The week post Hobble turned out to be busier than I intended: I blame the weather. Monday was climbing as usual and then a jog round on Beacon Fell helping kids with orienteering. Wednesday dawned so beautiful that I could not resist the temptation to be out on the hills. I drove to Fell Foot and went for a deliberately longish slow run.

As I ran across the fields and then out onto Saddle Fell I saw nobody. I went for a bit of an explore through peat bogs and heather  before I got to Tottridge.

 It slowed me down, gave me time to admire the views and still got the climbing in  my legs.

I spent a minute of two paying my respects to Bill Smith and then headed down to the Trough Road. Here I met my first walkers of the day- out doing a recee of the LDWA 100. Sadly this clashes with one of our Runfurther races this year and I cannot do it even though it is so local.As I ran along the grassy path by the river I scared tens of pheasants up and the noise became quite deafening.

 I passed a couple of walkers at the start of Langden but was soon on my own again. I jogged up past Langden Castle and crossed the river ready for the pull up to Fiensdale Head (I had promised Bob I would go nowhere near the old Fiensdale route after my escapade last summer). The top came sooner than I expected and I took a breather on the flag stones and looked out over the Fylde.

The rest was an easy jaunt across to Paddy's Pole, my favourite ridge to Parlic and then after a quick look at all the paragliders a quick drop down to the cottage and the car.

 It would not be ideal preparation for the final street O that evening but the day was too good to miss out. In fact my evening run wasn't so bad either. Thursday was dry and sunny too so we went for a slow bike ride down to the parks and out on the old tram way and back before I shot off to Beacon Fell again.  I didn't do much but ran the kids course slowly and with tired legs just to set a base time on my garmin. Somewhere in the next 24 hours I got confused. I think it was thinking about all my friends doing the Hardmoors 55 that did it. I set my alarm for early on Saturday and set off for Bury. Driving through Holcombe it suddenly dawned on me that LDWA events are usually on Sunday and I was 24 hours early. What an idiot! Ah well. It was dry, warm and starting to get sunny. I made the most of it by doing a recee of parts I was unsure of.

It is an event I have only done once before and although most is straight forward there are a couple of tricky bits.

welcome!

The bog above Holcombe Moor was wet but nothing like as bad as it can be and by the time I had circuited Bull Hill and was heading for Peel Tower the ground was unusually dry.

Less welcome

The weather was improving by the hour but I sensibly decided to head for home and save myself for Sunday. A whole afternoon sat in the garden reading- wow, spring is definitely on the way. Sunday saw a repeat of the early alarm and Bob decided to come with me. We arrived in plenty of time for him to get an entry on the shorter of the Two Crosses routes and for me to chat to friends. I should point out that Bob had done Park run and been on Pendle on Saturday.

It would be very different to two years ago when I added 3 miles or so before hand to make it an ultra and then we had cold weather and snow on the  ground.  There seem to be more and more runners doing these events and the two distances start together. I tried to tell myself that perhaps those sprinting off were doing the shorter route.

 Some were but it made no difference I could not have gone faster. I was keen to stay in contact with other runners across the first fields and a couple of tricky turns but after Affetside I was fairly confident of the route. Running down the road before the first cross I spotted an injured Josie out taking photos and cheering us on. I was being pushed for pace here by Pete and another guy but fortunately I pulled away and felt under less pressure.

 The first checkpoint at Turton Tower had jelly babies and that was all I stopped for.  By now it was very warm and I had not only shed my windproof but was wishing I hadn't put two layers on. The moors looked superb, although Peel Tower off to the east looked an intimidatingly long way.

I reached the next CP alone although I knew Pete and the others would not be far behind. I prayed I could remember the way through to the next track. It is my local area but the tussocks, bogs and marsh grass make it confusing and I can still remember Ian Charters and I going wrong in the mist on an Anglezarke Amble a few years ago. I knew roughly the way I should be heading so I just picked the best line I could and it worked. I caught Carl up here and although he was faster than me once we hit the track I used him to pull me aling. Pete told me afterwards that I just seemed to stretch further and further away from here. Carl and I grabbed a jelly baby from the marshalls and set off on the climb to Darwen Moor. He was a stonger climber but I had the confidence of knowing where I was going. We ran together for the next few miles and although it hurt I am sure it improved my overall time. Once we crossed the culvert on the moor I expected very wet feet but although there were some boggy bits it was overall as dry as I have ever known it.

