End of 2021

 I know some people have really suffered during Covid but for me it has been about making the best of what we can do. I have missed my ski holidays and would love to visit family in Australia and New Zealand but in the meantime.... Also life is what you make it! Go out and seek adventure- locally or afar, cherish what you have and those around you. I have loved seeing more of family in the UK and really loved becoming and Gran ma.

Review of the year... Managed lots of indoor climbing- Stockport and now Preston Wall is back open.

All sorts of new challenges= Frozen Accumulator in January (left me a bit broken), Dales Skyline backwards (a wonderful day out)

, Brennand Watershed (solitary exploring and seeing nobody for hours), Turfing on a bike in February and managing 1st in UK/3rd in World,

recently our first turf event and now also planning one. Street O returned and so far 5 events and back in pubs for the social part.

I enjoyed a wonderful day on Lady Anne's Way for my 60th birthday- great support from Bob and Chris allowing me to complete the 100 miles in under 24hrs. An escape to France and Italy for the summer in the van- lots of climbing in the sun, my first big fall, two long races with podiums- GRP and TOR.

Runfurther had a race series and we only lost two races in the end- I ran at The Spire, Lakeland 5 Passes, Pennine 39, 3Towers Ultra virtual, Round Rotherham, Yorkshire Trod. Also races Lakeland 100 and LM42.

Lots of podiums and PBs. It has not all been perfect but looking at the positives makes me happy.

Strava stats are interesting too. I never do much to a plan except where I have entered a race or decided to do a challenge. I run when I want to and that's it as far as training goes.

Strange to see cycling as my top sport but I guess that is down to the hours that I bike turfed in February and also quite a few rides since both turfing and around the Fylde with Bob. No surprise that longest race and that with most elevation was TOR.

I spent 283 days active- not sure what I did on the remainder or whether I just forgot to log anything. September was my month with fewest active days but I did little leading up to the TOR and not much immediately after it either.

Total distance was over 11,000km but it seems to combine bike, run etc. Total elevation was 146,392m but again think this is bike and run- although most of my biking is fairly flat so running will have added most of this.

Total time was 1433 hours with March having the highest total. 103 climbing activities logged., 293 rides and 741 on foot/runs.

Last race of the year was the fabulous Tour de Helvellyn. It never disappoints and this year the weather was kind. As usual we travelled up the night before and as Bob was helping we were lucky enough to park on site. A quick chat and registration on Friday evening saw me retire to the van for food and an early bed. It was cold with all vehicles coated in frost by morning. My guts woke me early but after a few chilly visits to the portaloo I felt OK.

This race doesn't have a mass start so after a quick kit check I was good to go. I had tried to leave early enough to maximise the daylight but late enough that the Patterdale CP would be open. As I set off up the lane out of the village it was light enough not to need my torch. As I crossed Askham Common the sunrise was superb and the moon was still up too. There were amazing temperature inversions for much of the morning.

The ground was mixed with some bits a bit firm but no ice in the places I dreaded it like Boredale and then the steps down to Side Farm. I am slow enough on those in good conditions and right wuss if it is icy. A quick panic when I couldn't see the CP at Side Farm was soon sorted as I rounded the corner and spotted a tent on the track. It must have opened early as I only passed one early starter a long way up towards Bell Cottage. I should have stopped to take a pic of the mist over Ullswater but was in race mode. I had a lovely surprise in the village as I met Carmine just as he was about to take his accordion up Helvellyn for a winter carol sing a long. It wasn't long before I arrived at Stu's bridge and headed off to Sticks Pass. No snow this year and no rain either. Faster men were now starting to come past and I was able to shout well done to Caspar, Lawrence and others. A nice grassy descent lured me into faster running and then a face plant! Luckily no harm done although no doubt it amused Andy F who was just behind me. I was slower down the steep bit and then along the rock strewn path towards Swirls car park very slow with the sun in my eyes. It gave me a chance to chat to Matt before he blasted off once we hit the forest track. I grabbed food from my drop bag at Swirls and jogged off eating along the track. I knew I would need energy for the climb up to Grisedale Tarn.

