Last Runfurther race of the year- Warrington Way

 I last did this race in 2016 when it was a new race and only happening for the second time. It has grown lots in the meantime with a pairs race and a 4 person relay also added. The field is now much larger. 

Back in 2016- it was WET

My memories of the race were mixed- great RO team, food etc but mud, floods, motorways, industry, litter and traffic. The course is fast and flat with much of it on tarmac and lots more on stony tracks. Not my forte.

As last time I did not need the points for the Runfurther series but was committed to helping take flags etc. Some heavy falls on rocky ground meant I was feeling bashed and my left knee in particular was still swollen and less than perfect. A plan was hatched with me staying at Jenny's so that we could make an early start and travel together. By 5am we were up and having a hot drink and not long after we were on the move. Roadworks very close to the event centre complicated matters but we found our way with only one wobble and managed to park close by. Soon after 6am the flags and boards were up. Plenty of time now to eat more and to chat. We were promised dry ground and possibly the best underfoot conditions the race had ever had. The forecast was for mild, dry dull weather.

The start was marginally closer to the village cross due to the roadworks and before the 7.30 start we were filling the street and waiting for the start gun. I had no thoughts of a podium place  and at this stage was not even sure I would get round. Lymm itself is a pretty village and seems to have lots of high end shops. We were soon through the edge of the urban area and running on the Trans Pennine Way.

5 miles in

Sadly this was soon over and we were on a road heading over the Manchester Ship Canal. It had more traffic than I like. A mixture of field paths and tracks took us north towards Birchwood and the M62. 

Early on and not on tarmac

Safely across there was a nice section in trees before more tarmac led to close to Croft Interchange. This time we crossed the M6 by footbridge and subway before soon reaching the M62 yet again. 

Rory looking far to cool and laid back on his way to breaking the record

Field paths and tracks led us to a footbridge and eventually landscape that was a mixture of farms and huge distribution warehouses near Winwick. I was now desperate for a reason to stop or slow down but this course really shows you up- There are no reasons/excuses to stop! Still 17 miles done now and all I could do was push on the best I could towards CP2. 

Time for paracetamol

More roads around here led down to Fiddlers Ferry and a well packed towpath along the St Helens Canal. Somewhere in the next section I passed a rather fed up Ian. Sarah had passed him and he enjoying his day although the music at the pop up Oompa Loompas CH did cheer him up. 

My knee was sore but better than expected and was allowing me to run. The 'neuroma' thingy on the right foot was much less happy at all the hard surface and was sending lots of shooting pains. More pain killers taken. A sewage works, and virtually disused lanes led us towards Moore. The map showed a mix of canal, rivers, nature reserves etc but I had no idea where I was an relied on chasing others and the pink tags the RO team had put out. These tags only let me down twice when I needed to resort to OS maps on my phone. There was not much to distract me so I did lots of mental maths working out miles, km, how far to next CP, how far to finish. Two females had overtaken me but I had also overtaken others. 

Near CP3 Hatton

I had no idea of position but when I spotted an 'older' runner It did spur me on to stay with her and then over take and stay ahead. Later once I saw her at the finish I realised she was certainly not a V60 but it helped motivate me. After Moore we joined the Cheshire ring canal and that was much better but sadly rather short. There was a slight uphill on road and a short downhill on a track before CP3 near Hatton and yet another motorway. From here I was able to tell myself that the end was in sight with only 16km or so to go. We turned eastwards and were on the final section. This last quarter of the route is probably the nicest. Farm land with lanes and tracks as well as field paths were leading us home. There was some mud but much less than I remembered. The rest is a bit of a haze but I know we crossed another motorway before the best bit of the day- the woods that lead to Lymm Dam and more woods by the little reservoir. One road crossing and there were the wrought iron gates with pleasant paths all the way to the village. Up through the village, past the cross, up the cobbles and up the incline to the scout hut/ Maple Lodge. 

Actual race time 6hrs 37

In the end a better day than anticipated. The weather stayed dry although it did get chilly in the afternoon. I managed to finish in 6hrs 37 and to gain 6th F and 1stFV and was only 5-6 minutes behind Sarah. Amazingly I had beaten my previous time by over 10 mins - the dry ground must have made a big difference. I also got a PB for 50km according to Strava- mainly because I never usually run that far on flat tarmac! very brief nap with my head on the table also helped. My foot took a while to calm down and my knee had locked whilst I sat still.  

