No 57 Goathland a week late

The race was last weekend but we had promised our time to an orienteering event. This weekend however we were free. We visited Chris in Leeds on Saturday, plus Martin, Becky and Ruby so it wasn't such a long drive.

Great choice of poster!

We were parked up in the track at Eller Beck at a very reasonable hour. Sadly the heater was having what I hope are teething troubles so we went to bed early to read, always cozy in bed. Not long after 8am I was off and running. I had too many layers on and after about 500m when I crossed the railway line I was taking off hat, gloves and one layer. Fylingdales loomed on the horizon behind me but the moor was deserted.

I made good speed to the standing stone even though it was uphill. At this rate I would be back for a late lunch!

The track down to Goathland was fun and it wasn't so muddy that I got wet feet. The village was silent and the dining room of the hotel was full with people still eating breakfast. I found the turn off no trouble and there was yet more downhill (I was sure I would pay for this later) along what seemed to be an old railtrack, except it was quite steep. The cottage at the bottom confirmed it, Incline Cottage. The path then turned, uphill for a change and above the river back to the outskirts of Goathland. The paths across the moor were grassy and very runable and even the turn back up to the standing stone didn't seem too bad. I yomped through some heather to avoid a muddy patch and was relieved it was not knee deep like on Bowland. Here I met my first person to say hello to before I set off, downhill again, over Simon Howe Rigg. Climbing on a gap in the forest to Wardle Rigg I slowed a bit and ate the first of my food. The tracks at the top did not seem quite right but I chose the correct one and was even rewarded with a little yellow tag left over from the race. The descent to the track near the railway line was steep and I startled two deer.

At the bottom I hoped I might see the steam train close up but it waited until I was climbing out of the valley. The run around the foot of Levisham Moor was great- I am sure I run faster on mud than big forest tracks. Somehow I just feel happier. I made a slight detour to visit Skelton Tower before the climb to Dundale Pond. At first the path seemed to be taking me the wrong way here, and I even got my compass out, but once I had meandered my way through the highland cattle I realised there was another junction and I could go north. This was a lovely track, uphill but easy running and nice and grassy underfoot.

It was hard to imagine people living there almost 2000 years ago but there are all sorts of ditches, burial mounds and tumuli. This was the busiest section of my run but not at all crowded compared to the Lakes. I have childhood memories of kite flying somewhere near Hole of Horcum but today I was just pleased to leave the road and head downhill towards the farm. (and pleased that Jon's route did not take us to the bottom for a fierce climb back up)

The track seemed hard underfoot and the steep concrete road was thankfully short. I made my detour up Blakey Topping; a wierd little mound that had to be an out and back.

I started to flag a bit as I climbed up the edge of a felled area to another stone cross. Time for more food. The next section was muddy and for the first time in the day I got damp feet.

Fylingdales is a bit of an eyesore and the generators ? were noisy but it was soon past. I had anticiapted that the next section would be a continuation of the same muddy but pleasant little path and got a surprise when I hit a tarmac road. It soon petered out into a stoney track and stayed that way all the way to Lilla Cross. Good running but hard on my feet :(

Here I met the same walker I had met much earlier in the day. We had a brief chat and I stopped to take some photos and read about the cross.

All that was left was a 3km donwhill muddy yomp. I got rather wet and muddy, despite staying upright, but could not resist the steady downhill end to my day. I was back at the van in almost exactly 5 hours and had covered about 29.5 miles. There was no sign of Bob so I changed, made coffee, and another, read and had a nap. I was just starting to get mildly anxious about the fading light when he reappared. He too had enjoyed his day and had covered over 22 miles, not bad with a sore and swollen foot.


Empty moorland for miles, wonderful.

No 56 A circuit from Haweswater

Once our orienteering duties were over, with all runners and controls safely shepherded in, we quickly drove home to dump the Si gear plus our wet clothes and then headed up to the Lakes.  It was wet but the forecast for Sunday was very good. We parked in an almost deserted car park at Mardale Head and settled down to our evening meal.

The rain stopped and it was warmer in the van than we expected. Before 9 we were safely tucked up in bed and reading. We set the alarm early and by 7 we were up and fueled with porridge and coffee. The sun was already up on the tops and there was quite a dusting of snow. Glad we put the katoolas in. Bob was off on the dot and set off skating along the road to find the Old Corpse Road. I pottered but was out half an hour later. It was just getting properly light in the bottom of the valley.

