First race of the new year Bowland Ultra

 11 Jan, 40 miles and around 2000m of ascent around the beautiful Bowland Fells and valleys. First in the Runfurther series, billed as a winter ultra and it certainly was! These are my local hills so I was keen and the route had some significant improvements from last year with less road and going up from Langden beck rather than down to it. I know and run on the tops often but do not really know the lowland field paths at all. 

A reccee run in October saw me fall and break my hand, I hoped this was not an omen. The lead up to race day saw lots of snow plus icy roads. The RO was inundated with questions but can be proud that he stuck to us doing the full route with a big kit list and great care at the CPs. 

The new route is tougher than last year's but with the addition of thigh deep snow, sheet ice and yet still bogs still present it was a really tough day out with most people taking over 2 hours extra.

On the drive over the roads were clear of ice and I parked easily. The parking meter was frozen up but with the help of friends we got it working and headed to the comfort of Slaidburn village hall. Registration and kit check were thorough but slick and the mountain of goodies for the Food Bank was growing nicely. 

Tracker attached I went in search of friends and a cup of tea. Lots of debate re shoes, studs, microspikes and layers followed before we were given a short briefing and herded outside. Luckily Nick had travelled up on Friday evening and so he dealt with all the flags, banners and boards for Runfurther. 

It was a very chilly start, perhaps -8C but we soon warmed up as we headed out up the thankfully ice free lanes. 

After about 2km the lane got icy and then packed snow led up to the fell. 

The sunrise was stunning and the views west towards Totridge and Parlick were superb. 

The Salter Fell road is a huge 4x4 track but today it was covered in deep snow with only a narrow path bashed by the front runners. It was difficult to run in such conditions. 

Nearing the col we left the track and turned sharp left down a small path. The steep snow was a joy and despite a soft tumble it was fun. 

Getting closer to Whitendale river the ground turned icy and boggy. The path here is not good at the best of times. I slipped where a snow covering hid sheet ice. A heavy fall with my knee hitting a rock winded me and was not what I needed after only 11km. I picked myself up and continued more cautiously. At least the chillblains that I had reactivated last Wednesday were not causing me any issues yet. It had meant I could not use my shoes with metal dobs as they were too tight. Instead I opted to carry microspikes although given the intermittent nature of the icy bits I never actually wore them. 

At Whitendale Farm CP my knee was very stiff and swollen, i just hoped that if I kept moving it would not seize up. A chunk of fell path led over the top and down to Brennand Farm where the ice was even worse and certainly sowed me down. The slope up Ouster Rake was a joy with frozen snow that mostly bore my weight. Initially the descent to the Trough road was OK but towards the bottom there was more ice and it was a relief to reach the tarmac and be able to run again.. The track up Langden was better but I was tired from the snowy sections now.

I chatted to Charlotte and tried not to let her get ahead. The lovely safety marshalls had put in some great stepping stones and with the aid of my poles I kept dry feet as I crossed. It was a hard plod up to Fiensdale Head but these are my hills so I felt good. I had been worried about ice on the flagstones at the top but they were buried under plenty of snow and posed no problem. We were soon on the lovely descent to Hazlehurst and then the less lovely field paths to Bleasdale. Here supporters were out with cow bells and the CP was inside the hall. I stopped for tea, soup and some food. Using my poles had meant not eating much on the route. I left with Charlotte as we headed for Blindhurst Farm and then up Parlick. 

Parlick is always busy and today it was crowded with walkers and families sledging and enjoying the snow. The trudge up Parlick was steep but short and then we were on the more gentle climb to Fairsnape trig and more safety marshalls. The sky over towards the coast looked ominous but it was nice on this short out and back to say hi and to encourage other runners. Dropping off Parlick we used a path I rarely use as the bottom is a bog fest, it was today! Bogs and some snow continued past Wolfen Hall and all the way to Saddle End farm and down to Chipping. 

Another lovely village hall with great marshalls and food. More tea and soup plus a sandwich and then a small pie as I set off through the village chasing Charlotte. Knowing the way allowed me to keep with Charlotte and soon a group of four of us were making our way towards Mellor Knoll. The stiles on these lower paths were causing my knee problems and the others pulled ahead as we dropped to Hareden Farm.  In the Chipping area I had been beating myself up about my slow progress and despaired about finishing time for us to drive to the Alps the next day. I had even considered giving up. 

Now on the road to Dunsop Bridge and the last indoor CP my spirits lifted and I started to believe I might finish in a reasonable time.  I refuelled briefly at the cheerful CP, put on my torch (it had been dark for my jog along the road) and set off on the roads towards the water works knowing that the flat section should allow me to up my pace a little. There were a few icy patches but they were avoidable. I was now alone but could see lights ahead and also two someway behind me. After the water works and bridge the track stayed good for a while but the little contouring path heading north was awful- narrow, boggy, icy in places. It was a relief to reach the shooting track near Whitendale. True it was full of deep snow but I was gaining on the lights ahead of me and losing the ones behind me. The soft snow was hard work and the foot prints in places were thigh deep. The top section had been waymarked and I think a quad bike had tried to bash a way for us. Lifted by gaining on the lights ahead I made good progress and pretty much caught them as we left the fell. 

Once on the farm tracks the others pulled ahead with better running. Even on the ice free road I was struggling and did a mixture of walk and jog. My aim now was to finish inside eleven and a half hours. I did and was 5th woman and 1st FV60. I still thought I had been rubbish, my chillblained feet were now sore and my knee impressively large.

 Finding that others, including front runners, had also taken about two hours longer than expected cheered me up as I enjoyed my hot chocolate by the brazier. Being tired from effort but not in the the same way as a usual running race meant I enjoyed my post race meal. After a short prize ceremony I knew I had to leave before I seized up. 

My winnings

Well done to Seth and his team. A true winter Ultra that should become a classic.

First man was home in 9hrs 10, Phil was 5th in 9.45. Magda was 1st F in 10.46 and my time was 11.21 Full results are on Opentracking. 78 finished and 15 retired either timed out or struggling in the snow. Hopefully next year will be less epic although I think I would prefer snow and ice to wind and rain.

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.