Sadly I missed the prize giving but was able to congratulate Rory on his winning run and breaking Charlie Sharp's record.

A trip to the car for more layers meant I was soon cosy and waiting for Jenny, Charlotte, Nick and Steve.  Many hands made easy of packing up the flags and we soon on our way home. Early dark at this time of year made it seem like an even longer day!

This course will never be my favourite but the RO team are great and the atmosphere superb with loads of supporters around the route and so many extra pop up CPs with goodies and an encouraging word. Balloons in the Lymm Runners green showed the way for the last km.

Time for an update

 I haven't died or given up all active life. In fact October has been rather busy with an interesting mix of running, walking, cycling and orienteering, just not many races.

Just two days with no activity- one recovering from a fall and the other with family

Sometimes less running is good? or am I kidding myself. Cross training perhaps? Nine decent bike rides and two shorter ones as recovery rides. Long rides tend to be with Bob and I like that we can head off and enjoy a day together. So 363km logged.

We also climb together (indoors- come on it is UK in Oct!).  Often two sessions a week and most sessions are 4 hours so about 36 hours over the month. Mostly on Preston Wall but also two sessions bouldering too.

Running only adds up to 276km but some of that is orienteering where the nav is rather more important than the running. 

Despite my anxiety I did manage to score good points on a very short orienteering course where nav certainly mattered more than speed. The O at High Pike on nice big grassy slopes was much more my cup of tea.

Also two sessions back to back were the OMM where again nav and the terrain plus a big pack reduced the distance. 

Most of the rest are on the moors and fells as I am not really a fan of running from home as it includes too much tarmac and speed. The latter is likely good for me but I dodge it when I can.

 Big days on the Howgills with a fair bit of running, exploring on Northern Bowland with a running first half and then a much slower second half with bogs, mud, standing water and missing paths.

Plus a recee run on southern Bowland. I knew all the paths on the tops but not those in the fields and woods between the villages. All good and wonderful exploring new to me paths. Then I stopped concentrating and took a cracking fall on a rocky path on an 'easy' section. 

November sees the start of Night O. I am not very good at this but it really makes me concentrate and keeps my map reading skills up to date. It is also the start of the Street O season- fast running on tarmac with nav and route choices thrown in. My brain is aching already. 

L100

 It seems a distant memory now and I think I will struggle to remember details!

We arrived and were soon on the far field and helping others getting stuck on boggy ground. Registration went quite smoothly despite me not having any photo ID, apparently I am well known enough. Kit check was fine and I never skimp on items as I know I feel the cold etc more than many. Then there were the usual hours of packing, eating and wandering about waiting for the early evening start. I caught up with many friends but failed to find Jackie. It was dry and warm but I knew there would be standing water, bog and mud from the recent rain..... there was, LOTS.

Briefing was the usual fun and then it was How many toilet attempts can you fit in before the start. I am always nervous until we get started but chatting to people I had not seen for ages helped. 

The start was crazy as usual and I tried not to get dragged along faster than I wanted. There would be bottle necks at the gates on the first path but I was not worried so early in the miles. I felt slow going up Walna Scar road and tried not to worry. 

The first CP is always a bit of a blur and I didn't really need anything so pushed on. The path from here and below Harter Fell was wet, boggy and muddy. I had opted for shoes with comfort but the lugs were actually OK too. More people seemed to pass me as I made my way towards Boot. Here I did stop for food and water knowing I would need the energy to get over to Wasdale. Again the path here was muddy and there was more standing water than usual. It slowed me down enough that I decided I needed my torch to make sure I did not take a tumble. By the timeI passed Brackenclose it was properly dark and the  short section on the lane gave a small respite. Then it was back onto wet paths to Wasdale Head and the next CP. Determined to eat I stopped and made a proper effort and I think it was here that I put on my cag.