We were down at Cadshaw in no time and chatting away. The last few metres along the reservoir were starting to hurt so I decided to refuel and the CP and let Carl get ahead a bit. This CP must be in the running for the award of best LDWA food. The tables were laden with just about everything you could ask for, including full cheeseboard and grapes! I grabbed a sausage roll, sandwich and half a cup of soup. Drinking the soup as I jogged over the dam was interesting but it all gave me extra energy. Up to now I had only had jelly babies and a finger of fudge. Oh and half a bottle of Chia charge.  I could still see Carl up ahead and made a pact with myself not to let the gap widen too much. After the dam the two routes converge again and so the next few miles were spent passing walkers on the shorter route. Despite this I arrived at Old Cote Farm on my own and had a few moments of doubt as I contoured the hill that hid the people in front for a while.  The grassy track had no puddles and was very runnable plus I could still see Carl up ahead. The climb up to the maggot farm would be the last real climb so I made a big effort and at least it didn't smell today. I was on my own again and it was a surprise to crest the big peat hag and see streamers blowing to show us the way. I don't remember them two years ago in the mist! There were walkers just ahead and I spotted Carl over to my right by the abandoned vehicle (how it every got up there in the first place is beyond me). It seemed a shame after their efforts but I declined the spirits on offer at Naughty Corner and set off after Carl again.

The red flags were up and we could hear not just shooting but the rat-a tat of machine guns. Not a day to take a short cut then.  I skirted below Pilgrims Cross and was glad that yesterday I had taken time to study in and read the carvings on all 4 sides.

Just as I was getting tired I caught Helen A and her kind words of admiration put a new spring in my step.

Peel Tower was open today but there was no time to stop and go inside. It is pretty much all downhill from here and I knew I should be able to cut loads of time off my last effort.

Not quite so sunny on Saturday

I whizzed through the last CP at the end of the army road and headed for the golf course. Sadly Carl was somewhere ahead and getting lost but I didn't know this at the time. I shot across the road at the church and spotted Bob on the old rail-track. He claimed not to have seen the runner in front? odd?

He left his companion and ran with me for a bit but by now I knew the end was in sight and I so wanted to knock 30 minutes off my time. It hurt and in the end I had to be content with 4 hours 17, so 27 minutes faster than two years ago. Before I had chance to go back out to take photos Bob appeared and so did Carl.

 We then spent a well deserved hour eating, drinking and chatting with Albert, Josie, Pete and Dave. I can never get over quite how many cups of tea I can manage after these events and the soup was wonderful.

What a great weekend.

The real start of the season

The Haworth Hobble has come to mean the start of the season for me. This weekend would be my 8th consecutive year and it is how I started ultras so has a special place in my heart. This year it is again the first of 12 races in the Runfurther series. Maybe it won't end up being one of my discard scores this year? This year would be special because I had persuaded Bob to enter and join in the Runfurther fun.

We had been out on recees and he had set his own time limits.
I had pulled something in a glute over a week earlier and was bothered this would be a problem. So much so that I did not race at street O on the Wednesday night and just took myself for a long slow 15 muddy miles instead. We took the van and camped on Penistone again on Friday night allowing us to be at the start bright and early with the flags.

Andy joined us and with help from his club mate Jackie the four of us had the 8 flags and the two new banners up in no time. Thanks to Si at Beta Climbing for the new banners. This left plenty of time to faff with gear and catch up with friends ...Graham, Mick, Linda, and so many more.

Age is no barrier to ultra running

I was also able to thank Ian S for setting up our Runfurther Strava club before he zoomed off to the front of the race. I was still nattering as we gathered on the cobbled hill near the Fleece. Runners seemed to be stretched almost up to the church but no worries as surely they will be sent back down the hill. NO, suddenly we were off and I hadn't even heard the race start!

