The Calderdale Hike

I sold my place for the Haworth Hobble which was the second race in the Runfurther series.... I have done the race any ties, it's tough and always very well attended by speedy fell runners. We needed a bigger block of tie for adventures on the continent and this was the sacrifice.

12 days skiing went well with some mixed and interesting weather but no big falls, except that is on the concrete floor of the ski room. It was over in seconds but what a crash landing. Left ski boot skidded, kicked the other boot off the floor, legs up, body down. Wham. Huge bruise on my hip but some hidden and more serious damage to my left torso. No idea  but either cracked/broken ribs or seriously pulled muscles. Couldn't lift arm above horizontal and a cough or sneeze was a disaster. It meant climbing wasn't really possible although I did try for a couple of days before admitting defeat. We checked out Sisteron but did an amazing walk instead (caves, crawls, the odd wire and rung) plus I walked/jogged up a hill from our wild camp. Gigondas was superb as usual and it was frustrating not to be able to climb properly but I had two wonderful runs and a walk with Bob instead. En route to Spain we called in at St Series Via Feratta, partly to break the journey and partly to check my progress. It was a chilly start but warm in the sun. Ribs not great but VF possible.  Next stop was the border. My race in the summer does not quite go sea to sea and so I wanted to do the first 35k from the sea. If I complete I will then be able to say I have done the whole route. We had a great coastal walk together and then I ran from the Med to Perthus whilst Bob moved the van.  The weather on the coast was warm and sunny even just after sunrise. I was sweating on the first big climb and then it all changed. The sun vanished, the wind got up and the temperature dropped. The middle part of my route which should have been wonderful high grassy tops became a battle for staying upright and warm enough. I was carrying spare gear but only just enough. Thick mist didn't help as my slower speed didn't help keep me warm. By the end it was much warmer again but still windy.  I lost the GR10 markers at one point and then thought I had found them- but it was an old disused route. A chat with two farmers got e back on track. so just 850km or so left to do! We were hyped to go back to some favourite climbing areas, especially as we missed the last year but it seemed daft to drive as far as Benidorm and find I still couldn't climb. Instead we explored areas we had previously driven past further north and inland fro Barcelona. Found some lovely mountains and some Via Feratta- in Spain they are not easy to find, not always well maintained and in some cases closed but we had fun despite failing to find one and me carrying a 60m rope on an all day ridge walk.... training I guess. All too soon it was time to start the journey home. A day stop at Puy le Dome allowed a wonderful run en route.

One reason for the return was the Calderdale Hike- the next race in the Runfurther series. I wasn't sure I was up to 37 miles or so and a stiff neck from climbing on Friday didn't help matters. We drove across in the van and parked up at the school (made famous in Happy Valley) for the night. It was quiet and I slept well. An earlier than expected start to the cricket season meant we started at the cricket club as usual but would finish at the tennis club. By 8am Nick and Jenny had arrived,we had all the flags and banners up and we oved down the cricket club to register. As always there were loads of friends to catch up with and much discussion about various route choices that could be taken during the day.

Sun in my eyes

All the runners started together and at 9am we were off. It was already warm and I knew I would have to shed a layer before long. The first lanes soon passed and we were dropping down the cobbled and stone track to Mytholmroyd. Claire and Ashok were just ahead and not sure of the way but I knew it was foolish to try to keep up. On the climb I shed my layer and then had to shock of running on brown slippery stuff MUD, for the first time in 6 weeks. 

I did in fact catch them by the time we were on the big track below Stoodley Pike and entering Lumbutts. I grabbed a bite to eat at the church but did not want to linger. AS we dropped towards the outskirts of Tod they pulled further ahead and vanished. No worries I like being on my own and I knew where I was going. 

More mud followed from the golf club to the CP at Mount Cross but then it was down hill on tarmac until the little enclosed path led to Cornholme. Apparently Claire and Ashok went astray briefly here but I knew of the back alley and also the way up onto Flower Scar. I had decided I was not going up through the MTB woods but stayed on the lane a little longer before cutting onto the moor. The Tod Centenary Way might be slightly longer than up by the turbines but there was less climb. Just before Horden Gate I made a bad choice through a cow area and got very muddy but arrived at the CP as Martin T came in from the other direction. We chatted as we went along Limers Gate and up towards Trough Edge End. Martin, who has form for nav errors, had not made sense of the drop to the canal route and so was sticking to the turbines. I decided that as the CP was moving further and further down the lane I would try the drop for the first time. It seemed better than retracing our steps and climbing up onto the moor. Kevin H had assured me it was 5 ins faster but I think for e the gain was even more. An easy run down tarmac and then a good path down to the main road really upped my pace the the pavement by the main road and then the canal were easy running. 

A recee from a previous year

It wasn't as scenic but definitely faster. I never saw Martin or the others that went the turbine way again! A slight rise to Summit and then quickly down to Sladen Fold where I was alone the whole tie. I remembered the way up to the pub and then the White House- Claire and Ashok went via the turbines and went off course again in Sladen. The pull up to the White House was tough and I stopped to refill my water. No sandwiches this year but at least I had plenty of my own food. The only time I was chilly all day was on the next stretch towards the M62. 