I had planned going up Rough Crag and Long Stile straight onto High Street but the snow and ice made me cautious and I opted for the rounder edges of Kidsty Pike.  I probably could have managed without but I put the katoolas on to be on the safe side (not much point having them in my sack if I slipped).

Leaving Kidsty Pike I was treated to an early morning fly by from the eagle and then I stumbled across five tents. They had spent a frosty night but said it was worth it for the sun rise. The views were amazing in all directions with snow on all the high Lakeland peaks and on Cross Fell etc along the Pennines.

The katoolas gave me confidence even where it was just snowy grass and I made very good timeover High Raise, Wether Hill and Loadpot Hill. The covering of snow was not deep and the ground was mostly nicely firm. Then it was a swooping downhill run all the way to The Cockpit. It took all my discipline not to just keep stopping and gawp at the views.

It was not so frozen down here and I got damp feet but I was happy and seemed to have the whole hill to myself. I had thought by here I would meet people coming up from the caravan park or Askham. I stopped for a bite to eat and found I had dropped a glove. Damm. I ran back hoping it wasn't far and was rewarded to find it in the first kilometre. I doubled back towards Howtown and made good time along the rather wet and muddy track. It was a different world of green and warth down here.

The steamer was just leaving as I descended to the road and picked up the path to Martindale. Here I saw my first person after the campers, although still not close enough to actually speak to. I contoured round to Boredale and was pleased to find that the road was not icy. More fairly fast running. At Boredale Hause I changed my plan a little. My garmin was already reading nearly 18 miles and I decided not to descend to Side Farm. (part of my plan was a bit of a recee of some of the Tour of Helvellyn route). Instead I climbed up Place Fell in the glorious sunshine.

Heading back to the Hause the path to Angle Tarn looked busy so I explored up to Bedafell Knott. I don't think I have been up there before and it gave me a lovely view back down Boredale towards Hallin Fell.

 It also gave me a very quiet path over Angle Tarn Pikes. I hit the main path for a short time but then turned off to Satura Crag and Rest Dodd where I picked up a small trod all the way down to the col and up onto The Knott. 

From here to High Street was busier, but I knew it would be. I joined the others sitting by the wall and ate the last of my food. I should have carried more and was hungry. Perhaps I should have gone to Side Farm after all. I played in the snow and sun for a while before doing a little loop towards Thornthwaite and Mardale Ill Bell and back to the path onto Long Stile. I thought I might meet up with Bob if I played on the top for a while but I had no real idea of where he would be so I gave up. Watching people tucking into sandwiches etc was making me even more hungry. The descent at Long Stile starts quite steeply and the rocks were slippery.

 Even with the katoolas I was cautious and would not descend this way again if I wanted to run.  After Rough Crag the running improved with more grass and less rock. Before long I could see the very full car park and our van. It was an easy jog back along the lakeside, over all the lttle wooden bridges and onto the main path. The van sadly was in deep shade and had been for some time so it was not very warm but once my feet were dry and I was sat in the duvet with a big pot of coffee I was cozy. I sat reading , watching people finish their day and waited for Bob. I had been out over 7 hours and clocked up about 33 miles. An amazing day with stunning views and I had it all to myself for the bulk of the time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

No 55 The White Rose Ultra

This was a new kid on the block and I was intrigued. There were two options, 30 or 60 miles. I had entered the 60 before realising that this meant two laps (which gives a rather tempting get out). The emails leading up to the race day were hilarious and I was very keen to meet the team and see their humour and personalities for real. We had finished our chores and arrived at Golcar by mid afternoon. It was dry and we decided to go for a walk and investigate the first short section of the course (this was later to prove invaluable as I had seen the yellow paint on the road before a night of heavy rain and thick covering of leaves).


With Jon and Shirley just before the start

We just about made it back to the van by late afternoon and before the onset of heavy rain.  The pattern was almost identical to last weekend, heavy rain and gales from 4pm until well into the night. At least this time I was sat in the comfort of the van with a good book and plenty of food. It meant we did not venture out to the pub for a drink or to see the fireworks just down the road. Fortunately race day dawned chilly, windy but dry. The car park suddenly filled up, the pub was open by 6.30 so we could use the toilets and registration was complete. Before 8 we trooped off down past the mill to the start.