A trail of lights ahead and behind me showed the path to Black Sail Pass and then it was down into the end of Ennerdale. Here the bridge was missing but it had been replaced by a rope and marshalls. Amusing that I had been worried about getting soaked socks and shoes here given what I had already been through. The climb to Scarth Gap passed quite quickly but I ma getting slower and slower on the rocky descents. I did though manage to run pretty much all the way along Buttermere and into the village. Here I managed one hot dog (inner only) and a big cup of chocolate milk. I had made silly errors the other year on the path above Sail Beck and was eager not to end up in bracken again. A bit of care saw me emerge at the top safely and then start the descent to Braithwaite. In the past I had made this a real sit down, take stock, eat etc break and this year was no exception. Plenty of food and variety too. Custard and yogurt always slip down well and then prompt me to eat more solids. The staff there are very helpful and attentive.

I had company off and on from here which was nice and helped keep the pace up all the way beyond Latrigg. I seemed to be alone as I contoured below Lonscale Fell and the big loop before crossing the beck and heading south again to the Blencathra Centre. I didn't feel as sick here this year, not the need to put my head on the table and question my choices; I even managed some toast. I have only hazy memories of the next bit but it was getting light as I dropped towards the River Greta and the new cycleway. My GPS said I was going wrong but it seemed correct to me and before long a runner confirmed this. I actually passed a couple of runners heading up to the Old Coach Road and made decent time along here. Next stop would be the midge infested Matterdale where I knew I would see all my Hardmoors friends. More food and I was off down to Dockray and the loop around Gowbarrow.  The new day lifted my spirits and I did not feel too bad really. A fair few lanes lead us to Dalemain but it wasn't hot or sunny so not so bad and made for better progress than muddy paths.

Dalemain is sort of half way and where we get our drop bags. It is also where the L50 starts. There is a huge marquee and plenty of food. It was heaving down with rain and people were not in a hurry to leave, so much so that initially I struggled to find a space. Drying my feet seemed impossible and even airing them in the saturated air them would have little effect. Oh well, dry socks would feel slightly better maybe. I was plied with food and drink, topped up my water and the food I was carrying and chatted with those squashed around me. It seemed many were stopping here.  True, it looked pretty grim outside but not so bad that I would stop! The forecast was for the rain to stop but I could not really afford to wait and see. I put on my over trousers and left in a downpour and tried to make sure runners arriving by car for the start of the L50 did not run me over. My feet were soaked again within minutes thanks to the long grass. 

One nice thing about this race is the random support that pops up. Running towards the river I met Shane. It had just stopped raining and he was amused at my attire. Crossing the bridge in Pooley Bridge I heard shouts of my name and found it was Albert and family. The change in the weather spurred me on and I was soon on Askham Common and heading to the Bobbin Mill CP near Howtown. A bit more food and I was off the a rather water logged Fusedale and the long climb up to Wether Hill.  I have awful memories of the descent to Haweswater and so was relieved to find it so much better than expected. Perhaps I was just running more slowly this year. It always seems to take forever to move along the reservoir and even when you think you can see the end you are not there. The final bay is hidden by the lower end of Riggindale.

Mardale Head saw more support as I met Siobhan and then other friends at the CP. More food here as it was dry enough to not worry about standing around. The climb up to Gatesgarth felt really tough and I knew I would also lose time on the drop into Longsleddale as I am now so hopeless on rocky trails that are steep. I pushed on the best I could and then took to the grassy verges once it was possible. More climbing led me across to Kentmere. I don't remember much except a very fierce and noisy cow/bull guarding a gate that I needed to pass through.

The Kentmere CP was being manned by Jamie Mc and his team this year. I was as usual struggling with the idea of food but did manage two smoothies and possibly something a bit more solid. Garburn Pass gets gnarlier every year thanks to off road vehicles and water erosion but I would rather be going up it than down. The top was a mass of enormous puddles. I tried to make myself run down to Troutbeck but know I walked some bits. To my amazement I spotted Maria ahead. She steamed past me before we even left Walna Scar Road but was having an awful time with palpitations and more. She was not on her own and there was nothing I could do except hope it improved for her.