Not today!

I love Blackstone Edge but know that is faster along the goyt which is easier running and allows you to miss some climb. The noise of the motorway is grim but I was soon turning north towards the new CP and Green Withens reservoir. It was here that Claire and Ashok caught me up. I was feeling trashed after the easy speedy running so we were not together long. 

Today the sun was taking a brief rest at this point

On the climb up onto Rishworth Moor they pulled further ahead and were eventually out of sight. I plodded on. Ryburn Reservoir came and went with now mostly small lanes and a big track all the way to the finish. I couldn't see runners but concentrated on trying to keep my pace good by picking off walkers on the short and medium route who had now rejoined our route. Fro the last CP it was pretty much downhill and I urged myself to run. Jackie was coming the opposite way on her bike- a stiff ride home after her run on the medium route and we shouted hellos. Having the church near the event centre is a real bonus, except perhaps for years when the route climbs up fro the canal valley bottom, as you can see it and know the end is in sight. Bob had come out to see me in and take a photo. 

I thought I was running fast!

I arrived at the Tennis Club in 7hrs 11 and only 10 mins behind the others. Kevin, Adam and others were of course long gone. Tea and chilli jacket potato refreshed e but I seriously missed the yogurt and custard that is usually on offer and the cans of beer did not look as attractive as the real bar in the cricket club. We sat chatting with Phil and Claire, laughing at all her extra bits from nav errors. She would have been much further ahead of me otherwise. Martin T and the other turbine route users arrived shortly afterwards. 

A good day out and although y legs and feet were a bit sore I had done better than I dared to hope. Off home promptly for a family weekend. Chris and Alice arrived on Saturday night and we all met up with Matt, T and Layton on Sunday. Almost perfect- except for L being quite a poorly boy.

Pendle Way in a Day- first Runfurther race of 2023

 I was unsure how this would go as I have been struggling with some sort of chest infection for weeks but after Street O on Wednesday there did seem to be some improvement and Fridays big climbing session in Kendal went well. It is a lovely tough Lancashire winter route- mud, bogs, some faster track and a big hill especially at the end. This year due to the change of start Pendle would be right at the end!

The forecast was quite good and certainly would be better than last years' dreadful conditions. I couldn't believe it when the steady drizzle started on my drive along the M65 when most people were still in bed. It continued as I put up the flags and banners in the dark.  I was quickly registered and then had the luxury of time to chat and greet friends as they arrived. Kat, an ex-colleague, was signed up for Runfurther and this would be the furthest she had ever run.  It is good to have some young blood and for the women's side of the series to be more competitive. I managed a small second breakfast of tea and a slice of toast. Soon Rory, Lawrence, Bryn, Steve, Martin, Chris, Charles and Claire and others appeared and I was able to point them in the direction of our boards and spot prizes.

By the time we congregated outside it was light and more importantly dry! My only concern was would I be too warm in two layers and my cag. The lead runners sprinted off and I found myself with Chris- we had run a fair chunk of the race together last year and he is good company as well as knowing all the sneaky little turns. We must all be getting old- Martin said he wasn't race fit, Bryn was well rested but not up to speed, Chris has been trying to recover from a damaged ankle and I was anxious about my chest/back. 

The lead  runners made a mistake as the lane turned up to Whitehough- so many memories of DoE here for me. We shouted them back and laughed. Kat was up ahead now but I did not chase and after I had stopped for a quick wee she was out of sight. The wet fields down to town were not as bad as I remembered.

We punched the self clip at Barrowford Heritage Centre and headed off on the narrow stream side path and off into the hills again. I was still with Chris but felt I was struggling to breathe on the ups even though they were gentle at first. By the time we were on the lane up to Weets people had settled into their pace and place for the race. Seeing the Lonsdale vest of Jonaton up ahead would continue all day. Chris veered off to visit the trig point and I shot off to the lovely descent to Barlick. A strange little loop of the town to go past the old steam gorge etc and we were heading uphill again to Letcliffe Park. Here I caught Bryn which is unusual. Neither of us were fans of the canal tow path but it was easy running and I tried to keep Jonaton in sight. The fields to Thornton farm and then across to Earby passed without incident but I did have to walk up some of the lane in the village. I didn't stop long at the CP which this year was at the Youth Hostel- just grabbed some water, sweets and a small piece of cake. The fields across to Black Lane Ends were less boggy than usual but far from dry. Some time around here I met up with 'shorts man' and was able to help keep him on track. Jonaton was ahead but not pulling away. I had lost Chris now and was soon to lose Bryn too. At Laneshaw Bridge we reconnected with the 'short' route and so had a few more people to pick off as we headed into Wycoller and our next CP. I love this section for all the history..., ancient buildings, pretty cottages, the Aisled Barn, clapper bridges etc. This year the CP was by the barn so there was no need to climb to the Atom. I grabbed crisps and set off up the lane eating, still shouting instructions to shorts-man. 