Raise beck was easily crossed and climbed although I did feel very sorry for John Bamber aka Santa sitting in the cold shade there. A silly mistake a loss of concentration saw me on a higher trod than necessary and I then had to drop to the tarn outlet. I then made a good decision though and went down the grassy trod in the valley- for me this is much more runnable and faster than the pain rocky path. I was soon back in Patterdale and stomping back up to Boredale Hause.

I made it down the other side without mishap and although the lane had some icy patches it wasn't bad that early in the afternoon. Up until now I had been first lady but I knew it wouldn't last. The faster ones who had started later came past me just before Martindale. I managed a quick chat with Cat before she trotted on. Kirsty also appeared and was not going much faster than me. In the end we sort of ran together with each of us pushing the other to keep up the pace and me shouting directions as I knew the way. It pulled me along nicely and it was good to be of help. The run back across the common is a favourite of mine and Lowther Castle was soon in site. Rory came past me like a train as we dropped off the fell- he will have started ages after me.

It was my 5th T de H and I realised I could get a PB (not bad at 60). It pushed me to race hard over those last few miles and the reward was 7hrs 41 A great way to end the year. Lots of soup, bread, cake, tea, coffee and beer followed and many chats with friends.

Hardwolds 80 (twice in two weeks)

 It had been too long since I had met up with my friends in the Hardmoors family... since the H200 in 2017 I think. Cannot believe it is that long ago but the races are now crazy popular ( for good reason) and they are not exactly on our doorstep either. I had originally entered last year and this was the deferred date. 

Open tracking - map and timing

The route was not totally new to me as I had done most of it for the start of the H200 and before that race I had recced it too. On the 9th, 10th and 11th of November I persuaded Bob that he really wanted to visit the Humber bridge and then cycle in the Wolds. 

After arriving in Hessle at lunch time I ran the first 20 miles to Arras Wold- amazingly I remembered almost all of it. It wasn't a waste as it was now fresh in my mind and I knew what the ground conditions were like. I did find the closed path in Welton- but not until I had dropped to the village, so I ran the dale anyway. So that was one bit not receed- the diversion. No worries- it looks very straight-forward.

Flood defence barriers being built

There was also a bit of chaos at the bridge itself due to the flood wall works. The tide was out and I just dropped to the beach. The paths were fairly dry and I arrived at the van very clean compared to running at home. First night was spent on the lane near Scanton just before the Arras Wold CP. 

Beech woods near South Cave- my favourite section

Day two looked fine and I set off for Settrington Beacon. This middle section is the tough bit I reckon and I wanted to do over 30 miles. Lots of grassy dales, farm tracks, field edges and some lanes. There seemed to be a fair bit of tarmac and hard surface- not my joy but I guess in November this could be better than muddy fields and would help keep the mph average up. I had not checked carefully enough- the H200 uses a slightly different route to the HW80! I ran along the old rail line, checked out a shop for supplies and carried on to Londesborough. I should have gone via Goodmanham. Why two different routes for the two races I wonder? Still- at least it ended up in the same village and I was soon back on track and heading for Millington and then Fridaythorpe. The little Dales are pretty- I am never going to get excited about the scenery here but it is nice countryside. 

A dale

Then just before Wharram Percy farmers were doing tree and hedge work and   in avoiding them I missed the signed turn down to the Abbey Ruins and ended up on an alternative route to the Abbey carpark- no big deal until I arrived at the Abbey in the race! (it was dark and this was the only bit where I couldn't find an acorn sign when I needed one). We thought it would be quiet at the Beacon but that lane must be a rat run.  Woken early gave me an early start. 

It is much steeper than this!

A lovely easy run to Wintringham before the steep climb up the wooded dale that leads to the final section along the scarp slope running towards the coast. 

