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYSB00TIpnyUXylHR11nw9oXBM_cXIL7ldab6AikDGxhbKgwNOOnwTDCAPidry23vMtKSb4yHpbvIby5iQbooAW8UBz270Z98KEm5k2X-Xo81BZeF3kYGDQ12YwYeqZyQo-EjTT2VMp0Jn4fWOT_ty9r0OKIa6hqToz-t-_xmDAttNaWlTirucFnBfGkqI/s2048/between%20Fos%20and%20Luchon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYSB00TIpnyUXylHR11nw9oXBM_cXIL7ldab6AikDGxhbKgwNOOnwTDCAPidry23vMtKSb4yHpbvIby5iQbooAW8UBz270Z98KEm5k2X-Xo81BZeF3kYGDQ12YwYeqZyQo-EjTT2VMp0Jn4fWOT_ty9r0OKIa6hqToz-t-_xmDAttNaWlTirucFnBfGkqI/s320/between%20Fos%20and%20Luchon.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting closer to my beloved Haute Pyrenees</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Then came to big drop to the next valley. At first this was steep but then after some pretty villages it became flat as we neared Luchon. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoIrSUf2kr5SWhKWq3TVRefIxK8NuTrH7LKsymRzSvr9raNtNgj9CCmrwpebZaUzmZqJ_-Z3pEgg-YnoyK_QHoK2E429R1S_qrxtA6KONHVyrJX1sajA0PwhbwjziWUlJdlMqNw1pPmyC8HAQQUTORFQYmCfzslgEAwBmYRVhw3Bc49OWjMJBWZjvudNxS/s5152/Haute%20Py%20are%20best%20above%20Luchon.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoIrSUf2kr5SWhKWq3TVRefIxK8NuTrH7LKsymRzSvr9raNtNgj9CCmrwpebZaUzmZqJ_-Z3pEgg-YnoyK_QHoK2E429R1S_qrxtA6KONHVyrJX1sajA0PwhbwjziWUlJdlMqNw1pPmyC8HAQQUTORFQYmCfzslgEAwBmYRVhw3Bc49OWjMJBWZjvudNxS/s320/Haute%20Py%20are%20best%20above%20Luchon.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The high Pyrenees and a few snow patches</td></tr></tbody></table><p>At 429km I wanted to celebrate roughly half way and so stopped for an ice cream- it was lunch time and I struggled to get served and then found they only had Magnums, ah well. A short run through a park took me to the BV in a sports stadium. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2sgo6JNpT7uUMUaBE_gu1dZs1HgzB81Neqomz9eCSSGFz1pKfBa_pMZUTUaDkSHGIcU-5VXpOkBCTMj62wnprA7cQjtEFEnDAhKz4BVEosNviiZNzvcqVFNipzkLGgk-FR4IGZz67nMDPRDT1ah0-fdkp3NNDoms_dlvjz8kNNJuGBLvccoQZkP322ogt/s2048/high%20up%20pre%20St%20Lary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2sgo6JNpT7uUMUaBE_gu1dZs1HgzB81Neqomz9eCSSGFz1pKfBa_pMZUTUaDkSHGIcU-5VXpOkBCTMj62wnprA7cQjtEFEnDAhKz4BVEosNviiZNzvcqVFNipzkLGgk-FR4IGZz67nMDPRDT1ah0-fdkp3NNDoms_dlvjz8kNNJuGBLvccoQZkP322ogt/s320/high%20up%20pre%20St%20Lary.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yay- amazing views and good paths. Run.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I would see my drop bag again here and so be able to shower, change clothes and get dry clean socks. The shower and a clean pair of knickers were real luxuries. I had a good rest and ate plenty too. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvJwuP2vnYE99gUJU2-F1OSGKTuAtwDozi1x5SCYUSG1uKS3QPBAZpWm8JbFw06X9Hs3PawYw5kEaXSTQTDMyzl4JRK6f4QU5LIQj-8FeggkF8ug04ZzO6MNMEca7mknSmH9ipo15bGQJRJRP0oid4qrgu0TqwCGgo7Jm62Im4oX6GIHVGOrJuAkPCdllj/s1600/BV2%20me%20tired%20and%20hot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvJwuP2vnYE99gUJU2-F1OSGKTuAtwDozi1x5SCYUSG1uKS3QPBAZpWm8JbFw06X9Hs3PawYw5kEaXSTQTDMyzl4JRK6f4QU5LIQj-8FeggkF8ug04ZzO6MNMEca7mknSmH9ipo15bGQJRJRP0oid4qrgu0TqwCGgo7Jm62Im4oX6GIHVGOrJuAkPCdllj/s320/BV2%20me%20tired%20and%20hot.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I didn't realise this was being taken and was miles away</td></tr></tbody></table><p>My feet were attended to and I had a short lie down in the basement of the stadium but even down here it was warm. It was very hot and the middle of the day so it seemed daft hanging around for long. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjut3c4WgXFrwU8PFKMElrS4gLoXOQJkDIjhTFDmuQrzEIX24SCbAU3RKvpRg_n27DjCjK-MxrGKZt6hgQpMSJWJviRlOg85B-1FN5DnqKxitz8fAzM7ZF9n4W_ElJdyLkAfTIU6k1xcwszDcpu1CFiRLKhJq5eIeakirAojSbmXZ90jnpqj7IU68Votweu/s4928/BV2%20Leaving%20BV2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4928" data-original-width="3264" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjut3c4WgXFrwU8PFKMElrS4gLoXOQJkDIjhTFDmuQrzEIX24SCbAU3RKvpRg_n27DjCjK-MxrGKZt6hgQpMSJWJviRlOg85B-1FN5DnqKxitz8fAzM7ZF9n4W_ElJdyLkAfTIU6k1xcwszDcpu1CFiRLKhJq5eIeakirAojSbmXZ90jnpqj7IU68Votweu/s320/BV2%20Leaving%20BV2.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to go again- I think</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Guillaume had arrived but I set off alone. Laurent and Jerome were not far ahead although I could not actually see them yet. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLveYM7y5hrrmEkVOnSsPktIh3n5wqh1ww80HK_W9mu3W-QN_JD-NRhHpwUCtPTJG_2S5Fhs7JZf4zYL-7rYp1WsuOIit66Lkz0IC_bhHdLp6QAS1Uu-YjSKR2lVLR7t8b8FH5vnC6XOdFY9LHhcKdjYrDpcBXEZOisUTaSob6GrCBEQ2P3T51UAN36jN3/s4624/at%20BV2%20G.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLveYM7y5hrrmEkVOnSsPktIh3n5wqh1ww80HK_W9mu3W-QN_JD-NRhHpwUCtPTJG_2S5Fhs7JZf4zYL-7rYp1WsuOIit66Lkz0IC_bhHdLp6QAS1Uu-YjSKR2lVLR7t8b8FH5vnC6XOdFY9LHhcKdjYrDpcBXEZOisUTaSob6GrCBEQ2P3T51UAN36jN3/s320/at%20BV2%20G.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>It was a bit confusing in the town but then I spotted a 'real' ice cream shop and treated myself to a huge pot of three flavours. My half way celebration treat at last.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLkIrHu1jvM2PkB-lw2hQ1aVBhuc0peJMfoZvc-u3xQeMk9qzbMr_a5k5OcMryS36ZJphP4UDa6GHXuOIZZaPCLHwW4ijcEGo7hEYjBxRXiSTTy0QXsSmiEsvNl2veepLpajA0S3VV1ACdh4GW15pqp0D3tuQyKlHi0WneAR2J89sFTYqNLrPEOQt_FIQ/s960/good%20ice%20cream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="721" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLkIrHu1jvM2PkB-lw2hQ1aVBhuc0peJMfoZvc-u3xQeMk9qzbMr_a5k5OcMryS36ZJphP4UDa6GHXuOIZZaPCLHwW4ijcEGo7hEYjBxRXiSTTy0QXsSmiEsvNl2veepLpajA0S3VV1ACdh4GW15pqp0D3tuQyKlHi0WneAR2J89sFTYqNLrPEOQt_FIQ/s320/good%20ice%20cream.jpg" width="320" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><p>Then it was up and up to Super Bagneres ski resort but on decent trail. I could see Jerome up ahead and tried to keep him in sight.At some point after this Jerome, Guillaume and I ended up together. On tired legs the trail felt technical as we dropped to the next valley. It was dark as we reached Col d'Espinga and there were some tricky bits down big rock steps and boulders on very wet paths. Below us we could hear thundering water and at one point on a narrow path above a deep drop to a gorge there was even a wire hand rail. It seems when ever there is a CAUTION on the map I will meet it in the dark at the end of a tough day. Refuge d'Oo was dark and we carried on gradually descending the valley. Laurent was in his van and the others had plans and vans. I had no idea what to expect at Granges d'Astau but was surprised to find big car parks and several buildings with cafes and accommodation. It was a strange evening- still very warm and with a fierce but hot wind. I decided I would sleep in the open air on the decking under the awning of one of the cafes seating areas. It must have been gone 11pm when I settled down but nobody bothered me and I slept until 3ish. </p><p>I set off alone but soon spotted Laurent. It was good to get out of the tourist bit and onto the GR trail in company of another navigator. He pulled ahead as I knew he would but that was fine. There were big herds of dairy cows with calves but they were docile. After a mega 1700m climb I reached the open tops with lovely trails and amazing views.I had to stop to admire the high Pyrenees. This middle section of Haute Pyrenees is definitely the best and much nicer than most of Ariege. I took photos and then concentrated on the descent. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUM3AHfpVU11yNX4Ml1C0j8s2puqqQo7u0SIbJepr2_96acC7Neid5z8N4kBZiDQ1JWeYNeoHqM_AutUB1thzra-eRAXuBHhb-fNvRxjHOFHRUsqS5-HFGUVmevXn-abxeneT_ZTR5RsjE5IvXuJnFiLiKxJW3rx2s9U0ZM5FWsy8yPrJR2tZ4iAChsvPD/s2304/IMG_20230814_114500128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1728" data-original-width="2304" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUM3AHfpVU11yNX4Ml1C0j8s2puqqQo7u0SIbJepr2_96acC7Neid5z8N4kBZiDQ1JWeYNeoHqM_AutUB1thzra-eRAXuBHhb-fNvRxjHOFHRUsqS5-HFGUVmevXn-abxeneT_ZTR5RsjE5IvXuJnFiLiKxJW3rx2s9U0ZM5FWsy8yPrJR2tZ4iAChsvPD/s320/IMG_20230814_114500128.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I knew it was not far to Vielle Aure and for me home turf but there was a big ridge in the way. By the time I reached the villages just above the valley floor it was hot but at least there were water sources. By the time I reached the town in the valley it was boiling and mid morning. I was hungry and decided to get a supermarket picnic. A can of coke a huge slice of tart citron and some fruit. Heaven. It powered me up over the last ridge and was worth the time it took. Parts of this trail had been damaged by rain and cattle but I could see the mountains above St Lary. It felt like coming home. The trail hit that valley much further south than I had anticipated and so reaching Bourisp took a while but I was happy. I had texted Bob with my requests knowing that the supermarket was only 500m from the CP and that he knew the village well. I put things on charge, ate CP food and then moved outside where it was cooler. I sat resting and eating yogurt, fruit and more. It was still hot when I set off and so very slow through the village and up through the mines. Guillaume had arrived not long before I left. </p><p></p><p>As I climbed up onto the ridge it was hard not to wish I was doing the GRP as I do most years.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdKOU8EPAMWIkbclq3VjDPS_N9JtI-llcDJ2vnhgU809LY2ciM6pKhqfhNh2RPezhS1rHV8Qf1rh4HIbdFjxnBOV3fjWS8r_M-ZUkoLYW_AucxZhag54Z69uKDf-jTjqnRfshnGwKaFYkakmK-7ZLjd7EDhIpIRJz67bvLztKXM-Yt9MjUvhVLjDLkvew/s5152/Grass%20ridge%20after%20V%20Aure.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdKOU8EPAMWIkbclq3VjDPS_N9JtI-llcDJ2vnhgU809LY2ciM6pKhqfhNh2RPezhS1rHV8Qf1rh4HIbdFjxnBOV3fjWS8r_M-ZUkoLYW_AucxZhag54Z69uKDf-jTjqnRfshnGwKaFYkakmK-7ZLjd7EDhIpIRJz67bvLztKXM-Yt9MjUvhVLjDLkvew/s320/Grass%20ridge%20after%20V%20Aure.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>Usually I am on this ridge heading down at the end of the race. It is much easier running down but I did make reasonable speed on the climb.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgGYu4M945mD07s_mzABNVUOe_ZI6wFF0CMrUFOHL_0m-h-NFhkq9C5ibKAUdsDhOVcMQ_tz2aUHwLSPf71fuwUA6yHLTzE2JJOP3F-pAdrbyQ0s9yuhkZsaOMWhbgbvu_xZiFIBbqTWb7I7H0FiYXZWRlshLPiKwolzRzY6RnTGMvrZJrIAWNLn3zl4-D/s5152/across%20to%20St%20Lary%20ski.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgGYu4M945mD07s_mzABNVUOe_ZI6wFF0CMrUFOHL_0m-h-NFhkq9C5ibKAUdsDhOVcMQ_tz2aUHwLSPf71fuwUA6yHLTzE2JJOP3F-pAdrbyQ0s9yuhkZsaOMWhbgbvu_xZiFIBbqTWb7I7H0FiYXZWRlshLPiKwolzRzY6RnTGMvrZJrIAWNLn3zl4-D/s320/across%20to%20St%20Lary%20ski.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>Up and up gradually through the pastures with views into St Lary ski area to the south and always with the dreaded Col du Portet up ahead. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJ8UEiLx_BKh15f4egbqiD8K_eKxaGNX8gC-MwhNQgDCJEmPonpK7Xmd2wC9DDfykITvfori-_wXZLhrEnDZ9BVmJ4wz0li2wIoIVySgGHiZKapUuaHUq3Sg9FrxiYEnbNXoLY7fCvbzlEJcHyftflemDJq-W4_Yskw06V3NWCYy1plBocV3L9mnTSS68/s5152/Back%20towards%20Merlans.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibJ8UEiLx_BKh15f4egbqiD8K_eKxaGNX8gC-MwhNQgDCJEmPonpK7Xmd2wC9DDfykITvfori-_wXZLhrEnDZ9BVmJ4wz0li2wIoIVySgGHiZKapUuaHUq3Sg9FrxiYEnbNXoLY7fCvbzlEJcHyftflemDJq-W4_Yskw06V3NWCYy1plBocV3L9mnTSS68/s320/Back%20towards%20Merlans.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back towards Merlans</td></tr></tbody></table><p>We stayed high instead of the usual drop to Merlans restaurant so we had less climb than I am used to here and it was a joy to run on these contouring paths as they now very gradually climbed into one of the most beautiful areas of the whole route. </p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxIc3Dpo8uOJmmDoJm14nTSOBREUXxW3AcOTd6FeJZ4dA3gpwUiko26M6IedxoOC3FfSWU7MTJ1n1psx8QK6ii6Nj-6nbRb4Kq0wfGfNTsTViAgO89I4NNo3L0cXiz1qNC2wonJmY-_fk0saCMLsNamHwG0MsBEqOp7vugIYsQs5FTy7h3BLfsU2B6DjYe/s2048/Campana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1538" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxIc3Dpo8uOJmmDoJm14nTSOBREUXxW3AcOTd6FeJZ4dA3gpwUiko26M6IedxoOC3FfSWU7MTJ1n1psx8QK6ii6Nj-6nbRb4Kq0wfGfNTsTViAgO89I4NNo3L0cXiz1qNC2wonJmY-_fk0saCMLsNamHwG0MsBEqOp7vugIYsQs5FTy7h3BLfsU2B6DjYe/s320/Campana.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>By refuge Bastan it was getting rocky and I knew it was a big climb to the col before more rock and Campana. The new refuge there looked spectacular in the dusk. I knew there would be some tricky rocky bits especially in the dark but that was fine and I was confident that I knew the way. The black and yellow Salamanders all over the paths were a bonus. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Afl9wPNd8dYdXpATZdVT-nW2jeRHDxdvF0TqDfunT7AMgn1QPijNc8g5cI5_gC9Al6JRgVV8x5oz1y5zN8cnGx2yWMT345t7BO9iQW4jGtHFukpnB6DgIq8wZNvJSDJFqdcaxEuwyu58yJWCobv6_fBYTXcaSGY4fpyTbyr8dX1aa8kSLWEHzYAxlFmD/s960/Bastan%20Campana.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="721" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Afl9wPNd8dYdXpATZdVT-nW2jeRHDxdvF0TqDfunT7AMgn1QPijNc8g5cI5_gC9Al6JRgVV8x5oz1y5zN8cnGx2yWMT345t7BO9iQW4jGtHFukpnB6DgIq8wZNvJSDJFqdcaxEuwyu58yJWCobv6_fBYTXcaSGY4fpyTbyr8dX1aa8kSLWEHzYAxlFmD/s320/Bastan%20Campana.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>After the last col and the last lakes I dropped to where the water is channeled for HEP. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpTHh-1DjMUtmqnkZfjnXbGju-CKYdsBoQBCQwUjxk7QFx__HmIx-S_9cmO-AcAu4Va9tX3AExAv_SXyTzfirB42xfH6SgyvFIVMi1oqrx3ik4ifP5z2FBm7mrkfT91iFpNOJb6yXMs6F1S8kBVS7vm6RQsTSFL4zx-9aIkLAWG3xa3ayEQeweOsAnnCQ/s5152/Lakes%20near%20Campana.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpTHh-1DjMUtmqnkZfjnXbGju-CKYdsBoQBCQwUjxk7QFx__HmIx-S_9cmO-AcAu4Va9tX3AExAv_SXyTzfirB42xfH6SgyvFIVMi1oqrx3ik4ifP5z2FBm7mrkfT91iFpNOJb6yXMs6F1S8kBVS7vm6RQsTSFL4zx-9aIkLAWG3xa3ayEQeweOsAnnCQ/s320/Lakes%20near%20Campana.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last light of the day </td></tr></tbody></table><p>Wow. I have never seen water spraying over the big metal bridge before. I stopped and watched. It seemed to be coming in pulses which allowed me to time my crossing and not get drenched. The noise was thunderous. I thought I knew the trail here well but we usually turn north and head for La Monge. I expected grassy trail descending slowly to the road at Artigues that crosses the Col D'Aspin. It wasn't. It was mostly rocky, in places quite slippy and muddy and of course it was now dark. It seemed to take forever and ever. Another low point. I could see car headlights and brake lights but where was the road? I had forgotten the path runs parallel to but well below the road for a few kilometres. Eventually I reached the village and the car park but no Bob. He had had an exciting drive in the dark and had parked in an earlier car park fearing the road might get narrow and that there might not be another car park. We put the App Turf on so I could 'home in' on the van. I was happy to eat and fall into bed. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8nXk3jGHomYoY_zgBeDKtmqFObV-Mlb8c_i10zfo5RLJqPQUM9T34PAQlvHNifoCKSzUkSIJZZ5g2on9NG04oNGRDTPYeewsnJbCet-nhxNzwnz6fy1RmwaCOAtSP-x68vPaEPJDMoqOimspQIykYX6aiCT7p-U4J-q75gY-QNiMo0ss4LjuoYNSvUC4D/s5152/Salamander.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8nXk3jGHomYoY_zgBeDKtmqFObV-Mlb8c_i10zfo5RLJqPQUM9T34PAQlvHNifoCKSzUkSIJZZ5g2on9NG04oNGRDTPYeewsnJbCet-nhxNzwnz6fy1RmwaCOAtSP-x68vPaEPJDMoqOimspQIykYX6aiCT7p-U4J-q75gY-QNiMo0ss4LjuoYNSvUC4D/s320/Salamander.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>A pre dawn start caused me some stress relocating the GR trail out of the first car park and onto the hill but once found all was good. Artigues is lower down the valley than where we usually cross and so the climb was worse. Before long I was on a path used by the GRP a few years ago and slowly climbing up towards the Col de Sencours. Once light it got warmer and warmer. As I looked back down the valley and by the time I could see the true crest of the col (there are several false summits) I could see Guillaume behind me and trying to catch up. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBYUyTZrNURrgvqpsfVM3WPomcGLuF7dkwMiSAx6N0Ri6nanLibiF-isCqpJFaadgUGllIEwgJk_5W4wBAT_uSpE2o9lufnwOI9Hmnj23kcAmECzFrUtiChfYN9mRqpbXHaBdXzZnB_TPwxAcv3-KTi4OogSjSeV0rCTVqPMcXpCErbN8MfMZ4w2rvfPqX/s1600/me%20Col%20de%20Sencours.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBYUyTZrNURrgvqpsfVM3WPomcGLuF7dkwMiSAx6N0Ri6nanLibiF-isCqpJFaadgUGllIEwgJk_5W4wBAT_uSpE2o9lufnwOI9Hmnj23kcAmECzFrUtiChfYN9mRqpbXHaBdXzZnB_TPwxAcv3-KTi4OogSjSeV0rCTVqPMcXpCErbN8MfMZ4w2rvfPqX/s320/me%20Col%20de%20Sencours.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>We arrived at the Col close together at about 8am and were greeted by the injured Eric who had offered to marshall there. At least we did not need to climb the Pic du Midi today! A beautiful spot and a special place for him to spend to spend a few nights even if chilly. He made us coffee and took photos. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Pc0D2WLtCkJFoFXUckVhC7SW_DPhNXFDr_InBuvgUv4G3nizCotbU92ourBenKKSumNTmkMjGMTnSEqLh7S1wCPaEcIV5qImUbi_awXKoHu8KhiFJ4JXlZ7BdFjo4vsco0mAhlMmrDnujh68UB-gT8eCj0IO_fzVm_zq-SD_Jo77Oyvo3iz5e-cQ7DyI/s1600/K%20and%20G%20CP%20col%20de%20S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Pc0D2WLtCkJFoFXUckVhC7SW_DPhNXFDr_InBuvgUv4G3nizCotbU92ourBenKKSumNTmkMjGMTnSEqLh7S1wCPaEcIV5qImUbi_awXKoHu8KhiFJ4JXlZ7BdFjo4vsco0mAhlMmrDnujh68UB-gT8eCj0IO_fzVm_zq-SD_Jo77Oyvo3iz5e-cQ7DyI/s320/K%20and%20G%20CP%20col%20de%20S.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>From the col it is a big track and then nice trails heading down to Tournaboup below the Col Tourmalet and all the way you have views into some of the best of the Pyrenees- the Neouvielle. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70M7ZEkb85Iwp1XgkGBl4Ztz4oLzkfJIxU9X-obxhS0T0VCITXb1xTGHwOR528FwpjeFtAJw7p_qzO1UFQTKd4Y9kdba_GMrM0BjNZ-MWGWuQFbqWmuUNgMGWsmF-oGsdn3qtcXvLiRkA5LpuI1tfUDBK20re6qZbLCyGAZQTNvtnqbSGzpEoMSrH0Lx-/s5152/Big%20track%20down%20from%20Sencours.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70M7ZEkb85Iwp1XgkGBl4Ztz4oLzkfJIxU9X-obxhS0T0VCITXb1xTGHwOR528FwpjeFtAJw7p_qzO1UFQTKd4Y9kdba_GMrM0BjNZ-MWGWuQFbqWmuUNgMGWsmF-oGsdn3qtcXvLiRkA5LpuI1tfUDBK20re6qZbLCyGAZQTNvtnqbSGzpEoMSrH0Lx-/s320/Big%20track%20down%20from%20Sencours.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>Sadly the RO did not get permission for the race to go through there.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1S8dyfh2Wgg8rEYdPHfvcZ5KZbAtzE-fuVbglvfjlDno4gcyp05_4D3Y8E8IVsnWxxctbgmIdTYxVv4bywtFhZEGnO45SicVy90w-pxFeXUeX8bVfDdFdH91WDzmFZ2cLN2QTymcyYF_wB2RQuWpc3TnCmnTuRjLC_fnFsbuuHtE6eB0EvFag4gehFFz/s5152/Looking%20into%20Neouville%20from%20Sencours.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1S8dyfh2Wgg8rEYdPHfvcZ5KZbAtzE-fuVbglvfjlDno4gcyp05_4D3Y8E8IVsnWxxctbgmIdTYxVv4bywtFhZEGnO45SicVy90w-pxFeXUeX8bVfDdFdH91WDzmFZ2cLN2QTymcyYF_wB2RQuWpc3TnCmnTuRjLC_fnFsbuuHtE6eB0EvFag4gehFFz/s320/Looking%20into%20Neouville%20from%20Sencours.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>I could see our van but not an easy way through the fields and my GPX said it was wrong. I ran down, back up and then eventually spotted Bob waving madly and just ducked the electric fences and went down. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMqKFMUVmU2ElkbStc9ql6s4DAj6i14RTvLvmzyAg0cLDTgaM6a8TlAgkPmeLP2tE66uaobqtdemlRVU--oZbrvuaGedP_bqYy8vRY1HhUyfYzkRftGqZnmQDbu6RM9Xy20x1yePe-Hh01oZSOU3NiS-W5MCE3t-F8mXiaOfUwsSJZkg912bhqlYim-RBH/s5152/G%20after%20Col%20de%20Sencours.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5152" data-original-width="3864" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMqKFMUVmU2ElkbStc9ql6s4DAj6i14RTvLvmzyAg0cLDTgaM6a8TlAgkPmeLP2tE66uaobqtdemlRVU--oZbrvuaGedP_bqYy8vRY1HhUyfYzkRftGqZnmQDbu6RM9Xy20x1yePe-Hh01oZSOU3NiS-W5MCE3t-F8mXiaOfUwsSJZkg912bhqlYim-RBH/s320/G%20after%20Col%20de%20Sencours.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic du Midi in the background</td></tr></tbody></table><p>A quick refuel and I was off down the road towards the very crowded Bareges. Here I got so side tracked by pizza and cakes in shop windows that I missed a turn and added a few metres. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR0lnTFaYc6L6j_uLGZ3M-9vgRykwqr-FptjFGQAop52Yz23DbIYbGtnSmTXvIvZCYJIiVyvnmVVU9gAebb2WCgnBsWg_8kEeDVttIcxFfL-cbp_hhnyDpEY2IctEiJZt8GMoTpyTw4jobKG3Mgx1syKzqIM-gE4rM8FDMCYjEKyYSYxiE9PCMRX5AoghD/s5152/DSC09071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR0lnTFaYc6L6j_uLGZ3M-9vgRykwqr-FptjFGQAop52Yz23DbIYbGtnSmTXvIvZCYJIiVyvnmVVU9gAebb2WCgnBsWg_8kEeDVttIcxFfL-cbp_hhnyDpEY2IctEiJZt8GMoTpyTw4jobKG3Mgx1syKzqIM-gE4rM8FDMCYjEKyYSYxiE9PCMRX5AoghD/s320/DSC09071.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>Bareges to Luz was easy until I reached the town. I was on my own and the signs were very confusing. One set of GR signs were definitely not going the correct way, there were some small blue Transpy signs but these took me so far and then seemed to run out. I retraced my steps and met Guillame. Together we eventually worked it out with the help of a lady on a cheese stall but I do not think it was the shortest route. I should have just followed my nose as the GRP uses the same CP but I was anxious about losing the GR etc. At midday the town was heaving with the pavements so full they were over-spilling onto the road which added to our stress.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitLRtjDDulXzg2RWSQlUw5Uj0d278QwJRH9S-8sJEzZ8epBV1114-3_PQ1llLSCo9Lpitc6i1diwL9BpX2NdjEfbUeJiaE1r_ChQKD3mPJw392gDGWhhQdbbTyXZaqxVkjYoyHVLsOQOuStmvNPdp6hJw9fnyew8y2LvM-wMV2AOJGNKkv6Ss11wAWhN9m/s5152/Luz%20nearly.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitLRtjDDulXzg2RWSQlUw5Uj0d278QwJRH9S-8sJEzZ8epBV1114-3_PQ1llLSCo9Lpitc6i1diwL9BpX2NdjEfbUeJiaE1r_ChQKD3mPJw392gDGWhhQdbbTyXZaqxVkjYoyHVLsOQOuStmvNPdp6hJw9fnyew8y2LvM-wMV2AOJGNKkv6Ss11wAWhN9m/s320/Luz%20nearly.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last village before Luz</td></tr></tbody></table><p>We arrived at the CP sweaty and stressed and told poor Eric what I thought of his signage. He did go out and added more. I ate plenty and then went outside to lie in the shade. It felt very strange as the last time I was there just over a year ago the room was packed solid with runners and we were spilling out the doors. Guillaume's family were there with a picnic and he was not ready so I set off solo.</p><p>I felt crazy slow as I followed the GR in the opposite direction to normal and towards Sazos and Grust. It was roasting hot and by this second village I was soaked in sweat even though the path had not really had any massive climbs. I really needed a rest before tackling the climb up to the ski area.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaNoLbMEi8TbQ-OLdH4uwGimU_P-ykGQVIG0U7LaFFG8IW0ZB1oDzchrkg1bBmAOUolHBwvxmHOm5jgxYbDGXJ7MdX2W0pxP5XBRJQ_wCNDJpfFIq_sAXD-jLZGbEuK2ZIyeZc-amlUnElkDtmmPmSRydOLo1ePUNHO5XL9lb7MLQmrx3upy3pIUdQt7gT/s2048/Hot%20village-%20%20Grust.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1538" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaNoLbMEi8TbQ-OLdH4uwGimU_P-ykGQVIG0U7LaFFG8IW0ZB1oDzchrkg1bBmAOUolHBwvxmHOm5jgxYbDGXJ7MdX2W0pxP5XBRJQ_wCNDJpfFIq_sAXD-jLZGbEuK2ZIyeZc-amlUnElkDtmmPmSRydOLo1ePUNHO5XL9lb7MLQmrx3upy3pIUdQt7gT/s320/Hot%20village-%20%20Grust.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p> I found a whole series of water troughs to soak my head and body plus fountains for drinking water but it did not seem enough. I needed a lie down. On the dusty trail up out of Grust I had to stand aside for a huge convoy of off road scooters but it was a relief to have an excuse to stop. It was reverse GRP all the way up to the ski area and Col de Riou 1950m.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSDNV7hxbdMt1grfNRWXXHy4OQS_si5ObTjsaGJWnCyMrsHl8KkcrxNlw1qjZHRE4APdoYzXvraipUa-nuEZkdt5Tv5T3LQ7NWv3fTJqW17LXyI0L6yXW_OVchxdmSSdFyOSLg5UHMEF7l_Bp9KGUZlPI_k4lWnAPqmqCUYRAYZ-Z_R53p8wDcZQC0AtAp/s5152/High%20above%20Cauterets.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSDNV7hxbdMt1grfNRWXXHy4OQS_si5ObTjsaGJWnCyMrsHl8KkcrxNlw1qjZHRE4APdoYzXvraipUa-nuEZkdt5Tv5T3LQ7NWv3fTJqW17LXyI0L6yXW_OVchxdmSSdFyOSLg5UHMEF7l_Bp9KGUZlPI_k4lWnAPqmqCUYRAYZ-Z_R53p8wDcZQC0AtAp/s320/High%20above%20Cauterets.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>Again I had to stop and lie down at the bottom lift. There was a maze of paths across the open land- paths, ski runs, farm tracks etc. I just wandered up to roughly where I needed to be. Once over the Col things improved and I was able to jog some of the way down to Cauterets until it got very steep and dusty on one section in the woods. It helped knowing the way and as I approached the town I realised I knew where I would meet the road and which campsite the CP would be on. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyFz0bvzXYhIvJKkAzM9mPDi3CDYSfhzatLAhaJnWGopRfptt5v0rrDoj70LNSWZzzwkGnpIoeeVmH0YXDAzK2BhYShBshNlh5rc_yLc7bjdgXj7F5mJKV98e0AlWUGX0o5QmyhK3jQltyEHMg8Ndz-Xt5VBokjYKwoA8bikUIp2VxxZPSFnSI9VdU1jTe/s1600/arrival%20CP%20Cauterets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyFz0bvzXYhIvJKkAzM9mPDi3CDYSfhzatLAhaJnWGopRfptt5v0rrDoj70LNSWZzzwkGnpIoeeVmH0YXDAzK2BhYShBshNlh5rc_yLc7bjdgXj7F5mJKV98e0AlWUGX0o5QmyhK3jQltyEHMg8Ndz-Xt5VBokjYKwoA8bikUIp2VxxZPSFnSI9VdU1jTe/s320/arrival%20CP%20Cauterets.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>I could see our van from the lanes above the town. Bruno was a great host and I was well fed. I also got my worst foot seen to again and made use of the campsite toilets. I met Eva who told me Laurent was already sleeping. Before long I too was asleep, in our van.</p><p>Another pre dawn start saw me wandering through the town to the vicious wooded uphill. It is a good trail but very steep until you reach a quiet road that then takes you to the path up the high valley.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioypWrAJRaRxOxYZDQIenSDcd59wSGORiod1CjJ-HD4x1IGLlEV1f6-y7Fthi_52OsCFWaH3WWSL4tzDc-m7N40XnrbW6S0xIpZ7cGKZlLGGfb9fQu0TVgxAgATgaawiAgIS517Ozrbj3cO5tbUsBDyOPhy1txZtoCz1m0POp1jSj5B9B_TrTf2Fj1iNbN/s5152/After%20Cauteret%20big%20climb.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5152" data-original-width="3864" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioypWrAJRaRxOxYZDQIenSDcd59wSGORiod1CjJ-HD4x1IGLlEV1f6-y7Fthi_52OsCFWaH3WWSL4tzDc-m7N40XnrbW6S0xIpZ7cGKZlLGGfb9fQu0TVgxAgATgaawiAgIS517Ozrbj3cO5tbUsBDyOPhy1txZtoCz1m0POp1jSj5B9B_TrTf2Fj1iNbN/s320/After%20Cauteret%20big%20climb.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p>I was treated to a lovely sunrise and once out of the forest was caught by a Jos Naylor look alike. He had no gear with him, was powering up at some speed and had the same face and body as Jos.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDakAWgGH9Q85NNlmjKXvcnbR9w4pyt7S3QdDLTWe-pZKipAIqDzDuSWC3jYQS-DN-OiRK5UpdDUQu-BkDjmi_xbG4aIccqM0RaRR94SRqzj_aXt0kLdqagjA1Uuh0t57TiOqjqugU6AxekAZCps5o0B5gnb5h5HCr4nPoBjGh-Em7rkfQKPjerFX-7O-/s960/breakfast%20no2%20above%20the%20crowds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="721" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDakAWgGH9Q85NNlmjKXvcnbR9w4pyt7S3QdDLTWe-pZKipAIqDzDuSWC3jYQS-DN-OiRK5UpdDUQu-BkDjmi_xbG4aIccqM0RaRR94SRqzj_aXt0kLdqagjA1Uuh0t57TiOqjqugU6AxekAZCps5o0B5gnb5h5HCr4nPoBjGh-Em7rkfQKPjerFX-7O-/s320/breakfast%20no2%20above%20the%20crowds.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The trail became rocky and I tried not to let him get too far ahead.The scenery by refuge Ilheou is beautiful with amazing reflections in the lake. It was still early and so very quiet when I stopped to admire the view and eat a second breakfast. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahXoUnafaxYznBbB9Ovis1d8Ioiq7KuKUJ0HhIzls1sEiZrvRQ-tJHYq3bMaMUlkvazbOi6WC1NGGwugSQf09MUMixANRg39FbLfRsafvi2pOlb9kD1F1dedNPnQ9ZzleStfHH_zSUMkTchw1gqyXFatcKVn3noKjrHKcfh8kXQd2ZNwYoi8qJST0i3eX/s5152/Lac%20d'%20Ilheou%20(Jos).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahXoUnafaxYznBbB9Ovis1d8Ioiq7KuKUJ0HhIzls1sEiZrvRQ-tJHYq3bMaMUlkvazbOi6WC1NGGwugSQf09MUMixANRg39FbLfRsafvi2pOlb9kD1F1dedNPnQ9ZzleStfHH_zSUMkTchw1gqyXFatcKVn3noKjrHKcfh8kXQd2ZNwYoi8qJST0i3eX/s320/Lac%20d'%20Ilheou%20(Jos).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>Up through herds of cows and then down through pastures for some distance and then woods on large tracks. I think it was here that I saw the vulture and carcass. I also got a lovely surprise when just before the road and Auberge d'Estaing I heard my name. It was a runner I knew from the GRP who happened to be in the area on holiday and had checked out the race and tracker link in the hope that she would see me. After checking I didn't need anything they wished me luck and I ran down to the road. A quiet road led me past an Auberge where Guillame's family were waiting and then towards Estaing and our van. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0bweABRfK5rY1qm1fOTFVaVNPWtWkEiJOEKoGRyVTpEfJwiNmXKQa1eD1EIOXiXOMQZhDsiVEqhZwiiM1FOidfYYM7XA3AYThp0jvey8jeIO4QNBndkTdQl8Si3ayPX7NTpYoGRTuJio5Hd94n3gvuDgl_hmQ6PkjGSRX0VmYtHgHKKm7xNcNp28aPlZ0/s4624/IMG_20230813_141432517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0bweABRfK5rY1qm1fOTFVaVNPWtWkEiJOEKoGRyVTpEfJwiNmXKQa1eD1EIOXiXOMQZhDsiVEqhZwiiM1FOidfYYM7XA3AYThp0jvey8jeIO4QNBndkTdQl8Si3ayPX7NTpYoGRTuJio5Hd94n3gvuDgl_hmQ6PkjGSRX0VmYtHgHKKm7xNcNp28aPlZ0/s320/IMG_20230813_141432517.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>All the villages here had fountains so water was thankfully not really an issue. Some clearly had lots of history and it was a shame not to stop and learn more. Field paths, a track and some lanes led me to the next village.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdGTYEh6MFumuRu8UAZxbfC_tBJHSbVnQM3Y3GzdYPPDL8zwq2K3oY8WEOWJv77sErCgi6_MtUbIZBdflrr0LcmjZ_8vwrQee4kY_r1DCJCfqTWayaAI7NWVHZ6Nfs8G2Ovv7oZpLKegwWDeYiXZ5OP4nWk4RjwMSIJS44NGu1CI_gUGi7eg4ZHkjQ9iA/s5152/DSC09084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdGTYEh6MFumuRu8UAZxbfC_tBJHSbVnQM3Y3GzdYPPDL8zwq2K3oY8WEOWJv77sErCgi6_MtUbIZBdflrr0LcmjZ_8vwrQee4kY_r1DCJCfqTWayaAI7NWVHZ6Nfs8G2Ovv7oZpLKegwWDeYiXZ5OP4nWk4RjwMSIJS44NGu1CI_gUGi7eg4ZHkjQ9iA/s320/DSC09084.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p> A small error let Guillame catch me up but we arrived in Arrens-Marsous together. His family were waiting just above the pretty bridge but Bob was not meeting me here. The village was quiet despite a mining museum and some shops. I had to rest at the top of the village and it was so hot. I was alone again but knew Guillame might get back with me before the next CP at Gourette. The climb up the Col de Soulor felt hard work but the kilometres were gradually passing. After some open tops the path down to the town was quite steep with sections of high bracken and some big rocks.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggo-kvHzAchoNs-Z7AvRnNScUs0qONP_9lCHvpq4TGKEI4Rv1nc-WclFp16fHlh3__Uo-JMYyddWK4vQdzSfnq6k43B8qlMlBA-xj5zjpVyHMEcvpb1rIg9D_5NeGNWz88xmo-Ps98bu3EE6R9Td_Ga4dmgwVnlp559F28moln3qIjUgInfgVBqTIn49c2/s5152/on%20the%20way%20to%20Gourette.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggo-kvHzAchoNs-Z7AvRnNScUs0qONP_9lCHvpq4TGKEI4Rv1nc-WclFp16fHlh3__Uo-JMYyddWK4vQdzSfnq6k43B8qlMlBA-xj5zjpVyHMEcvpb1rIg9D_5NeGNWz88xmo-Ps98bu3EE6R9Td_Ga4dmgwVnlp559F28moln3qIjUgInfgVBqTIn49c2/s320/on%20the%20way%20to%20Gourette.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>Somewhere above Gourette I met Guillaume's family coming up the trail. Usually they met us not far out from the CP but this time there were at least another 3km to go. I don't know what I was expecting but Gourette is a ski resort and I got a bit confused both on a myriad of paths between individual chalets and then in the rather ugly centre of the resort where I added a short loop. The CP was at the far lower edge of the resort- isn't it always. Bob was waiting at the CP as was Guillaume's van and what seemed like a huge extended family group. I used the CP toilet, ate in our van and as it was only 4.30pm prepared to set off again. It had been claggy all day so Bob had not bothered with his walk or the Via Ferrata which was a shame.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRUUEGGlAihSKjdxIYjlW6b59ghD1q_YhPqyGF2MGghO0kLEg0Bi9GUnqYq_4kAZwUWUvzPzTKuPGIEWJruofvfvBmLIUcJYe6ba_2VezmvAQuVAeK1zeDIjLE2KNEYJ68Xmo7fzo7bj9QdsjvEGZshkhk-FNZHTbmzMBfEH48U0dHOADXkKsMN749SMZN/s4624/Eve%20above%20Gourette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRUUEGGlAihSKjdxIYjlW6b59ghD1q_YhPqyGF2MGghO0kLEg0Bi9GUnqYq_4kAZwUWUvzPzTKuPGIEWJruofvfvBmLIUcJYe6ba_2VezmvAQuVAeK1zeDIjLE2KNEYJ68Xmo7fzo7bj9QdsjvEGZshkhk-FNZHTbmzMBfEH48U0dHOADXkKsMN749SMZN/s320/Eve%20above%20Gourette.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Guillaume and I set off in the late afternoon and climbed out of the clag into glorious sunshine and stunning views </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilwSS_-6whe4fShekZOkApcbqpZABVC3Yd1jwfC-B45u_P9GD3SORo8tO92EygPtLFSMPtPDZrryn_f1k5oKeyfYsQGa0-vvSP-JqtmLjthGu4mHpyJHbB6ZRRh8GxwhGxFCSploYtpaAHAiJH3yumSFAcjfFzpMoHsiZaopM-7GYjFDKmo44a9xYkbkmj/s2048/above%20gourette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilwSS_-6whe4fShekZOkApcbqpZABVC3Yd1jwfC-B45u_P9GD3SORo8tO92EygPtLFSMPtPDZrryn_f1k5oKeyfYsQGa0-vvSP-JqtmLjthGu4mHpyJHbB6ZRRh8GxwhGxFCSploYtpaAHAiJH3yumSFAcjfFzpMoHsiZaopM-7GYjFDKmo44a9xYkbkmj/s320/above%20gourette.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The most amazing temperature inversion with an absolutely massive sea of clouds all the way back to the easily recognisable Pic de Midi. Certainly an evening to remember.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZZAu9toN31LBmgBGwzKiRRz0C1lsft-m8tEtSgUKEUO82fyAcu18jr42Jx9RKQXLgUY-EJRfYFGTNdqDKtPs4sM9_Qdz8qxoAwhtW1DJtm_4BL_4Ua1BB6GO_667lF9Rh63XJOyJnU1iWMHyuR3qQpiJjyf7QvBY2vdGXycUscxvHrbiaaqT7hezC77T/s4624/IMG_20230812_204244259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXZZAu9toN31LBmgBGwzKiRRz0C1lsft-m8tEtSgUKEUO82fyAcu18jr42Jx9RKQXLgUY-EJRfYFGTNdqDKtPs4sM9_Qdz8qxoAwhtW1DJtm_4BL_4Ua1BB6GO_667lF9Rh63XJOyJnU1iWMHyuR3qQpiJjyf7QvBY2vdGXycUscxvHrbiaaqT7hezC77T/s320/IMG_20230812_204244259.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Many photos were taken as the sunset made it even more special. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYzK_8iNCh17NsZMJ9qOxn76SyCCH4w69DWZSDe6rqS_RsIIPAFGs7jcxKFOvTVcQcjM4-pTJSuR-guo1_bCtPTKDuvDPfMxCAEGnqieMP94UdPiyStct72xuLVmGmkJfaYjIi03nrIciRZ8mDLod_V-7lod4MGX2vxVsPZfyp2wCoBHGj2EQ1n3FhW-rX/s4624/IMG_20230812_195933822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYzK_8iNCh17NsZMJ9qOxn76SyCCH4w69DWZSDe6rqS_RsIIPAFGs7jcxKFOvTVcQcjM4-pTJSuR-guo1_bCtPTKDuvDPfMxCAEGnqieMP94UdPiyStct72xuLVmGmkJfaYjIi03nrIciRZ8mDLod_V-7lod4MGX2vxVsPZfyp2wCoBHGj2EQ1n3FhW-rX/s320/IMG_20230812_195933822.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>After the col it clagged in and we could not even see the lake nearby below us. The path started to descend rapidly and it became a bit sketchy. I slipped twice on the loose path grazing my leg and then my elbow. It was only about 22km from Gourette to the next CP at Gabas but what an evening we had. The weather made it difficult with thick fog and soaking vegetation. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LYoaDsEhF4I34ybcBvqprRJMN1eMR5THyMD0ifgMrUzVD6HE7UVy9Hmp0xtNjHSHbTXjBCI_9f03LwEui_QRjpE5DJydlOX61qcih6-Gsqyi6m00vCvO64WvhUuKqIlW3IxWCX2JgAtmBCms9ZnXR0QNOqCkdITtjql0TOGBARLUIVu6YkL6WHMTVxuA/s4624/after%20Gourette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LYoaDsEhF4I34ybcBvqprRJMN1eMR5THyMD0ifgMrUzVD6HE7UVy9Hmp0xtNjHSHbTXjBCI_9f03LwEui_QRjpE5DJydlOX61qcih6-Gsqyi6m00vCvO64WvhUuKqIlW3IxWCX2JgAtmBCms9ZnXR0QNOqCkdITtjql0TOGBARLUIVu6YkL6WHMTVxuA/s320/after%20Gourette.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before it clagged in and the weather changed</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The path was tricky at best. Then we could not find the bothy hut we hoped for and it all got a bit weird. We were both tired and struggling to communicate in our second language. We had a phone call from his wife saying we had missed the bothy but there was another bothy. Poor signal and calls that just kept ending did not help and was just wasting time.Then a phone call came from the RO saying the race was paused as the weather was dangerous- Yes, true but we cannot just stop here! Wandering off the main path trying to locate a small bothy seemed daft so we agreed that exhausted or not the best option was to push on. Guess what- yep - the road book showed another section of hazardous path! A bit of a hand rail, serious drops to the side but actually a good path compared to the torture of the rubble strewn main path earlier. The path got over grown and we swore and encouraged each other on. Even when we hit the road Gabas CP seemed to take forever to reach and cars were whizzing by in the fog on twisty narrow lanes. It was a small CP under the porch of a shop but they gave us coffee and had put tents up. All I needed was to lie down. It was about 1.30am and had been a 20 hour day.</p><p>We had agreed to leave together at 6am but Guillaume's family had been forced to stop driving in the fog and he wanted to wait to see them. I set off alone at about 6.30 when the RO allowed the race to restart. I was promised 4 hours time to be given back to me although it really didn't matter much. It was still dark and misty but on lanes and then a big track. I arrived at a huge dam, a big tourist area with several huge pay car parks and then big tracks and pony trekking etc. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-pSr2AEfiYyJS7d8FqL_X2X9Ia_24nTp8Ck8pv0secPIDEogPf43-pXK440aCdXPq-wCUP4GKgsA2wQxsKltD1hbvX2ZXQPRWF-n3bHPNzMbA3JXba5aeWrUiZn0bEXfNdglXSD0TNpAU3jbOI3KrbOGy4roly9MuQ3PwUH1zDJgEv2LV2bBUThSEX3oM/s5152/After%20gabas.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-pSr2AEfiYyJS7d8FqL_X2X9Ia_24nTp8Ck8pv0secPIDEogPf43-pXK440aCdXPq-wCUP4GKgsA2wQxsKltD1hbvX2ZXQPRWF-n3bHPNzMbA3JXba5aeWrUiZn0bEXfNdglXSD0TNpAU3jbOI3KrbOGy4roly9MuQ3PwUH1zDJgEv2LV2bBUThSEX3oM/s320/After%20gabas.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>As I climbed past lakes and the light arrived so did the views. It was stunning as I approached Refuge Ayous but it was busy on the paths and the Refuge by the lake looked even busier.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjylCxFFtQfNM-hvXfJjpmzX9o5RId6y3i8Fhgix8dPLb2U58I3FaDW1noUjt0cRoxCRQbtcLZVPTX_nVfP-QO3q1gImiqxarL2LWZS2nY9EiybWM17-h0qV714SM63VjfglfjXWH3lxuGCugszli0QP-sW_pr9T11E0znnHqXeJ5j5yciDWS8stao4jPn9/s5152/after%20Gabas%20near%20Refuge%20Ayous.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjylCxFFtQfNM-hvXfJjpmzX9o5RId6y3i8Fhgix8dPLb2U58I3FaDW1noUjt0cRoxCRQbtcLZVPTX_nVfP-QO3q1gImiqxarL2LWZS2nY9EiybWM17-h0qV714SM63VjfglfjXWH3lxuGCugszli0QP-sW_pr9T11E0znnHqXeJ5j5yciDWS8stao4jPn9/s320/after%20Gabas%20near%20Refuge%20Ayous.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>With relief I turned off the busy path before the refuge and headed up a quieter GR path to a high col. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-aRpKylWR7pimmYFW5PpkbAmzX6N0H5tQX-M2domCY-13V5XZV_WGLnBMJAV58Tekb3MV2XruRrXqjpePcL6IRCjnQrpRZzeknUQrBTPCsSt7MZL196ilGSZqRRtLhc-dn78UggDFvANoYV-DNnnUuqwreF58cU20Bgdnf2o-OPgWSssQbfARr5ciOlh/s4624/Horses%20Ayous.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-aRpKylWR7pimmYFW5PpkbAmzX6N0H5tQX-M2domCY-13V5XZV_WGLnBMJAV58Tekb3MV2XruRrXqjpePcL6IRCjnQrpRZzeknUQrBTPCsSt7MZL196ilGSZqRRtLhc-dn78UggDFvANoYV-DNnnUuqwreF58cU20Bgdnf2o-OPgWSssQbfARr5ciOlh/s320/Horses%20Ayous.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Again there were lots of big herds of dairy cattle with calves cattle and also horses. They didn't seem troubled by me so they must be used to walkers.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLIoqC0LeeIw2Xr2bPW_n6xv4sg_KfIoGIUvRLMeMlRlFR815Q5SjAEP7wd0PMLTe0ArP1tHuZub9N1V4mdi8hpVa1xo9njWEz03FP90e7YWzhLENTMWPPCXJDr355tcrwgOo2CWFcMUuHBc4-UeqC5g1VceyGu1QCZQxFFqMH8usYt_EQjOK4Lyd9TCT0/s5152/Cows%20and%20calves.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLIoqC0LeeIw2Xr2bPW_n6xv4sg_KfIoGIUvRLMeMlRlFR815Q5SjAEP7wd0PMLTe0ArP1tHuZub9N1V4mdi8hpVa1xo9njWEz03FP90e7YWzhLENTMWPPCXJDr355tcrwgOo2CWFcMUuHBc4-UeqC5g1VceyGu1QCZQxFFqMH8usYt_EQjOK4Lyd9TCT0/s320/Cows%20and%20calves.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>The path down was very wet and slippery but I do not remember the hazardous bit marked on the map as being particularly bad just rather busy. A short road section took me to Etsaut and Bob waiting in the van. It was hot again and so good to have the option of fruit and yogurt as a change from the bars etc that I was carrying. After a short stop I carried on over the road and river to Borce, a really twee little village. At least all the villages have water troughs and fountains! Guillaume I and I leap frogged each other here with our support in slightly different places. I think Bob met me in Lescun where I briefly refuelled and then found Guillaume eating at the pub in town.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_WNoYiJl0ILtKaj2QAiNZ0ul6f_o4-VEoh5R4RwIREeAgXkDqs79_M7ses-wzH_iEps-b8yQfKJY8wZDnZ8Yjn558quGKXuKvzzPQsZPw0BDJAmzY-H5s17mNIClO5OqH25Tz-ubDmLw5bHP8Yv3zx9ywsemE7l6xNJFd6uSgjyZp4Am7K1g7sfou1_W/s5152/Down%20to%20Auberge%20Estaing.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_WNoYiJl0ILtKaj2QAiNZ0ul6f_o4-VEoh5R4RwIREeAgXkDqs79_M7ses-wzH_iEps-b8yQfKJY8wZDnZ8Yjn558quGKXuKvzzPQsZPw0BDJAmzY-H5s17mNIClO5OqH25Tz-ubDmLw5bHP8Yv3zx9ywsemE7l6xNJFd6uSgjyZp4Am7K1g7sfou1_W/s320/Down%20to%20Auberge%20Estaing.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading down to Auberge Estaing</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The climb up to Refuge Aberouat was not too bad and I was given a very warm welcome even though at 8.30pm it was almost time for the evening meal for all those who were resident. We were not expecting food here but I had soup, bread, coffee and more. The owners young daughter was keen to chat and gabbled away telling me I was the only woman and all about the trail coming up. I think she thought my french was much better than it is. She even came with me to take photos for several hundred metres. After a fairly easy trail through woods it became steeper and was dark when I stopped to look back at the view and I realised Guillaume was not far behind. We passed a huge herd of sheep together but luckily the shepherds hut was there and although the dogs came to see us so did the shepherdess. It was a steep and rocky climb up to the ridge to and then came the dodgy section. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHuVbX7hhOvtLMVIEze-Ls-0vwgKHvmIxKgEsRrwSu2eWUzW-vtbbHGKAdvpfaIofJXRM5b08iFMpIijZyPQ5Wp4tQr7DJU79jokl_eUowkRzFO1tgEJ1sL1R8Ev-1cFM84xjuBqw6TDINQ8B1IJuI5wMJ2hAe8XXUq84qGHQveOvVfGSv9w43E1k4MNf6/s2048/Pass%20d'Azuns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHuVbX7hhOvtLMVIEze-Ls-0vwgKHvmIxKgEsRrwSu2eWUzW-vtbbHGKAdvpfaIofJXRM5b08iFMpIijZyPQ5Wp4tQr7DJU79jokl_eUowkRzFO1tgEJ1sL1R8Ev-1cFM84xjuBqw6TDINQ8B1IJuI5wMJ2hAe8XXUq84qGHQveOvVfGSv9w43E1k4MNf6/s320/Pass%20d'Azuns.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pas d'Azuns- it was dark for me</td></tr></tbody></table><p>We were glad to be together. It got quite technical and it was of course dark by now. It was an area of amazing karst scenery and shame to miss it in the dark. There were huge sink holes, a massive cave system (1 km deep and 1km long- one of the biggest in France?) and some big drops. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNl0_70Fd6ZqZH-xrr2a3zvT-38U_P6qTpMlruOaa2s5gi2mO6Uc8g79RBZiCyaJoyTwdODySLVZRbrDnwS6fUeeRHF9lAMKZsYTqE-2ToyhXUsa3Y3bmA4B3gXGaluxs1irB7cRONa2vlEt8LJA4epLol3e2I9fHdrVCO9QdBBk4NqHamosU_5xe0BAFI/s2304/Le_karst_de_la_Pierre_Saint_Martin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1728" data-original-width="2304" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNl0_70Fd6ZqZH-xrr2a3zvT-38U_P6qTpMlruOaa2s5gi2mO6Uc8g79RBZiCyaJoyTwdODySLVZRbrDnwS6fUeeRHF9lAMKZsYTqE-2ToyhXUsa3Y3bmA4B3gXGaluxs1irB7cRONa2vlEt8LJA4epLol3e2I9fHdrVCO9QdBBk4NqHamosU_5xe0BAFI/s320/Le_karst_de_la_Pierre_Saint_Martin.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>In all the rock it was tricky sticking to the path despite the warnings we had received. We lost the path a couple of times and at one point did get an urgent phone call from the RO watching the trackers 'STOP, you are off path and in danger'. The trouble was the delay on the tracker meant we had already dealt with this and were back on track again. Eventually we hit the highest ski runs- probably an unattractive gravel mess in day light and had a slightly easier run down to the ski resort of La Pierre St Martin. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQHmRzWbGsl1KWHKo3msggiJRs_Q9kLmbZC2KuQG1i7ObNvgjG8C_xw_jIvQ2HZCbpgyTnY7Nn1m3cR_UmOKiKz58acHwrPgK1P1UJbciHt-vJUwl0SlnV0aqwR1uysMgWFYGBmmVo1eUWW3mm_VePIPMEEi4AwbHFjeSMEtsQ9gd3ZxREMtDc_GzzTZka/s1024/lights%20BV3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQHmRzWbGsl1KWHKo3msggiJRs_Q9kLmbZC2KuQG1i7ObNvgjG8C_xw_jIvQ2HZCbpgyTnY7Nn1m3cR_UmOKiKz58acHwrPgK1P1UJbciHt-vJUwl0SlnV0aqwR1uysMgWFYGBmmVo1eUWW3mm_VePIPMEEi4AwbHFjeSMEtsQ9gd3ZxREMtDc_GzzTZka/s320/lights%20BV3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>A bizarre fairy light lit bridge led us into the heart of the complex and the CP itself. We ate well, showered, had our feet seen to and then went to sleep in a squash court. This podiatrist was great. I stripped off most of the old stuff and she immediately saw the issues with the hole where my foot had been macerated. Good dressings and padding helped enormously. Another long day of over 18 hours and a pre dawn start. I had actually caught men who had been ahead for days- Mr le Piquet and 'long trouser man'. We set off as a four with Laurent. Together we worked our way out of the ski resort and onto grassier paths before settling into our own pace. Laurent shot off, I followed a bit more slowly and the other two fell behind.</p><p>Again I have a memory gap here after St Engrace. I remember more farm land and some lanes. Then a big climb onto a ridge. From the highest point I do remember a wonderful path that hugged the cliff side high above a massive gorge. Then there were also some very muddy woodland paths with slippery boulders before an even more spectacular path cut into the rock at the side of the gorge. I crossed the suspension bridge at speed causing it bounce a little- not popular with the tourists. The path then became even more spectacular with huge gorges and an amazing path hewn out of the cliff face. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7os1mxL500YlmEtZqmHpkEgEQo2GaGjvoXqwnlFopBaLEezZaGcVGmuyuBeGFczlOGryqGP4Gx4TDNDhQIjVYKvWn-_KVNQbnjORFhYkboLr1KqjkDM4jMPqwaLoBDwONhRz89mJfCxzTR3-inRihZLJpPuMc5mnYqR3aWX_tTatu56u5FdmdJgfU6IN/s5152/Susp%20bridge%20tourists.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW7os1mxL500YlmEtZqmHpkEgEQo2GaGjvoXqwnlFopBaLEezZaGcVGmuyuBeGFczlOGryqGP4Gx4TDNDhQIjVYKvWn-_KVNQbnjORFhYkboLr1KqjkDM4jMPqwaLoBDwONhRz89mJfCxzTR3-inRihZLJpPuMc5mnYqR3aWX_tTatu56u5FdmdJgfU6IN/s320/Susp%20bridge%20tourists.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>Sadly at this time of day there were also crowds walking up and I spent time avoiding small children, dogs, pairs holding hands and at one point plates for a picnic laid out across the path. I had bounced over the bridge drawing shrieks for female tourists and now I was having to fight my way past more as I went downhill. Eventually I reached the road. It too was crowded but Bob had found a parking spot and was waiting. I changed my socks, aired my feet, ate, drank and had a short lie down. It was only 2pm and very hot.</p><p>From here the terrain changed quite noticeably and I climbed into forests but with lower peaks than before. Some of the trails were better but there was also more mud again in some parts. The rock had changed and now seemed volcanic. The low cloud returned and then as I approached Iraty the fog settled in drenching me and it even started to rain. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGto6KjZxy1oaFYBf8OUhfYCVTrsOEn5Y_WOHrJy1g_h-ZBujAj3A7RY75yJpj6j7-gBsAhfAO0JUOkJPd2CMRW82dkuJuh9gjmr1E6PQS71sA2SgyScyhyeenmkIyC6NQWRq73EAjrbmLjWMvDycc0-ijQ1MT_96LHKBJvLuDKsQYXgXCLeNTwgUpbUm1/s1080/ygly%20shoot%20hut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="811" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGto6KjZxy1oaFYBf8OUhfYCVTrsOEn5Y_WOHrJy1g_h-ZBujAj3A7RY75yJpj6j7-gBsAhfAO0JUOkJPd2CMRW82dkuJuh9gjmr1E6PQS71sA2SgyScyhyeenmkIyC6NQWRq73EAjrbmLjWMvDycc0-ijQ1MT_96LHKBJvLuDKsQYXgXCLeNTwgUpbUm1/s320/ygly%20shoot%20hut.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The shooting huts were ugly and a bit strange but they did provide some shelter as I put my waterproof on. Bob had had a rather nerve wracking drive up a narrow road but I was very pleased to see him and to get out of the weather. It was still early and certainly not dark but I had had enough for the day at about 7pm. It meant lots of time to eat and then an early crawl into bed.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhjPDJ2bNmWV33NuPFQgQgcTp5olyB6LJk1bkzYrgh7eX3uJAGU77NzmR5Da4tBCpywbWSufan-82SuTL75meDvA4u_iIRNWGd3VoZ9rYI9s-Qa3RbEM3z4s3zpGg6u12WNGG4vd-gP0vLtA-tcGIbyUxzY2PZbHJyDNq6_I0V3LwhaSNN4mzp0lQgowV/s5152/Lower%20mnts%20after%20Iraty.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhjPDJ2bNmWV33NuPFQgQgcTp5olyB6LJk1bkzYrgh7eX3uJAGU77NzmR5Da4tBCpywbWSufan-82SuTL75meDvA4u_iIRNWGd3VoZ9rYI9s-Qa3RbEM3z4s3zpGg6u12WNGG4vd-gP0vLtA-tcGIbyUxzY2PZbHJyDNq6_I0V3LwhaSNN4mzp0lQgowV/s320/Lower%20mnts%20after%20Iraty.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>It was a struggle leaving the van but I had made myself get up early and set off pre dawn in thick fog and damp. It was so disorientating that twice I fell off the side of the road. Soon I got used to the gloom and a wide trail through woods took me down to a road. At this stage I was just grateful for easy miles and this early in the morning there was no traffic. All the signs were now in Basque and like in eastern Europe there seemed to be lots of K,Z,W and too many consonants. It kept my mind busy. Before long it was light and good paths in nice beech woods took me up to open land. The descent to CP 21 Kaskolta Gite must have been uneventful because I can't remember it. The terrain was now much less rugged with lower hills and more tracks. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJq_-rM0Tqhb-RWF9yZm5UlFlgtAU7EzqTOxICWZXHuk-ycEbsnTgD_ezxrKcA50fIRitYiLfEK4K4v-hppQMA0_Kopx16Ot0oDplsaE07HogogL00fDC4o7zTveEB8hT_EbzJJc6H8TVU1zedR8Bfd_OqjWdet2CbX0m0nKJWTPm1u_3r10N1aAaBPu0v/s1600/CP%20surprise%20food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJq_-rM0Tqhb-RWF9yZm5UlFlgtAU7EzqTOxICWZXHuk-ycEbsnTgD_ezxrKcA50fIRitYiLfEK4K4v-hppQMA0_Kopx16Ot0oDplsaE07HogogL00fDC4o7zTveEB8hT_EbzJJc6H8TVU1zedR8Bfd_OqjWdet2CbX0m0nKJWTPm1u_3r10N1aAaBPu0v/s320/CP%20surprise%20food.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>This CP was not meant to be offering food but I hoped to get hot water for my dehydrated meal. I was over the moon to find a huge table laid out for breakfast- coffee, hot chocolate, bread, honey, eggs, cheese, ham , fruit and more. Oh wow. I was even offered a huge baguette sandwich for lunch.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVMK41D4dKq9fLv655cI00SNOG8sHlqNQGxWfXjHgq4NpikelqoZXZAnxrVwin_mIqqeq-TGOnUVCnBQM5afaraqWHAAI9vXVXOgKMb4hk9GIVG_9WyOwCfrXmZHg-3j33ArWfOl4bE_pk-O16xr-yIGebpPtQCDrwCrQBFl-Bpo6rjjgKZRsv17ekZatg/s1600/RO%20C%20and%20basque%20man.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVMK41D4dKq9fLv655cI00SNOG8sHlqNQGxWfXjHgq4NpikelqoZXZAnxrVwin_mIqqeq-TGOnUVCnBQM5afaraqWHAAI9vXVXOgKMb4hk9GIVG_9WyOwCfrXmZHg-3j33ArWfOl4bE_pk-O16xr-yIGebpPtQCDrwCrQBFl-Bpo6rjjgKZRsv17ekZatg/s320/RO%20C%20and%20basque%20man.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CP21 Basque man and RO</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The trail from here was easier and even started with some lanes through gentle green farmland.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6XMa2RTgJY_wbWMU0Jkt0JtK4tVFKIM5WgGibTY7W0yL4oHdt5ssgo65ZW-Dx__eHLEeYzyTgVZ2e22vaQo-lObVwskOU_vXN8bWbJ2cyOmR3bZbCsou3oQX5M4CPlNPSewEuh9v2fied6wFdd8fuOCl3pGyTS-pg5-wraGoWkoixKilMzbYHLWi0UiR0/s4624/Lane%20after%20Kaskoleta%20CP%2021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6XMa2RTgJY_wbWMU0Jkt0JtK4tVFKIM5WgGibTY7W0yL4oHdt5ssgo65ZW-Dx__eHLEeYzyTgVZ2e22vaQo-lObVwskOU_vXN8bWbJ2cyOmR3bZbCsou3oQX5M4CPlNPSewEuh9v2fied6wFdd8fuOCl3pGyTS-pg5-wraGoWkoixKilMzbYHLWi0UiR0/s320/Lane%20after%20Kaskoleta%20CP%2021.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>We were only at 500-700m and it was pleasantly warm. Bob had agreed to meet me in St Jean Pied de Port but we had not realised it was festival day! Before this I encountered Basque villages for the first time as we descended out of mountains and into pretty farmland. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzD-h2YnNMog15dXYqw5g5PYd6sV3hjg39pfI8cmR1aisrEwZpPP90zxsyB_hOZ98DQvDMBJag4y1nEi6QuNHbIH0-HnJkLSf738JcssA-J_9FBrDqLhauf84AHHA8DKGGgNmo-JpBfna84IIjMzwldhREU7uIKe3DNMMUiFzfvIIeEPNRBCESPA1qn0Wq/s4624/Basque%20village.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzD-h2YnNMog15dXYqw5g5PYd6sV3hjg39pfI8cmR1aisrEwZpPP90zxsyB_hOZ98DQvDMBJag4y1nEi6QuNHbIH0-HnJkLSf738JcssA-J_9FBrDqLhauf84AHHA8DKGGgNmo-JpBfna84IIjMzwldhREU7uIKe3DNMMUiFzfvIIeEPNRBCESPA1qn0Wq/s320/Basque%20village.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>It seemed there was a rule- all houses must have the same rusty red colour for any paintwork! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsCleP71SETL9TVrMNwnAoIZFVZFJuIgIQw1cKQ3bXkWYBGC_uztlv2L5BIkBT21ZsFIdPmHM8bhZivtHqxelZ8wlYIPjWHnPkNgzftzbI1py7yi2KS9hqkYFkwED6JU4QZw29988_j9qgNHB_YvQRiAlzWy1WGaKoE4XHsf7mvh0NQWO2fEOqL93_3CXV/s4624/Basques%20houses%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsCleP71SETL9TVrMNwnAoIZFVZFJuIgIQw1cKQ3bXkWYBGC_uztlv2L5BIkBT21ZsFIdPmHM8bhZivtHqxelZ8wlYIPjWHnPkNgzftzbI1py7yi2KS9hqkYFkwED6JU4QZw29988_j9qgNHB_YvQRiAlzWy1WGaKoE4XHsf7mvh0NQWO2fEOqL93_3CXV/s320/Basques%20houses%203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Then came the village of Caro. I didn't really have time to explore but the houses were all huge and quite square with very large doors. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLMJfK5BJN07gEsLy4k-G_AuQkF-hVUC6vO2ISy4vq6bGWkwND-pOfE79UImUgTsBN_BJXGCeWcXMcx7mBVT_m9yCv40XclilFp0WbC1Pe1_d44RP8wFTeIh6M4a4HbF_vbpAIrfPm-eC0crOa3t-K8BwISgktdsVoBuKngPHPFCA_vOWKv2Xt7nNYU_Nx/s4624/Basques%20houses%20big%20doors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLMJfK5BJN07gEsLy4k-G_AuQkF-hVUC6vO2ISy4vq6bGWkwND-pOfE79UImUgTsBN_BJXGCeWcXMcx7mBVT_m9yCv40XclilFp0WbC1Pe1_d44RP8wFTeIh6M4a4HbF_vbpAIrfPm-eC0crOa3t-K8BwISgktdsVoBuKngPHPFCA_vOWKv2Xt7nNYU_Nx/s320/Basques%20houses%20big%20doors.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>An info board told me more but I would have taken ages to translate it all. Bob had asked me to text him from here as the trackers were showing such a delay that he would not know when to expect me. He had a good parking place where the GR arrived in the town and below the Citadel walls. I stopped and ate lovely fresh food, restocked my water and rested a while. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigutx61joDylxQRS9QTwCGQAkVdfoX2JHY2rXg55Oh83bDAC86hNKXpJ5_7qt66-48ya-kxsV_KgWFlZue_vh7K7Nl7Vv91dtL7gEix62N2NU09k5GwagA0SrZ-I2l1p3-poA_dWNZTFhL4r_FCYxXo9fvJgooaPT1ZBGGZ8GdBx4X8F2tsm0WQrGQPAr6/s4624/Festival%20town.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigutx61joDylxQRS9QTwCGQAkVdfoX2JHY2rXg55Oh83bDAC86hNKXpJ5_7qt66-48ya-kxsV_KgWFlZue_vh7K7Nl7Vv91dtL7gEix62N2NU09k5GwagA0SrZ-I2l1p3-poA_dWNZTFhL4r_FCYxXo9fvJgooaPT1ZBGGZ8GdBx4X8F2tsm0WQrGQPAr6/s320/Festival%20town.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>As I approached the centre of the old town it got more touristy and very busy- well it was mid August and by now late morning. Then I realised it was more than that. The route is also shared by the Campostella pilgrim route and it was National day. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBwErEogqi6EJD5yRYwL0Ft3e3RDCF4V8Zp6GuFBu7zezAPYn2SNxyUb9s_5l_tjDaGaJXiF7oS2p8juzBcC7owhqhNGb7xNUweZ8-AqcewPPGSQpZjlBzlziksx_hgks1Uf9FN7uTt1V_9RDtAvuR-K-naCkyMGTJEABfVI1zsTaTPeLB7Q4FFhDjD8ln/s3323/Festival%20no%20way%20thru.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3323" data-original-width="2617" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBwErEogqi6EJD5yRYwL0Ft3e3RDCF4V8Zp6GuFBu7zezAPYn2SNxyUb9s_5l_tjDaGaJXiF7oS2p8juzBcC7owhqhNGb7xNUweZ8-AqcewPPGSQpZjlBzlziksx_hgks1Uf9FN7uTt1V_9RDtAvuR-K-naCkyMGTJEABfVI1zsTaTPeLB7Q4FFhDjD8ln/s320/Festival%20no%20way%20thru.jpg" width="252" /></a></div><p>By the time I could see the ancient gate at the bottom of the old streets they were packed shoulder to shoulder full of people in costume with lots of choirs singing, bands etc. It would have been great to stay and to watch and explore but I was on a mission. There did not appear to be any way through! I looked for a side street to make a detour but they were no better. In the end I gradually pushed my way forward trying not to knock anybody over or spear them with my poles. I spotted an old man with two big shopping bags. He was going my way and I slotted in behind him. Phew- it took a while but I made it through. Apparently 3 hours earlier it had been clear when Laurent went through and again by late afternoon for Giullaume.</p><p>Only about 100km left now and almost all of the very big hills out of the way. I had agreed to see Bob again in about 18km at the next CP in St Etienne de Baigory (22). The trails to here were a mix of tracks, lanes and reasonable paths. I made good time. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguJTxcVZ7S6ZCV0BQmFGZ7mdjEERbEczWY_YYWU316vtDTuUQvzC-GzGlmQHUr2ZhjEMzf3P-pQ9n8haZD_crwzq283XSHVoiemOu141zy074B3k3kVw8KgMU6dw7haLHuCbZKab4VzEgGd6fSlIc10M7MuRxQ6-qtUZwUe6urRri4175IAicxivem5a-w/s4624/IMG_20230815_143546466.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguJTxcVZ7S6ZCV0BQmFGZ7mdjEERbEczWY_YYWU316vtDTuUQvzC-GzGlmQHUr2ZhjEMzf3P-pQ9n8haZD_crwzq283XSHVoiemOu141zy074B3k3kVw8KgMU6dw7haLHuCbZKab4VzEgGd6fSlIc10M7MuRxQ6-qtUZwUe6urRri4175IAicxivem5a-w/s320/IMG_20230815_143546466.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Again once I arrived in the village I found it in full festival mode, this time with a championship of open air Pelota being played on a huge stadium with banks of seating. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD2o6JVYw_9WCtGvlrvk-Q0KpDvoTlCfuIowdC4CJmMbx19UIl_Vez4LKid983YX_Re4ruIfKvVcKFfIx-i3VSACRky2cEwADgprH6-FcTwxjgaLjjmyTIFr75MBMTVa8j7BAhsMNS_5oY4Wgz7VEZpcTHjzEi5ErKpFXazKwif7I4LKhXBcwnzd2FL8Ef/s4624/IMG_20230816_130211481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD2o6JVYw_9WCtGvlrvk-Q0KpDvoTlCfuIowdC4CJmMbx19UIl_Vez4LKid983YX_Re4ruIfKvVcKFfIx-i3VSACRky2cEwADgprH6-FcTwxjgaLjjmyTIFr75MBMTVa8j7BAhsMNS_5oY4Wgz7VEZpcTHjzEi5ErKpFXazKwif7I4LKhXBcwnzd2FL8Ef/s320/IMG_20230816_130211481.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Every village had a court- this one was huge</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Almost every small village seemed to have a court. At least this time the crowds were mostly off the street. My CP was in a football/athletics stadium and I passed the van going in. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6GOCgFsjc6--4-hxzmzzvHInfPoPx7duxy7mJK1Q23qLuBAQLZEUKoAf8h6g0FB7WQwf_BYBB1z9dX86s2byG93ffz20BnTaHM3bfd-B8QtSRBV7KJOt2JibhXcABAtuHmsXwTywxF2EJ81EAwvXI487VvxOFEFxEe9VTljFFRvxB4LPHCPvhhFuSPzHu/s2048/CP22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6GOCgFsjc6--4-hxzmzzvHInfPoPx7duxy7mJK1Q23qLuBAQLZEUKoAf8h6g0FB7WQwf_BYBB1z9dX86s2byG93ffz20BnTaHM3bfd-B8QtSRBV7KJOt2JibhXcABAtuHmsXwTywxF2EJ81EAwvXI487VvxOFEFxEe9VTljFFRvxB4LPHCPvhhFuSPzHu/s320/CP22.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The CP staff were wonderful and could not do enough for us. Individual service and all sorts of different food offers. I settled for coffee, soup, a huge omlette, cous-cous salad and melon. Bob came for a chat and helped me make sure all my gear was on charge. I even got a lie down on the physio bed once the Japanese man had had his feet treated. We were given a book page with a motivational message added to it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyfa_m5prb6h43eiTNXL6czSbubF2c5TeqSr7h622MoxKerEbYon6yjqSd80T5c1t1jGSfLGVzqYrTcSCUJiHNXT8VTOAEpcajvnEz7QgP0FOHSeyRe8GueEk5Tpup4SCLtO_KIQmOquMsl3vh1OC0XrrmXn4FdoIpSZfWzy_qFpNnxCTIWsmSO0IDCDWa/s1600/CP%20stadium%20book%20page.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="774" data-original-width="1600" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyfa_m5prb6h43eiTNXL6czSbubF2c5TeqSr7h622MoxKerEbYon6yjqSd80T5c1t1jGSfLGVzqYrTcSCUJiHNXT8VTOAEpcajvnEz7QgP0FOHSeyRe8GueEk5Tpup4SCLtO_KIQmOquMsl3vh1OC0XrrmXn4FdoIpSZfWzy_qFpNnxCTIWsmSO0IDCDWa/s320/CP%20stadium%20book%20page.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>It was 5ish when I arrived and we chatted about the next section. The CP staff seemed concerned that I was planning to go off alone on what was marked as a dangerous section. I wasn't bothered until they got me hyped. The Japanese man had already left and the other guy has such swollen feet and legs that he was going to rest and try again in the morning. Off I went up on to the Cretes d'Iparla. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqcOoh-LFtFQ9LEnb-fNzkRuiX6SoHBhJrfM9X7ueqINDmD1ITX8Nx1iPQ06J3QjikXuqmjRIEQi6k1dxcQw6v1yCKWGsQjawlEYJnDCecxXGP67yPNx5xzn3Aoc1TG3HnXiZGMXN7MHKeXX-R8N5L30yH0N8omjG75pdA2s_thxdM5Jj4e0-zCnW-THz8/s2048/Cretes%20d'Iplala.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqcOoh-LFtFQ9LEnb-fNzkRuiX6SoHBhJrfM9X7ueqINDmD1ITX8Nx1iPQ06J3QjikXuqmjRIEQi6k1dxcQw6v1yCKWGsQjawlEYJnDCecxXGP67yPNx5xzn3Aoc1TG3HnXiZGMXN7MHKeXX-R8N5L30yH0N8omjG75pdA2s_thxdM5Jj4e0-zCnW-THz8/s320/Cretes%20d'Iplala.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>The path started fairly gently but soon got steep. Dusk was coming but it was not dark yet and I could see another runner up ahead; I tried to catch them up. Either the Japanese guy was shy or didn't understand me when I suggested we stuck together. He shook his head so I overtook and ploughed on alone. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4wlrUC1olALYEj3hboeBRQTN-vhIjNYFb6NEypLYMwJD3jYh1TaxQyfMxDgxTfhsfHYPN5I9INT93zXM6kgffuVGGk2qlzSMrgbIYo0qxIb8hViBizo_BMlUmar4_zL4w2sQECH-0Eho2iB_fzV145YpNVFBz_Jlcd3GIFhTa7WR_FQGN77rT6i3Sv86/s4624/IMG_20230815_202517127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4wlrUC1olALYEj3hboeBRQTN-vhIjNYFb6NEypLYMwJD3jYh1TaxQyfMxDgxTfhsfHYPN5I9INT93zXM6kgffuVGGk2qlzSMrgbIYo0qxIb8hViBizo_BMlUmar4_zL4w2sQECH-0Eho2iB_fzV145YpNVFBz_Jlcd3GIFhTa7WR_FQGN77rT6i3Sv86/s320/IMG_20230815_202517127.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Within half an hour huge clouds loomed and these started to drop and cover the mountain. Then the wind got up. Hmm, a storm on the way. The 'dangerous' path was easy. It was like being back in the Lake District- a reasonable path despite a huge drop off to the side. I guess in thick fog it could be sketchy. The path dinked through rocks a few times at the tops of gullies but I never felt unsafe. There were lots of sheep and my torch caused them to panic and scatter. Vis was now down to perhaps 50m. Suddenly there was a thunderous noise- horses spooked by the sheep had decided they should charge off too. I thought I could hear thunder in the distance or was it only fireworks? There were apparently fireworks down in town but this was now definitely thunder and some vivid flashes away in the distance too. The Cretes had been fine but as the path started to descend it got lots more technical with some greasy slabs and rock steps. They would be fine in the dry but in the fog, damp and dark plus a bit of mud they were a place to go slowly. The worst parts had a wire handrail. Gradually it improved and I could move faster. I wanted to beat the storm. The last 2-3km were on a very good path and I ran hard towards the lights of the CP in Bidarray. Bob was there and Eric who had been on the Luz CP too. It was just gone midnight and the end of a 19hour day. I was tired so ate a bit and then went out to grab a few hours sleep in the van. </p><p>One more get up!! I was determined to finish the next day. Just over 60km to go but no CPs now. It was good to know there would be shops and that I would see Bob. I set off early in the dark but not as early as Laurent who had already gone. I have no memory of the climb up to col des Veaux but the rain had stopped. From there it was fairly easy running down to Ainhoa, another pretty basque village. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmSevyA4L8XwR0ngDWuCyTJSKNuu02swLZUvsBYvBokr0PLY-pOvBvmTDEXfaJjZihQ4rvhRFfU4IROmvFj3T28fzhuQbUa4CxjMJiplCamVLMXsPkMEltN37PG8QcQ2WDcTK2nZY9nv1pmLsWtdrMfDd-M_DoKUAgXhG9WcdxPA2MrhvAEAYya6cywrwb/s4624/Basques%20houses%20twee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmSevyA4L8XwR0ngDWuCyTJSKNuu02swLZUvsBYvBokr0PLY-pOvBvmTDEXfaJjZihQ4rvhRFfU4IROmvFj3T28fzhuQbUa4CxjMJiplCamVLMXsPkMEltN37PG8QcQ2WDcTK2nZY9nv1pmLsWtdrMfDd-M_DoKUAgXhG9WcdxPA2MrhvAEAYya6cywrwb/s320/Basques%20houses%20twee.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I stopped to eat but did not want to linger. The trail from here should have been more runnable as it went along the river but I was so tired. Then there was a loop up to the border, so another climb before the descent to Sare where Bob was also waiting- the roads were now better and he did not have to make big detours to get to me. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZsNExXrCWa96TJM6ayiRqdCfRwxKubBCN1LT1Z64GEkKfr42FDOgObAkb88J0zoTEWXhQWAzLe_ptZfIEkLYmWno0500qqOJoVQbS91cFYZneTVtaon-0LuSvVuQuIJtwHHxl8r_s0QwN0GUAojRRjjtJPDg93jvjOhUQ5bpwLVXFQxmCaASTpxmlhmw/s4624/Roam%20road%20after%20Bidarry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3472" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNZsNExXrCWa96TJM6ayiRqdCfRwxKubBCN1LT1Z64GEkKfr42FDOgObAkb88J0zoTEWXhQWAzLe_ptZfIEkLYmWno0500qqOJoVQbS91cFYZneTVtaon-0LuSvVuQuIJtwHHxl8r_s0QwN0GUAojRRjjtJPDg93jvjOhUQ5bpwLVXFQxmCaASTpxmlhmw/s320/Roam%20road%20after%20Bidarry.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ancient road in Sare</td></tr></tbody></table> I made a couple of errors in the village and added about 1km in total but sorted it out and found the van. More food and a restock of water and I was off again. 32km to go. Again , what looked like an interesting village but no time to explore today.<p>Easy paths led me up to near the border with Spain and over a rack and pinion railway track which went all the way to the summit of La Rhune at 900m.Our path climbed to 500, dropped to 100 and then climbed to 700 again. On the map this looked easy running with lumpy hills and wide paths. The reality was some very eroded paths that were torture for my very sore feet. From the La Rhune area I could see the sea and the finish in Hendaye. Our route seemed tortuous and I tried not to let the negative thoughts get to me. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp9ZrrIqArYv5_CBVRS8NHDT3pWZgHa9ccE6znA3CqMVUu-81jyZqZks9A-Ce2wVBq3JNiYPvIaBNb77T4d90QRA5VaaslQIiymgSQ0AcSHVWh225aSybQZXNClwCTkDTR7yk3Y9C2-UcYmrtS0FhLsOMrF5qdk5GWKzhjcaZyt9VIGHmZHH3OX-5fRVbY/s4624/IMG_20230816_101733981.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="4624" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp9ZrrIqArYv5_CBVRS8NHDT3pWZgHa9ccE6znA3CqMVUu-81jyZqZks9A-Ce2wVBq3JNiYPvIaBNb77T4d90QRA5VaaslQIiymgSQ0AcSHVWh225aSybQZXNClwCTkDTR7yk3Y9C2-UcYmrtS0FhLsOMrF5qdk5GWKzhjcaZyt9VIGHmZHH3OX-5fRVbY/s320/IMG_20230816_101733981.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>I remember rather a gruesome crucifix scene on a hill and then running down a lane with 12 stations of the cross and then lower down in woods some muddy paths. Bob had driven to Ibardin which is a strange place on the border- lots of cheap shops and eating places. A bit like the entrance to Andorra but not quite so grim. He had been lucky to get a parking spot where I would see him. It was so humid that I was soaked so I changed my shirt as well as eating. The end truly was in sight now and there should not be many tricky paths where I could tumble... a DNF at this stage was not going to happen.</p><p>Relatively east tracks took me on a little roller coaster ride over small hills and down to Biriatou. I lost the path in the village but found the van and was soon back on track. I barley stopped here and in retrospect Bob should have skipped this village and gone directly to the finish (it was nice to see him though). Lots of quiet lanes now. Under the big motorway, through farmland and villages gradually inching closer to Hendaye. I could 'smell' the finish now and the GR was well marked with red and white as I ran downhill into town and towards the harbour. It was a bit of a shock to encounter traffic and I took a few minutes to check the safest way over a roundabout and through a park. I almost missed the turn away from the harbour and towards the beach. Bob rang to say he was struggling to find any parking for the van. Once on the sea front it was an easy run along the prom to reach the mosaic star on the floor signifying the most SW point in France. I had a fair few tourists to dodge but the bikes were on an outer path and at 9pm it wasn't as busy as it would have been in the afternoon.</p><p>Suddenly there was the finish arch and people out cheering. I had done it. Only Brit, only female to finish and 12th overall. 90 started and only 33 finished. I had taken 15 days and either 9 or 5 hours depending on whether I gained back hours when the race was halted. I didn't really care. The climb initially thought to be around 65000m seemed to be anything from 68000 to almost 80000m. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5wDlEWZW5Vg-lTLqHm-QLdCOYlTj9MTW7XvyPhcd6YczSu4FoWERa0sUS_W8-AkIxock7or6CXYYzoBJ0RMCNpqpJTI30208D-J45wjCgmbHNWi97RObSjxgkyTssR_MA1nL7L_xvZ0-ayQiSW0e9g4wUWT5saE1DJf6K04OY01YO7Y7a5_eBg9V1CiZL/s4624/Finish%20me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="3472" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5wDlEWZW5Vg-lTLqHm-QLdCOYlTj9MTW7XvyPhcd6YczSu4FoWERa0sUS_W8-AkIxock7or6CXYYzoBJ0RMCNpqpJTI30208D-J45wjCgmbHNWi97RObSjxgkyTssR_MA1nL7L_xvZ0-ayQiSW0e9g4wUWT5saE1DJf6K04OY01YO7Y7a5_eBg9V1CiZL/s320/Finish%20me.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>It was finished and I had beaten the dark,just. Bob sadly missed the finish which was shame after all this driving, support, shopping and late nights/early starts. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCS5U5tWwIIHyhSY9UXSmiCEFCk7klqdYh6fh_mkmJ94CSNDYj1O4rAEAbJ-MJ6rkyz0d21BDVE1g8v7F6onh4tHTeMqHRehfsZfLZRhmer1FF1ouNDrq0ELUfJ9pbMR3MNZm9jaSCYyQxI9vzMYYOGiIMwhkHK5IrQHCmiey0cUuROalwYRiTHqhckjd7/s2048/Finish%20Triumph.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1538" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCS5U5tWwIIHyhSY9UXSmiCEFCk7klqdYh6fh_mkmJ94CSNDYj1O4rAEAbJ-MJ6rkyz0d21BDVE1g8v7F6onh4tHTeMqHRehfsZfLZRhmer1FF1ouNDrq0ELUfJ9pbMR3MNZm9jaSCYyQxI9vzMYYOGiIMwhkHK5IrQHCmiey0cUuROalwYRiTHqhckjd7/s320/Finish%20Triumph.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>We were both too tired to figure he should just park further out and walk the km or so. Laurent and Eva greeted me on the finish line along with Cyril the RO and lots of other race staff. It was a short stagger to the yacht club where I refuelled on pizza and beers. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaeqreyFLQ13bbt0XwxgLRrEHKiDyZ5IezsqyEHn1Nolcws5IJnRhSiM9Z61GzlrvD3dhsWdHD8KipYXq6_1NzhlJVIqOdaXsz4NQ1A86N9wMpWwdw8ZQchcGFL5av0d-bRBUrdGBF63EbrC0ZoDjiwhLbWAZOyqDBmuDKqFRxY47sgY52Ot7WwPE_9bPP/s2048/Finish%20with%20C.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1538" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaeqreyFLQ13bbt0XwxgLRrEHKiDyZ5IezsqyEHn1Nolcws5IJnRhSiM9Z61GzlrvD3dhsWdHD8KipYXq6_1NzhlJVIqOdaXsz4NQ1A86N9wMpWwdw8ZQchcGFL5av0d-bRBUrdGBF63EbrC0ZoDjiwhLbWAZOyqDBmuDKqFRxY47sgY52Ot7WwPE_9bPP/s320/Finish%20with%20C.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>They seemed surprised that I could eat a whole 14" pizza on my own and in such a short time. I had a shower which was bliss but showed just what a bad state my feet were in, collected my drop bag and went to meet Bob. We were both too tired to think straight and to navigate narrow crowded streets in the dark but eventually parked up at a supermarket for the night and fell into bed.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7b_r-2azzO5Vqn0lSFt5ntnBNyti4-OFtz-RCOwVIRfii3pzL3qkvPEp__u_Y13lOo8nvHr2d-wjCrN_3XYuDzX3eJACIjlNc1GYFE8RhU7ldbruCv_gZLR8DDjVIUKR9zl2hpXbzjuZl053AsKXKe4gnl9ezPlqebzdDqW7L9bGe19DuStahiBNXerDt/s1728/Finish%20medal%20and%20trophy%20next%20day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1728" data-original-width="1728" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7b_r-2azzO5Vqn0lSFt5ntnBNyti4-OFtz-RCOwVIRfii3pzL3qkvPEp__u_Y13lOo8nvHr2d-wjCrN_3XYuDzX3eJACIjlNc1GYFE8RhU7ldbruCv_gZLR8DDjVIUKR9zl2hpXbzjuZl053AsKXKe4gnl9ezPlqebzdDqW7L9bGe19DuStahiBNXerDt/s320/Finish%20medal%20and%20trophy%20next%20day.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The next day we found parking and walked back to the finish area. I had my feet dressed again now they were clean and we were in the right place to see Guillaume finish which was wonderful given how much time we had spent together and how kind his family had been. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZaPbOTGFxLGD0wkWxVKgAQtBTACqMyS7ugghTdKcJG0R8aQlYw3sjOMdt9sMrFBk3p_dM_IlpKqMRAA2oGNNz81Cic2-5qprkHk_HvZw1R1V3ZPNeUc2c2Cw6oelB2HFPJwkbTl8KolTA_q_ZVl5_ArMnKHHLYhR7oF-Q2gg59skLJRDz1lw1ylZfJJQ/s1728/Finish%20G%20arrival%20with%20L%20and%20me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1728" data-original-width="1728" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZaPbOTGFxLGD0wkWxVKgAQtBTACqMyS7ugghTdKcJG0R8aQlYw3sjOMdt9sMrFBk3p_dM_IlpKqMRAA2oGNNz81Cic2-5qprkHk_HvZw1R1V3ZPNeUc2c2Cw6oelB2HFPJwkbTl8KolTA_q_ZVl5_ArMnKHHLYhR7oF-Q2gg59skLJRDz1lw1ylZfJJQ/s320/Finish%20G%20arrival%20with%20L%20and%20me.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They had been teasing me for days about how little I was</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I then set about refuelling... 3 balls of ice cream and then another 5 at a brilliant ice cream shop. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxdAPerv2hSCDIrXu-tSn3LDdxbKbxLCjSy2tELC6vxvGaBw4wgoQiRJ3T9l-OnSqDWuMtcBc-i_HT0Qlz1k4Ut5i32batyJUdRtE6IAj1sbpYScjMqkn4gsuujPACyAsfN2mPOh869P-Y2YCrWd0OD3mC_PnoBJfjWYd_skOmZPqKUAJC3FM8wOOSTie7/s2048/Recovery%20even%20more%20ice%20cream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1538" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxdAPerv2hSCDIrXu-tSn3LDdxbKbxLCjSy2tELC6vxvGaBw4wgoQiRJ3T9l-OnSqDWuMtcBc-i_HT0Qlz1k4Ut5i32batyJUdRtE6IAj1sbpYScjMqkn4gsuujPACyAsfN2mPOh869P-Y2YCrWd0OD3mC_PnoBJfjWYd_skOmZPqKUAJC3FM8wOOSTie7/s320/Recovery%20even%20more%20ice%20cream.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>This was later followed by a proper sit down pizza and beer. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5yRDSTQU8JMbLmkS8hSXL6Oy0WAAVM5JTiDA78thpaUz8addn6zt5vdqbdBSP5UtmtkbhRJapISTmryd7rdyj0tu39tPJ-ABifxVw4hVwtvPfvGKLmIBn8YaWuB-0NL_eG5YQwofSFMskjUFWC2V-bs88zYG02ohpJTmne-6xG8GsGBv0hvQ6FWw5q6GB/s2048/received_1764171384019128.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1538" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5yRDSTQU8JMbLmkS8hSXL6Oy0WAAVM5JTiDA78thpaUz8addn6zt5vdqbdBSP5UtmtkbhRJapISTmryd7rdyj0tu39tPJ-ABifxVw4hVwtvPfvGKLmIBn8YaWuB-0NL_eG5YQwofSFMskjUFWC2V-bs88zYG02ohpJTmne-6xG8GsGBv0hvQ6FWw5q6GB/s320/received_1764171384019128.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p>I lay in a park and perhaps dozed a little before wandering back to the van to collect Bob and make our way to the race reception that evening. There were more photos, with better light at 7pm than there had been at 9 when I finished. It was good to be able to congratulate Jerome and just to sit and chat with Laurent, Eva, Jerome and so many of the race team as we ate and drank. People had an eye on the trackers and at 9pm we wandered up to see Sylvain finish. It was wonderful to see our loose knit team had all made it and for us all to be there that evening. A slow walk back to the van and another late bed. Our last night in France with a long lie in, a launderette, shopping and then a drive into Spain.</p><p>It was a wonderful adventure and I was so pleased to have managed to complete my challenge. There was much less running and more walking than I had hoped. I learnt a great deal both about the route, an event of that distance and about myself. My rough time schedule went out the window although 15 days and a few hours was not so much longer than my hoped for 14 days. On paper 50km a day seemed so reasonable but in fact at times it was a struggle. There were some very long days as I stressed about making sure I would meet any cut offs. The longest day was perhaps after the very wet cramped bothy hut. It was well before dawn when we started and perhaps a 20 hour day. Similarly leaving Cauterets before dawn and then our epic walk when the race was stopped and we continued to Gabas was over 19 hours. There were not many short days except for the fist day when we started at noon but I did have a day of well under 14 hours after the wet spell when I met Bob at Marc and slept in the van for the first time and after Gabas it was under 12 hours to Iraty, again a van sleep. Having the van really made a huge difference as I could not only have the treats I wanted but could not carry like yogurt and fresh fruit and veg but also got the moral lift of seeing Bob. The other big difference was a decent sleep even if it was only a few hours and being able to do this regardless of the positions of the CPs. True, I had done that when I slept in the lavoir and again in the open air but the van was better plus saved so much time as I did not need to unpack my neoair, sleeping bag etc. Bob drove almost 900 miles between the start and finish. Some of these were to do his walks but most was to support me, driving back out of valleys to bigger supermarkets and then back up the next valley and up narrow mountain roads. I made some wonderful friends and must make sure we stay in touch. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCQ4_BNrmPaxTRB7PljeveOx4m4PWdFVgFZny0-KaWs8995Qx0hO8tCUd9HZAp6Bi80FARH8g3vXXVI3dIjYyvVysJTWx8hX5dS--JUUp_Y-J2P5cxipVMbGl7ULxeFxrOKiac0iBszWnO-qZXrk8NYcWOy3E7iPm8OnnChSKIiH36xeTMe2XxG1BYmpT2/s1600/CP%200%20Aunac%20depart%204%20of%20us.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCQ4_BNrmPaxTRB7PljeveOx4m4PWdFVgFZny0-KaWs8995Qx0hO8tCUd9HZAp6Bi80FARH8g3vXXVI3dIjYyvVysJTWx8hX5dS--JUUp_Y-J2P5cxipVMbGl7ULxeFxrOKiac0iBszWnO-qZXrk8NYcWOy3E7iPm8OnnChSKIiH36xeTMe2XxG1BYmpT2/s320/CP%200%20Aunac%20depart%204%20of%20us.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sylvain, R, RO Cyril and I as we were leaving CP10</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The race is already taking entries for 2025 and who knows? Never say never but maybe a different challenge awaits me. Back to the Proclaimers and the 500 more...... I did have a nightmare a few nights after the race where the only way back after the race was to follow the GR11 on the Spanish side of the Pyrenees. That would be an awesome double!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Ultras and a lttle bit morehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14102033182139486675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238582577045689081.post-77377247499005561942023-06-26T13:22:00.002-07:002023-06-26T13:22:40.066-07:00Lakeland 5 Passes<p> Three in a row- weekends races that is. Actually it had been pretty much every weekend since the Fellsman at the end of April. This is not counting other runs, sprint orienteering, cycle rides, climbing and paddle boarding! We drove up after an evening meal and put the flags up in drizzle, winds and under stormy skies. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs47dkPXdG3RNwUv1_jvfGk8ORu7BtplvdT8MtywapKNDQumnAcaB0AwG1K04PBeV6dQ5vTJcxeqJme5I4ilWzTzkdz-6T9B_ftt0E2cMy3WC7n5QQwWvfERhH45U6KFJDcxrIAR3PouUeZ1bze99YoplmsXV6o1_bCmLI9jurpJ3dvQ5wXbMul4i9_8ND/s2048/L5P%20flags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1538" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs47dkPXdG3RNwUv1_jvfGk8ORu7BtplvdT8MtywapKNDQumnAcaB0AwG1K04PBeV6dQ5vTJcxeqJme5I4ilWzTzkdz-6T9B_ftt0E2cMy3WC7n5QQwWvfERhH45U6KFJDcxrIAR3PouUeZ1bze99YoplmsXV6o1_bCmLI9jurpJ3dvQ5wXbMul4i9_8ND/s320/L5P%20flags.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I slept well in the van which is unusual for me the night before a race. I woke fine but felt so so tired. Not a great way to start a race really. I dithered a bit about clothing- would I be warm enough in short shorts? </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJBHW94FxK5vBmih72ynI_rV5BkQiMR0Brub6N0L8lqqbw9Vqgelg6z96RKFpt-qPZz3w1Y4zZj3fniBR6_h8UzG_Swcl5tp1PwdSPJYWnKU3WdcX7IF1p8r5reZjbKTFlQqp5Bp8JgPNw5JkvCXg2ZjVpYcEKZTQcF0ZTkH_rXUhGJPkbaGtCLzwS_iA7/s2048/L5P%20pre%20start%20watch%20issue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJBHW94FxK5vBmih72ynI_rV5BkQiMR0Brub6N0L8lqqbw9Vqgelg6z96RKFpt-qPZz3w1Y4zZj3fniBR6_h8UzG_Swcl5tp1PwdSPJYWnKU3WdcX7IF1p8r5reZjbKTFlQqp5Bp8JgPNw5JkvCXg2ZjVpYcEKZTQcF0ZTkH_rXUhGJPkbaGtCLzwS_iA7/s320/L5P%20pre%20start%20watch%20issue.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>It was nice to meet friends and to chat to Anna who I have not seen for the best part of a year at Lakeland 100. As we gathered for the briefing my watch malfunctioned as it tried to load the route. Oh well, at least I know the way. I turned it completely off and managed to get it set to just record the run, although even then it missed about the first kilometre. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDhzt-OERkP4h2dB0F6mCl-VmriOYRQQl0R_1nS5NgUxpGxcRC7ri2vwwcImCnRfQlDXGctAvSC65ta21kvnkbG_tpRhLUVntKUvtcw1NPKBzAUpZ4dmD95xx5NJ7m8zTT2Yj4tHkzTJbN-hjee1igTN9zdoN5iq3IYXCIaCao_0rmEJ37P2ZRPlx4e1pp/s2048/L5P%20start%20line.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDhzt-OERkP4h2dB0F6mCl-VmriOYRQQl0R_1nS5NgUxpGxcRC7ri2vwwcImCnRfQlDXGctAvSC65ta21kvnkbG_tpRhLUVntKUvtcw1NPKBzAUpZ4dmD95xx5NJ7m8zTT2Yj4tHkzTJbN-hjee1igTN9zdoN5iq3IYXCIaCao_0rmEJ37P2ZRPlx4e1pp/s320/L5P%20start%20line.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>I knew the first mile or so would be fast and refused to be sucked in. If I was struggling now there was no pint trying to keep up and finding I was trashed before even the first top. It felt hard work climbing up onto Loughrigg but at least the weather was improving- at least the rain had gone but it was replaced by 90% humidity.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-yIOQ_6QPGrY9pir7A-MAwYB38gzA8hmO7Ne2U7_zcKgJIAObNY7HA8ecohX2_rVpSO1hMNFhYPKKMiuVzXoXvcVScdt8N9hrHrkcET8I8Nnrkz_iDlhffDN6bsrtCBi029NYHNNjTjH_W4xg3MJ4Kz04jF0HxAcyGXuDjikXQuLRQPEXyYnzAOd9dNT/s1024/L5P%20Lough.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy-yIOQ_6QPGrY9pir7A-MAwYB38gzA8hmO7Ne2U7_zcKgJIAObNY7HA8ecohX2_rVpSO1hMNFhYPKKMiuVzXoXvcVScdt8N9hrHrkcET8I8Nnrkz_iDlhffDN6bsrtCBi029NYHNNjTjH_W4xg3MJ4Kz04jF0HxAcyGXuDjikXQuLRQPEXyYnzAOd9dNT/s320/L5P%20Lough.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Claire, Phil, Adam and others were long gone. It wasn't long before the other Claire caught me up and we ran together for a while.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbd4lH3_pH8rPShcI2dkAKx2pZ8cU_IwvcpU8Ptn4zmfmkNWdOCBD21A5m5Xi0pSnX7s7FeiWMnR58_JnW3rKmOOtVVgZ5e5FCBVVW5WXthY7MztmQq1vrRix4xGKmbAohjvOVKSMwWZQxLeMu4kSpBH5i7KgRoGot_x127bUzYPmVeypJbOXSSr1xCVxg/s1024/L5P%202023%20Lough%20with%20Claire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbd4lH3_pH8rPShcI2dkAKx2pZ8cU_IwvcpU8Ptn4zmfmkNWdOCBD21A5m5Xi0pSnX7s7FeiWMnR58_JnW3rKmOOtVVgZ5e5FCBVVW5WXthY7MztmQq1vrRix4xGKmbAohjvOVKSMwWZQxLeMu4kSpBH5i7KgRoGot_x127bUzYPmVeypJbOXSSr1xCVxg/s320/L5P%202023%20Lough%20with%20Claire.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The descent to Ambleside was speedy despite the added hazard of crossing the Park Run course this year. I didn't need anything from the CP at this early stage and pushed on. Claire soon caught me up again and we ran together through the woods and to the lower slopes of Wansfell. Charles was also with us. They they both climbed faster than me and it was a while before I was close enough to chat to them again. I plodded on upwards doing the best I could. The run across the top and down Nanny Lane was not too bad and I felt a little better. Having crossed the valley floor it is then straight up Garburn Pass but at east this side is slightly more gentle and less eroded. I could still see Charles and Claire up ahead along with some others that I vaguely knew. I tried to keep the gap from getting any bigger and managed OK until the top. The descent was another matter. I am such a wuss on rocky descents now and do not enjoy the drop to Kentmere.</p><p>Everything passes and I was soon running into the village with thoughts of food at the CP. I topped up my water bottle and filled the other one that was already primed with MF powder. I also grabbed some food as up until now I had only had a couple of mouthfuls. I was with others as we headed up and over to Longsleddale and I was starting to feel a bit less rubbish. Passing some of them no doubt helped! The climb up Gatesgarth goes on a bit but I was prepared for this and didn't trip over this year. The stream was surprisingly full and the waterfalls a pleasant distraction. All the way up I could see Claire (and sometimes Charles) and I worked hard gradually reeling her in. It was much cooler up here, In fact the wind was fierce and blowing us about and we were only just warm enough in shorts and T shirts given the damp air. By Harter Fell we were together and before the drop to Nan Bield I was ahead. A younger runner came blasting past, clearly annoyed with herself. Apparently she had gone wrong and lost 15 minutes somewhere. Up ahead of me was orange shirt man and as we entered the misty path cutting across grassier terrain I stuck with him all the way to Thornthwaite Beacon. I was slightly slower down to Threshthwaite Mouth but not by much. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnnVMbDVgtZHxnLJXjdfGdKcEvcAFhhBechgGTd_mHryfOHNTbbTnEW4n_r6ISESMq_ySdLrAnKxfqWYwdpO_BnFlsWc35L3p-CXpcz7kKWKkcoAEHZdGFf1AAXIxtIMN4obe4EksnXHcMnHFmW3UFUmO0BbV46yGiqaKZQ8FXT8ubZN9Js61IsKzivYAC/s2048/L5P%202023%20scramble.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnnVMbDVgtZHxnLJXjdfGdKcEvcAFhhBechgGTd_mHryfOHNTbbTnEW4n_r6ISESMq_ySdLrAnKxfqWYwdpO_BnFlsWc35L3p-CXpcz7kKWKkcoAEHZdGFf1AAXIxtIMN4obe4EksnXHcMnHFmW3UFUmO0BbV46yGiqaKZQ8FXT8ubZN9Js61IsKzivYAC/s320/L5P%202023%20scramble.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>We climbed Stoney Cove Pike together and were still pretty close as we dropped to Kirkstone Pass.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUA59PxxmT73nVHA8Uw7sEZMta3XWgIa8eSWPhlChvjCFicDSiEFmloROdB2Vp16WZMJnRCtRpzIjTT4meeXFgv48koPxWI8aldXVrMx_BzaPvWcIS895U4SowiQBCx4GN84tcK2a6rE_Gmn6zQ9G-6o5fn-Y_68_Emj-9ZGGUEAlf1sfBzMR5kIZcrU0/s1024/L5P%20scrambles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUA59PxxmT73nVHA8Uw7sEZMta3XWgIa8eSWPhlChvjCFicDSiEFmloROdB2Vp16WZMJnRCtRpzIjTT4meeXFgv48koPxWI8aldXVrMx_BzaPvWcIS895U4SowiQBCx4GN84tcK2a6rE_Gmn6zQ9G-6o5fn-Y_68_Emj-9ZGGUEAlf1sfBzMR5kIZcrU0/s320/L5P%20scrambles.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Here I restocked with water again and grabbed some more food. I also got a pleasant surprise as I met Charles who was still re-tying his laces. We climbed up Red Screes not knowing that Claire was not so far behind and that seeing us had given her a boost too. If you plod on you get there and we did. The tops were nice and grassy but Charles still pulled ahead a bit. I concentrated on keeping him within reach as we started to head down Scandale. I was catching him and that helped me. We ran together on the wider flatter track and I even got slightly ahead when he stopped for a quick wee by a wall. I pushed on towards the outskirts of the Rydal Hall estate. It suddenly seemed really important to stay ahead and to try to beat last years time. At this pace, fast for me, there was no hope of eating so I was so pleased to have a couple of MF jellies with me, and to still have water. I just kept pushing on with the odd glance behind me. Nobody in sight. Run a bit more, more tourists now, check behind. Still clear. The Old Coffin road was shorter than I expected and before long I reached the tarmac and knew that the turn and drop to the village outskirts was close. I even had time to clock that the ice cream shop would close before I could finish and get back. No time to waste... straight over the main road, into the show ground and around the main track. I, unlike many, followed the arrows all the way to the final fence with no corner cutting. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVvUcXDZfREIQs4z8nyb-gBA4x9qpcVnEzatP3WWM7kWflFOcKQm2ERAVWtbjAX03YkfgOeRr3yeyyXqZcSN960YjUoI-wQkaj_s0XOGmhUZUg9ctJ8jmY9YDjwzFp1tu5x7gBjwjJteBGMTT2mSQr9mMR36L2e8nYdnXrE4MzWIfSHlaQLcbvO-3P4tm9/s2048/L5P%20finish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVvUcXDZfREIQs4z8nyb-gBA4x9qpcVnEzatP3WWM7kWflFOcKQm2ERAVWtbjAX03YkfgOeRr3yeyyXqZcSN960YjUoI-wQkaj_s0XOGmhUZUg9ctJ8jmY9YDjwzFp1tu5x7gBjwjJteBGMTT2mSQr9mMR36L2e8nYdnXrE4MzWIfSHlaQLcbvO-3P4tm9/s320/L5P%20finish.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;">Finally I had finished. Bob was waiting and took some photos. I even remembered to stop my watch within a couple of minutes of crossing the line. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpwiOt8fnqPZrnSCguQcHV_Vr17Rdme1AqC7nBNvnY4r2IjLLyohlxR0pP14IazvptrwqG-slGXRvtMu8gAU3XjJJbGn3tvmk8fb6WWk-etnEsuQdYOQX3RtyGCQ5OZqdDmmIYd3mxkSM4MUdYooBPAShnPRGEBWSQFz2QEr9A9DZAn_SeCwVrlAlOiAS_/s2048/L5P%20run%20in.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpwiOt8fnqPZrnSCguQcHV_Vr17Rdme1AqC7nBNvnY4r2IjLLyohlxR0pP14IazvptrwqG-slGXRvtMu8gAU3XjJJbGn3tvmk8fb6WWk-etnEsuQdYOQX3RtyGCQ5OZqdDmmIYd3mxkSM4MUdYooBPAShnPRGEBWSQFz2QEr9A9DZAn_SeCwVrlAlOiAS_/s320/L5P%20run%20in.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;">7hrs 32, better than last year although not a PB. 4th F and 1st FV. Bob fetched me several cups of tea and I went to claim my meal- good choices. Gradually I felt better as we cheered in more finishers. Charles was only a few minutes behind me and Claire not long behind that. Some finishing were in a worse state than me. We sat chatting until I realised I was soaked in sweat, enough to leave very wet patches where I sat, and starting to chill. Changed and back in the hall we sat chatting with Claire, Phil, Ken, Charles and Claire. We even had ice cream - thanks Claire.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicc7yMdEbGa86JQZR2x65Dasno_UZBQA8aFoBODN5fmCcdIXi4SHIxSLS8l9sO_q5P6CwRkxJllstaP6Xh5-R6h6_aq_pn8igyMkHXNcnsCHWmXA7W6t9IQ83qNCNNByGBVha037J33bHddKjcKi3S6Y-DHWPMUuvPugGWZTp2utyj2HcU7lOEzVe_V3Ls/s2048/L5P%20food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicc7yMdEbGa86JQZR2x65Dasno_UZBQA8aFoBODN5fmCcdIXi4SHIxSLS8l9sO_q5P6CwRkxJllstaP6Xh5-R6h6_aq_pn8igyMkHXNcnsCHWmXA7W6t9IQ83qNCNNByGBVha037J33bHddKjcKi3S6Y-DHWPMUuvPugGWZTp2utyj2HcU7lOEzVe_V3Ls/s320/L5P%20food.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;">Bob had done a walk over Helm Crag but we were both starting to droop. we agreed that at 6pm we would take the flags down and leave. They were now all dry which was a bonus. The van behaved and we left with no drama.</span></div>Ultras and a lttle bit morehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14102033182139486675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238582577045689081.post-81551467137783558852023-06-18T10:23:00.000-07:002023-06-18T10:23:51.222-07:00Pennine 39<p> One of my favourite weekends in the year. Our plans didn't quite work out- van issues still so I was on my own. By 8.10am I was collecting boxes of mint cake from Romneys and by 9.10am doing the same with Mountain Fuel from Rupert in Keswick. Jobs completed I drove to Ullswater and was on the water with SUP inflated by 10.30. The early bird and all that.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLBUrUuC28JuyW2CosKGsd5HZiZEigS7I3laT1LYfxmLCkzqCAvQ71VsEyGUwTTXN3SXxN_NSpck-KpPq84fmCoS-CRLL816QCS1bHD_TRJktX7wDBllrHSACy1MGgw00dOxf_GuTB1JPQENb81FM7fyaZ_sjZ1NTKgUWgVRdrIgBv9Iab3ATgf3wZQ/s466/P39%20SUP.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="323" data-original-width="466" height="222" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLBUrUuC28JuyW2CosKGsd5HZiZEigS7I3laT1LYfxmLCkzqCAvQ71VsEyGUwTTXN3SXxN_NSpck-KpPq84fmCoS-CRLL816QCS1bHD_TRJktX7wDBllrHSACy1MGgw00dOxf_GuTB1JPQENb81FM7fyaZ_sjZ1NTKgUWgVRdrIgBv9Iab3ATgf3wZQ/s320/P39%20SUP.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>It didn't seem windy at the Patterdale end and I pottered up to the southern end of the lake in search of lunch. My early start causing me to forget to make sandwiches. With an egg barm in my belly and a sandwich in my dry bag I set off for more exploring.By the time I was opposite Glen Coyne it was windy and from there to Howtown the headwind just got stronger. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-f7mmbTIm4iYSFj_2YXaY--YEVvtUo2m1G9p0FnX4JeCx4PjNhK67T3L68zgyehr1rUqBgSMFS_L16dNVCkQt4GxO-kLhESGkQphCDsyTqw0iH1or6abRtKaahDjSoIyO-ylmdBE041XOFTrX-af8U9eEweDRkIkyMR3smqwYWpOrAeDZnUQjpMUxdw/s2048/P39%20SUP%20lunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1538" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-f7mmbTIm4iYSFj_2YXaY--YEVvtUo2m1G9p0FnX4JeCx4PjNhK67T3L68zgyehr1rUqBgSMFS_L16dNVCkQt4GxO-kLhESGkQphCDsyTqw0iH1or6abRtKaahDjSoIyO-ylmdBE041XOFTrX-af8U9eEweDRkIkyMR3smqwYWpOrAeDZnUQjpMUxdw/s320/P39%20SUP%20lunch.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I stopped for my lunch feeling sure the return trip would have the benefit of a tail wind. It did for a couple of km and then a headwind again! Not fair. I finished off with a refreshing swim in a very warm lake and drove to Alston. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib217usAqmj1ohwA4MBdp83hM6zZfrUh3jv-fMb0sJO4IU7vUxZ2Yadvd4cC5JNdJy6imsGcjKC1_ZTURR34rjhDEirHKRo9C65gWU2YKT8eTpUcmn_ac7uq_Xq4e08m1VPA1hGf99EQx_pSyiYXxp74xy9lE6CrlGGv0cR1xi2Ow7AeRY15fZeNsfHA/s2048/P39%20flags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1538" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib217usAqmj1ohwA4MBdp83hM6zZfrUh3jv-fMb0sJO4IU7vUxZ2Yadvd4cC5JNdJy6imsGcjKC1_ZTURR34rjhDEirHKRo9C65gWU2YKT8eTpUcmn_ac7uq_Xq4e08m1VPA1hGf99EQx_pSyiYXxp74xy9lE6CrlGGv0cR1xi2Ow7AeRY15fZeNsfHA/s320/P39%20flags.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>It wasn't long before the flags and banners were up outside and boards and spot prizes were up inside. Joe had kindly found me a bunk space so all was looking good. I registered and then wandered up into the village with Nick. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhggd1dNpDXs_3fqSW1LqwoY-DCpLDimQXk_ak4mIW7oYwhO7iz94L_tIkQtC-ai1Z-VSETP_TROjZriOFMS_EH-vEdYJFmWmzzx95mzZvAk1KSyTI5-6nE6Zg96wmvnGinl4sCk2RWNU1wA-wm24wMlCVo_cB-qslWv0aI_j56qwm2qJksa95iM3DoMQ/s2048/P39%20more%20flags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1538" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhggd1dNpDXs_3fqSW1LqwoY-DCpLDimQXk_ak4mIW7oYwhO7iz94L_tIkQtC-ai1Z-VSETP_TROjZriOFMS_EH-vEdYJFmWmzzx95mzZvAk1KSyTI5-6nE6Zg96wmvnGinl4sCk2RWNU1wA-wm24wMlCVo_cB-qslWv0aI_j56qwm2qJksa95iM3DoMQ/s320/P39%20more%20flags.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Sadly the chippy had shut down and two pubs were no longer doing food. I should have then just gone to the Spar and cooked back at the hostel but joined by Francis we ended up in another pub with beer and food. Back at the hostel it was filling up and I spent the evening chatting before heading up to a very hot top bunk. I didn't sleep very well and an alarm had been set for 6am. Oh well, I was awake anyway.</p><p>Feet taped, breakfast eaten and toilet stops done I wandered down to the Spar ready for the coach. Kat and I caught up on news from each other and admired the scenery from our front seat view. Lots of curlew and grouse chicks. At Bowlees after quick toilet breaks we headed down to the fragile bridge and the river. Despite the dry spell the waterfalls were still impressive. I was feeling tired- not a great way to start a race but knew that Kat or Claire or both would easily beat me and so I might as well just enjoy the journey. The start was predictably low key... are you ready? OK off you go.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQ1yFB2ajXK_oJn_1FM27_EK50kqH8ssRKwxG9xGxZoLlvRn4jE0UIzWJuGfyGGGiznqT1awJq2PbJmOPN9yeW33LFIbZKWe8sousV7tSJ-hdbO2bDz9NCchirivTKCcxRfHGpIydFvKWhNwg3g44yO3cQJF-ixtDxXVDHNZ98jNGx1kz2qvHijEWkQ/s2048/P39%20waterfalls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1538" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxQ1yFB2ajXK_oJn_1FM27_EK50kqH8ssRKwxG9xGxZoLlvRn4jE0UIzWJuGfyGGGiznqT1awJq2PbJmOPN9yeW33LFIbZKWe8sousV7tSJ-hdbO2bDz9NCchirivTKCcxRfHGpIydFvKWhNwg3g44yO3cQJF-ixtDxXVDHNZ98jNGx1kz2qvHijEWkQ/s320/P39%20waterfalls.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I let others power off ahead and was soon 6th F. Early days and I was not going to start chasing at this stage. I chatted with Tony H and then Jonathan. My caution paid off and before many km I was back in 3rdF. My watch had done strange things at the start but now seemed to be working fine. I didn't need it for nav anyway having done the route several times before. It was warm and very humid although not as brightly sunny as last weekend. The nice grassy paths and track gave way to the jumble of rocks under Falcon Clints and I slowed down not wanting to take a tumble here. At least the rocks were dry this year. I thought I was struggling and running badly but others were too and before long I had dropped Tony and Ashok. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsfTOJJBlbcAVP8flCvV7CJQEzlWvPUzFePnrVZ4-i_HzVG8IDN9JzOgXqlxjy27WLmeLKdl8i9vx5Hp_tVTbPFVzEP5JH9ZKZ9MfRaTImQQZY7Cstawl02a3nMLSJrWkxAr3rb850J7tm4LSqX6titB3YhqXaz_rgg5C6KXutqHLXgZMti8NL5ASt3Q/s2048/P39%20C%20S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsfTOJJBlbcAVP8flCvV7CJQEzlWvPUzFePnrVZ4-i_HzVG8IDN9JzOgXqlxjy27WLmeLKdl8i9vx5Hp_tVTbPFVzEP5JH9ZKZ9MfRaTImQQZY7Cstawl02a3nMLSJrWkxAr3rb850J7tm4LSqX6titB3YhqXaz_rgg5C6KXutqHLXgZMti8NL5ASt3Q/s320/P39%20C%20S.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Climbing the rocks up past Cauldron Snout to the first CP I passed the first of the walkers/slow runners from the early bus. I wasn't in need of anything yet so grabbed some peanuts and pushed on with Jonathon for company.Passing Birkdale Farm (the highest permanently inhabited one in England) we left the big track and turned onto grass to descend to Maize Beck bridge. We had now passed most people from the early start and could see High Cup Nick ahead. Jonathan had not seen it before and was suitably impressed. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLNnzRA54C9YxM4zR3I75lSDKH857zopqTKyR2lwHecOTAuq8aD8_zrGF_Z58VR2_GvQg6WjNlGz489kXViij6RKgbOC61FcnyhbqUJJiAztjGBRleoFH3b3wAZMCKk1Bm-3pqwDJRhCQs1XAqlOi_8wZdJ8UFETgI0wf1G2ev9D_-wj4DE-9beGtkdw/s2048/P39%20HCN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLNnzRA54C9YxM4zR3I75lSDKH857zopqTKyR2lwHecOTAuq8aD8_zrGF_Z58VR2_GvQg6WjNlGz489kXViij6RKgbOC61FcnyhbqUJJiAztjGBRleoFH3b3wAZMCKk1Bm-3pqwDJRhCQs1XAqlOi_8wZdJ8UFETgI0wf1G2ev9D_-wj4DE-9beGtkdw/s320/P39%20HCN.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>We ran together to Dufton and the CP in the village hall. I stopped long enough to refill both soft flasks and to grab slices of orange and melon. I left alone and headed up the Pennine Way eating by bag of crisps. I could see a couple of other runners further up and then a faster runner appeared from behind me- he had been up the Pennine Journey in error. I used these to help pull me up Knock. I had the poles out by now and it did help me keep a good rhythm. Knock is an unkind hill with a false top but at least there was breeze up here. The bogs were totally dried out and the flag stone path led us quickly to the extra water stop on the tiny aerials road. Somewhere here I got my mojo back in full and started running. I left Jonathon so he missed my fall. Luckily I was on the baked earth and grass path next to the flag stones and so there was no blood just shock and bruising. I pressed on over Great Dun Fell, Little Dun and on to Cross Fell. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhivDM0gB8qvf8XQBS3sqtuuhtnDDUFHQmdyamr5wRnXiSB63ppmD3Ic2yHrW2zsUrfmHueRcLq3W4i7bPtD5Lkr5POTeXngrM2XLrwiwoJXiWfApup-j_1xmyJdlvmOlVa6-n3gG61UWGMM6Yz8AhGze1WKOZ5V2GG9WncTn98GXZz_eFpIwLoVUcEQ/s2048/P39%20Cross%20Fell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhivDM0gB8qvf8XQBS3sqtuuhtnDDUFHQmdyamr5wRnXiSB63ppmD3Ic2yHrW2zsUrfmHueRcLq3W4i7bPtD5Lkr5POTeXngrM2XLrwiwoJXiWfApup-j_1xmyJdlvmOlVa6-n3gG61UWGMM6Yz8AhGze1WKOZ5V2GG9WncTn98GXZz_eFpIwLoVUcEQ/s320/P39%20Cross%20Fell.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I didn't linger at the trig point and was soon on the trod cutting the corner to Gregs Hut. Louise was sitting by the pipe from the spring and her usual smiley self. I was now in race mode and ran almost all of the horrid yellow brick road. It has settled out a bit but still seems to stretch on and on into the distance. I made sure I was eating and drinking having learned my lesson last weekend. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgykz_4phdCFSqHC10yhHiK7gXXP0Xk4cKGnjhKQp9JbHNop5kU8A3P_3OIeOEeK9mj6M2yUmWIr4YMVLwEpkRo3xLXDBGD3Q_5066_gK_oiL9xWcm3ebDHJomtP7VbnlZKwtfPEOXOB4FAGwrakvMsqijqyVYOcdUEhWbdrWzqlcu-Q0F_qYaMJ6mw3A/s2048/P39%20Yellow%20brick%20road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgykz_4phdCFSqHC10yhHiK7gXXP0Xk4cKGnjhKQp9JbHNop5kU8A3P_3OIeOEeK9mj6M2yUmWIr4YMVLwEpkRo3xLXDBGD3Q_5066_gK_oiL9xWcm3ebDHJomtP7VbnlZKwtfPEOXOB4FAGwrakvMsqijqyVYOcdUEhWbdrWzqlcu-Q0F_qYaMJ6mw3A/s320/P39%20Yellow%20brick%20road.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>The drop into Garrigill was speedy and I remembered to turn towards the village Hall for this years CP. Neil was sat outside so I shouted my number and turned around. Under 4 miles to go now. It was interesting using my garmin and seeing it count down the km left and also see it updating my ETA. I used this to motivate me and it was rewarding seeing my time get closer to 7hrs. Then suddenly my watch did strange things and started to add km? I ignored it and ran as much as I could. The many stiles slowed me up a bit but mostly it is pleasant grassy running and I managed to avoid meeting PW walkers at bottlenecks. I pushed hard and was determined to get under 7hrs 10 and even under 7hrs 5 if I could. Yes- 7.04, not my fastest but not the worst either. Rory stormed round in 5hrs 40, ten minutes ahead of Phil, despite having been ill for weeks and Kat took first F in 6.42 ahead of Claire in 6.58</p><p>Once stopped it was multiple cups of tea, several bowls of soup and bread and more. I chatted to friends and had laughs with Phil and Claire. I went for a shower and felt more human- my legs and feet felt surprisingly OK given the race but it was good to slump in one of the soft sofas for a while. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQvcuMUCzYEgcVDGfQJ3heITN8h2-ayHicKfLEbsdtLWZOJX7yuyaL3DOR1-6JoRTWpyrlFleoWpIR9DmYAddhBcfRFHj16V83U6tY2R8nvGoeXUoupZWq5wLBeJxrMEw_SIvMb0XmaqwPWoMxf9clPnm0whyFYJkbQIBxHDutTUpMjqVgQTYQYQAjWQ/s2048/P39%20beer%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1538" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQvcuMUCzYEgcVDGfQJ3heITN8h2-ayHicKfLEbsdtLWZOJX7yuyaL3DOR1-6JoRTWpyrlFleoWpIR9DmYAddhBcfRFHj16V83U6tY2R8nvGoeXUoupZWq5wLBeJxrMEw_SIvMb0XmaqwPWoMxf9clPnm0whyFYJkbQIBxHDutTUpMjqVgQTYQYQAjWQ/s320/P39%20beer%201.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>Then we started on the beer- Senior Moment and Fell Runner blonde. Sandra arrived and was making our evening meal and we sat chatting over good food and slowly refuelling. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZah9D-9L5fPUhreXyUeWFlpPgxEFOuSifLpZm23GH3qrPmSqU_N5-s2McIKgreEW4FqdfUzF0ADBu9QXx33MXvLCmrRlhliHhWuMUR8KVcloxEZnKtm7DIDM6ejzaEXHRXFpANh0y1ukUcjEb88LUFjM7_SluSgJkqtP93wZpIivgWAdCiDdz27Jqw/s2048/P39%20beer%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1538" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAZah9D-9L5fPUhreXyUeWFlpPgxEFOuSifLpZm23GH3qrPmSqU_N5-s2McIKgreEW4FqdfUzF0ADBu9QXx33MXvLCmrRlhliHhWuMUR8KVcloxEZnKtm7DIDM6ejzaEXHRXFpANh0y1ukUcjEb88LUFjM7_SluSgJkqtP93wZpIivgWAdCiDdz27Jqw/s320/P39%20beer%202.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>By 10.30 I was done and wandered up to bed. Another hot night on the top bunk. I took down the flags amid swarms of midges and then headed back indoors. Breakfast in the morning was a relaxed drawn out affair before I drove home. A good weekend away.</p><p><br /></p>Ultras and a lttle bit morehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14102033182139486675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238582577045689081.post-78165279204266708332023-06-14T09:13:00.002-07:002023-06-14T09:13:25.337-07:00The Inaugral Stanza Stones<p> June was always going to be a busy month and my big birthday run right at the end of May would add to the demands on my body. I am a sucker for lovely weather and feel I should be out in it every day... so when not running we cycled, walked and paddle-boarded plus a bit of indoor climbing.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBkQTjNLMQBQQLN9GHJWLx_4y_PS9hHOrEx_WlN0Vb09Tx-2QgOAszRia94Rh9cfwlYGU4hEbeQdI4HSwp5M7ygEQbMRyGDIKJHXCDgq1GFmcYoF-zB4ItEGj99D-c4aJMf0wF5XGAZS6XB--vJ8xSdE8g70qE8mppufJazxDGRc8Qk8KCahog-AwkMA/s757/start%20flags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="757" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBkQTjNLMQBQQLN9GHJWLx_4y_PS9hHOrEx_WlN0Vb09Tx-2QgOAszRia94Rh9cfwlYGU4hEbeQdI4HSwp5M7ygEQbMRyGDIKJHXCDgq1GFmcYoF-zB4ItEGj99D-c4aJMf0wF5XGAZS6XB--vJ8xSdE8g70qE8mppufJazxDGRc8Qk8KCahog-AwkMA/s320/start%20flags.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>This race was being organised by Cragg Runner/Daz and it looked like a great route with the added interest of visiting each of the Stanza Stones. Very early on Saturday morning we left sunny Preston and were shocked to arrive over the Pennines and find the tops were clagged in. Kevin appeared shortly afterwards and assured me it would burn off. He was right. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlJcmh9tyud9boXFK6X1be-Qtm3fwuyfiPg3u0KrdEAhsywu_p7zH9FBIlClyb9SAMcsPEam57_Ss3a00IR_4euTKwX0SwaMOZklpLRVoEw809ARPngdaEMR2VMNXZ4kmj8n2BvFSIfChuol7jynpnIXp7UUoQ8fcP816AVU9B9JgC20ZWZh1mBO4qEQ/s480/Stanza%20trackers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlJcmh9tyud9boXFK6X1be-Qtm3fwuyfiPg3u0KrdEAhsywu_p7zH9FBIlClyb9SAMcsPEam57_Ss3a00IR_4euTKwX0SwaMOZklpLRVoEw809ARPngdaEMR2VMNXZ4kmj8n2BvFSIfChuol7jynpnIXp7UUoQ8fcP816AVU9B9JgC20ZWZh1mBO4qEQ/s320/Stanza%20trackers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>By the time the flags and banners were up and I had registered before the masses on the coach arrived it was getting warmer. After a cup of tea and lots of chatting I headed outside for the briefing. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO1_PtylpI6qSFDBtZYXhdPH6xK4cLTUkJlDGCwSVlXf_Qx-qxZ4DQMSscV9BrqYZEzIVfmgz69vGJY7WBvfjg_qs83Bfy08NbmSmhanOAegTiP_681H499kP4p4qnanXgmeNF1QcSwy6BND9Uh4cyu8qwfxuDWOyhCm2RDsUu6S1bo-2Mz9yKJlLzHw/s2048/waiting%20to%20start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO1_PtylpI6qSFDBtZYXhdPH6xK4cLTUkJlDGCwSVlXf_Qx-qxZ4DQMSscV9BrqYZEzIVfmgz69vGJY7WBvfjg_qs83Bfy08NbmSmhanOAegTiP_681H499kP4p4qnanXgmeNF1QcSwy6BND9Uh4cyu8qwfxuDWOyhCm2RDsUu6S1bo-2Mz9yKJlLzHw/s320/waiting%20to%20start.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>It was going to be warm but for now I kept my long sleeves on- probably a mistake but I am a right wuss and hate being cold. Should remember Quentin's mantra- if you are not shivering on the start line you will be too hot once you are running.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZopLzbXT6Q3HOW3eMfaaG1o5yy1YVbW4hQYldTLO4uaQJC9kdTZpeEmm12g8JNakuHiwk-GAMe-rZ0SUzCsyvzF-1hpVP5M3dEhLhRN78QYkzuvDvT3_Z_IwD9yC1z-1KlwgtfrBDssnbeMmObY1DJZk8-48y68_dt141pHeDetDpFQr3bQYqCTFySQ/s2048/SS%20me%20pule%20hill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZopLzbXT6Q3HOW3eMfaaG1o5yy1YVbW4hQYldTLO4uaQJC9kdTZpeEmm12g8JNakuHiwk-GAMe-rZ0SUzCsyvzF-1hpVP5M3dEhLhRN78QYkzuvDvT3_Z_IwD9yC1z-1KlwgtfrBDssnbeMmObY1DJZk8-48y68_dt141pHeDetDpFQr3bQYqCTFySQ/s320/SS%20me%20pule%20hill.