The Bronte Way below Boulsworth Hill always seems tougher than it should, It has some climbs but mostly should be so runnable on the big track. My back was a bit sore and I concentrated on posture which took my mind off the long track disappearing into the distance. At least the breeze was not a body stopping gale this year. Just before the reservoirs I spotted a photographer- yes it was David from SportsSunday. He always makes me smile, run and takes a great photo. Today was no exception.

Coldwell Activity Centre is a great CP and this year the wooden chalet was almost empty! I had a cup of tea and some food. Last year it was carnage and together with other soaked and cold runners I struggled into more layers, over trousers and dry gloves. 

Parts of the next section are my least favourite of the whole route- initially the  path is fine but the mud just before the lane at Catlow is grim and this year I actually got stuck for a minute or so. Then after the pleasant descent to Walverden Reservoir there is the boggy ground and steep climb up to the road. At least from there the path across the golf course and to the outskirts of Brierfield are good. Then it is a glorious downhill stretch on tarmac! I gained some places here- I think they were runners on the 30 mile route. Across the main road and over the canal before the wettest part of the day- the sunken board walks of Pendle Water. Clean feet anyhow.  Across the M65 (via a footbridge) and then some pleasant fields before the muddy path by the River Calder. Dirty feet again. The pull up from here to Higham is a killer and Lonsdale man pulled ahead even though I caught and over took others.

This is the final CP this year and I was looking forward to a hot chocolate. Imaginer my upset when there was none! I settled for tea but then there was no jam in my donut (honest). Jamie- I want my money back! Verity told me to bin it and take another but that would be wasteful so I ate it and then took another to munch as I set off. I ignored the shots this year and being dry and warm did not feel the need to linger.

Home straight now and I know the way well. A nice path up fields and across above the farms before the mess at Bull Hole. Others missed the turning right and I managed to call a couple back. The others would have a steep climb to the road before they could turn. From Newchurch I felt slow up the always boggy field but got second wind, or the sugar donuts kicked in, as we entered Fell Wood. I always smile here at the memory of my small child coming to a full stop orienteering- didn't dare go into the woods in case there were bears! This year as we hot the road through Ogden Valley it was still light, it wasn't blowing me off my feet and it wasn't raining. Yay.  It is still a long pull up to the Trig though. I knew the trod along the rim would be faster and reached the top of the steps at the same time as the runner I had been chasing. Although he lives in Poulton he had never run on Pendle- why the hell not? I showed him the runners trod and we made quick work of the descent. I was able to lead him through the final tricky turns but once I smelt the finish I was off and sprinting through the village. I didn't quite break 9 hrs by about 30 seconds- how annoying? (no not really). 

I dashed back out from the finish to find the river and wash the worst of the mud from my shoes and legs whilst they were still wet. Climbing down to the water was easy but getting back out much less so.

It was a PB, I was 2nd female and only 25 mins behind Kat who had loved her day.  

I finished in day light and the dry- result, and so different to last year. It's a different race starting in Barley but I liked it.

So pleased she enjoyed it even if it did cost me 1000 Runfurther points. Rory had set a new record and Lawrence had a good run too. A good start to their Runfurther series with 1000 and 900 odd points each.

I couldn't keep up with Kat and Steve but had beaten Martin, Bryn and Charles. Happy with that. Refuelled by tea and a fantastic buffet i sat chatting with Kat who them kindly helped me take down the flags etc. 

Charles and Claire did offer but had only just finished. Suddenly I was tired, the rain had started and I just wanted to be home. It was good to have had a shower before I enjoyed my Ice Witch. 

Cheers Jamie and team- fantastic race, good CPs, amazing volunteers and superb food at the end.

Thanks to all the Runfurther runners who still love the series and turn up to race for points the best they can regardless of age or niggles.

Heading into 2023

 Suddenly realised we are half way through January and I have not written yet.  I don't really do New Year's resolutions but do have a think about some of what I might want to achieve next year. I will hope to do lots of Runfurther races again even though this will prevent me doing a couple of other favourites. I want to get back to some orienteering- partly because I like the challenge and partly so that I can perhaps make a contribution to our club at the interclub challenge. I have already completed three events in the NW Night League and so will try to do the rest of the series. Bit anxious about the next event which is on much more technical terrain in the Lake District. I had fun (I think) at the New Year Cracker- fast and furious but sadly rather awful brambles. The annual charity John O'Goats in Lyme Park was much nicer with open terrain and fairly easy nav. I did pretty well. Update- did OK at Torver in that I got round. Made mistakes at Beacon  but quite pleased with Brereton Heath. Did quite well for me at Haigh Hall in daylight and disappointed the interclub I have been practicing for is post phoned due to access issues.