A steep start! (not my photo, no sun for us)

The start was fierce up a very steep cobbled road and many of us slowed to a walk, determined not to use all our energy in the first 400m. The front runners missed the yellow road paint but were shouted back. Jon was on a mission and running well, in fact I could not keep up. The entry was not huge so we were soon fairly spread out. Once I  got used to watching for the markings it seemed fairly easy to navigate although we perhaps made a small error coming off Rocking Stone Quarry. Apparently some people went very wrong and never even made it to CP1. We also know that a number stayed straight on at Crimea Lane and took a short cut worth a couple of miles! The weather had now deteriorated  and it was a relief to turn off the A640 and not have the wind and rain in our faces.  We negotiated the lanes to CP2 to find we had been mysteriously overtaken.

Rainbow- just before I realised we had been ovrtaken

The weather continued bearable but changeable to the visitor centre at the far side of Marsden. The views of steep valleys, wild moors and mill towns were great and I should have taken my camera out more. A little pack of us ran together to CP3 and as we jogged up Standedge Trail the wind, rain and hail picked up. It wasn't the weather to stop for the promised cake so I grabbed a few gels and pushed on. There was then a rather sadistic descent into Marsden before a sharp turn and climb out past a flight of reservoirs. The rain was not constant so it was hood up, no down, no up again etc. I caught Jon around here and found he was furious about the short cutting. Sadly for him it made him despondent, whereas it fired me up determined to overtake people. This proved quite easy as they were moving slower anyway.  It was steadily up for about 4 miles but a scenic part of the course and no tarmac. The marshalls at CP4 were real heroes and despite their small camper van they must have been frozen in such an exposed position.

Great bit of the course (except for us it was rain, wind and hail)

The chocolate cake looked tempting but it was too cold to linger. After the short climb to Wessenden Head it was down hill on the road for a couple of miles before turning off across the moor. There was a herd of highland cattle with very impressive horns but they were very placid and even let me stroke their nose. I could see two runners ahead and used them to keep my pace up.

Nice moorland and no tarmac in sight.

Sadly I also stopped navigating and followed them east down Red Lane. Then running up the pavement to get back on route I tripped and bashed my knee and shoulder. We sorted out our position and were quickly back on route heading for Blackmoorfoot Reservoir and the last CP. A quick glance at the map showed almost all the rest was on roads and although they were small and mostly empty of traffic it would be hard on the feet and legs.We crossed the river Colne and Huddersfield narrow canal before the final climb over the hill just west of Golcar. I had hoped to break 5 hours but in the end was happy to get 5 hours 12 and finish as first lady and 6th overall. My knee was stiffening up and I was not at all sure I could face going round again. I ummed and arred for about 20 minutes but after cake and a bacon butty common sense prevailed (truly) and I called it a day.

Next year it will be sunny

It was sunny in Golcar but the idea of arriving over at Marsden as the light was fading and then finding gales and rain or worse was more than I could bear. If it had been a linear course or worth points in a league I am sure I could have gone on, but it was nice to stop. I had a very firm massage and then a long chat with Jon and others. Bob arrived back from his adventures a little later. He too had taken a tumble but once changed he came and joined us for refreshments.  What a great bunch the WRU folk are. Kerry stayed in good humour throughout, Matt was keen to listen to feedback re the route and shortcuts... the whole team were wonderful, especially the guy who made my bacon butty and about 6 cups of tea.
Shameless plug for North West Air Ambulance.....

