It's been HOT and DRY

 I'm a sucker for the sunshine and heat. It makes me stay out and do way more stuff than I should just in case the good weather doesn't last and I miss it! So it was that just a couple of days after the Fellsman we were up in the Lakes. My recovery was our usual climbing session on Preston wall for 4 hours- with a number of breaks because I was starving hungry.

By Monday evening we were parked up near Crummock Water and I had a short walk up the hill to find wifi signal (this became crucial later in the trip). We no longer walk or run together but Bob had planned a more modest anticlockwise loop and my hope was that we would meet on the top at our respective half way points. 

I got carried away and headed north further than I intended but then missed the Darren Holloway trod and did a wild and direct ascent of .. It was a stunning day and I wanted to get the worst of the climb over before it became too hot. My memory of Whiteside is from the race many years ago where I skidded on greasy rock and smashed my face- lots of blood and maybe a cracked cheek bone. I finished the race but it was a tough day out to put it mildly. Today the rock was dry and dusty and I wasn't in such a hurry anyway. 

Time to stop and take in the views at Gasgale Crags before continuing to Hopegill Head and meeting the first person of the day. I had not planned to include Grisedale Pike but it was too tempting and not really an out and back using the path that skirts Sand Hill. I spotted a direct path up Eel Crag and having never been that way decided to take it. Steep but good taking me directly to the trig on Crag Hill. There was no sign of Bob so I headed over Scar Crag and a stop for food. Still no sign so I set off for Grasmoor and then over to my left I spotted him. A short detour let us meet. I ran strongly, for me, up Grasmmor and loved the descent back down as I headed for Wandhope and Whiteless Pike. The big debate in my head ow was how much did I want an ice-cream? (the answer is always yes please).  I dropped to Buttermere and although horrified at the £6.50 price tag got my ice-cream. 

It was then a bit of a pull up the side of Rannerdale even though I skipped the summit. The bluebells were lovely and well worth the diversion.

From here it was an easy run back to Lanthwaite and the van. I was eating and sunbathing by the time Bob returned. Only 23km but lots of climb.

My legs felt Ok so the next day I set off for another sunny run. This time we moved the van to Buttermere and I set off along the lakeside to Gatesgarth, It was really odd running the L100 section in reverse and in the early not fading light. 

I knew the pull up Fleetwith Pike would be steep and it did not disappoint. My hopes of it still being in the shade didn't pan out but the stunning views made up for it. From there across to Grey Knotts was surprisingly damp underfoot. I skipped Brandreth and headed on deserted trods to the tarns and Haystacks. My aim now was the whole ridge out to Great Bourne where I could collect another trig!(my aim this year, on top of various other aims is 128 trigs).  

The Lakes is surprisingly poor for collecting them with none on Fleetwith, Grey Knotts, Haystacks, Seat, High Crag, High Stile, Red Pike or Starling Dodd.! The climbs were steep but I was having fun and I stopped to chat to people on High Stile I spotted Bob arriving from the north- perfect. 

After a brief chat I ran on north and apart from a short rocky section off Red Pike it was fab with grassy paths and none of the usual bogs. Great Bourne was deserted so I pressed straight on for Floutern Tarn. 

I tried a swim but my body was roasting, the water was cold and it didn't get deep quickly enough for a sudden plunge. I got in on the third go but it was more of a dunk than a swim! It was still over 6km back to Buttermere so I pressed on and was amazed to find so much bog. I had no signal in Buttermere and so didn't know if I was ahead or behind Bob. 

I was thirsty having run out of water twice so I stopped at the Bridge Inn- a pint of shandy and a pint of water please. I had barely sat down in their garden when I spotted Bob and called him in for a drink.  We then walked back to the van together.

I had planned to paddle-board the next day. The van had issues (starter motor) so it was a steep carry down but not too bad. Another sunny day. I headed out across the water and once at the other shore stopped to admire views before heading to the southern end of the lake.

I explored a little way up the stream but there was no way I was going to reach Buttermere. The wind was much stronger than up at the van  and seemed to being funnelled in all directions depending which valley I was opposite. I continued my tour of the lake to below Rannerdale Knotts and then turned back north. 

The wind was now quite fierce so I sort of went with it to the western shore and then had the most exciting surf to the end of the lake. Wow. As I rested on the little beach I tried to work out my next moves. 