As always I want to run something special around my birthday- still not entirely sure what so perhaps more than one during the year. I might do the Ribble Way again as it has been a while and I like the idea of running home. Plus it's about 62 miles. I have found a new circular route in the Ribble Valley and I quite like the look of the Dales Top 10 which is also just over 60 miles.  If things are going well I have had my eye on the North West Way for a while now, it's almost 200 miles but if I do it in 'reverse' I would be running home.  I would really like to fit in is a Parr Round as the 62 peaks would fit with my 62nd year but we will see.  If I decide to do a long UK race then it might be the Hardmoors 160 as this is one I have not done before.  I did consider the NT again but hope we might get away to ski and climb then. I will likely miss my favourite of the year the GRP as I have found a crazy race in the Pyrenees- TranspyreneA.......... I might find I have bitten off more than I can chew but I will give it my best shot. It's almost 900km so what could possibly go wrong!

Last race of the year

 Tour de Helvellyn. One of my favourites and with a special memory of celebrations at the end of my 62in52@52 year back in 2013. I have run it 5 times- not every year as when I was still working we sometimes disappeared on a ski holiday and a couple of times we have been in Nepal or NZ.

It is planned to cope with English winters and so goes via passes not tops. It has some big tracks and although it has more road than I would usually like frequently the weather means that I am grateful in the end. It's about 60km with about 2400m of climb. After two great sunny snowy runs on the local moors I was really looking forward to this even though I might have tired legs. 

I left climbing early and we drove up ready for me to register at 6pm. Bob was happy to move the van and drop me off but it still nursing his leg and wanted to potter. Registration was not open and so I chatted to Carmine and some others. In the end I went back to the van and we ate. Returning to the hall I found that the decision had been made to move to plan B. We would be running out and back to Stu's bridge. Gutted. Paul who had been round the route showed me a few pics and some paths did look rather icy. I was disappointed and wondered about up to Sticks Pass, over the top and then down the grassy trod in Grisedale valley. That would avoid the icy drop to Thirlmere, the rocky icy contour and Raise Beck which could be a bit dangerous. It was not to be.

We left and I drowned my sorrows with wine. I then fretted about whether to wear dobs or other shoes with Kathoolas and also which clothes to wear. The forecast was for sleet showers and strong winds. I didn't sleep well and could not stop feeling I was being deprived of the snowy tops. I even considered giving my tracker back and going off on a snow route. I fell asleep to the sound of sleet hitting the van.

By morning I was calmer and more resigned to what was on offer. Bob dropped me off and the roads in Askham were like an ice rink- glad I had the dobs on. There was time to chat with Maria, Albert, Toney, Steve, Charlotte, Gary and more. I planned to start around 8.30 to be sure that Side Farm CP would be open. Still wavering slightly about what route to run I headed for the kit check and start. Tim L was considering some added interest to the route but I have no idea if this happened in the end. Before I knew it I was out the door and looking for a start marshall- there wasn't one! The tracker picked up a signal as I wandered around the road junction. Time to go.

yep- icy paths

Heading up the lane and up to the common was quite comical with people skating all over. Those with spikes on were doing better but I was sure they would suffer sore feet later. Dobs were OK once I realised they actually worked better if I ran with confidence and planted my feet hard. Hopes that all would be well once we left the tarmac were soon dashed. I could not believe how little snow there was compared to on the West Pennine Moors and also how much ice there was across the paths. 

No snow!

Once past the Cockpit I had got used to the terrain and was moving at a nice steady pace and overtaking some of the slower early starters. The descent to Howtown passed without issue and I opted to stay off the road and to take the path via Mellguards that would drop me in behind the first CP at Martindale church. From here I was worried about icy roads but they were not too bad at all and the tarmac along Boredale made for speedy (for me) running. 

Boredale climb on very firm ground

The dobs were doing fine but it was nice to get onto the track and start climbing. I stopped for a few photos and couldn't believe how lucky we were with the weather.. some sun, no rain or sleet and not much wind. Up at Boredale Hause I bumped into Andy H who I knew from the Tor and we chatted as we made progress towards Side Farm. 

At last some snow at the Hause

This rocky stepped path was actually easier than usual with the dobs, perhaps because I was not even trying to run! I got scanned at the CP and after grabbing some crisps shot off across the valley floor. 

There were a few runners ahead as I ran along Ullswater and into Glenridding. I toyed with the idea of a cross country option here but got locked in to chasing the guys just ahead and settled for the road up past the YHA and the mines. A sudden shower of sleety hail made me stop and put gloves back on but it didn't last long. I managed to over take a few people here and was soon climbing into the thin snow. This ended all too soon as I reached the footbridge across Swart Beck. I could Stu and stopped to bemoan our fate of not going up to play in the snow.

I did run really

The descent was a bit slippy and there were now lots of runners appearing. I proceeded with caution even though it did mean being overtaken by about 10 men. I re-caught some of them once we were on easier ground. Being an out and back course was interesting as I got to chat or say Hi to many people as we passed each other. My off road route didn't happen as I was busy talking and missed the turn. Down Greenside road it was. 

We should be up there.

The ice was melting now and the dobs clattering quite a bit. I chased Gary and the NE gang all the way to Side Farm. This time I did stop- the chocolate orange cake was amazing and powered me up the next climb. If it looked good at the Hause I was gong to divert up Place Fell as I had plenty of daylight left. 