 

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Not an Ultra but MM number 3 this year

The OMM. Third MM this year and on the absence of the LAMM my first with a partner.I had also been determined to have another go at the A class and so needed to find a new partner prepared to do this. I could not think of another woman daft enough but Andy Splatcher stepped up to the plate and said yes. Brecon would be a trek but not too bad. We had hoped to take the van but the complications for that made it unviable and I am glad they did not allow us to take them up to the event centre mud fest! I have done all my MMs with Rowena or alone (except one SLMM with Pete Carter when Rowena was injured) so it would be interesting to run and camp with somebody different. The weekend started badly with me stuck in traffic on the M6 but I made it to Andy's in time for an evening meal before we set off. We were lucky enough to arrive in the dry and managed to get the tent up, register, buy gas and sort some gear before retiring to the tent.  We sat chatting and drinking red wine until bed. Our alarms were set early for Saturday as we had a 40 minute walk to a bus, then a 30 min bus journey and a 7.57 start. As we set out following the green glow sticks we quickly gave up all hope of keeping dry feet but it wasn't raining yet. We met up with Sarah, Wendy and others at the village hall and managed to use the loo before jumping on the bus. It was damp and windy at the Storey Arms but the marshalls were in fine spirits and John A helped us to check our start time. The elite were off to the east and Pen y Fan but the rest of us were heading westish. Andy is used to using an altimeter and I am not. We wasted a little time at CP1 as the altimeter suggested we were about the correct height when gut instinct told me it was off down the hillside. Although we were both navigating we seemed to miss some route choices (I must check route gadget and see  how many went east of Fan Fawr). Almost all the CPs seemed to have marshalls today and CP2 was easy given the marshall stood on the brow in a flouro vest! The next bit took us into a more complex area and then a longer leg  back to where we had been.  Just before CP5 the two Jonnys came racing by.  Again we agreed on route choice and only later did I see a northern option- who knows if it would have been better? We certainly didn't have the legs to follow the boys on their direct route. Andy was strong on the contouring descent and now it was me hanging on. We hit some desperate tussocks just before the final patch of forest and it was depressing to think about how much time we were losing. Then we got a boost as we met Sarah and Wendy in the forest. Unfortunately they opted to stay with the fence line and we ended up in tussocks again plus the pace was starting to tell on Andy. The map said river uncrossable after heavy rain. Sarah had said she knew it and thought it would be fine and it was. WE made a pyramid but actually I have been through much worse. Don't think I agree with all the H+S messages on the map though- Yes we know cliffs are dangerous and so are rivers when they are in spate.

 By the time we were plodding up to Llyn Y Fan Fawr the wind was getting fierce and we were moving slowly- some fantastic waterfalls though. We decided not to climb up but instead contoured round. It was further but we found some good trods and had a lovely descent to CP7. By now we were out of the wind and it seemed very warm in the valley as we raced down the track to the finish. We had lost some time on Wendy and Sarah but were lucky enough to download and get the tent up just before the rain started. What an evening of wind and rain. Andy gallantly took the back of the tent and we sat/ lay talking, dozing and eating. At last some time around 9 the rain stopped and we could escape out. We made a quick dash to the toilets and then I wandered down to the results and start times. I bumped into Rowena and Sue who felt they had done OK on day 1 and also a very tired Richard D and partner who had completed the elite but were back in the dark, wind and rain. The weather got worse overnight and there were several times that I feared for the tent. Andy slept almost solidly and only awoke at the very deep roll of thunder that took out some electric supplies in the valley.  Not making the chasing start meant we had a civilised start time. We were a little early and had time to chat to Mark and Josh who were volunteering. Bad weather courses had been put in operation and we were secretly rather glad. The wind and rain got worse as the morning wore on and the wind was blowing us all over the place on Fan Brycheiniog. It was a slow start up to CP1 and I was giving Andy hassle about our pace.

The rocky limestone to CP4 had us more evenly matched and then our shortened course kicked in. We tried to stay high to avoid tussocks but it put in an extra climb so was maybe not the best choice. Near CP9 Andy gained some second wind and led the way down to the control and across to Moel Feity. We found the correct pond after passing  a couple of red herrings and then it was just a long fast run to the end. Andy is much faster than me over tree routes and very deep mud so when we hit the final forest track it was me that was knackered. We finished together and generally pleased at having had a good weekend. My ultras seemed to have given me strength rather than making me knackered (so long as I do not need to sprint) but Andy is now convinced that a 50 miler a week before the OMM is not a good idea. Still, we didn't fall out despite a difference in pace and strengths. We shared the tent in good humour and I enjoyed an opportunity to do the A class again. We lost first mixed vets on straight time on day 2 by a minute, which is annoying, but were overall 3rd Vets once the age handicaps were applied. It was great to find Bowley Scouts dishing up gallons of hot soup and then to have our meal. I had a long chat with Jonny M who won the A and we kept bumping into friends. The cold wet clothes won in the end and we were forced back to the car to change. Then came the fiasco of getting out of the car park field. Thanks must go to the lads who pushed us so we could drive down to the gate and wait our turn for the tractor tow onto the mats. Thanks for a good weekend Andy and for driving. No photos- it really was not the weather for a camera!
JUst in case anyone reading this is not already aware.... I have set up a Just Giving page for donations to NW Air Ambulance at www.justgiving.com/Karen-Nash1)