The wind and waves were so strong I decided I needed to wade around the rocky promontory and then would be OK into the final bay. It was hard work but worked out OK. A final rest on the last beach and then a short paddle back to where I had launched.  11km or so with lots of breaks.

Our final day was Bob's birthday and as we couldn't move the van I hatched a plan. Bus to Honister and then walk back over Dale Head, Hindscarf and Robinson, Meal in the Bridge Inn and wander back to the van. 

It all went perfectly with the fighter jets putting on a great show at the top of the pass. as we began our first climb. We remembered years ago when I joined Andy on the last leg of his BG here. 

The views in all directions were amazing and for me it was easy miles at a leisurely pace. 

Another warm sunny day and I was happy to be going a bit slower. We don't often walk together now so it made a nice change. Another 18km. 

Back at the van we were reluctant to try a bump start as if we failed we might block the whole valley and be rather unpopular so we wandered up the hill for signal and called for help. The breakdown man had just taken his son to work at a nearby pub and so was very speedy. We were soon on our way home praying all would be well so long as we didn't stall or turn the engine off!

Bank Holiday Monday meant no garages open so we climbed, shopped and I went for a local cycle ride- 33km on the rather flat Fylde. 

On the Tuesday we cycled together and had a cafe lunch- about 52km in total. That evening I went to the first of our orienteering club's summer sprint O events. Tired legs and a lack of fast decisions meant I didn't have a perfect run but it was a beautiful evening and I got to see friends. 

The next day we set off to cycle to a new pop up coffee shop run by an ex-pupil. Bob had e-bike issues but I found it and had a lovely coffee, cake and chat. Another 40km+ speedy ride.

The van now had a new starter motor so we set off for the Dales. I wanted to do the Dales Skyline again. Last time I did it E-W with a very steep climb up Barbon hill near the end. This time I would try W-E. It is a tough day out at almost 60km and with over 2900m of climb. 

We slept well in the van on the outskirts of Barbon and I was off and out nice and early. I made good time up the first top but then seemed very slow down the rough pathless drop to the cattle grid. 

I didn't get the perfect line up Whernside but it was OK and I knew the next sections very well off the top, down to the Hill Inn, over Ingleborough and then on to Horton. 

It was hot and I stopped at the toilet with the tap and drank masses before filling by bottle again. A sheep traffic jam slowed my climb up PyG and then it was easy running before the turn up to Fountains Fell. 

At the path bend I opted for straight up and had the funniest moment of the day when using my hands on a very steep slope I almost grabbed a toad. I scared it enough that it leapt- straight up and into my face. I screamed. Thankfully there is no video. Fountains Fell and Malham Moor was lovely running but then it all turned bad. 

It was hot, I was out of water and the next sections seemed really hard work- not steep just rough and endless. After crossing the Pennine Bridleway it took for ever to reach Rye Loaf hill, although I did at least manage a small diversion for some seemingly clean water.  Thankfully the paths back NW through the limestone were lovely and I was soon on the trig near Warrendale Knotts with just the run down into Settle to complete. 

Bob was enjoying his own adventures over in Kingsdale and so I took a selfie at the market cross and tried not to be too upset that my time was almost 40 minutes slower than my other attempt. 

A litre of cold chocolate milk revived me a little as I sat waiting. A short drive took us to one of our fav camp spots near Winskill Stones. I was tired! A relaxing evening and the standard for there- a beautiful sunset.

The great weather was set to continue so I planned a recovery amble. The plan was across the limestone to the top of Malham Cove, over to Goredale Scar, round the tarn and back to the van. 

It wasn't long before I decided that I could run the flat and downs and perhaps the gentlest ups. Most of the way was empty but there were quite a few people  but not crowds at the predictable places. 

It was still quite early. After the tarn I saw nobody and took some less frequented paths. To avoid some road running I extended my route a little. 

Back at the van after 25km Bob was still out on his bike ride. We arranged to meet in Settle for an ice-cream. Jogging down was easy and the ice-cream was lovely. The walk back up was hard work although I did unexpectedly bump into Duncan Elliot- the man who dreamed up the Dales Skyline. He was pleased to hear that I had now done it in the 'correct' direction. I think I prefer E-W  but either way it is a lovely route. 