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>The road start seemed steep and my body was not yet warmed up. Claire was already pulling ahead with the lead men. On Pule Hill I met Bob out for his walk and Steve who was supporting Sally. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzrqgxZrHFEXTRukyeKcGlgv4dJx34qwqqA0XL8Xk-lJhgMhcxZTokABKs2AYpp0lKKTKM9aRxRQ2J-UzuryZ2lZye73gjDzFRIlwoH0C4V4cbSQ4-GF8gcfipKaUcQfuJenW7AMKRo2205toeFe06BAYOkUJAirqLXS17vuSt4dEAXshWFapnx3msJA/s568/Pule%204.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzrqgxZrHFEXTRukyeKcGlgv4dJx34qwqqA0XL8Xk-lJhgMhcxZTokABKs2AYpp0lKKTKM9aRxRQ2J-UzuryZ2lZye73gjDzFRIlwoH0C4V4cbSQ4-GF8gcfipKaUcQfuJenW7AMKRo2205toeFe06BAYOkUJAirqLXS17vuSt4dEAXshWFapnx3msJA/s320/Pule%204.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p>There were climbers on the small crag and the Stanza Stone was easy to find. I followed a guy and took the wrong line leaving though! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKAZaaz_FXel_d-a2mbWuH9WLHdP5K2-QQUJzfWcToNsm1ix_wUmpHL0q-jFdAbBia7DHCybu1ZxSinbKqYNlg8PepK0Cjv1UPm-zT66FLM1eLDoaOVJg6mWeHQ0u1a1eeddQiGbRWcNj4DbVnZHftKKqAvg89GbbsDupGFRHmXQ9w9owOqAtAEjlogw/s757/SS%201st%20%20not%20me.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="757" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKAZaaz_FXel_d-a2mbWuH9WLHdP5K2-QQUJzfWcToNsm1ix_wUmpHL0q-jFdAbBia7DHCybu1ZxSinbKqYNlg8PepK0Cjv1UPm-zT66FLM1eLDoaOVJg6mWeHQ0u1a1eeddQiGbRWcNj4DbVnZHftKKqAvg89GbbsDupGFRHmXQ9w9owOqAtAEjlogw/s320/SS%201st%20%20not%20me.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Dropped too far to the road and had to climb back up over some rough ground- not far but I lost places and was cross with myself. Rachel had overtaken me and we ran together down to the road and the steep path to the stream. I pulled ahead and didn't see he fall. I was busy taking my top layer off and keeping an eye on Martin up ahead. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkEYJvDGyLS26ksLyrGGdEN4zsDZ_31JHA8-yke4TxzEe50Gz38Ipx3IZEvQDcuoBvZQqCcet91k6PfuXCAoJpnVDDAKGFl5VhW1THuK1i7xkLjiw-KP8Sg3AhBksfRsTfv19fvJ-FJvG-USjFxPPFzvv5AozuESsFyuPcX5R7_Tmmaf6wX2IpdASrJg/s2048/SS%20early%20on.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1367" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkEYJvDGyLS26ksLyrGGdEN4zsDZ_31JHA8-yke4TxzEe50Gz38Ipx3IZEvQDcuoBvZQqCcet91k6PfuXCAoJpnVDDAKGFl5VhW1THuK1i7xkLjiw-KP8Sg3AhBksfRsTfv19fvJ-FJvG-USjFxPPFzvv5AozuESsFyuPcX5R7_Tmmaf6wX2IpdASrJg/s320/SS%20early%20on.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><p>He was kindly wearing a bright florescent top making him easy to spot. I told myself not to chase this early in the race but it was no use.. well before the radio masts on Windy Hill we were close and it stayed like that all the way to the White House. The Pennine Way was easy to follow and the flag stone path made for easy running although the ground was so dry that the peat would have been fine. I was pleased to cross the M62 and escape the litter strewn lay-bys and noise of traffic. Blackstone Edge was beautiful and being dry we could avoid the worst of the trip hazards by running on the peaty lines close by. From the Aigin Stone to the CP we were together. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm2vEAAt25OjTrbSzgkEX9iPmiCMs9TzPZ56_mZVpQFTTYJM10saeS0zGoKbO2-l1fHv7OCBQPfwKk7smbubQm9cdr_8HqONDwKf7Ms9zFQ8AVemcM4_Vd-oHY3K3Oe_DLYyKDrCLYX5fmJgYRBVMZJNjkWvsXrRGPG8iVn34BYocuZLrMiisb5r5BbQ/s2048/white%20house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="922" data-original-width="2048" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm2vEAAt25OjTrbSzgkEX9iPmiCMs9TzPZ56_mZVpQFTTYJM10saeS0zGoKbO2-l1fHv7OCBQPfwKk7smbubQm9cdr_8HqONDwKf7Ms9zFQ8AVemcM4_Vd-oHY3K3Oe_DLYyKDrCLYX5fmJgYRBVMZJNjkWvsXrRGPG8iVn34BYocuZLrMiisb5r5BbQ/s320/white%20house.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>It was a bit of a shock to arrive and realise that I had not eaten at all and had barely drunk anything either. I was carrying plenty so I just grabbed some sweets and pushed on. The big track was easy running and I knew where the next Stone was from climbing on Cows Mouth crag. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLKTkLLtKDp8GJ8Y_2hSTYAlsTkTi2QwNwhFSSLjfh_eA6p6fJO_SjA4xU7Cx8epF7akHcLKOLytNGuHtLhACfdq81nYpKMVCDHR6xsfsgIHrgfnIeXnFbC6tzBiyf8j5hkHtmyx7MSMeCZr5HKbkq9QbP7xRA2hQC4OAp6eM5jyH15WFJoqgNrpCe8w/s2048/Cows%20mouth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="922" data-original-width="2048" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLKTkLLtKDp8GJ8Y_2hSTYAlsTkTi2QwNwhFSSLjfh_eA6p6fJO_SjA4xU7Cx8epF7akHcLKOLytNGuHtLhACfdq81nYpKMVCDHR6xsfsgIHrgfnIeXnFbC6tzBiyf8j5hkHtmyx7MSMeCZr5HKbkq9QbP7xRA2hQC4OAp6eM5jyH15WFJoqgNrpCe8w/s320/Cows%20mouth.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The big track continued past reservoirs and it was breezy but hot. From Warland Res we followed the drain on a big loop that led us the ridge with Stoodley Pike- all familiar territory. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqftPbrPQJwVuaTZ2bPeaxn_XN_hc4iBEjB87UNaBZBRgcJExQPHVYggXH9E_O-9c_Nk2YW2zIo6r3IueF4gxtkC1fXI46uJc0adN-nWvQ6jLq9wuePEzdkUJIbhFUujkEBJWIbkaGVt8moZiDBqkYj3r8aG2jpfciyAwiCLTJTtGKfTUayzM5sf5m4g/s2048/to%20S%20Pike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="922" data-original-width="2048" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqftPbrPQJwVuaTZ2bPeaxn_XN_hc4iBEjB87UNaBZBRgcJExQPHVYggXH9E_O-9c_Nk2YW2zIo6r3IueF4gxtkC1fXI46uJc0adN-nWvQ6jLq9wuePEzdkUJIbhFUujkEBJWIbkaGVt8moZiDBqkYj3r8aG2jpfciyAwiCLTJTtGKfTUayzM5sf5m4g/s320/to%20S%20Pike.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not Martin but it is the Pike</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Leaving the Pike Martin pulled ahead a bit but was always in sight until we left the moor and dropped through the woods towards Mytholmroyd. Here I made my next mistake- a little knowledge is a dangerous thing! I was sure we were heading to the hall that the Hebden uses. I wondered why I couldn't see Martin and ran 3 sides of a square before realising my mistake and heading back to the Community Hall. Annoying and it made me rush. I should have stayed and eaten more plus I only refilled one water bottle not two. The next section was a bit fiddly and I lost time checking carefully. It was also a steep climb! A path diverted around a house was the only boggy section of the whole day and here four guys caught me. I was struggling with a sore glute, sore left shin and terrible stomach cramp. There was nothing they could do and I assured them I would be fine and tried to follow and tag on to their pace. We dropped one guy and I was now following Steve's red shirt across Crow Hill and onto the moors. I do not know this area at all and it is years since I have done any races there. It was good to have people to follow and to concentrate on trying to nibble at food as we left the open moor and followed yet another water drain to the minor road. The next Stone was the trickiest to find but the description was good and we arrived with no issues. From here it was down into Oxenhope and then on to Haworth which seemed to take longer than I expected. I was keen to stick with them but knew that the pace was stopping me eating enough. I drank all I had and resolved to stop at the next CP to rest, recover and eat. Haworth was predictably busy and we dodged tourists all the way down the cobbled street and into the CP. </p><p>It was now scorching and I was suffering. I sat in the shade drinking lots and trying to eat. I should have made myself eat more but I just couldn't face it. Martin had left as we arrived and now Steve and the other guy left too. I left a little later and alone. The next section was relatively short but is a bit of a hazy memory.... it was HOT, I didn't know the way, there were lots of nettles and a climb up onto a moor. Across the moor was easy and I felt a bit better in the breeze but then I made two small nav errors and had to double back. Darren Tweed caught me here and it was nice to have company again as we took the Calder Aire path towards Harden Beck. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXy0MieA7yil0EM4fyQrd_H8e4N2i0msPvmfca1w-HYb0TeoDXyESxUA8R8ELiKdJuZCbhfVM_Wpx05ZC62I5FLYu79RMWGPwUf1jps2qbXLnSnOLNsRofak-oXctAlZtVZxoAbX6g-L5jMBVnvy_JPy0iOQyAZMmV32k32XokknUjG5v1dZHlcktM8g/s2048/river.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="922" data-original-width="2048" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXy0MieA7yil0EM4fyQrd_H8e4N2i0msPvmfca1w-HYb0TeoDXyESxUA8R8ELiKdJuZCbhfVM_Wpx05ZC62I5FLYu79RMWGPwUf1jps2qbXLnSnOLNsRofak-oXctAlZtVZxoAbX6g-L5jMBVnvy_JPy0iOQyAZMmV32k32XokknUjG5v1dZHlcktM8g/s320/river.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>There was shade in the woods but no breeze. The path was rocky and full of trip hazards plus lots of families walking and teenagers swimming in the big pools. The second set of woods had a wider path and we were soon on the outskirts of Bingley. In the park on the edge of town we caught a runner I had been with before the M62, he was trashed and I think he retired at that CP. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3lavr4WC3Imav6bUAKPhMdWvLifmlfbthZfIGosKDDi_YdGrB3TPa3nPMvo9hjuWt1oKw6fipsjQkKgsJxhRG6ty9CgR0LepB5bYjNczwx4WVhu8CSx09ZxMbPxFXoByEPYQr89gqt0ZWXRna2wAN2cimfJ-esVd9NMCTxclG_SUedznIsCjvAdPLA/s2048/Off%20the%20canal%20at%20last.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP3lavr4WC3Imav6bUAKPhMdWvLifmlfbthZfIGosKDDi_YdGrB3TPa3nPMvo9hjuWt1oKw6fipsjQkKgsJxhRG6ty9CgR0LepB5bYjNczwx4WVhu8CSx09ZxMbPxFXoByEPYQr89gqt0ZWXRna2wAN2cimfJ-esVd9NMCTxclG_SUedznIsCjvAdPLA/s320/Off%20the%20canal%20at%20last.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Off the dreaded canal and arriving at Fellsman CP</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Again, I knew I had to stop and try to eat even though it was tempting to crack on with Darren. I filled both water bottles, drank a fair bit and managed a slice of pizza but no more. A cold wet cloth from Charles helped. After a confused moment in the car park I was soon on track and heading for the canal- a mixed blessing of easy nav, what should have been easy running but Oh so boring. It was depressing to be so slow and not make good use of this flat good path to up my pace but my body just would not do it! I could find no where to sit and felt rubbish. I even contemplated phoning Bob and telling him I was doing badly and would be very late. There was some shade and I tried to jog when I could. At least I knew where to leave the canal at the swing bridge. I had messaged Chris Driver with the tracker link and knew he might support us. He and his boys did much better than that. Timothy was out on his bike making sure we didn't miss the swing bridge turn and giving encouragement. Chris had set up a full water station with William. I stopped to sit, chat and recover. I managed a bag of crisps, more liquid and then William ran to fetch me an ice pop- what a star. They also checked the tracker and let me know that Rachel was only a few km behind me. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBKwyRdmdeKBEJnOlvW55YrvEVlx4kQQo4V9xgv48aU76Y4RX44pEeNeUQog2kxJ489cZPsQKHBD3YtaK4BtZd6RGKMgAoUxeY4LdVPQ-KoV3Vn5le6ZOnUNYA7GIGkXogSkzRDZsHQK_kr7rvJ9rCthU1Hc-61ejD01PqoKmQ_CntM7IIrc5JMUlt6w/s2048/CD%20Chair%20CP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBKwyRdmdeKBEJnOlvW55YrvEVlx4kQQo4V9xgv48aU76Y4RX44pEeNeUQog2kxJ489cZPsQKHBD3YtaK4BtZd6RGKMgAoUxeY4LdVPQ-KoV3Vn5le6ZOnUNYA7GIGkXogSkzRDZsHQK_kr7rvJ9rCthU1Hc-61ejD01PqoKmQ_CntM7IIrc5JMUlt6w/s320/CD%20Chair%20CP.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><p>With a bit of food inside me and the ice pop cooling me I set off to the climb onto the moor. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5xJmycGKm_Y4pTm2Q55Cxg8ECTP2aPqjsMTqqDAMzBCP108P3n3ifxy0tyzt0ukESXvTSmZ309mzejakY-mdVfnJIQ9JdeZBf_KMtChhZk3yk-sWHT_9rs-EDUL0XCUQmCTTTWVKeAGpzqss3qaVQ2KrPjYvaoTxGIu3vp1ruJdosENMg4MA6Udmug/s2048/From%20CD%20CP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5xJmycGKm_Y4pTm2Q55Cxg8ECTP2aPqjsMTqqDAMzBCP108P3n3ifxy0tyzt0ukESXvTSmZ309mzejakY-mdVfnJIQ9JdeZBf_KMtChhZk3yk-sWHT_9rs-EDUL0XCUQmCTTTWVKeAGpzqss3qaVQ2KrPjYvaoTxGIu3vp1ruJdosENMg4MA6Udmug/s320/From%20CD%20CP.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><p>The next Stanza Stone is huge, upright and set in a wall so at least that would be no issue.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfAAwcy7BYykaHina9f-yKHwQcBeSPvZU6cfFSMlX908lArGmLfyyuFu8aGvLOllr636sIOU7awHJGtUXcxWolJ8o87Q7Sxlh8OBsXRh5C1FDJpisg_hPnVw8UQFDOWJs9LwzRNW7bv-Frchjy2bWzmMETIcgKtyAAuslr30qLlKR8zr6XlbuC9xf4cA/s1440/Stanza%20Sones%20easy%20one.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfAAwcy7BYykaHina9f-yKHwQcBeSPvZU6cfFSMlX908lArGmLfyyuFu8aGvLOllr636sIOU7awHJGtUXcxWolJ8o87Q7Sxlh8OBsXRh5C1FDJpisg_hPnVw8UQFDOWJs9LwzRNW7bv-Frchjy2bWzmMETIcgKtyAAuslr30qLlKR8zr6XlbuC9xf4cA/s320/Stanza%20Sones%20easy%20one.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I plodded up the tarmac to the moor and tried to keep a good pace going. At least we didn't have to climb up onto Rivock Edge. The new path into the woods and down to the farms was easy running and I was feeling slightly better- amazing what some food can do! Having clipped at the Stone I pushed on past the paths and up onto Addingham moor. This bit I knew from my Dales High Way run and it was much easier in the daylight and being bone dry. I ran most of it even if it was not super fast and it didn't take long to reach the moor road. I plodded up this at a reasonable pace but then had to stop on the seat as the slope levelled out. I had a MF jelly and pushed on to Whetstone Gate and the last CP. I ate a small piece of cake, drank and asked how far behind Rachel was. Suddenly it seemed important not to be caught at this stage having been ahead all day. There was still plenty of day light and I was feeling slightly better- perhaps because I knew the end was in sight. A mixture of walking and jogging took me along the ridge top on the flag stone path. It was cooler now but still warm enough for shorts and T shirt. I was worried about the next stone and checked two spots on either side of the path unnecessarily. More time lost! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIE1QxcuGwGclMhyuQCUuzavYlJfczxwyeEggrsxpP-DXjyCH5djya-GWdMUbxewcPEzNf3qfPbGTI9MNZMEmxfHMWhjpO-188zKEn-cF5c_OM-Zl41v9T171tokSW-Aj3itGTywqqKvQJkFcaRBCpmsLhVY1tsQ3hY-ZMY_Y8N96XVadKxO4UqUr7sw/s1440/SS%20puddle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIE1QxcuGwGclMhyuQCUuzavYlJfczxwyeEggrsxpP-DXjyCH5djya-GWdMUbxewcPEzNf3qfPbGTI9MNZMEmxfHMWhjpO-188zKEn-cF5c_OM-Zl41v9T171tokSW-Aj3itGTywqqKvQJkFcaRBCpmsLhVY1tsQ3hY-ZMY_Y8N96XVadKxO4UqUr7sw/s320/SS%20puddle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I needn't have bothered- the Stone 'Puddle' which I knew would be lying flat was very close to the path and the kite was easily visible. I punched quickly and ran on to the path junction where there was a quad bike. The out and back to 12 Apostles didn't take long and then it was down and down towards Ilkley. Parts were pleasant running and other bits seemed determined to trip my tired legs. I was also anxious not to miss the last Stone which was always further down the hill than I hoped. There were little red flags in places but some had been flattened or removed. I kept the stream on my left and prayed. Eventually I reached the short turn to the last Stone and I stepped down my leg collapsed with painful cramp. The two guys I had been chatting too were very concerned. They asked what they could do and perhaps were not expecting a request to please massage my leg! Last clip punched and the path quickly improved as it left the moor and a short section of woodland. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhapEB70XxcLsWbQrTo44doHsmi3hXfM57PZvKCdMPVq1dZa63D_i6osy4hXfy_z7quxfY37LyjXlDbZK7_EaNYYM3dd1rDqJVEC57d56iuIYSX6-Qcodd65lUI01uLtIWwnLIYr7CZW16o_oLZ2wfcJfx_m_c9TewasTxw6D5Kz5X6MBLxLKh03cls0Q/s2048/last%20road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhapEB70XxcLsWbQrTo44doHsmi3hXfM57PZvKCdMPVq1dZa63D_i6osy4hXfy_z7quxfY37LyjXlDbZK7_EaNYYM3dd1rDqJVEC57d56iuIYSX6-Qcodd65lUI01uLtIWwnLIYr7CZW16o_oLZ2wfcJfx_m_c9TewasTxw6D5Kz5X6MBLxLKh03cls0Q/s320/last%20road.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>Then it was out onto to the road where Bob was waiting and down into the suburbs to turn right on the final level road section and into the field. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79WPwRbzM-Rtt8o-vKfubDMsx6f7Uw3C9d3GFNoDoah3zf9J-lelBD-QcDZCcnRoyDgF5zCzT6Fx4EyUrAbgA2JqjXU8U0HZfmYXVKWxr4zQ2sk2MUgI4rRegHCTB3URIbGjT2qAL8tm8NMGO4R-381uqdLl5tmViEaTdeB4zn1xRR-ljKWpK_btsJQ/s2048/Job%20done.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79WPwRbzM-Rtt8o-vKfubDMsx6f7Uw3C9d3GFNoDoah3zf9J-lelBD-QcDZCcnRoyDgF5zCzT6Fx4EyUrAbgA2JqjXU8U0HZfmYXVKWxr4zQ2sk2MUgI4rRegHCTB3URIbGjT2qAL8tm8NMGO4R-381uqdLl5tmViEaTdeB4zn1xRR-ljKWpK_btsJQ/s320/Job%20done.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>Phew- I had made the finish (which wasn't a given in the early afternoon), had kept ahead of Rachel and it was done. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4RyLxjq5biVyRRIC9Ra8Y0i3kj7l9n4kjMxyVBiyShL5LUnNlJsVDP72ud10xqn2o7ABTRGEANkk8RtrIA7-5SxqJqh14nABmK7ll6Cx89fNU4ACp6OE2WGM87TaYkw4IF4ftqT36mi_WwFNxaUPDrFEYe0JAsysDcz763R4vs9GWysbUhjnqGnFcA/s2048/My%20leg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU4RyLxjq5biVyRRIC9Ra8Y0i3kj7l9n4kjMxyVBiyShL5LUnNlJsVDP72ud10xqn2o7ABTRGEANkk8RtrIA7-5SxqJqh14nABmK7ll6Cx89fNU4ACp6OE2WGM87TaYkw4IF4ftqT36mi_WwFNxaUPDrFEYe0JAsysDcz763R4vs9GWysbUhjnqGnFcA/s320/My%20leg.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Explaining the cramp and strange men rubbing my leg</td></tr></tbody></table><p>11 hours 38 mins. Longer than I had hoped but I was pleased to be 2nd F, 1st FV and 13th overall. I was only about 15 mins behind Martin but Darren and Steve had both run well in the second half. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyh1RilMRnroJOOCHUekQrdeWxnIcVNwlNggGkuV3n6UT6iQ5WbB3JsjIFC1m9o13-H8pRrCQIdSR0eWLGhp556MhUnGJVNyQS9IYEg7WJnRecg7CQ4HRt2ypbUBHVyoEi6gtURVcz8Rlh_YsG7DONxgbIVldWmm-JlMN7devOCUt8pdfLpmmXnbrfvg/s2048/sat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyh1RilMRnroJOOCHUekQrdeWxnIcVNwlNggGkuV3n6UT6iQ5WbB3JsjIFC1m9o13-H8pRrCQIdSR0eWLGhp556MhUnGJVNyQS9IYEg7WJnRecg7CQ4HRt2ypbUBHVyoEi6gtURVcz8Rlh_YsG7DONxgbIVldWmm-JlMN7devOCUt8pdfLpmmXnbrfvg/s320/sat.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>Claire had another storming run and was only just behind Phil by the finish. The winners time was 9hrs20 with Kevin inside 10 hours and Adam just over 10.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj71zSkyD77V9KJzjG2qWSEWtPhHtarpt42Agi_6Vcn_kOBAYTorRz9eoa6FG3nPDWeoOCLvM7lpKsCtZ9blRNkW5tokLpl0XxHc-erheMkUfB9qThw18r6_YYQCvXtH2kbXttWQ-tA0aJA5osIb12r79UCDRZsf1qPBtpvrdYq8tLmZB00b9e1t2q42g/s768/Rewards%20Stanza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="577" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj71zSkyD77V9KJzjG2qWSEWtPhHtarpt42Agi_6Vcn_kOBAYTorRz9eoa6FG3nPDWeoOCLvM7lpKsCtZ9blRNkW5tokLpl0XxHc-erheMkUfB9qThw18r6_YYQCvXtH2kbXttWQ-tA0aJA5osIb12r79UCDRZsf1qPBtpvrdYq8tLmZB00b9e1t2q42g/s320/Rewards%20Stanza.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>I sat on the finish line for a while before moving inside for cups of tea, food and a mini presentation of my trophy, mug and T shirt. Bob had been patient all day so as the light started to fade we dismantled the flags, said bye and he drove me home.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVmuyi-ZLi1BdNxYqlvIDfQZiP88A-oCAiaj3gETIfDei-DxD2hkAduqMziAFpLFkoJqYnNNe6a9TzZunKoFC6IC6hpA8YF37XFp84hMzIGwhdcDi1H8LYLxODnm_ReYYfLLibz30R2my1zD6UkcxjiVzTSmi_WSBUsZ2NL_jUcqlz3cCKCuaFa8w7Yw/s2048/finish%20flags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVmuyi-ZLi1BdNxYqlvIDfQZiP88A-oCAiaj3gETIfDei-DxD2hkAduqMziAFpLFkoJqYnNNe6a9TzZunKoFC6IC6hpA8YF37XFp84hMzIGwhdcDi1H8LYLxODnm_ReYYfLLibz30R2my1zD6UkcxjiVzTSmi_WSBUsZ2NL_jUcqlz3cCKCuaFa8w7Yw/s320/finish%20flags.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I know there are places where I faffed with route nav and so could do better but then the ground might not be so dry another year. I should have eaten more early on and perhaps have done less in the previous fortnight. It was though a great day out and a beautiful route</p>Ultras and a lttle bit morehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14102033182139486675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238582577045689081.post-70682686534954497172023-06-04T13:46:00.000-07:002023-06-04T13:46:13.187-07:00Birthday challenge run<p> A long run on my birthday is becoming a tradition- perhaps my attempt to deny ageing. I had several options in mind but one seemed too big (maybe later) and several of the others too short (might reserve the shorter ones for future years). rs LDWA100 in the Midlands just did not enthuse me so I browsed the GoFar site and found the Dales Top 10, at 80 hilly miles it seemed perfect. There would be parts I knew but other sections that would be an adventure. Certainly no time to check it all out. Chris has helped on several of my solo runs and I wanted to invite him if he was available- just as well in the end as our van was off the road! The next decision was deciding which day over the bank holiday would be best- the weather was pretty much the same but a family walk and lunch on Sunday and the hope that Monday into Tues would be quieter meant the run would be on my actual birthday.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX88uVXGfmA5EZrNaQTT30nktUdb3i0qgQ-3jfx8Vqiu6MP-IzPbiDrRgmzEvVhHtGeVLJ188knSeMJ9t2Xj4vvDcirOEvogwCV-NOouetBC2T_r5TgfhvGPGZ1kbRLhvO-QEKVb89na2oKIcVix_mcQyXutEsr2FIEXDrWlQff9thjI4cEXoFJ8DuvQ/s1517/D%20%20top%2010%20close%20start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1517" data-original-width="992" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX88uVXGfmA5EZrNaQTT30nktUdb3i0qgQ-3jfx8Vqiu6MP-IzPbiDrRgmzEvVhHtGeVLJ188knSeMJ9t2Xj4vvDcirOEvogwCV-NOouetBC2T_r5TgfhvGPGZ1kbRLhvO-QEKVb89na2oKIcVix_mcQyXutEsr2FIEXDrWlQff9thjI4cEXoFJ8DuvQ/s320/D%20%20top%2010%20close%20start.jpg" width="209" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chilly start</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Chris and I drove to Horton on Sunday evening and parked up by the now closed Primary School- plenty of space and very quiet so perfect. We went for a short stroll up the lane and were stunned at how cold the air was thanks to the easterly wind. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGkcHzUioS9d_KdNipgwSE1u6pxkXldKGKiJLG_eE7PU_KOCBT6wrA4R55I72DA2JIxTBDy7iCxy1GPQBvGAmSSD88rAhE0F05G-3IUC-eRg5X-u0qqCbbmXUDIsUpreiRGoIwxW3Lg3ROAVfx68jwug7r5BaY7bVZCe_jshYOvSinxwTmo-NXxwxndQ/s2048/D%20top%2010%20start%20van.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGkcHzUioS9d_KdNipgwSE1u6pxkXldKGKiJLG_eE7PU_KOCBT6wrA4R55I72DA2JIxTBDy7iCxy1GPQBvGAmSSD88rAhE0F05G-3IUC-eRg5X-u0qqCbbmXUDIsUpreiRGoIwxW3Lg3ROAVfx68jwug7r5BaY7bVZCe_jshYOvSinxwTmo-NXxwxndQ/s320/D%20top%2010%20start%20van.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Super crew van</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I slept well and woke refreshed at 5am. After a quick breakfast it seemed daft to hang about and at 5.40am I set off. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSe55yXyqf4tQV4SYjqsdHd56dQ2lOwvXz9ohjbGlAyoQCYwbFFJCK8_34RfmHIvv_uKxyDdNSE4hLkQNQ9wQBqiQZo0bLB6F3Scsnc1WiqOgsKp_vPLxqkfORYRAKrQlR0v-wE9J6gRhLzFwzK_BjTfatP9Mdm1fAx_oYOJ7DhPlsJTsK-52KPiAwHw/s2048/D%20top%2010%20away.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSe55yXyqf4tQV4SYjqsdHd56dQ2lOwvXz9ohjbGlAyoQCYwbFFJCK8_34RfmHIvv_uKxyDdNSE4hLkQNQ9wQBqiQZo0bLB6F3Scsnc1WiqOgsKp_vPLxqkfORYRAKrQlR0v-wE9J6gRhLzFwzK_BjTfatP9Mdm1fAx_oYOJ7DhPlsJTsK-52KPiAwHw/s320/D%20top%2010%20away.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">A few walkers had already passed the van and I picked these off quickly as I jogged up the lane to Brackenclose and then the footpath towards my first Top Pen y Gent. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgafWrl75eqqVCm87J2EI4FbLyMfm4CREUMHBRANSdC8sXsGXcO67RW7e8WP6hzHJPFOVDUQJV3WZoXlrRDlAlJLznAsv5O6SYyp768KOx2DK4GAAeEv19Wo7DSZt26cAbNH2KNEKOezCWhACkX6tzEpL6c-zQBOYMfVB5CfSHiSsrEpPAuXrs8S7uzwg/s2048/D%20top%2010%20off.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgafWrl75eqqVCm87J2EI4FbLyMfm4CREUMHBRANSdC8sXsGXcO67RW7e8WP6hzHJPFOVDUQJV3WZoXlrRDlAlJLznAsv5O6SYyp768KOx2DK4GAAeEv19Wo7DSZt26cAbNH2KNEKOezCWhACkX6tzEpL6c-zQBOYMfVB5CfSHiSsrEpPAuXrs8S7uzwg/s320/D%20top%2010%20off.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;">The sun was already up and I was soon shedding layers. the views were awesome and the wildlife not yet disturbed by the masses. The peak loomed large although actually it is only the 9th highest. The rock steps were pleasingly dry and I was soon up at the trig point. Reversing the rock and heading towards Fountains Fell I saw y last people for several hours. I guess I could have skipped F Fell as it is 12th highest but my route sort of took me that way and the GPX from the GoFar website included it. I had two options here and having taken the least tarmac I now guess most people opt for tarmac and then the Pennine Way. My path was mostly dry but the long grass was still wet from overnight and before long my shoes were soaked. Once I reached the PW it was easier running and mostly down hill to the lane that would lead me north to Arncliffe. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Ha0mTUZurQDn98ebK_FUT1o4k49oHYNA7-aiw9R_8x5iVbwIbb9IvsxogPic_fjGTqDKvJPS-LY09djmPerSgIT5XGbGK7ETp5IYWSQUhp1-nODIEoDncrWTxi0HNYyqK33AW7IS7r4wAsxtJPGr9lNUsY8nKOnzQxLtx4Ut2QRZ0EcBDUxvXwMz9A/s2048/Bday%20run%20Bob.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Ha0mTUZurQDn98ebK_FUT1o4k49oHYNA7-aiw9R_8x5iVbwIbb9IvsxogPic_fjGTqDKvJPS-LY09djmPerSgIT5XGbGK7ETp5IYWSQUhp1-nODIEoDncrWTxi0HNYyqK33AW7IS7r4wAsxtJPGr9lNUsY8nKOnzQxLtx4Ut2QRZ0EcBDUxvXwMz9A/s320/Bday%20run%20Bob.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not a fan of tarmac but speedy miles</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="text-align: left;">I was making good time and the tarmac helped me increase this further. It was a shock to see a worried Bob in my car. He had misunderstood my spreadsheet where I had inserted road crossings and thought I was well behind time. Overall the lane descended but there was one very steep climb up from a stream. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj002iDb2FP2NUyyRpJOEroKNlSI7RcQjgITzsv51nxblIekoHt_gUaM6-2zXW0_doA13CKo9cx4M5bF7tjtTjcuvIMExrvnwc2y7JfLfSkqKBQSVvMhoV9StjXDQfksimcccFCLixCJSP2aY5FnWjASRP4jirQCljs_f_nvsv2m2dG-QGUfsQ5DuxinA/s2048/Bday%20run%20to%20Arncliffe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj002iDb2FP2NUyyRpJOEroKNlSI7RcQjgITzsv51nxblIekoHt_gUaM6-2zXW0_doA13CKo9cx4M5bF7tjtTjcuvIMExrvnwc2y7JfLfSkqKBQSVvMhoV9StjXDQfksimcccFCLixCJSP2aY5FnWjASRP4jirQCljs_f_nvsv2m2dG-QGUfsQ5DuxinA/s320/Bday%20run%20to%20Arncliffe.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;">After birthday kisses I left Bob and took the bridleway behind the village to cross the river and climb Middlesmoor towards Kettlewell. Busy looking at the views I must have missed a small path and climbed higher over the spur than I had intended but it was on a nice grassy path and I didn't really mind. I had seen nobody for ages but Kettlewell was awake and starting to get busy. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf3r9ueaZwvRhQFkr2FLxeUjDT8ueXab10Kt0hdbnVgd4-nuND0eb_cKc2aC2ICn0J7XM7QImpvt7jDiNwHkgudNepPc0QbDqId99P-LAP4VeAzpjaP1VP4mxnygIuqAnzAW_e_yrbhEgqLIMmLV-15Pylt8-dZselTvhmC5Z0inew-fpkGtpuw5jLpA/s2048/Bday%20run%20fast%20start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf3r9ueaZwvRhQFkr2FLxeUjDT8ueXab10Kt0hdbnVgd4-nuND0eb_cKc2aC2ICn0J7XM7QImpvt7jDiNwHkgudNepPc0QbDqId99P-LAP4VeAzpjaP1VP4mxnygIuqAnzAW_e_yrbhEgqLIMmLV-15Pylt8-dZselTvhmC5Z0inew-fpkGtpuw5jLpA/s320/Bday%20run%20fast%20start.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;">Mixed jogging and hill stomping led me through the village, past the campsite and onto the moor. Hag Dyke was deserted and I think the last time I was here there was deep snow ( a Fellsman recee with Bob). Great Whernside (6th highest) was up ahead. This was going to be reverse Fellsman and so should be easy except a chilly wind as I reached the top had me dropping quickly for cover and I missed the small path. I dropped too low but found some trods and all was well as I reached the Park rash road crossing. It's is usually dark when I reach here so it made a change to see the scenery. Knowing I would be out all day and most of the night I made myself stop and eat properly. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZCc2MlQB4XhakocdU5jUuFtVsn6bLnziXV_HVrAn4Pehd344tNSwkKxKvZs7vk1AkuY8noGZUKQxRRNxiO6jKqWMzXUuUpyHf6XOoskQ6ZnPgiXLkyQvbIYgyOmuAOxyfN9uXQnUy1UY_44HU-aUUQSykA-s-A7PiT0pB_X5QKx8ouH56eNSLgIIqhQ/s2048/D%20top%2010%20%20B%20Trig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZCc2MlQB4XhakocdU5jUuFtVsn6bLnziXV_HVrAn4Pehd344tNSwkKxKvZs7vk1AkuY8noGZUKQxRRNxiO6jKqWMzXUuUpyHf6XOoskQ6ZnPgiXLkyQvbIYgyOmuAOxyfN9uXQnUy1UY_44HU-aUUQSykA-s-A7PiT0pB_X5QKx8ouH56eNSLgIIqhQ/s320/D%20top%2010%20%20B%20Trig.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Warm now even on the tops</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="text-align: left;">Back on track it was easy to reach the lower slopes of Buckden Pike. It was also a joy to find the bogs by the wall were now bone dry and I was soon up at the memorial. More and more flag stones are being added to the ridge path and I made good time to the trig where there was a small crowd of walkers including Bob and Chris. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj43V16doP_oy-IHbXSIaO_Myqs88vNRQhW29AhA1neCbN9p5kfUww-buQem9-p2mzE5Civ8bj6d85erc33QG8tKM0uK9k9_FmubrsV6EEpC118SGl3PEOkUYKxDDdrfKcK9JAqL6nspWH5681cCC5-pzh6mAeqsaNmCPszpBSGR2sawVu1sOZPzDiu0g/s2048/D%20top%2010%20%20Buckden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj43V16doP_oy-IHbXSIaO_Myqs88vNRQhW29AhA1neCbN9p5kfUww-buQem9-p2mzE5Civ8bj6d85erc33QG8tKM0uK9k9_FmubrsV6EEpC118SGl3PEOkUYKxDDdrfKcK9JAqL6nspWH5681cCC5-pzh6mAeqsaNmCPszpBSGR2sawVu1sOZPzDiu0g/s320/D%20top%2010%20%20Buckden.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;">Making good time meant they had not yet completed their walk. More birthday misses and photos before we left Bob and Chris and I jogged down together chatting. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9p0zZlbRZr7K-lh2GhqDlxFJRJdcrXf5y7jCgc93mFP09o-hL6cSfRN9gN85yDI2YiLwYrrW6-AGp9y2wU-bVQhDI3BR0jyOnQ54e7abK4xJRA6qaVhOalw6kw0lEySJRAAyspgRicQEiBCP-uxFHWFQ6n_rFvioJZ6oEV_V-9CDkyvjqwMxBRLZIgg/s2048/D%20top%2010%20down%20BP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9p0zZlbRZr7K-lh2GhqDlxFJRJdcrXf5y7jCgc93mFP09o-hL6cSfRN9gN85yDI2YiLwYrrW6-AGp9y2wU-bVQhDI3BR0jyOnQ54e7abK4xJRA6qaVhOalw6kw0lEySJRAAyspgRicQEiBCP-uxFHWFQ6n_rFvioJZ6oEV_V-9CDkyvjqwMxBRLZIgg/s320/D%20top%2010%20down%20BP.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;">The cows tried to guard the last gate but were easily moved and we reached the van on the Cray road. I spent a few minutes here eating, drinking and topping up my supplies. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-dkDY0FGFNjdwxeOuuBrSCFZTMQ12b70qmdp9ro1QhcVvHYln7ue2C5Cwv_2wgZnqL5wgtTNMluhYnd34Bol94fUCLj3HuewEvw_JDjrl9qX1a1dX8zFQxbPI7uGB0guXc3a61Sw87orM7pRXOC4GuD2c-D6Ws-hYK9AT52B4sDTwCft7kVYBaFxKoQ/s2048/D%20top%2010%20%20cray%20van.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-dkDY0FGFNjdwxeOuuBrSCFZTMQ12b70qmdp9ro1QhcVvHYln7ue2C5Cwv_2wgZnqL5wgtTNMluhYnd34Bol94fUCLj3HuewEvw_JDjrl9qX1a1dX8zFQxbPI7uGB0guXc3a61Sw87orM7pRXOC4GuD2c-D6Ws-hYK9AT52B4sDTwCft7kVYBaFxKoQ/s320/D%20top%2010%20%20cray%20van.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;">The stony Gilbert Lane up onto the next moor is fairly steep but I think I prefer flogging up than running down. There were lapwings and curlews everywhere, some getting very cross that I was close to their nesting areas. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl59kW0Cc5ej2THMvKpNPUptZzABu-ttyMVtgJ1z0NhilNLcEpJ89RWXCIeNuWDtDtnAOoT0EkV6lCHiu6Y7kS8ziNewVBymS5t0Tr1RKcNX9feDfPid9xRCDfwkuvQa-zoyBnghJLFXuZcnNkAl-904iEmANuZyA-5vWECjJKYOnyRWPw-MGH9JlfwA/s2048/D%20top%2010%20Cray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl59kW0Cc5ej2THMvKpNPUptZzABu-ttyMVtgJ1z0NhilNLcEpJ89RWXCIeNuWDtDtnAOoT0EkV6lCHiu6Y7kS8ziNewVBymS5t0Tr1RKcNX9feDfPid9xRCDfwkuvQa-zoyBnghJLFXuZcnNkAl-904iEmANuZyA-5vWECjJKYOnyRWPw-MGH9JlfwA/s320/D%20top%2010%20Cray.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;">I found the turn off to Staling Busk easily and was delighted to find it was grassy! This lasted a while until it levelled out and became a gnarly track down and into the village. Field paths led me towards Marsett and another gnarly track.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhJnVB17wyqJtyMVjge_q9SpKo_XuxUhmD1IetrBr5-dRfbeOrt8C-osxQIXB-1x59pAn-8g9BPg68nP5Ho6paNIrkAHwFrdMPCN0Qovxm6eqIrlWKL53t5JunVSGKVQHvZkAtBSGFf4RNakLjKYh3eJ7YC_eugs8q0Cve3unLDFi5MlAm2oYLSjZxw/s2048/D%20top%2010%20cray%20a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhJnVB17wyqJtyMVjge_q9SpKo_XuxUhmD1IetrBr5-dRfbeOrt8C-osxQIXB-1x59pAn-8g9BPg68nP5Ho6paNIrkAHwFrdMPCN0Qovxm6eqIrlWKL53t5JunVSGKVQHvZkAtBSGFf4RNakLjKYh3eJ7YC_eugs8q0Cve3unLDFi5MlAm2oYLSjZxw/s320/D%20top%2010%20cray%20a.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;">I had not been here before and the 'small' ridge of Wether Fell I had to cross looked bigger than I had hoped. Luckily there were two struggling walkers up ahead and I promised myself I would overtake them by the stile and having done so had to jog on of course. I crossed the old Roman Road and could soon see Hawes nestled by the river Ure. I made a determined effort not to look too far north to Great Shunner Fell. Lovely grassy field paths led me down and down to Gayle and then Hawes. I had done almost 50km and was moving quite well. Worries that the small path cutting the corner in Hawes would be crowded proved unfounded and there was no queue at the icecream van. I stopped for a treat which vanished quickly and jogged over the river and towards Hardraw.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtH9_RRVfXFoWDo6sSXA0uDa_Q7EWVPDtg1ADtpFSZJ5hy_D7AUlZELNTAvoofZvRs3JWOWue35ozLDzU1ZazArL_LRlqMfCPuaVPj8whCWBhITlqAVRpirxTTJL18gvN42soB_Sxnid_NzXqyQHLydCb4a8ImOxvHMTZrfnZifs_WhRNQ6Jzh9-r3Nw/s2048/Bday%20run%20into%20Hardraw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtH9_RRVfXFoWDo6sSXA0uDa_Q7EWVPDtg1ADtpFSZJ5hy_D7AUlZELNTAvoofZvRs3JWOWue35ozLDzU1ZazArL_LRlqMfCPuaVPj8whCWBhITlqAVRpirxTTJL18gvN42soB_Sxnid_NzXqyQHLydCb4a8ImOxvHMTZrfnZifs_WhRNQ6Jzh9-r3Nw/s320/Bday%20run%20into%20Hardraw.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;"> It was more crowded here and I hoped they had found space to park the van and car. No worries- they had a space and were sat sunbathing with mugs of tea. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1AWmvFV3hAuUS3z7I-Ljfg3LHATvvxNFHhDQnnRHJSGFw3fOE6C51DWsTEGYPZ_DGwQeChHKAbSTg5FQWXXIfFnonkeMBRSzR52ihtWEUodnqHkPzBYkO_7KZN9i_0xfAiHezfnsLJq9e27qG-TqsTcPxumFZ5QD9tCdRELBr6Bbcz0XRt0TXM_4yg/s2048/Bday%20run%20choc%20milk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik1AWmvFV3hAuUS3z7I-Ljfg3LHATvvxNFHhDQnnRHJSGFw3fOE6C51DWsTEGYPZ_DGwQeChHKAbSTg5FQWXXIfFnonkeMBRSzR52ihtWEUodnqHkPzBYkO_7KZN9i_0xfAiHezfnsLJq9e27qG-TqsTcPxumFZ5QD9tCdRELBr6Bbcz0XRt0TXM_4yg/s320/Bday%20run%20choc%20milk.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>Wow it was hot in this valley. I had planned a longer stop here to eat and to change my socks. I had a worrying hot spot on my foot and decided to take both heels. I also charged my phone which had somehow turned itself on. I was using Strava beacon so that they could track me and so needed the battery to stay good.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCA5Q6k6DmOhPjurQ5clFKOebd86U-4UKnSmhjyS6gYfHjTf5jujy38jGwBUInQK5t_q7fjIJvoZVP9Jf_UtmiIwU6x3LuEiyCjyJOOUUzLHSenwHn4VD5EFEqGbAfpjzeWz65QQ_4Aa2XIZQv59W__sJNClfxg-OD8rOhXeJg303gVr2GMJGwMfsCUg/s2048/Bday%20run%20Hardraw%20food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCA5Q6k6DmOhPjurQ5clFKOebd86U-4UKnSmhjyS6gYfHjTf5jujy38jGwBUInQK5t_q7fjIJvoZVP9Jf_UtmiIwU6x3LuEiyCjyJOOUUzLHSenwHn4VD5EFEqGbAfpjzeWz65QQ_4Aa2XIZQv59W__sJNClfxg-OD8rOhXeJg303gVr2GMJGwMfsCUg/s320/Bday%20run%20Hardraw%20food.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>It was tough getting going after the stop even though the PW track is relatively easy going. I plodded on trying to ignore the hot spots on my feet and wishing I could run or jog a bit more. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJc8SvS9RPJaoxzczS4e56fGjgzNsADOTT0mtZAIN1qi3aueknE-e7ilMojgURhP3Q59iAmUS8FOoxypjNCjuqY09cNpQVoq700UKvFjj7TMnJ_lR0T7p60nrZ7AREk0CE-wVAXi04lcM2yXbWCgpurkeRj1I6um_VFSN0sww9_9iw8WGPSH5gYMkByw/s2048/D%20top%2010%20H%20with%20Bob.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJc8SvS9RPJaoxzczS4e56fGjgzNsADOTT0mtZAIN1qi3aueknE-e7ilMojgURhP3Q59iAmUS8FOoxypjNCjuqY09cNpQVoq700UKvFjj7TMnJ_lR0T7p60nrZ7AREk0CE-wVAXi04lcM2yXbWCgpurkeRj1I6um_VFSN0sww9_9iw8WGPSH5gYMkByw/s320/D%20top%2010%20H%20with%20Bob.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>Great Shunner Fell is 716m (3rd in height) and I was still up on time when I reached the deserted shelter stone at the top. I didn't linger as I knew the next section was perhaps the roughest with a couple of pathless sections.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsL8an8A9zKj5JPqUK9kRaXnsMlZwoOvhd9Ce9d2ry0HVanrj5-XnK39qpKCJXfhi-8pi6JPypCrMQ1gXVOoR0DeaGuth8vyYfujytyR7nM4V1_QXlrHvYbaG4uTiKTrsg2wYsQuIkbDqCOhqXcZN-1D-PZyJ_X7yvQYdsHyYmDOfQrq3JH4zBF_4N_w/s2048/D%20top%2010%20Bob%20up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsL8an8A9zKj5JPqUK9kRaXnsMlZwoOvhd9Ce9d2ry0HVanrj5-XnK39qpKCJXfhi-8pi6JPypCrMQ1gXVOoR0DeaGuth8vyYfujytyR7nM4V1_QXlrHvYbaG4uTiKTrsg2wYsQuIkbDqCOhqXcZN-1D-PZyJ_X7yvQYdsHyYmDOfQrq3JH4zBF_4N_w/s320/D%20top%2010%20Bob%20up.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bob on his way up Buckden Pike</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">At least it had dried out in recent weeks and I found the quad bike track more quickly today. The climb up past the shooting butts was grim and I felt very slow- still 5 tops done if you count Fountains Fell and I was still up on time. It was a relief to reach Hugh Seat at 689m and a decent path. This is 10th highest but not include in todays list? I must find out why. Nor is the next top Gregory Chapel which is 695m. I had to pass them anyway to reach the out and back peak of High Seat. </span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBbwlUrRMfRWIGwygIto6q23-48xWQEx-f8ZqqadyyQc7eRYd_ihpX2-fm9KbAuP2QGrrn37iTkaxKTS-fWAX5lWO35EFsgOdgUjNdZZXvgCnIBlyuab54YZMI2fz2Aq8luh1G2h009zrngabb4QeTAF8SmJKwpLnGYlVmRpfD_fSyeoMQBOVXCTpQPw/s800/Dales%20top%2010%20High%20Seat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBbwlUrRMfRWIGwygIto6q23-48xWQEx-f8ZqqadyyQc7eRYd_ihpX2-fm9KbAuP2QGrrn37iTkaxKTS-fWAX5lWO35EFsgOdgUjNdZZXvgCnIBlyuab54YZMI2fz2Aq8luh1G2h009zrngabb4QeTAF8SmJKwpLnGYlVmRpfD_fSyeoMQBOVXCTpQPw/s320/Dales%20top%2010%20High%20Seat.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The summit</td></tr></tbody></table><p>At 709m the top of this is rather underwhelming but I was just glad to turn and know that the next few kilometres were downhill and on grass all the way to Hells Gap and the B road. I knew Chris was keen to check out this stream, gorge and waterfall but he was just a little too early to meet me. I stopped for more food and top ups before crossing the road and heading up to Swarth Fell. Despite my concerns about them driving tired they insisted they would see me in Garsdale. The ridge path was much drier than I have ever known it and I was so pleased that my route stopped at 681m and did not have to go all the way north to Wild Boar Fell even though that is 705m and 5th highest in the Dales. Running back down the ridge was a joy until I reached the low col and a boggy section and then the pathless slightly tussocky ground leading to the bridleway. Once into Grisedale it was farm lanes all the way to Garsdale. I had seen nobody for ages again but the birds were chirping away and I had seen deer, mice, shrews, rabbits, hares and now a fox. I had collected my torch just in case but certainly didn't need it yet even though the moon was starting to look interesting. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVw2m0A0PV887MHSAgRdTBTiy52oseCHBjrZycUGSDRI0PqBGkS1uVhMwHUeEbPROlH_cO6xTKes2ie34vbBE3HBfAWCc8gsfx5_5Em0-pKwc9Ecub0ReuzPQ9PksxSo3-06JtL_lpp4NqKOzKd-ys4uQSoHnqxKjmlEp8gEmLEa0IbOjyjfDMECJx7Q/s2048/D%20top%2010%20sky%20and%20meadows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVw2m0A0PV887MHSAgRdTBTiy52oseCHBjrZycUGSDRI0PqBGkS1uVhMwHUeEbPROlH_cO6xTKes2ie34vbBE3HBfAWCc8gsfx5_5Em0-pKwc9Ecub0ReuzPQ9PksxSo3-06JtL_lpp4NqKOzKd-ys4uQSoHnqxKjmlEp8gEmLEa0IbOjyjfDMECJx7Q/s320/D%20top%2010%20sky%20and%20meadows.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So many meadows and flowers</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The tarmac lane was boring if easy and I tried to identify and count wildflowers to distract myself. Before long I was at Dandra Garth and the van again. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmaVNixKpMMR4uI_mL3Zsh8JSeBSJ0aocVG7tM4AJKn3B8ncJO0-P6z6-7Xw4zNNfuuHtZU3k86iK1b-eUMaeHnh55Kovlty5MRIGPTv1iiH6D8_udCsf3ywx67ZTGGxlIYiyQar4jNB8hPT-cswDQUOQsCHHMHkK4KveJryMhv62MYT-0Y779matsZA/s2048/D%20top%2010%20not%20dark%20yet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmaVNixKpMMR4uI_mL3Zsh8JSeBSJ0aocVG7tM4AJKn3B8ncJO0-P6z6-7Xw4zNNfuuHtZU3k86iK1b-eUMaeHnh55Kovlty5MRIGPTv1iiH6D8_udCsf3ywx67ZTGGxlIYiyQar4jNB8hPT-cswDQUOQsCHHMHkK4KveJryMhv62MYT-0Y779matsZA/s320/D%20top%2010%20not%20dark%20yet.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moon is up but still light</td></tr></tbody></table><p>They had managed a short snooze when I stopped to eat, drink coffee and replenish things again. I was struggling to eat now. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6Q1meBtEtNJGdxd0MpT1_xk8tUA_X4bC6LfkV03Y7Z0NJ_jVFNC7PQzsNm9nBaSJ8eqxQ_zonDhk8bU_Onssk3wvwN1Qnt3R_X6alRwufXhgHAxhmqeC78VevsvzLp5NNKJIgxE4-mV3F7j44JfD1kw6yS_r-fPDuNjLd_mLa3FeO-KPAWefDZ9ZrA/s2048/D%20top%2010%20DG%20sore%20foot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6Q1meBtEtNJGdxd0MpT1_xk8tUA_X4bC6LfkV03Y7Z0NJ_jVFNC7PQzsNm9nBaSJ8eqxQ_zonDhk8bU_Onssk3wvwN1Qnt3R_X6alRwufXhgHAxhmqeC78VevsvzLp5NNKJIgxE4-mV3F7j44JfD1kw6yS_r-fPDuNjLd_mLa3FeO-KPAWefDZ9ZrA/s320/D%20top%2010%20DG%20sore%20foot.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dandra Garth</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I waved them bye as the sun was setting and the moon rising high. The bridleway over to Dentdale was drier and better than I remembered and it was a gorgeous evening. Dropping into the valley at Cowgill it was just getting dark and I put my torch on, partly to warn and drivers I met. I actually met none despite running several kilometres west along the bulk of Dentdale but they would not have been expecting a pedestrian and there were tall hedges with almost no verge. Eventually I reached the small bridge and woodland that we run past on the Fellsman. I was careful here as I wanted to take the first little used path and so avoid a farm yard and dogs. I found it despite thigh tall meadow grass and flowers. The water eroded stony path up to the old green lane was steeper and harder work than I had anticipated after my recee. I now had a choice- follow the hill straight up as on my recee or go along the green lane to the quarry in the hope that the paths there led all the way up. If they did I did not find them in the dark and that section of the green lane was awful with huge puddles and rocks. Perhaps neither way would be good at this stage in the run but I was very glad to have my poles as I flogged up the slope. Despite the sunset this was a low point- I needed to have eaten more- and I felt like I was crawling. Once on the top I quickly ran past Great Coum687m (10th) and on to Crag Hill 682m (11th). I have no idea why Crag Hill is included but the return trip was only about 1.5km and was relatively level. From this last trig I could see the lights of civilisation and a town.</p><p>The next job was to get back down to the green lane. I found a trod beside a wall from the col which took me most of the way. Fortunately this section of the old track is much better and I managed to jog most of the way to the road. Only two peaks to go now even if they are the two highest ones! Both guys were sleeping when I arrived and I felt quite guilty disturbing them, especially as I did not stop long as I did not really want to eat. I set off along the road linking Deepdale to Kingsdale and they promised to see me near the Hill Inn. I found the footpath up New Pasture and flogged up the back of Whernside. It was still warm as the mass of the hill protected me from the easterly wind. 736m and the highest peak done. I made reasonable time along the big ridge path but the wheels really came off on the descent. In the dark, on tired legs and with what seemed like constant multiple trip hazards I slowed dreadfully. I did not dare to cut across the grass as I had in daylight. The campsite was silent and as I reached the last cattle grid I spotted Chis who had come out to meet me. The moon was huge and bright yellow. Awesome. They had parked way up the road where it was wider- it wasn't far but I was perhaps a little grumpy about it. A brief stop and I was off up the last peak. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmS53_hVLBCnEU5Sv8rAQaPOP0lybY2Dn5e3r1mB3vV8vLwYRDLGX2GTKdVGwbMW6IQeaaPhRXDfqeqWQClpY_lX8Obeekq2a_hScHXQtkoOpzzUhqqDPDk3eKrSbwBsEfufm05YI-8n_0KdRH7JnnrSayo8m3v4Mnj8Fkw9KJrqcWAnq7kapUMWgNcw/s800/Dales%20top%2010%20INgl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmS53_hVLBCnEU5Sv8rAQaPOP0lybY2Dn5e3r1mB3vV8vLwYRDLGX2GTKdVGwbMW6IQeaaPhRXDfqeqWQClpY_lX8Obeekq2a_hScHXQtkoOpzzUhqqDPDk3eKrSbwBsEfufm05YI-8n_0KdRH7JnnrSayo8m3v4Mnj8Fkw9KJrqcWAnq7kapUMWgNcw/s320/Dales%20top%2010%20INgl.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not from my run as it was still dark- last peak</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Easy running to start with and even the flag stones ere OK. I slowed badly on the rock steps and over the summit plateau to the final trig at 723m. The path from here to Horton is a fair few kilometres but I had forgot how gnarly it is for tired legs. It seemed to take forever to reach a runnable path and I was losing much of my time advantage. As I hit the lower slopes and a decent path it was light enough not to need my torch and at last I could run. I really wanted to stay under 24 hours. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKykefFEhafL9hsnqZi2f78eVyXmEmgsdVhBO0eOC9_GSjtpMmO8IuiyABqxLHLH_AfRS97JsMSu_mMECVmJ93RpiGc8FnCqIzs7KTPqSwEQ8NKMm5eO2vDyFLPPGNwDW8R49GS8lfeYin3pPfHpPYE_etAJZQXNpP4diG9U_JN72m5zt_AgDVkPyvw/s2048/Bday%20run%202023%20end.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKykefFEhafL9hsnqZi2f78eVyXmEmgsdVhBO0eOC9_GSjtpMmO8IuiyABqxLHLH_AfRS97JsMSu_mMECVmJ93RpiGc8FnCqIzs7KTPqSwEQ8NKMm5eO2vDyFLPPGNwDW8R49GS8lfeYin3pPfHpPYE_etAJZQXNpP4diG9U_JN72m5zt_AgDVkPyvw/s320/Bday%20run%202023%20end.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>I crossed the railway and ran through the village, past the old cafe, the campsite and the pub until the lane to the school. Yes- the van and car were in sight at last. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiws1DsR0OlBZU3aCX_5iffnzR9c_uMSPcZhQgvbOlbZrKarpfRyDJqJnUWFtsbQTuDGYoDf590A69iYXNe6mvq7qOoMrRtOkt-XsdeL6t2XC3A2FQKen0sB6HYgRAd5sK0bcuabG3kEsSTvyXS_QMP01RHYy_MO8Y3m92Hj83OlnQu_RgdaFhlUHcW5A/s2048/Bday%20run%20smile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiws1DsR0OlBZU3aCX_5iffnzR9c_uMSPcZhQgvbOlbZrKarpfRyDJqJnUWFtsbQTuDGYoDf590A69iYXNe6mvq7qOoMrRtOkt-XsdeL6t2XC3A2FQKen0sB6HYgRAd5sK0bcuabG3kEsSTvyXS_QMP01RHYy_MO8Y3m92Hj83OlnQu_RgdaFhlUHcW5A/s320/Bday%20run%20smile.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>Challenge complete- 80 miles, almost 5000m of climb and 23hrs 18 mins. 13 peaks although Fountains Fell and not Wild Boar Fell is still a puzzle. Not a bad way to spend the 24hrs of your birthday! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmjzapt8s8il4TLl13za0DSw2FA163pPZSCUd2vR1acWdDTu5Zf1fDQ5CzxKMDhiXe4Jw-roGcg2wGxXqHMCoLIbU2SQeNbIJwr40KHdcQwMR0t5BTI2cXNydsN3HtGCjt-iaf2FrvRK220RPSFlrJ51pCu8Tk636p5JjkTbI070PD11DjuqGyukvzWg/s831/bday%20run.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="358" data-original-width="831" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmjzapt8s8il4TLl13za0DSw2FA163pPZSCUd2vR1acWdDTu5Zf1fDQ5CzxKMDhiXe4Jw-roGcg2wGxXqHMCoLIbU2SQeNbIJwr40KHdcQwMR0t5BTI2cXNydsN3HtGCjt-iaf2FrvRK220RPSFlrJ51pCu8Tk636p5JjkTbI070PD11DjuqGyukvzWg/s320/bday%20run.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>I was too tired to want to eat and they had been asleep so I had a very quick and superficial wash before falling into bed. So many great memories of a grand day out in the beautiful Dales. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjno_puoqjwnomgQDQnVvnf8cvPozgIyU8wp__kPypaCVPbpMOPfcL7X_HOWb0Uxa-gX8iqdBczve-_Sy8EEnAhm3Zyte_p7ThCdepoWVealLkMNsNOlT7g18ib8WzMIImjExLWmgMKZw7JrRKZwJn0ySckTu_vwdFOQwBy9pOqCUCnmfn48xkfGDtbiQ/s2048/big%20wine%20after%20birthday%20run.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1538" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjno_puoqjwnomgQDQnVvnf8cvPozgIyU8wp__kPypaCVPbpMOPfcL7X_HOWb0Uxa-gX8iqdBczve-_Sy8EEnAhm3Zyte_p7ThCdepoWVealLkMNsNOlT7g18ib8WzMIImjExLWmgMKZw7JrRKZwJn0ySckTu_vwdFOQwBy9pOqCUCnmfn48xkfGDtbiQ/s320/big%20wine%20after%20birthday%20run.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrations the next day</td></tr></tbody></table><p> Huge thanks to Bob for his support and encouragement and especially to Chris my super crewman for his time and the use of his van, including his bed for my smelly body at the end. I could not have done it without you both.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br />Ultras and a lttle bit morehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14102033182139486675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238582577045689081.post-33575940892562999042023-05-15T10:15:00.000-07:002023-05-15T10:15:05.854-07:00The Spire Ultra<p> A short(ish) race and so a short blog. We had decided to combine this race with and errand and family and climbing, it is after all a bit of a trek fro Preston. The errand was a success- collect the poles I left at the Fellsman from a house near Keighley. So far so good. Then we encountered the Bradford CAZ... would have been cheaper to post the poles. Hey ho.</p><p>We spent the rest of the day climbing at the newly opened Leeds Big Depot climbing wall. It was great- masses of routes, holds I had never seen before and we stayed for hours. Chris and Alice came after work and then we all went for a lovely meal. We said our goodbyes and went back to the climbing wall- an even longer stint today. When we left I had done all but 3 that I wanted to do or try. Hands sore, arms buzzing with exhaustion and very tired. At least we had a night stop ready planned only a 5 min drive from the race start. Meal in van, wine, cheese and an early night. I didn't sleep very well but that is not unusual before a race. Apparently the east of the Pennines had been much wetter than Lancashire and there would be MUD. Mud here just means peat bog and mess but over there it means gloopy, slippery stuff. What shoes to wear?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVkhioCHhhSSDsy8XtoHeHesvCNQ9JhXweWBt7xQNBqfgJ00uqNbYrL2WMRZzWmK4ZphH9WbinWr9aWhjY5FjICauuHNFBx0ECimH7YCEsWtTfLunR-m-Zzdc9G2WM9xW43ekql0tGzadjCBcIDeZNvZFRHQhHz4K--SIArfHjei72vweyD4wV9ftzA/s800/Spire%20flags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVkhioCHhhSSDsy8XtoHeHesvCNQ9JhXweWBt7xQNBqfgJ00uqNbYrL2WMRZzWmK4ZphH9WbinWr9aWhjY5FjICauuHNFBx0ECimH7YCEsWtTfLunR-m-Zzdc9G2WM9xW43ekql0tGzadjCBcIDeZNvZFRHQhHz4K--SIArfHjei72vweyD4wV9ftzA/s320/Spire%20flags.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>We were at the start by soon after 7am and the flags, banners and boards were up by 7.20. I put the rope mats inside, registered quickly and went back to the van for breakfast. The forecast had promised no rain and warmth. It didn't quite feel that way at 8.30am but perhaps it was coming. After multiple toilet trips and after catching up with many friends we were herded outside ready to walk up the road to the start. I kissed Bob goodbye and told him to enjoy his bike ride.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuARUrssbD-D-nTc9H5HoLEgKa1Qvyajr5DLI57_Vi3DEOCv439pmRPcwxQ6JYdi5Sl7FPnKYu6ktpgpZlLsJe34PHpsZSwDjJDwD1SMn0Fvpy8mhe6aENf3HUv7xhsL2v6Dua-FW39-rhTv_J72K-Ubvfn7HDQiSV1jHgapnqNTvxpacG5qJpijA-GA/s1350/Spire%20start%20Ashok.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuARUrssbD-D-nTc9H5HoLEgKa1Qvyajr5DLI57_Vi3DEOCv439pmRPcwxQ6JYdi5Sl7FPnKYu6ktpgpZlLsJe34PHpsZSwDjJDwD1SMn0Fvpy8mhe6aENf3HUv7xhsL2v6Dua-FW39-rhTv_J72K-Ubvfn7HDQiSV1jHgapnqNTvxpacG5qJpijA-GA/s320/Spire%20start%20Ashok.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ashok- behind me at the start but only for 1 minute!</td></tr></tbody></table><p>At 9 we were all off the road and on the narrow path. Jamie said Go and we were off. I had tried to play the route of the race through my mind in bed last night but could only remember patches. I hoped as I reached each section it would come back to me. At least the section past the 'new' houses would be easy- this is where two of us went wrong a couple of years ago- then we had started at the farm and so it was near to the end of the race. There were plenty of people around for the first mile or so but then the first ten or so fast runners started to pull ahead. I was alone for a short while until a guy from Wales was running with me.Two heads are always better than one, even with a GPS watch. She and her partner made a couple of small errors and although they were slightly faster down the worst of the mud they never got far ahead. We were to see lots of each other.