Place Fell disappearing

Sadly as we approached the path junction those tops disappeared in thick cloud and di not look so inviting. It was clearly not to be today. Some faster runners came flying though and I concentrated on not losing the group of men I was with. They pulled away over the initially rocks but I had caught them again by the farm.

So much better than the forecast

By now I was roasting! I had already discarded hat, gloves and buff plus was running with my heavy weight cag unzipped and pushed behind my race vest. Two long sleeve thermals and fleecy tights was too much! Still, no time to stop. We stayed together until Martindale church. I then headed back to the fellside while they stuck to the zig zags. We were together again after Howtown and running with them certainly helped keep me going. Rory came powering past and made the hills look like nothing. Climbing back onto the common my dobs allowed me to run ahead a little and as I reached the planation below Barton Fell it motivated me for the final push. Damo shot past and I wondered what route he would take and how far he would pull away. My choice after the cockpit worked and he actually lost a little of his distance briefly. Another speedy runner egged me on and even stopped to hold the fell gate for me. Down hill now al the way, come on legs less than a mile to go. It was easier after only 25 miles and not the usual 36 or so. I prayed there was no traffic and shot across the cross roads and into the back room of the village hall. I was a sweaty mess with soaked clothing and my hair plastered to my head and face.

5hrs9 mins for about 26.5 miles and some ice skating. 6th F and first old lady and not far behind some rival who usually beat me by more. Not too bad and a better day out than expected in terms of the route and the weather. As always at a Nav4 event there was excellent soup, real bread, endless tea and more of that amazing cake. There were also so many friends to talk to.  Sophie from my NT disaster came to say Hi. Maria beat me just and we laughed at the lack of beer and prosecco. I ended up on a table of elites... Damo, Rory, Ross , Lawrence, Elaine and others. They treated me as an equal and likely have no idea how awed I was. I then had a chat with the NE guys and a quick interview with Gary. Poor phone signal meant Bob and I were having difficulty communicating and I gave up chatting to sort this out. In the end it worked out and he picked me up at the cross roads where I just had time to shout bye to Joe who was spreading salt/grit on our road crossing. As we drove home the weather worsened with fog at Shap on the M6 and then rain and very grey skies. Our day had not been so bad at all.

Thanks to Andy H for this and a couple of the photos

November

 A strange month- The Runfurther season has finished, Street O has started and the weather often turns dark and grey. I needed some motivation and decided Turfing again would get me out when it might be easy not to bother.

I was determined the Turf would not take over my life, rather that I would use it to suit me. I had lots of turf bike rides locally. This helped Frances too as we re-took zones from each other several times. Mostly these were in decent weather although I did have one dreadfully wet trip to Leyland. I know where most local Turf zones are and so can leave my phone screen off and even hide the phone away in a pocket. Not so in Leyland and trying to cope in very heavy downpours led me to abandoning the effort after a while. I did also manage a bike Turf trip to the seaside taking in both Lytham St Annes and then most of Blackpool. My favourite Turf activities are definitely runs on the local hills with some lovely runs around Roddlesworth and the West Pennine Moors. Not the best value points per hour but nicer runs. It must have rained lots at some point because on one run across the moors heading towards Pike Stones I was splishy splashing along and then stepped in a much deeper hole and fell. Soaking wet up to my chest! The only solution seemed to be to strip off, wring things out and put them back on with a cag over the top. Luckily I was able to cut short my route so that it was on less exposed terrain and I got warm again. I also had a wonderful day running on the moors above Clowbridge where there is an extensive set of Turf Zones. All was going well and I had a small loop of 12 zones left when my phone pinged. Bob asking me to return to the van. He had injured himself in a MTB accident. The huge lump on his leg was impressive but nothing compared to what it morphed into over the next fortnight. Urban turfs on foot are not really my thing but I did Turf in Chorley when we made trips to A and E there twice, Horwich before a street O, Southport when running errands and even Blackburn. Parts of that last city are lovely but on the whole a trip there just makes me grateful I do not have to live there! I also organised  a Turf event based around the riverside parks and old rail and tram lines in the south of Preston. I think I finished up 4th in the UK for that Turf round so not too bad an effort for somebody who was not taking it too seriously.

We continued to climb roughly twice a week(indoors) of course and the new wall does have the joy of regular route changes to keep us interested and tested. They also set up the winter bouldering league again. As last time I am the only Super Vet F in Preston so I had to enter ;) I will never do particularly well as I will not commit if I think I may fall from near the top. Give a rope to dangle on any day.

After the OMM I was determined to hone my nav and orienteering skills. We did quite well at the OMM except for one huge mistake where we actually punched an incorrect control and so were disqualified on day 1. The weather had been cold, wet and windy as we approached Esk Pike and then we had a nightmare finding a control in very poor visibility. We knew we were getting cold but could not find shelter to stop and add layers. Eventually with the CP found and dropping off the tops we found shelter. IN our joy we raced off downhill and punched the wrong control- ours was a hill not a large knoll and was about 500m further on. It was the only time we did not check all weekend and the only time two controls were so close together! The weekend as a whole was the sort of fun/ adventure it usually is.