My slow time was in part due to an in-coming cold, cough and chest infection- Cheers Layton. Love my grandchild but he harbours some serious germs! Another 6km or so added to the day. 

One day left and I suggested that as it would be Sunday we should get up early and drive over the tops to Littondale which would be quieter than most Dales as was not far away. We met no big vehicles and were parked up in Arncliffe for breakfast before most people were up. Bob was not sure what he would do. A broken bike chain meant no cycling. 

Hard to believe these were submerged for the last race here

I ran to the end of the valley  with all sorts of memories of UTYD but at the steeping stones I carried on north and then at Halton Gill turned up onto the big ridge. A short out and back gained my Horse Head trig, not been there before. The rest of the ridge heading mainly SE looked great on the map. In fairness it was dry underfoot but a little 'lumpier' than I had anticipated. 

I saw nobody for miles and had amazing views back to the 3Ps and across the Fellsman land in the other direction. Most of the smaller tarns had completely dried out and there was no bog. From the second trig at Firth Fell it was a joy. 

I bumped into a Fellsman friend out walking with his wife but there were still very few people. From the final trig above Hawswick I  found a nice short cut, watched a red kite and dropped back to the valley floor. It had been a trip of wild life- hares, deer but mostly so many birds. Hawswick was pretty and I followed the river path back to Arncliffe. 

I was tempted to swim on one big river bend where swallows were nesting but pushed on back to the van.  28km done. No sign of Bob so I left a note and went to the pub.

Sat out in the sun I managed to get enough signal to text. He was up the valley at the pub in Litton. 

I jogged up to meet him and we walked back together. Another 8km or so done. I then got my swim, a real swim, in a beautiful pool only about a ten minute walk from the van. 

The weather was still glorious but it was time to go home. Love the Dales. So many wild flowers and so much bird life.

My 11th Fellsman

It has been dry, drier than ever and for ages so the ground underfoot was going to be the best it could be in terms of lack of bog and firmness. Maybe tougher for the feet in some ways but less energy sapping I was hoping. The forecast was also looking promising- not wall to wall sunshine and possibly some light rain at some point but mostly dry. This led me to debate which race vest/sack to use and I changed my mind several times in the preceeding week- if I had still been working I just would not have had the time! In the end I overpacked and used my trusty old KIMM sack. I have used it before and know it works plus it is roomy enough to pull things in and out without needing a flat table to repack all items.

Bob and I drove over to Threshfield after our usual Friday indoor climbing . We were soon parked up and all the flags and banners were up quickly. It is no big hassle when the weather is kind. The display boards were up and I had laid out lots of rope mats and dog toys in the hope of raising some funds for Mountain Rescue.  Bob was involved with kit check but we returned to the van for a meal first. 

Thanks to all our sponsors

There was a minor change to registration with much of the queue being inside the school in case of bad weather. It was speedier than last year but I know some people queued for some time and wish now that I had volunteered to kit check too. 

Nick and his choice of the now compulsory goggles

I chatted with friends- some doing the Fellsman and others doing the Dart (new half option).Soon after 9pm I was back in the van having a last minute faff and then laying stuff out for the morning before getting an early night. I woke briefly when Bob returned at 10.20 but was soon asleep again.

Lots of spot prizes as usual

I always beat my alarm clock at races so before 5.30 I was up and dressed. Bob did know what his tasks might be and so got up too. It seems an early start for an 8.30 race but I was keen to make time for breakfast, toilet visits and being in plenty of time for the last bus which would leave at 6.30am.  It's a pleasant journey and I had a seat at the front and so did not feel nauseous.  In Ingleton the queue was much better this year and we were soon inside collecting numbers to be recorded by pen and paper at each CP, woop woop watches for the Fell tracker system, tally cards and finally trackers. If technology moves on and there is some yet to be thought of improvement I am sure the Fellsman will add it in- but apparently they will not remove the Tally!

Curlew did not run the Fellsman

Once in the main hall I met up with Charles and then Albert and Dave plus Mark S. Matt N appeared and many other friends that I only see at certain races. Julian was collecting names for an Oldies Team as usual.