</p><p>So far so good. At almost every decision point I recognised the route and at a couple of places I had a short hesitation but was fine. The first woods were not too muddy and we got to Holymoorside unscathed. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLcGQa7j6sthble70t9x78A8y7v-y23kNpSDEFuuY5NL9Iclgi9E1Nh7Y8g-aoO-ML6swKRFIdXVHP7J5ecMmPg4QVx_BquZa-r21yig_ynVOGlhVSBE0c18HntwFEcFEBZaW1C2ooql9f9DGla7uZnNcZYnlGQU06UvmSIoWAWhQpl-Ei1-T_rw2vwA/s2048/Spire%20mud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLcGQa7j6sthble70t9x78A8y7v-y23kNpSDEFuuY5NL9Iclgi9E1Nh7Y8g-aoO-ML6swKRFIdXVHP7J5ecMmPg4QVx_BquZa-r21yig_ynVOGlhVSBE0c18HntwFEcFEBZaW1C2ooql9f9DGla7uZnNcZYnlGQU06UvmSIoWAWhQpl-Ei1-T_rw2vwA/s320/Spire%20mud.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The next woods were muddy but we were soon on field paths heading to the main road crossing- some faster running here and on tarmac for a while. I felt I was struggling but tried to keep in contact with Sam and her partner. Linacre woods were muddy too and my feet were now wet fro a stream crossing but I stayed upright. More fast running took us to the footbridge over the A61 and some more muddy woods.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94i5dvqAuDq6tEyB8bWEKZ8mPshzuWGMhYtLpWVn6qTgJrN7gYLH6LkoyKiVhS0nUVlYVaF8E2LgYOGaSFJKN61n3KoO5U2hYVyMaU9mALQecQ0VUmayMDjhDNAy3BMsndb7usl-UxrtA4QskJkyDTT7QPIp7vn20ROmNQs0Y45O6dcSNYJBfieIOxQ/s2015/Spire%20rapeseed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2015" data-original-width="1504" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj94i5dvqAuDq6tEyB8bWEKZ8mPshzuWGMhYtLpWVn6qTgJrN7gYLH6LkoyKiVhS0nUVlYVaF8E2LgYOGaSFJKN61n3KoO5U2hYVyMaU9mALQecQ0VUmayMDjhDNAy3BMsndb7usl-UxrtA4QskJkyDTT7QPIp7vn20ROmNQs0Y45O6dcSNYJBfieIOxQ/s320/Spire%20rapeseed.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><p>At two points we crossed fields with tall bright yellow oil seed rape with enough pollen to coat my arms and clothing in yellow dust. By CP4 opposite the Miners Arms in Hundall I needed food and so stopped briefly. From memory the more attractive scenery was over for a while. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIoDGZf1P1XRXcSG_N9hgeU85eOPqWSIxQrAF9OyLKjzR41kI3VCH8TUVE58sgSIk2i8P4aq8Z6Kr6GWqDoVYOYDGaCwf_7QkBvnwPYRHkU0yNVN1d1W72b_zkGINRel11y3ptcIu7mACgnPy1teSM4eADyHXCzzoxag5jyFKThPq_5FT-ACG8-NKeGw/s1349/Spire%20farm%20mud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1349" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIoDGZf1P1XRXcSG_N9hgeU85eOPqWSIxQrAF9OyLKjzR41kI3VCH8TUVE58sgSIk2i8P4aq8Z6Kr6GWqDoVYOYDGaCwf_7QkBvnwPYRHkU0yNVN1d1W72b_zkGINRel11y3ptcIu7mACgnPy1teSM4eADyHXCzzoxag5jyFKThPq_5FT-ACG8-NKeGw/s320/Spire%20farm%20mud.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><p>Another section of sploshy and slippery mud led me to New Whitington and then having crossed the river, canal and railway into Brimington. This is where Sam first pulled away and out of sight. I plodded uphill through the houses to the next CP but could not see them. I ran this next section almost alone with just one guy passing me in West Wood. From here we started to pick up old tracks and the disused rail line trails- NOT my favourite. They seem to stretch on forever and there is not excuse not to keep running despite feeling a bit trashed by now. On the plus side I could still see Sam in the distance every now and again and that kept me going along with the hope that the CP at Longcourse would have it's usual array of fab food. Yes- boiled potatoes, strawberries and melon. Sam had pushed on but on the long track up to Scarsdale Hall I could see them again briefly. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiduC7ih2yX4XdpdYPsQOcb6H4ShrfTfGAUR0-fzAeLjVbgOVzBqCDJeSYckbJwc-rBbsCFuqSAX_5ACnglZ7AgXqt3bcX2EOwmn99eT480dbM4IbhsOIQMztdKRNdTt_JV8u-_2LuJ2GdUzrpaymf5rUONueGo-elKOBdAU6e3QHwvtCXD-T1oTOVWEg/s1349/Spire%20Scarsdale%20Hall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1349" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiduC7ih2yX4XdpdYPsQOcb6H4ShrfTfGAUR0-fzAeLjVbgOVzBqCDJeSYckbJwc-rBbsCFuqSAX_5ACnglZ7AgXqt3bcX2EOwmn99eT480dbM4IbhsOIQMztdKRNdTt_JV8u-_2LuJ2GdUzrpaymf5rUONueGo-elKOBdAU6e3QHwvtCXD-T1oTOVWEg/s320/Spire%20Scarsdale%20Hall.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><p>The climb up to Heath was tough but we were now on the home straight. The 5 Pits Trail paths were easy running compared to the mud but again they seemed to stretch on with no respite. I made one stupid error here and lost about 3 minutes as I headed downhill on a nice wide path only to have to turn around and flog back up again. The only thing keeping me going now was the hope that I could stay under 6 hours and not be too far behind Sam to maximise my Runfurther points- even then I did slow to walk a couple of times. Finally I reached the outskirts of North Wingfield and knew it was only 500m to the end.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_VNT8L79OXlZx7DQM1uU1ElDzcIHp6b65EDJvltcifcZHQSIEkb3-raotnppJZqy9_WZG6hCJRN2nPWdH378Zs7H6yHXYFwJmS72UbLJzJbl4Avx4mbBHlZEzJql_otDpkNkXOCT6cqxjhFunFqMYXgm923DZwDExG1f1e2wA-XfMBbs9IoeQp7h4rA/s960/Spire%202023%20finish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="713" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_VNT8L79OXlZx7DQM1uU1ElDzcIHp6b65EDJvltcifcZHQSIEkb3-raotnppJZqy9_WZG6hCJRN2nPWdH378Zs7H6yHXYFwJmS72UbLJzJbl4Avx4mbBHlZEzJql_otDpkNkXOCT6cqxjhFunFqMYXgm923DZwDExG1f1e2wA-XfMBbs9IoeQp7h4rA/s320/Spire%202023%20finish.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><p>A tough day out but it had not rained. I had not fallen in the mud and I did creep in under 6 hours. In fact my time was exactly the sae as my first go at the race in 2019. That year I won, this year 2nd but still first old lady. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5VRGv7AqY4Z4LpKyVRufV-lA9duCKj0hKS3SP0evv3pUBTmttVLkILa-CsQ1lZGya5zY-cc-ETAkKySr_cCJxVeNa9G6S3dCPtJO4-0clP-7uMQ5mMVBDlfR8AiZ1zCdoSWg4Qdj-WK_cmlytijVyGuV9pUzMnTU06R35Qpdg_9NuiWiSDYoSDrQUBw/s2048/345546433_781870903470212_1951766281378126230_n%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5VRGv7AqY4Z4LpKyVRufV-lA9duCKj0hKS3SP0evv3pUBTmttVLkILa-CsQ1lZGya5zY-cc-ETAkKySr_cCJxVeNa9G6S3dCPtJO4-0clP-7uMQ5mMVBDlfR8AiZ1zCdoSWg4Qdj-WK_cmlytijVyGuV9pUzMnTU06R35Qpdg_9NuiWiSDYoSDrQUBw/s320/345546433_781870903470212_1951766281378126230_n%20(1).jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>Bob had been out on his bike having fun but Ashok took a photo as I finished. I was about 6 mins behind Sam. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLSnMoSciWNDdGhTONdkmR4HIT6nxEBkiq_u3BsCEOrW6vZRNaSxuUl2dWA8tGnNFooGqcnsMKtCVmqTpQu1B1VInvbtKHgpdRzLOO3U56JhxFhKmubG17DJ06g_34vdr8ED8Jd_o3pHKnpAEyNN9hv3W1EmCoeZ38gp5b1N69y34ZWIuEl6qCrcniQ/s2048/345552260_226792053408861_2886305026243772274_n%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWLSnMoSciWNDdGhTONdkmR4HIT6nxEBkiq_u3BsCEOrW6vZRNaSxuUl2dWA8tGnNFooGqcnsMKtCVmqTpQu1B1VInvbtKHgpdRzLOO3U56JhxFhKmubG17DJ06g_34vdr8ED8Jd_o3pHKnpAEyNN9hv3W1EmCoeZ38gp5b1N69y34ZWIuEl6qCrcniQ/s320/345552260_226792053408861_2886305026243772274_n%20(1).jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First 3 women</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The winning man took the record in 4hrs 12 minutes- incredible. I recovered with Jamie's dahl soup, cups of tea and cake before relaxing on the grass outside and applauding others as they finished. As a bonus I got a large and apparently very potent bottle of his dad's cider. One nice touch today was seeing Pete Carter back to ultra racing. He is an old friend from Preston Harriers and took me to my first ultra in 2009- the Haworth Hobble telling me it would be fine, it's just a long fell race but with some food. Just look what you started Pete!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Ultras and a lttle bit morehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14102033182139486675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238582577045689081.post-84558922560404727172023-05-05T02:56:00.002-07:002023-05-05T02:56:24.783-07:00The Fellsman<p> Last year I entered this event with great trepidation after my disaster at the NT. This year I was more positive, or just resigned to being older and slower. I had not run a huge amount since the Calderdale Hike but we did have a few days away in the Dales. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5TkfI6wGhXJiSAaPXn_aR_JOtUC4KO2fEn9lvq8DpHTOFTNsdMToxFwiLZs9mk0JsvuQBLHJZzBkd4VqKI14Inb8UuW4-M2sbhaIQE5ujaIXFe-3gPRXZIyZMItvncTVgR9nzgTHTCnwfzDAc06ckwPjzSIlUTKvTepuronqP4za__rMrD_5--DVwvg/s800/F%20new%20CP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5TkfI6wGhXJiSAaPXn_aR_JOtUC4KO2fEn9lvq8DpHTOFTNsdMToxFwiLZs9mk0JsvuQBLHJZzBkd4VqKI14Inb8UuW4-M2sbhaIQE5ujaIXFe-3gPRXZIyZMItvncTVgR9nzgTHTCnwfzDAc06ckwPjzSIlUTKvTepuronqP4za__rMrD_5--DVwvg/s320/F%20new%20CP.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What it looks like without the mist</td></tr></tbody></table><p>This let me recee the new CP and also to get in two decent length runs. On these it was bright sunshine so warm in the valleys but chilly on the tops thanks to a biting cold wind. The forecast for this weekend was warmer but the forecasters seemed rather unsure how much rain we might get and when it might arrive. Not a bad Fellsman forecast though.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ5dB2RiHpIPdJ7sOSeT6n-QoKkCz18HOo6RgaU50GwioR8KVDsWfVFRHTN21S-ck5pKfTVxSt6cN_PbRLvn4L9-gt1ZolvoeaUESXsjrxBggu8brUZtv8u7FfufgKZcWESkOkeqjihTHjZi0oVmwFADw5tyXVLD9VKltjjIw2lAhRAMClNTfg4tDXBQ/s800/F%20flags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ5dB2RiHpIPdJ7sOSeT6n-QoKkCz18HOo6RgaU50GwioR8KVDsWfVFRHTN21S-ck5pKfTVxSt6cN_PbRLvn4L9-gt1ZolvoeaUESXsjrxBggu8brUZtv8u7FfufgKZcWESkOkeqjihTHjZi0oVmwFADw5tyXVLD9VKltjjIw2lAhRAMClNTfg4tDXBQ/s320/F%20flags.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our wonderful sponsors- the barriers were moved</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Four hours climbing was perhaps not ideal preparation but we stuck with our standard Friday routine. Despite this we were at Threshfield soon after 5pm and as Bob was helping all weekend we could park at the school. The flags and banners were soon up and it was not a chore given the warm sunshine. The boards were up in the hall with a list of the spot prize winners and there was enough space for me to lay out all the rope mats and dog toys that I make for Mountain Rescue funds. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6rfOAdkZ2OOMEP5m9KANvUSxxbPH8_M2esKXWksLFMelY9k4DfWzLxEMh8rn0qiA5PXBa8MiLHgr_kTJw52GCY-uRLVp_6MOo6YrVe1iwmCZvM521mdMV21dytnU_6i_EMrYVG_whg2DH1jkhy2qeGDZ1dkeT9UZ8oS69fLCyR8XYdq1MpmVk1sxS8Q/s800/Rf%20tables.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6rfOAdkZ2OOMEP5m9KANvUSxxbPH8_M2esKXWksLFMelY9k4DfWzLxEMh8rn0qiA5PXBa8MiLHgr_kTJw52GCY-uRLVp_6MOo6YrVe1iwmCZvM521mdMV21dytnU_6i_EMrYVG_whg2DH1jkhy2qeGDZ1dkeT9UZ8oS69fLCyR8XYdq1MpmVk1sxS8Q/s320/Rf%20tables.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>After helping to unload the food van I grabbed a quick meal in our van before heading for registration. I was first in the queue and bagged my place on the last bus. It felt strange and rather sad without Kate on registration. Kit check was as thorough as I have come to expect but I was not at all worried- I have suffered enough in bad weather at this event to not even dream of cutting any kit corners! </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjci_tSAIR-uVG0ipkmru0-_lYe-3V13b0pMPviu9vaLy1LYoUckW1AlnfCj0YfbSzu2p3Puq6jQYHXZGajVFV6mw9YBjfI2U7qpvHLeHS8cZUmLiPEoLyWIqQuUxr6-98UNp0ZQT-qCgJzdB1zBJvPUwdHYYs10ukyQ66o_beB6DIg3NMCaNUJQG7Pvg/s800/F%20kit%20check.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjci_tSAIR-uVG0ipkmru0-_lYe-3V13b0pMPviu9vaLy1LYoUckW1AlnfCj0YfbSzu2p3Puq6jQYHXZGajVFV6mw9YBjfI2U7qpvHLeHS8cZUmLiPEoLyWIqQuUxr6-98UNp0ZQT-qCgJzdB1zBJvPUwdHYYs10ukyQ66o_beB6DIg3NMCaNUJQG7Pvg/s320/F%20kit%20check.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Possibly the most thorough kit check ever</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Young Timothy Driver on his first stint at a whole weekend volunteer did kit check and then handed out our mint cake so I was free to chat with friends and keep an eye on spot prizes and sell mats. Thanks to all who bought- another £60 to Mountain Rescue.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqkO5lvjHOhp7BSHw_y4Cq9_hUVadjFXsDAC_X0VbkGJFJOtPft7D8mVEIV5uUHyD7cMPsEtdlocAP1IbazUohsWOo0fAxNSM_MCnz46WnMbvbKZI7H7am9mqEez7FVpBTGzPBeWQRBLWO-9kCB4LWR3kPZEICZsH5J1qphQ9fBr4N8r0PIfOQjQc6rA/s2048/F%20C%20and%20Tim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqkO5lvjHOhp7BSHw_y4Cq9_hUVadjFXsDAC_X0VbkGJFJOtPft7D8mVEIV5uUHyD7cMPsEtdlocAP1IbazUohsWOo0fAxNSM_MCnz46WnMbvbKZI7H7am9mqEez7FVpBTGzPBeWQRBLWO-9kCB4LWR3kPZEICZsH5J1qphQ9fBr4N8r0PIfOQjQc6rA/s320/F%20C%20and%20Tim.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The A team</td></tr></tbody></table><p>At 9pm I checked on Bob in the kitchen and went back to the van to do a last minute faff with gear before some cheese, wine and an early bed. Bob came back some time after 10pm but I barely woke. He also disappeared back to the kitchen at 4am to start preparing breakfasts. I dozed until almost 6 when I got dressed and had breakfast. Fellsman rules have always stated 'full leg cover from dusk' and as it is such a pain to change at that stage I opted for long tights. I was far to warm for much of the day and need to check on this rule as I do not think they applied it this year.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_08ZJGqkA9Xk6wlatytLohNGCtsjuVuRYy3ABG6h98ntqIwYcDqdcnMWv_mVu8OumNAe21zjnqJrG5qeaR0MndZ6tEldq9257EuYPqKq9lGArF7wD-1wy_zmB5zK7AiXSwMR5TIAGZxStCjSvqMI6-9yydHb7fu928GBYFz_Zy8PPfFPgR7h22LLHmw/s800/F%20bus%20stop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_08ZJGqkA9Xk6wlatytLohNGCtsjuVuRYy3ABG6h98ntqIwYcDqdcnMWv_mVu8OumNAe21zjnqJrG5qeaR0MndZ6tEldq9257EuYPqKq9lGArF7wD-1wy_zmB5zK7AiXSwMR5TIAGZxStCjSvqMI6-9yydHb7fu928GBYFz_Zy8PPfFPgR7h22LLHmw/s320/F%20bus%20stop.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>By 6.30am we had a full bus and were on our way to Ingleton. I don't travel well and this is not my favourite part of the day- perhaps we should make the Fellsman 100 miles and circular? Despite the queue for trackers, tallies and race numbers there was still plenty of time to find friends, sort out a team and make several trips to the toilet. Julian organised a team of relative oldies and then we were herded out onto the playing field. Cag or no cag? it seemed mild but then the air got damp, what to do? I decided to be brave and took my cag off. We were late starting and had a minutes silence for missing friends. Despite the clag and damp my neighbours Drew and Liz who were CP marshalls on Ingleborough seemed in fine spirits and were full of encouragement. The cag went on- too early to risk wet layers.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1omDNrCNRhAk1leb5EoB4OS3Y2M-Wdnx4Ok0RrACB3gJa3UAh6TEY7dbV6EluLBSD3dAZPzEhXR3N6N-RVMyHFGbto4ASp0T2udzbtsXbBRoDB7oeaHuvPhhWmT5OWeLojwCu6G-r2TDHjl90kZ4Ej09tgjaMMTvj0WkZ316q9frECZgmN7CA3FHcCA/s701/F%20drew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="701" data-original-width="526" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1omDNrCNRhAk1leb5EoB4OS3Y2M-Wdnx4Ok0RrACB3gJa3UAh6TEY7dbV6EluLBSD3dAZPzEhXR3N6N-RVMyHFGbto4ASp0T2udzbtsXbBRoDB7oeaHuvPhhWmT5OWeLojwCu6G-r2TDHjl90kZ4Ej09tgjaMMTvj0WkZ316q9frECZgmN7CA3FHcCA/s320/F%20drew.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>I really dislike the stone steps off the summit and despair at how slowly I descend. Mark had showed me an alternative but he was somewhere behind and I did not want to risk an untried route on race day. I chatted to Albert and Toney as we headed to the next CP at Hill Inn. By now it was dry again and rather warm. Cag off- and it stayed off for most of daylight hours. Not needing any food or water at this stage I plodded on and began the ascent of Whernside. One welcome distraction before the steepness kicked in was SportSunday out taking photos as usual. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnNtn55Pib2gX3uEQW9TTeg6MK3daqR58yBsLEF8oV-2O1MfimWttEH6Czf_Wk4oYNyi5QDtZ_brZhM9gsJOBJYdewp3NLyZv4nq6zmKLB8Z6QiXKUlDNBdm-vtGMjSRybVRpgUJxqmgIYdx8Wm3V9lJyyQ9CwkfCWOjiP3vpNXT1NZx2pcQyLf3Skzw/s600/F%20sportsunday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnNtn55Pib2gX3uEQW9TTeg6MK3daqR58yBsLEF8oV-2O1MfimWttEH6Czf_Wk4oYNyi5QDtZ_brZhM9gsJOBJYdewp3NLyZv4nq6zmKLB8Z6QiXKUlDNBdm-vtGMjSRybVRpgUJxqmgIYdx8Wm3V9lJyyQ9CwkfCWOjiP3vpNXT1NZx2pcQyLf3Skzw/s320/F%20sportsunday.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>David takes great photos and always makes me smile. Then it was up and up. Our route takes an out and back to the summit which is interesting as you get to see how far behind faster runners you are and to shout encouragement at each other.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6tDuPD9XC6ZtHRbJCcjeX8Jldoc6CU5KuTqkG-NWgPZWWmgFUAxhQVeCCSGFCSp1x3CcvpGaiCYgAn481CWz62bJNHoWBijB5De95pcPH9NbjMpA8zians_cpOtha69SN2Vz8_XDQKFCclvYZuALlkmDBpS1D4Yp2_-1x6WgaqLlR5QL_QnPhHjIDg/s2048/F%20jane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6tDuPD9XC6ZtHRbJCcjeX8Jldoc6CU5KuTqkG-NWgPZWWmgFUAxhQVeCCSGFCSp1x3CcvpGaiCYgAn481CWz62bJNHoWBijB5De95pcPH9NbjMpA8zians_cpOtha69SN2Vz8_XDQKFCclvYZuALlkmDBpS1D4Yp2_-1x6WgaqLlR5QL_QnPhHjIDg/s320/F%20jane.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More friends at the Whernside CP</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The run along the ridge before you turn to Kingsdale is a joy, then it is over the stile and rougher terrain to the river. I was starting to suffer back pain and stopped long enough to sort out my poles in the hope they would keep my posture more upright. It did work, but not instantly. Charles had now passed me and he was delighted to have done so early on in the race. Bill J was also going strong (for the time being). The climb seemed to take forever and I did not feel strong. At the top I had time to shout Hi to Kat before she headed off to Great Coum. The out and back to Gragareth is always interesting as it is another opportunity to see who is just ahead. The ridge top was drier than often but still had some boggy bits- I concentrated on staying in touch with those just ahead of me. By the next CP I had caught some. I was confused when the group in front headed off left. I even followed initially before saying out loud "This is wrong". I cut back right and down to reach the good if rather wet quad bike track by the wall. Before Flinters Gill I had caught them all and overtaken some. I did lose some ground to a few on the nasty track down to Dent- I hate being such a wuss but my shoes were not gripping well and now seemed half a size too big too. My shock in Dent was finding that we were all being pulled over for a kit check, including things buried deeply in my sack. At least it was all of us and not a random sample. First time I have ever been kit checked mid race at the Fellsman. Luckily I managed to repack my sack so that it was still comfortable. I grabbed a cheese and onion roll, ate lots of melon and set off to try to catch Bill. He was never far ahead and then got confused at a road junction so I did catch him. At the correct junction Fiona was waiting with the dogbut I had no idea how far Mark might be behind me as I had not seen him since the Hill Inn. </p><p>Around here I started to catch up with Paul Tynan, who I knew, and Ken his club mate. We were to see quite a lot of each other for the rest of the day. A whole group of us cut over the back edge of Whernside and found the trod that would lead us to Blea Moor. I always get wet feet somewhere on this section and today was no exception; I suspect like parts of Bowland that it never dries out. This year I stayed on the ridge by the fence a little longer after the CP and reached the track by the railway tunnel air shaft a bit more easily. The turkey is no more! and after a short boggy section I met the road leading to Stonehouse. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhycRV6ceSC-g79Sby4E6MuKBZY_IKyC2oG2qkXbfipveAztoc1Q5p3dZRnMXlNuM-tGp0vaZfxOMgsr2I53OPm5wWwpjOepaA--JppJ2H49AfrEGjlLnm4KNqxq0gbjXYMQ57vDIPAqignLk81qhtzEOX_s_IcKxlAyryvMfa3jQ0NWJaB7p8X4K9_fw/s600/F%20stonehouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhycRV6ceSC-g79Sby4E6MuKBZY_IKyC2oG2qkXbfipveAztoc1Q5p3dZRnMXlNuM-tGp0vaZfxOMgsr2I53OPm5wWwpjOepaA--JppJ2H49AfrEGjlLnm4KNqxq0gbjXYMQ57vDIPAqignLk81qhtzEOX_s_IcKxlAyryvMfa3jQ0NWJaB7p8X4K9_fw/s320/F%20stonehouse.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The CP staff make such a great effort</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I must have overtaken Bill somewhere but Anne was waiting for him and gave me a cheery confidence boost. Timothy was at this CP and loving it so I made tie for a quick chat before joining Paul and Ken for pasta, tea, cake and more. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKtOy_mCRGUBvilh7-EJgX0pvdm-HCd4ryAc-tslrBXWKjlDA3xKc49IB_k7RAbZI7izZ-3rqRAf-Bz1LFw7Qro117chav4xBw5JSttKheGZNHQvwwaF9f-4yQINwkfMCE5VAynVyTX7Q4AaziuyFu1hqd2G7ebBJpJwonC0gfM8fWaOyeFVcAbh9Ug/s2048/F%20me%20stonehouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigKtOy_mCRGUBvilh7-EJgX0pvdm-HCd4ryAc-tslrBXWKjlDA3xKc49IB_k7RAbZI7izZ-3rqRAf-Bz1LFw7Qro117chav4xBw5JSttKheGZNHQvwwaF9f-4yQINwkfMCE5VAynVyTX7Q4AaziuyFu1hqd2G7ebBJpJwonC0gfM8fWaOyeFVcAbh9Ug/s320/F%20me%20stonehouse.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upright once more</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Nicola who looked familiar (and she should as we ran at P39 together) was also there. I climbed Artengill Beck slowly letting my food digest. The others pulled ahead slightly but by Great Knoutbery summit we were together again. This is the third out and back so yet another chance to see how you are doing. My back had eased now and I was feeling more positive. Spotting Kat, Ben and others boosted me- true , I still had some of the climb to do and they were zooming down and off to Redshaw but they were not that far ahead. The marshalls at this CP was basking in sunshine which must be a pretty rare occurrence.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrolz7pJ2EBnqqzWCtxIrtfqmzpGF5gY1hffczEsvoVKinMbDudrjFwnaV-YcLl9RgluPDGBtJJCeiQhzh62EYmKUdT5oDz6ykNrznBYTnzun8mI8MFryFQoXONSegeZX6acFgbPvfrey8rj0TR6nZQksIMyHsiRvCYr-GCbDPIeFgO-Y2-7bBGk9iCg/s2048/F%20shouse%20pre%20team.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrolz7pJ2EBnqqzWCtxIrtfqmzpGF5gY1hffczEsvoVKinMbDudrjFwnaV-YcLl9RgluPDGBtJJCeiQhzh62EYmKUdT5oDz6ykNrznBYTnzun8mI8MFryFQoXONSegeZX6acFgbPvfrey8rj0TR6nZQksIMyHsiRvCYr-GCbDPIeFgO-Y2-7bBGk9iCg/s320/F%20shouse%20pre%20team.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stonehouse- all 4 of us but before we teamed up</td></tr></tbody></table><p>After the long flat boggy section Paul and Ken took a slightly higher line and I managed to catch them up briefly before they zoomed off to Redshaw. They did not stop long but I knew I needed to take the time to eat here or I would pay for it later. I did eat my banana on the next section though as I knew running hard would not be possible through the boggy section. They were just leaving Snaizholme as I approached and again it was sunny. The next section is more runnable and I worked hard at trying to reduce the gap before Dodd.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-NDG5FJPhtEpc8K66Z3-OnGAi1T62t77i2N1q06B-qmx9o3ctXVO-lOE3EVhkhIE4H5JKGXELFqWiYC9tqVxwbbY-LEPY5L1HTul1S9Pvd0JryK1cPZDb44O6KzLI20hKAzRNrmBhYz8ro6RftSylpC63xjTK0sNLBsFdDypnxa6Tss17_bXHm3mGUQ/s2048/F%20Dodd%20Ros.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="921" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-NDG5FJPhtEpc8K66Z3-OnGAi1T62t77i2N1q06B-qmx9o3ctXVO-lOE3EVhkhIE4H5JKGXELFqWiYC9tqVxwbbY-LEPY5L1HTul1S9Pvd0JryK1cPZDb44O6KzLI20hKAzRNrmBhYz8ro6RftSylpC63xjTK0sNLBsFdDypnxa6Tss17_bXHm3mGUQ/s320/F%20Dodd%20Ros.jpg" width="144" /></a></div><p>I was helped by Ros who had come out to shout encouragement and Matt Neale who met me and encouraged me to jog (he was probably thinking- Come on Run). I have been to the Dodd CP in foul conditions but not today, although Matt said when he first arrived it was raining steadily and vis was poor. With his motivation I pushed on and the four of us reached the CP together. Our team was starting to come together even if we did not know it yet. I led the way across the moor to the wall with confidence when Ken wanted to go off in the wrong direction and then showed them the way through to reach the lane and beaconed path to Fleet Moss. As usual in longer races I could feel my body shutting down on the food front. I opted for a huge mug of fruit salad figuring that it would be full of energy but would also give me some liquid and slide down easily. Trying to run and eat this with fingers got very messy but I was determined to eat it all even if it meant Paul got ahead. Anne came past in her van so I guessed Bill could not be far behind. He and Ken were significantly faster on the road section and were out of sight when Nicola and I arrived at the new Deepdale CP. She pulled ahead slightly to Yockenthwaite but not by far. As we stopped to check where we each wanted to leave the track and to put on cags as it was now misty and chilly we could see the men heading further uphill on the track. I had recceed this bit less than a fortnight ago and although it was now misty I was fairly sure my line was fine. Nicola took slightly different lines but we were now marginally ahead of the men. Somewhere here my watch died. No panic as I had OS on my phone but that was not going to be as convenient as the watch. I need to play with the battery settings more. From this new CP it is a fairly quick and easy run to Hells Gap which is now at the obvious track junction rather than higher up the track. We were shown the way in with bright lights and Simon and Garfunkel playing loudly. Not a place to hang around so after a quick thanks it was off to Cray. Anne was here again waiting for Bill.</p><p>Here we all stopped for food and also to put some extra clothes on. Having stopped it felt chilly so I added another long sleeve and my over trousers. I was soon baking! We trotted off towards Buckden Pike together and only made one very small error when we left the wall for a short time. We started discussing route options and it was good to know we could combine my knowledge, Paul's watch and also Nicola's ideas. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxo3gfIsqIm3_gU5HwifiyfyXdvGrkU43rHBfu2_SwNvcR8Z46nulOOxhNLwKZ8FxsSIX9_xJjoSVN0GTCcyEyxjtWQuMBeuvD123nFc5NpeSI__LeNpK3sKLTRfmgEJqOAVZoQO1pklqtunxGPp0kAfoNvm7UCEGay1ZW8_KJEVC5DUWXgzYfmN-14w/s2048/F%20Buckden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxo3gfIsqIm3_gU5HwifiyfyXdvGrkU43rHBfu2_SwNvcR8Z46nulOOxhNLwKZ8FxsSIX9_xJjoSVN0GTCcyEyxjtWQuMBeuvD123nFc5NpeSI__LeNpK3sKLTRfmgEJqOAVZoQO1pklqtunxGPp0kAfoNvm7UCEGay1ZW8_KJEVC5DUWXgzYfmN-14w/s320/F%20Buckden.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No Joe F this year but cheery marshalls anyway</td></tr></tbody></table><p>It was still light on the Pike but as we ran along the flag stone path and crossed to the war memorial we stuck near to the wall- there are better lines a little further out but only if you can see well. The big decision is how to descend the next section- we opted for the diagonal which is what I have always done. However we took a slightly higher line and it was better and brought us out at the mine tips without the need for the muddy track. We were still running without torches and I went over on an ankle badly enough to yelp. I hoped if I kept going it would be OK. and was pleased to have the poles for some extra support. Soon after this we arrived at the Starbotton CP where they were amazed we had not yet turned torches on. We did shortly afterwards!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoCVKJqZZOeQC2ZPobgI5-HmYIgYmzsf8PKR44KrSsTZZIpK-yHKPRRk10Fi1jBHI6zGxxfdYl2V3cdBudGFgH_HQ1lzxkddA0kDTzoor2lLn2Zvo2iEmL9pKIjXVxo1JUo9FLdEKnfH98H_nqMagrgtbd0v2MCyf8GoqWKcs5we8i4IDTfx7VBJws3Q/s2048/F%20CP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoCVKJqZZOeQC2ZPobgI5-HmYIgYmzsf8PKR44KrSsTZZIpK-yHKPRRk10Fi1jBHI6zGxxfdYl2V3cdBudGFgH_HQ1lzxkddA0kDTzoor2lLn2Zvo2iEmL9pKIjXVxo1JUo9FLdEKnfH98H_nqMagrgtbd0v2MCyf8GoqWKcs5we8i4IDTfx7VBJws3Q/s320/F%20CP.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>On, on to Park Rash- some running , some walking but all forward progress. I tried to eat here and managed a little before feeling I might heave. I didn't want to waste what I had managed to get in and so stopped eating. I could have done with more. I hate being the weak link in a team and so set a good pace as we started up Great Whernside before we all slowed on the steep pull to the stile. We ran some of the next section with Paul leading but there were too many trip hazards to keep a consistent pace. We found the little blue CP tent wedged amongst the rocks and knew that we had done the last significant climb. We all agreed that the fence was going to be our friend even if we didn't actually stay right next to it. There were the expected boggy bits but it wasn't too bad and again the poles were a great aid here. My strava trace shows we made a pretty good fist of this and it didn't take too long to arrive at Capplestone Gate. We got clipped, whooped and pushed on. I knew this bit and Paul had recced it so we made good time to the beacons and flags that would lead us across the field paths heading south and then the tracks towards Yarnbury. We were all starting to suffer and take it in turns to slow down or speed up. Chatting and being a group helped to keep us going. I suggested that at the tarmac those who could run should push on. Although it is either flat or downhill I know in the past I have struggled to keep running the whole way. Nicola and I think Ken felt we should finish as a team but I really didn't want people to wait or to feel I had to try harder than my body wanted to. As it turned out three of us were in the same boat and took turns deciding to run or stop. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXIZr8gEOELAJqsbJ_WFvOE7OgZtlzcbxo1pyDDxaNbRbJd53SRj90nU1MaQVaPc5BrqNFIR5GJTFDCnFmh_i8gPHThhO21JdRKwpOlWkARcN5Xt8I9_i3v_TRAjZR4X4sGE5vA5i1alLiVff2ctCKDR2uJ3f4DdPWMBvPh9e28OYrB6g8awC1itfLA/s2048/F%20run%20in.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKXIZr8gEOELAJqsbJ_WFvOE7OgZtlzcbxo1pyDDxaNbRbJd53SRj90nU1MaQVaPc5BrqNFIR5GJTFDCnFmh_i8gPHThhO21JdRKwpOlWkARcN5Xt8I9_i3v_TRAjZR4X4sGE5vA5i1alLiVff2ctCKDR2uJ3f4DdPWMBvPh9e28OYrB6g8awC1itfLA/s320/F%20run%20in.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>Paul though managed to pull away and was back 3 mins before us. He therefore took the V60 trophy. Perhaps I should have tried harder to stay with him.. it wasn't far, was all on tarmac and was almost all downhill. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfcrv1uBvXHtW-JyJsB4PgQXTJkhfOrWjK5wCHZg_9tP_AHqjnfX7ivLCva5Yunb8fTlN_-kOg8PS6vsbClWxyjsu9UvKCiZ1q2ENboTOV_1VxIGYefuAxGuNpMOUe25qbFZs3DXbmnUY5Z0gTm6xWeAtaUP53aqyZXnhqyM-C_mT35SMQE7hoEK47aw/s2048/F%20team.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfcrv1uBvXHtW-JyJsB4PgQXTJkhfOrWjK5wCHZg_9tP_AHqjnfX7ivLCva5Yunb8fTlN_-kOg8PS6vsbClWxyjsu9UvKCiZ1q2ENboTOV_1VxIGYefuAxGuNpMOUe25qbFZs3DXbmnUY5Z0gTm6xWeAtaUP53aqyZXnhqyM-C_mT35SMQE7hoEK47aw/s320/F%20team.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>I was chuffed to finish in 16hrs 18 mins which although not a PB was one of my better times. Bob had left the kitchen to come out and meet me which was lovely. We took 'team' photos before staggering off to eat and drink. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLkRE8zzn2IeyHHpK0BsKAEq1P0VhJW-IRvwnftWjIbF-un-vUzwOChDmHdjD_c_r6V4k2DgGUQAXyJ8rBa0vLNNLAeTx5iR-hx5n_8g9BXfgFCKjYK1d4GmoLmmmYcFMddLGcSQMrhIJSfVWcXZwol2b0BGgRPL-BeZxqEMsGBanBh91mHER97XMwPA/s2048/F%20finish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLkRE8zzn2IeyHHpK0BsKAEq1P0VhJW-IRvwnftWjIbF-un-vUzwOChDmHdjD_c_r6V4k2DgGUQAXyJ8rBa0vLNNLAeTx5iR-hx5n_8g9BXfgFCKjYK1d4GmoLmmmYcFMddLGcSQMrhIJSfVWcXZwol2b0BGgRPL-BeZxqEMsGBanBh91mHER97XMwPA/s320/F%20finish.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>I couldn't face collecting gear and a full shower so wandered off to the van for a strip wash and to fall into bed. Bob had a few more hours to do in the kitchen though! He spent more hours on his feet than I did with only a short bike ride on Saturday morning as a change of scenery.</p><p>I was in the van by 2am and asleep soon afterwards. Bob arrived back about 5am ish and I snoozed until about 7.30 when I got up. I was able to welcome in some later runners, briefly see Charles and Claire, have breakfast, congratulate Kat and Maria who had both had amazing runs and then have even more to eat. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGv5O4A1s-mVbOs8Caqd0H1eVo8e5em7zUFjJpL8U8w8lgu4XBPp8gs66r0jloERsy8vRdokG_DUz9zHApkDxrLb3_4p9CPFmn42BHQyRylR1VOgEdLGq-wFl4TK6JnTlfBCmHnzTrNZicK51l0-5KGLS-qYSJwN_eCst7oU_aFUYgvvbdC08QKQOrpg/s800/F%20kat%20and%20M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGv5O4A1s-mVbOs8Caqd0H1eVo8e5em7zUFjJpL8U8w8lgu4XBPp8gs66r0jloERsy8vRdokG_DUz9zHApkDxrLb3_4p9CPFmn42BHQyRylR1VOgEdLGq-wFl4TK6JnTlfBCmHnzTrNZicK51l0-5KGLS-qYSJwN_eCst7oU_aFUYgvvbdC08QKQOrpg/s320/F%20kat%20and%20M.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Phil and Claire appeared along with Julian and Stephanie. Lots of chat and stories to swap before I headed out to take down flags and banners. It was just starting to rain but not heavily. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1-bjt_UQWyP49-bpciwI8-0v6K1ZgQpS12tKthxwtD0U1wMVmaQkLhqJe9X3uIMffcDGJFyFsNYDulo530udi9cNvyPOwbX4Ud7OevBvoFCdxGrIFSeX1w0VWJeiyT-c10vjCDK5QPfeNThoeEYMmBn5qHeLFT7mq_eITTEJqYSGXWSHuVpTG41D1qw/s500/F%20prize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="261" data-original-width="500" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1-bjt_UQWyP49-bpciwI8-0v6K1ZgQpS12tKthxwtD0U1wMVmaQkLhqJe9X3uIMffcDGJFyFsNYDulo530udi9cNvyPOwbX4Ud7OevBvoFCdxGrIFSeX1w0VWJeiyT-c10vjCDK5QPfeNThoeEYMmBn5qHeLFT7mq_eITTEJqYSGXWSHuVpTG41D1qw/s320/F%20prize.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Part of the Oldies winning team</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The prize giving seemed slightly shorter and less vibrant than sometimes but we had a good chat about the previous day and future plans. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja7rrQChEKCZZ6p36_lGyGKgg92j0BMllvrBIH0LYHDpncR3X82cK73P3vOBzHST7_xy9MutR9uqs1zb12r7d83CWRWbD_D3QE8jw3HkwnnPcc9_pNQUpZOBbyLvBp1Nyi3rm93eUibKuu8lwV4wy4oCRqcdLgoW35AUncyKYprx69eZEHkFIRWAbNsA/s800/F%20phil%20claire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja7rrQChEKCZZ6p36_lGyGKgg92j0BMllvrBIH0LYHDpncR3X82cK73P3vOBzHST7_xy9MutR9uqs1zb12r7d83CWRWbD_D3QE8jw3HkwnnPcc9_pNQUpZOBbyLvBp1Nyi3rm93eUibKuu8lwV4wy4oCRqcdLgoW35AUncyKYprx69eZEHkFIRWAbNsA/s320/F%20phil%20claire.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I sold a few more mats and people started to drift away. Bob was back in the kitchen and I went in to help. A mega washing up session ensued... cups, plates, cutlery and worst of all those metal trays that had baked the sausages and bacon. By1pm I was wilting and we announced it was time for us to head home. There was some rain on the journey and I reflected on how lucky we had been with the weather. Next year is the 60th Fellsman and it will be my 10th so I guess I will have to enter.</p>Ultras and a lttle bit morehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14102033182139486675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238582577045689081.post-74283507241370941922023-04-17T09:38:00.003-07:002023-04-17T09:38:53.452-07:00The Calderdale Hike<p>I sold my place for the Haworth Hobble which was the second race in the Runfurther series.... I have done the race any ties, it's tough and always very well attended by speedy fell runners. We needed a bigger block of tie for adventures on the continent and this was the sacrifice.</p><p>12 days skiing went well with some mixed and interesting weather but no big falls, except that is on the concrete floor of the ski room. It was over in seconds but what a crash landing. Left ski boot skidded, kicked the other boot off the floor, legs up, body down. Wham. Huge bruise on my hip but some hidden and more serious damage to my left torso. No idea but either cracked/broken ribs or seriously pulled muscles. Couldn't lift arm above horizontal and a cough or sneeze was a disaster. It meant climbing wasn't really possible although I did try for a couple of days before admitting defeat. We checked out Sisteron but did an amazing walk instead (caves, crawls, the odd wire and rung) plus I walked/jogged up a hill from our wild camp. Gigondas was superb as usual and it was frustrating not to be able to climb properly but I had two wonderful runs and a walk with Bob instead. En route to Spain we called in at St Series Via Feratta, partly to break the journey and partly to check my progress. It was a chilly start but warm in the sun. Ribs not great but VF possible. Next stop was the border. My race in the summer does not quite go sea to sea and so I wanted to do the first 35k from the sea. If I complete I will then be able to say I have done the whole route. We had a great coastal walk together and then I ran from the Med to Perthus whilst Bob moved the van. The weather on the coast was warm and sunny even just after sunrise. I was sweating on the first big climb and then it all changed. The sun vanished, the wind got up and the temperature dropped. The middle part of my route which should have been wonderful high grassy tops became a battle for staying upright and warm enough. I was carrying spare gear but only just enough. Thick mist didn't help as my slower speed didn't help keep me warm. By the end it was much warmer again but still windy. I lost the GR10 markers at one point and then thought I had found them- but it was an old disused route. A chat with two farmers got e back on track. so just 850km or so left to do! We were hyped to go back to some favourite climbing areas, especially as we missed the last year but it seemed daft to drive as far as Benidorm and find I still couldn't climb. Instead we explored areas we had previously driven past further north and inland fro Barcelona. Found some lovely mountains and some Via Feratta- in Spain they are not easy to find, not always well maintained and in some cases closed but we had fun despite failing to find one and me carrying a 60m rope on an all day ridge walk.... training I guess. All too soon it was time to start the journey home. A day stop at Puy le Dome allowed a wonderful run en route.</p><p>One reason for the return was the Calderdale Hike- the next race in the Runfurther series. I wasn't sure I was up to 37 miles or so and a stiff neck from climbing on Friday didn't help matters. We drove across in the van and parked up at the school (made famous in Happy Valley) for the night. It was quiet and I slept well. An earlier than expected start to the cricket season meant we started at the cricket club as usual but would finish at the tennis club. By 8am Nick and Jenny had arrived,we had all the flags and banners up and we oved down the cricket club to register. As always there were loads of friends to catch up with and much discussion about various route choices that could be taken during the day.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-g7TYGO2gjtG3EReywREIDfe3shtCPLDV6lj2436SUkuhmyKolbx9OkCKZKWFLgelN4vy6_9AMi-ueqyNImzoGunIqZYIJXsasjL1RNxcPanPB2-fVFRovs6YXpEiezNTnPYSk0DhDrcw_BV4htiI1hPfUyBG3StCYM_W-0PSmqjKesMtFmV-r9-bkg/s1389/CH%20with%20Ashok.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="1389" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-g7TYGO2gjtG3EReywREIDfe3shtCPLDV6lj2436SUkuhmyKolbx9OkCKZKWFLgelN4vy6_9AMi-ueqyNImzoGunIqZYIJXsasjL1RNxcPanPB2-fVFRovs6YXpEiezNTnPYSk0DhDrcw_BV4htiI1hPfUyBG3StCYM_W-0PSmqjKesMtFmV-r9-bkg/s320/CH%20with%20Ashok.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sun in my eyes</td></tr></tbody></table><p>All the runners started together and at 9am we were off. It was already warm and I knew I would have to shed a layer before long. The first lanes soon passed and we were dropping down the cobbled and stone track to Mytholmroyd. Claire and Ashok were just ahead and not sure of the way but I knew it was foolish to try to keep up. On the climb I shed my layer and then had to shock of running on brown slippery stuff MUD, for the first time in 6 weeks. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgae751MgrUkPXHOPtqj7DQAUb7LP6yqcVJ6Z1wIdyP_Q0O1VYUa7Mz1UVqNc-wgKpmIY2H3vn80J6X4uS8nkGLNE5uDeUzgzozbQ_5sere8kHYHcNfvvlGeouRVQTpGtFe5JdIHGBS9GVYwrYiVVbbdS9-ylpgCMElBB2bVf8Vxv_p0UtAMIaNFHrxKQ/s3264/IMG_3050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgae751MgrUkPXHOPtqj7DQAUb7LP6yqcVJ6Z1wIdyP_Q0O1VYUa7Mz1UVqNc-wgKpmIY2H3vn80J6X4uS8nkGLNE5uDeUzgzozbQ_5sere8kHYHcNfvvlGeouRVQTpGtFe5JdIHGBS9GVYwrYiVVbbdS9-ylpgCMElBB2bVf8Vxv_p0UtAMIaNFHrxKQ/s320/IMG_3050.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>I did in fact catch them by the time we were on the big track below Stoodley Pike and entering Lumbutts. I grabbed a bite to eat at the church but did not want to linger. AS we dropped towards the outskirts of Tod they pulled further ahead and vanished. No worries I like being on my own and I knew where I was going. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFvLingiF43YgUQjC-W9Odiz3AvXa_aUhvBmXMR5Gc6nfNNPMkpKbW_h2VJc8SYIJoBIDiw0Z04s4bvWVXbeVHPCdBe0DdFJ8prb0FNI6uNSIdw3Pfy9f7D8qpCSWuFldXiOPgYDalzJDWbsPiVtKC41_PEiwugwsWaQZv4g1fBcmsQeWDh95pKUExXw/s960/CHike%208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFvLingiF43YgUQjC-W9Odiz3AvXa_aUhvBmXMR5Gc6nfNNPMkpKbW_h2VJc8SYIJoBIDiw0Z04s4bvWVXbeVHPCdBe0DdFJ8prb0FNI6uNSIdw3Pfy9f7D8qpCSWuFldXiOPgYDalzJDWbsPiVtKC41_PEiwugwsWaQZv4g1fBcmsQeWDh95pKUExXw/s320/CHike%208.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>More mud followed from the golf club to the CP at Mount Cross but then it was down hill on tarmac until the little enclosed path led to Cornholme. Apparently Claire and Ashok went astray briefly here but I knew of the back alley and also the way up onto Flower Scar. I had decided I was not going up through the MTB woods but stayed on the lane a little longer before cutting onto the moor. The Tod Centenary Way might be slightly longer than up by the turbines but there was less climb. Just before Horden Gate I made a bad choice through a cow area and got very muddy but arrived at the CP as Martin T came in from the other direction. We chatted as we went along Limers Gate and up towards Trough Edge End. Martin, who has form for nav errors, had not made sense of the drop to the canal route and so was sticking to the turbines. I decided that as the CP was moving further and further down the lane I would try the drop for the first time. It seemed better than retracing our steps and climbing up onto the moor. Kevin H had assured me it was 5 ins faster but I think for e the gain was even more. An easy run down tarmac and then a good path down to the main road really upped my pace the the pavement by the main road and then the canal were easy running. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilzDJFRsU2PObAgAEGxNAq_OURxrGlil51VDKcrnpB72DAD5139Iat3heF_lMxPCP3Rdw5hpNLwb6Yg1e5eDUZ94EWn4mn9KBn7o_c6KGMinfcScirz8cw13SqaojtD6v4K2wEnKuf_FxyNOail5JXj10tAKJfWcx4tI8A24YjFHNRZn2iLZTMeazejg/s1280/IMG_3015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilzDJFRsU2PObAgAEGxNAq_OURxrGlil51VDKcrnpB72DAD5139Iat3heF_lMxPCP3Rdw5hpNLwb6Yg1e5eDUZ94EWn4mn9KBn7o_c6KGMinfcScirz8cw13SqaojtD6v4K2wEnKuf_FxyNOail5JXj10tAKJfWcx4tI8A24YjFHNRZn2iLZTMeazejg/s320/IMG_3015.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A recee from a previous year</td></tr></tbody></table><p>It wasn't as scenic but definitely faster. I never saw Martin or the others that went the turbine way again! A slight rise to Summit and then quickly down to Sladen Fold where I was alone the whole tie. I remembered the way up to the pub and then the White House- Claire and Ashok went via the turbines and went off course again in Sladen. The pull up to the White House was tough and I stopped to refill my water. No sandwiches this year but at least I had plenty of my own food. The only time I was chilly all day was on the next stretch towards the M62. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizbd-v4YPcZKPV0LtHQ0hUJ5tMh-G_-id7hCyV5cU4DjRNRSZbZ77Y7awKDWGUnvfTwloYowYpej9PJI7MtMTeQ2jXlSu3DCgmby65_gqOghb-y3CBhrHUDOMgaS1UYL6sFO2BPo0w0mGn0LA_OVsZ7cz5lHG_8PRAoPzXWOm8S7LzEX0yr_pSE5aVsw/s1280/IMG_3029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizbd-v4YPcZKPV0LtHQ0hUJ5tMh-G_-id7hCyV5cU4DjRNRSZbZ77Y7awKDWGUnvfTwloYowYpej9PJI7MtMTeQ2jXlSu3DCgmby65_gqOghb-y3CBhrHUDOMgaS1UYL6sFO2BPo0w0mGn0LA_OVsZ7cz5lHG_8PRAoPzXWOm8S7LzEX0yr_pSE5aVsw/s320/IMG_3029.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not today!</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I love Blackstone Edge but know that is faster along the goyt which is easier running and allows you to miss some climb. The noise of the motorway is grim but I was soon turning north towards the new CP and Green Withens reservoir. It was here that Claire and Ashok caught me up. I was feeling trashed after the easy speedy running so we were not together long. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcpTYSsIBhXyfarsZT3HYpUPvBnSlcE4Ln2ZKNJF0P-WnqzMr4wJBYKxvZNS5XoJWcvwPSxZlsNo9yVqXHFkg2oixDWKnHnoSDFKAVGZEisiSdLh1kpn6crw2QDp6N52CBjGTx3wQMHlFf3_rFM7BXAEA2maIo41c6550zWu3M4R8aR09g0s60vnSCEA/s3264/IMG_3027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcpTYSsIBhXyfarsZT3HYpUPvBnSlcE4Ln2ZKNJF0P-WnqzMr4wJBYKxvZNS5XoJWcvwPSxZlsNo9yVqXHFkg2oixDWKnHnoSDFKAVGZEisiSdLh1kpn6crw2QDp6N52CBjGTx3wQMHlFf3_rFM7BXAEA2maIo41c6550zWu3M4R8aR09g0s60vnSCEA/s320/IMG_3027.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Today the sun was taking a brief rest at this point</td></tr></tbody></table><p>On the climb up onto Rishworth Moor they pulled further ahead and were eventually out of sight. I plodded on. Ryburn Reservoir came and went with now mostly small lanes and a big track all the way to the finish. I couldn't see runners but concentrated on trying to keep my pace good by picking off walkers on the short and medium route who had now rejoined our route. Fro the last CP it was pretty much downhill and I urged myself to run. Jackie was coming the opposite way on her bike- a stiff ride home after her run on the medium route and we shouted hellos. Having the church near the event centre is a real bonus, except perhaps for years when the route climbs up fro the canal valley bottom, as you can see it and know the end is in sight. Bob had come out to see me in and take a photo. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2vH17wRZEUsV5RUvBqgNty87euAo-uNZd5Qx5GR3mUP1VHw5lCLX-yKolXhQ6QCJruCBe4WXZ3-bySn1LmOmtFs-HPS4BJJb-zMrXCrKFmTm3hyvclrrec2qnY-SUpvV8A89iKHp5EvVpr2EdwGlYIMhL9jy7Vkg4o8deRnfM2t_XyChPL4Ukw0wKIQ/s800/Calderdale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2vH17wRZEUsV5RUvBqgNty87euAo-uNZd5Qx5GR3mUP1VHw5lCLX-yKolXhQ6QCJruCBe4WXZ3-bySn1LmOmtFs-HPS4BJJb-zMrXCrKFmTm3hyvclrrec2qnY-SUpvV8A89iKHp5EvVpr2EdwGlYIMhL9jy7Vkg4o8deRnfM2t_XyChPL4Ukw0wKIQ/s320/Calderdale.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I thought I was running fast!</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I arrived at the Tennis Club in 7hrs 11 and only 10 mins behind the others. Kevin, Adam and others were of course long gone. Tea and chilli jacket potato refreshed e but I seriously missed the yogurt and custard that is usually on offer and the cans of beer did not look as attractive as the real bar in the cricket club. We sat chatting with Phil and Claire, laughing at all her extra bits from nav errors. She would have been much further ahead of me otherwise. Martin T and the other turbine route users arrived shortly afterwards. </p><p>A good day out and although y legs and feet were a bit sore I had done better than I dared to hope. Off home promptly for a family weekend. Chris and Alice arrived on Saturday night and we all met up with Matt, T and Layton on Sunday. Almost perfect- except for L being quite a poorly boy.</p>Ultras and a lttle bit morehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14102033182139486675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238582577045689081.post-44240873737538943472023-02-06T11:20:00.002-08:002023-02-06T11:20:42.365-08:00Pendle Way in a Day- first Runfurther race of 2023<p> I was unsure how this would go as I have been struggling with some sort of chest infection for weeks but after Street O on Wednesday there did seem to be some improvement and Fridays big climbing session in Kendal went well. It is a lovely tough Lancashire winter route- mud, bogs, some faster track and a big hill especially at the end. This year due to the change of start Pendle would be right at the end!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8xgWocCNmth17iltuI8oUddSAhALwO3e8_ebx9UgZ6RGjCBDyadotDOtVDpbHCFVE_ImYcrvel2sHfpEp-mlsNMfnCGw389S7grrQIgcUudosOPf58gtekyoqfXTdppP8bM5IyAXpYWHj1fkGbpCnFrJ0ABbdWbQWHKBV8QU5kDe5sSEYFA--AMEdJA/s800/flags%20and%20banners%20PW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8xgWocCNmth17iltuI8oUddSAhALwO3e8_ebx9UgZ6RGjCBDyadotDOtVDpbHCFVE_ImYcrvel2sHfpEp-mlsNMfnCGw389S7grrQIgcUudosOPf58gtekyoqfXTdppP8bM5IyAXpYWHj1fkGbpCnFrJ0ABbdWbQWHKBV8QU5kDe5sSEYFA--AMEdJA/s320/flags%20and%20banners%20PW.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The forecast was quite good and certainly would be better than last years' dreadful conditions. I couldn't believe it when the steady drizzle started on my drive along the M65 when most people were still in bed. It continued as I put up the flags and banners in the dark. I was quickly registered and then had the luxury of time to chat and greet friends as they arrived. Kat, an ex-colleague, was signed up for Runfurther and this would be the furthest she had ever run. It is good to have some young blood and for the women's side of the series to be more competitive. I managed a small second breakfast of tea and a slice of toast. Soon Rory, Lawrence, Bryn, Steve, Martin, Chris, Charles and Claire and others appeared and I was able to point them in the direction of our boards and spot prizes.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCpO8AoqJrsxEupOWtFMZK3Y_jAqkfpzj9MVW5uZUTBPr0r5-FyIYJe81oV0iBWeoXJNU3HFJV1secNFwnrvvKgL7j6JTczXBveb5SimJSUdXMSQ_GmT14UFARnHwf22JZU9REIPL1Yb-xNYdq4LqNNKpkIeIevaXbKqRfU35-pz9OEzePtkKpwarpTA/s2048/start%202%20PW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1538" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCpO8AoqJrsxEupOWtFMZK3Y_jAqkfpzj9MVW5uZUTBPr0r5-FyIYJe81oV0iBWeoXJNU3HFJV1secNFwnrvvKgL7j6JTczXBveb5SimJSUdXMSQ_GmT14UFARnHwf22JZU9REIPL1Yb-xNYdq4LqNNKpkIeIevaXbKqRfU35-pz9OEzePtkKpwarpTA/s320/start%202%20PW.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>By the time we congregated outside it was light and more importantly dry! My only concern was would I be too warm in two layers and my cag. The lead runners sprinted off and I found myself with Chris- we had run a fair chunk of the race together last year and he is good company as well as knowing all the sneaky little turns. We must all be getting old- Martin said he wasn't race fit, Bryn was well rested but not up to speed, Chris has been trying to recover from a damaged ankle and I was anxious about my chest/back. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwU-CmOlxSjPlSDR5EvUwxwkNwZ7Bp_mvM9suVYM6q8Pknv0bp5w1v145LQvHZ-FGKaJsJroX0t4Q-JiWwF-5hTRhj13kaxHBv9Cd-Vd8fE8xryODdbTnlK765R6qQT_SDv-6GriSdH3xbsXCk-FxCjBb-Zdu4mvJAfLTraBoQeLmuJ-HZmCIpG9Tkpw/s2048/and%20off%20PW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwU-CmOlxSjPlSDR5EvUwxwkNwZ7Bp_mvM9suVYM6q8Pknv0bp5w1v145LQvHZ-FGKaJsJroX0t4Q-JiWwF-5hTRhj13kaxHBv9Cd-Vd8fE8xryODdbTnlK765R6qQT_SDv-6GriSdH3xbsXCk-FxCjBb-Zdu4mvJAfLTraBoQeLmuJ-HZmCIpG9Tkpw/s320/and%20off%20PW.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><p>The lead runners made a mistake as the lane turned up to Whitehough- so many memories of DoE here for me. We shouted them back and laughed. Kat was up ahead now but I did not chase and after I had stopped for a quick wee she was out of sight. The wet fields down to town were not as bad as I remembered.</p><p>We punched the self clip at Barrowford Heritage Centre and headed off on the narrow stream side path and off into the hills again. I was still with Chris but felt I was struggling to breathe on the ups even though they were gentle at first. By the time we were on the lane up to Weets people had settled into their pace and place for the race. Seeing the Lonsdale vest of Jonaton up ahead would continue all day. Chris veered off to visit the trig point and I shot off to the lovely descent to Barlick. A strange little loop of the town to go past the old steam gorge etc and we were heading uphill again to Letcliffe Park. Here I caught Bryn which is unusual. Neither of us were fans of the canal tow path but it was easy running and I tried to keep Jonaton in sight. The fields to Thornton farm and then across to Earby passed without incident but I did have to walk up some of the lane in the village. I didn't stop long at the CP which this year was at the Youth Hostel- just grabbed some water, sweets and a small piece of cake. The fields across to Black Lane Ends were less boggy than usual but far from dry. Some time around here I met up with 'shorts man' and was able to help keep him on track. Jonaton was ahead but not pulling away. I had lost Chris now and was soon to lose Bryn too. At Laneshaw Bridge we reconnected with the 'short' route and so had a few more people to pick off as we headed into Wycoller and our next CP. I love this section for all the history..., ancient buildings, pretty cottages, the Aisled Barn, clapper bridges etc. This year the CP was by the barn so there was no need to climb to the Atom. I grabbed crisps and set off up the lane eating, still shouting instructions to shorts-man. </p><p>The Bronte Way below Boulsworth Hill always seems tougher than it should, It has some climbs but mostly should be so runnable on the big track. My back was a bit sore and I concentrated on posture which took my mind off the long track disappearing into the distance. At least the breeze was not a body stopping gale this year. Just before the reservoirs I spotted a photographer- yes it was David from SportsSunday. He always makes me smile, run and takes a great photo. Today was no exception.