No 54 R Round Rotherham 50

Number 52 was meant to be the highlight but it just didn't really happen for me. The last two weekends though have been fab. I knew I would have tired legs with two 50s on two weekends but it actually felt OK. The van drove beautifully to Dearne Valley College (the first time I have driven it more than a few metres) and I parked up still in daylight. I even had time to lay my gear out and have a brew before hot footing it to the pub to meet Nick, Andy, Dick and Mark. Having put them to shame and demolished almost the full plate of a mega stacked burger we discussed ultras and the series. By 9 ish we were back in the car park and putting up the RF flags in the dark.

Andy - my OMM partner this year

 I left Andy and Dick to the sports hall floor and retired to the van. I lazed, read and then slept well- no overhead helicopters this year. I was barely out of bed when the 6am start/ walkers trooped by. It didn't take me long to get organised, eat porridge and register.

Sarah, smiling as always

I was bothered that the sore on my left ankle would rub even though I had taped it and very bothered about my right foot as it had caused me so much iritation last weekend. Soon I was chatting to Andy, Nick, Mark and then Sarah and Andy, Jon and Shirley plus numerous others. Lorraine said Hi and I found John was actually called Fraser!

I decided against a drop bag as I couldn't figure out what to leave in it- I was carrying a spare shirt, over trousers and a cag plus more. I knew there would be food all the way round so I only needed to carry a little extra. By 7am we were gathered outside in the dawn and the flags looked good. It was not cold and we would not really need head torches for the easy first section. The fast pace at the start of this race usually scares me but it seemed OK, although I was bothered to see Dick ahead of me.

 I settled into a steady pace on the cycle track as I had promised myself and got happy when we crossed the blue bridge and hit the gravel path and puddles. I arrived in Elsecar less shattered than I remember from the last three years and was having a good natter with two blokes re Hokas etc. The bit where Fraser and I got lost one year came and went, and I couldn't figure out how the hell we had gone wrong! We passed loads of walkers between Wentworth and Scholes which is always good for morale. Keppler's column looked arther eerie in the mist but it didn't really seem to be raining on us and I felt comfortable.

Then it was a quick run down the main road and into Grange Park. The CP had been moved and we had a bit of a diversion, not sure who called us back but we put it right by running up the pavement (thanks Mr Scot whoever you are for quickly agreeing with me and not dithering). The canal section had been tarmaced and then we hit Tinsley. This has to be the low point from an aesthetics pont of view! I had another little 'lift' as some guys in front had gone slightly wrong and we caught them up just before crossing under the M1. The next section is all redeveloped although the old steps under the railway and Sheffield Parway were a bit slippy.  I hit the reclaimed land at Carcliffe feeling fine, in contrast to a couple of years ago where  my hips locked up and I felt dreadful. Suddenly there was CP2 and more food. I tracked my Scotsman relentlessly (thank you) and managed to run the whole way through to the joinery and the viaduct. We then stayed together through Rother Valley Country Park and towards Norwood. We both slowed to cross the stiles and cursed our age and what stiles did to break our stride pattern.  Then it was a quick run under the M1 again and into the CP at Harthill. It is a nice downhill run in to this CP and there are always lots of relay runners waiting for the change over. I stopped, refreshed and even went to the loo. I was here in under 4 hours and tried not to panic that this was far too fast. The next section would see the first of the muddy fields. The wind turbines poked out of the mist and the fields were a bit muddy but not at all bad and my Fellraisers gripped well (unlike on the slimy concrete earlier). We now had comapny in form of a mountain biker, it was good to have him show us the way and it looked no easier on a bike. Suddenly we had passed the airfield and were heading for the canal, over the railtracks, across the golf course and on into Woodsetts. Here I passed Martin D and his Mrs. having her first go at this race. I was bouyed up by the idea of a cup of tea and soup. They certainly know how to feed you on this race and after surviving, or not, on gels last weekend I was determined to take every advantage. I was a bit bothered that I was going too fast still but decided to keep going whilst I could and worry about that later. It was hard getting going after a sit down and food but I knew the soup and sandwiches would be a good idea in the long run. I hadn't been able to picture the next bit in my head but as I ran along it all came back and I knew it was only about 10km to the Firbeck CP. More relay runners ran by shouting encouragement and although I slowed for a bit I could now see Roche Abbey.