Looking back down the wooded dale

Of course it doesn't just take a nice easy line. I checked out the lane south of West Heslerton for possible van support on race day and enjoyed the relatively easy running to Ganton. I was making reasonable time and the ground was still pretty dry except for a few areas near farm yards. After Ganton the route leaves the scarp edge and does a little loop south and east back up the steep hill to go past RAF Stanton and then dropping steeply before yet more climbs towards Flixton Wold. It doesn't look much on the map but the path follows a fence line on a roller coaster of downs and ups above the dale. Nice straight line- a path designed by Romans. I knew that from here the end was in site and apart from one steep descent it was easy running. After crossing the Hunmanby road it is a lovely gentle drop to the main road at Muston. A couple more fields and I emerged at the rear of Filey High School. Nearly there! Well - you would be if you stuck to the Wolds Way. We though turn away from town on a southern arc to pass the campsites, golf club and eventually to meet the Ravine and the path to the Prom. 

Filey sunshine- it will be dark in the race

It seemed a long way along the Prom and the steps at the far end were a struggle even without 78 race miles in my legs. I made it to the Wolds Stone on Filey Brigg, took the obligatory photo and turned back for town. 

Wolds way stone- the end

Dropping to the beach cut out some steps and I hope the tide is out on race day when I finish. I knew the way up into town but not to the Sea cadets- it was simple and all that remained was to find a cafe and wait for Bob. Our greasy spoon is no more so I eventually found an ice cream and arrived at the pick up point just as Bob drove in. Perfect.

Race weekend saw us parked at Hessle near the rugby club in time to have lunch in the sun and go for a walk along the estuary. It was sunny but chilly in the wind. I bumped into both Jon and then later Shirley before the early darkness of November drove me back into the van. A big meal and then I retired to bed with my book.

Beautiful skies the night before

The road was noisier than I had hoped but I rarely sleep well the night before a race anyway.  Up at 6 and registered etc before the coach arrived. Collected the apple juice from Mark. Back to our van for a bit and then went to meet friends at the Rugby Club- Jenny, Ken, Sarah, Andy and more. 

Hessle Rugby Club- already Jon has added distance

It was chilly enough to wear my cag although I should have realised I would be plenty warm enough once we left the estuary and I got into my running. By 8am we were congregated outside and ready for the off. The first miles are flat, tarmac or good track and very runnable. It is easy to get carried away along the foreshore, up through Ferriby and into the Scouts wood and on to Brantingham.

CP1 Brantingham one of several pretty villages

I should have been more worried when I was close enough to Antony G to chat, he is way faster than me. Needless to say I didn't stay with him or some of the other faster men for long. I ran with Rob Letts a short time before Arras Wold.. again he is faster than me. Perhaps I should of gone off more cautiously, who knows. I was 1st woman to the Millington CP at 33 miles but only just. Kendra whizzed past whilst I was inside eating and getting stuff from my drop bag. She had support and so no need for this.  The last I saw of her was at Thixendale (44 miles) although she was not far ahead at times and only 30 mins ahead at the end when she won. Lisa also appeared and shot off but I was to see more of her. 

Acorns ark the miles every now and again

The nav was easy with many acorns on signs and even some beautiful carved ones; although the miles on these were getting hard to read as they suffered from the weather.  It is a steep climb up out of Millington to regain the Wolds Way and I was still digesting food. It made me feel slow but hopefully would be worth it in the long run. 

Another dale

You visit several dales in the next section- some you cross steeply down and then up again, others you enter and run along the bottom. No two dales are quite the same. I had been running intermittently with a road runner who was new to off road ultras but loving it. He was far too fast once we left the grass and hit the big farm road for Glebe Farm and I had to let him go- a shame as the chat was good and he appreciated my route finding.

After Fridaythorpe we ran along a more exposed section and for the first time I had to stop and put my cag back on. I was later a bit too warm in some sheltered dales but it stayed on and I just vented it the best I could knowing it would soon be dark and cooler. As I entered Thixendale I spotted Kendra and three guys just leaving. I was very tempted to run after them but knew that really I should stop for an eat and drink. I never saw them again.  I like the next section but knew I must be careful not to miss the left turn to Wharram Percy this time. 