I was way back waiting for Brett to chase the creepers down the hill!

Oh well, I had wanted to start steady and slow. My plan must have worked because unlike some years when mad enthusiasm has taken over I was able to run all the way to Bronte Bridge. A small queue for the gate allowed me time to take my gloves and cag off and stuff them in my sack. It was almost a perfect day for running- warm compared to recent years, very little wind and dry. Timy remnants of snow only.

I was happy with my time upto Withins Ruin although a bit worried that I could still see Mary up ahead. I chatted to others on the new (ish) flag stones and then overtook some runners on the descent and the drainage channel.

I opted for the road at the dam and it wasn't long before  familiar slap, slap told me Andy had caught me up. Gradually I am learning, so I let him go and carried on at my own pace. I hoped Bob was enjoying his day.

 I rushed through the first CP feeling no need for food just yet but did manage a finger of fudge as I climbed onto the moor. The views to Pendle were superb and I enjoyed the easy track. I had been pleased to see Vic M back running the series but she was having stomach issues and keen to know how far to the next CP. Then I caught Graham, also having a bad day. I slowed as we made the final climb to Long Causeway and a small group overtook me. A jammy dounut as I jogged up the road revived me and prepared me for the horrid mud below Stipperden farm. I don't think that bit of path ever dries out. It was here I caught Andy up.

 Last weekends excellent time at Trollers was taking it's toll today. I was determined to run my own race but catching people was giving me confidence. The next section was no where near as wet or muddy as I had feared it might be and after no time at all we emerged at the golf course. The sneaky little path by the church always makes me timid but I emerged at the main road in one piece. I didn't use the rough ground short cut and actually overtook 4 runners by taking the slightly longer easy route.  I knew the climb up to Mankinholes would be tough but I stuffed a gel down and drank some chia. Taking part in Joe's nutrition study has taught me I need to eat and drink more plus introduced me to Torq gels which I like. The fields at the to were wet but I was now spurred on by the thought of another dounut. I declined the whisky though. I lost no places going up Stoodley and my legs felt better than usual as we started the big descent.  Supporters were out in Calis woods- thanks Mandy and Charmian. The tarmac descent to Hebden is my least favourite part of the whole race but I tried to smile at Phil aka Capt Krypton. The 'normal' people in Hebden always look at us as if we are freaks and this year was no exception. I ate more on the road upto Heptonstall and was motivated after a chat with Jesse. A sharp stone in my shoes caused me grief on the descent to Horse Bridge but I was reluctant to stop until part way up the next climb I felt I had no choice. At least Salomon laces make it a quick and easy task. I tried to use others to pull me up this climb and although Carol and a small group slowly pulled ahead I did manage to hold my own with most of the others. Leaving the last CP I spotted Helen catching me up. Her knee was giving her some issues but she pushed on with determination to Top O Stair. I gained some yards back on the descent to the final reservoir and suddenly realised I could perhaps get a PB. It gave me just enough motivation to push hard over Penistone even when my Garmin died.

 It wasn't enough to catch Helen quite but a sneaky little new to me route after the church let me catch 3 others and fly into the finish.

It is possibly the least wasted I have felt at the end of this race which in some ways makes me think I should have run harder but in other ways is pleasing. I did get a PB of 5 hours 28. I still only drank about 300ml but at least I ate a fair bit.My times over the last 8 years have gone from 5,44 at first to a best of 5.30 and a PW of 5,48 last year. It was good to have tea (several cups), pasta and cakes before dashing out to the van to change.

I was able to greet friends as they finished instead of sitting in a messy heap like last year and tried to hand out as many Runfurther fliers as I could. Brett had delayed the prize giving til 2pm so we were able to distribute Runfurther prizes and spot prizes from our sponsors. Just as we were leaving for a committee meeting at the pub Bob arrived back.

 It was great to just manage a photo of him finishing. He was tired but not trashed and although cross to be a minute over 8 hours he was pleased to be well inside his self imposed time limit.  A pint and a meeting later we were back to take down the flags and make our way home before it got too dark. What a great start to the season.