 This is one of the most scenic parts of the race and also means that on the strip maps you turn to the last page! I was now on my own but quite content and running at a steady pace. I was confident that I knew the way and that Maltby was not far. I declined refreshments here, perhaps a mistake but popping in to every hall adds several minues. 5 CPs and 5 minutes in each..... it all adds up. I did have a bit of a walk as I climbed out of Maltby but a bite to eat and some banter from some local rogues got me running again. Another relay lady ran by and I tried to keep her in my sight. After Micklebring I was slightly anxious about the route across the open fields but it was fine and the muddy footprints helped, as did the bright flourecsen tops of the relays runners. The rutted stoney track down to Hooton Roberts was no where near as bad as I remembered and I even overtook a relay runner here. Some mud yes but not the stream we had found previously. I did walk some of the lane after the road junction but ran once I reached the fields and descent to Old Denaby. Having been in the lead all day I had now spent a fair bit of time on my own and my motivation was a determination not to be caught at this stage. I grabbed a little to eat at the last CP and hobbled off towards the railway and canal. I heard various trains hooting but managed to reach the level crossing between two slow trains and just before the express. Being 'sandwiched' between relay ladies really helped on this last bit along the canal and river. I tried to stay ahead and then when that failed I tried to tag on. Once I had decsended the steps into Swinton I could smell the finish. The last bit along the canal, through the park, over the road... a bit of confusion as they have now paved the next bit so no wandering around bushes looking for bits of tape... and only 1km to go. It felt like I was sprinting (bet it didn't look that way) and there it was the flags, the sports hall and the tapes leading us off the cycle path and into the finish. 8 hours 21.

A PB by almost 10 minutes, first lady and 17th overall. I was very happy despite throbbing toes and right foot. I should have stuck to my original plan and made this No52! I staggered into the hall and ate. I could have eaten the shpeherds pie 3 times over and did have several cups of tea. Then 2nd lady and Emma in 3rd arrived.

 We did our prize giving and I made the trek to the van to collect my gear for a shower. In the meantime Nick, Jon, Andy and Dave C had all finished so I had a chat with them in the sunshine. The shower revived me, apart for the yelps as the water stung my rub patches!. I wandered back to the hall for a chat but knew I had to leave soon if I was to feel up to driving home. The torrential rain on the M62 was a bit scary but I made it home in about 2 hours. A great day out, and it might not sound tempting but RRR is great.

No 53 Wye One Way

I knew going back to work would be bad for me! Having been fit and well all year (except for sore throat/no voice on Hardmoors and the fractured ribs over the summer) I had suffered a cold all week.  Still, I didn't feel ill and if I had been well enough to go to work I was well enough to enjoy the weekend and run. Plus Bob had planned to come with me a do a mega bike ride. Wales is beautiful and empty but the drive down on Friday night did seem a bit of a drag. We had opted to go direct to the start and so had a relaxing, quiet and lonely night in a lay by near Llangurig. It did mean we had the luxury of a good nights sleep in the van and an hours lie in compared to those getting the coach from the finish.

The drizzle dried up over night and it wasn't particularly cold even in the half light as we registered. I scuttled back to the van to study the map- a wonderful A3 waterproof affair with checkpoints,split distances, ascents and descents etc. The coaches arrived and I went to chat with Mick Cottam and others.