From Troutbeck over the Ambleside I remember a stream of L50 runners passing including Richard L. I was probably going ridiculously slowly by now. I made reasonable time on the big track but was slow on the muddy rocks in the woods. Then Ambleside came into sight and the path improved again allowing me to run a bit more. This CP seemed to be crowded but I did manage to grab some food before setting off through the park and up onto Loughrigg. Progress was painfully slow most of the way to Elterwater including on the big flat path which should have been so runnable. The waterfalls were spectacular though. Progress up Langdale was a bit better and I was soon crossing the cattle grid near Side Pike. By the time I emerged from the woods near Blea Tarn it was clear I would soon need my torch. I decided to stop and use it rather than risk a tumble. It meant I lost the runners just ahead that I had been using to 'pull' me along buy hey ho. Blea Moss was as wet as ever and it was good to reach the tarmac of Little Langdale. I could still see torches ahead but was losing the battle to stick with them. Suddenly I heard my name again. I was starting to suffer from lack of sleep by now and in the dark I didn't recognise them. It was Nic Jackson and some friends. Only Tilberthwaite left now! I reached the CP knowing that I was very very tired. I didn't want food I just wanted to get on with it but my brain and reflexes were struggling. Luckily I latched onto another runner and we started chatting- small world as we found we had a mutual friend. She was very patient and must have been frustrated at my slow pace but we stuck together and reached the Coppermines Valley safely. Just the big track and then tarmac after the Miner's Bridge. We avoided all the deep potholes and jogged through the town and towards the school and the finish. Running with her company really helped me that night and I will be forever grateful.

The welcoming committee slowed us up in order that we could all make 'an entrance' to the marquee and be presented with our medals and have our finisher's photo taken. 

Bob was there to meet me as always too. At least I was not like a drowned rat this year. We moved into the food area and soon I was tucking into my meal. Suddenly I felt cold and decided a beer in the van would be better than the draughty tent. A quick clean up and I was in bed.

I didn't sleep very well but was soon in recovery mode and eating everything I saw.... fried eggs on bread, ice cream, bananas and then later at the prize giving proseco and beer plus an enormous fish and chips on the way home. The day was bright and sunny but the prize giving was inside. 

It was the usual festival with many marshalls dancing , singing and making a tunnel for prize winners to pass through. Mike Read must have watched Martin and I the other year because when the V60s were announced he grabbed my hand and insisted we ran to the podium. 

So 3 attempts and 3 FV60 prizes. This year despite getting a PW in 30 hrs 15 I was 1st FV50 and so also FV60 and 8th F overall. 

Do I now do two more- try to keep my FV standing and gain the precious 5 year slate?

Then it was home, shower, do washing, repack van and drive to the tunnel for two months in Europe. Not much running happened but we did masses of Via Ferrata, climbing, walking and some SUP and cycling. Strava tells me it was 53 VF, 51 rock climbs, 617km not counting walks to climbs or around town. 40,700m of climb ( not counting rock climbs), 23km of SUP and a bike ride.

It was disappointing that my main race the UTMR didn't really happen. A massive storm with vast amounts of rain etc meant we couldn't cross the glacier and high passes between Zermatt and Italy so maybe 120km not 170km. Then the rains caused a landslide and washed away a road in Saas valley and so the 120km could not happen. Then a bit of a lack of info until we found it would be about 50km but still starting at 4am to ensure all were back for a prize giving. I had sort of lost interest by now and could not face the 2.30am get up for just a 50km race. I ran walked the route the day before the race day whilst the route was being'checked' and then did the final loop to cheer on runners on 'race' day.

Tribute to Joss

 It would have been nice to wait a week and do it on the day of his funeral but then I would have had too little recovery before the L100. This was to be my third attempt- first one on my 50th birthday way back in 2011 when despite it being the end of May we were beaten by the weather! Second attempt going well but my partner on the day suffering and stopped at Dunmail. Hopefully it would be third time lucky.

Nervous anticipation in Pooley Bridge

This attempt would be different as it would be Eco and solo. Eco because there would only be one vehicle travelling up the M6 and then one drop at the start, a slight detour to Dunmail and then just a meet at the finish.

Slightly damp and certainly very cool for July

And to make it more value for diesel Bob would do two Wainwright walks, the following day we would do a walk together and then the next a SUP before the drive home. Eco also because there would only be one set of footprints following the JNC. 