Street O helps with quick decisions and route planning but not with fine nav on terrain.  The Runfurther prize giving was based on a 3 hour score event in the Goyt valley. Relatively easy nav but some tricky decisions about which controls to take and which to ignore, especially for those not local who did not know which paths or hillsides were really runnable. Despite this I was pleased with my run and had fun - helped by the torrential rain stopping long enough for me to enjoy my run.

Day time orienteering on fairly open ground suits me best and I had a lovely run at Dean Clough. Lots of fast running with just enough navigation challenge to make it interesting. Plus the weather window was perfect for me yet again.  I then spotted that the first NW Night O was on Beacon Fell. We used to look after the permanent course here and so know the hill pretty well even if storms have flattened some forest bits. The night O was tough. Nav in the dark is a whole new challenge plus the undergrowth and fallen trees caused me real obstacles and reduced me to walk and jog. Towards the end I also had head torch issues and so sped up just in case it failed when what I really needed to do was slow down and concentrate. The day time event the following day was so much easier. The next Night O was Longsight Park near Bolton. It is an abandoned and re-wilded golf course. There should have been lots of decent running but a couple of foolish nav errors caused me some serious time loss. Not deterred I entered the next Night O on Hurstwood near Burnley. I know the main paths through here from various races but not the intricate old mine workings that are scattered around.  This was an even tougher challenge and I knew to take care. In the dark some parts of the terrain were awful tussocks so I couldn't run much anyway. Trying to avoid tussocks and area of rock strewn ground meant it was hard to keep on a compass bearing. I made one silly error early on and then another when I let myself believe a better orienteer knew the way better than me. Despite this I did OK and got a better time then some and certainly better than all those who retired. Again the day event on Sunday although a very different course was so much easier. 

Visiting family reduced my adventures for a week and I missed some sunny frosty hill days but did manage one escape to Bowland. Now the roads seem to be sheet ice and the skies here are grey and I am hoping it will thaw enough for a sunny trip out tomorrow. I need some running in my legs before the Tour de Helvellyn.

The Yorkshire Trod- last race of the Runfurther season.

 I ran this race for the first time last year and although I found it tough I really liked the route and journey. There were bits that were quite new to me then especially near the Winterburn valley and Weets (I thought Weets was over near Barnoldswick but it turns out there are two!). Hanging on like grim death to keep up with others that knew the way meant I arrived at the first CP knackered and at the main CP in Grassington so trashed I was not sure I could go out for the final loop. This year I was determined to start more carefully. 

By 7pm on Friday evening the flags and banners were up, mint cake delivered, boards and prizes sorted and I was registered with my tracker attached. After a quick chat with Mel the RO and also with Jenny and Ken I was ready for my meal and settling down cosy in the van. We drove to the end of the tarmac above Yarnbury and cooked. Before long the wind became fierce and the rain started and we headed to bed.  Then the local 'lads' arrived and turned the car radio to max before setting off a firework. During the night the rain sounded torrential and I prayed that the forecast would still be correct- a mix of cloud and sun, no rain, a bit windy not not cold. (a real wuss). We woke to low cloud and drizzle but by 7am down in the village things were looking a bit more promising. The entry was small this year and Runfurther people made up about half the entry. There were some runners doing the 50km but I don't think I knew many of them. It was nice to have time for a brief chat with Adam, Phil and Claire before the start. After several trips to the loo I opted to start in my cag but hoped I would not need it for too long. It would be light within half an hour but I started with my torch just in case- I would feel pretty daft tripping over a kerb or tree root in the first mile or so.  We gathered outside and there was a hushed a low key start. Down hill on tarmac made it hard to reign in the pace but the hill up to the school at Threshfield helped. By the time we had crossed the main road and were heading onto the first moors I was suffering. I could not seem to get my breath and had to walk and so lost touch with Martin and Mark. It did allow me to meet and briefly chat to Felicity- a new Runfurther runner so that was good. Without my 'leaders' I missed the turn off towards the road above Winterburn but soon realised and put it right. From there I knew the way and made good time up towards Weets. I opened a gap and was catching a runner ahead- ? in a vegan vest. I didn't race after him but tried to slowly narrow the distance as w ran past the Roman Camp, Street Gate and on to the first manned CP at the Malham Tarn car park.  Stephen was marshalling here but I had no need of water so rushed on with just a cheery Hello. A better line across the grass put me ahead of vegan man for a while but he then pulled slightly ahead of me on the Monks Road to Arncliffe. The limestone rocks poking through the grass and mud were slippery and although my shoes had good grip on mud they were not so great on rock. We arrived at the village hall roughly together and just as Martin was leaving. I stopped long enough to top up water, swig some tea and eat a little. The river meadow path along the Skirfare to Litton was very wet and several small streams had over flowed but I was more comfortable now and had shed my cag too. The stepping stones were drier than most of the field rocks and I crossed unscathed. From Litton the path climbs steeply and this seemed to take some time. I could see a runner ahead but did not know whether the red was Martin's T shirt or Mark's race vest. The flag stone path from the ridge felt slippery and I slowed down a bit. The boggy path descending to Buckden was more to my liking. I topped up with water and MFuel at the water container and debated which way I would go up Buckden Pike. The rocky path up the beck is slightly shorter but the rocks would be greasy. The middle option looked OK on the map but had the scope for nav issues. The main path loops out north but at least I would know exactly where I was and could hopefully make better speed on a slightly easier gradient? I opted for the latter and apart from one dreadfully boggy section felt it was likely the best choice for me. It was decidedly cold and very windy up here and not a place to hang about. Standing on tip toe at the trig I just about managed to use the self clip before setting off on a little adventure into the unknown. Mel was convinced that the best route down to Starbotton was the permissive path to the lead mines and then down the ridge so I decided to try it out. It was far less bog than my standard Fellsman route and also kept me off the stony track of Walden Road too but there were slightly more short rises than I expected. As I started down to the mines I met vegan man on his way up- it was the last I saw of him. The clip at the end of the village set me off on the Dales Way field paths to Kettlewell. It was now very warm and I was regretting the T shirt over my base layer. 