 I had hoped to talk to Duncan and Dick but the toilet queue was struggling to cope and  even though they delayed the start by 30 minutes I now know some were still waiting as we set off. I am still hopeless at letting other unknown runners psych me out just by wearing the trendy gear. So by the start I was convinced it was going to be a bad day for points and I might just as well enjoy the day out and a new route. My cold was better than it had been all week and although my foot was still sore I had brand new 'Fellraisers' on. We were promised that the route had been well marked and I would say that was generally true.

The start along the lane did not go off at lightning speed and when we hit the first off road and hill I was comfortable. True I struggled to breathe on the ups but it was OK. It did not seem long at all before we had wet feet from a stream and were dashing down the grassy and then bracken covered slopes to CP1.

Then came another climb before a lovely run down to the river crossing. I had decided if my feet were dry I might go round to the bridge- I needn't have worried as both feet were already soaked, and stayed that way pretty much all day. The next 3 miles were on road but at least the views were great and the road almost deserted. I started to fall in and chat with runners going a similar pace and although we split for now we were later to run over half the race together. After Craig Goch dam we left the road and used the old rail track, so fairly flat and fast.

 The group of us pushed the pace and were soon at CP3 where I glimpsed first lady? The next section started with a stiff climb but then contoured above the forest and across the fell sides, past but not through Elan village, and on to Llanwrthwl. The day was overcast but we stayed dry enough not to worry about a cag. It was cool on the tops but we did not really go very high and the valleys were warm. I was getting the hang of spotting the marker signs now although arriving in a field of kale I did have more than a moment of hesitation. I bet the Lakes were busy but this part of Wales was almost deserted.  We passed half way and dropped down the next CP. I was now regretting packing more real and savoury food. MCN races are great but water and gels at some CPs was wearing thin. The next section looked fairly level and straight forward, which is perhaps why as a group of 4 we missed a sign and ended up by the river. Fortunately after only a tiny bit of trespassing we arrived at a lane with a bridge and were able to relocate quickly.

Nothing for it but to run back up the road and rejoin the route! It did make us more careful though. We were also pushing the pace and I was starting to dream of finding a pie shop in Builth! Instead we trotted through the park, smiled for the camera man and had yet more gels. We did again glimpse first lady. I left Builth without my pie but in good company as we set out on a very hilly section. The steep lanes were hard on the feet and quads but the grassy paths on the moor were wonderful. I was struggling but desperately trying to stay with my 3 new friends as the banter, shared food and pain killers as well as navigation were pushing us along at a good lick. We had another spot of nav bother, especially when we spotted the leading lady high up on the hillside when we could see markers low down. I felt bad but we followed our noses and stayed low. There were several arrows and even red and white tape so were sure we were OK and arrived safely at CP8 and traffic.

 Less than 10 miles to go now and pretty much flat, although crossing the A470 was perhaps the hardest task of the day. I should have stopped to take more photos as the river widened , had rapids and then big fly fishing pools but we were on a mission and I was struggling to keep up. The group was great and I am sure we all had low patches where the others dragged us along. I seemed to be the weak link but they did not complain. We crossed the river to the eastern side for the first time to enter CP9 and the job was nearly done. My foot was now screaming and I really did just want to stop and walk. The lads were having none of it. There were huge numbers of gates and at every one they insisted on waiting so I had to keep running. With a mile or so to go I came close to telling them to *** off and leave me alone  but we ran up the road from Glasbury and into the adventure centre within sight of each other. Some joker had routed us over a large telegraph pole hurdle but there was the finish, at last. 50 miles (or about 51.4) and roughly 2200m of ascent. I scraped in just before 9 hours 30 and as first lady. It was much more than I had hoped for. I owe my 3 new friends many thanks for their good humour and companionship. I am so grateful they ignored my instructions to run off as I know I would have slowed down. Suddenly I was very tired. I hoped a hot shower would revive me. It took me an age to get myself organised but it did help and then I found the dining room for an egg butty and cups of tea. Sat there chatting I spotted Bob arriving in the van. He had enjoyed his day on the bike but the wind, rain and steepness had forced him to cut his ride short. I was just glad he was driving and not me. People had long drives so the prize giving was very fragmented.

 The drive back was even more of an ordeal than the route down. We stopped half way to refuel but were home not long after 10.30. A much happier day somehow than last weekend, despite a nasty run on my left ankle and very sore right foot.