Off over the 'new' bridge

Solo would be interesting as I had not checked out the whole route (I did make a couple of small errors or not get the best lines). I carried all I needed for the day and made all my own nav decisions plus of course when to eat and drink. I ran out of water twice but did in the end find streams. Towards the end my Garmin flashed that the battery was running out and this caused me some panic and wasted time too.

Several days later- view to the start and all the first hills

I did not really sleep well in the van at Dacre the night before but I guess you always get more sleep than you imagine on restless nights. It was a quick breakfast and a short drive to a deserted Pooley Bridge the next morning. The forecast was OK (for this less than superb summer) but the day dawned rather dreary and cool.

Sky line showing much of the route heading towards Kirkstone

After the obligatory photo on the bridge I was off and within 2 minutes there was a heavy shower of rain. I prayed that this would not continue throughout the day. The rain meant a wet field and so wet shoes and feet from the start, oh well. I made good time along the lane and up through the very quiet campsite. This was the site of my first ever KIMM with Rowena! Before long I was out on the fell and getting even wetter feet. The rain had stopped but the cloud and mist were low and the ground very very wet. There was bird song but not a soul to be seen. 

More skyline views- taken 5 days later.

Arthurs's Pike was soon ticked off and I checked the time. I was carrying the schedule for W50 and W60 without really being sure how fast I would be. It felt strange and a bit unsettling to be chasing the clock. Now I headed up onto the main ridge and little heads with big ears popped up. There were deer everywhere, lots of them and they kept popping up all the way to Kidsty Pike. 

The ground was far more boggy than I had expected but there was nothing to be done except to plough on. Once my feet were wet there was no point worrying, except perhaps about how deep I might sink in. Loadpot Hill, Wether Hill and then Red Crag all passed OK and I was slowly gaining some time compared to the schedule. The deer kept popping up and then running off but other than these, sheep and birds I saw nobody.

I made my little detour to Kidsty Pike and remembered to return over Rampsgill Head and then came the plod up High Street. I was still gaining a little bit of time and doing the mental maths spurred me on. From this trig point it was easy running all the way to Thornthwaite Beacon and on paths that I know quite well so even the relatively poor visibility was no worry. I had deliberately chosen shoes for good grip on rock and this worked well as I descended to Threshthwaite Mouth and then climbed Stoney Cove Pike. I had to back off a little on some very muddy sections but the shoes worked well on the slabs/ stepping stones. Pike Howe passed quickly and then I was descending to Kirkstone.

Not a soul about

It was still early morning and so very quiet as I crossed the road and began my climb of Red Screes. My legs felt the climb but I was now definitely up on schedule.  It was strange to be running this section but in reverse so soon after the Patterdale Boundary event just six days earlier. The ground was now much wetter and there were no other runners about although I did see one walker as I neared Hart Crag.  The weather seemed to be slowly improving and it was getting warm. I ran out of water just before Fairfield. The summit was deserted but I did pass two walkers who had camped out overnight as I dropped to the tarn. I was a little cautious on this path but soon arrived at the col and started to climb Seat Sandal. The run off this was lovely and I made good time down to the road. 

Heading to the stile at Dunmail- almost half way in distance if not in climb

I could see our van. It was the one place I had asked Bob to meet me. I refilled my water, replenished food supplies and had a quick bite to eat and coffee. 

Still smiling- a chance to stop and take my cag off

I had been eating quite well for me and having a mixture of Mountain Fuel bars, chocolate bars and some savoury snack was working well. 

Checking V55/V60 time schedule

It was tempting to linger and chat with Bob but I was keen to keep my gained time as I was now easily on the W55 times.

Tiny flat bit before the dreaded Steel Fell

The pull up Steel Fell is very steep but I was a little refreshed and it didn't feel too bad. 

Plodding

The next section was in several places a boggy mess and was also one of the few bits where I felt I did not get the best line. I decided to just plough on but do wonder how much time I lost compared to the ideal line? It was a relief to reach High Raise and then be on the descent to Stake Pass where I would find better paths again. From Rossett Pike I was treated to some wonderful views and was also starting to see a few more walkers.  Despite having been up the path by Bowfell Slab recently I seemed to end up on a slightly higher trod. I didn't want to drop and realised it was a chance to take a more direct line. Going via the slab would mean a small double back to the summit whereas heading up the boulders led me to a higher path and then a short and easy climb to the summit. Others were taking in the views etc but I headed straight off towards Esk Pike and then Esk Hause.