Start field and a minutes silence for Bandy

Well before 8.30 we started to move out onto the playing fields where we met a massive Curlew. It was being worn by a walker completing a hike through the Dales for charity and to raise awareness of the ground nesting birds. IN the end I had decided to run in my longest 3/4s even though it meant carrying some longs. I felt it might be too chilly for real shorts and hate having to change at dusk. I had packed my bigger cag which was a mistake as it stayed in my sack the whole time. Two long sleeve base layers was all I used all day this year. No need for the gloves, waterproof over mitts or spare thicker mitts.  The start is always a mad dash, especially now the majority leave via the steep bank and tiny gate. As we left the road at the edge of town there were still people racing for position. I tried to settle into what would be a reasonable pace for me and kept up the internal chant of "it's a long way yet just wait, plod on". Despite this I always emerge onto the Ingleborough Summit feeling things have been too fast. Our friends and neighbours were manning the CP as usual and had many many layers on in the chilly breeze up there. 

I had toyed with the idea of checking out the more direct grass descent as I hate the crowded steps. Some day I will actually get round to a recee and decide which is best for me. Today I played safe and went to the steps. We caught a group doing a charity challenge.  They obviously have as much right to be there but who would organise a challenge on the same day as PPP and when almost 400 Fellsman runners are going to try to get past. Once off the rocks it was a lovely run down to the Hill Inn. So dry it was easy to take to grassy trods beside the flag stones.

I needed nothing yet and so once wooped I headed on down the road and onto the track leading to Wernside. No SportSunday photographers to make me smile this year but I had a spell of feeling good- until it got steep that is. Claire has not been running much and I could see her just ahead. It gave me something to aim for. Once on the main ridge you get to see all those who have already been to the CP at the trig (well not the fastest runners who are already long gone). 

Friends manning the Whernside CP

A quick turn around here and then it was off down the ridge and the CP in Kingsdale. Most of this is lovely grassy flat or downhill running. I knew I should eat and so grabbed two Voom bars at the CP. I quickly ate them as I plodded up the gentle starter slope. Before long I had sharp pains in my lower belly- was it the Voom? I will never know but certainly I struggled up the steep climb to Gragareth and could barely run on the flatter path to the CP and back. 

Gragareth just gets steeper and steeper

Perhaps I had just set off too fast and was now paying for it? It was disappointing being caught by runners but there was nothing to be done except to plod on and admire the view. I was quite pleased with my line off Great Coum  but then felt I was slow on the track after Flinters Gyll. The nasty track was dry but still hard on the feet and two women got ahead of me. At Dent there was kit check which is always irritating as inevitably what they want is buried deep in your sack. Dave was sat waiting for Albert but I had to say that I had not seen him. I topped up my water and had different food before heading off along the minor road eating my sandwich. A third of the race done and things sort of OK. I started to feel a bit more positive and was able to call back a runner who otherwise would have gone very wrong. By now people were settling into their natural pace and most of those I was with now I would be with at least on and off all the way to the finish. Between us we took a good line to Blea Moor and although it was still a little damp at the bottom it was much less boggy than usual. I lost some time over the short stretch of rough grass to the air shaft and then again on the steep steps through the last plantation but I did run pretty much all of the road and arrived in Stonehouse ready to eat again. Last year their theme was Alice in Wonderland this year a prison break.

Stonehouse -pasta please

The climb under the viaduct is never easy and I did not have the energy to dig out my phone to take a photo of the train. The next CP on Great Knoutberry is another little out and back with lots of mutual support by those ascending and descending. The run down was wonderful. Suddenly I found myself running alone- too slow for the guys ahead but a bit faster than those behind. I wasn't really worried and this continued pretty much until the finish. A good line let me catch them by Redshaw. 

I had a quick chat with Aimie as I ate hot dog ( I had marshalled the CP with her a few years ago) and left munching banana. I was trying to remember if it was my second or third and how much you needed to get potassium poisoning.  There was banter as we climbed to Snaizeholme and set off on the fence line to the big track. I had told the group about the nice grassy track to the radio aerials at the road junction but they were met by family here and slowed to be with them for a while. By Dodd there were others with me and it helped keep the pace up to reach the trig. The line off was not obvious but I knew the way and we caught two that had dropped too low to the left. They then all followed me to the start of the bridleway and were pleased to have got such a good line.