Troller's Trot

This was a new race for me although the event centre was well known from the Fellsman. The forecast for saturday was much better than Sunday so perhaps I would be lucky this time. Despite tractors and grannies on the A59 I arrived in plenty of time. I was registered and still had time to reduce the gear in my sack and catch up with friends. It was good to see Mick again and to know he was back running.

 We also spotted Rachel Hill returning after 18 months off with injury.
I knew that Andy had a last minute entry and felt his broken wrist would be OK so long as he didn't fall. The route was mostly on tracks and good paths so hopefully all would be well.

We swapped injury stories- my glute area is still not right after a street O that was obviously too fast. Still the sun was out and it was warm, I almost wished I'd worn shorts and certainly did not need my cag.
We congregated out at the front of the school before heading out onto the lane. The start was bound to be fast as it was flat and on a good surface. I tried not to go off too fast. From the rugby club we headed west along lanes and then out onto the moor. It was boggy in places but not too bad. before long we hit a track and then a lane and were heading for the villages of Hetton and Rylestone with the first manned checkpoints. It was a disappointment to find only dry buscuits but nevermind. By now my early speed had caught up with me and my leg was protesting and forcing me to walk for short stretches. I remembered the track to the skyline from a MTB adventure years ago.I head the slap slap of feet and knew Andy was just behind me.

As we headed out to Rylestone Cross and Embsay Moor he got further and further ahead.  It was frustrating but I hoped by slowing my speed my leg would ease off and allow me to complete. I made decent time down over the moors and past the Barden reservoirs and was soon crossing the river at Barden. It was picturesque near the Priestshouse and the ruins of Barden Tower and I don't think I had been there before. I ignored the real dairy ice cream van at the bridge and pushed on. The scenery changed yet again as we headed uphill onto an old track and then across fields to another pretty village and Parcevall Hall.

This led us into the start of Trotters Gyll, although we branched left ontot a grassy gully rather than going up the gyll itself. From here I knew it was all downhill.

Burnsall was full of tourists enjoying a beautiful spring day and many were walking along the river. From here the Dales Way follows the river all the way back to Grassington.

Burnsall was busy

I did try to run and managed for much but my last km was pathetic even though it was now flat. To my credit I did overtake 3 others who were also struggling and saw off a rival who had been with me all morning. I wish I had known how close it was to 4 hours. In my despaeration to make sure I did not forget my garmin I had started it early but forgotten this. Arriving at the bridge I thought the 4 hours were up whereas I finished in 4 hours 56 secs and it took me more than 56 secs to get up the the school! It was a joy to run into the finish in the daylight. I have only ever finished there at around midnight after a hard day out on the Fellsman.

I won a Toblerone as first FV50 and once I'd had a quick rest scuttled off with Andy to find food and pour over Calderdale Hike and Fellsman maps. He was shuffered to have got round without injury, sub 4 hours and to have beaten me. He also got a Toblerone as firts MV60. As we were finishing our food we were joined by Alison B and then the Trawden girls. If I moved east and wanted a club I would have to consider joining them they are always so friendly and cheerful.