All the walkers were on the main paths so I was soon alone again as I cut off taking the more direct line to Great End. Here I did get a better line than on my last visit and so descended more quickly. So quickly that I shot past the tarn and the stretcher box and suddenly realised I was out of water again. Fortunately there was water in the streams as I climbed Great Gable. I overtook a DoE group with big packs. I was feeling good and the kilometres were ticking by. I touched the memorial and began the less than great descent. The views in this section are always amazing and today did not disappoint. I was a bit slow but did not want to risk a rocky tumble. 

What an amazing lump- blessed with superb running weather now

Kirk Fell seemed to take longer to climb than I expected even though it was easy going on grassy paths but I was still making good time. I found the best of the three possible routes of to the north and could not believe how easy it felt. By now my phone did not have much charge left and I was keen to conserve it for a 'just in case' moment.  I had told Bob that morning that I would put Turf on so that he could follow my progress but did not dare risk the battery now.

I didn't stop to take many pics but this central section is beautiful

By contrast nothing felt easy on the long climb up Pillar. I knew roughly where the race line went and this saved a little bit of climbing but there still seemed to be several false summits before I reached the rocky plateau. I was so pleased to have arrived that I almost ran off in the wrong direction but luckily the view of Ennerdale checked me and I turned SW for Wind Gap. I was alone again soon having overtaken my last walkers soon the climb up Scoat Fell. The detour out to Steeple was a lovely little out and back that took less time than I had imagined it would.

Then on the way to Haycock my watch started flashing low battery. I was sure I had put it on battery saver/ultra mode but evidently not. It gave me the option to go to saver mode now so I promptly did. It's not something I use often and so there was panic when the screen went blank. I thought it had just died whereas it was actually recording invisibly. Having no strava trace would not be a disaster but as I was running solo I was keen to have a record. I faffed a bit, tried to put my phone on strava  but struggled and in the end just decided to keep running.

What a superb day I had managed to pick

In my mind it was downhill now. Ha ha. The tricks we let our minds play. Initially it was and then I came to very wet bog near Pot of Ashness before the steep, very steep, NNE shoulder of Seatallan. It made me realise just how tired my legs were getting although if it didn't come after 50 odd hard km I guess it would feel rather different and less of a haul. My brain was also getting tired. This and stressing about my garmin saw me heading off south. It meant I missed the path and had to contour back to it over lumpy ground. Damn, a few more minutes lost; concentrate.

Then there was just the one peak left. Middle Fell. The bog passed and I was soon on better paths along the lumpy ridge. Some wet muddy sections gave way to the paths through the bracken and I could see our van. I jogged down inching closer and closer to the road. 

Heading to Greendale Bridge

Bob had found good parking but I had to shout that I needed to finish at the bridge and not the big grassy area that he had found.  We arrived at the bridge almost together and so photos were taken.

The end is insight now

I was super pleased to complete in 14hrs 38. I later found that my garmin had kept recording after all.  As a FV60 I had 18 hours but had hoped to manage the 16 hours given to FV55. I smashed it and was only just over the 14 hours given to FV50.  

A few more paces

Thinking of all the places where I lost a bit of time made me wonder if that time might still be possible. I had certainly not got the best lines in a couple of places, faffing with my watch took some too....... but actually who cares. 

Knackered but happy

I had had a great day out, superb weather, great views, a wonderful route and completed the challenge my way- solo and eco. I would not have had it any other way.

Suddenly tired now I can stop

I was glad the van was only a few hundred metres away with food, drink and my bed! 

Loved my JNC- Thank You Joss

So it was 3rd time lucky and I had picked a superb day and had an absolute blast..

Despite all the panic my Garmin did record it all

Food and sleep did the trick. The next day we did a recovery walk together bagging a couple of Wainwrights from Loweswater. 

Hen Comb and Melbreak (which Bob had not done) proved a really lovely afternoon and we missed the rain. Even better we got a celebratory meal and beers in the Kirkstile Inn. 

The weather was less good on Sunday but I did manage a SUP tour of the whole of Crummock Water which was flat calm and had the most amazing reflections first thing in the morning.