At Fleet Moss we all wanted to eat and restock. I knew if I stopped here too long that it would feel very cold when I left and as they didn't have fruit salad this year and I didn't fancy the bean stew I was soon on my way.  The tarmac is a bit grim but I told myself it was easy kilometres and worked on catching anybody I could see ahead. I overtook one runner and two others were only just ahead when I reached the 'new' Deepdale CP by the river. Despite stopping for a pee I was still only just behind them at Yockenthwaite and we climbed the moor together. I was confident of my line to the 'new' CP at the wall corner and found some reasonable trods. It was now a short run to Hells Gap with the wall for guidance and we ran together before another short run down to Cray. I knew from LAW that the track had recently been covered with fresh aggregate and tried to find verge trods where I could. 

Great idea for runners with tired quads and CP staff that can't lift the heavy liquids

Cray is where I start to prepare for the night. I used their loo, organised my sack so that I could reach my gloves and torch and tried to eat some more. People seemed to be taking a variety of lines up the stream below Buckden Pike but I just stuck with what I know and was happy.  It was still light at the trig, just, but I put my torch on to avoid tripping on the flagstone path along the top. After the memorial I jumped through the wall and so avoided the boggy peaty erode mess on the north side- so much better. I was alone again, although I could see red lights ahead and torches behind me. I have taken many different lines here and basically until you hit the main path none are great. The main path had the most mud of the day so far.  

Sadly dark when I arrived 

At the Top Mere CP it was nice to shout hello to Joe and Nav4 friends before the easy bridleway that would lead me to the road above Park Rash. I caught two runners here and we ran across the grass paths to the fairly lights at the CP together. I tried to find things I wanted to eat but mostly drinks and somehow left the CP alone. 

Fairy lights and beacons

There were torches ahead and behind as I climbed up to Great Whernside. Either here or on Buckden it briefly tried to drizzle on me but it did not last long and I continued in just my base layers. 

I felt I was slow on the steep bit to the stile but them made better time on the moor. Somewhere around here I started overtaking Dart people. I was running alone again but happy- I was sticking to the fence line until the Langcliffe Pot area. I was mostly happy but in a moment of inattention did manage to find a deep dark bog with my right leg. At least it didn't suck my shoe off.

From Capplestone Gate I had other runners around me. Strangely one group of guys seemed reluctant to run so two of us pulled ahead. We got a good line down to the bridleway and soon picked up the beacons and reflective tape that would lead us to Yarnbury. Here I grabbed sweets for just a hit of sugar. I must have been in a better state than some years because I managed to run/jog almost all of the road and down into Grassington. I knew I couldn't quite beat 16 hours so there seemed little point in making a crazy effort. I got cat called near the pubs but two groups of local teenagers were lovely and encouraging.

Yes- if there is mud or bog I will find it

A stomp and jog up from the bridge saw me arrive at the school in 16hrs 07mins- faster than last year- something I would not have believed when I was in Dent.

Winners- they look so young

 8th female behind a very speedy Anna Llewellyn who won outright and took a new record. 

1st FV60 (only FV60) and only 20 mins behind the FV50 and only beaten by one MV60. I wonder how many more I can do?

Bob was there at the finish. He had slotted in a bike ride but then been helping man the finish desk. Several cups of tea, baked potato with chilli, apple pie and custard refreshed me enough to feel it was time for bed. I couldn't face what might be a cold shower and so opted for a strip wash in the van. 

Another £44 for Mnt Rescue

A fried egg breakfast set me up for taking down the flags and then the prize giving. An overall female win for first time ever in The Fellsman, and indeed in the Dart too. We did get the Oldies team prize again and I collected a spot prize of a tent for Mark who has now completed the Fellsman!

We were tired but less so than last year and being home by mid afternoon certainly helped.

Nav4 Lakes Mountain 40

 Not a Runfurther race- just for me! and I guess because I cannot do P39 this year it was a sort of consolation prize.  I last did this route in post covid August. It was hot and we ate post race out on the lawn. Before that I had done two LM42s when we dropped to Thirlmere. It often clashes with the Calderdale Hike which is usually in the Runfurther series. It was nice just to turn up, with no flags etc to worry about. We arrived via climbing at Kendal wall. I am sure that almost four hours there on the long routes and big overhang was slightly foolish but we had not been for a while and I loved it even if I did leave tired and with very sore hands. We also dropped off the old Romneys mint cake banner as we were in Kendal- things are coming to an end.