Borrowed pic

I expected to see Lisa behind me but there was no sign of her yet. I began the drop in fading light and in the end decided it would be wise to find my head torch. Then at the ruined Abbey I lost the path.. Suddenly there were no acorns of any sort. Lisa appeared and we worked it out and then climbed to the car park together. I then stopped at the van- my first meeting with Bob all day. A quick gulp of custard and then coffee to set me up for the night. I met up with two relay guys at Wharram le Street- but one was too fast and the other too slow which meant I ran most of the way to Settrington Beacon on my own. This was fine, it was dark but I knew the way and the paths were easy. I didn't need to stop at the CP here and caught up with Lisa in the woods. She said she was tired and seemed to be feeling the miles. I was too but ultras are a head game, just keep plodding. Somewhere on the long descent to Wintringham I lost her and even when I stopped I could no longer see her torch although I doubt she was far behind. 

Another borrowed pic- could not resist that sky

It is a tough climb out of the village but I told myself it is also where you turn east for the sea! The sunset had not been so spectacular but the moon was full and bright with the clouds giving it added interest. I upset no end of birds in Knapton plantation and tripped on a tree route that led to me wind-milling to stay upright for a while. A couple more field edges and I was at the van again on the lane from Heslerton. It was a quick detour and Lisa caught me up. She had a friend running with her now. I set off determined to put some distance between us if I could and knew that this section was straight forward with even a road section as you drop towards Sherburn and then climb back up again. Before the road I had lost them. My mind was now playing tricks and I couldn't remember what came next- until I got to it. I kept waiting for the gradual drop by a golf field but that s much later. Somehwhere in this bit there are a couple of stretches on nasty path on a real camber that twists your feet and I think this may have been where I pulled ahead. I did remember the sandy lane and knew I would soon be in Ganton. David and the others were doing a great job at this CP and I cannot believe I refused pizza! I wanted food but it had to be stuff that would slide down now. There was no point in loitering so it was back off into the night. I felt slow climbing back up the the escarpment but soon enough the road and then lane to RAF Staxton appeared. This lane should be very runnable but I had to really make myself keep going even at the turn towards the farm. I knew the descent was followed by the short but steepest climb of the whole route. Luckily there is a fence to use as a handrail. Then it is just a couple of field edges before the roller-coaster field paths to the road CP at Flixton Wold.

Flixton werewolves

 This was lit up like a beacon with a tent. stoves and the works. Oh, and werewolves. They must have been able to see my torch for ages but welcomed me with cheers. Sadly all I wanted to do was keep going- in retrospect I should have taken a sausage with me! Then it is back into the Dales with one very steep and painful drop. My quads were now shot and my big toe was sore. The looping path along Camp Dale and Stocking Dale seemed to take a while and loads of pheasants screeched at me. Then finally I reached and crossed the road for my drop past the golf field and to the pigs. It was a lovely gradual drop and the gap into the ploughed field was easy to spot. Luckily the mud in the one ploughed field had been bashed flat and then there was just the grassy fields down to the road at Muston. It is a good km through the village but the end is in sight. Up the steps, over two fields, across another road and then past the stables before a short section to the outskirts of Filey. I had hoped to meet my gold taregt of 16 hours but knew back at Flixton that this was very unlikely.  I made myself run past the school and towards the Ravine. The steps into the Ravine were torture but the Prom was easy and lit. I was in luck- the tide was out. I dropped down the jetty and headed across the sand to the Sailing Club. A short sharp climb and I was on the grassy tops heading for the Brigg. 

Mark on the Brigg

Mark was there at the Wolds Way stone in a tiny tent. He claimed to be warm enough out of the wind. There was no time to chat as I turned and retraced my steps to town. Cargate Hill was too much for me to run up until I hit the summit and could run to the finish. 16 hrs and 13 minutes. I was done- literally. Suddenly huge tiredness hit and I felt sick. I did managed a couple of cups of tea and some fruit salad but could not face the chilli beans or more. 