Another recee

The weather forecast promised warmer, less wind and mostly dry with sun so the plan was on. Bob wanted to run the coues of the Haworth Hobble again and I had bits of the Claderdale Hike I still wanted to recee. As we drove past Burnley the rain started. Perhaps it was just a shower. No, by Todmorden it was heavy drizzle. Bob dropped me at Summit and I set off along the canal hoping the weather would improve as the day progressed. He meanwhile drove back to leave the van between Tod and Hebden. The rain got heavier as I reached Sladen Fold and then almost stopped. I decided to check out the route Andy had taken first. It was fine until the end of Hey Head Lane but then there was a section where the ground was awash, then the rain started again and suddenly all the paths became a bit vague. Tunnel vision with my hood up didn't help and my goloves were soon soaked. I stuck my hands up my sleeves and ignored the map. Not the wisest choice of action really. Before I knew it I was soaked but I spotted some small cargs and used them to shelter while I dragged on waterproof over-tousers. Unaware at the time my garmin turned itself off here. It clearly was not my day! I set off back uphill to Fox Stones. I had at this point intended dropping back to the main road and trying the official route but I was grumpy, wet and cold and could not be bothered. With Andy's warning about avoiding the 'somme' of the wind turbine construction I pushed on. I must have dropped too far south because I missed the path shown on the map. After a stomp up the hillside I found a path and set offacross Crook Moor.  This section all the way to the stepping stones was easy and made sense. Now I was cross I had not stuick to my plan and returned to the main road. Andy had gone NW to the Rossendale Way so I decided to  go more northerly especially when I found a reasobale line if not a path. I had thought about going oon the track via Coolam but it seemed a detour. By the time my trod took me to the trig oon Trough End Edge it was blowing fiercely and raining again. I decided to drop to the Rossendale Way and use the wall for shelter and grab some food. The wind was northerly and so the wall didn't help and then it started sleeting. So much for the forecast. The ground was saturated and there were calf deep puddles everywhere. I ran on and checked out the drop to the Limers Gate track. It was fine. Then I doubled back to the Trig point to see what the start of that path was like. It was a reasonable fell path and no wetter than the top. Looking across to Stoodley etc it seemed to be sunny? Hmm, that's not fair. Limers gate track led me to the A681 but not until I had waded through calf deep watery mud from the contractors vehicles. I got some strange looks from motorists as I jogged up the verge to Slate Pit Hill. At least now the wind and rain were not directly into my face.  It was a joy to run although a sore glute was slowing me down espcially on the uphill scetions. At least my achilles seemed OK today. Andy had gone NE to the woods so I stayed on the Flower Scar 'road'  and only turned just before Tower Causeway. The rain stopped as I descended into Cornholme and I contemplated going back up to check out the woodland path  or another alternative. In the time it took me to check out the map the rain started again. By now I had lost my sense of humour and my sense of purpose.  I swore loudly and set off on the climb to Lower Mount Farm. From there I knew it was an easy run on the Hobble route back to the van.

Hawkstones looking splendid in the sun

Guess what? As I arrived at Mount Cross the sun came out, the sky cleared and even the clouds further south where I had spent the morning started to break up. Now I was angry.

Wet ground but clear skies towards Howarth and Stoodley

I had spent almost 4 and a half hours in cag and over-trousers, how dare it do this. I was going to back at the van very early but did not really think I had time or energy to run back to Summit and try the other lines.

Full gear although now the sun was out

What a waste of a beautiful afternoon. I sat in the van with coffee and a book and sulked. Fortunately Bob had really enjoyed himself. Despite being only a few miles apart he had enjoyed an almost dry day and had even run with no cag for the warmer middle part of the day.

I always wonder how many feet have walked the paved way

At least he now feels confident that he knows the route and can complete the course. So lessons learned: put OTs on more quickly, wear rather than carry the bigger gloves, stick to the plan of the recee and eat more and earlier. I did at least tell myself at the time that I should be thankful to be out... it could be worse, I could have been at work. It does give me an excuse for another day out.

Just an update

10 days with running and or exercise in the last fortnight. Cannot be bad. I have run in Cuerden Valley, done hill reps on the Asda 3 hills plus the muddy one, been climbing twice and done two lots of long slow runs planning a street O event and done a faior bit of core and stretching.

Mick Mac and the 3rd Lady

More importantly I ran the Bleasdale Circle fell race for the first time in many years. True I was slower than 8 years ago but I guess that is to be expected. I shared a lift with 3 other Preston Harriers and met even more once we arrived.

 It was cold but sunny in the village as we parked.  I did a short warm up and established that the local fields were boggy- no surprise there. Just as we were herded from the primary school yard out onto the lane there was an almighty hailstorm. Fortunately it was shortlived but it had me worried; would I be warm enough? Cag on or off? No time to ponder, we were off!