What a sky!

By late afternoon we were parked up by Askham Hall and relaxing. Knowing that once I ventured up to the race HQ I would inevitably get talking we opted to eat first. A big carbonara plus some wine and I was full. It was still raining as it had been all day so I wandered up with a brolly but alone. The entry this year seemed very small and unfairly so for such a good route and an event with good food. Registration was very fast and as the trackers could not be turned on until the morning there was little to do. It was good to have time to chat to Joe- two 'grumpy old gits' who  feel not all change is for the better. I wandered back to the van before dark and we topped up with heavily discounted Baileys from Aldi. It was still raining.

I collected my kit and clothes together and prayed that the rain would stop as the forecast said- I had not brought my big cag nor my over mitts (what was I thinking, they weigh nothing!). As I got ready for bed it became obvious the wedding party was in full swing but fortunately at a very low volume. It didn't keep me awake and I fell asleep to the sound of heavy rain.

At about 4am I realised that the rain had stopped. My alarm was set for 4.50 but a need for the toilet got me up earlier- sorry Bob. I made coffee for us both, at and got dressed. It was decidedly chilly in the van and Bob wisely stayed in bed.

By 5.20am I was back at the hall, had my tracker attached and was chatting to friends.  A few loo stops and then it was time to gather outside by the big tree/bus stop. I had two base layers and my light cag plus gloves. I wasn't too warm. Pyramid intervals in the week and then a long sunny run on Darwen Moor soon found me out. I felt I was struggling as we climbed towards Loadpot Hill. Bonnie was well out of sight and Louise was a bit ahead. 

Toosie- good company

I ran with Toosie a lovely South African and aiming to stick with her pulled me along all the way to Patterdale where she cut her race short and returned to Askham. Once over Loadpot the wind became stronger and it was really cold as we climbed towards High Street. The visibility diminished and it was good to have others around to confirm that I was on track. I was shocked at how wet the ground was in places- the moors at home are still bone dry. I was also very shocked at how cold my hands were and very annoyed with myself for only bringing the one pair of thin gloves- lesson ready for the Fellsman I guess. 

The High Street trig appeared and it was a joy to turn and head downwards hoping to get warm. Others coming up were also looking very cold. I got a great line off The Knott on a nice grassy slope and so avoiding the nasty stone path. I then messed it up a bit by taking too direct a line at Angle Tarn and so was back with Toosie again.  It was warmer now and we made decent time to Boredale Hause. I am getting slower and slower on the rock steps down to Side Farm- it infuriates me but a combination of worsening eyes, less elastic legs, slow reactions and the 'what if' scenario just cannot be changed. Plus I needed to stop for a pee.

Help- I look so old

The CP just before the main road was a welcome sight and Stuart, Angela, Louise etc were all very encouraging. I grabbed cheese and banana and pushed straight on- lots of time can be wasted at CPs.

I was alone all the way along and up the road and also on the big track to the bridge. I thought I could see Louise up ahead as I started on the path to Grisedale Tarn. I was nice and warm now- partly it was gone 10am and also it was sheltered in the valley. I hoped it wouldn't be too bad on the tops. Ruthwaite Lodge was set up for the cancer charity cake sale and I recognised those manning it as orienteers. I had no cash and no time to stop though. From here I soon reached the Brothers Parting Stone at the tarn. What a chilly spot to marshall from. I contemplated a direct ascent but decided I would keep better pace on the steps and I am glad I did as I soon spotted John Bamber with his camera. Dollywagon Pike soon came into sight and it was windy. Fortunately it was blowing from the east and so not dangerous, plus we did not need to follow the edge path over every lump. By Nethermost Pike the clag was down again and the sky looked very ominous to the north. 

Great scenery all day

We have free route choice between CPs and I had already pretty much decided that I was going down Swirral Edge. Striding Edge would be too slow and likely crowded and the zig zags and then Glenridding was much too far. I avoided most of the rock but was shocked at how muddy and eroded to path to the side was. At least it wasn't long before I was on grass and heading to the outlet of Red Tarn and the path up to the Hole in the Wall. I could not see that I was gaining on a guy and also Louise!