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZablF77Y9o4eOpESRx7wPjz1Ic41sPgmC95sYluYAhFnUVARSlRkw7sTfvRTRe1rD_PvzacPg3NdOOamPYBRa6QAL_8ikBoZzr-TmLORIsubIRm2fTrD2YmKSRSrcPirbhqNNWKMhdVOkXsmy5hRnxtzH8pWFk3FJeHwJRfR77hbInaqXp22N0VUGOA/s2048/SS%20of%20me%20PW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="2048" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZablF77Y9o4eOpESRx7wPjz1Ic41sPgmC95sYluYAhFnUVARSlRkw7sTfvRTRe1rD_PvzacPg3NdOOamPYBRa6QAL_8ikBoZzr-TmLORIsubIRm2fTrD2YmKSRSrcPirbhqNNWKMhdVOkXsmy5hRnxtzH8pWFk3FJeHwJRfR77hbInaqXp22N0VUGOA/s320/SS%20of%20me%20PW.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Coldwell Activity Centre is a great CP and this year the wooden chalet was almost empty! I had a cup of tea and some food. Last year it was carnage and together with other soaked and cold runners I struggled into more layers, over trousers and dry gloves. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmfbNivCWtgRY8gnfJb6p55jodds56IwGF5WVD8vKlMob5TqGQB-xk_gPeXxQOZqd1roHptBVNnjmqC2bmv8btJ1O4uqg37NwiGf9z-oXNNVXLg82Knh1iMzCPtSfTzyKo7d9N5M6APJqMPoG8WyIIUHPJYmMcLeFaaUgqyDmoMDLbh9dubnxaJqnjIw/s2048/Coldwell%20PW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmfbNivCWtgRY8gnfJb6p55jodds56IwGF5WVD8vKlMob5TqGQB-xk_gPeXxQOZqd1roHptBVNnjmqC2bmv8btJ1O4uqg37NwiGf9z-oXNNVXLg82Knh1iMzCPtSfTzyKo7d9N5M6APJqMPoG8WyIIUHPJYmMcLeFaaUgqyDmoMDLbh9dubnxaJqnjIw/s320/Coldwell%20PW.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Parts of the next section are my least favourite of the whole route- initially the path is fine but the mud just before the lane at Catlow is grim and this year I actually got stuck for a minute or so. Then after the pleasant descent to Walverden Reservoir there is the boggy ground and steep climb up to the road. At least from there the path across the golf course and to the outskirts of Brierfield are good. Then it is a glorious downhill stretch on tarmac! I gained some places here- I think they were runners on the 30 mile route. Across the main road and over the canal before the wettest part of the day- the sunken board walks of Pendle Water. Clean feet anyhow. Across the M65 (via a footbridge) and then some pleasant fields before the muddy path by the River Calder. Dirty feet again. The pull up from here to Higham is a killer and Lonsdale man pulled ahead even though I caught and over took others.</p><p>This is the final CP this year and I was looking forward to a hot chocolate. Imaginer my upset when there was none! I settled for tea but then there was no jam in my donut (honest). Jamie- I want my money back! Verity told me to bin it and take another but that would be wasteful so I ate it and then took another to munch as I set off. I ignored the shots this year and being dry and warm did not feel the need to linger.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiakLFXT_kGYOpwJfExDw2n7Koeh7gF3N9FKOeF6lRjSx81NeJW5aJVUJqJjv12dv4oJOXeXbSNg4dTJVQGxOYDdr5DnNvVwxZ-FvRyiUmCoLiqIZoywTNPr9g-6szocfbkAg9-pCuRgTCl37xEw9og0Sr9vcswaWn1MqVEE57MGA6Aa5WqZX1WhgIB6A/s1440/Pw%20in%20a%20day%20higham%20shots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiakLFXT_kGYOpwJfExDw2n7Koeh7gF3N9FKOeF6lRjSx81NeJW5aJVUJqJjv12dv4oJOXeXbSNg4dTJVQGxOYDdr5DnNvVwxZ-FvRyiUmCoLiqIZoywTNPr9g-6szocfbkAg9-pCuRgTCl37xEw9og0Sr9vcswaWn1MqVEE57MGA6Aa5WqZX1WhgIB6A/s320/Pw%20in%20a%20day%20higham%20shots.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Home straight now and I know the way well. A nice path up fields and across above the farms before the mess at Bull Hole. Others missed the turning right and I managed to call a couple back. The others would have a steep climb to the road before they could turn. From Newchurch I felt slow up the always boggy field but got second wind, or the sugar donuts kicked in, as we entered Fell Wood. I always smile here at the memory of my small child coming to a full stop orienteering- didn't dare go into the woods in case there were bears! This year as we hot the road through Ogden Valley it was still light, it wasn't blowing me off my feet and it wasn't raining. Yay. It is still a long pull up to the Trig though. I knew the trod along the rim would be faster and reached the top of the steps at the same time as the runner I had been chasing. Although he lives in Poulton he had never run on Pendle- why the hell not? I showed him the runners trod and we made quick work of the descent. I was able to lead him through the final tricky turns but once I smelt the finish I was off and sprinting through the village. I didn't quite break 9 hrs by about 30 seconds- how annoying? (no not really). </p><p>I dashed back out from the finish to find the river and wash the worst of the mud from my shoes and legs whilst they were still wet. Climbing down to the water was easy but getting back out much less so.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8_qOSDct45kGasnw-MNN8vWLoyQo4pFPv9cAep_YNtP1ZShTS01OQZpFOJP9zNVO7AEEmGtR8V0w7cTVsi7AkyZE9knEyjI7tp4Ni8qoUmNi6vv_fgaaQhx9DLFv96Xs9AYAfH2INSIKUhrTrMMNeD_PbghoVuH53_gRQyoDycgGRCUDhLJq27GZOg/s2048/PW%20wash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit8_qOSDct45kGasnw-MNN8vWLoyQo4pFPv9cAep_YNtP1ZShTS01OQZpFOJP9zNVO7AEEmGtR8V0w7cTVsi7AkyZE9knEyjI7tp4Ni8qoUmNi6vv_fgaaQhx9DLFv96Xs9AYAfH2INSIKUhrTrMMNeD_PbghoVuH53_gRQyoDycgGRCUDhLJq27GZOg/s320/PW%20wash.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>It was a PB, I was 2nd female and only 25 mins behind Kat who had loved her day. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXr91ZxHq4AL3ub6IQ_x1_XMzmFuh8uQ-wRXIApvpiUR2VaVWIDf93RL48x2uzsE55jKifdJj79LViZZk5oDnKw_35TNjPl-jxIgM3v1xD1rkrqtdOywzQJhymU6M2E_9GX5vlO4A9hGpiCCZ_IYS62zeKOOcMD075TThYude5eceVcRHysyVhz_uxZw/s1440/Kat%201st%20PW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXr91ZxHq4AL3ub6IQ_x1_XMzmFuh8uQ-wRXIApvpiUR2VaVWIDf93RL48x2uzsE55jKifdJj79LViZZk5oDnKw_35TNjPl-jxIgM3v1xD1rkrqtdOywzQJhymU6M2E_9GX5vlO4A9hGpiCCZ_IYS62zeKOOcMD075TThYude5eceVcRHysyVhz_uxZw/s320/Kat%201st%20PW.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I finished in day light and the dry- result, and so different to last year. It's a different race starting in Barley but I liked it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRgs3KBt1MUbbO3nf0zE3_0_56OYPKobu4twqxhOPPm88jaaZD-dFO0hK2PzftVlEwWcMShodwZ-bO7v2Pt7G4IYnLgPl2UPmfSpZFGAMKNG6LYIJTRsnvN3FpRWlRdCO0o0VP_XkUCGQk1JjxSbY_1NcH06wtuLuVLICI_xOGSCCM2vlGwcd2l0S6w/s545/PW%20snip.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="448" data-original-width="545" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNRgs3KBt1MUbbO3nf0zE3_0_56OYPKobu4twqxhOPPm88jaaZD-dFO0hK2PzftVlEwWcMShodwZ-bO7v2Pt7G4IYnLgPl2UPmfSpZFGAMKNG6LYIJTRsnvN3FpRWlRdCO0o0VP_XkUCGQk1JjxSbY_1NcH06wtuLuVLICI_xOGSCCM2vlGwcd2l0S6w/s320/PW%20snip.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>So pleased she enjoyed it even if it did cost me 1000 Runfurther points. Rory had set a new record and Lawrence had a good run too. A good start to their Runfurther series with 1000 and 900 odd points each.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQIKOzaBdYux_wtRw3773k2tgUKi-iVdgyUH8IdgV8yoHo5hQmIaoJtALk1lmjKcmwwBgKzR3aPeu3RQb7Nkz_hHWG1RR9BBACsZzyw3yjKPd_Atf-csnR3y1c4JCP0mMBpvSOwT2tUW9ai2cGTnjNIrooo21F_pejM3uErEAeY-NMsl3KigujTw8ZKA/s1440/Rory%20PW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQIKOzaBdYux_wtRw3773k2tgUKi-iVdgyUH8IdgV8yoHo5hQmIaoJtALk1lmjKcmwwBgKzR3aPeu3RQb7Nkz_hHWG1RR9BBACsZzyw3yjKPd_Atf-csnR3y1c4JCP0mMBpvSOwT2tUW9ai2cGTnjNIrooo21F_pejM3uErEAeY-NMsl3KigujTw8ZKA/s320/Rory%20PW.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>I couldn't keep up with Kat and Steve but had beaten Martin, Bryn and Charles. Happy with that. Refuelled by tea and a fantastic buffet i sat chatting with Kat who them kindly helped me take down the flags etc. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9PC-coBmfLqPbt8O6gOxr6VqX2QGxEnVJC7P-RpkZmO6HgYDKdcsOhDpgBamLsmXCo0AB6-vxuizN4WU5myN-cDJOV-i0WqyX4atyIxI-iDjDBoa8yqmE0W1VvvPfSx7tE2uwN4v05ZG-DHnGDIQCouhG1aQuLX_95-LwU-j9fymMUnFVIujovBz3mQ/s1440/Pw%20in%20a%20day%20food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9PC-coBmfLqPbt8O6gOxr6VqX2QGxEnVJC7P-RpkZmO6HgYDKdcsOhDpgBamLsmXCo0AB6-vxuizN4WU5myN-cDJOV-i0WqyX4atyIxI-iDjDBoa8yqmE0W1VvvPfSx7tE2uwN4v05ZG-DHnGDIQCouhG1aQuLX_95-LwU-j9fymMUnFVIujovBz3mQ/s320/Pw%20in%20a%20day%20food.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Charles and Claire did offer but had only just finished. Suddenly I was tired, the rain had started and I just wanted to be home. It was good to have had a shower before I enjoyed my Ice Witch. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAOUzUtZ7nZdzA1ryd1lLnX3RnoDo0qJyU0BUlO0Gu7NNvcNU6HLcIKgPPLUA1ij2xJkXsgKsFAXuvb6hPDw1acrvMZn6MbwZDALvksYH4dNyCo06VBPgPwBqjU2A-oBlihM2FdezebJxWaemH3nkBA_-oI03I0Zx08SR3-WToBhLuIl9Vv9jkEgjjuw/s800/Beer%20PW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAOUzUtZ7nZdzA1ryd1lLnX3RnoDo0qJyU0BUlO0Gu7NNvcNU6HLcIKgPPLUA1ij2xJkXsgKsFAXuvb6hPDw1acrvMZn6MbwZDALvksYH4dNyCo06VBPgPwBqjU2A-oBlihM2FdezebJxWaemH3nkBA_-oI03I0Zx08SR3-WToBhLuIl9Vv9jkEgjjuw/s320/Beer%20PW.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>Cheers Jamie and team- fantastic race, good CPs, amazing volunteers and superb food at the end.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_z-8aLimdzJvCqMUjJawi1YCfgNQpmwpbBev28jaICZgBlqTe-M-dUE3LRhBA9neh4vFMrdTsukyrTBqpvJID35m549D0H7wiU4MoIbuBIEc4bh6FNOrO8pIB-G1s_RaYZRM-trBAN5BSDU6dT6NJT3i0UR3L-ezEWlhTeRa2uH9kkhZ0lzAXVeSjA/s2048/Martiin%20PW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_z-8aLimdzJvCqMUjJawi1YCfgNQpmwpbBev28jaICZgBlqTe-M-dUE3LRhBA9neh4vFMrdTsukyrTBqpvJID35m549D0H7wiU4MoIbuBIEc4bh6FNOrO8pIB-G1s_RaYZRM-trBAN5BSDU6dT6NJT3i0UR3L-ezEWlhTeRa2uH9kkhZ0lzAXVeSjA/s320/Martiin%20PW.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Thanks to all the Runfurther runners who still love the series and turn up to race for points the best they can regardless of age or niggles.</p>Ultras and a lttle bit morehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14102033182139486675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238582577045689081.post-76439114300447185352023-02-06T09:36:00.002-08:002023-02-06T09:36:41.893-08:00Heading into 2023<p> Suddenly realised we are half way through January and I have not written yet. I don't really do New Year's resolutions but do have a think about some of what I might want to achieve next year. I will hope to do lots of Runfurther races again even though this will prevent me doing a couple of other favourites. I want to get back to some orienteering- partly because I like the challenge and partly so that I can perhaps make a contribution to our club at the interclub challenge. I have already completed three events in the NW Night League and so will try to do the rest of the series. Bit anxious about the next event which is on much more technical terrain in the Lake District. I had fun (I think) at the New Year Cracker- fast and furious but sadly rather awful brambles. The annual charity John O'Goats in Lyme Park was much nicer with open terrain and fairly easy nav. I did pretty well. Update- did OK at Torver in that I got round. Made mistakes at Beacon but quite pleased with Brereton Heath. Did quite well for me at Haigh Hall in daylight and disappointed the interclub I have been practicing for is post phoned due to access issues.</p><p>As always I want to run something special around my birthday- still not entirely sure what so perhaps more than one during the year. I might do the Ribble Way again as it has been a while and I like the idea of running home. Plus it's about 62 miles. I have found a new circular route in the Ribble Valley and I quite like the look of the Dales Top 10 which is also just over 60 miles. If things are going well I have had my eye on the North West Way for a while now, it's almost 200 miles but if I do it in 'reverse' I would be running home. I would really like to fit in is a Parr Round as the 62 peaks would fit with my 62nd year but we will see. If I decide to do a long UK race then it might be the Hardmoors 160 as this is one I have not done before. I did consider the NT again but hope we might get away to ski and climb then. I will likely miss my favourite of the year the GRP as I have found a crazy race in the Pyrenees- TranspyreneA.......... I might find I have bitten off more than I can chew but I will give it my best shot. It's almost 900km so what could possibly go wrong!</p>Ultras and a lttle bit morehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14102033182139486675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238582577045689081.post-28834322505505567892022-12-18T13:14:00.004-08:002022-12-18T13:14:51.702-08:00Last race of the year<p> Tour de Helvellyn. One of my favourites and with a special memory of celebrations at the end of my 62in52@52 year back in 2013. I have run it 5 times- not every year as when I was still working we sometimes disappeared on a ski holiday and a couple of times we have been in Nepal or NZ.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_299IGxEUkxZBzZCHoFgGPReyu6K4MdmmPjTabek6FA3fRniMS7m14zTFtreHbd7v8LUZEPCKZhW5qghl3Ca6ZpP3e7eV9d9RBlpiQTzAv37XcYmMiUwVCkDrdL4ymAObguDnTqAR35Jl3U2TLbJiyIArw8Fqdkqw42c_AsbA9PuZJpF_wIX7DwLvQ/s960/Tof%20H%20end%202013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_299IGxEUkxZBzZCHoFgGPReyu6K4MdmmPjTabek6FA3fRniMS7m14zTFtreHbd7v8LUZEPCKZhW5qghl3Ca6ZpP3e7eV9d9RBlpiQTzAv37XcYmMiUwVCkDrdL4ymAObguDnTqAR35Jl3U2TLbJiyIArw8Fqdkqw42c_AsbA9PuZJpF_wIX7DwLvQ/s320/Tof%20H%20end%202013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>It is planned to cope with English winters and so goes via passes not tops. It has some big tracks and although it has more road than I would usually like frequently the weather means that I am grateful in the end. It's about 60km with about 2400m of climb. After two great sunny snowy runs on the local moors I was really looking forward to this even though I might have tired legs. </p><p>I left climbing early and we drove up ready for me to register at 6pm. Bob was happy to move the van and drop me off but it still nursing his leg and wanted to potter. Registration was not open and so I chatted to Carmine and some others. In the end I went back to the van and we ate. Returning to the hall I found that the decision had been made to move to plan B. We would be running out and back to Stu's bridge. Gutted. Paul who had been round the route showed me a few pics and some paths did look rather icy. I was disappointed and wondered about up to Sticks Pass, over the top and then down the grassy trod in Grisedale valley. That would avoid the icy drop to Thirlmere, the rocky icy contour and Raise Beck which could be a bit dangerous. It was not to be.</p><p>We left and I drowned my sorrows with wine. I then fretted about whether to wear dobs or other shoes with Kathoolas and also which clothes to wear. The forecast was for sleet showers and strong winds. I didn't sleep well and could not stop feeling I was being deprived of the snowy tops. I even considered giving my tracker back and going off on a snow route. I fell asleep to the sound of sleet hitting the van.</p><p>By morning I was calmer and more resigned to what was on offer. Bob dropped me off and the roads in Askham were like an ice rink- glad I had the dobs on. There was time to chat with Maria, Albert, Toney, Steve, Charlotte, Gary and more. I planned to start around 8.30 to be sure that Side Farm CP would be open. Still wavering slightly about what route to run I headed for the kit check and start. Tim L was considering some added interest to the route but I have no idea if this happened in the end. Before I knew it I was out the door and looking for a start marshall- there wasn't one! The tracker picked up a signal as I wandered around the road junction. Time to go.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoVCNmg4XjqaleTb3gx19DZQ_u_j1MlUCkwOQTIJuDSKZj76bO0puOhJ_OJ5sM_3sKWQPwnqG-XC15oQ6lpsK6OHUp68SNYbDZ4XqIHmzfoeeqM17Wrk03z2c5f2bnKBOCDMSdCEl1bkmGgS6OQQm7tGaLBAXGPR0Nmqu0yCFzbqxbNg3ljANmhH6Rbw/s2048/TdeH%20ice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoVCNmg4XjqaleTb3gx19DZQ_u_j1MlUCkwOQTIJuDSKZj76bO0puOhJ_OJ5sM_3sKWQPwnqG-XC15oQ6lpsK6OHUp68SNYbDZ4XqIHmzfoeeqM17Wrk03z2c5f2bnKBOCDMSdCEl1bkmGgS6OQQm7tGaLBAXGPR0Nmqu0yCFzbqxbNg3ljANmhH6Rbw/s320/TdeH%20ice.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">yep- icy paths</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Heading up the lane and up to the common was quite comical with people skating all over. Those with spikes on were doing better but I was sure they would suffer sore feet later. Dobs were OK once I realised they actually worked better if I ran with confidence and planted my feet hard. Hopes that all would be well once we left the tarmac were soon dashed. I could not believe how little snow there was compared to on the West Pennine Moors and also how much ice there was across the paths. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhGIQ_Ouf_W6HzGl_TPTvK7tdxCG722yivmTk99zYtFWNgrHUKvFErcNQ13oEyzlV5GeUye4j7XE6N5dlBRk50PRcDZGbX16vN9dpsWKzpJm_bWV-2vqDXbVOIf44Iy-ibr87S15i5JSUpwqemJK9aIBbURzJitNJpyy9PM45yLvPr7Ip3DGhMf-tmWg/s800/TdeH%20no%20snow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhGIQ_Ouf_W6HzGl_TPTvK7tdxCG722yivmTk99zYtFWNgrHUKvFErcNQ13oEyzlV5GeUye4j7XE6N5dlBRk50PRcDZGbX16vN9dpsWKzpJm_bWV-2vqDXbVOIf44Iy-ibr87S15i5JSUpwqemJK9aIBbURzJitNJpyy9PM45yLvPr7Ip3DGhMf-tmWg/s320/TdeH%20no%20snow.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No snow!</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Once past the Cockpit I had got used to the terrain and was moving at a nice steady pace and overtaking some of the slower early starters. The descent to Howtown passed without issue and I opted to stay off the road and to take the path via Mellguards that would drop me in behind the first CP at Martindale church. From here I was worried about icy roads but they were not too bad at all and the tarmac along Boredale made for speedy (for me) running. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbsSyVHU5huDZQyF3BKQHrDe4KMJ_P16E5GkPgCu8Rkny_bhXrn3nTyuqsD1xaeqMk2rxQ96QIt9b0lp9G5AMSUqNPlZK4DIrwwAYXyxb4e8GAZ5jbXNCtyYgHgbhtU6FwWOkW2JKDKZyV5xJg__Cr55_Iubu98hx2gG6bbjlfSuGJHTI45H8WHVqKog/s800/TdeH%20Boredale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbsSyVHU5huDZQyF3BKQHrDe4KMJ_P16E5GkPgCu8Rkny_bhXrn3nTyuqsD1xaeqMk2rxQ96QIt9b0lp9G5AMSUqNPlZK4DIrwwAYXyxb4e8GAZ5jbXNCtyYgHgbhtU6FwWOkW2JKDKZyV5xJg__Cr55_Iubu98hx2gG6bbjlfSuGJHTI45H8WHVqKog/s320/TdeH%20Boredale.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boredale climb on very firm ground</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The dobs were doing fine but it was nice to get onto the track and start climbing. I stopped for a few photos and couldn't believe how lucky we were with the weather.. some sun, no rain or sleet and not much wind. Up at Boredale Hause I bumped into Andy H who I knew from the Tor and we chatted as we made progress towards Side Farm. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPVgk9qvV4etQlvklJYk5boaC9RSiYT3Xf73GMAwpXtDh2tVWM6iLc-2U89JJ6G4DFUQ84YyS2YWdBtE8To8ZO_CUxh_zZGFymh-fL8a0a8M7Jote07EnfoMzKxTIY5UQ55NV7OS5H3mTx-vlgpSP2e-uQdHF2XpyxGXJReMuKrwGV51zuewWoY3zINA/s800/TdeH%20Hause.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPVgk9qvV4etQlvklJYk5boaC9RSiYT3Xf73GMAwpXtDh2tVWM6iLc-2U89JJ6G4DFUQ84YyS2YWdBtE8To8ZO_CUxh_zZGFymh-fL8a0a8M7Jote07EnfoMzKxTIY5UQ55NV7OS5H3mTx-vlgpSP2e-uQdHF2XpyxGXJReMuKrwGV51zuewWoY3zINA/s320/TdeH%20Hause.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At last some snow at the Hause</td></tr></tbody></table><p>This rocky stepped path was actually easier than usual with the dobs, perhaps because I was not even trying to run! I got scanned at the CP and after grabbing some crisps shot off across the valley floor. </p><p>There were a few runners ahead as I ran along Ullswater and into Glenridding. I toyed with the idea of a cross country option here but got locked in to chasing the guys just ahead and settled for the road up past the YHA and the mines. A sudden shower of sleety hail made me stop and put gloves back on but it didn't last long. I managed to over take a few people here and was soon climbing into the thin snow. This ended all too soon as I reached the footbridge across Swart Beck. I could Stu and stopped to bemoan our fate of not going up to play in the snow.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiriPjSygZhYq4o8s2fuDNPt07cDBYauZtz7tpj1dOXnisbBrftHHmzTzW5trWZIGT3IKifgPyXoJ6qn9vGW5Ip-S7MTEglkJ9wCoJQR1ucIVeGKB3-26gEeUIINZfio3zemY4fDbMJxG-RuLmx02-UEdoWaydgqyVoSikucs2HGtnlh2uI-RRq5Y_hNw/s1440/TdeH%20near%20Stu's%20bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1012" data-original-width="1440" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiriPjSygZhYq4o8s2fuDNPt07cDBYauZtz7tpj1dOXnisbBrftHHmzTzW5trWZIGT3IKifgPyXoJ6qn9vGW5Ip-S7MTEglkJ9wCoJQR1ucIVeGKB3-26gEeUIINZfio3zemY4fDbMJxG-RuLmx02-UEdoWaydgqyVoSikucs2HGtnlh2uI-RRq5Y_hNw/s320/TdeH%20near%20Stu's%20bridge.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I did run really</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The descent was a bit slippy and there were now lots of runners appearing. I proceeded with caution even though it did mean being overtaken by about 10 men. I re-caught some of them once we were on easier ground. Being an out and back course was interesting as I got to chat or say Hi to many people as we passed each other. My off road route didn't happen as I was busy talking and missed the turn. Down Greenside road it was. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWmNxQsYuM3hFw4mmBfJzlOoLlzEY_0hugO2ip-8HZ9Kr78qRCg7PsK8qlplPrstzFuywuw0Ls_kt6uiWNU_6nAsqAGSijhxooxtSLMmKj8HLEBuxCk2mSwlx7an5ZfIICUZ47ARfXdEy6WpsJWqQ_BP-jfTco7sTpv4SdctOAaFrUqI3npt8_p_RTZw/s800/TdeH%20not%20today.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWmNxQsYuM3hFw4mmBfJzlOoLlzEY_0hugO2ip-8HZ9Kr78qRCg7PsK8qlplPrstzFuywuw0Ls_kt6uiWNU_6nAsqAGSijhxooxtSLMmKj8HLEBuxCk2mSwlx7an5ZfIICUZ47ARfXdEy6WpsJWqQ_BP-jfTco7sTpv4SdctOAaFrUqI3npt8_p_RTZw/s320/TdeH%20not%20today.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We should be up there.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The ice was melting now and the dobs clattering quite a bit. I chased Gary and the NE gang all the way to Side Farm. This time I did stop- the chocolate orange cake was amazing and powered me up the next climb. If it looked good at the Hause I was gong to divert up Place Fell as I had plenty of daylight left. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjARU2xiT1ErrCNCls5Sz0qkft8ziyWKvNDUzb4Az0paeWTo1OYWBfEzWWr52ah1aL6ImQ0-MhlazugUsxgWylUHoVz0ocgb6VyBkX-8-GwL7-k7aD44lak7KvwxT3xY3wutM_09Jt8XoZ1SzzkvnIDLFGJYnN7MsbRKMsMSgLwZAX5Kr-ErasKNtEh-w/s800/TdeH%20no%20Place%20fell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjARU2xiT1ErrCNCls5Sz0qkft8ziyWKvNDUzb4Az0paeWTo1OYWBfEzWWr52ah1aL6ImQ0-MhlazugUsxgWylUHoVz0ocgb6VyBkX-8-GwL7-k7aD44lak7KvwxT3xY3wutM_09Jt8XoZ1SzzkvnIDLFGJYnN7MsbRKMsMSgLwZAX5Kr-ErasKNtEh-w/s320/TdeH%20no%20Place%20fell.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Place Fell disappearing</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Sadly as we approached the path junction those tops disappeared in thick cloud and di not look so inviting. It was clearly not to be today. Some faster runners came flying though and I concentrated on not losing the group of men I was with. They pulled away over the initially rocks but I had caught them again by the farm.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1DtPqtNLsrnnMGosmWoGF_qOxafGSg6zFjlXyWSA08yU6A_2OC9dXpSkoJRr61dS-5a2T9krcs1TMx9ArZj4Snfj950e6ePmyzCX0f2rxcMQ0Ruj2OTop0-JdqsRkEzrFDaYpSNTprM4-ZWtc1PPXThm4_DZaC8g3ajPmkyrdDSy8Q9arXi66LmErQ/s600/TdeH%20Askham%20sun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1DtPqtNLsrnnMGosmWoGF_qOxafGSg6zFjlXyWSA08yU6A_2OC9dXpSkoJRr61dS-5a2T9krcs1TMx9ArZj4Snfj950e6ePmyzCX0f2rxcMQ0Ruj2OTop0-JdqsRkEzrFDaYpSNTprM4-ZWtc1PPXThm4_DZaC8g3ajPmkyrdDSy8Q9arXi66LmErQ/s320/TdeH%20Askham%20sun.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So much better than the forecast</td></tr></tbody></table><p>By now I was roasting! I had already discarded hat, gloves and buff plus was running with my heavy weight cag unzipped and pushed behind my race vest. Two long sleeve thermals and fleecy tights was too much! Still, no time to stop. We stayed together until Martindale church. I then headed back to the fellside while they stuck to the zig zags. We were together again after Howtown and running with them certainly helped keep me going. Rory came powering past and made the hills look like nothing. Climbing back onto the common my dobs allowed me to run ahead a little and as I reached the planation below Barton Fell it motivated me for the final push. Damo shot past and I wondered what route he would take and how far he would pull away. My choice after the cockpit worked and he actually lost a little of his distance briefly. Another speedy runner egged me on and even stopped to hold the fell gate for me. Down hill now al the way, come on legs less than a mile to go. It was easier after only 25 miles and not the usual 36 or so. I prayed there was no traffic and shot across the cross roads and into the back room of the village hall. I was a sweaty mess with soaked clothing and my hair plastered to my head and face.</p><p>5hrs9 mins for about 26.5 miles and some ice skating. 6th F and first old lady and not far behind some rival who usually beat me by more. Not too bad and a better day out than expected in terms of the route and the weather. As always at a Nav4 event there was excellent soup, real bread, endless tea and more of that amazing cake. There were also so many friends to talk to. Sophie from my NT disaster came to say Hi. Maria beat me just and we laughed at the lack of beer and prosecco. I ended up on a table of elites... Damo, Rory, Ross , Lawrence, Elaine and others. They treated me as an equal and likely have no idea how awed I was. I then had a chat with the NE guys and a quick interview with Gary. Poor phone signal meant Bob and I were having difficulty communicating and I gave up chatting to sort this out. In the end it worked out and he picked me up at the cross roads where I just had time to shout bye to Joe who was spreading salt/grit on our road crossing. As we drove home the weather worsened with fog at Shap on the M6 and then rain and very grey skies. Our day had not been so bad at all.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhagKCQxeHPcxlcu8UM8Nwoh2FfRewZl8OB6As3KldD1kchYQBS1Hq66wUS9ZGr33qnYqcFzTVXWov1o6cNrCZEOpFw1hHcUUcQeimiBcCT4XF1Vo5x-IdyYZ37zAsmvvuAYfTqjomhFR3z-mmDJm7khQFAR2EHYDTx3b4Z9vDpH1vRGR93OPmgn9iUog/s960/TdeH%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhagKCQxeHPcxlcu8UM8Nwoh2FfRewZl8OB6As3KldD1kchYQBS1Hq66wUS9ZGr33qnYqcFzTVXWov1o6cNrCZEOpFw1hHcUUcQeimiBcCT4XF1Vo5x-IdyYZ37zAsmvvuAYfTqjomhFR3z-mmDJm7khQFAR2EHYDTx3b4Z9vDpH1vRGR93OPmgn9iUog/s320/TdeH%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks to Andy H for this and a couple of the photos</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p>Ultras and a lttle bit morehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14102033182139486675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238582577045689081.post-47521295253622906182022-12-13T02:00:00.003-08:002022-12-13T02:00:47.499-08:00November<p> A strange month- The Runfurther season has finished, Street O has started and the weather often turns dark and grey. I needed some motivation and decided Turfing again would get me out when it might be easy not to bother.</p><p>I was determined the Turf would not take over my life, rather that I would use it to suit me. I had lots of turf bike rides locally. This helped Frances too as we re-took zones from each other several times. Mostly these were in decent weather although I did have one dreadfully wet trip to Leyland. I know where most local Turf zones are and so can leave my phone screen off and even hide the phone away in a pocket. Not so in Leyland and trying to cope in very heavy downpours led me to abandoning the effort after a while. I did also manage a bike Turf trip to the seaside taking in both Lytham St Annes and then most of Blackpool. My favourite Turf activities are definitely runs on the local hills with some lovely runs around Roddlesworth and the West Pennine Moors. Not the best value points per hour but nicer runs. It must have rained lots at some point because on one run across the moors heading towards Pike Stones I was splishy splashing along and then stepped in a much deeper hole and fell. Soaking wet up to my chest! The only solution seemed to be to strip off, wring things out and put them back on with a cag over the top. Luckily I was able to cut short my route so that it was on less exposed terrain and I got warm again. I also had a wonderful day running on the moors above Clowbridge where there is an extensive set of Turf Zones. All was going well and I had a small loop of 12 zones left when my phone pinged. Bob asking me to return to the van. He had injured himself in a MTB accident. The huge lump on his leg was impressive but nothing compared to what it morphed into over the next fortnight. Urban turfs on foot are not really my thing but I did Turf in Chorley when we made trips to A and E there twice, Horwich before a street O, Southport when running errands and even Blackburn. Parts of that last city are lovely but on the whole a trip there just makes me grateful I do not have to live there! I also organised a Turf event based around the riverside parks and old rail and tram lines in the south of Preston. I think I finished up 4th in the UK for that Turf round so not too bad an effort for somebody who was not taking it too seriously.</p><p>We continued to climb roughly twice a week(indoors) of course and the new wall does have the joy of regular route changes to keep us interested and tested. They also set up the winter bouldering league again. As last time I am the only Super Vet F in Preston so I had to enter ;) I will never do particularly well as I will not commit if I think I may fall from near the top. Give a rope to dangle on any day.</p><p>After the OMM I was determined to hone my nav and orienteering skills. We did quite well at the OMM except for one huge mistake where we actually punched an incorrect control and so were disqualified on day 1. The weather had been cold, wet and windy as we approached Esk Pike and then we had a nightmare finding a control in very poor visibility. We knew we were getting cold but could not find shelter to stop and add layers. Eventually with the CP found and dropping off the tops we found shelter. IN our joy we raced off downhill and punched the wrong control- ours was a hill not a large knoll and was about 500m further on. It was the only time we did not check all weekend and the only time two controls were so close together! The weekend as a whole was the sort of fun/ adventure it usually is.</p><p>Street O helps with quick decisions and route planning but not with fine nav on terrain. The Runfurther prize giving was based on a 3 hour score event in the Goyt valley. Relatively easy nav but some tricky decisions about which controls to take and which to ignore, especially for those not local who did not know which paths or hillsides were really runnable. Despite this I was pleased with my run and had fun - helped by the torrential rain stopping long enough for me to enjoy my run.</p><p>Day time orienteering on fairly open ground suits me best and I had a lovely run at Dean Clough. Lots of fast running with just enough navigation challenge to make it interesting. Plus the weather window was perfect for me yet again. I then spotted that the first NW Night O was on Beacon Fell. We used to look after the permanent course here and so know the hill pretty well even if storms have flattened some forest bits. The night O was tough. Nav in the dark is a whole new challenge plus the undergrowth and fallen trees caused me real obstacles and reduced me to walk and jog. Towards the end I also had head torch issues and so sped up just in case it failed when what I really needed to do was slow down and concentrate. The day time event the following day was so much easier. The next Night O was Longsight Park near Bolton. It is an abandoned and re-wilded golf course. There should have been lots of decent running but a couple of foolish nav errors caused me some serious time loss. Not deterred I entered the next Night O on Hurstwood near Burnley. I know the main paths through here from various races but not the intricate old mine workings that are scattered around. This was an even tougher challenge and I knew to take care. In the dark some parts of the terrain were awful tussocks so I couldn't run much anyway. Trying to avoid tussocks and area of rock strewn ground meant it was hard to keep on a compass bearing. I made one silly error early on and then another when I let myself believe a better orienteer knew the way better than me. Despite this I did OK and got a better time then some and certainly better than all those who retired. Again the day event on Sunday although a very different course was so much easier. </p><p>Visiting family reduced my adventures for a week and I missed some sunny frosty hill days but did manage one escape to Bowland. Now the roads seem to be sheet ice and the skies here are grey and I am hoping it will thaw enough for a sunny trip out tomorrow. I need some running in my legs before the Tour de Helvellyn.</p><p><br /></p>Ultras and a lttle bit morehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14102033182139486675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238582577045689081.post-65527629591056810332022-10-24T09:06:00.002-07:002022-10-24T09:06:32.684-07:00The Yorkshire Trod- last race of the Runfurther season.<p> I ran this race for the first time last year and although I found it tough I really liked the route and journey. There were bits that were quite new to me then especially near the Winterburn valley and Weets (I thought Weets was over near Barnoldswick but it turns out there are two!). Hanging on like grim death to keep up with others that knew the way meant I arrived at the first CP knackered and at the main CP in Grassington so trashed I was not sure I could go out for the final loop. This year I was determined to start more carefully. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ3Neg7rCz3HRugOzP8BZpyrgbqY2bHkwhEQA6IrpeBJOxva4I9e_zmicP7S0V3lG9PQQKMYT1EVES5BOrZu2OgY_mMw9OTSwy1OPEbvzoW7x9o1DT7iFR7fq4GcwtnQWzUeyx-xiuu7DNZwX3HikoWZd7_jABpEwVZfmwP_X-W3DmTPJ0eHIZaYz_4A/s2048/YT%20flags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ3Neg7rCz3HRugOzP8BZpyrgbqY2bHkwhEQA6IrpeBJOxva4I9e_zmicP7S0V3lG9PQQKMYT1EVES5BOrZu2OgY_mMw9OTSwy1OPEbvzoW7x9o1DT7iFR7fq4GcwtnQWzUeyx-xiuu7DNZwX3HikoWZd7_jABpEwVZfmwP_X-W3DmTPJ0eHIZaYz_4A/s320/YT%20flags.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>By 7pm on Friday evening the flags and banners were up, mint cake delivered, boards and prizes sorted and I was registered with my tracker attached. After a quick chat with Mel the RO and also with Jenny and Ken I was ready for my meal and settling down cosy in the van. We drove to the end of the tarmac above Yarnbury and cooked. Before long the wind became fierce and the rain started and we headed to bed. Then the local 'lads' arrived and turned the car radio to max before setting off a firework. During the night the rain sounded torrential and I prayed that the forecast would still be correct- a mix of cloud and sun, no rain, a bit windy not not cold. (a real wuss). We woke to low cloud and drizzle but by 7am down in the village things were looking a bit more promising. The entry was small this year and Runfurther people made up about half the entry. There were some runners doing the 50km but I don't think I knew many of them. It was nice to have time for a brief chat with Adam, Phil and Claire before the start. After several trips to the loo I opted to start in my cag but hoped I would not need it for too long. It would be light within half an hour but I started with my torch just in case- I would feel pretty daft tripping over a kerb or tree root in the first mile or so. We gathered outside and there was a hushed a low key start. Down hill on tarmac made it hard to reign in the pace but the hill up to the school at Threshfield helped. By the time we had crossed the main road and were heading onto the first moors I was suffering. I could not seem to get my breath and had to walk and so lost touch with Martin and Mark. It did allow me to meet and briefly chat to Felicity- a new Runfurther runner so that was good. Without my 'leaders' I missed the turn off towards the road above Winterburn but soon realised and put it right. From there I knew the way and made good time up towards Weets. I opened a gap and was catching a runner ahead- ? in a vegan vest. I didn't race after him but tried to slowly narrow the distance as w ran past the Roman Camp, Street Gate and on to the first manned CP at the Malham Tarn car park. Stephen was marshalling here but I had no need of water so rushed on with just a cheery Hello. A better line across the grass put me ahead of vegan man for a while but he then pulled slightly ahead of me on the Monks Road to Arncliffe. The limestone rocks poking through the grass and mud were slippery and although my shoes had good grip on mud they were not so great on rock. We arrived at the village hall roughly together and just as Martin was leaving. I stopped long enough to top up water, swig some tea and eat a little. The river meadow path along the Skirfare to Litton was very wet and several small streams had over flowed but I was more comfortable now and had shed my cag too. The stepping stones were drier than most of the field rocks and I crossed unscathed. From Litton the path climbs steeply and this seemed to take some time. I could see a runner ahead but did not know whether the red was Martin's T shirt or Mark's race vest. The flag stone path from the ridge felt slippery and I slowed down a bit. The boggy path descending to Buckden was more to my liking. I topped up with water and MFuel at the water container and debated which way I would go up Buckden Pike. The rocky path up the beck is slightly shorter but the rocks would be greasy. The middle option looked OK on the map but had the scope for nav issues. The main path loops out north but at least I would know exactly where I was and could hopefully make better speed on a slightly easier gradient? I opted for the latter and apart from one dreadfully boggy section felt it was likely the best choice for me. It was decidedly cold and very windy up here and not a place to hang about. Standing on tip toe at the trig I just about managed to use the self clip before setting off on a little adventure into the unknown. Mel was convinced that the best route down to Starbotton was the permissive path to the lead mines and then down the ridge so I decided to try it out. It was far less bog than my standard Fellsman route and also kept me off the stony track of Walden Road too but there were slightly more short rises than I expected. As I started down to the mines I met vegan man on his way up- it was the last I saw of him. The clip at the end of the village set me off on the Dales Way field paths to Kettlewell. It was now very warm and I was regretting the T shirt over my base layer. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfUoNgJMbzcM3JC1R50Y-L1V0Xc2V0v93ayvOUs1yl2Rb86DR0lRUldz9WHk1MOAAL7xZNgGeYg62ND9GJsGz8wu1HIRCBoqs4v_LXK_Ol5SX2KXO2UiI9ZWrvag9N2yVaKimeOT3Qw33oDvMchj7Wxtd9gTqc23NFQeWLVKeXdOWY9PVgKvn1tLIKqQ/s960/YD%20stile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfUoNgJMbzcM3JC1R50Y-L1V0Xc2V0v93ayvOUs1yl2Rb86DR0lRUldz9WHk1MOAAL7xZNgGeYg62ND9GJsGz8wu1HIRCBoqs4v_LXK_Ol5SX2KXO2UiI9ZWrvag9N2yVaKimeOT3Qw33oDvMchj7Wxtd9gTqc23NFQeWLVKeXdOWY9PVgKvn1tLIKqQ/s320/YD%20stile.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The little flappy stiles were a pain but fortunately there were not too many walkers on the path. I made a silly error in Kettlewell which took me on a slightly roundabout route to the maypole adding a few hundred metres. Again I stopped to refill water and MFuel and grab a quick bite. Just as I was leaving I passed Fiona and the dog and learnt that Mark was only just ahead of me. I sensibly did not try to fly after him but I did try to up my pace at to keep an eye on the paths ahead. The short section on tarmac should be easy but I struggled to get going again after my mini break. Once I had done the climb and was on the lovely grassy ledge above Swineber Scar things improved. I was running fairly well and spotted Mark ahead. As I neared the distinctive Coniston Pie I knew I was reeling him in and this gave me a boost. Before long we were running together and almost in Grassington. We have run together several times before- never with a pact but just with our pace conveniently coinciding. In the CP Martin was just about to leave and we stopped for a more major refuel, collect stuff from drop bags and in Mark's case change shoes and socks. I set off ahead but was sure he would work hard to catch me. It was now mid afternoon and the Dales Way was annoyingly busy. The river was quite dramatic after the rain and I used this as a distraction. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv-8e_B796pGnE2mOCOdoQZLfyy-qnwHM-xA9Es4cBOcli3kDJbsXGKVSjg4vPic1et_npkdnzTeFOLiO6gnXE9Mx7qqZLzLo0qxHRncBA0SFomghq54I6nRut3WRwYED5kFQITMh4NDkaV0QTGxCWFUsCPkv-EhQ2xSTGZSZNtRlQYsHsiyFruMrSBQ/s2048/YT%20river.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv-8e_B796pGnE2mOCOdoQZLfyy-qnwHM-xA9Es4cBOcli3kDJbsXGKVSjg4vPic1et_npkdnzTeFOLiO6gnXE9Mx7qqZLzLo0qxHRncBA0SFomghq54I6nRut3WRwYED5kFQITMh4NDkaV0QTGxCWFUsCPkv-EhQ2xSTGZSZNtRlQYsHsiyFruMrSBQ/s320/YT%20river.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>At the suspension bridge I had to bite my tongue at the slow pace people were moving and then at the shrieks as I jogged and made the bridge bounce. All the way to Burnsall it was busy and I was pleased there were not so many stiles. Mark did a km on the road here and we met again as I joined Kail Lane. It was good to have company again and I knew it would get us to both move faster than if we were alone as well as having two eyes on any silly nav errors. We made good time along the old lane and up to New Road before making even better time down Trollers Gill. I had remembered it as having more rock so it was a pleasant surprise to find it so grassy. Simon's Seat was looming and seemed menacingly big but we had further to drop across the next valley yet. The path up through the patchy woods and onto the moor is in a shocking state with some serious erosion from running water. Today it was a stream bed and I was just thankful to be going up it and not down. I was stronger uphill but knew Mark would catch me again on a couple of technical bits after the summit area. We met Paul putting out the self clip and teased him that the string was too short- tired quads did not want to sink that low! Parts of the descent are now flagstone and quite easy running but a few sections were more rocky and stream bed like. It meant we arrived at the permissive path into the woods together. Just as we found the self clip at Howgill Andrew E appeared with the offer of chat, satsumas and even ice cream. Sadly the van at Barden was locked up for the night but the thought was there and it led me to push the pace a bit on this last section of the Dales Way. We marched up to the cattle grid on Barden Moor with some running on the flats and downs. It was still light whereas last year it was just starting to get sketchy without a torch. Andrew left us at the CP and after a short stop for food we pushed on. We were too early for Joe which was a shame but we were up on time! I was now pleased to have my cag back on as a windshield although I then got too hot again as we worked hard. The sunset was beautiful.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-BJVE_I-Wz0TIVqxwc988b45yErOCaXHSUlI5kc2UUdCkEgUAPWwkk3wZQp17GytIRFUwjCtwfbUTI5jWpaLilWnxl7uUxDWLADKv7De2TdfxW5i8GmxaA230_0jv6jMXkaBhMz-3PUkzXAt50pXGuUwIVC2hbPcgRAlMtS60nzTsHA8X3MdDYRFFWw/s2048/YT%20sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-BJVE_I-Wz0TIVqxwc988b45yErOCaXHSUlI5kc2UUdCkEgUAPWwkk3wZQp17GytIRFUwjCtwfbUTI5jWpaLilWnxl7uUxDWLADKv7De2TdfxW5i8GmxaA230_0jv6jMXkaBhMz-3PUkzXAt50pXGuUwIVC2hbPcgRAlMtS60nzTsHA8X3MdDYRFFWw/s320/YT%20sunset.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The big shooting tracks encouraged us to run all but the steeper bits so we were soon on Brown Bank and dropping west. It was now dark but fairly easy running to the fell gate above Rylstone. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSWyM4zrnYCkWuJEKJIZdl-kNC3THO0irDCod6aMhtiNYMs2meiYWuG216X1R26EpPcgW_NgtZvS82bPnAhrrDX5J6vHKNQVk4V7c-ulaBo802YxMryW4UXD8EV9iwCWZzViPR7u3G5IyzezQMn5Ua7LPiRY8B2QXQo-jYa_Wsp57cwTO95vRwSyt2dA/s3264/IMG_4117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSWyM4zrnYCkWuJEKJIZdl-kNC3THO0irDCod6aMhtiNYMs2meiYWuG216X1R26EpPcgW_NgtZvS82bPnAhrrDX5J6vHKNQVk4V7c-ulaBo802YxMryW4UXD8EV9iwCWZzViPR7u3G5IyzezQMn5Ua7LPiRY8B2QXQo-jYa_Wsp57cwTO95vRwSyt2dA/s320/IMG_4117.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">From a daylight run past Rylstone Cross and the war memorial</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Mark had some torch issues and a couple of very brief stops to deal with this gave us a breather. We both knew the paths here well and although they had both rocky and peaty bog sections we moved well. We were now daring to consider how many miles were left and what time we might do. I grabbed a MF jelly and we set off along the wall to reach the next section of shooting track. Chatting made the time fly and it wasn't long before we arrived at the big stone shooting house. Mel apparently favours an earlier trod descent but I was sticking with what I knew even if it was slightly further (actually about 1km further). The grassy paths heading north and down to Thorpe were good but the last section on the old cobbled lane was dreadful and we both feared a fall. A short tarmac section led to the final fields before the drop to the suspension bridge. Here we met Steve and Charlotte starting their final loop- heck, it was going to be a run through the night for them. They had until 7am and it could be tight. We on the other hand turned west and knew it was less than 4km to the finish. We were wary of tree roots by the river but mostly it was easy running to Sedber Lane. We stomped up this as fast as we could at this stage and with 1km to go believed we might even get in before 9pm. We even ran the first half of Main Street despite the hill and finished with almost 3 minutes to spare. 13 hours 57 mins and a few seconds. I had beaten last year's time by over 40 minutes and so was chuffed. Mark had, as usual, been good company. Several cups of tea and pie with beans filled the hole in my stomach. Martin appeared behind us- he had run more miles on the Dales Way and then had to back track to get back on route. Credit to him for not giving up in despair. A tricky spot of contortion gymnastics in the toilets let me wash the mud off my legs so that I could sleep in our bed in the van. Bob had already taken down the flags and banners plus taken them back to the van (what a star). A short downhill walk and I fell into bed. I fancied a pint but was too tired to contemplate the pubs. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaqiVSu6TouIIZdnO-2TsmhshkxPv_C2DUaYpB0sq5RK13KxvY-pVyqh7Tp2a3PKnB46KTn6QRS5f7WPBUIxCTt4Gh5NxbuYZUY7W8qlOjHPrdBhgo4LKYuNLINWndpvxhsk9KgvsuaNsXxjimgcqZVHeWLpHfw_iySR1cX8G4wP3Xfs13mssIogBvMQ/s1280/YT%20results.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaqiVSu6TouIIZdnO-2TsmhshkxPv_C2DUaYpB0sq5RK13KxvY-pVyqh7Tp2a3PKnB46KTn6QRS5f7WPBUIxCTt4Gh5NxbuYZUY7W8qlOjHPrdBhgo4LKYuNLINWndpvxhsk9KgvsuaNsXxjimgcqZVHeWLpHfw_iySR1cX8G4wP3Xfs13mssIogBvMQ/s320/YT%20results.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><p>We were so lucky with the weather window. We awoke on Sunday to low cloud and drizzle which soon turned to rain. Only much later that evening did I realise that by running faster than last year I had managed to keep just 42 points ahead of Claire. She gained the 1000 for a great win today but I was able to bin my Fellsman 687 and replace it with 892 from today. It was a shame as she is a better runner and has always beaten me when we run head to head but I couldn't help being a tiny bit pleased too. (it won't happen next year if Claire and Vic both enter 4 races)</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Ultras and a lttle bit morehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14102033182139486675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238582577045689081.post-1574202359597838152022-10-03T10:47:00.003-07:002022-10-13T12:11:04.213-07:00The Lancashireman<p> What can I say. It was a disaster and I was terrible. I knew it would be bad as in the last 2 months since the L100 I had run ONCE- the GRP and much of that is stomping up big mountains. True we had been very active with lots of climbing, Via Feratta and SUP plus a few walks but it's not the same. I also know that at 26 or 27 miles it would be faster than I like but I never imagined quite how bad and humiliating it would be. Fail to prepare, prepare to fail has never been so true. I was tired and didn't really want to go but had to take some Runfurther stuff anyway.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQbudHvD_jQM2FR3qsUgEgij1V7YjCgNLJLzrh-kI9NLPIwr2Qq73mJS43ToaJ-afpFzejJCL8zNZp8bu12IgdQShCqFC5VYtbvNEzreM2W4qScog2xEimcNHa1zuXhjwi5GbyK10--Ut24G0oIFeR0ZcEVkGyXbsu9MWOw_UC8ZfNEVtWKXAnik3vQ/s939/Lman%20start.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="939" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQbudHvD_jQM2FR3qsUgEgij1V7YjCgNLJLzrh-kI9NLPIwr2Qq73mJS43ToaJ-afpFzejJCL8zNZp8bu12IgdQShCqFC5VYtbvNEzreM2W4qScog2xEimcNHa1zuXhjwi5GbyK10--Ut24G0oIFeR0ZcEVkGyXbsu9MWOw_UC8ZfNEVtWKXAnik3vQ/s320/Lman%20start.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>I arrived nice an early, found the parking area and then Nick arrived. We found the start using OS on my phone and then set up the flags etc as other runners stated to arrive. Phil was desperate for the loo but no key could be found. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja2xkmAUpk1UJy4t0GE71zevCHF5tucfb6gM9rZXRVnYSCSOUibEBLsJ0qEyfcNfsO6OXAlyXLxBw_c6GcY86DJmsVgbJETgIQFoIkyVLyLyYWJYSNZ8ss-Q_L6l4hwwJ5Af9nGClhAHwi26TojlmUYCC8vY1xnQS1SMJCDkuhRMLin5qy8z_agiwo7A/s2048/L%20David%20and%20Kath.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2047" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja2xkmAUpk1UJy4t0GE71zevCHF5tucfb6gM9rZXRVnYSCSOUibEBLsJ0qEyfcNfsO6OXAlyXLxBw_c6GcY86DJmsVgbJETgIQFoIkyVLyLyYWJYSNZ8ss-Q_L6l4hwwJ5Af9nGClhAHwi26TojlmUYCC8vY1xnQS1SMJCDkuhRMLin5qy8z_agiwo7A/s320/L%20David%20and%20Kath.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>It was good to see Roy, Vic, Katy, Dave R and Katherine S plus Ian S who I have not seen for years now and also Tony. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-YmYmLwKWcTCnhGNwSXghtQwCcuOLSzhbSRsRWKOBw85PMnvfPlWxp6swpG0LKq3WXdDuKiALXxU8E8aHYMBTNnC9x_RcBlCI66GqHVUsOQPO39uiVFHXAk4ZjyEb2SpFSp5k8t_g9cjRXPNltTcbdOx35FKoNsVOPgzEfNAQyPUzImQ_6gw0XCn8Q/s2048/L%20Bryn.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1363" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-YmYmLwKWcTCnhGNwSXghtQwCcuOLSzhbSRsRWKOBw85PMnvfPlWxp6swpG0LKq3WXdDuKiALXxU8E8aHYMBTNnC9x_RcBlCI66GqHVUsOQPO39uiVFHXAk4ZjyEb2SpFSp5k8t_g9cjRXPNltTcbdOx35FKoNsVOPgzEfNAQyPUzImQ_6gw0XCn8Q/s320/L%20Bryn.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>We stood chatting in the very cold Burnley morning until it was time to head to the start over the road and down on the canal tow path. Within minutes I lost a few places as I had to rapidly leave the tow path and go to the loo. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7aeaqjzOUzD6M-h6whh1Nv8jbH5iDKEDF-c5WlMzdABlLXm-huSECS2dHwN3kCnsWjBC9QEveuBYUZd2hA--fZkGbBrN3PmcJxm_nDY-fDXtdvIlrvlFho7kSAtTl4WR5vkAfCuHJgzABjsqAiw-hW5PDPT6Y9fe0ZJgNxLVNh5JKw3urQAgvvvW91g/s2048/Lancashireman%20very%20near%20start.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1363" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7aeaqjzOUzD6M-h6whh1Nv8jbH5iDKEDF-c5WlMzdABlLXm-huSECS2dHwN3kCnsWjBC9QEveuBYUZd2hA--fZkGbBrN3PmcJxm_nDY-fDXtdvIlrvlFho7kSAtTl4WR5vkAfCuHJgzABjsqAiw-hW5PDPT6Y9fe0ZJgNxLVNh5JKw3urQAgvvvW91g/s320/Lancashireman%20very%20near%20start.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I then perhaps ran too hard to make up places. I had no idea of the route but assumed I would have others around me. That worked until the local Trawden guy ran faster and then I stopped to take my jacket off as I was over heating. Ran on with a woman who seemed to know the way- she didn't. I was focused on getting through a field of cows and bulls- so much so that I didn't realise all the runners not far behind me had turned sharply left up hill and were now ahead. I cut up to a track and got back on route but about 20 had overtaken. At some point here I was with Matt H but not for long- he was running strongly. I did meet up with Michelle though as I dithered in one field before Thursden Brook. She talked non-stop for miles and miles- quite impressive. Climbing to the road and then up to the col towards Widdop I met other friends but also realised just how hopelessly knackered I already was. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFr9KqB6pvjyRM9LebBF3H-BF1RyMmrDDYbdumbr7fj9trgrrcTIHiDBamQ0uOlowxH3oqR6uc15TiAqwhIbMoAIOs7zdPsmHwJx2xRjrGqILIp5QWAoEiDewzVqoDmVo-I2PChBMUoYzpjLsuw1GzLoU8aLI-s7bwDnWjNG0wJFrYbXZVtWfgy3oCWg/s854/Lan%20smile%20or%20grimace.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="854" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFr9KqB6pvjyRM9LebBF3H-BF1RyMmrDDYbdumbr7fj9trgrrcTIHiDBamQ0uOlowxH3oqR6uc15TiAqwhIbMoAIOs7zdPsmHwJx2xRjrGqILIp5QWAoEiDewzVqoDmVo-I2PChBMUoYzpjLsuw1GzLoU8aLI-s7bwDnWjNG0wJFrYbXZVtWfgy3oCWg/s320/Lan%20smile%20or%20grimace.