The little flappy stiles were a pain but fortunately there were not too many walkers on the path. I made a silly error in Kettlewell which took me on a slightly roundabout route to the maypole adding a few hundred metres. Again I stopped to refill water and MFuel and grab a quick bite. Just as I was leaving I passed Fiona and the dog and learnt that Mark was only just ahead of me. I sensibly did not try to fly after him but I did try to up my pace at to keep an eye on the paths ahead. The short section on tarmac should be easy but I struggled to get going again after my mini break. Once I had done the climb and was on the lovely grassy ledge above Swineber Scar things improved. I was running fairly well and spotted Mark ahead. As I neared the distinctive Coniston Pie I knew I was reeling him in and this gave me a boost. Before long we were running together and almost in Grassington. We have run together several times before- never with a pact but just with our pace conveniently coinciding. In the CP Martin was just about to leave and we stopped for a more major refuel, collect stuff from drop bags and in Mark's case change shoes and socks. I set off ahead but was sure he would work hard to catch me. It was now mid afternoon and the Dales Way was annoyingly busy. The river was quite dramatic after the rain and I used this as a distraction. 

At the suspension bridge I had to bite my tongue at the slow pace people were moving and then at the shrieks as I jogged and made the bridge bounce. All the way to Burnsall it was busy and I was pleased there were not so many stiles. Mark did a km on the road here and we met again as I joined Kail Lane. It was good to have company again and I knew it would get us to both move faster than if we were alone as well as having two eyes on any silly nav errors. We made good time along the old lane and up to New Road before making even better time down Trollers Gill. I had remembered it as having more rock so it was a pleasant surprise to find it so grassy. Simon's Seat was looming and seemed menacingly big but we had further to drop across the next valley yet. The path up through the patchy woods and onto the moor is in a shocking state with some serious erosion from running water. Today it was a stream bed and I was just thankful to be going up it and not down. I was stronger uphill but knew Mark would catch me again on a couple of technical bits after the summit area. We met Paul putting out the self clip and teased him that the string was too short- tired quads did not want to sink that low! Parts of the descent are now flagstone and quite easy running but a few sections were more rocky and stream bed like. It meant we arrived at the permissive path into the woods together. Just as we found the self clip at Howgill Andrew E appeared with the offer of chat, satsumas and even ice cream. Sadly the van at Barden was locked up for the night but the thought was there and it led me to push the pace a bit on this last section of the Dales Way. We marched up to the cattle grid on Barden Moor with some running on the flats and downs. It was still light whereas last year it was just starting to get sketchy without a torch. Andrew left us at the CP and after a short stop for food we pushed on. We were too early for Joe which was a shame but we were up on time! I was now pleased to have my cag back on as a windshield although I then got too hot again as we worked hard. The sunset was beautiful.

The big shooting tracks encouraged us to run  all but the steeper bits so we were soon on Brown Bank and dropping west. It was now dark but fairly easy running to the fell gate above Rylstone. 

From a daylight run past Rylstone Cross and the war memorial

Mark had some torch issues and a couple of very brief stops to deal with this gave us a breather. We both knew the paths here well and although they had both rocky and peaty bog sections we moved well. We were now daring to consider how many miles were left and what time we might do. I grabbed a MF jelly and we set off along the wall to reach the next section of shooting track. Chatting made the time fly and it wasn't long before we arrived at the big stone shooting house. Mel apparently favours an earlier trod descent but I was sticking with what I knew even if it was slightly further (actually about 1km further). The grassy paths heading north and down to Thorpe were good but the last section on the old cobbled lane was dreadful and we both feared a fall. A short tarmac section led to the final fields before the drop to the suspension bridge. Here we met Steve and Charlotte starting their final loop- heck, it was going to be a run through the night for them. They had until 7am and it could be tight. We on the other hand turned west and knew it was less than 4km to the finish. We were wary of tree roots by the river but mostly it was easy running to Sedber Lane. We stomped up this as fast as we could at this stage and with 1km to go believed we might even get in before 9pm. We even ran the first half of Main Street despite the hill and finished with almost 3 minutes to spare. 13 hours 57 mins and a few seconds. I had beaten last year's time by over 40 minutes and so was chuffed. Mark had, as usual, been good company. Several cups of tea and pie with beans filled the hole in my stomach. Martin appeared behind us- he had run more miles on the Dales Way and then had to back track to get back on route. Credit to him for not giving up in despair. A tricky spot of contortion gymnastics in the toilets let me wash the mud off my legs so that I could sleep in our bed in the van. Bob had already taken down the flags and banners plus taken them back to the van (what a star).  A short downhill walk and I fell into bed. I fancied a pint but was too tired to contemplate the pubs. 