Louise

It was now warm but I didn't want to waste time stopping so just shoved my sleeves up and tucked my open cag around behind my race vest. I was pleased with my speed up to the stile but then slower than hoped as they had done 'work' on the path down into Grisedale. The work was rocks and large lumps of gravel. Before the tarmac I overtook the guy and this fired me up to chase Louise. It's not often that I start slow enough to then be able to pick people off later but today was going well and I had been eating quite well too.

Not today but same route

At Patterdale I grabbed more food and topped up my water before the easy run to Side Farm. Louise was now only a few minutes ahead and as I climbed to Boredale Hause I was happily reeling her in. I think we were both feeling it a bit on the long climb to Place Fell and it was windy on the top. We left the trig together which was good but in trying to stay ahead I forgot to look for the grassy trod off to the right and ended up on the ain path which is slower at the outset. By the big sheep fold I was definitely pulling away and this spurred me on further. I love the grassy paths that drop into Boredale and today they were pretty dry and runnable. I am less a fan of the tarmac which followed but was also determined to keep running to Martindale church and not to waste my lead. A quick check over my shoulder on the final climb to the church suggested all was well. 

I was now very warm and trying to count down the final km. Again we had route choice and I decided it would be best to stay by the road and take all the grassy short cuts which would be drier than usual. I was upset that when I did the race in Aug 2021 I had finished by now- time of 7.52 but it couldn't be helped. Surely being a few years older had not made such a difference? Once past the outdoor centre there seemed to be quite a few more tourists on the paths but I used them and others heading back to pull me on. 

Pleased with this- I was strong in the last third

I think I overtook 4-6 runners here.  Before the main track and the cockpit I could see Mark ahead in his distinctive shorts and white cag. I tried hard to catch him but although I got closer I could not quite do it. Once we hit the lane he made a very determined effort and despite us both running hard he beat me by less than a minute. 

8.49 was not the time I had hoped for but I was happy. Bonnie was first F in 7.37 so my 7.52 was overly optimistic especially when I found Matt N had only completed in 7.23.

I was 2ndF, 1st FV50/60 and pleased to find I had beaten the MV60s. The next FV60 was 2 hours behind and Louise was 10 minutes behind me. The hall seemed strangely empty and quiet compared to TDH before Christmas but it made for easy relaxation and lots of Nav4 food. Two bowls of soup, proper bread, cake and endless cups of tea quickly had me feeling good again. Bob came in a bit later- he had been out on his bike. I had a quick shower to remove some mud and sweat as we were staying up in the van rather than heading home. 

Celebrating a 40th Anniversary with 40 miles

We waited to see Albert and Michelle finish and then it was off to Shap for a chippy tea. We couldn't get to Oddendale and so went instead to the quarry above Orton and had splendid views of the eastern Lakes and Howgills for the evening. Not a bad day out and the forecast had been accurate.

Aug 2020 - I love the sun

Dry feet in Calderdale

 I knew I was woefully underprepared but hey ho. We had skied in Jan/Feb, then had a short trip to Morocco, then a longer trip to Iceland. Both were great but involved very little running and not really a great deal of walking. A last minute ski trip in March meant another spell of no running and I know from past experience that although I 'hope' it will maintain fitness it does not seem to. I had of course managed Bowland Ultra and LAW75 but they were weeks ago. To compound matters were returned to glorious weather and so having got the van back from some work set off for the Lakes. It was too nice not to run and so I spent Wednesday and Thursday running over big hills. Not ideal prep but it was too nice not to be out there!

We drove over after tea on Friday evening and intended to put up the flags and banners. It was still light and there were lots of kids playing out so we decided it was best to wait til morning. In previous years we were disturbed very early if we parked at the cricket ground and still quite early in the school car park. This year we were almost on our own- so much so that I checked the web to make sure we had the correct date!

The forecast was great with more dry, sunny, warm weather promised although the cold wind would continue. It was a shock to wake to a very cold van and grey skies. The forecast was still sticking to the story so we hoped it would improve. By 7.20 the flags were up and we were back in the van for breakfast. By 8 we wandered across to registration and to chat. The sky was getting blue and by 9 it was warmer.

Before the start I managed to find several runners that had been unable to attend the AGM and present necktubes. It was good to see Steve, Charlotte, Janet as well as the usual Kevin, Adam, Lawrence, Ian, Phil, Tim and more. The race now uses a timing chip rather than the old tallies although they were using pen and paper with watch times as a back up.