I sat with Bob and just slumped. My neuroma/ metatarsalgia hurt like mad and then the muscle in my ribs cramped and popped out repeatedly. I was alert enough to be able to congratulate Kendra and to cheer Lisa when she arrived but really I just wanted my bed. 

Almost 45 minutes of rest had seen no improvement so Jon did his presentations and we slowly walked back to the van. It was a shame to miss Ken and Jenny who had run it as a relay and only finished about 20 minutes later. 

Jon- the boss 

I  had missed my gold target but was happy to only be 13 minutes over and to be 2nd F overall and so also 1st FV50 and 1st FV60 (infact 1st V60 M or F). 

It is a tough route with few excuses to slow down and not to be running. Too much for me is road, track and runnable- give me a big hill to stomp up any day. I was woken at 4am by heavy rain squalls and a very strong wind. I said a quick prayer for Mark and any late finishers before going back to sleep. He had taken his tent down at 5am in fear of being blown into the bay. Some challenging weather for those last finishers. How lucky we had been with the day and the dry ground. I must come back and do another Hardmoors soon. My first 50, 100 and 200 milers were all Hardmoor races. In fact I must check how many more Hardmoor miles I need to reach my 1000 certificate.

The Yorkshire Trod

 With no Fellsman this year we needed to find a replacement race- this ticked all the boxes as it was the right length, same area of Yorkshire and a new RO/Due North who welcomed the extra entries and publicity. It goes over fewer peaks and has more trails and so is overall more runnable for most people. Having said that the climb up Simons Seat was brutal.

As always we arrived early to put up flags and banners, drop off mint cake and prizes etc. I stayed and registered before we moved the van to the top of Yarnbury road to cook and spend the night. I slept well - it was proper dark and silent. It was the predictable early start but the forecast was good and it didn't feel as cold as I had feared. I opted for one base layer and my cag- it stayed like that all day with the sleeves up, then down, with the front open and then closed. There were many DNSs so a small group of just over 30 lined up at the top of Grassington before a low key "Off you go". I knew I was going too fast on the easy tarmac downhill when I found myself running with Phil Withnall who went on the win the race. I didn't (couldn't stay with him long. I managed without a torch on the lit streets and then on the big track heading west onto the moors. By then it was first light and Martin Terry had joined me along with a group of 4 guys who had receed the route. Their help at a couple of points was useful although it was me that pointed out we had nearly ignored the first self clip. At Winterburn Reservoir we turned north on the Dales High Way heading for Weets. 

Not my photo

I though Weets was near Barnoldswick but there are two! We continued north to Mastiles Lane and then to Malham Tarn where John Bamber was sunning himself at the car park CP. 

Again- a borrowed photo

We left Malham Tarn going NE to Arncliffe on the old Monks Road. This was lovely and grassy but my hip/groin were bothering me (not the right one as a fortnight ago but the other one!).  By Arncliffe I caught Martin and then grabbled pizza and cake before we set off along the river meadow path to Litton. This should have been beautifully runnable but I was struggling a bit. In Litton I caught Martin again as I called him back to the self clip and then the 4 guys caught us a we dithered at a path junction. It was a stiff climb over the moors before the drop to Buckden. So far almost all the route had been new to me except for a small section at Malham. The others had now pulled ahead although they were still in sight. I expected the next bit to be very easy as I knew the way but then I got distracted. There is an elderly man missing in the area and I spotted somebody sat high on the hill- all alone and not moving for some time. I felt I had to go and check. It took me off route and over some lovely bogs and tussocks. It was just a young guy resting, admiring the view and having a snack. 

You couldn't see that much today

I did eventually make it to the trig on Buckden Pike and amazingly had not lost much time on the 4 guys who were just leaving. It was shrouded in low cloud and not a place to loiter with no views. I then got carried away in Fellsman mode and am still not sure which path is best for descending to Starbotton. My route will not have been used by others as I took an off path sort of straight line as I wanted to be going downhill but to avoid the gnarly tracks. We had route choice from here to Kettlewell. I opted to stay east of the river but would be curious to know how many crossed to the Dales Way which is flatter but less grassy.