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>It was a slow walk up the tarmac and even slower onto the Haworth Hobble route.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTG8dcuUYLbZpdO9rwYWF-EfmCT8dixCfJJoBHqHIwPijVps-3ltcZK65foT69LOooBwLLYA_yJxBkmPL1iY5I_hrY40UzaCsrjtTLDK2ZDmaXds6liO9l-r81jOduGVL_cMlQVQsm-6_lwOdq43dTIgrml-4qt8Y3YpMcnp9cUZ_D8QyQXknhv2Vz5g/s2048/Lancashireman%20big%20hill.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1363" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTG8dcuUYLbZpdO9rwYWF-EfmCT8dixCfJJoBHqHIwPijVps-3ltcZK65foT69LOooBwLLYA_yJxBkmPL1iY5I_hrY40UzaCsrjtTLDK2ZDmaXds6liO9l-r81jOduGVL_cMlQVQsm-6_lwOdq43dTIgrml-4qt8Y3YpMcnp9cUZ_D8QyQXknhv2Vz5g/s320/Lancashireman%20big%20hill.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying to enjoy the day</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I did try to run more heading towards Hurstwood Res but even that seemed a struggle and it is mostly downhill. I arrived at Long Causeway safely but was so tired. I tried to stay with Michelle and her friend hoping it would spur me on and that they would know the best line. They didn't and I was struggling. Having made a poor route choice we were overtaken by a couple and caught by David and Katherine. Oh dear. Next came the climb to Thieveley Pike. Initially this was steep and I fell further behind. The weather also seemed to be clagging in with just a bit of misting wet in the air. Please don't rain on me was all I could think. From the trig I did run reasonably well down to the railway line and the CP but I was done. my head ached, my throat was sore and I had no energy. I stomped on with the odd bit of running the best I could. Even going slowly I made a couple of small nav errors. Crossing the main road at Walk Mill I prayed I was almost back. It gave me a bit of a lift and I ran down to the park and Townley Hall. It was busy but I had no time to linger. I took a wrong path here but it didn't matter much and likely only added a few hundred metres. </p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92Pel2fMHqMHPKhK4Kn8Fn4mldo9gLunkNOPHRf_K8trvxnFiMnP6iCstFtl0ujQOikBPwiKk1A3KpfK42-hnRbCO2aLSEGvkBJhH2MHD8f2f0TIQkS1zrLBWADg4HaDgwWCuvQApQxY0JWSkTicjMZZrHC_JUFfmeRJELcbk24e4x6FjyBT0HDC4Fg/s854/Lman%20flag%20rose.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="854" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92Pel2fMHqMHPKhK4Kn8Fn4mldo9gLunkNOPHRf_K8trvxnFiMnP6iCstFtl0ujQOikBPwiKk1A3KpfK42-hnRbCO2aLSEGvkBJhH2MHD8f2f0TIQkS1zrLBWADg4HaDgwWCuvQApQxY0JWSkTicjMZZrHC_JUFfmeRJELcbk24e4x6FjyBT0HDC4Fg/s320/Lman%20flag%20rose.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />The last bits to get us into Burnley seemed to go on but really it was quite short and not long before I was heading down to the canal. I remembered Jamie's last minute instructions of turn right (the event base had changed) but recognised where my car was parked anyway. I made some sort of effort to run the last bit on the canal but must have looked a sight. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY4QvIqOmsAuPb3bw6PrugZDSiEeaPGHlrak-amms7CgLGqkULmwh5TJtOFyt2WWj9BH-A2nO8Jj9IoImWLsIYm175sigpCkqiEJF6bhfRDX_tx83nJqVXEZBqHEhI867J6kRAQgkfZltjXXqh7kM9HlvhazNilYzEqNatqnXK5UdD_nPdEkCsPs8_kQ/s854/Lman%20the%20end.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="854" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY4QvIqOmsAuPb3bw6PrugZDSiEeaPGHlrak-amms7CgLGqkULmwh5TJtOFyt2WWj9BH-A2nO8Jj9IoImWLsIYm175sigpCkqiEJF6bhfRDX_tx83nJqVXEZBqHEhI867J6kRAQgkfZltjXXqh7kM9HlvhazNilYzEqNatqnXK5UdD_nPdEkCsPs8_kQ/s320/Lman%20the%20end.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>How on earth did it take me almost six and a half hours to run 26-27 miles? I was at least an hour off the pace. I didn't even need it for the Runfurther points- I just had to deliver the mint cake. I needed to sit down and could really have done with warmth and a cup of tea but couldn't face walking back to the car for money and then returning to help with the flags. I waited for Jenny, Ken and Nick. I wasn't very good company and felt ill. The RO and marshalls helped with the flags which was lovely and it did at least stay dry.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggrlGcwatZTP5LzNAzJy1J1Tzig1StLYKhwWJpCuN-tOhqFVyianslv_YBHUPXMswb4cpkiKz1kdW8JgfmfTviMr93dIwaH4lDuZjkFP9G9B4POQIOPYmuC34xNkODLVH6ZdJD-hyDOwYrRigOJmcTxyjO6vHj2laU7OCr8GQM8fXq9n659Fwsa2FHcQ/s854/Lman%20ian%202nd.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="854" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggrlGcwatZTP5LzNAzJy1J1Tzig1StLYKhwWJpCuN-tOhqFVyianslv_YBHUPXMswb4cpkiKz1kdW8JgfmfTviMr93dIwaH4lDuZjkFP9G9B4POQIOPYmuC34xNkODLVH6ZdJD-hyDOwYrRigOJmcTxyjO6vHj2laU7OCr8GQM8fXq9n659Fwsa2FHcQ/s320/Lman%20ian%202nd.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ian back to running- 2nd</td></tr></tbody></table><p> Fail to prepare and prepare to fail - oh yes. Absolutely no consolation that I was 1stFV60- maybe I was the only one. I had been beaten by Tony and he is a V70. Time to go home, lick my wounds and do some training once I feel better. It's a lovely route so I will have to try again.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqjex2jxNrOpx1VXk3Kq9i5unFP5N-oKSo5LQfofe1cXOCjZ4gMAmlmcQ81pBle1DZyUrqLitN41F-icT45vu87myAeKchZy1kJ8tunML9xIsTzYpbhowZXSlGyqnv7x1jxmXFLQgoGp0D92LEAmoXz0Lmfn8P7tIwS2xY2Imn66uFEttBc1U5vWw2fw/s568/Lman%20Claire.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqjex2jxNrOpx1VXk3Kq9i5unFP5N-oKSo5LQfofe1cXOCjZ4gMAmlmcQ81pBle1DZyUrqLitN41F-icT45vu87myAeKchZy1kJ8tunML9xIsTzYpbhowZXSlGyqnv7x1jxmXFLQgoGp0D92LEAmoXz0Lmfn8P7tIwS2xY2Imn66uFEttBc1U5vWw2fw/s320/Lman%20Claire.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Claire</td></tr></tbody></table><p>On the plus side Claire could easily beat me and win the Runfurther trophy this year so long as she has a good run at the Yorkshire Trod. She won today in an awesome 4hrs 52.</p><p><br /></p>Ultras and a lttle bit morehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14102033182139486675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238582577045689081.post-2907293553040367302022-10-01T07:28:00.002-07:002022-10-01T07:28:23.297-07:00Grand Raid de Pyrenees<p> Possibly my most favourite race each year.... low key, reasonable price, amazing CP staff, great scenery, good weather (usually/mostly) and it is like going home to family and friends now. We park the van along the lane by the river with a number of others, the little village where the event starts is quaint and the people there now greet me as a friend. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfhCv-VMTBSqeMjIHuTIBJ9Ym3fYSTawxW6CZxUGdbpF5PROfaFaEXdYB5N2u5jzKMOqxm8xyR_UsU47kkCiqTq4h5wuIBsmTl9h2bB9tusJ5f9tbjxFSUVN7f-N3wvxEMmcwylFGaqpWUU6fQX4irb_XOhJpYmcDnSwom-JFdsS4ZZJrx0qNmLfJtzQ/s758/IMG_20220825_104412_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="758" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfhCv-VMTBSqeMjIHuTIBJ9Ym3fYSTawxW6CZxUGdbpF5PROfaFaEXdYB5N2u5jzKMOqxm8xyR_UsU47kkCiqTq4h5wuIBsmTl9h2bB9tusJ5f9tbjxFSUVN7f-N3wvxEMmcwylFGaqpWUU6fQX4irb_XOhJpYmcDnSwom-JFdsS4ZZJrx0qNmLfJtzQ/s320/IMG_20220825_104412_0.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Up the valley is St Lary, a small ski resort with more accommodation, cafes, bars and the big lifts up the mountain. We arrived a few days before the race and so had time to shop, settle in and go for a wander up the valley and watch the huge articulated lorry that becomes the stage arrive.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7_G7AWjmp4n9xNrfhmxQOT2CqWj_B1KUMLuuqllIPkbpjuwlegUYE4b5ZjonFATSO5d7DqH7ztN1UH7y8KXDBG3UgchSkVhBsODO0niwcw8cm3HVlz0OMyvsX59YpQEvFbL4l45ZFwA0rYEre16syDK5sIhS-NhBFB8jxyClBAS0nv58vSp50k05xPQ/s568/IMG_20220825_173321_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7_G7AWjmp4n9xNrfhmxQOT2CqWj_B1KUMLuuqllIPkbpjuwlegUYE4b5ZjonFATSO5d7DqH7ztN1UH7y8KXDBG3UgchSkVhBsODO0niwcw8cm3HVlz0OMyvsX59YpQEvFbL4l45ZFwA0rYEre16syDK5sIhS-NhBFB8jxyClBAS0nv58vSp50k05xPQ/s320/IMG_20220825_173321_6.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>Registration was back to normal after Covid although they had tried to persuade people to arrive in blocks by surname to reduce the crush. It was smooth and efficient with a waiver not a kit check and a nice bag of goodies as usual. I met up with Albert, Michelle, Mark and also Martin Schofield who had travelled through the tunnel from Spain. Julian would appear later too and I had met Jordan on one of my walks. Albert, Julian, Martin and I were doing the 160km; no 220km this year. We know the route pretty well although there were some significant changes due to a landslide. Despite being so familiar with it I got my Life Base CPs muddled in my head. It wasn't serious as I had spare socks, shoes, clothes and food in both bags. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2AXSX85XlNo6In-XlQPxGAit7EmN82pLhEuPl08hRyUl33ATgWRcgsR5qSo5gaLIr0zpBNiwts1_qV6nGsj5DvsmM9oBw7KeyurGQ_VfgJzuk3PQztKefns0k16-gfz_st_tFB8GMzjMLEXBoomrlUa-CRT9YNzIbECKTO9eGjsqPUXjwIDQXWZikrA/s568/IMG_20220826_043925_2%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2AXSX85XlNo6In-XlQPxGAit7EmN82pLhEuPl08hRyUl33ATgWRcgsR5qSo5gaLIr0zpBNiwts1_qV6nGsj5DvsmM9oBw7KeyurGQ_VfgJzuk3PQztKefns0k16-gfz_st_tFB8GMzjMLEXBoomrlUa-CRT9YNzIbECKTO9eGjsqPUXjwIDQXWZikrA/s320/IMG_20220826_043925_2%20(2).jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>I slept quite well pre race despite late finishers from one of the shorter races making their way back to cars late at night and then others like me getting up or arriving very early in the morning. Having spent much of the previous day faffing there was little to do now except dress, eat and pick up my sack. Bob stayed out of my way until it was time to walk up to the village square. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymP00TghHph5ibZbGYQ31HUxVPE7VcWsZUi73erBpLZxoOvdDF-ZKm4v5S4UNo_JPhiEbx3je61GElv8fMflfL4CRDiyl1i7TNsI_ZtPjBBmlcYMaDiRDK3w7XFEdolgBfbEAmBThBqv74F9F2NlSfIcnSpdz66SBXPDfItkmHyWOOSPUfV8zV-OFVA/s568/IMG_20220826_044414_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhymP00TghHph5ibZbGYQ31HUxVPE7VcWsZUi73erBpLZxoOvdDF-ZKm4v5S4UNo_JPhiEbx3je61GElv8fMflfL4CRDiyl1i7TNsI_ZtPjBBmlcYMaDiRDK3w7XFEdolgBfbEAmBThBqv74F9F2NlSfIcnSpdz66SBXPDfItkmHyWOOSPUfV8zV-OFVA/s320/IMG_20220826_044414_2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>Here we had to part as they had a complicated road block system allowing only runners through and asking us to make a rather circuitous route to arrive at the rear of the start pen. No worries- I didn't want to be at the front! The start is always fast and flat with the danger of you being pulled along at a faster than sensible pace anyway. I stood with Martin in the pen and waited for the emotional music to start and the count down to begin. I spotted Bob on the roundabout as we ran by and then Michelle and Mark. I had no idea whether the others were in front or behind me. It was early enough in the race not to care and there was a good chance I would see them later as the field thinned out.</p><p>Although it was dark I didn't need my head torch much at all as the first bits on tarmac had some street lights and then this is followed by quite a wide track. Once into the trees near La Cabanne it was helpful though. Heading through the edge of the ski resort and towards our first significant Col (Col de Portets) I always get anxious that others are moving faster etc. I tried to ignore them and to focus on the sun rise over my right shoulder - not as impressive as other years- and just to keep plodding upwards. By the time we reached our first CP at Merlans it was properly light. I dashed inside to use the loo. Almost 16km done and it looked like being a nice day if cooler than usual.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMejopCzjmb7boXHHo8zPERFMTDJp2p5wqzsxzq1U7s1cyfMZRwcLXukK9GLQfW-gh2FN8VzEmHrF3geMB0dFCDapE3GiEPR7uAGokAtViA6McvJ5PLWmjbuGXBlCIeikRg8Gdmw8p05yn2vyRWW5U9yMQS7gGH0QonEjpTuh4xYc5vx8DT-aA7mhIYA/s5152/DSC08702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMejopCzjmb7boXHHo8zPERFMTDJp2p5wqzsxzq1U7s1cyfMZRwcLXukK9GLQfW-gh2FN8VzEmHrF3geMB0dFCDapE3GiEPR7uAGokAtViA6McvJ5PLWmjbuGXBlCIeikRg8Gdmw8p05yn2vyRWW5U9yMQS7gGH0QonEjpTuh4xYc5vx8DT-aA7mhIYA/s320/DSC08702.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>From here to La Monjie the route has changed from year to year. It starts on a pleasant rising traverse across alpine meadows but soon switches to rocky terrain past refuge Campana and the chain of glacial lakes. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4Hpiqyf4RTue--T2Oc30hBlhSDgGgliOf0TxtBQs6AWXmIt4nS49_Nwt0c64mqS9PF4xfSHZQrHHBHe91XD0wS6hYImtbGVw9W8l5wdwap8JjLNFuB5SUCE6Qxcwt9cZR8-7EbkYUn6VQfuJhZ-uNvWYvLWETsadNEQGcR9AWHnxEZ0BJBvlY2JbFA/s5152/DSC08704.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ4Hpiqyf4RTue--T2Oc30hBlhSDgGgliOf0TxtBQs6AWXmIt4nS49_Nwt0c64mqS9PF4xfSHZQrHHBHe91XD0wS6hYImtbGVw9W8l5wdwap8JjLNFuB5SUCE6Qxcwt9cZR8-7EbkYUn6VQfuJhZ-uNvWYvLWETsadNEQGcR9AWHnxEZ0BJBvlY2JbFA/s320/DSC08704.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>Some is runnable but there is also some boulder hopping and the rocks were greasy this morning. I hate getting old as I am now so slow over wet rocks - eyes not so good, reactions slower, muscles less elastic, reactions slower, fear of trying to mend an injury and this morning shoes that had good grip but not on the rock. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFPx5cSnT_ZsBrkoe17UWP9hsmayuh5p8lu8lq-89KCFkXEDEioFq-k0EJgjjGW_AnIrs50OEOKaWxqobud0wFkgpQFNjg8QBbjKT__4R4TeoL2tMkmi9sRE3x_YbkfXPjxbQQE_kbgfGnor0JkuAQMjDfBkQbyWpzxwpemsu74LAoQWJr6lW2nEfag/s5152/DSC08708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHFPx5cSnT_ZsBrkoe17UWP9hsmayuh5p8lu8lq-89KCFkXEDEioFq-k0EJgjjGW_AnIrs50OEOKaWxqobud0wFkgpQFNjg8QBbjKT__4R4TeoL2tMkmi9sRE3x_YbkfXPjxbQQE_kbgfGnor0JkuAQMjDfBkQbyWpzxwpemsu74LAoQWJr6lW2nEfag/s320/DSC08708.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>Florence a friend from TOR came dancing past and hoards of men seemed to pass me. Still, there is a long way to go yet and two small tumbles persuaded me to stay slow. The last drop to La Monjie was eroded and slightly scary in one small section and just a very steep wet boggy hillside in others. At least my shoes were good on this. I stopped at the CP for food and also to top up my water/MF. There are already lots of supporters here cheering us in and wishing us well as we head off to the enormous climb up Pic du Midi Bigorre. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO5q2TroIvKQWg-zjk13LMRqamFCU-2Wd6vhTaVAKSJIbvQsCNEH3YYtr35Ek2izfwMOOw1eYgwcTJrbt7R3oNpRHZtI4Xfw4JrqSutlAZFW93ibtMeGTChBnm1iTRWiLsb13gh65lV8OIYsHuKL8W0TkHVKY5Yw-UUEjpxsZLLmqoxtzQ2LwXnRJ_EQ/s5152/DSC08710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO5q2TroIvKQWg-zjk13LMRqamFCU-2Wd6vhTaVAKSJIbvQsCNEH3YYtr35Ek2izfwMOOw1eYgwcTJrbt7R3oNpRHZtI4Xfw4JrqSutlAZFW93ibtMeGTChBnm1iTRWiLsb13gh65lV8OIYsHuKL8W0TkHVKY5Yw-UUEjpxsZLLmqoxtzQ2LwXnRJ_EQ/s320/DSC08710.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can't even see the top but we are going up there later</td></tr></tbody></table><p>We were reverting to the original route here which I think I prefer although I had forgotten about the four small stream crossings and the annoyance of wet feet. The path contours and climbs with one small valley head giving you false hope that you are close. It was getting warmer and we were getting used to the people around us and chatting. Eventually the Col de Sencours appeared along with even more spectators. The out and back from here up the peak is quite good in that you can start to sense where you are in the field. I try to spot any women coming down as I head up and it takes my mind off the climb. I actually overtake some people and that is always good for motivation. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNr-bTsf4VeyWVVlbhb1-MMwEQSqKPB6m5IKo6--dNzIqsJVE0ZjUbD5NyZz049IKsTJ9oTl8QTp2h4m-SWKDn3rI15G7nIgqqTr7oHEd6Yd3YFgZtDb29mAdX1DT48T6tbniwa1UgkXdhi9qOUvVyUSknW5ihrVkFfsOvMCRdaKvBT0L9z0Wr03Thhw/s5152/DSC08712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNr-bTsf4VeyWVVlbhb1-MMwEQSqKPB6m5IKo6--dNzIqsJVE0ZjUbD5NyZz049IKsTJ9oTl8QTp2h4m-SWKDn3rI15G7nIgqqTr7oHEd6Yd3YFgZtDb29mAdX1DT48T6tbniwa1UgkXdhi9qOUvVyUSknW5ihrVkFfsOvMCRdaKvBT0L9z0Wr03Thhw/s320/DSC08712.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>A very short stop at the top and a water top up before I sped back down to the out-going side of Cole de Sencours and the chance for good savoury food- soup and also puree (mash basically). As I ran down the stony track I spotted Martin and Julian on their way up- I had expected they would both catch me up by now if they were not already ahead. Then shortly after this I met Albert on his way up. I told him the others were not far ahead but he didn't seem very happy. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLWqsaRcAwuyKIPZbPFwgLEgUX5woX9uP8YTCu4B9HWi72I8LBBry3R4a7ZFxNinKqZYbrouXICEfQ7E2jXgHJxsts5cUJ8EMzxsk6QF9wtReKhayZDYRF_Xf0eNv_wAj0WNXefhrpRZew-PeLQ9grat7EBwZbrYXFv7-Z9a1kts6dp_Mb5rZ-Wv_qw/s5152/DSC08711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLLWqsaRcAwuyKIPZbPFwgLEgUX5woX9uP8YTCu4B9HWi72I8LBBry3R4a7ZFxNinKqZYbrouXICEfQ7E2jXgHJxsts5cUJ8EMzxsk6QF9wtReKhayZDYRF_Xf0eNv_wAj0WNXefhrpRZew-PeLQ9grat7EBwZbrYXFv7-Z9a1kts6dp_Mb5rZ-Wv_qw/s320/DSC08711.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>No time to stop though as I dropped past Lac d'Oncet and then picked up the smaller path heading for Col de la Bonida and Col d'Aoube. There were still quite a few people around and some were moving faster than me especially on any rocky downhill sections. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbblQzHjEOHEcGZNOEy7xZJL6pRYtjG49LoIgCble9s8puAVmnzlptUBvZJ__FzG2fWhZnP22LGlP9nafgWpoxJmG-QVvTsCV29bWyhQGMuNt4NnSYaCH9hMyYkGii92DMw8YXlIU4WZVw9qzbn1VyMyeRHOF4T-PeeQuv2Xy2XKKrB8IRltMvMWgRhA/s5152/DSC08713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbblQzHjEOHEcGZNOEy7xZJL6pRYtjG49LoIgCble9s8puAVmnzlptUBvZJ__FzG2fWhZnP22LGlP9nafgWpoxJmG-QVvTsCV29bWyhQGMuNt4NnSYaCH9hMyYkGii92DMw8YXlIU4WZVw9qzbn1VyMyeRHOF4T-PeeQuv2Xy2XKKrB8IRltMvMWgRhA/s320/DSC08713.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>Somewhere before Lac Bleu the weather clagged right in and you woud not have known there was a huge and beautiful lake down to the left at all. Shame to miss the scenery here as it is beautiful. I plodded on to the Col de Bareilles and then eventually up again to Hourquette d'Ouscouacu. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZUsehg6drrK78n-PP05xEI_FBPgX2akVcxBN_mzfUSE-DJXQrv5PWZq-aYVVy7Alw0zLla_pdNGZacWlANc1mw9rNw2grQrb7MUS43xNW9GdzbT5dTo-VFRVLs2-hPwdpPMLEE0C933Z0NwHyIBsEW9htUsvF2kSoQuEM5R55sseGbcItD9bikmyeg/s5152/DSC08715.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqZUsehg6drrK78n-PP05xEI_FBPgX2akVcxBN_mzfUSE-DJXQrv5PWZq-aYVVy7Alw0zLla_pdNGZacWlANc1mw9rNw2grQrb7MUS43xNW9GdzbT5dTo-VFRVLs2-hPwdpPMLEE0C933Z0NwHyIBsEW9htUsvF2kSoQuEM5R55sseGbcItD9bikmyeg/s320/DSC08715.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>From here I knew it was easier running and not too far to Hautacam. Along here I did start making better time and actually overtook people. I was looking forward to meeting friends who marshall at the next CP and hoped post-Covid that it would be back indoors. Sadly it was outside in a draughty tent and after my burst of speed I was feeling sick. Nice to say bye to the friends though- their last year on the CP as they are getting older. Having thrown up all my eating efforts there seemed little point hanging around in the chill so I began the descent to Pierrefitte. The weather and temperature improved hugely and by the time I reached the CP I was too hot to sit inside. A kind marshall brought me a chair and my drop bag so that I could sit outside. Lots of runners have family support here and I am always jealous of the chilled fruit, yogurts etc. The 'showers' were cold hose pipes so I washed my legs and feet but ignored the rest! A medic used a magic potion to dry out my slightly macerated feet and then taped them for me. Then I sat for a while trying to eat and drink- custard and chocolate milk went down OK but not much else. Off we go.</p><p>As with many foreign races the route is fully taped. This is good for those who cannot do a reccee but does mean you often have little idea where you are going or where you have been. I didn't bother printing new maps as experience has taught me I never use them. I know that the route here was changed this year due to landslides. Part of the route was on a cycle way with an interesting tunnel and then a fairly wide easy track leading almost to Cauterets. To make up for this we were then sent on a dreadful loop on lanes and then up through woods. I had been looking forward to a stop in the town and some food. For me it was a low point and I felt sleepy. My pace slowed and I tried to find somewhere to lie down for a short spell. The bench I found was too close to the trail and passing runners kept prodding me to see if I was OK! The CP when I eventually arrived was in the Casino as usual. I used my coffee bag and had a great drink plus some food and even managed a short sleep. The next section of route had also changed and it was brutal. I am glad it was dark and I could not see the full extent of what we went up and also down. Seriously steep, pathless in places, steep black ski run in others and the tiny ski station of Aulian took forever to arrive. There were a few others around but nobody was moving fast. Luckily by the time we had been fed at the CP it was getting light. I stopped for a couple of pancakes but struggled to eat; time to get moving again. A mixture of switchback road and short cut paths drop you quite quickly towards Sazos. The paths I thought would be slippery were better than I remembered and I felt I was moving better again. The dawn always lifts me, plus you have done almost 100 of the 160km now. My memories of the CP at Luz were dreadful- a packed over heated room and sitting outside the back fire doors with most runners being sick. Today was much better- space, cooler and calm. I collected my drop bag, changed my socks and head torch and settled down to eat. Not much but every bit helps, I could not play the rest of the route in my head and divided it up into nice manageable chunks. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5u3djzmk7aplfaEFV0BGeQgYeBPSg8gCDXPWJDmJJr5hnBJSfxHY5YW89ZRd6nLSCCHrFW4DPApgp8sH17LHZhD6uf2swOcnmNwwx5PBip4mTl6ds85EBHOa-IdIVXUPXw9v6uyADax025WkRi5_W6ndOpX9zgboY2LbeWB6uD_3Tn1vHjxe-gWgU6w/s5152/DSC08717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5u3djzmk7aplfaEFV0BGeQgYeBPSg8gCDXPWJDmJJr5hnBJSfxHY5YW89ZRd6nLSCCHrFW4DPApgp8sH17LHZhD6uf2swOcnmNwwx5PBip4mTl6ds85EBHOa-IdIVXUPXw9v6uyADax025WkRi5_W6ndOpX9zgboY2LbeWB6uD_3Tn1vHjxe-gWgU6w/s320/DSC08717.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back to Luz and the hills we crossed in the dark</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The path up into the woods is steep but it was warm and sunny. I enjoyed myself and started overtaking some people. There is a hug loop contouring up a valley to cross a stream and then contouring back on the other side. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwp5OxXQjbdokpE37mueFLMF2Xpx8PsqeJo4WlnrwKNhflHzHMECWwKKPjaelxGjy2P-C5G04TRMUwXAUR_gcYSBGJYFV3Nqp3ibiotv0HsHgUOk3EgGje2rf-yxbb7EPT3wWkYAYL_vBTbyqRc455GzMRQw3boC7O4gPOd8Ny9NuBLy5lNOlhzknMdA/s5152/DSC08718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwp5OxXQjbdokpE37mueFLMF2Xpx8PsqeJo4WlnrwKNhflHzHMECWwKKPjaelxGjy2P-C5G04TRMUwXAUR_gcYSBGJYFV3Nqp3ibiotv0HsHgUOk3EgGje2rf-yxbb7EPT3wWkYAYL_vBTbyqRc455GzMRQw3boC7O4gPOd8Ny9NuBLy5lNOlhzknMdA/s320/DSC08718.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>A few guys pulled ahead here but not by far and I felt I was running faster now to keep them in sight. Last year we had an annoying section after this on big paths in woods that seemed to take us the wrong direction. This year I got a lovely surprise as we appeared in the tourist area above Bareges and I knew it was not far to Tournaboup. We were back in 'supporter' land too and that encouraged me. It was hot but not as intense as last year. I ate quite well at this CP and power walked back up towards the hills. Overtaking two women in my race here spurred me on as did finding out that at least one and maybe two of the leaders had dropped out. Since Covid the RO have had reduced podiums with the first 5 M/F and then just age category winners. I was keen to make the podium and not just as a category winner as I knew there was little competition there. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnjM0DHEDxNClCDpZibqYN3zmP0jf3YJ9IkKOrlah7mkuxnALcuVAE_VEpkYND8H6lch6v-wsX3m319EhL7ZCzr01MR7b8Ludh5vOweqOR9zR0YCsVE4RgpWEOUcoJ6gG6tz57Exd0BS7C95PaSybxopGEImQ_lhfNikzqUpD7ap7yLWLuvQ_3f02LCg/s5152/DSC08723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnjM0DHEDxNClCDpZibqYN3zmP0jf3YJ9IkKOrlah7mkuxnALcuVAE_VEpkYND8H6lch6v-wsX3m319EhL7ZCzr01MR7b8Ludh5vOweqOR9zR0YCsVE4RgpWEOUcoJ6gG6tz57Exd0BS7C95PaSybxopGEImQ_lhfNikzqUpD7ap7yLWLuvQ_3f02LCg/s320/DSC08723.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>By now I could feel the sun scorching the back of my legs and we were all taking opportunity to soak buffs etc in streams. I stopped more than I should have but perhaps made better time in between. At the small CP at Cabanne d'Aygues I was desperate for shade (not like me) and took my food to the shadow of the tent. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikykibWBO7ezX69-5bslqNfmKQmpbP7XxvFRw05minJBB-hwlf-3P6lJdoTJgsdKdgvyYVgrihR8gYnyvx1npQBOGUah0FtsQ-K6nsVS3zVwM7AF9iW8nLkwSNf_HZY6341MkBk2wwpG73pUtH_zGhF7cgXR0eOiUBWaLw4GZsrTn4ir8ZeGdXlbcv6w/s5152/DSC08725.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikykibWBO7ezX69-5bslqNfmKQmpbP7XxvFRw05minJBB-hwlf-3P6lJdoTJgsdKdgvyYVgrihR8gYnyvx1npQBOGUah0FtsQ-K6nsVS3zVwM7AF9iW8nLkwSNf_HZY6341MkBk2wwpG73pUtH_zGhF7cgXR0eOiUBWaLw4GZsrTn4ir8ZeGdXlbcv6w/s320/DSC08725.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>I left refreshed and then filled my bottle at the source as I left. The Hourquette Nere arrived much sooner than I dared hope and suddenly I could smell the finish.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8iS_OoKskfNQi83jymJRscW3tLmE-diX2GhwHQrqpFd9GbyqhTgMZDzK8gqmGcCvhzU2ILKh82bjQoIxNhX9-9pj8AfKAAj259piv-A21OwgpnCtIFrZ16QezcOphjle1rAUlwm97yurrQQY-8yTQB2BDc44O6OMZinUSYg0HHskp79uZUBk9HspNPQ/s5152/DSC08726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8iS_OoKskfNQi83jymJRscW3tLmE-diX2GhwHQrqpFd9GbyqhTgMZDzK8gqmGcCvhzU2ILKh82bjQoIxNhX9-9pj8AfKAAj259piv-A21OwgpnCtIFrZ16QezcOphjle1rAUlwm97yurrQQY-8yTQB2BDc44O6OMZinUSYg0HHskp79uZUBk9HspNPQ/s320/DSC08726.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Over 20km to go though. I ran well down from the col and only slowed on the nasty eroded path dropping towards Cabane de la Lude area. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv3zq8t8lKjU3yNjJ7eiGdm4EaK2unilZF27msBXL9WcJdEY6m9UtspnHp_nHXcakrIE7_xreCd0mbRwZ3UjqED3NO9Ys4fmx9JHSse0MbtbAZ3n63fKCMQ_Q1buIZ1RqaWmXiZgPntzilMHvwCuGIrtTkZenFoJdDNI8nUuKNQdf3eNWgOJtSd8Nc7g/s5152/DSC08727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv3zq8t8lKjU3yNjJ7eiGdm4EaK2unilZF27msBXL9WcJdEY6m9UtspnHp_nHXcakrIE7_xreCd0mbRwZ3UjqED3NO9Ys4fmx9JHSse0MbtbAZ3n63fKCMQ_Q1buIZ1RqaWmXiZgPntzilMHvwCuGIrtTkZenFoJdDNI8nUuKNQdf3eNWgOJtSd8Nc7g/s320/DSC08727.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBoIdwNd0DnaB58K9QkHO6PUPWdd0Bg0cmshLFi3-2-aG_GYuGbgUojDFVx3quTr1PJD07vf2tlIfd5qgqL0sBgaOm9MWNv6GP5OCwJ6ZlTS3AuOqk-nsk4zMWIB7fBcPu4K0KevHfnGGYpMhY1CrzxFNIwMh6ha1ajXl4Qk2cWQmuWZNzTFBJS0S_rg/s5152/DSC08728.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBoIdwNd0DnaB58K9QkHO6PUPWdd0Bg0cmshLFi3-2-aG_GYuGbgUojDFVx3quTr1PJD07vf2tlIfd5qgqL0sBgaOm9MWNv6GP5OCwJ6ZlTS3AuOqk-nsk4zMWIB7fBcPu4K0KevHfnGGYpMhY1CrzxFNIwMh6ha1ajXl4Qk2cWQmuWZNzTFBJS0S_rg/s320/DSC08728.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favourite bits back in the Neouville NP</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">The climb up and </span><span style="text-align: left;">across to Merlans was not so bad and I arrived feeling less sick than last year. </span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixIBo2ERh_YKS-RxHSVJFv7Js68d35-kj6cigV00iAYVU9N1HSF3-W5c1rEOjoZDbmfuS6ghqTtVPN4pVvgjQJjeK7gbffOD0DH4uQ6D-dMQXqMtUhyIui5Hwc0S4kKHE7Tcb7yvZ8Yqf5QC_fZDEKbfB_rZRXWG3FfUBeLWbvzhA-BRSQmZ3yyncxTQ/s1400/GRP%20portrait1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="933" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixIBo2ERh_YKS-RxHSVJFv7Js68d35-kj6cigV00iAYVU9N1HSF3-W5c1rEOjoZDbmfuS6ghqTtVPN4pVvgjQJjeK7gbffOD0DH4uQ6D-dMQXqMtUhyIui5Hwc0S4kKHE7Tcb7yvZ8Yqf5QC_fZDEKbfB_rZRXWG3FfUBeLWbvzhA-BRSQmZ3yyncxTQ/s320/GRP%20portrait1.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><p>A professional photographer was doing a portrait project- it seemed rude not to stop even though I was keen to keep going. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpzXNDA4J0CW2xZflI-GlcWtM45jobj9HnZ5MpxjAkWOylgOnADLziW6FUhMkaLOBIVNS7c4MKkZZwILoprATcz3JUJFAXfi3jvzGF2bfz1kjqSd6J7EZnSn7qzQujH6yaSCmRUHXZhdDdB2WqKNbA4Ag2kv0ewx_Nw4KBTDj0ig4SAapixnoExSljg/s758/IMG_20220827_130058_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="758" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpzXNDA4J0CW2xZflI-GlcWtM45jobj9HnZ5MpxjAkWOylgOnADLziW6FUhMkaLOBIVNS7c4MKkZZwILoprATcz3JUJFAXfi3jvzGF2bfz1kjqSd6J7EZnSn7qzQujH6yaSCmRUHXZhdDdB2WqKNbA4Ag2kv0ewx_Nw4KBTDj0ig4SAapixnoExSljg/s320/IMG_20220827_130058_0.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The Col de Portet was heaving but I shot straight through. The path from here is getting more and more eroded. I did one huge flying trip and how I stayed on my feet I do not know. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHaUYvJNXWQlF-geAZvhQsl5cDnKoWQEgcfeRlxvFSl3v0D-6U-UVxlokmp0KlkS70v7Hun7JcR0TeUFvRB3L4BLInhnw31QgweH6D_gcNJTcEhuTr286mOER8XL7zMk4KoAQeFHd8gDlvoC0hBDnyTHddAStVTGkzKAf0OJmpFpG4vCKbdoAzHa_-zg/s758/IMG_20220827_134625_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="758" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHaUYvJNXWQlF-geAZvhQsl5cDnKoWQEgcfeRlxvFSl3v0D-6U-UVxlokmp0KlkS70v7Hun7JcR0TeUFvRB3L4BLInhnw31QgweH6D_gcNJTcEhuTr286mOER8XL7zMk4KoAQeFHd8gDlvoC0hBDnyTHddAStVTGkzKAf0OJmpFpG4vCKbdoAzHa_-zg/s320/IMG_20220827_134625_5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I could see runners ahead from the 80km and 120km routes and tried to pick them off. It meant my quads were a bit shot for the drop to Soulan but never mind. More supporters cheered us here. The first part of the descent is easy but then after the stream it gets rocky and very slippery. I had thought of sticking to the lane but huge signs and a marshall made me stick to the prescribed route and I emerged in Vignec unscathed. I was slower than I hoped but saw that I could slip under 38hrs if I made an effort. Down the road to the bridge, down the steps and onto the riverside path, past all the holiday makers and you can here the finish. Checking my watch showed I had at least 6 minutes leeway now so I slowed to regain my breath before the final bridge and the red carpet through Vielle Aure village. Bob was there but the wandering band chose that moment to walk past and block his photo. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0TN94bmvuf9p87SJwsFHaCAuJAcvdJTzF3L_XKcmbL2idiY_WYmffGwykItXW8IwjqqGZL1pd8LcHIo_zSZGaH0yI8IeuDBU6iGI-DCOLT6tPbj9tfuFNc_5efO4PLk5ch6eJFl21towSEGeNI5tHX-F4aqtm_0Vy2aePf0FT-bI6YqZKQRYvgoy5w/s568/IMG_20220827_185552_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0TN94bmvuf9p87SJwsFHaCAuJAcvdJTzF3L_XKcmbL2idiY_WYmffGwykItXW8IwjqqGZL1pd8LcHIo_zSZGaH0yI8IeuDBU6iGI-DCOLT6tPbj9tfuFNc_5efO4PLk5ch6eJFl21towSEGeNI5tHX-F4aqtm_0Vy2aePf0FT-bI6YqZKQRYvgoy5w/s320/IMG_20220827_185552_7.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>He met me on the finish line. I collected my finishers hoody and established that the food on offer was just CP left overs. Next stop a chair, shoes and socks off and into the fountain as usual. Bliss. I had beaten last year's time by over an hour and I think with the changes near Aulian that it is a tougher course.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinRJWYLjmCPX28DmL6bcgCvtlpLOhKyt8xk_1-bOzboyjJPXTivSEfyy_Yl0osKVAVV6i8FaoNcbSUXi9fHI7VQKbdu36LbR33JrXXdpEr4LhkZhk99alW7KrAX-0_3DUcHGSXWWFftvTFXfbJpiqlkzXLojuuebH6-5uATarzzCOgijwHEyUviPwjaA/s568/IMG_20220827_191641_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinRJWYLjmCPX28DmL6bcgCvtlpLOhKyt8xk_1-bOzboyjJPXTivSEfyy_Yl0osKVAVV6i8FaoNcbSUXi9fHI7VQKbdu36LbR33JrXXdpEr4LhkZhk99alW7KrAX-0_3DUcHGSXWWFftvTFXfbJpiqlkzXLojuuebH6-5uATarzzCOgijwHEyUviPwjaA/s320/IMG_20220827_191641_2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>Happy with that. Also 5th F, with 4th only 13 mins ahead. My friend Florence was 3rd F in under 36 hrs but the winning F was just over 32hrs and first man an amazing 26 hrs 30. Eventually we wandered back to the van and I caught the shuttle to the campsite for a much needed shower. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhep0O8jcbpUBswKYU15xWWFTtKG1MijuBc5P1_koGKF5rfle-xaISgY-EgIMby76kuQ5jL7jzdhX4GwtTmNv1OVkGXjnI09xiC5KCpncI6tbsLsefuIoUexN1__yprXSdUoLBLPWM7gJT30m8mOlgInFIhCerpw1CqGh5iurbc0RuWhFD5412XFjSdaw/s507/IMG_20220828_105341_3%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="457" data-original-width="507" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhep0O8jcbpUBswKYU15xWWFTtKG1MijuBc5P1_koGKF5rfle-xaISgY-EgIMby76kuQ5jL7jzdhX4GwtTmNv1OVkGXjnI09xiC5KCpncI6tbsLsefuIoUexN1__yprXSdUoLBLPWM7gJT30m8mOlgInFIhCerpw1CqGh5iurbc0RuWhFD5412XFjSdaw/s320/IMG_20220828_105341_3%20(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Sunday started with an eggy breakfast before the prize giving and then the fantastic buffet on the rugby field. The prize haul was enormous as they combined my 5th and 1stFV60 prizes. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmpeLTI-Gdg1E7nrpdFv9TZ26u4uzD7mPaIjI3DBUb_ETr-_kl_Y1w1mnAQjDRLjkTJKeSWTS5mHvsbQ25q6Rpl_ecigBEPYOOyfZ3oFY-34PVr_SirI03CRip0mARHFS5u_wC-sphZwBKYCi2TTHpYlv1MPb_08gfc5Xqir7fcckZumHcUW0XgkTUhg/s758/IMG_20220828_105657_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="758" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmpeLTI-Gdg1E7nrpdFv9TZ26u4uzD7mPaIjI3DBUb_ETr-_kl_Y1w1mnAQjDRLjkTJKeSWTS5mHvsbQ25q6Rpl_ecigBEPYOOyfZ3oFY-34PVr_SirI03CRip0mARHFS5u_wC-sphZwBKYCi2TTHpYlv1MPb_08gfc5Xqir7fcckZumHcUW0XgkTUhg/s320/IMG_20220828_105657_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Lots of food but also vouchers for shoes, sun glasses and more vouchers.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg1rLqWW4NPr7pt8gfdUycCo8Bg92d9SA1vl0vCsrDctIPoTjHiPwtX9VbWE8NLpNcqvgoz8aOMJTfEDmkBUYrNJOpfga4y0pBGdUbMVmwlyWBwbkXED5sDW3PgwQ_vpEEfwkqisHhgrhWlXY8MuCWtO8KObzhXd1A4MAgXDornlV8geeQXkTvt7mSuw/s758/IMG_20220828_153146_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="758" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg1rLqWW4NPr7pt8gfdUycCo8Bg92d9SA1vl0vCsrDctIPoTjHiPwtX9VbWE8NLpNcqvgoz8aOMJTfEDmkBUYrNJOpfga4y0pBGdUbMVmwlyWBwbkXED5sDW3PgwQ_vpEEfwkqisHhgrhWlXY8MuCWtO8KObzhXd1A4MAgXDornlV8geeQXkTvt7mSuw/s320/IMG_20220828_153146_7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>So much good food and unlimited beer from the local brewery. It was great to sit and chill with Martin and Julian as well as Bob. I also spotted an interesting race T shirt..... dare I?</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBOWat531f9G0KbsPV96saLtsE3dFGuA3MfJpkdmlQrt4rI8zXkuZZI_BYaTtroBnzoljTBBuoQuW53fXVnHhpZSjjUxCwJOHpJ-wA-WVd1-SGaz-_dd2Ojg0scxgaU2GY3S5yYEafclO2onJ11YpAUbmxg5RcoBFjl6KzqDhffdMMe8_OnwEQmVjqQ/s758/IMG_20220828_142546_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="758" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBOWat531f9G0KbsPV96saLtsE3dFGuA3MfJpkdmlQrt4rI8zXkuZZI_BYaTtroBnzoljTBBuoQuW53fXVnHhpZSjjUxCwJOHpJ-wA-WVd1-SGaz-_dd2Ojg0scxgaU2GY3S5yYEafclO2onJ11YpAUbmxg5RcoBFjl6KzqDhffdMMe8_OnwEQmVjqQ/s320/IMG_20220828_142546_6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>Ultras and a lttle bit morehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14102033182139486675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238582577045689081.post-26742589687887598982022-09-26T08:28:00.004-07:002022-09-26T08:28:45.708-07:00L100<p> It would be my second go at this event and I really enjoyed the first. I was though anxious as repeat events had not gone well at the NT. The weather forecast looked OKish and then we were away with no signal, as we paddle boarded on Coniston and then camped up in Broughton Forest, and so spared to constant checking and changes. We had been busy with cycle rides, SUP and climbing but not as much running as perhaps there should have been. Still P39 was quite recent and that went OK. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2fOA2Llfpu-U6E0RYATtGMjHykxkvd0q4DXUIaQ3JZruW5HG4SjJPPBNDeOyybqR4unhtXB-0xFAoCNoG5ZgVSelkCYqJNTbs5SSa8RAPn5u43hKe5w_vdKohU-KrgtNnqyF8gWOTTWkmC43-rnI_-XfWha6iA1s1plP2CPrOn9AlTUHCFreU8vbjtQ/s480/L100%20trackr%20pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2fOA2Llfpu-U6E0RYATtGMjHykxkvd0q4DXUIaQ3JZruW5HG4SjJPPBNDeOyybqR4unhtXB-0xFAoCNoG5ZgVSelkCYqJNTbs5SSa8RAPn5u43hKe5w_vdKohU-KrgtNnqyF8gWOTTWkmC43-rnI_-XfWha6iA1s1plP2CPrOn9AlTUHCFreU8vbjtQ/s320/L100%20trackr%20pic.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tracker picture</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>The 6pm start is never easy with far too much time to chill or faff. I taped my feet and pondered on shoe choices. Registration took up a bit of time as did chatting with friends. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXuIzZoSFHF4kRG2dL45hSFQRqA1J0MwJIqzOcyUi1dmt8hoqkVBagf1CAf0Wm7on99rZBFma0r3IQYi4v7h_CTcBVybG5pTQpmNKA-ruqCPfdZZNo8EOicf_VED-XjvSlPyzlpk0rK7PUD5AxbH_rc1BLFQptOjV6s7VTUltePPcT8R-FmH5k89CIEg/s2048/L100%20nerves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXuIzZoSFHF4kRG2dL45hSFQRqA1J0MwJIqzOcyUi1dmt8hoqkVBagf1CAf0Wm7on99rZBFma0r3IQYi4v7h_CTcBVybG5pTQpmNKA-ruqCPfdZZNo8EOicf_VED-XjvSlPyzlpk0rK7PUD5AxbH_rc1BLFQptOjV6s7VTUltePPcT8R-FmH5k89CIEg/s320/L100%20nerves.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nervous before the start</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I opted for a calm and steady start; it's not like I am going to win! I saw Jess and Maria dash off and Emma was already well out of sight. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoPz8g2nI6T4nA2_9iMcluqhSeUSjAHqxH25wK4ImeMRydqU_i8D6-gLy53mmaIl7Sez3Ymgo_MkfUM7iJsEna10OEojTFkYHHapokFxiQueGXLPrZxoNAxfdj_Fwln6iambhpBiug36E-X74kQ5YLmJWbN2tWLn-ECq-alvaLmCVKHRgNpyUCsoQXJQ/s2048/L100%20start%20tiny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoPz8g2nI6T4nA2_9iMcluqhSeUSjAHqxH25wK4ImeMRydqU_i8D6-gLy53mmaIl7Sez3Ymgo_MkfUM7iJsEna10OEojTFkYHHapokFxiQueGXLPrZxoNAxfdj_Fwln6iambhpBiug36E-X74kQ5YLmJWbN2tWLn-ECq-alvaLmCVKHRgNpyUCsoQXJQ/s320/L100%20start%20tiny.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Feeling small</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Walna Scar Road came and went with no issues. The descent to Eskdale is not great and it was good to chat to Anna and hear that it gives her nightmares too. Matt N came past around here and steadily pulled away. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUrkkEe43WyKmY_OfcrSvRwfmBfye_qnSWBW-kdrZC9TybGnBX8FmRHe1hJDptMYfSxYG4Lj71CWmF9N4sqDAnWh8bUiOZvLIsu66xlhlGN5CRTyKh-mBjaZoKV-IqduvKTmfJFDPEarl9P0PZ10WgxyLAqf_t-oBEve3N6BmDs9B8QeSVhU41E8qg6Q/s1370/L100%20start%20lane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1370" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUrkkEe43WyKmY_OfcrSvRwfmBfye_qnSWBW-kdrZC9TybGnBX8FmRHe1hJDptMYfSxYG4Lj71CWmF9N4sqDAnWh8bUiOZvLIsu66xlhlGN5CRTyKh-mBjaZoKV-IqduvKTmfJFDPEarl9P0PZ10WgxyLAqf_t-oBEve3N6BmDs9B8QeSVhU41E8qg6Q/s320/L100%20start%20lane.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The lane up out of Coniston</td></tr></tbody></table><p>By the CP at Boot I was very pleased to find they had savoury options and not just the cakes and sweets of the first CP. It was a long haul to Wasdale but with lots of company. With no moon and overcast skies I needed to use the head torch earlier than last year. I lost a few places but felt OK and less sick than last year. On the next big climbs I met Jodie from Cornwall and it was good to chat and motivate each other before she pulled away on the long drop to Buttermere.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNTOEhHhHGBqvL_PtO1re0F8O6gXp87oXoV61bivoIhFkasU2zOsWUPrLCM33yCtLe5Qyo4UrcplIZhqlHTAUTDCDxPZpVQNjqjC4XSYLtePBgzZmOv7wPADwgtFB-AlWvPSCvwXbyAhgp5UUQW5PJQyUInioYIyAYAQHItVSCbZFkaALkE4Ao2SRmDw/s2048/L100%20Buttermere%20CP.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNTOEhHhHGBqvL_PtO1re0F8O6gXp87oXoV61bivoIhFkasU2zOsWUPrLCM33yCtLe5Qyo4UrcplIZhqlHTAUTDCDxPZpVQNjqjC4XSYLtePBgzZmOv7wPADwgtFB-AlWvPSCvwXbyAhgp5UUQW5PJQyUInioYIyAYAQHItVSCbZFkaALkE4Ao2SRmDw/s320/L100%20Buttermere%20CP.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outdoor CP at Buttermere</td></tr></tbody></table><p> Here I stopped long enough for hot dog and chocolate milk. My pace was slightly slower than last year but I was able to eat and the only issue was pain from the issue in my right foot.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhzkRO79cBoO_AIyazbjz73LzEW2gZgLCXBsbsmRiCjXTf4uv8Q4qQyshkRZC-lcyqNf-bJsLsXCPmN-sjFF7GddKyG9IpgXvDP51EUpuDu26Mdr1ggGOqx1fS8HY3XXt6CUOt8nV0FxtFG5gcVoW-xXtqCu651Z7jPrlhCQS9sVVzeMFrqXT0Q2Tj8w/s2048/L100%20early%20on.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhzkRO79cBoO_AIyazbjz73LzEW2gZgLCXBsbsmRiCjXTf4uv8Q4qQyshkRZC-lcyqNf-bJsLsXCPmN-sjFF7GddKyG9IpgXvDP51EUpuDu26Mdr1ggGOqx1fS8HY3XXt6CUOt8nV0FxtFG5gcVoW-xXtqCu651Z7jPrlhCQS9sVVzeMFrqXT0Q2Tj8w/s320/L100%20early%20on.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Early on</td></tr></tbody></table><p>I ended up totally alone in Newlands and as it was wet decided not to check the route on my phone. Somehow I ended up on a lower path and did a bit of bracken bashing to regain a higher trod. Here I picked up others and was able to stick fairly close to them all the way to Braithwaite. This is a nice indoor CP and worth stopping for a decent feed- yogurt, custard, fruit and more. I set off power walking towards Latrigg. A few overtook me but I stuck to my pace and nursed my now very sore foot. It's a long loop to the virtual CP and was drizzling but still warm in just a T shirt. The Blencathra Centre was rocking with Trawden's School of Rock and it was good to see friends there. It was almost light now and so felt very similar to last year.</p><p>Looking up to the Coach Road and Clough Head it looked grim so I stopped to put my cag on. I did most of the gnarly track alone and my foot was on fire. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqDByyZig9b2i8SzMBAHp4mIqbWe39JLPrJZYjIDvNT4lBicTSRw3RX7yK0Lu25rAfAcbH2zR5vf5ivQ9ov3LizFtHFAyzqMRdSKvYCxwJnXclPlU6IXfSZ29mmM0LutRu5kcCWoJVSQeLuIUbXe_OYJEfSVfXGSzHZ1ivrBv_oF2SHHC7PV4d6uEcEA/s960/L100%20Dockray%20fire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="718" data-original-width="960" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqDByyZig9b2i8SzMBAHp4mIqbWe39JLPrJZYjIDvNT4lBicTSRw3RX7yK0Lu25rAfAcbH2zR5vf5ivQ9ov3LizFtHFAyzqMRdSKvYCxwJnXclPlU6IXfSZ29mmM0LutRu5kcCWoJVSQeLuIUbXe_OYJEfSVfXGSzHZ1ivrBv_oF2SHHC7PV4d6uEcEA/s320/L100%20Dockray%20fire.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fire pit at Dockray</td></tr></tbody></table><p>It was a relief to get to Dockray CP which is manned by Hardmoors friends- Jon, Shirley, Jo and more. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8AA0kzEpBwKlwoj01WwZjmAqrC25ajgWTev1Vd35efrgAmLZtn6RQbUuHaJxZCMohZMBcXMnG3bIyFtKlOlsyFXAzwTu18s20P8_P3jJaipB17PzAROb4xXHfnU6SbQ1qFh7zXNfoaz3eU_kURjbF3S1p6F4gNVQYVPKVKSpkzdRVnPS02R59Wu3rw/s960/L100%20dockray%20food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8AA0kzEpBwKlwoj01WwZjmAqrC25ajgWTev1Vd35efrgAmLZtn6RQbUuHaJxZCMohZMBcXMnG3bIyFtKlOlsyFXAzwTu18s20P8_P3jJaipB17PzAROb4xXHfnU6SbQ1qFh7zXNfoaz3eU_kURjbF3S1p6F4gNVQYVPKVKSpkzdRVnPS02R59Wu3rw/s320/L100%20dockray%20food.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>It was still raining despite what my forecast had said, although on the plus side there no midges this year! Chat, sympathy, a cup of tea and cheese set me up for the next section. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf6YRl9ezTHzFqkc-qxUrDxt-ZgJVxmCxs6wx91OImOoLzb0u--V-Dv2yvHL4_JNcX62bx2BPAA3xvn-u59CB_FIm2A15Sfd3Pu6aOuraNatmcS9XzzMVdl5U-8zDpRwc-StQzU-Sh675Lb3FJxweB72kyKhlFd46ENVj3vKeKR2OG-lsNLRbjtYn5VA/s960/L100%20dockray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf6YRl9ezTHzFqkc-qxUrDxt-ZgJVxmCxs6wx91OImOoLzb0u--V-Dv2yvHL4_JNcX62bx2BPAA3xvn-u59CB_FIm2A15Sfd3Pu6aOuraNatmcS9XzzMVdl5U-8zDpRwc-StQzU-Sh675Lb3FJxweB72kyKhlFd46ENVj3vKeKR2OG-lsNLRbjtYn5VA/s320/L100%20dockray.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beware the chair but my foot did need the rest</td></tr></tbody></table><p>It's a long way so I break it down into bits. All the way to Aira and around Gowbarrow my foot was definitely slowing me and it was a relief to get softer grounds in the woods and fields. Even tarmac was some relief and I made up some lost time as I looked forward to a shoe change and hopefully a happier foot at Dalemain where our drop bags waited.</p><p>I spent almost 40 minutes here but it was time well spent. I dried my feet enough that I could even re-tape them, changed my socks and shoes (only to find I had forgotten to stick on the velcro tabs for my gaiters) and had chats with marshalls and friends. I managed two plates full of stew plus bread. I restocked my food and MF powder but had only eaten some crisps and a couple of bars. Leaving the tent I found I had seized up and it must have looked pitiful as I set off towards Pooley Bridge. I felt a real fraud as people cheered. Others were having a worse time and both Ashkok and Marco were very sick and struggling to eat at all. As we headed up to Askham Common I met up with two southerners and was able to show them the way. By Howtown my sore foot was improving and I fuelled on fruit and even some coke. In Fusedale I was alone until near the top and there was lovely soft ground. The run along the top ridge there is one of my favourite of the race although this year it was much wetter and my feet got soaked. The drop through the bracken as greasy and nasty- apparently a runner fell and dislocated a shoulder. I picked my way cautiously and still had two tumbles. The lead runners on the L50 came flying through and seemed to be having no problems at all, they must have special shoes :)</p><p>It always seems to take forever to make progress along Haweswater and even then when you think you are at the end there is a loop around to the CP. The rain was now a bit grim but the CP staff were cheerful and offered me some amazing flapjack. The climb up to the top of Gatesgarth was the worst weather of the race so it was a slow and steady climb. For me it was a slow and steady descent too- we were due to go on holiday and I didn't want a bad fall. I missed a turn on the way into Kentmere and had to double back... annoying but not too serious. Here we got the usual warm welcome plus smoothies. The slog up Garburn was wet but it was entertaining watching a jeep drive down- he expected us to all get out of his way naturally. The last descent to the road at Troutbeck felt greasy but I was lifted as I passed another female runner and now had the company of many L50 folk. </p><p>Ambleside was wet and so I didn't want to stop. I grabbed banana and crisps before heading straight off. I felt I was going very slowly now and bizarrely even thought about phoning Bob to apologise for the late night he would have! I should have eaten my mint cake and Bounty bar but you don't think well once you are tired. Before long I was in Langdale. I couldn't run as much of the big tracks as I would have liked- just too tired. Shame as that bit is so runnable. Chapel Stile came and went with more soup eaten. The next bit was slow. The paths were flooded, the rocks greasy and my legs were shot. I sheltered in the woods after Blea Tarn to find my head torch. The next bit was a bit grim with flooded paths, greasy rocks and bogs. The virtual CP was lit up with car headlights. Down the road and onto the Tilberthwaite track. The weather was wet and the mist was making it hard to see where you were going. It was good to have others around me here on paths that were shin deep in muddy water. The drop to the Copper Mines was so much worse than I remembered it last year in the dry and light and I felt so slow by comparison. I was sure that from Kentmere I had been about 2 hours slower so my next aim was to beat midnight. I did and finished at about 11.30pm. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhh8qdQBelOaWlyn-tQmIVRiQh28-wxWq_TOGFPPlLxZrks08v306vel3HKaEXLfrPALiDWuueE4vkDmcZHe2TQ_Z8q6VdxXfyApJnp2HZFur7lCdtY8-SMn2cffFyvsk1Wmrqx6q8Xc0pphE1ZNG0-O6YYdduQdbPfqAqcicX17r3nqE3jwMbUkt4zw/s2048/L100%20wet%20end.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhh8qdQBelOaWlyn-tQmIVRiQh28-wxWq_TOGFPPlLxZrks08v306vel3HKaEXLfrPALiDWuueE4vkDmcZHe2TQ_Z8q6VdxXfyApJnp2HZFur7lCdtY8-SMn2cffFyvsk1Wmrqx6q8Xc0pphE1ZNG0-O6YYdduQdbPfqAqcicX17r3nqE3jwMbUkt4zw/s320/L100%20wet%20end.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Soggy but happy</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The finish tent was heaving with supporters and I had to ask one of them for a chair so I could eat my food. My need really did seem great than theirs!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMzDxiXuK9kcbqrCgLGXFx1SLT2rVC5_r_j0hwfHO9wCZ8xADaFgGWtmzcnqxrvRLZg5VYJ6yN-yb2Zl71SGOmc8RBhYtBjYPwdeaqIJPHZMYppx77PL1VZuDNuBbV_Fhpk8iLkVF6ytBJxh9dPxTvolGGI7Yxuv_32YLp84dYjNPnqSXvclq-GKcJtA/s640/L100%20done.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMzDxiXuK9kcbqrCgLGXFx1SLT2rVC5_r_j0hwfHO9wCZ8xADaFgGWtmzcnqxrvRLZg5VYJ6yN-yb2Zl71SGOmc8RBhYtBjYPwdeaqIJPHZMYppx77PL1VZuDNuBbV_Fhpk8iLkVF6ytBJxh9dPxTvolGGI7Yxuv_32YLp84dYjNPnqSXvclq-GKcJtA/s320/L100%20done.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><p>A strip wash in the van and I fell into bed. 29 hrs 40 mins. So yes it was 2 hours slower but given wet and greasy rocks plus the earlier darkness I wasn't surprised or even too disappointed. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbp1t9FTtjGmAyIgBBJzwV_fj2RlwyXaWd5Xtv_JHGAtUhCyoL68Ix7iFGkFKe8Cl3q4szpcDYPxs7VF0R1cVk-baESEgvLEIkKNZcyS6V082gnf1ZvkcmGYEKptMKpWWRSvU_h-WZ8AAVI_sJtQ36WUu49zxQkXFKdRLBvvLBrZpA569D7bOuH2qBag/s2048/L100%20morning%20after.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbp1t9FTtjGmAyIgBBJzwV_fj2RlwyXaWd5Xtv_JHGAtUhCyoL68Ix7iFGkFKe8Cl3q4szpcDYPxs7VF0R1cVk-baESEgvLEIkKNZcyS6V082gnf1ZvkcmGYEKptMKpWWRSvU_h-WZ8AAVI_sJtQ36WUu49zxQkXFKdRLBvvLBrZpA569D7bOuH2qBag/s320/L100%20morning%20after.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">REcovered the morning after</td></tr></tbody></table><p>An eggy breakfast and lots of coffee set me up for the prize giving which Marc does so well. The VIP area was there again together with bouncers to keep out the riff raff. </p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU4g5ec9hwGFYmxcsVNsvSuon5fayz9mzfDOtfyiz3nkAbzbkIPf3e_lTDkYdiBc5tCBMyNW8HohOmfF-CvQKCQquwtXxproAhbyVphhZzzPP4CBBXGBM2R5nNOUlxm3gIS9_byA8wlGpT4YYRpT8GSzEdNMUtR4QFxdlIVJFg71PLptYL4FU8xSMlwQ/s2048/L100%20VIP%20bouncers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1366" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU4g5ec9hwGFYmxcsVNsvSuon5fayz9mzfDOtfyiz3nkAbzbkIPf3e_lTDkYdiBc5tCBMyNW8HohOmfF-CvQKCQquwtXxproAhbyVphhZzzPP4CBBXGBM2R5nNOUlxm3gIS9_byA8wlGpT4YYRpT8GSzEdNMUtR4QFxdlIVJFg71PLptYL4FU8xSMlwQ/s320/L100%20VIP%20bouncers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />It was a bit of deja vu as Maria and I sat drinking again- beer and champagne. Never refuse free alcohol! <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZltC6u4nO_bQTHgQ5TGvivjVd-ecoP-TE-hoNjncZJaEeiVCGLN_52ZUaiwfAZbXAs9-KcwquQR3zaOzLegz7foo6lJKOtv-evCIr_EhSMt0oNshbYcJbvl1seWIXoUd46CzkTUSDP1-eTdBE90HOCOHIxCbhD4MFiBL3acZXJaTYPq9K83LvrF-Lg/s2048/L100%20with%20Maria.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZltC6u4nO_bQTHgQ5TGvivjVd-ecoP-TE-hoNjncZJaEeiVCGLN_52ZUaiwfAZbXAs9-KcwquQR3zaOzLegz7foo6lJKOtv-evCIr_EhSMt0oNshbYcJbvl1seWIXoUd46CzkTUSDP1-eTdBE90HOCOHIxCbhD4MFiBL3acZXJaTYPq9K83LvrF-Lg/s320/L100%20with%20Maria.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>Although we did note that the true athletes like Sabs and Katie had orange squash. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4lpR1X8M5H6BguSjEv5e9-3oQc4Hr4SifdMyORkJCUchrPdQe7LMOHRUXoIWs9yXzmxlQfLFHlm4jzlqOBErywqWB0brwrLuv8iNL0mLJltntHYlUS7uCD0ExzVncFN66RFVKUAdzaBX4AfZbKmrPSafqbsPgEqd9TERuNW7kcFpwdXMSOxfqK73Hg/s2048/L100%20with%20Anna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM4lpR1X8M5H6BguSjEv5e9-3oQc4Hr4SifdMyORkJCUchrPdQe7LMOHRUXoIWs9yXzmxlQfLFHlm4jzlqOBErywqWB0brwrLuv8iNL0mLJltntHYlUS7uCD0ExzVncFN66RFVKUAdzaBX4AfZbKmrPSafqbsPgEqd9TERuNW7kcFpwdXMSOxfqK73Hg/s320/L100%20with%20Anna.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna FV50 champ</td></tr></tbody></table><p>105 miles done with 6856m of climb. 1st FV60 only 2nd FV50 to Anna and 11th F overall Shall I do it again and work towards my 5 year slate? not sure yet.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrvk3LrsCTS_TMzk0joGlvwc36Xx0FQdPFc2I9Ie9cxxTqguJaZvdbvMe8hIU35HBK0oLD4OZfeNUGKz9o1-XfNofTGLtmMleUgMH1W-F4xwEKrGUfug-r79NhS6HY991TQxg_hZZQZWhp_9itusJuVSn5kQHAd2jO1mj83FAgmwp-3RYJ5OUl2vjsQ/s961/L100%20vets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="961" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtrvk3LrsCTS_TMzk0joGlvwc36Xx0FQdPFc2I9Ie9cxxTqguJaZvdbvMe8hIU35HBK0oLD4OZfeNUGKz9o1-XfNofTGLtmMleUgMH1W-F4xwEKrGUfug-r79NhS6HY991TQxg_hZZQZWhp_9itusJuVSn5kQHAd2jO1mj83FAgmwp-3RYJ5OUl2vjsQ/s320/L100%20vets.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perhaps I am quite small</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>Ultras and a lttle bit morehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14102033182139486675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238582577045689081.post-38950294325276279662022-07-20T09:40:00.005-07:002022-07-20T09:40:54.335-07:00Pennine 39<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal">I love this event and have done it 5 times before. For me it
is a whole weekend of chilling with friends but with a race in the middle too.