We were so lucky with the weather window. We awoke on Sunday to low cloud and drizzle which soon turned to rain. Only much later that evening did I realise that by running faster than last year I had managed to keep just 42 points ahead of Claire. She gained the 1000 for a great win today but I was able to bin my Fellsman 687 and replace it with 892 from today. It was a shame as she is a better runner and has always beaten me when we run head to head but I couldn't help being a tiny bit pleased too. (it won't happen next year if Claire and Vic both enter 4 races)

The Lancashireman

 What can I say. It was a disaster and I was terrible. I knew it would be bad as in the last 2 months since the L100 I had run ONCE- the GRP and much of that is stomping up big mountains. True we had been very active with lots of climbing, Via Feratta and SUP plus a few walks but it's not the same. I also know that at 26 or 27 miles it would be faster than I like but I never imagined quite how bad and humiliating it would be. Fail to prepare, prepare to fail has never been so true. I was tired and didn't really want to go but had to take some Runfurther stuff anyway.

I arrived nice an early, found the parking area and then Nick arrived. We found the start using OS on my phone and then set up the flags etc as other runners stated to arrive. Phil was desperate for the loo but no key could be found. 

It was good to see Roy, Vic, Katy, Dave R and Katherine S plus Ian S who I have not seen for years now and also Tony.  

We stood chatting in the very cold Burnley morning until it was time to head to the start over the road and down on the canal tow path. Within minutes I lost a few places as I had to rapidly leave the tow path and go to the loo. 

I then perhaps ran too hard to make up places.  I had no idea of the route but assumed I would have others around me. That worked until the local Trawden guy ran faster and then I stopped to take my jacket off as I was over heating. Ran on with a woman who seemed to know the way- she didn't. I was focused on getting through a field of cows and bulls- so much so that I didn't realise all the runners not far behind me had turned sharply left up hill and were now ahead. I cut up to a track and got back on route but about 20 had overtaken. At some point here I was with Matt H but not for long- he was running strongly. I did meet up with Michelle though as I dithered in one field before Thursden Brook. She talked non-stop for miles and miles- quite impressive. Climbing to the road and then up to the col towards Widdop  I met other friends but also realised just how hopelessly knackered I already was. 

It was a slow walk up the tarmac and even slower onto the Haworth Hobble route.

Trying to enjoy the day

I did try to run more heading towards Hurstwood Res but even that seemed a struggle and it is mostly downhill. I arrived at Long Causeway safely but was so tired. I tried to stay with Michelle and her friend hoping it would spur me on and that they would know the best line. They didn't and I was struggling. Having made a poor route choice we were overtaken by a couple and caught by David and Katherine. Oh dear. Next came the climb to Thieveley Pike. Initially this was steep and I fell further behind. The weather also seemed to be clagging in with just a bit of misting wet in the air. Please don't rain on me was all I could think. From the trig I did run reasonably well down to the railway line and the CP but I was done. my head ached, my throat was sore and I had no energy. I stomped on with the odd bit of running the best I could. Even going slowly I made a couple of small nav errors. Crossing the main road at Walk Mill I prayed I was almost back. It gave me a bit of a lift and I ran down to the park and Townley Hall. It was busy but I had no time to linger. I took a wrong path here but it didn't matter much and likely only added a few hundred metres. 

The last bits to get us into Burnley seemed to go on but really it was quite short and not long before I was heading down to the canal. I remembered Jamie's last minute instructions of turn right (the event base had changed) but recognised where my car was parked anyway. I made some sort of effort to run the last bit on the canal but must have looked a sight. 

How on earth did it take me almost six and a half hours to run 26-27 miles? I was at least an hour off the pace. I didn't even need it for the Runfurther points- I just had to deliver the mint cake. I needed to sit down and could really have done with warmth and a cup of tea but couldn't face walking back to the car for money and then returning to help with the flags. I waited for Jenny, Ken and Nick.  I wasn't very good company and felt ill. The RO and marshalls helped with the flags which was lovely and it did at least stay dry.

Ian back to running- 2nd

 Fail to prepare and prepare to fail - oh yes. Absolutely no consolation that I was 1stFV60- maybe I was the only one. I had been beaten by Tony and he is a V70. Time to go home, lick my wounds and do some training once I feel better.  It's a lovely route so I will have to try again.

Claire

On the plus side Claire could easily beat me and win the Runfurther trophy this year so long as she has a good run at the Yorkshire Trod. She won today in an awesome 4hrs 52.