At 9am prompt we were set off to chase down the walkers who had departed one or two hours earlier. This year all but one runner left by the back gate and all stuck to the lanes too. Within minutes we came to a halt as a police car with lights and siren tried to get up one steep lane and turn onto our. Parked cars made it difficult but after a couple of minutes they were through and on our ay again- the first 8 or so made it past and were already some way down the lane. The steep, very steep descent on tarmac is not a great way to warm the legs up and I focused on trying to stay with Amy and not worry about the men.

Moving up out of the valley I remembered the way and was soon on my way up through Luddenden and Wainstalls. I was happy with my route from last year rather than the 'suggested' one. It is more on tarmac which is not great but it is certainly faster and I got ahead of about six runners by the time I reached Hough Gate Head Farm and the turning across some welcome grass and then Halifax Golf Club. I was still with Amy as she was less certain about the route. Once past Ogden Reservoir there seemed to be more of the walkers who had set off much earlier and as we headed down Hambleton Lane Amy started to pull away a little. She has borrowed the GPX file from Kevin and so she also knew to use the goyt rather than the lower track. I concentrated on not letting the distance increase as we headed to the CP at Nab Water Lane and then along the conduit to Hebden Bridge road. 

Once across this I tried to pick off walkers and recognised the posture of the person ahead. Postures are distinctive and I was quite sure it was Ian F even though I had not seen him back at the start. It was and so I slowed for a brief chat and to reprimand him for having the cheek to 'run' when he started as a walker!  Stairs Lane seemed quite short and I was soon heading down to the next CP at Grain Water Bridge.  Once on the bridleway there were a few more walkers and I caused some confusion when I announced "i'm not going that way". My way sticking to the bridleway until the barns at Nook is slightly further but much easier running and nav. Amy turned back and joined me. More grass led to Walshaw and then it was the long boring road/track all the way to the minor road. Amy was still in sight but pulling away a bit.

The next CP is slightly off route. I grabbed a banana and topped up my water before turning to trudge up and up the road to the dam of Widdop Reservoir. The ground was still unbelievably dry and firm which was making for faster progress but slightly sore feet. Gorple Gate track went on a bit but at least the wind was on my back. Again walkers were confused when I headed down the east side of Hurtswood Reservoir rather than up onto Gorple Road. Again it meant tarmac but I knew this was was all downhill and so faster.

I grabbed a sandwich at the CP before heading south to Long Causeway. The road seemed shorter this year and I didn't need anything from the CP.  Amazingly the path below Stippenden House farm was almost dry! Dry clean feet for I think the first time in over a decade on several races that take that route. Amy was now out of sight and I was running on my own; in fact I stayed alone until almost the finish. Once down at Stoodley Lane I refilled my water yet again. With route choice from here until the final finish climb it is pretty flat and I was determined to try to run all or most of it. It felt like many km on the boring canal tow path but at least it wasn't dead straight and stretching into the distance. A path closure near Hebden added more interest as did dodging tourists on the tow path and through the park. I escaped having avoided dogs, toddlers on bikes, prams etc and was now heading for Mytholmroyd. It always amuses me how Todmorden and Mytholmroyd are so 'normal' and even a bit poor whereas Hebden sandwiched between them is so obviously moneyed, a bit hippy and full of tourists.

After Mytholmroyd station it is cycle way, parallel but not on the canal. I stopped for a satsuma at the last CP and then concentrated on picking off walkers form the short and medium courses all the way along to Luddenden Foot and up the very very steep hill to Sowerby. Focus on the church and keep plodding! The finish via the back gate is only slightly shorter but every little helps.  I thought I was just over 7hrs but had started my watch early? and my official time was bang on 7hrs, the same as last year. Better than I dared hope. 2nd F behind Amy and certainly 1st FV50/60.

There was some confusion as to whether the new timing chips would record our finish time or the person sat inside doing it manually? It would also be better if the chips beeped loudly at each CP to confirm it had registered. Bob was waiting patiently for me having finished his bike ride some time earlier. The food was great and I refuelled on baked potato, chilli, cheese, yogurts and lots of drink (including a beer). It was a shame not to wait for all the others still running but we were due to meet Chris in Leeds so we quickly took down flags and banners before saying our goodbyes and Thank you.