As usual we arrived on Friday afternoon but this time direct from 5 hours on Kendal
climbing wall – not ideal race prep but great fun. The flags and banners were
soon up and prizes handed over. Joe was busy with shuttle runs to the railway
stations but I caught up with him eventually. After food in the van I walked
back up to the YHA to catch up with yet more friends.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">My race prep had been a bit daft with a family wedding but
also loads of activity- just not much running. Mon was a 4 hour climbing
session, Tues a 130km bike ride, Wednesday SUP on a local river estuary,
Thursday a walk on Pendle and then on Friday more climbing. I would have to
wing it and I knew that I could be in trouble. This was not arrogance; more
that I had been having fun doing other stuff. It was too late to worry now so I
went to bed with “Fail to prepare, prepare to fail” ringing in my head. Despite
this I slept well and opted to enjoy the superb scenery and make the most of
the warm weather.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6bGP3mARdPqjvAPjxtuWk1UUCNvTYqQfCpRD0HzZFPNzfRP0dU_WK5ZsZyp5LFM4iyLRsMGutGDzJoGeq9VTtQNFg0B_LL8dRlPDGk95jf-9r6qzxdOZ9q5k-2QQyG6X3d_MAi_R-F6tH55ys9IXQ0Pau32Ck4vX2dYRIe6quZzjDYNTfFRryB-rPMg/s2048/52223723022_8b09e6d82d_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1368" data-original-width="2048" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6bGP3mARdPqjvAPjxtuWk1UUCNvTYqQfCpRD0HzZFPNzfRP0dU_WK5ZsZyp5LFM4iyLRsMGutGDzJoGeq9VTtQNFg0B_LL8dRlPDGk95jf-9r6qzxdOZ9q5k-2QQyG6X3d_MAi_R-F6tH55ys9IXQ0Pau32Ck4vX2dYRIe6quZzjDYNTfFRryB-rPMg/s320/52223723022_8b09e6d82d_k.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal">I caught up with Steve Jones and his plans for more bonkers
adventures as the coach took us to Bowlees. Then chatting to Siobhan and Joe before
a very very low key start I was actually in the lead for a few minutes. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD9-mc23yViNVwqfRH0o-os0cOahVuGMDKVnk-nC7aCHs2OZ93DKPPCSOKNChVG3Od0fF9hyKgMBMZs0hh4QJMfOtlns2RLZ2WvUB33ReZ5PP1UtQKX3svo1nN0N02RlWyW4n6jZjFkoVTZ7D4ErCeJ8LTsm8Sph_7qykMHuinhsFiCP8KiT6BlTelyg/s2048/52224725686_537aa3fdf8_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1368" data-original-width="2048" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD9-mc23yViNVwqfRH0o-os0cOahVuGMDKVnk-nC7aCHs2OZ93DKPPCSOKNChVG3Od0fF9hyKgMBMZs0hh4QJMfOtlns2RLZ2WvUB33ReZ5PP1UtQKX3svo1nN0N02RlWyW4n6jZjFkoVTZ7D4ErCeJ8LTsm8Sph_7qykMHuinhsFiCP8KiT6BlTelyg/s320/52224725686_537aa3fdf8_k.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal">Rory
soon came past as did Phil and also Despina and then Claire. I refused to chase and risk blowing up. I
settled into what I hoped was a reasonable pace for me and ran much of the next
chunk along the Pennine Way and up past Cauldron Snout with Gary. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAnuBjJoVfMvsQs9vNp-s_VyBVnvgD8TpwsXtzOXLskZZCNLEOfWxEK7mVF4WeOX6OLLhhOlXmYPchJDG_TkeT7Sgps6qBgP_gbICoVXu8ADnJ8Zfw4YOFZ64BaBsoZZ9EQkiEC_S3_5IEhs_O2GiNy702h1SomNUp916ts4YqDp-OT6tPSZThqQJpg/s2048/52223721072_d9eb44934c_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1368" data-original-width="2048" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAnuBjJoVfMvsQs9vNp-s_VyBVnvgD8TpwsXtzOXLskZZCNLEOfWxEK7mVF4WeOX6OLLhhOlXmYPchJDG_TkeT7Sgps6qBgP_gbICoVXu8ADnJ8Zfw4YOFZ64BaBsoZZ9EQkiEC_S3_5IEhs_O2GiNy702h1SomNUp916ts4YqDp-OT6tPSZThqQJpg/s320/52223721072_d9eb44934c_k.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal">Approaching
High Cup Nick is always special and today was not exception. What a view.
Charles had caught me and passed me, along with Peter. They took photos but
still steamed off ahead of me looking strong on the initial gnarly descent. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaN4ndsIqyBK5MjYA1LAKmA2Dbhskg4bP51VyEVUesp7s2wvl4gZqMNfb2YUoGHPKOuU_lfyATG0S-IhXcMN-9P9tb5uyFusp0l_Edz5IZYRNiVTp8ykAwCCKjj8eiBhL0M6scuic8kY2uqN2ilmCeuuoKbxZWsE5zE3h3t_D9bI6xI2-H72tV3MpHsg/s2048/52224740533_7d9bcc29f9_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1368" data-original-width="2048" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaN4ndsIqyBK5MjYA1LAKmA2Dbhskg4bP51VyEVUesp7s2wvl4gZqMNfb2YUoGHPKOuU_lfyATG0S-IhXcMN-9P9tb5uyFusp0l_Edz5IZYRNiVTp8ykAwCCKjj8eiBhL0M6scuic8kY2uqN2ilmCeuuoKbxZWsE5zE3h3t_D9bI6xI2-H72tV3MpHsg/s320/52224740533_7d9bcc29f9_k.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal">By
the Dufton CP I had closed the gap a little but Charles shot off fast and
powered ahead up Knock. I refilled water, ate melon and took goodies from my
drop bag. I hoped to reel Charles in on the climb- but not today. On the plus
side I pretty much kept Peter in my sights and got further and further ahead of
Gary. The marshall on Knock was cold but after our efforts we were steaming in
just shorts and T shirts. Luckily there was water in the streams and water at
his car. This and the breeze along the 3 tops kept us cool. There was more
surface water than I expected on this section with several flag stones
submerged so we had cool feet too. A cheery ‘Hello’ to the photographer by the
radar station and I was chasing Peter. My tiny trod to Greg’s Hut did the trick
even though I stopped to fill my bottle again at the pipe.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The track from Greg’s Hut to Garigill has broken many
runners, especially those who dare to believe that it is now all down-hill. It
isn’t! Instead you face a roller-coaster of stony track that seems to go on forever.
I caught Peter and chatting helped take my mind off the pain. We discovered we
had a mutual friend and he quizzed me about hilly northern ultras (he’s from
Essex). I would hardly say dumping rough aggregate is track improvement but it
did mean the grassy verge had been widened and flattened making it more
runnable. I raced down and to my amazement caught Charles before the village.
On the downside a glance at my watch showed I was going to be 20-30 minutes
slower than last year. After a PW at Lakeland 5 Passes I now believed I was
rubbish, a fraud and had been stupidly lazy in my training. Bob had planned his
bike ride to intercept me in the village but I was feeling a bit negative
despite the melon.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Our threesome set off together and after a short silly error
when I led them down the wrong footpath all was well along the riverside path
and meadows. Knowing the route helped me to judge what was left and to shout
peter back at one junction. It also allowed me to time my final effort to perfection
and so to finish a minute ahead of Charles.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGoz03KZNnYlXOqzbOOmD0zzCwL8q1YxlMjltJ0NyExKMUcGr1YliBLaF7bznKGDf8fhSP4mwsJSn0JWLxjWYZXF4KAt0i2l1kzyzGKnu1tSoPFtN24W9miXPLSzgcfp6s1T8vmYmQPIfP5y_IiGsKs9gvZvqz9NuRTHRw6_UT5KLn5N2uVWjFXn5etg/s2048/52224720466_0c991db362_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1368" data-original-width="2048" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGoz03KZNnYlXOqzbOOmD0zzCwL8q1YxlMjltJ0NyExKMUcGr1YliBLaF7bznKGDf8fhSP4mwsJSn0JWLxjWYZXF4KAt0i2l1kzyzGKnu1tSoPFtN24W9miXPLSzgcfp6s1T8vmYmQPIfP5y_IiGsKs9gvZvqz9NuRTHRw6_UT5KLn5N2uVWjFXn5etg/s320/52224720466_0c991db362_k.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal">Rory had won again and although about 15 mins slower we were
all awed by his time of 5hrs49. Phil was not far behind. Despina was 1stF in
6.44 and it was good to chat to her after the race. Claire beat me easily this
year in 6.55 and I was 3rdF in 7.21 which was 26 mins down on last year. I drank so much water that the marshall
brought me out my own jug. Gradually I felt more normal as I cooled down and
cheered in other runners. A shower and then Nav4 soup, bread and cake completed
the job.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUKl2AZoMulQdHtKCutzPYGtZzoPg-67Gjtm9oalg5JOyD8_rCBrsOeQCqv_oAShCA_LW1mSGX9Ux7cWWetiQ9F8zdxVZOPg8yhLkKvwfL5kJbViil6WZYcLdtKtt_F0pBH46TEMuOHs20U_XJWRa6MOOjTzvkNycTbBd1v883L2k3f913Crz876USA/s2048/52224720096_d267404db8_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1368" data-original-width="2048" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQUKl2AZoMulQdHtKCutzPYGtZzoPg-67Gjtm9oalg5JOyD8_rCBrsOeQCqv_oAShCA_LW1mSGX9Ux7cWWetiQ9F8zdxVZOPg8yhLkKvwfL5kJbViil6WZYcLdtKtt_F0pBH46TEMuOHs20U_XJWRa6MOOjTzvkNycTbBd1v883L2k3f913Crz876USA/s320/52224720096_d267404db8_k.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All photos- credit Nick Ham</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal">The event was far from over though and we sat eating and
cheering runners in for ages. A large group of us had booked in for the
Saturday night meal which was superb. The wine and beer flowed and we sung
Happy Birthday to Joe. Retiring to the lounge for more beer I set about
persuading Joe that this should not be the last Pennine 39 before staggering
back to the van at gone midnight. We were off to Ullswater for more paddle-boarding
in the morning and so left Nick to deal with all the flags etc. Thanks.</p>Ultras and a lttle bit morehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14102033182139486675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238582577045689081.post-77378989476446437032022-06-27T15:17:00.003-07:002022-06-27T15:17:51.467-07:00A busy June<p> Hot on the heels of my birthday run and then the LDWA100 came the first of two sprint orienteering events. I have never been a sprinter and with a couple of hundred miles in my legs it was going to hurt. Still, it was my local club and a chance to catch up with friends. I certainly didn't capitalise on what should have been home advantage but I did have fun- especially at second event in a fab park on a glorious evening. An errand took us to Yorkshire and so to make the journey worth while we stayed for two days of, in my case, running. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEDiuH8RqM8adUojY4_QedCSomrNc90PXqb6bM5TqukVDkD_HcvQAQJ5gFEnRTOJTdCRVVJN5xDavpi2ncQ6689Ohy6fzwO_ZKls-SKK_aTGyfL3tQxlkpNOKaIYpS4hmNvuSMTp8jcx7SNdheS9RzhUNfpeRAnJoQn6hG97wL9TMALUqf2yIqug2xMA/s2048/Brimham.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEDiuH8RqM8adUojY4_QedCSomrNc90PXqb6bM5TqukVDkD_HcvQAQJ5gFEnRTOJTdCRVVJN5xDavpi2ncQ6689Ohy6fzwO_ZKls-SKK_aTGyfL3tQxlkpNOKaIYpS4hmNvuSMTp8jcx7SNdheS9RzhUNfpeRAnJoQn6hG97wL9TMALUqf2yIqug2xMA/s320/Brimham.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Brimham Rocks etc seemed like very hard work but I enjoyed Baildon moor the next day. Back home for the weekend and I went off on a long bike ride across the Fylde in the wind to prepare for our next mini adventure. Bob has been itching to do a long cycle ride but this one was short enough and flat enough for me to think I could join him. The Bay cycle ride- around Morecambe Bay from Walney Island to Glasson Dock. It's just over 90 miles but with the ride from Barrow station at the start and then the return to our van in Lancaster at the end we did well over 95. After some uncertainty about whether we would get the bikes on the train all went well and we had perfect weather- warm, sunny and just enough breeze to cool us. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPj12F89vjAd7gvLfpYXNVF_p59SDxtcpg5j6q_pbdcVvfinPdkeT0q22Y5_8IrWqCaPiMyrUv_9QcxgUnWMJbm9DPXURtx5B6wUhCBS4hkRoMh55rTi_hA9fhW3hx8SlwLXJUPHvn3T3R4RWv5wInr4uzsxV0MNa3VHhFbMlyw_7rDDLhIAEshm7cRQ/s5152/DSC08540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3864" data-original-width="5152" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPj12F89vjAd7gvLfpYXNVF_p59SDxtcpg5j6q_pbdcVvfinPdkeT0q22Y5_8IrWqCaPiMyrUv_9QcxgUnWMJbm9DPXURtx5B6wUhCBS4hkRoMh55rTi_hA9fhW3hx8SlwLXJUPHvn3T3R4RWv5wInr4uzsxV0MNa3VHhFbMlyw_7rDDLhIAEshm7cRQ/s320/DSC08540.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>We made good time despite the big climb at Bigland and so had plenty of time for a wonderful lunch stop in Cartmel. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYjJxftXmHt4v9bs8M5u17gmq8GZY_w1sEYNFz47a57XSLgznTfLSetUeFL8DpDRZ0nxNc9wspPH1Rjx0SnDZ6qOxQ6nliPf1eiPPKhQo7gW_YB6N2zjxwLdXVBdHVQxQcB0PZBVFgNRfZaxh3l935IHSh-16cMzJ5n3rdcMnWQII71Q4LYQ8QhsxaUg/s3682/DSC08551%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2819" data-original-width="3682" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYjJxftXmHt4v9bs8M5u17gmq8GZY_w1sEYNFz47a57XSLgznTfLSetUeFL8DpDRZ0nxNc9wspPH1Rjx0SnDZ6qOxQ6nliPf1eiPPKhQo7gW_YB6N2zjxwLdXVBdHVQxQcB0PZBVFgNRfZaxh3l935IHSh-16cMzJ5n3rdcMnWQII71Q4LYQ8QhsxaUg/s320/DSC08551%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>From Carnforth onwards we knew we had broken the back of the day and that it would be fairly flat from there onwards. We stopped for a celebration ice cream in Morecambe and it was quite impressive to look right round the bay to where we had come from. It made a great day out.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTp4XCdKYtsCz9IqvlfRQeR2SNZem7pHgbIAFiZrGtD1yuPscUXF4nUGH5eLkm_WJxHd74hBSf2k9KX_kXWi14S3VMxAmC1vQKp7-V6apEpBAnTj6RKABzhQ8eeVWF4DyW_h8ojqXGd0H7AzTkXio6RIRC1LO4cOJxqTqfVt8a1MQ9TXc6BbiM6UxBag/s4520/DSC08567%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3233" data-original-width="4520" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTp4XCdKYtsCz9IqvlfRQeR2SNZem7pHgbIAFiZrGtD1yuPscUXF4nUGH5eLkm_WJxHd74hBSf2k9KX_kXWi14S3VMxAmC1vQKp7-V6apEpBAnTj6RKABzhQ8eeVWF4DyW_h8ojqXGd0H7AzTkXio6RIRC1LO4cOJxqTqfVt8a1MQ9TXc6BbiM6UxBag/s320/DSC08567%20(2).JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>With tired legs I went of to explore the first few miles of the local LDWA 50 miles for 50 years celebration run. Most had done this over 3 Tuesdays and then the final miles on the Sunday. I hoped to do the lot and aim to finish on Sunday afternoon at roughly the same time. This would mean starting in the dark. I was glad to check out the first 10 miles or so as there were a couple of tricky bits. Hopefully my legs would feel more alive with another 36 hours of rest. I was up at 3am and off not long after. I started with my head torch. I knew I should only need this for 45 mins at most but didn't fancy a fall in the dark. </p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfnniguHR_-lOv-NHtULOFqkG5D5vVcz1NXYvNg7vF_t14lDzTi81zwi3LcEar4MXjbCQQV6POyiy-BvP9oXFBOtjGT2uuHTfiEybVMXlMLMx8u3XqqS4aElL5Bvk2LN30QNBhLYC_pjGcaDGWoy5vz9v1JoFyAaUgk2KcklTE3viIJRpZHWV8g-hwzA/s2048/Whalley%20viaduct.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfnniguHR_-lOv-NHtULOFqkG5D5vVcz1NXYvNg7vF_t14lDzTi81zwi3LcEar4MXjbCQQV6POyiy-BvP9oXFBOtjGT2uuHTfiEybVMXlMLMx8u3XqqS4aElL5Bvk2LN30QNBhLYC_pjGcaDGWoy5vz9v1JoFyAaUgk2KcklTE3viIJRpZHWV8g-hwzA/s320/Whalley%20viaduct.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Whalley viaduct on my reccee</td></tr></tbody></table><p>As I left Hurst Green and dropped to the Ribble there was thick mist at Dinkley Bridge and I couldn't even see the river. It warmed up as I climbed to Whalley and the Abbey. By now I had seen rabbits, hares, foxes and a deer but the strangest sight was lines of taxis arriving to take home young people who were staggering out of the night club. From here I climbed across the golf course at Spring Wood and picked up the big track that would lead me to the Nick of Pendle. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaizcgXaLvQsikyh8_b8_6eWXIsgLMJJbBBibDsGQTnd-s5E0OR4k9OQubPs3LBccjoY1WudgCLM41Vx76xzm4JNzCpwY6RZGfn2pyf5oxuqNnTPu7UP0UzmZZ90HrVguYSKn148TZbX0R-b1-H2orqof1m6oNNIfyLUghOkMnKLRflSQj-F7EDnt5_A/s2048/Pendle%20first%20lkight.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaizcgXaLvQsikyh8_b8_6eWXIsgLMJJbBBibDsGQTnd-s5E0OR4k9OQubPs3LBccjoY1WudgCLM41Vx76xzm4JNzCpwY6RZGfn2pyf5oxuqNnTPu7UP0UzmZZ90HrVguYSKn148TZbX0R-b1-H2orqof1m6oNNIfyLUghOkMnKLRflSQj-F7EDnt5_A/s320/Pendle%20first%20lkight.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>It was pleasantly warm and the sun coming up gave beautiful views. I was at the trig on Pendle by 5.15am. Then it was easy running down to Downham where I was shocked to find the pub had stopped trading. A few miles on new terrain led me to Sawley and the abbey ruins. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUKleWNjDFzJ0KGbG0i6D8JAzHlUE-sr8Wr50mFZh9VQ45jXrvTm4b56i88dswe7-T34maeQsjbOkJsL9O_7x5MUWODLAMY6itvSjk-5DpodWqdB51QfrVusmAl-LqAct2MhmHHK5U2axmNYyE8kA4OaAs6pIkEZrOs3ldKVYcPexVFG5eYUjBdKvD9w/s2048/Old%20bridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUKleWNjDFzJ0KGbG0i6D8JAzHlUE-sr8Wr50mFZh9VQ45jXrvTm4b56i88dswe7-T34maeQsjbOkJsL9O_7x5MUWODLAMY6itvSjk-5DpodWqdB51QfrVusmAl-LqAct2MhmHHK5U2axmNYyE8kA4OaAs6pIkEZrOs3ldKVYcPexVFG5eYUjBdKvD9w/s320/Old%20bridge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>A short road section led to Grindleton before the climb up and over the fell and down over Easington Fell. Here it drizzled on me. I arrived in Slaidburn but of course it was too early for the cafe to be open so it was straight off along the river side path to Newton and then Dunsop Bridge. Again the cafe was shut but the WI were setting up in the village hall for a charity day- as they made sandwiches I had two mugs of tea and the most enormous piece of cake. This fueled me up the valley to Langden Intake and them Langden Castle ( it is in fact just a basic shooting or cattle shelter). Here I met the first people close enough to talk to- a DoE group suffering on the climb to Fiensdale Head. I was back on home turf now and knew there was only one more real climb. I enjoyed the run down and over Parlick and then down the lane to Chipping. The cafe here was full of bikes so I pushed on; it was warm now. I was a bit slow getting up onto Jeffrey Hill and lay behind the wall having a snack and a rest at the top. A short stretch led to Longridge Fell trig but then I found all the windblown trees and a tedious section where the path was blocked over and over again. It was unusually a relief to hit the logging track. Running off the fell and down to the road I passed the two dozen walkers doing their 4th day of the route. A brief chat and I was off on the final loop along the Hodder and then back to Stoneyhurst and Hurst Green. Down here it was hot and sunny. A pint of shandy and then a real pint refreshed me and the walkers arrived about an hour faster me. It was good to put some faces to names- and to eat the sandwiches and chips! 50 miles with 4 big hills in about 11hours 25mins. Not surprising that I felt tired at the sprint orienteering that Tuesday evening.</p><p>Thursday saw us off on another bike ride- this time a 70km loop south to Burscough for a pie lunch. </p><p>It should have come as now surprise that I was tired when we arrived at Lakeland 5 Passes- the running, biking and quite a few hours of rock climbing had all added up and taken their toll. The forecast was pretty dire and as we lay in the van on Friday night I could hear the wind and the rain. I was worried enough to start off in over trousers and cag. I hate being cold and wet. The pace was crazy as we left Grasmere and headed towards Red Bank and the start of Loughrigg Fell. I tried to ignore others and prayed that they were just going too fast- not that I could do much about it. Dropping to Ambleside I felt a bit better (although too warm in all my gear) and had caught two other women. I was slower than previous races climbing Wansfell but by now the views were wonderful and I decided just to enjoy it. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-O0r4TOuBy0KX9XOhN-GnF559Fy6iHKG5e0XQbw61YBA--2Vs5AVDzQ7JQ7Ue8hSnpPUFfMN-jyi9cdaHhSoVOunGi-wOp0FFlo1iDk7vRMYxHr1Mm10FIC79mqjhm-fUYxS9yq458aFN_xn1qeWBIqsc5tlBBvZOPwrVvPdXLS09zawNgFZbI1po7g/s3264/IMG_3872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-O0r4TOuBy0KX9XOhN-GnF559Fy6iHKG5e0XQbw61YBA--2Vs5AVDzQ7JQ7Ue8hSnpPUFfMN-jyi9cdaHhSoVOunGi-wOp0FFlo1iDk7vRMYxHr1Mm10FIC79mqjhm-fUYxS9yq458aFN_xn1qeWBIqsc5tlBBvZOPwrVvPdXLS09zawNgFZbI1po7g/s320/IMG_3872.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Screes from Wansfell- on a previous run</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The descent of Nanny Lane was easier than I remembered and I was soon climbing Garburn pass- again not quite as quickly as last time. The bridleway to Kentmere had been improved slightly but I was still cautious over the lumpy track. I grabbed quiche and banana at the CP and pushed on towards Longsleddale. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBYimeefJlmGIXUrDDlowrxl3uwDygjDi3NM9CnpUAgtyJkVbKAzJuu4LFjfrcxHnML_WJm819KQ5W6DnTeGn6LDlVHXM8hHH75kn_ahPz_ZWPICx7xLptYmMcQTmYRevkmZLGAJHOXy8bzkpib6ztAZDg87Gb-c7fb1uPC44luSAbCOp2ZBC8_HrmA/s3264/IMG_3878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNBYimeefJlmGIXUrDDlowrxl3uwDygjDi3NM9CnpUAgtyJkVbKAzJuu4LFjfrcxHnML_WJm819KQ5W6DnTeGn6LDlVHXM8hHH75kn_ahPz_ZWPICx7xLptYmMcQTmYRevkmZLGAJHOXy8bzkpib6ztAZDg87Gb-c7fb1uPC44luSAbCOp2ZBC8_HrmA/s320/IMG_3878.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back to Kentmere and Garburn from Green Quarter- not today</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>I tried to run a bit over the hills from Green Quarter but just didn't have enough energy. The climb up Gatesgarth was better as a mix of jogging and power walking.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVKswO5TKBYgIDEqfgX3cVWBbepDKDclJ14Ih5ev6HR5fGNX1Ij3WziMJXjj-IMlMR1ABJj2UqghYTsodudCQmXivz4nvfuE5YvODeujgYlB4IEVaO29ARi82d-R8Sevt-POH7aKfsQdZsBvYtp8Zy6pL7GNQzNv4c5it9b102wiVfUvfYnjIlLZVtCw/s960/gatesgarth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVKswO5TKBYgIDEqfgX3cVWBbepDKDclJ14Ih5ev6HR5fGNX1Ij3WziMJXjj-IMlMR1ABJj2UqghYTsodudCQmXivz4nvfuE5YvODeujgYlB4IEVaO29ARi82d-R8Sevt-POH7aKfsQdZsBvYtp8Zy6pL7GNQzNv4c5it9b102wiVfUvfYnjIlLZVtCw/s320/gatesgarth.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gatesgarth- not today</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Heading to Harter Fell the views were stunning but the sky was also starting to look black. True enough from Nam Bield Pass the forecast came true with strong squally and furious hail that hurt. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ggbEX6UFWDns8LfZaY_8AN7mPYM_LTx1awW-ZbkUyvnVXt5pSkfXb-a1JJmIOjE6qPU5763tfWWFFCArVQLESKVXhHtsN5tb0880DHcQaObh43QcT2VzxP9p0zQXpWdhbeCj1cLO8dYTxrKAHWG-1D8gG5UOgWuH0VQhCrMzOc25_veIEKDHD6-_Cw/s3264/IMG_3846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ggbEX6UFWDns8LfZaY_8AN7mPYM_LTx1awW-ZbkUyvnVXt5pSkfXb-a1JJmIOjE6qPU5763tfWWFFCArVQLESKVXhHtsN5tb0880DHcQaObh43QcT2VzxP9p0zQXpWdhbeCj1cLO8dYTxrKAHWG-1D8gG5UOgWuH0VQhCrMzOc25_veIEKDHD6-_Cw/s320/IMG_3846.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great views from Harter Fell area</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>After Thornthwaite Beacon the hail stopped and as I descended the wind was less. I quite enjoyed the scramble up Stony Cove Pike and then the run to Kirkstone. I should have stopped to take my layers off here but instead grabbed food, topped up my water and set off up Red Screes. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0dEuA1pY01pkxLzrNi6y0qg6l-GIk4zt1_mUZJ6a520e14yLP5GcR18HZPZ0p9Lk2GNaFCpdeRM_cG9xpZTPA952cVlSOsiZNf3uXCbqsk_H02t7t4S9VmDn2XaPLu0cWYwF2ag68d-XTpVqbf_cliknXnmtvFm7fqrSa1F_duYxvfvOKGwNhSHEO5A/s3264/IMG_3845.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0dEuA1pY01pkxLzrNi6y0qg6l-GIk4zt1_mUZJ6a520e14yLP5GcR18HZPZ0p9Lk2GNaFCpdeRM_cG9xpZTPA952cVlSOsiZNf3uXCbqsk_H02t7t4S9VmDn2XaPLu0cWYwF2ag68d-XTpVqbf_cliknXnmtvFm7fqrSa1F_duYxvfvOKGwNhSHEO5A/s320/IMG_3845.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Screes on a previous hot and sunny day</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Spotting Charles behind me gave me the extra incentive to try hard but by the top he had caught me. We ran together to Scandale with Charles pulling slightly ahead until the track became less technical. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBNfMo9LFSOs0ljIrQpNa4o9ojkBluSbWdeGZcPh5aVPiQlYp5cQC8CinyWNCeWHnhs3lXT824LPkLtxivX1KqDa1UmiQQQIByyx_vGU0Eg42t_jVA05kxmtPdFbB5Xztxoi9IyniIuY1g-6PMCzg7d4hf0uujQ9zpr8mE-n1u9hwEfHXR2Wnlti0ymw/s960/bridge%20scandale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBNfMo9LFSOs0ljIrQpNa4o9ojkBluSbWdeGZcPh5aVPiQlYp5cQC8CinyWNCeWHnhs3lXT824LPkLtxivX1KqDa1UmiQQQIByyx_vGU0Eg42t_jVA05kxmtPdFbB5Xztxoi9IyniIuY1g-6PMCzg7d4hf0uujQ9zpr8mE-n1u9hwEfHXR2Wnlti0ymw/s320/bridge%20scandale.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scandale Brdige- hot enough to fancy a dip but not today</td></tr></tbody></table><p>We were still together at Rydal Hall but I stopped to remove my cag and then had to chase him along the old coffin road (still wearing my over trousers which I decided would take too long to remove). At the end of this track we were back together and I managed to pull ahead slightly as we passed Dove Cottage. I got a lucky break crossing the main road and just had the show ground to run around. I turned to see if Charles would catch me and spotted another woman- where had she come from! A determined effort allowed me to finish ahead of both of them- just. It was a PW by about 25 minutes but 3rd F and 1st old F wasn't too bad. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXaUb7FnuYUq20iLR-NZoM3KA-iaDNR7ZwU15fkKtbCl9JNrC2pPWiacHeBk0O498lD9_M8JwQ_3JSGfVDr56gc2Z0UmCsOKwbBF8ZoDB0tLx4tbv8dQ_JqlEWvYIF633vUjiRPxRdVudZF2uIN0Y8gjxw8HWUeq7j8Uy8V4DqWrRBVJjrKUIi8ofUFQ/s960/lower%20scandale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXaUb7FnuYUq20iLR-NZoM3KA-iaDNR7ZwU15fkKtbCl9JNrC2pPWiacHeBk0O498lD9_M8JwQ_3JSGfVDr56gc2Z0UmCsOKwbBF8ZoDB0tLx4tbv8dQ_JqlEWvYIF633vUjiRPxRdVudZF2uIN0Y8gjxw8HWUeq7j8Uy8V4DqWrRBVJjrKUIi8ofUFQ/s320/lower%20scandale.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Many cups of tea, a plate of sweet and sour plus a few bits of cake put back what the day had taken out. It was even sunny enough to sit outside and chat as other friends finished. We managed to get the flags and banners down before the next gales and rain came through at nightfall.<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZlzCOUOwI_NWfUnwLb6x_1e3BgRg-_68AE3or5fJKKAbVPAKLvcvm5k6G9cZQ5PteksPD2v7nBw8lSfKHZ1RqCvXrVzxbbp_KowFblrFnddyaZ4DmhU_kux-ys5FTi1o7ybsbdKPt5z7dSDOdYw0bkmdGVLjggDstVzR4GjEMAKZBVR-9Ji0ESyAPA/s1175/L5P2021SCP%20(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1175" data-original-width="645" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIZlzCOUOwI_NWfUnwLb6x_1e3BgRg-_68AE3or5fJKKAbVPAKLvcvm5k6G9cZQ5PteksPD2v7nBw8lSfKHZ1RqCvXrVzxbbp_KowFblrFnddyaZ4DmhU_kux-ys5FTi1o7ybsbdKPt5z7dSDOdYw0bkmdGVLjggDstVzR4GjEMAKZBVR-9Ji0ESyAPA/s320/L5P2021SCP%20(2).jpg" width="176" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wearing same gear a year ago- shoes now binned!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><br />Ultras and a lttle bit morehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14102033182139486675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238582577045689081.post-89868393973661664842022-06-11T08:11:00.004-07:002022-06-11T08:11:50.636-07:00LDWA 100 Trans Pennine<p> I loved my first LDWA 100 (Hadrian100) and can't quite figure out why it took me so long to sign up and do one. I also did the virtual/covid100 last year. The route sounded good with a real mixture of scenery and terrain. I recceed some of it over two days- from Silkstone through to Hayfield and then the next day Hayfield through to Moscar. I now knew over half the route. An aborted climb at Stanage (freezing winds) meant I got the chance to do Moscar to Wentworth too. I didn't want to do the start or the finish miles as I knew what they would be like from Round Rotherham... flat cycle way on often straight old railway lines. Ugh.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOE8mwwBjbJl9zQBZHA_riiJMKzVxTIL3R1Hh3lZuUmerQIRVB-WTqtcytgT7kAWx7KlYP2uUvP6pkpW2Kfe-mC8-EnVczRwRYn2luHewBn8-_oWbsT5bzy-tHXzjzDFpAYPFw3t0Wd0W8oFJPP44X4twrCdZbklOC-Eg6QVKpWoFxxAMats0sPc4njQ/s960/LDWA100%20boring%20TPT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOE8mwwBjbJl9zQBZHA_riiJMKzVxTIL3R1Hh3lZuUmerQIRVB-WTqtcytgT7kAWx7KlYP2uUvP6pkpW2Kfe-mC8-EnVczRwRYn2luHewBn8-_oWbsT5bzy-tHXzjzDFpAYPFw3t0Wd0W8oFJPP44X4twrCdZbklOC-Eg6QVKpWoFxxAMats0sPc4njQ/s320/LDWA100%20boring%20TPT.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>Checking out some of the route was perhaps the best part of my preparations. Running my birthday run the week before was less than ideal. I blame the queen for moving the bank holiday... not only did it mean the LDWA no longer coincided with my birthday but also as it would start on the Friday I got one less day of recovery. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPEV4Ucc0xXrDowCcUNXTO9TK-ku3yxDv1GFtz9eBxVK6W5SI2LDX6GqinJnPkQGSTbhbEVdjxAKCklm-96pq2ZSpAIypc5RJ2eTV7TkoF112xJ_9HZ4laxXzaREoHc1S3r_MHUwjpWH9X0wcHTCK4fkQKuBILl9M3kj7XxxCvGwamtoZpPOnGDOVfIQ/s2048/LDWA100%20badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPEV4Ucc0xXrDowCcUNXTO9TK-ku3yxDv1GFtz9eBxVK6W5SI2LDX6GqinJnPkQGSTbhbEVdjxAKCklm-96pq2ZSpAIypc5RJ2eTV7TkoF112xJ_9HZ4laxXzaREoHc1S3r_MHUwjpWH9X0wcHTCK4fkQKuBILl9M3kj7XxxCvGwamtoZpPOnGDOVfIQ/s320/LDWA100%20badge.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>It did worry me a little and I changed my start time from 1pm to 10am. Playing with different pacing showed me I would need to run fairly hard to reach the first 2-3 CPs before they closed if I started at 1pm. I didn't want that pressure as I had no idea how recovered my legs would be. I also didn't really want to sit around waiting to start in the afternoon. We were making a mini holiday around the event and Bob had some good bike rides planned. We decided to try out a new climbing wall too...... 5 hours climbing the day before the 100? Well, it kept me busy and stopped me faffing.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirtahovLoLBi8q8NsPawM6xVqmejYF3R4TuN4AijEqjuvxu3_vIxxvx6xjFOJVn27cKTk4OHQcyobFvhWGa_6oO7B_j7TJx60WCUbZgkTNFcK3FcijIx1P1CuhjCUcim5eUITC4Q2vZnSsk5M1mNpNWh5IFvInf7suOxfTb-hM0QnmujvUL9sjSYrtFA/s2048/LDWA100%20with%20Steph.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirtahovLoLBi8q8NsPawM6xVqmejYF3R4TuN4AijEqjuvxu3_vIxxvx6xjFOJVn27cKTk4OHQcyobFvhWGa_6oO7B_j7TJx60WCUbZgkTNFcK3FcijIx1P1CuhjCUcim5eUITC4Q2vZnSsk5M1mNpNWh5IFvInf7suOxfTb-hM0QnmujvUL9sjSYrtFA/s320/LDWA100%20with%20Steph.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The forecast was good, dry. In fact it was quite warm when we started. I decided to try my 'new' race vest again despite the problems I blamed on it during the NT. It had worked OK on the Dales Highway and deserved another chance! I did carry poles again- carried for 100 miles and used for about 5 at most. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqo03sUSqmlBATnidlHDBwW1USlTn6gCmkScuhD0V5TVmUbq_gzait70D2utrdUME5yLU-uNppRdnojILXn9JvPtAe8rxnlePAFjMWiX-Oomt3P2DXkyfqP4N8mGTX_ZmNKukH9ucY9D28VGBKf6YIREekE4WPtqpJ9U7cbNUSvdEm5WyI0DNYJ5X4kw/s2048/LDWA100%20start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqo03sUSqmlBATnidlHDBwW1USlTn6gCmkScuhD0V5TVmUbq_gzait70D2utrdUME5yLU-uNppRdnojILXn9JvPtAe8rxnlePAFjMWiX-Oomt3P2DXkyfqP4N8mGTX_ZmNKukH9ucY9D28VGBKf6YIREekE4WPtqpJ9U7cbNUSvdEm5WyI0DNYJ5X4kw/s320/LDWA100%20start.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>They're off</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>We arrived late afternoon and there was plenty of space for vans. I had a quick explore and admired the bright new shiny academy high school. I slept fairly well but was up early and ready to register and leave my drop bag. I checked carefully that they knew there were 2 Karen Nash runners but did not repeat this check at the tracker desk.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXOc5OWBAtplY0KtkD6vkADR4ab2wKVLpD2_90UMjJs3GF8CoHqV4HSla_NlQvKkYGlUO528EpBD-Wt2TAwzhSQ-9hmPNSXj2iaoZS6KcHd8n6WpsnyrgvTV30Nq4W7eiAGWSdVyTbCoLw5HnMyFhIB0ZciHbEfhjlaC2JaMOjE6LGy7oS-HOgSHIDrA/s551/LDWAtracker.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="551" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXOc5OWBAtplY0KtkD6vkADR4ab2wKVLpD2_90UMjJs3GF8CoHqV4HSla_NlQvKkYGlUO528EpBD-Wt2TAwzhSQ-9hmPNSXj2iaoZS6KcHd8n6WpsnyrgvTV30Nq4W7eiAGWSdVyTbCoLw5HnMyFhIB0ZciHbEfhjlaC2JaMOjE6LGy7oS-HOgSHIDrA/s320/LDWAtracker.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>Apparently this is why my tracker was live but not assigned to me until it became clear CPs were not expecting me. I was starting to get a little irritated to be told "Your tracker's not working you know". What did they expect me to do? In the end Raynet phoned it through and the issue was solved.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoc4j8KI5UFo9cIITGmbKrGOkuh5rzxYUiooNyoG_2E0ZYVMM4BH9CtHVH10wHCS1gzqAHACwSFGkTfgPjI5AAuM__87ofVpjZwmR6GZj2U1phENc0TjcOVnmeTrH-XADS86m35cM7N9mW6Ftd1k3brAHqInhh66zugIdmHrN07lasUzE8p1h0CH76_A/s568/LDWA3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoc4j8KI5UFo9cIITGmbKrGOkuh5rzxYUiooNyoG_2E0ZYVMM4BH9CtHVH10wHCS1gzqAHACwSFGkTfgPjI5AAuM__87ofVpjZwmR6GZj2U1phENc0TjcOVnmeTrH-XADS86m35cM7N9mW6Ftd1k3brAHqInhh66zugIdmHrN07lasUzE8p1h0CH76_A/s320/LDWA3.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A lead already..</i>.</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The start line was busy but not crowded as many had gone for the 9am start. I had met Nick, Charles, Ken, Steph and others as we milled around killing time. It was warm and sunny but not hot. I started in more clothes than most with 3/4 tights and a long sleeve base layer over my T shirt. Worrying about needing to do the first miles fast became a joke as I was first down the school drive and off into the distance. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwwCSL37NKWBP0F-D0e10oftC7mOzAPjACeZ0Dyy25RyZoZtsyl5QVcD99KqnMLCLMXmqYqbW9kEY-ZsBIGjKhrk5tmLkW-VKJpYQxzKliLkLyMnlankSJEmeUPwSG5pIE0o-hSn-WxVREV0PrboB4pb0XEkWj_eAWWo9PQCLiILLla0hawsQvtGCjA/s2048/LDWA100%20TPT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwwCSL37NKWBP0F-D0e10oftC7mOzAPjACeZ0Dyy25RyZoZtsyl5QVcD99KqnMLCLMXmqYqbW9kEY-ZsBIGjKhrk5tmLkW-VKJpYQxzKliLkLyMnlankSJEmeUPwSG5pIE0o-hSn-WxVREV0PrboB4pb0XEkWj_eAWWo9PQCLiILLla0hawsQvtGCjA/s320/LDWA100%20TPT.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>I was soon catching walkers from the earlier start as the flat wide paths had a good surface. These trails are not my favourite type of running but it did get the miles done and I was at the Gilroyd Lane CP in about an hour. I passed huge numbers of walkers on the next section and was able to chat to Brian L and my name-sake too. I only grabbed a quick sandwich at the Penistone CP. It was now getting very warm. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2B4Vz3jgtdxYIFLWCaLO4dt5fxe83E0dJ0QZt-moEc4pfpKqqmzHL1Je2n414DCXRaT6yuwlbiQoDnedyoia-dCp-M9rJaxEZjgaF8c8bOuB4g49tv94rygKDWuy0UE916MkmTKNteiIgN2yzne8yxHD05quBLAAw7prugShxll870L3JRtBVwIDsvw/s2048/LDWA100%20silkstone%20tunnels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2B4Vz3jgtdxYIFLWCaLO4dt5fxe83E0dJ0QZt-moEc4pfpKqqmzHL1Je2n414DCXRaT6yuwlbiQoDnedyoia-dCp-M9rJaxEZjgaF8c8bOuB4g49tv94rygKDWuy0UE916MkmTKNteiIgN2yzne8yxHD05quBLAAw7prugShxll870L3JRtBVwIDsvw/s320/LDWA100%20silkstone%20tunnels.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>By now I was on familiar ground from my reccee and could run with confidence. The route description was very good and I barely had to use OS on my phone to check. I tried to pull back on the pace as I was worried about the miles to come. From Penistone the scenery changed and we ran past a reservoir, through fields, a lovely little cricket ground at Upper Denby and then some wonderful woods. I lost the route in the woods but soon put it right and was soon at the Birds Edge CP. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrRfFGIpCDrM3wjz41Vt77hm9B1VQCEgPHa4Mog7WmFbTFePkBJizHk6XBSfLSwZnK0FjZdsKUbZGIQ7kJx99ZGfmrawUsdQhvg8wzC-sawQyX-kf-HZ9d2u71qtRKMy5kP_WE8hBqNhdEMaz6WssuM5k1Dbyae730ZsgvJo8Srr4jBFOUxGJWLADEgA/s4000/LDWA%20100%20barn%20CP%20nh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2672" data-original-width="4000" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrRfFGIpCDrM3wjz41Vt77hm9B1VQCEgPHa4Mog7WmFbTFePkBJizHk6XBSfLSwZnK0FjZdsKUbZGIQ7kJx99ZGfmrawUsdQhvg8wzC-sawQyX-kf-HZ9d2u71qtRKMy5kP_WE8hBqNhdEMaz6WssuM5k1Dbyae730ZsgvJo8Srr4jBFOUxGJWLADEgA/s320/LDWA%20100%20barn%20CP%20nh.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I hadn't been there long when I was joined my Alwyn and Mike. I stopped for food and to chat to the CP staff before heading off up the lane and catching Mike. Some lanes and then stony tracks led us towards New Mill where we dropped steeply before a mini rollercoaster of paths with views over Holmfirth led to more climbing up onto the next ridge. I had pulled away from Mike by now but met a friend of his waiting to run a fair few miles with him. Some easy field paths dropped us to the Holmbridge CP. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVB5s1ibalzkZtBjixXbMyD4YFz_xFHnsurk7iBpnFz5guBNLM9JNsSCSTwX5mVEO5aAZ3n_IYZ6wBfEKFVQc4EjlKGpZSJYOP7yrCmmxPLoiBVnXJw5h70_BuWQZqiCKrf8Yjm2-zgrmixik1ijXzshr_LpLkQxvTwbJku4XN11YBHq6IQa-xUfx3g/s4000/LDWA100%20bunting%20CP%20nh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2672" data-original-width="4000" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFVB5s1ibalzkZtBjixXbMyD4YFz_xFHnsurk7iBpnFz5guBNLM9JNsSCSTwX5mVEO5aAZ3n_IYZ6wBfEKFVQc4EjlKGpZSJYOP7yrCmmxPLoiBVnXJw5h70_BuWQZqiCKrf8Yjm2-zgrmixik1ijXzshr_LpLkQxvTwbJku4XN11YBHq6IQa-xUfx3g/s320/LDWA100%20bunting%20CP%20nh.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>There was Jubilee bunting everywhere. I was carrying more food than I needed (should remember that on LDWA 100s I need to carry very little!). We were now trail breaking and being first customers were greeted by all staff and then fussed over. This CP offered me steak pie, mash and gravy. I finished with custard. It took a bit of time but was probably worth getting decent food/fuel in. As Mike, Alwyn and I left the CP I spotted Matt H and others arriving. Another reservoir and we were soon on Issues Road and spotting the radio mast and start of the Black Hill section. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVrZnqHEU3_G6qo9BpKXfXWqlHKs3kxPJ88gNXkmayRagz-cURCL7BOpWzDgDXECv-I0nNzN-lVvDk9f80K4HTYggdhUAs_ukTCkd6a901qYylnbWT9CoWlwYSccoofqzsQuZxzAL1rbZ4cx30oimmLmpe7YNGSkjaRwsA_wyWlioTyKSeg_tfZgeYiQ/s1734/LDWA100%20to%20Back%20Hill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1734" data-original-width="1296" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVrZnqHEU3_G6qo9BpKXfXWqlHKs3kxPJ88gNXkmayRagz-cURCL7BOpWzDgDXECv-I0nNzN-lVvDk9f80K4HTYggdhUAs_ukTCkd6a901qYylnbWT9CoWlwYSccoofqzsQuZxzAL1rbZ4cx30oimmLmpe7YNGSkjaRwsA_wyWlioTyKSeg_tfZgeYiQ/s320/LDWA100%20to%20Back%20Hill.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><p>The big climb felt slow but I was pulling away. I then enjoyed the run over the tops and down to all the fords on Crowden gate Brook.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9SlebXuxkmj7yTCcc4QDoWJLKmF2Nlbz8n0v0P1LHc4RgtZTXxdEojLnfkD1aR_nAmJNgIdCQ7JHx43x5uIHqxdfxH2O3HKd7X2fOVzJMWUc4jMSkz8ZE_Jbj5chbdX1wyoywro3B_v0A0VUy01SFOl76Fj07a-2JNMfV3psitr7y12Ujy29VmbKPuw/s4000/LDWA100%20Black%20Hill%20Trig%20NH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2672" data-original-width="4000" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9SlebXuxkmj7yTCcc4QDoWJLKmF2Nlbz8n0v0P1LHc4RgtZTXxdEojLnfkD1aR_nAmJNgIdCQ7JHx43x5uIHqxdfxH2O3HKd7X2fOVzJMWUc4jMSkz8ZE_Jbj5chbdX1wyoywro3B_v0A0VUy01SFOl76Fj07a-2JNMfV3psitr7y12Ujy29VmbKPuw/s320/LDWA100%20Black%20Hill%20Trig%20NH.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>From here the path up over Laddow has more trip hazards and I was cautious. The views on this section were beautiful and I should have taken my camera. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh9LBAPqWexF2RdcsPSoUMByxBEa0YYcH2I3kwFPrd6W9neTEfGz1iTPj9lHBKuSxHIALtsG98BYyc1Lh2emsG1_tI2-yyeOqsRIWyLXY1tROX6roRsWY8sSOadCW_Lh3dvbIba0gjYnoq5ccV5Sl5OXGLFTLCxfOCmyNEa4T-L0tBQOjfUw1Dl_wawQ/s4000/LDWA100%20Laddow%20NH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2672" data-original-width="4000" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh9LBAPqWexF2RdcsPSoUMByxBEa0YYcH2I3kwFPrd6W9neTEfGz1iTPj9lHBKuSxHIALtsG98BYyc1Lh2emsG1_tI2-yyeOqsRIWyLXY1tROX6roRsWY8sSOadCW_Lh3dvbIba0gjYnoq5ccV5Sl5OXGLFTLCxfOCmyNEa4T-L0tBQOjfUw1Dl_wawQ/s320/LDWA100%20Laddow%20NH.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The last km or so was more grassy and I made good time to the Outdoor Ed Centre that was our CP. Fuelling on soup and pizza it was here that the Raynet man tried to resolve the tracker issue. At some point we had a kit check and in my haste I had stuffed things back in my sack. It was now bruising my back. I couldn't really find the cause so just ignored it and tied my extra base layer around by waist as a buffer. Crowden to Glossop/Dinting Vale is another section which should make for fast running as it mostly follows an old rail track through Longdendale. There is a lovely woodland section before the reservoir dam but that is over far too fast. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkUrDYEYN8hsa8h0b0FmB4l-PyUx_FZfQVSmtJwbDkgRF2uqMoc50Gqy6wPcl1MQ7Ar4xUG7tZplQslCEDIPTb0ozDFqaIp6YeqJvsi7q9unAjdUze3ivQW_ei_khsMRSpBwam2wiQtq9Y3g3q7kjm2qW7bsgWgzFWV_mvF65o-HaFRbw91I3opVo7Qg/s4000/LDWA%20Tunnel%20NH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2672" data-original-width="4000" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkUrDYEYN8hsa8h0b0FmB4l-PyUx_FZfQVSmtJwbDkgRF2uqMoc50Gqy6wPcl1MQ7Ar4xUG7tZplQslCEDIPTb0ozDFqaIp6YeqJvsi7q9unAjdUze3ivQW_ei_khsMRSpBwam2wiQtq9Y3g3q7kjm2qW7bsgWgzFWV_mvF65o-HaFRbw91I3opVo7Qg/s320/LDWA%20Tunnel%20NH.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>There is a strange little tunnel up onto the trail but then it is flat and straight for ages. I was now trail breaking and running alone as I had been since soon after Holmbridge. The only downside was the nettle bashing but fortunately there was not much. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh69P1Q6S0t1-ESxNBC1QQfjUVDsQjqsxogULoVknE7U8gfzYKzGFwLd9Ca5t7M3QV_Z1eSM7lqdAvWBDRKytbooxRe3p-2B9sb9f9K8yR1LpQzg3Wfb_pG2v2_u8_jAvB6LNI5ZuNnJUsZOmsL3_oWKHfCIDymxp6ZA3c1ascOxrWCamd_cqrd4I9_Ww/s2048/LDWA100%20viaduct.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh69P1Q6S0t1-ESxNBC1QQfjUVDsQjqsxogULoVknE7U8gfzYKzGFwLd9Ca5t7M3QV_Z1eSM7lqdAvWBDRKytbooxRe3p-2B9sb9f9K8yR1LpQzg3Wfb_pG2v2_u8_jAvB6LNI5ZuNnJUsZOmsL3_oWKHfCIDymxp6ZA3c1ascOxrWCamd_cqrd4I9_Ww/s320/LDWA100%20viaduct.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>Under the impressive railway Viaduct, down the alley at the chippy and I was soon at the CP. Friends were manning this and Jenny was also waiting for Ken. I was a bit confused to be offered hot oatcakes- surely they would be very dry? No, Staffordshire oatcakes are like crepes or pancakes- yummy with cheese. I also had some baked beans on toast. Less faffing at CPs would certainly reduce my overall time but the food was good. Mike soon appeared with his friend. It was now 6.45pm and I was keen to crack on d make the best of the daylight. The next section is lumpy but mostly nice running once the climb out of Glossop is over. The views were still great as I headed towards but not over Lantern Pike. The drop to Hayfield had a few short tricky bits with trip hazards but the CP was soon in sight. This time I really didn't stop long as at 8.10pm I knew it would soon be dark. Hayfield looked very attractive festooned in bunting as I power walked through village... the Chippy was shut again but the pub where we had our wedding anniversary meal on my reccee was open.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXlm8uqvevJT6BP17WA1TbRBXgy0k1pVpV7fudXAbzxe4MjtReHP-5_GSfNJ2soIaI8tAJTM5ru2BKv6f53WwygyPOfYQKglvVO3oDR78jSQ1RxwqAZwILJ3KIzC3_7RQZ3sRyHopASiHdHaou1V0LaQDHA4OP5oketopC3_GeQZmjW00varJZI3F9UQ/s2048/LDWA100%20bridleway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXlm8uqvevJT6BP17WA1TbRBXgy0k1pVpV7fudXAbzxe4MjtReHP-5_GSfNJ2soIaI8tAJTM5ru2BKv6f53WwygyPOfYQKglvVO3oDR78jSQ1RxwqAZwILJ3KIzC3_7RQZ3sRyHopASiHdHaou1V0LaQDHA4OP5oketopC3_GeQZmjW00varJZI3F9UQ/s320/LDWA100%20bridleway.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>It's a long pull up and up to Mount Famine and South Head but I plodded on alone again. A couple of mountain bikers came flying down the track at breakneck speed- they were having fun in the last of the daylight. Rounding South Head I started to feel the chill. I had to stop and put the base layer on. It felt slow here and even slower up to Lords Seat. The sun was setting behind me, the wind was getting stronger as it had been since Laddow Rocks and now it was getting decidedly cold. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQoCWMI9h_O4Ug3rTpoosIUJPPbnJFyRwrfnbDe-p9InJqY0mi3P7L5Thx2guhIFZRiBthvkMxyhCr-bOgZ4Q8JAF4K1h1KibVu-83-SZQ9IyJAr1mWC_O5W8oJvAU-O2_yhm_hihQag--d_K8hvXv0kQpx7qOWRf9c8UdyU7Wsigqf7W6AldHNPbv0Q/s2048/LDWA100%20Mam%20Tor%20ridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQoCWMI9h_O4Ug3rTpoosIUJPPbnJFyRwrfnbDe-p9InJqY0mi3P7L5Thx2guhIFZRiBthvkMxyhCr-bOgZ4Q8JAF4K1h1KibVu-83-SZQ9IyJAr1mWC_O5W8oJvAU-O2_yhm_hihQag--d_K8hvXv0kQpx7qOWRf9c8UdyU7Wsigqf7W6AldHNPbv0Q/s320/LDWA100%20Mam%20Tor%20ridge.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Not today- it was dark</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>I had to stop and put my cag on and even then struggled to keep warm. Reluctant to stop again and chill even further I battled on to the CP below Mam Nick in rapidly fading light. The last few metres under the tress were very dark! I really felt for the marshals at this open air CP. At least it was dry. They offered all sorts but after a quick soup I knew I should keep moving. I love the section over Mam Tor, Hollins Cross, Back Tor and Lose Hill. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8NbNlenSSHlg7irGlIUmqufd_ih6TskiEQ9j3CWgJe8RGGPp_1bmu3rPc1gSg1oWQvyBk2m0VKFh-hYUD26Rr4z9vW548U46ExrnxhwZX3IIU0B85Wvvo98rZ6biaaQ4dAGuE7GP3agPgf4UIUpQEAGSnvT8FgnlsdkzlnJOwcm91x4ESBS_Uo8gPlg/s2048/LDWA100%20Lose%20Hill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8NbNlenSSHlg7irGlIUmqufd_ih6TskiEQ9j3CWgJe8RGGPp_1bmu3rPc1gSg1oWQvyBk2m0VKFh-hYUD26Rr4z9vW548U46ExrnxhwZX3IIU0B85Wvvo98rZ6biaaQ4dAGuE7GP3agPgf4UIUpQEAGSnvT8FgnlsdkzlnJOwcm91x4ESBS_Uo8gPlg/s320/LDWA100%20Lose%20Hill.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>The views in daytime are great... at least I have seen them before. Even though I was moving well and running a fair bit I was cold. It was a real relief to start the drop to Hope. Once off the edge it got much less chilly and the grassy paths let me move well. I knew the way and must have been going well as the CP thought I was on a bike! (old Petzl Nao with a spare battery in my bag). The speed took it's toll though and I didn't feel like food for the first time on the event. A lovely french girl persuaded me to eat and bit before I left at about 11.30pm. Hope to Hathersage basically follows the river. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzrQzd9yCc41c2x38Xi1T9SeBN1LIVHvceIcWAPkbeSTvwBG4P6gDALIkBxZ3WMnZPdSEY5Do9qscfX-4ByUtffPwJAoieBqsJy6e_udXX9SjtILA3jK9Yho8xvUqPHe6bABWe5yuANnDR5tpzUJ4AayWm0KP4OsAksO5tDXXP4RMMvZLYYLznKADpLw/s2048/LDWA100%20fast%20river%20path.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzrQzd9yCc41c2x38Xi1T9SeBN1LIVHvceIcWAPkbeSTvwBG4P6gDALIkBxZ3WMnZPdSEY5Do9qscfX-4ByUtffPwJAoieBqsJy6e_udXX9SjtILA3jK9Yho8xvUqPHe6bABWe5yuANnDR5tpzUJ4AayWm0KP4OsAksO5tDXXP4RMMvZLYYLznKADpLw/s320/LDWA100%20fast%20river%20path.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>It's not all flat but the climb is minimal with a mixture of nice meadow paths and a few gnarly bits with tree root trip hazards. There are some UPs and one particularly short steep section. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2E7sMMDTiJ9ZqDcGUIJLm4VVMatQSw_zZXJF8ypR58ETLOesRaDvpXrl_fw76jB9tNmsmoY7yL3Lf88s5Jdrb5htA8YZCu93iSuQKHCsengKavAno2Q08YuWc8T5sWJgJ9VqY5O9GVGdtkz5w1e-2RjYZLHESqEeeQLl5jdCqqn6Sn39U_pSrBaS1IQ/s2048/LDWA100%20the%20little%20hill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2E7sMMDTiJ9ZqDcGUIJLm4VVMatQSw_zZXJF8ypR58ETLOesRaDvpXrl_fw76jB9tNmsmoY7yL3Lf88s5Jdrb5htA8YZCu93iSuQKHCsengKavAno2Q08YuWc8T5sWJgJ9VqY5O9GVGdtkz5w1e-2RjYZLHESqEeeQLl5jdCqqn6Sn39U_pSrBaS1IQ/s320/LDWA100%20the%20little%20hill.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Also a Roman ruin- even in daylight you could be excused for missing a little pile of stones that seem to have little significance! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY1OAVkDF1e647nVQKggvQXWzB1dZLX-83Pf2bSb_sJLO5In9f_QrfEXGxvwyWoRupv9IlSqKf5ReGsRMoe0basfSFomsePhOY0b7xMl17QNt51HmQjSAqxnh3ueqg6j-LRvcluvd4TCzyEETHpQfk1qiOoL4aWlOxFJuO-RDanqH8-79HawTxi4B2pg/s2048/LDWA100%20ancient%20remain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY1OAVkDF1e647nVQKggvQXWzB1dZLX-83Pf2bSb_sJLO5In9f_QrfEXGxvwyWoRupv9IlSqKf5ReGsRMoe0basfSFomsePhOY0b7xMl17QNt51HmQjSAqxnh3ueqg6j-LRvcluvd4TCzyEETHpQfk1qiOoL4aWlOxFJuO-RDanqH8-79HawTxi4B2pg/s320/LDWA100%20ancient%20remain.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>On my reccee this section seemed to go on longer than I expected so this time I was prepared. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga998ov5ba_FsHfinQQGl-H3wUltjcKtJTDQuUVW4fm62j1rWAy6tVSyNlgz1JvaJuNaZrU8lF-9es_iTIk2do1DBGXnKK9p3I5JntAP8DfWzcLFvmrIPxubKR-lu5U23xyZxF7vezUMqA9QE4Ol4NffZPiTHYS_8RSupJYJgF2J1ce8SGXpk6ahMnTw/s2048/LDWA100%20river%20path.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga998ov5ba_FsHfinQQGl-H3wUltjcKtJTDQuUVW4fm62j1rWAy6tVSyNlgz1JvaJuNaZrU8lF-9es_iTIk2do1DBGXnKK9p3I5JntAP8DfWzcLFvmrIPxubKR-lu5U23xyZxF7vezUMqA9QE4Ol4NffZPiTHYS_8RSupJYJgF2J1ce8SGXpk6ahMnTw/s320/LDWA100%20river%20path.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Not long now to the 'breakfast' stop at Hathersage and our drop bags. I was again their first customer and this is my local group. I quickly took off shoes and socks to air dry my feet. The precautionary tape all looked good and my feet had been dry for almost all of the miles. Breakfast at just after 1am felt odd but two fried eggs and hash browns slipped down well followed my toast and tea. It would have been easy to get comfy there but I changed my socks, restocked with Mountain Fuel powder and set off into the dark. Mike had yet again caught me up and I left him eating. I guess I was at the CP for over 20 mins perhaps half an hour. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4Rd0fcKobnmkf6jxrzQgEHSP-HN-J5iHrnZrD7L8c0Xfb8jIJ02CBCmobpVUcjlRVnQJbNMWgYxAMeUVAPQgxN580YaEpCeH0vTqzMaZ82JQJf4AdhK-pDXmfNsGVFzwBrLiqH_Ll9Hma2AszXykFDH6AjhnzLAj_BGg0G2Glj7eQiUXkqOLq5NcgA/s2016/LDWA100%20up%20to%20Stanage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY4Rd0fcKobnmkf6jxrzQgEHSP-HN-J5iHrnZrD7L8c0Xfb8jIJ02CBCmobpVUcjlRVnQJbNMWgYxAMeUVAPQgxN580YaEpCeH0vTqzMaZ82JQJf4AdhK-pDXmfNsGVFzwBrLiqH_Ll9Hma2AszXykFDH6AjhnzLAj_BGg0G2Glj7eQiUXkqOLq5NcgA/s320/LDWA100%20up%20to%20Stanage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>In the dark I expected to take almost two hours to climb Stanage and then reach Moscar. It was still cold and windy but not noticeable until I reached the top of Stanage and turned north. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiGIKB1_GjJw3hxmL7MKA0UKcl9oR1vnn-XC1FLV0xy6GB_YeYt2l0nYkXKvHVfVlYQfATz0jFwUfzbd36u37cpDb9mhiAwhRu1um1dcJZPE7_pxT2E_OSK7iplNIKoH19HxGJif7cqiz9DSYVfGeTvX7KqRtcRXRVZ51BFKmTMcPYsdIRLMVDgnk9FA/s4000/LDWA100%20path%20to%20S%20NH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2672" data-original-width="4000" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiGIKB1_GjJw3hxmL7MKA0UKcl9oR1vnn-XC1FLV0xy6GB_YeYt2l0nYkXKvHVfVlYQfATz0jFwUfzbd36u37cpDb9mhiAwhRu1um1dcJZPE7_pxT2E_OSK7iplNIKoH19HxGJif7cqiz9DSYVfGeTvX7KqRtcRXRVZ51BFKmTMcPYsdIRLMVDgnk9FA/s320/LDWA100%20path%20to%20S%20NH.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I know these early hours of the morning are my natural low point and I was probably slower than if I had been in company but I quite liked my solo adventure. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZlfc-Z016sFxiVDyOODQkl0BUp966TCUTAFtBsIUOo5w4QxLQ3M17AjFhVzBOaXl-GEXCylqKwL_BeLz1QYXLuS9nltwKgPM81ZyNzQtttdVqNbBmbnWF58cfGvYg1A36PxR8Wf8ynNClwCFdHfL0mxt9wHpC2uMM3u4MRe7VfjBCk94LWJ-9RtYww/s4000/LDWA100%20stange%20mill%20stone%20NH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2672" data-original-width="4000" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZlfc-Z016sFxiVDyOODQkl0BUp966TCUTAFtBsIUOo5w4QxLQ3M17AjFhVzBOaXl-GEXCylqKwL_BeLz1QYXLuS9nltwKgPM81ZyNzQtttdVqNbBmbnWF58cfGvYg1A36PxR8Wf8ynNClwCFdHfL0mxt9wHpC2uMM3u4MRe7VfjBCk94LWJ-9RtYww/s320/LDWA100%20stange%20mill%20stone%20NH.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I reached Moscar before 3.30am so not too bad. The guys there were sheltering the best they could in cars as the tent/marquee had blown down. I grabbed a little food but was still full from breakfast. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZF4S8Dyo2OJS5rn3ylUIBex3v5i1mTi4CmyhYAGCU5lf3xjtH444AtAm7bjGcUTp3OLS9959_Q9E-GM0z9qEm6NZf0gL99SmakL2qa5tcltNy_x669q9yu9W18iN9HyJfgUWYNMlcSlg6uJjui_7p2JqkVggdXNik42yK4krFviXaCMIi2K60TZw5Q/s2016/LDWA100%20boggy%20bit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZF4S8Dyo2OJS5rn3ylUIBex3v5i1mTi4CmyhYAGCU5lf3xjtH444AtAm7bjGcUTp3OLS9959_Q9E-GM0z9qEm6NZf0gL99SmakL2qa5tcltNy_x669q9yu9W18iN9HyJfgUWYNMlcSlg6uJjui_7p2JqkVggdXNik42yK4krFviXaCMIi2K60TZw5Q/s320/LDWA100%20boggy%20bit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The path near Strines Reservoir was the muddiest of the whole day but it was starting to get a little lighter and by the time I reached Low Bradfield I was able to discard my torch. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6p8WAde_oBBBLMRSfYSvqnGu5OGmGpr-54hE7x5UTCSvGu8M3aiw0O-Mm2-AF9oC1fo_D6KmlMm9xB_bWUDXAUyqRZpCHqQNOfro3gTLaSku29_wmADsfRT_5y7DDseUgVVeSuEZuIiVRGPldK9NROGkKGwehOVy09WkLbmEfPF4NCvgBL-jZOEv7_Q/s960/LDWA100%20path%20to%20Brad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6p8WAde_oBBBLMRSfYSvqnGu5OGmGpr-54hE7x5UTCSvGu8M3aiw0O-Mm2-AF9oC1fo_D6KmlMm9xB_bWUDXAUyqRZpCHqQNOfro3gTLaSku29_wmADsfRT_5y7DDseUgVVeSuEZuIiVRGPldK9NROGkKGwehOVy09WkLbmEfPF4NCvgBL-jZOEv7_Q/s320/LDWA100%20path%20to%20Brad.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The next CP at Worrall is a bit of a blur but I am sure I was treated well and given a warm welcome. From this CP down to the river Don there were two overgrown paths- more nettle bashing and wet legs. The climb up through the woods was better than I remembered although I did get frustrated by poorly maintained gates on a couple of fields before the drop to Oughtibridge. The tracks up and through Wharncliffe Woods are tough but I made no mistakes today and was soon passing the aerial and farms before the next self clip. I did make a sill error here and dropped some way before realising it was not correct. Back up to the lane and a little further to the big rock where I found the self clip easily.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja0YPAVUQjh3P148ZREuCqcCroawhN-uugDS_paqDv6pww7XHE9MGFuqIFFxkTbAz8i-8pxUiALOPdbhCMBQi_SrwvYLbT1lDUuDv_-1DMG3ZjLdmn4U8chDIT2PgKZCrA6uKqyHuH_4N_fIjGKLoIRuvfLZtp_HSs7qiXDf_BsSbKTeFBbUkb-ILbgQ/s2048/LDWA%20Wharncliffe%20crags.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja0YPAVUQjh3P148ZREuCqcCroawhN-uugDS_paqDv6pww7XHE9MGFuqIFFxkTbAz8i-8pxUiALOPdbhCMBQi_SrwvYLbT1lDUuDv_-1DMG3ZjLdmn4U8chDIT2PgKZCrA6uKqyHuH_4N_fIjGKLoIRuvfLZtp_HSs7qiXDf_BsSbKTeFBbUkb-ILbgQ/s320/LDWA%20Wharncliffe%20crags.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I enjoyed the next section along the crags and as it was daylight got good views back to the moors south of Stocksbridge. As I dropped to go under the main road the first dog walkers and bikers were out. In my memory the road up to the Wortley Rugby Club was long and hard so it was a nice surprise for it not to be as bad as expected. This tiny CP greeted me with yogurt and fruit, plus the offer of beer. I declined and quickly went on before I could change my mind. Beer for breakfast at 7.30am would seem wrong. The next CP was only a few miles although compared to the bikes felt very slow. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnnSglWylkMdupboOdTNvzwacJL_OLioEDe0ZVImMIjMZFpKGWhSid0OFwFqLH5wracNj0HVXYSQTLIPzcZn-J2Lzn-nX_JT_NwFKh-J7t7KKR2R-JhUhbd3oDZ8bfeiC0XdXSh-eqk-Ix4A3l3fq8I6jjpOjuhvQ43hP0fBxe5aEgSwYTtGZdH948kw/s960/LDWA100%20crop%20path.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnnSglWylkMdupboOdTNvzwacJL_OLioEDe0ZVImMIjMZFpKGWhSid0OFwFqLH5wracNj0HVXYSQTLIPzcZn-J2Lzn-nX_JT_NwFKh-J7t7KKR2R-JhUhbd3oDZ8bfeiC0XdXSh-eqk-Ix4A3l3fq8I6jjpOjuhvQ43hP0fBxe5aEgSwYTtGZdH948kw/s320/LDWA100%20crop%20path.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>I negotiated the crop field OK and got a pleasant surprise to find signs directing me on a direct line over field paths to Pilley. I had gone slightly wrong here on my reccee. Again I was not really hungry but a yogurt slipped down well as did ice cream. There was still about 24km to go but the end was coming into sight and crossing the M1 was a landmark ticked off. The running was now on a mixture of lanes and tracks- easy running with no big hills but sore for my suffering feet. I could see Wentworth church spire and that encouraged me. This CP was again run by friends. I arrived feeling a little dodgy but took a few minutes sat down and left feeling OK. I was still first on the ground although aware that those staring at 1pm would beat me on times. I was very surprised they had not already caught me but I guess 3 hours is quite a bit to make up. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-vMyDQmTMBW77Png32gDZoeI_BZBT4-psyzR3JWgt2XAGAXMdgyzHZe5xI_aryDdNDZnrQFzkWzHrTRI1CXnoOx0mxy-jjai6Tgq62BgJdZ4U8fTvuQtMK-EkCqKmFLljNPt--yXrFJlRVaAnNkUJQRt-m32USCVF8bhvLWOC2UNk2oims9OohzctNg/s960/LDWA100%20W%20house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-vMyDQmTMBW77Png32gDZoeI_BZBT4-psyzR3JWgt2XAGAXMdgyzHZe5xI_aryDdNDZnrQFzkWzHrTRI1CXnoOx0mxy-jjai6Tgq62BgJdZ4U8fTvuQtMK-EkCqKmFLljNPt--yXrFJlRVaAnNkUJQRt-m32USCVF8bhvLWOC2UNk2oims9OohzctNg/s320/LDWA100%20W%20house.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The big loop east of Wentowrth was new to me and the deer park was lovely. I initially mistook the Stable Block for the main house! There were follies, mausoleums and lovely parkland. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Zhe_EmherJ8fiBMO3oW008iuiifLC8PgXKMUoYgyJKL3y55uoIWh6v9eYHxxlXto3Ye2GkZt-qtiuUZOggF6MrK860E2O6wXNn5Hc17T0afAbhXrlKNIQHNIHYSBQrhQXnJEs8cL3rTbjl3igRqebRzU8-8BCAJd2MZmRpZrhzPG9DBRVMA9eIM-8g/s960/LDWA100%20wentworth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Zhe_EmherJ8fiBMO3oW008iuiifLC8PgXKMUoYgyJKL3y55uoIWh6v9eYHxxlXto3Ye2GkZt-qtiuUZOggF6MrK860E2O6wXNn5Hc17T0afAbhXrlKNIQHNIHYSBQrhQXnJEs8cL3rTbjl3igRqebRzU8-8BCAJd2MZmRpZrhzPG9DBRVMA9eIM-8g/s320/LDWA100%20wentworth.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>As I turned at last back towards Elsecar Simon Pipe came running towards me wanting to chat and film me. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjT9m1YELXmmtwgZQZDjBEojBpzbSQVKZ5WqseQKo4CrpDDUqD1m40LhSsHU7Mz4tvn_zyV3AjPGz2paqrWdq5rlHq-J4rLVEUoVe9iiuSHYNQC2skEAAtAmY-0n4WZa8UPAa3HTe7PRItKKbcmZZ3VOtxGAI3Zc2enioONCP8RNtwmP6_zVSlnvVWuw/s4032/LDWA100SPipe6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjT9m1YELXmmtwgZQZDjBEojBpzbSQVKZ5WqseQKo4CrpDDUqD1m40LhSsHU7Mz4tvn_zyV3AjPGz2paqrWdq5rlHq-J4rLVEUoVe9iiuSHYNQC2skEAAtAmY-0n4WZa8UPAa3HTe7PRItKKbcmZZ3VOtxGAI3Zc2enioONCP8RNtwmP6_zVSlnvVWuw/s320/LDWA100SPipe6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>He spurred me on and told me the first man was chasing me down. I was determined to get to Elsecar first- silly really but it helped me up the pace as I passed the Heritage Centre. I didn't stop at this CP knowing that it was less than an hours running t the finish. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie1Z0S4c0mDuwrNjs6U-DljK3HliQVI_GCU03bylYNYsj9zHol46nXajaqPRWqMRpCX0axm4n1yJKQJcV-sj3JOno9ksjJk5CQa9DlNRf87AaeFp6Qpd51i__eJNDCxLbhD0IvNQbSg2smxEYQqCaaTn2Us48hjrazvsbbCscISiCV3FBPvVQJz06Ygw/s2048/LDWA100%20TPT%20near%20end.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie1Z0S4c0mDuwrNjs6U-DljK3HliQVI_GCU03bylYNYsj9zHol46nXajaqPRWqMRpCX0axm4n1yJKQJcV-sj3JOno9ksjJk5CQa9DlNRf87AaeFp6Qpd51i__eJNDCxLbhD0IvNQbSg2smxEYQqCaaTn2Us48hjrazvsbbCscISiCV3FBPvVQJz06Ygw/s320/LDWA100%20TPT%20near%20end.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I was now back on the TPT cycle tracks etc. I was cautious as there are so many turns and variations but I made no errors and kept pushing on in my attempt to be first back. Turning away from Old Moor and towards Barnsley I knew there could not be much more than a mile if that. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMIpJkPdzEXp3NZQZyirEOpvBz6kp7UGVajaMh6nu2hi4Ic6n_QNebt9QgkIIi4RjQkWnYLQLaswrdTKHdOC5j-VwuRDrhrLUJC8G87YLxPUee2Xdz0TeiUzANhnzBFTKdjQo71mjhAqOZFs7Qb22msS6WarB9h3krZuC7S2lMTktMVExQsU67EIJNNg/s2048/LDWA100%20almost%20back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMIpJkPdzEXp3NZQZyirEOpvBz6kp7UGVajaMh6nu2hi4Ic6n_QNebt9QgkIIi4RjQkWnYLQLaswrdTKHdOC5j-VwuRDrhrLUJC8G87YLxPUee2Xdz0TeiUzANhnzBFTKdjQo71mjhAqOZFs7Qb22msS6WarB9h3krZuC7S2lMTktMVExQsU67EIJNNg/s320/LDWA100%20almost%20back.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I couldn't run every step but I did try. Suddenly the school drive appeared and I was running past our van and round to the finish. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmn3WG_2Q8_k9QG8P5HDYSk1iRfUwAohu6zNG89_QCsC_Odu7OoR5tVlp_Qz9C-bQZdpgp92sldqQkxTvpXggpajPWLhNt4sThDv7aL1XA_EvLE-xs89fwWOFH1WoBPRfdfv9dAbN1xFivY97D45F_hyNy2dZBns_o8MOypw8SIdoDN-4FjxJe_RgsgQ/s568/LDWA5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmn3WG_2Q8_k9QG8P5HDYSk1iRfUwAohu6zNG89_QCsC_Odu7OoR5tVlp_Qz9C-bQZdpgp92sldqQkxTvpXggpajPWLhNt4sThDv7aL1XA_EvLE-xs89fwWOFH1WoBPRfdfv9dAbN1xFivY97D45F_hyNy2dZBns_o8MOypw8SIdoDN-4FjxJe_RgsgQ/s320/LDWA5.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p>Bob was waiting and as first person back there was lots of applause.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn8rK_TULXxqUU7u7V7ykk7AhjzTaayEPDxil5FmPKNzY9j_gZ8tKzJAgKWrvMG3KdiIOiYk_Ry9xcBepr6hczztIcaTt1EntH0JVNQZwko7b0Kbw7hCcuyOcNh4Mx2rxPxXHDpK5YopF74oq0Vl264-IFIHP4twWcXLJhKGd4BJNQZHtDJg3XTVflRQ/s568/LDWA8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn8rK_TULXxqUU7u7V7ykk7AhjzTaayEPDxil5FmPKNzY9j_gZ8tKzJAgKWrvMG3KdiIOiYk_Ry9xcBepr6hczztIcaTt1EntH0JVNQZwko7b0Kbw7hCcuyOcNh4Mx2rxPxXHDpK5YopF74oq0Vl264-IFIHP4twWcXLJhKGd4BJNQZHtDJg3XTVflRQ/s320/LDWA8.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p>25 hours 23 mins. Not my fastest 100 but I was happy.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTXV_eeGx2_vVX0F9MktGgBTMr7tGi4ek8W__PWjEBO7gKUMfgegdWIsM3CGftDwrxBDm6nHo2KIgG-bYTmyxIm99CZBoct66mqhj21SAaPTletlI4s2-wIF63eKdnafx5YDyJ8n4wsXGT5t-Yo20cQmxEwZkX0hPN99l8YFfAWOtGLF4ZVzd2-5spYw/s2048/LDWA100%20why%20my%20feet%20are%20mashed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="996" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTXV_eeGx2_vVX0F9MktGgBTMr7tGi4ek8W__PWjEBO7gKUMfgegdWIsM3CGftDwrxBDm6nHo2KIgG-bYTmyxIm99CZBoct66mqhj21SAaPTletlI4s2-wIF63eKdnafx5YDyJ8n4wsXGT5t-Yo20cQmxEwZkX0hPN99l8YFfAWOtGLF4ZVzd2-5spYw/s320/LDWA100%20why%20my%20feet%20are%20mashed.jpg" width="156" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Sore feet from lots like this</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p>My feet were sore but I was in decent shape. Food and drinks soon got me back to normal. Could I have gone faster? Almost certainly. I could have cut time in CPs although the food helped me and I could have pushed the pace harder especially if there had been company.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTF5PTn3-t6p_dfTiGahYGhGsnYc5bJBl9yETRrCfQVfqC1mvinCiTCfEex6VPj0e84wBXQ3fYN4sWA3PZzmPVmXx48blqM0efTdIQbB7mmJ0D7b16LpsfQGFi8SJlMABkV8ELhrYIUaqhz8IVpkOImxKmHUNsdRGchnyfcdYZefxIHK0CDa4idLtoGA/s568/LDWA10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTF5PTn3-t6p_dfTiGahYGhGsnYc5bJBl9yETRrCfQVfqC1mvinCiTCfEex6VPj0e84wBXQ3fYN4sWA3PZzmPVmXx48blqM0efTdIQbB7mmJ0D7b16LpsfQGFi8SJlMABkV8ELhrYIUaqhz8IVpkOImxKmHUNsdRGchnyfcdYZefxIHK0CDa4idLtoGA/s320/LDWA10.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p>I had run most of the route alone. There was a dreadful wait for our breakfast bags and in my sleep deprived state I was not as forgiving as I perhaps should have been. I had a short lie down in our van and then went back just as the Bag Van arrived. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitihHeRn0uueZNZMeMjOvnwaBTFE7WIN8AYk3rBXHgCeFqwr3EFlWPjIOd_9o9W1wGyNyd7Ul9u-uh8xpyhEKpMlTqXV5O9KkuvAO80HeM4b9itWlK__-vVkqJR3SaxzTgtUbYj2Qb6UhfDXX7OTaqPcMKqgaQsH0paJfxQItgu9QJ27B0GzoxOrjKsw/s568/LDWA13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="426" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitihHeRn0uueZNZMeMjOvnwaBTFE7WIN8AYk3rBXHgCeFqwr3EFlWPjIOd_9o9W1wGyNyd7Ul9u-uh8xpyhEKpMlTqXV5O9KkuvAO80HeM4b9itWlK__-vVkqJR3SaxzTgtUbYj2Qb6UhfDXX7OTaqPcMKqgaQsH0paJfxQItgu9QJ27B0GzoxOrjKsw/s320/LDWA13.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p>A number of impatient runners helped unload it and then we were on our way home- well, to Leeds to see our youngest, help with a job on his van and be treated to a lovely meal. Thanks to all who organised, manned CPs etc and also to Nick Ham and others for photos.</p><p><br /></p>Ultras and a lttle bit morehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14102033182139486675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238582577045689081.post-30709627180464588942022-05-31T05:48:00.001-07:002022-05-31T05:48:10.600-07:00My Birthday run<p> It's becoming a tradition- find a long run and do it solo with perhaps a bit of van support at a few key locations. Even better if you can now get son number two to join his dad so you have two vans - they can have fun during the day and also a bit of company plus at night they can take turns and keep an eye on each other and make sure they are not getting too tired.</p><p>This year it seemed even more important than usual to prove to myself that I can still do it (DNF on NT still having an impact). I opted for a route that I knew about but had not recceed at all. I did know some bits at least in outline although often from the opposite direction and from some years ago. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rBF3cmcNdeFPDK1B9A5XL9XLZjTbN834hEXqEJntdB76KoCD-tPsN1K6jBAULJgJUsBJJZwTRVBNg2bGMaB5nOkVTEAjlG5p68DZKMQ4xJj38erKTbqpSkOFZfaFvpPdtlo39YqGh8442lafcxvNicqm4CaVEjqZfhjFq5qZKXN-M5MZHoQCGK8O3Q/s816/DHW%20start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="612" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rBF3cmcNdeFPDK1B9A5XL9XLZjTbN834hEXqEJntdB76KoCD-tPsN1K6jBAULJgJUsBJJZwTRVBNg2bGMaB5nOkVTEAjlG5p68DZKMQ4xJj38erKTbqpSkOFZfaFvpPdtlo39YqGh8442lafcxvNicqm4CaVEjqZfhjFq5qZKXN-M5MZHoQCGK8O3Q/s320/DHW%20start.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>My chosen route was the Dales Highway. Just over 90 miles (my strava showed almost 94) and a fair bit of climb at 4212m. I opted to run it north to south which is not apparently what most do. Most signage did seem to be from the other direction when it did exist at all. Not sure which direction would be best, it perhaps makes little difference. As it turns out my option was best as we got quiet parking at the pub in Hoff and escaped the Appleby fair chaos early on. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOikDXmGHwurdF2JVkSkDPrXj9OwSqqvrN3gp759T_ec9N3_e04UIigighbTiXBxcO6U78x9bdgVPSmBoa76992tpHTF7nxBQAEc5_uP2eR56gj7aI00lH4iIBSQdcMksztJXthLuTgwIZdQV27_w-vV1lDuz94VfnAB48h2xIvE7d9TL-z_BVsDj0CQ/s816/DHW%20Appleby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="612" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOikDXmGHwurdF2JVkSkDPrXj9OwSqqvrN3gp759T_ec9N3_e04UIigighbTiXBxcO6U78x9bdgVPSmBoa76992tpHTF7nxBQAEc5_uP2eR56gj7aI00lH4iIBSQdcMksztJXthLuTgwIZdQV27_w-vV1lDuz94VfnAB48h2xIvE7d9TL-z_BVsDj0CQ/s320/DHW%20Appleby.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>A pub meal and beer might not have been wise but it was my birthday after all. These solo challenges are interesting in that there is not the same pressure as in a race and I wasn't even terribly fussed about my time. No, that's not entirely true- I wanted to finish in under 24 hours. On the other hand there was no company, fewer CPs than usual and not the same race hype/incentive.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQtWNvNfnpsZqsPIfIv_MLasJAE_MP70WeFJi9EqjgrpvME7PYPvLQel3iFdkT7-5_QcpSY38LHi3zDIg6lRj8MPFgSV6SW_TFWbaZ77-AJS9OLteSXntQgflsfB5M1dOqa0jMxWYTAVQ6hzRCvXLsPVm9s5s49S0v1hNTcy3tRPZ70PmsJOYDnktxw/s816/DHW%20ready.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="816" data-original-width="612" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQtWNvNfnpsZqsPIfIv_MLasJAE_MP70WeFJi9EqjgrpvME7PYPvLQel3iFdkT7-5_QcpSY38LHi3zDIg6lRj8MPFgSV6SW_TFWbaZ77-AJS9OLteSXntQgflsfB5M1dOqa0jMxWYTAVQ6hzRCvXLsPVm9s5s49S0v1hNTcy3tRPZ70PmsJOYDnktxw/s320/DHW%20ready.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>I was awake early on Saturday morning before my 4.15am alarm. Breakfast, dressing and toilet meant I was ready for the short drive to Appleby by about 4.30am. As I stood at the Moot Hall it was light and very quiet. I set off up through the town and past the castle as a couple of shops were taking early morning deliveries. Within 1km I made my first minor nav error as I missed a bridleway. OS on my phone was going to get lots of use today! The first fields and paths had tall vegetation and a heavy morning dew. Wet feet and legs from the start, oh well.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEittrfo-RcTA5VvpJjU_9jt4LMy0HVMAJWQjlb3-fkOLnkLPZnxullIal9cECuS1EQf7Cu60BytvctrnStGIK7DFCnbj9vP9Fh1nIpH7_276DxZidmVcyVlsq4jVBETvNnhsxlx0uLC0R1BPCMipiQlA5lvdb9vCmb3oXQ4Td_iRbgEwtkEHcG7HIK3gg/s2048/DHW%20Hoff3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEittrfo-RcTA5VvpJjU_9jt4LMy0HVMAJWQjlb3-fkOLnkLPZnxullIal9cECuS1EQf7Cu60BytvctrnStGIK7DFCnbj9vP9Fh1nIpH7_276DxZidmVcyVlsq4jVBETvNnhsxlx0uLC0R1BPCMipiQlA5lvdb9vCmb3oXQ4Td_iRbgEwtkEHcG7HIK3gg/s320/DHW%20Hoff3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>The early start did mean that before I reached the vans at Hoff I had seen rabbits, hares, a deer, heron and countless other birds. Bob and Chris cheered me on my was through Hoff before setting off for Sedbergh.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnSKeALELOy4R3e2_FntONPotQLx_TFAoMRbvONIclPf3cmapxQfOQfnffQJzhzTxgAIXY35xupNl9uClFqpUUAjO-eivcaJWab-TWjCHGFeJt5tDy8X-1dHzlaN-VDMmeOzgTPNDpSwQyTBHASxmIQErVJCsagePoliWPwFUmlFCA6g4ZjOMn-2XBg/s2048/DHW%20Hoff2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDnSKeALELOy4R3e2_FntONPotQLx_TFAoMRbvONIclPf3cmapxQfOQfnffQJzhzTxgAIXY35xupNl9uClFqpUUAjO-eivcaJWab-TWjCHGFeJt5tDy8X-1dHzlaN-VDMmeOzgTPNDpSwQyTBHASxmIQErVJCsagePoliWPwFUmlFCA6g4ZjOMn-2XBg/s320/DHW%20Hoff2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>Here they would leave our van on my route and then go off for a walk up Cautley Spout. With luck they would be back at the van before me but if not I had a key. Lowland paths led me to Great Asby before most people were up and the lanes were traffic free. From there I headed up onto the limestone and over to Sunbiggin Tarn. A couple of minor errors but no serious diversions. It was starting to get warm and sunny. After crossing the main road at Wath it was a climb up and into the Howgills. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB5fYFPdKEuEvPTfyJ5AQaJEydjP5uuTiB7zvyOjMf1t50pxQxUHeI43A7kz0ia3aHVPq4_1ljdv1LGRhlUDRlXc91aIPje2bDgWNmcvWHYQjFi0VTKcc9UVXM6NB30A4bWvfQC1iL9jReA7Yj45OvZktdhxxKXYgdkwE1xYE5JvjvI0AuaCxqXLWUSg/s2048/DHW%20hogills%20valley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB5fYFPdKEuEvPTfyJ5AQaJEydjP5uuTiB7zvyOjMf1t50pxQxUHeI43A7kz0ia3aHVPq4_1ljdv1LGRhlUDRlXc91aIPje2bDgWNmcvWHYQjFi0VTKcc9UVXM6NB30A4bWvfQC1iL9jReA7Yj45OvZktdhxxKXYgdkwE1xYE5JvjvI0AuaCxqXLWUSg/s320/DHW%20hogills%20valley.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I love these mountains and their great rounded humps. The views were stunning in all directions although it looked a bit dark over on the northern Pennines. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSBe069tvaXrrROtJlmwF7IqpButWGDBV6i61kgQc9MAyI67V_m4tzt2xYnaJPAecZiV4x1jzvHFi-iekpuBY3XQVYFc1I6_amKNOwDfuNq1kf_rVY5I2qVXJKzWGRcmRayQnKViPWg5UTFkQKfU7JR_OzxQmu99HRtf9qKRuy5yCTWm8vuY2ZQUWMGw/s2048/DHW%20H4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSBe069tvaXrrROtJlmwF7IqpButWGDBV6i61kgQc9MAyI67V_m4tzt2xYnaJPAecZiV4x1jzvHFi-iekpuBY3XQVYFc1I6_amKNOwDfuNq1kf_rVY5I2qVXJKzWGRcmRayQnKViPWg5UTFkQKfU7JR_OzxQmu99HRtf9qKRuy5yCTWm8vuY2ZQUWMGw/s320/DHW%20H4.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>I met another runner on Hazelgill Knott and wondered how Bob and Chris were enjoying their walk. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3JLj59JCz3Yl9vNv2ig9R33SyWNWXxjSZqSdC2f09lovsJOg--A2s2s9dEK9oLieWobDjKimsurVKeQV7rb4AnEm_GBono2349ts2z8nXGYn5d3LANNuI9yrGvZN-BexsDNsB5FeOPCkv-kPDmpBfT9SowhVpIPKaa8kycbLe_GYqx3xxFMYzUfeH4g/s2048/DHW%20H10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3JLj59JCz3Yl9vNv2ig9R33SyWNWXxjSZqSdC2f09lovsJOg--A2s2s9dEK9oLieWobDjKimsurVKeQV7rb4AnEm_GBono2349ts2z8nXGYn5d3LANNuI9yrGvZN-BexsDNsB5FeOPCkv-kPDmpBfT9SowhVpIPKaa8kycbLe_GYqx3xxFMYzUfeH4g/s320/DHW%20H10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Approaching the Calf I realised they were just up ahead. I had gone faster than hoped for but they had been following my track and decided to meet me up there. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9KtwwOlCLUdrSLxLXObouUq85M9PkbYDR5G8CE7moOBTtd4jtkPwbA12zQ-xgm6VB68Y78f2_8nVhis-cl6SxPdX4ZqKg_-YXfLBMoRusfeTMZ5vD_JPiNz2p9gB38kJRdPgg5RQ-a7F4Yd1aTqpghO5zphXcFy5I4u4-ge6_wFYowVr8p6fsrDHvgQ/s2048/DHW%20h6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9KtwwOlCLUdrSLxLXObouUq85M9PkbYDR5G8CE7moOBTtd4jtkPwbA12zQ-xgm6VB68Y78f2_8nVhis-cl6SxPdX4ZqKg_-YXfLBMoRusfeTMZ5vD_JPiNz2p9gB38kJRdPgg5RQ-a7F4Yd1aTqpghO5zphXcFy5I4u4-ge6_wFYowVr8p6fsrDHvgQ/s320/DHW%20h6.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>It was a lovely surprise. From there over Calders and down to Sedbergh was fairly speedy. I found the van and made a quick brew before refilling my water and topping up snacks.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1M-U6Ijc8VfwLsYYpZjZoOrOYRTdIE8f5tfuDc79C0E99w42k5XIsmhLigLv-Rj21gFSR12txCc1Qdr4reJEloAuCtX0cWG0h-NVVmj_TNmmu5OsaJPYI707oTvRtM5C0aHm4FZUc3b4-98j-VZrJEymkwGR2MCMqcU0TKj3sL1xWoKW6-xmgzVmpYg/s2048/DHW%20H1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1M-U6Ijc8VfwLsYYpZjZoOrOYRTdIE8f5tfuDc79C0E99w42k5XIsmhLigLv-Rj21gFSR12txCc1Qdr4reJEloAuCtX0cWG0h-NVVmj_TNmmu5OsaJPYI707oTvRtM5C0aHm4FZUc3b4-98j-VZrJEymkwGR2MCMqcU0TKj3sL1xWoKW6-xmgzVmpYg/s320/DHW%20H1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Quiet tracks and lanes led me to the ridge over to Dentdale. I had a reminiss of a race over Barbon and thought of the Fellsman only a few weeks ago. Dent was predictably busy and people were now up and about. It's a quaint little village but I had no time today. Riverside paths led me onto the Fellsman route over the northern shoulder of Whernside. at east today I didn't have to drop into the boggy valley and climb back up to Blea Moor! Dropping down towards Ribblehead there were hoards of walkers out doing a 3Ps charity challenge. They were friendly but many had no hill etiquette- radios blaring, four abreast taking up all the path etc. I was pleased to reach Winterscales and turn off their route for a while. I made a deliberate decision to modify the route and avoid Chapel le Dale- I wanted to pass the snack bat on Philpin Lane ( two ice lollies please) and avoid the extra 500m on the B road which I knew would be very busy. Back at the Hill Inn I encountered the charity walkers again but few had made it that far yet. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgntf5RIQH03fJVQpvQzY09dSZAYiEaBRdvuvYx15WrsZJ4KY1L2eFtfTwoVDlGq-klIiVGgPrEhe9CNdKePIyhLJRu54ZtqWCvu2QxPB6VA4WF7mRtpKV5rJ7bKinHX1HleD4_QrtTpj9CikEKpHzt7ahnDsla1J6kMcmgfLQ-mRSV6SaQnI6Dz2CTFg/s960/DHW%20Ing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgntf5RIQH03fJVQpvQzY09dSZAYiEaBRdvuvYx15WrsZJ4KY1L2eFtfTwoVDlGq-klIiVGgPrEhe9CNdKePIyhLJRu54ZtqWCvu2QxPB6VA4WF7mRtpKV5rJ7bKinHX1HleD4_QrtTpj9CikEKpHzt7ahnDsla1J6kMcmgfLQ-mRSV6SaQnI6Dz2CTFg/s320/DHW%20Ing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>It was nice to be going up this path to Ingleborough as I hate the step descent. It was chilly on the top so I shot off straight away towards Nick Pot. The rocky path slowed me at first but as I turned away from Horton and left almost all the people the path turned grassy and very runnable. I made good time down to Wharfe and then Feizor where I spotted a lad training his Kestrel. Grassy paths and one small error led me to Stainforth where late afternoon meant the campsite was busy and some people were still playing in the river. I was now on a mission to reach Settle and the vans again. I had a rough schedule of pace and was still ahead of 4mph. I knew that I wanted a decent break now and a chance to recharge my phone, eat, drink and air my feet. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDwelmqYTd3PIuRh1frkOApGDOx4VcVoXmClkHEkO30Saj1vXlVpjsQxnocA0ri3te3xP8BDRzECowySa0zq6XmFYnrd91RKUXNMNuS6DaC7QoXnSv5XCNkJyjHH1wV24fpPzAeA9oqtIaJ16z_FQAwwgWvMTF6YdhINQxL98Gca_JCCtlewNh5jMC9A/s2048/DHW%20Settle%20food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDwelmqYTd3PIuRh1frkOApGDOx4VcVoXmClkHEkO30Saj1vXlVpjsQxnocA0ri3te3xP8BDRzECowySa0zq6XmFYnrd91RKUXNMNuS6DaC7QoXnSv5XCNkJyjHH1wV24fpPzAeA9oqtIaJ16z_FQAwwgWvMTF6YdhINQxL98Gca_JCCtlewNh5jMC9A/s320/DHW%20Settle%20food.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>Getting wet feet so early on meant some of the tape had peeled off and the hot spot under my big toe was in fact a water filled blister. Damn. I aired my feet, removed some tape, taped my toe, ate chips and quiche, drank tea and soup! Clean dry socks and I needed to get going again. It was a 30 min break but well needed.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqmJ0bh2nb9Ng82ktOQE0a7wficiswiqiZiXB8WZ7-PvvvW8vQlUqFHAaR_aYBf84k1QGCqD58Faok_-SklNPv2klVKnRIe4cXwvJ_8ISV0uWPf30OWl4Zog8VRvSZPXXkHRkmI8kFRY4dPwf2RMuiYN5TGSJ2RRJK3FfBRyDzLAQze-e7H6oZo8G0HQ/s2048/DHW%20leaving%20Settle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqmJ0bh2nb9Ng82ktOQE0a7wficiswiqiZiXB8WZ7-PvvvW8vQlUqFHAaR_aYBf84k1QGCqD58Faok_-SklNPv2klVKnRIe4cXwvJ_8ISV0uWPf30OWl4Zog8VRvSZPXXkHRkmI8kFRY4dPwf2RMuiYN5TGSJ2RRJK3FfBRyDzLAQze-e7H6oZo8G0HQ/s320/DHW%20leaving%20Settle.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>I felt a bit full heading uphill out of town but all that food would give me energy soon. I love the scenery up past Attermire Scar and through to Stockdale Lane but it did feel like a truly relentless climb and it went on and on until I could see Malham Tarn. A very short down to the lane and then the gnarly track down Malham Cove meant I didn't make up much time on the descent as I was too busy making sure I didn't trip and end my adventure. Gordale was very busy which spurred me on up the lane to Weets Top. It was late afternoon but still warm even though the sun was sinking behind me. From Weets past Winterburn Reservoir and down to Hetton was quiet and speedy- a good path on the whole and few trip hazards. I made up some time. The vans had been tracking me and as they were bored with Settle ha decided to surprise me in Hetton village.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvm9oBghSHbNbOLGI8Qd2nA0Pl8NPma4SM-IcZwSiEz8_YN8ehfNr_U9ZXklcO2b2wOMh2uv5zxx6lxFeVFbkysKzRc6wZj5k5jl1f0EwZClF_IOBYvt9Wzr_5aJWfzWhOscKEt1jX6b11wYq_oDxFg2dzUtXYJnmxNXKKNok6-QEPd_xPsp8Nay2E2g/s2048/DHW%20Hetton%20arrive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvm9oBghSHbNbOLGI8Qd2nA0Pl8NPma4SM-IcZwSiEz8_YN8ehfNr_U9ZXklcO2b2wOMh2uv5zxx6lxFeVFbkysKzRc6wZj5k5jl1f0EwZClF_IOBYvt9Wzr_5aJWfzWhOscKEt1jX6b11wYq_oDxFg2dzUtXYJnmxNXKKNok6-QEPd_xPsp8Nay2E2g/s320/DHW%20Hetton%20arrive.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>My sudden turn of speed meant they had to do the same! A lovely surprise and what a pretty little village- all flash Range Rovers and a 5* restaurant. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERb-0zBwXjuo1JQlLF4eWM0Jra-CgEJUB4K8H-zNNoFRLnw9fQcj4M8iK85maVWQEYI6hN1N0XdArESoo0VFV9z66-qxcUbRHxwuhBCVIS60rThWH9uwljSNPvSyZ3V6mSBsAu83MaqZNTUbaiAC3aZmyDLB9q6IixITavUbtAb3pcuiS068RCv1bLg/s2048/DHW%20Hetton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjERb-0zBwXjuo1JQlLF4eWM0Jra-CgEJUB4K8H-zNNoFRLnw9fQcj4M8iK85maVWQEYI6hN1N0XdArESoo0VFV9z66-qxcUbRHxwuhBCVIS60rThWH9uwljSNPvSyZ3V6mSBsAu83MaqZNTUbaiAC3aZmyDLB9q6IixITavUbtAb3pcuiS068RCv1bLg/s320/DHW%20Hetton.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>I was now on new paths until the trig on Sharp Haw. The riverside path to Flasby was good but the moors below the trig were the muddiest of the day. It was a relief to reach the summit and head down towards Skipton in the fading light. The path down was good and grassy until it met a track and then a lane. I recognised the vans as they shot across the B road just ahead of me and I knew the next couple of kilometres as it is the start of Lady Annes Way. It was getting dark as I crossed the golf course and then the A59 but I knew I would be in the market square in minutes. It was a bit of a shock to find masses of people dressed up for a boozy night out but a relief to climb into the van for more soup etc. I checked my phone had charge- they were tracking me on Strava beacon and I was using it to nav when I had to. It was tempting to linger but I didn't stop long. The climb out of town reminded me of a strange evening event we once did called the Shortbank Olympics- a local legend used to cone off the road and put on all sorts of races from a short hill sprint to a fell run. Then it was up into the woods and unknown territory again. After Skipton Moor the route drops all the way to Addingham and you know you will have to regain all the climb back up onto the moor and the start of the Ilkley Moor ridge. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrf7GCrZ4khc4rSzKyz9DFXKmwfCWRpKP7dnoGBqqkcUUx7nRZCL8btU_7tI3UyL_n0PclTUlTjqOAcZTvWH6Qmg1v6kexMCfNWgQj0V5vGlt6itiuHv_Wg3jyyKmHrMBZJjGOzOea3XnFUZneqrCNq31_RIkWZB-s9mB-C-8mSP_IaSCLwB_0OvBWiQ/s3264/DHW%20Ilkley%20moor.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrf7GCrZ4khc4rSzKyz9DFXKmwfCWRpKP7dnoGBqqkcUUx7nRZCL8btU_7tI3UyL_n0PclTUlTjqOAcZTvWH6Qmg1v6kexMCfNWgQj0V5vGlt6itiuHv_Wg3jyyKmHrMBZJjGOzOea3XnFUZneqrCNq31_RIkWZB-s9mB-C-8mSP_IaSCLwB_0OvBWiQ/s320/DHW%20Ilkley%20moor.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was dark this time!</td></tr></tbody></table><p>This was possibly my low point and I didn't know the paths which slowed me down and it seemed a pointless drop and climb. By the time I was up on the moor again all was good and as the path steadily improves as you move east I picked up the pace. The vans were waiting for me at Spicey Gill. Chris had even set an alarm to make sure he was up and out waiting for me. we woke Bob and I had a quick brew. Seeing them and getting encouragement spurred me on for the last section. I had a vague idea of this next bit but do not know it well. The initial climb seemed steep and the 12 Apostles took longer to appear than I had hoped. Coming off the back of the moor I was annoyed to lose the path once but managed to get back on track and was soon at the Otley- Bingley road. The very last miles were entirely new to me but I got a pleasant surprise as the track/lane was a good running surface and there was less climb than I expected. Once on Glen Road I knew the end was in sight. I was frustrated not to find the path down into Shipley Glen but after 5 mins gave up and opted for the next more obvious path instead. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1EnJrXADga-SSY0HcHcsYjuUiYhrDItmF7rhpaZTWZwFJ66m1UhcIV6LWn_6uiAjxu2lYUH8RS2fZIa5ywVaWRzND7ZzK7IlFbqhG0Ri_cQLJes084jxf13VrScc5k6goOIZ6Vkg7ZctM1o1wpG3S5kKJkoxHC1ASXHgBU7xvQmf7KtsA-qVVMO4wA/s2048/DHW%20end.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1EnJrXADga-SSY0HcHcsYjuUiYhrDItmF7rhpaZTWZwFJ66m1UhcIV6LWn_6uiAjxu2lYUH8RS2fZIa5ywVaWRzND7ZzK7IlFbqhG0Ri_cQLJes084jxf13VrScc5k6goOIZ6Vkg7ZctM1o1wpG3S5kKJkoxHC1ASXHgBU7xvQmf7KtsA-qVVMO4wA/s320/DHW%20end.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>A quick section through the woods, over the river, along the canal and then just a few hundred metres uphill to Victoria Square and the Saltaire Lions. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgInROvJmJiz7-KXCvgpsTnWFA56gFXx0pHAhMKJYrDkQLEoNKYRIceB1G_Df449KrDUOwCMQHEKlCCNz-htujrzgc_HTVZv6YoFakLbw0Ce5WEzZHLnlEwOdoBOiAeF_-aeu4OyztlMzAMZ7eNxKEQ-HPXkXg27Bta9gkJWiIOkgwrUHVgVe1KIMdqdw/s2048/DHW%20the%20vans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgInROvJmJiz7-KXCvgpsTnWFA56gFXx0pHAhMKJYrDkQLEoNKYRIceB1G_Df449KrDUOwCMQHEKlCCNz-htujrzgc_HTVZv6YoFakLbw0Ce5WEzZHLnlEwOdoBOiAeF_-aeu4OyztlMzAMZ7eNxKEQ-HPXkXg27Bta9gkJWiIOkgwrUHVgVe1KIMdqdw/s320/DHW%20the%20vans.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>The vans were both parked up and Bob and Chris out ready to welcome me to the finish. Yes- job done and although the pace had slowed after Settle I made it in under 23 hours. Strava says 21hrs 6 ins moving time. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQqXIvh5wsu0As4jhiySRnVZMYiNBYnmLoq2YQs9V3wTBFcZ9TrIWAd68xFfDYg8GFXAFMwqSfeuKlsjwssk3YLI-VDtftlAifiX3ArDBJdURR_r65QVxIvNsexSUNnzxx-nERJl6VdRWc4kigMXMKA7zb7Kb4TYpmZxA34JBZXEgiYJ6HCm5o0wSCA/s2048/DHW%20finish%20lions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQqXIvh5wsu0As4jhiySRnVZMYiNBYnmLoq2YQs9V3wTBFcZ9TrIWAd68xFfDYg8GFXAFMwqSfeuKlsjwssk3YLI-VDtftlAifiX3ArDBJdURR_r65QVxIvNsexSUNnzxx-nERJl6VdRWc4kigMXMKA7zb7Kb4TYpmZxA34JBZXEgiYJ6HCm5o0wSCA/s320/DHW%20finish%20lions.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>I was amazed to find I had also won two segment crowns and had 6 personal records on segments.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE7cW9oeJsscFM0bd1bX--QgF_dX4g5YjaJ1tYNEqKPoLqqTgtbPgTiwQ3MBZyv1cuXkoD93zfrS-ZQqGDB4qVK156GN1of_lroFE3AC4BKGtZiDOuNyHFw3Whn42l1CFFgNR0iSPMQg0fEieNjdOpKXlamEyVB4_5xfMDZ5gFqvrug1uCvEhnfC8jNQ/s576/DHW%20strava%20snip.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="469" data-original-width="576" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE7cW9oeJsscFM0bd1bX--QgF_dX4g5YjaJ1tYNEqKPoLqqTgtbPgTiwQ3MBZyv1cuXkoD93zfrS-ZQqGDB4qVK156GN1of_lroFE3AC4BKGtZiDOuNyHFw3Whn42l1CFFgNR0iSPMQg0fEieNjdOpKXlamEyVB4_5xfMDZ5gFqvrug1uCvEhnfC8jNQ/s320/DHW%20strava%20snip.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>What a wonderful day out with great support. After a few photos we moved the vans up onto Glen Road and fell into bed. I was wired and my hips hurt so I struggled to sleep but it was nice to be horizontal. Up for traditional post run breakfast of fried egg on bread and coffee at 8.30 and then just the drive home. Happy 61st Birthday to me. Weekend rounded off nicely with presents and a play plus cuddles with Layton. We slept through our alarms on Monday but still managed over 4 hours at the climbing wall. Still cannot believe how lucky I was with the weather after a long spell of either wind or rain or both and today as I right this torrential rain for a few hours. Feeling blessed.</p>Ultras and a lttle bit morehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14102033182139486675noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4238582577045689081.post-44330688215847710342022-05-15T12:57:00.002-07:002022-05-15T12:57:55.300-07:00The Spire and possibly getting preparation wrong<p> Our plan was simple- travel to Derbyshire, climb on Stanage, wild camp, check out sport climbing at Harpur Hill and then race on Saturday (well Bob had a bike ride planned). As we drove down the M61 it rained and the sky was grey; not what was forecast. The end of the M67 had a massive bottle neck and we were stuck for over 45 mins... never mind , it will give the weather chance to improve. By the time we parked at Cut throat bridge near Ladybower it was looking better. We walk to the climb warmed us up and I even thought I had too many layers. It didn't last. The wind was ferocious and by the time we had stood around, decided on a climb I had two base layers, a fleece, primaloft and cag on plus 3/4 tights and big thick leggings over the top. I was not warm. By the time we had done one climb our hands were almost numb and standing on the top at the belay was getting tricky. What a bugger! Keen to salvage something from the day I jogged back to the van, changed and decided I could checkout another 20+ miles of the LDWA 100 route. Moscar to Wentworth and then down to Elsecar where Bob would meet me in the van. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9nMNnadCL7Kl9OADyCqv9xhDpkQ_vpTz6n6235THFvAXW9QpPVClANkktu5fCiw8bWqITIh9YoPTgPeDGakv_VPmi-eBTCkyh_NU5rD-eRB0WYyk8LjHBowOQQlvI_vjMtO_t9sa_SDyLskLrzBSxWvTe7b8Wh2J7G31L5NcigvB59QbXOG_xxbUDdA/s2048/Spire%20LDWA%20100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9nMNnadCL7Kl9OADyCqv9xhDpkQ_vpTz6n6235THFvAXW9QpPVClANkktu5fCiw8bWqITIh9YoPTgPeDGakv_VPmi-eBTCkyh_NU5rD-eRB0WYyk8LjHBowOQQlvI_vjMtO_t9sa_SDyLskLrzBSxWvTe7b8Wh2J7G31L5NcigvB59QbXOG_xxbUDdA/s320/Spire%20LDWA%20100.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Ironically down in the shelter it was warm and sunny. I ran all afternoon in 3/4s and a T shirt! I was tired after it turned out to be almost 24 miles but enjoyed my exploring and this part of the country gets my vote for the friendliest locals. No longer trusting the weather forecasts we opted to climb indoors on Friday but not until we had explored Elsecar. Usually I run past it on Round Rotherham and had never realised how much history there was. We were still at Awesome walls shortly after they opened at 10am. We had forgotten how much more daunting the extra height can be compared to Preston and the grades here also seemed a bit tougher too. It was fun though and there was so much more than we could manage in one visit even though we did stay for almost six hours. Yes, I know... 24 miles run and 6 hrs climb not the best race prep but life is short.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOyFn9fBZTx1Bt53n7D9TkZDQSZbcTje8oFe4aLyz8IzzbbKbEbf92IHqkTTmsCuVP00c1ryTZTN_WZXxYQDuqlOaV4fLKAJErHmK5LTCBh3uweYoUyMINYqqT3WJK5w8IMz5beenOFfZuLbRFMb54KAMfXsu_y0vzC-eb5qG2mk5rqQbLbpszkRuCAA/s2048/Spire%20awesome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOyFn9fBZTx1Bt53n7D9TkZDQSZbcTje8oFe4aLyz8IzzbbKbEbf92IHqkTTmsCuVP00c1ryTZTN_WZXxYQDuqlOaV4fLKAJErHmK5LTCBh3uweYoUyMINYqqT3WJK5w8IMz5beenOFfZuLbRFMb54KAMfXsu_y0vzC-eb5qG2mk5rqQbLbpszkRuCAA/s320/Spire%20awesome.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You know it's tall when it won't all fit in the shot</td></tr></tbody></table><p>A shortish drive to just south of Chesterfield found us wild camping again within a five minute drive of the race start. A quite night and a good sleep followed by a very short drive meant we were super early and all the flags etc were up by 7.30. It was good to have time to meet friends and ponder how hot the day might be. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaBrL2vOLvBYWLb6gp4TLJxIhI1vejKcD2jRpiEXstWZI6WOpBd0-jzi91f4uuDFi16WmHKFeHgSbEk6sA_sp_y-JB94HD-hMz6FDEGF3BRdUpYZeH3W9v-Bw4IsXOK-a_sIwCmQC9nLOzdaMaO-khB10jZ87zv4vjF77W4JzpctqKlpNQBa3ZGGKrMw/s2048/Spire%20sponsors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaBrL2vOLvBYWLb6gp4TLJxIhI1vejKcD2jRpiEXstWZI6WOpBd0-jzi91f4uuDFi16WmHKFeHgSbEk6sA_sp_y-JB94HD-hMz6FDEGF3BRdUpYZeH3W9v-Bw4IsXOK-a_sIwCmQC9nLOzdaMaO-khB10jZ87zv4vjF77W4JzpctqKlpNQBa3ZGGKrMw/s320/Spire%20sponsors.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Still not trusting the forecast I stayed in 3/4s and it was HOT. Shortly before 9am we were herded to the start away from busy roads and suddenly we were off. Kevin and others quickly disappeared out of sight and I concentrated on not letting myself be pulled along by the pace. Although I had done the race twice before there were huge chunks I could not remember. Fortunately some felt familiar once I arrived and I was able to prevent other runners going wrong more than once. It's not a stunning route but does have some very pretty sections. I love the blue bell and the beech woods. It was getting hotter but I had caught up with Annette the only woman in front of me. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6fibsTs8nvzofKcxnj68sI7d77u-ErKTo2GDInuV7vUI2x_K1k-xH8sE5BJpXlliF7TYHDOKL785HW3z4BW57i3t7PMroHZo4mAPahKOqfwK4ZHCqXL1t5Dmiolum8jX5QwYL0AmCg_njLpgh12FGufUNR7QJhVOTAek2uBtDtZBZUfj0C5Q5iEwHiQ/s2048/Spire5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="922" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6fibsTs8nvzofKcxnj68sI7d77u-ErKTo2GDInuV7vUI2x_K1k-xH8sE5BJpXlliF7TYHDOKL785HW3z4BW57i3t7PMroHZo4mAPahKOqfwK4ZHCqXL1t5Dmiolum8jX5QwYL0AmCg_njLpgh12FGufUNR7QJhVOTAek2uBtDtZBZUfj0C5Q5iEwHiQ/s320/Spire5.jpg" width="144" /></a></div><p>I knew Sarah would not be far behind. One marshal deserves a medal, he had bought ice lollies for us. I think it was at CP2 but as there were lots of extra road marshal points I might be wrong. I had a lovely chat with a runner preparing for the Dragon's Back and then met up with another runner who had shared to Beacons 100 race in those awful conditions. He had bailed at the Storey Arms too. I ran on my own for a while and seemed to pull away from all 3 'friends'. Mostly I remembered the way at stiles etc but I did have to use OS on my phone a couple of times just to be sure. At 33 miles this race is on the short side for me and there is so much that demands you RUN. It left little time for eating and so I tried to down a few jellies and drink more.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-CHDfHhxSTN8xsOt9UZ4eyB_zt8xyu8nX6IRAF8anhxXT0qrR5d8HeywBdgutbNSKDu5quu9S87aaNmgJ-UYFpmXIf5iMjSen8V_5ehQiKubQRLfnuZIRdya207ZU-CEjHC6rmzWC6nvSDx_tFelrZYlsW6s6dYp1zSMAG9GbxsOBrOx6WMKPD-u0A/s2048/spire%203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8-CHDfHhxSTN8xsOt9UZ4eyB_zt8xyu8nX6IRAF8anhxXT0qrR5d8HeywBdgutbNSKDu5quu9S87aaNmgJ-UYFpmXIf5iMjSen8V_5ehQiKubQRLfnuZIRdya207ZU-CEjHC6rmzWC6nvSDx_tFelrZYlsW6s6dYp1zSMAG9GbxsOBrOx6WMKPD-u0A/s320/spire%203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Shortly after the CP near Hundall, about 19 miles in, I started to get stitch and an upset stomach. I was in the bushes as a very strong looking Sarah powered past me. She stayed in sight for miles but I couldn't/wouldn't catch her. The next section of the race is not as pretty as you traverse old mining settlements like Brimington and use some tracks along old rail lines. I hate those straight flat miles, probably because it shows me what a rubbish runner I am Lakeland fells give me a chance to walk and eat). Things improve again after Arkwright Town with pleasant countryside (except for the field of head high yellow rape) and you get a view of Bolsover Castle, Scarsdale Hall and then the pretty village of Health. I could still see Sarah up ahead as we climbed to Heath but once in the village she pulled ahead and out of sight. The end is now not far but now my stitch was a real pain and as we hit the last few miles on the Five Pits Trail I was reduced to walking every few hundred metres to ease it. Perhaps I should just 'man-up' and put in more effort and ignore the discomfort. I assumed Sarah was well ahead but in fact it was only 5 minutes- would a more determined effort have caught her? I doubt it she was running strongly. We both finished inside the previous record that I had set back in 2019 when the race was only in it's second year. This year the ground was rock hard. Sarah finished in 5hrs 43 and I was 5 minutes behind. The leading men were home in 4hrs 45- well done Kevin. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ehAdqC3HBql53kJ2fT4THFhRLWtFKwSJk_ADaU2yVQFXFkMm-bwe1mCtDvq9lMwg17n9Yoq5X92AFYvvwhMRXu31AT-iuX0eGI9y_YAEM-EUBweeD9d5jEPIXPhEs35_U5bNlOym15P_PF8dxAzHT3b9Nraq4-BiMZ9qm8ufODp4Y4xdZWeYQd24bg/s720/Spire%20RO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ehAdqC3HBql53kJ2fT4THFhRLWtFKwSJk_ADaU2yVQFXFkMm-bwe1mCtDvq9lMwg17n9Yoq5X92AFYvvwhMRXu31AT-iuX0eGI9y_YAEM-EUBweeD9d5jEPIXPhEs35_U5bNlOym15P_PF8dxAzHT3b9Nraq4-BiMZ9qm8ufODp4Y4xdZWeYQd24bg/s320/Spire%20RO.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Thanks to Jamie the RO- and yes he really is tall, those are adult women not primary school children.</p>Ultras and a lttle bit morehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14102033182139486675noreply@blogger.com0