Having clipped at the maypole we had an 'allowed' section on road until shortly after Scargill House. The pull up from here was a low point (and it isn't even very steep or long) but my hip was troubling me.  It was further than I had estimated form here to Grassington although it is a lovely path past Conistone Pie and other outcrops. Lovely that is except for the ankle break flap stiles!

At this point I was seriously questioning whether I should stop- I am doing the OMM next weekend and so do not need a dodgy hip. It seemed wise to sit, eat and think. I also found out that I was well over half way and there was only 25 miles to go... queue much amusement from the winners on the 50km " Oh well, if there is only 25miles left that's easy!" Before I could change my mind was off but just in time to hear Mel tell me that the next lady was about 2km behind. I set off anxious about her catching me. 

Typical Dales Way path

The river path was lovely easy running once I fought my way through the tourists heading from the visitor centre to the river and back. My hip seemed slightly better and before long I was in Burnsall and clipping yet again. A short section by the river and then I turned onto a new to me path that would take me up to Appletreewick pasture and then Trollers Gill. I had actually been here once before but in a race where I had others to follow and so took little notice. From Skyreholme it was up and up on the least good path of the day. I have never been so pleased to meet flag-stones as I was here.  

Simons Seat- not mine 

The run down from Simons Seat was lovely and I was both enjoying myself and trying to get as far as I could before dark. Another short section on the riverside Dales Way led me to Barden Bridge and familiar ground again. I made good time up the road onto Barden Moor and even ran some of it. I should really have stopped to get my torch out but there were few cars and I could see fine. One benefit of a small race entry is CP marshalls who are delighted to see you and offer all sorts of services. I got my tally clipped, a cup of tea, a bowl of soup, my water topped up and the offer of having my groin checked out (thanks Stuart). It was now definitely dark and it was good to be on familiar ground and also a big easy track. I did nearly make one mistake but corrected it after 200m- mainly exuberant downhill running got me carried away.  The hip was no worse so I felt I was not adding harm and started to really enjoy myself. I scared loads of birds including a beautiful owl. 

Then from the track gate I turned north to follow the wall over Rylestone fell- past Cracoe Cross and then up to the memorial obelisk. It was less steep than I feared and not as muddy as I expected until the slight descent after the memorial. 

Borrowed from another day- it was very dark today

The boggy path then turns into a good track and turns east to the impressive shooting huts.  I turned to check for torch lights following me yet again but there were none. I did not know the path down to Thorpe but Bob had pushed his bike up it and was not happy. Without a bike and heading downhill it was a joy until it became a slightly greasy walled track closer to the village. It was now mostly downhill, first on tarmac and then across fields to reach the suspension bridge over the Wharfe. I knew that from here it should only be 40 minutes or so and trotted on just being wary of tree roots. The walled path from the river was now deserted as I headed up to the visitor centre. I opted for the village centre roads that were better lit as soon the Devonshire Institute was in sight. A final clip and I was done. Not quite as fast as I had hoped but 14hrs 40 was not so bad. I was lucky to be 1st F and 6th overall. Martin had finished about half an hour ahead of me. Bob had taken down all the flags and banners once it was dark so we didn't have too much to take away with us. I was really hungry and knew I should eat but after a cup of tea and an enormous bowl of Joe's soup I had to admit defeat. I washed most of the mud off my legs and the sweat from my face before heading downhill and to the van. It was too late to drive home now so we spent an extra night in Grassington disturbed only by a sheep bashing the back of the van at about 3am.

This is a wonderful route and should become a classic once more runners know of it. The tracks are runnable, the nav not too hard, the Dales Way is beautiful and so are the stone villages and typical Dales barns. Plus of course the team are lovely and you get amazing soup and cake! Good Luck Due North/ Mel and hopefully there will be bigger numbers next year.