The start was fairly quick across the muddy fields  but when the fields end the climb begins. It is a tough pull up to Fiensdale and Paddy's Pole. I lost places on the gentle slope but soon made it up on the steep bit. I could see Pete and Mick ahead and was determined to reel them in. Mick and I blasted along the ridge towards Parlic and I knew we would catch Pete. I love that swooping ridge and never tire of the views over the Fylde.

By the top of Parlic I realised with a little effort I could overtake an aquaintance and win my age class. I was less timid on the descent and that was all it took. I should have pushed a little harder on the last fields but by then I was knackered and the mud sapped the last of my strength. Mick and two younger ladies finished just ahead of me. The race only cost me £4 and this included lots of fantastic homemade soup. I also had tea and cake to help club funds. Waiting for the prize giving gave me a chance to catch up with lots of friends.

3rd man

Andy who I had traveled with was 3rd Man, so I shouldn't laugh at his hand warmers and fleecy headband. I got a very generous voucher as LV50 and we all sang Happy Birthday to Yianis who was 70.  Oh, and the race started at 12 noon so I got a lie in first.

 My warm down was a brisk walk home from Pete's house. Thanks for driving Dave (we never caught him now his tri training has given him new speed and strength)

Suuny after the race of course

Longridge street O was the first rainy street run for some time but it was warm and steady drizzle and I loved it. I know the town well after all the hours spent there while chris was at gymnastics and I knew where the hills were which helps. I was one of the early starters and we missed the mist. I had a blast of a run which was fine until later when my right glute started objecting strongly. Still; lots of points, good beer, good cheap food, gossip from Portugal O and only a short drive home.
I decided sore glute or not I would go and recee some of the new Calderdale Hike route.

The last of the clouds as I got to Nab End

The forecast was good- cold but dry. I parked up the hill from Hebden and checked with the men resurfacing the road that my car would not be in their way. Once I had climbed to Errington Grange I was on route and hoping the first bits would be fairly straight forward even if backwards to normal. It was boggy on the old lane but I descended to Cragg Vale without problem and climbed upto Nab End on what seemed like a good line even if it was not really on a path nearer the top. I passed the race start and set off into new territory. The direct route down a steep path and steps seems best unless it snows or is icy. I negotiated the mills in the valley bottom and climbed through a small beech wood and onto a steep lane with slippery setts.

This went up and up to Langley. The early cloud was clearing and it was now getting warm. The next bit was varied with a tiny path in steep woodland, a big farm track and even some tarmac. Andy had receed a 'high' route so I tried dropping lower. I missed the turn onto the dis-used railtrack but found a great path along the river. It was peaceful, pretty and easy running.

After crossing the main road and ignoring the very tempting sandwhich shop a big easy track led to the first of the reservoirs. I missed a turning shortly after this and so explored a 'new' route. It started well but led me into tussocks and too high onto Dog Hill. Not to worry, I had never been to that trig point before.

I need to recee a lower route that leads to the permissive path more quickly. The views north were superb but south and quite close was the M62 with a constant prosession of lorries. I skipped a trip to Windy Hill as the out and back looked obvious. The Pennine Way from the M62 footbridge to Blackstone Edge is straight forward but gets more rocky and boggy as you progress. Not great for tired legs.

 I was tired and stopped for food and to admire the views.

Another trig point and then I was off to the White House. I didn't get the line perfect and lost the path after the Aiggin Stone but it was still quite runnable.

The next bit looked tricky but Andy's description was spot on and as it was donwhill I was soon at Sladen Fold. This was decsion time.

We were due at a birthday party that evening so I could not afford to be late. I decided I had to leave the next sections for another day. It was still a fair way back to the car anyway. I plodded steadily along the canal tow path and then climbed up to the moors and Lumbutts church. This got me back on route and set for an easy run along the old London Road back to Errington Grange and down to the car.

What a sky! It seemed a shame to be leaving but I had to get back.

Not a bad day out and although 6 hours plus was slow for 25 miles I had checked the route, noted landmarks and not made my glute any worse. Unfortunately by the time I had driven home my right achilles had joined the body protest. Bugger.