A challenge and a few very hot days away in the van.

 I had been wanting to do the Harvey Howgill Tops for a while. After climbing on Monday we hatched a plan..... Tuesday Howgills, Wednesday SUP on Windermere and Thursday Oddendale area. The forecast was superb- although perhaps not for running!

HH Tops is one of the Go Far challenges. It's about 62km and has lots of climb, about 3700m. Connecting all the tops means that you leave the usual paths and have some fearsome descents and climbs. You also use tiny trods to contour. To make parking easy we parked in Sedburgh so I used getting onto Winder (my first and last Top) as my warm up. Shortly after 8am I was ready. It was already crazy warm.

I have run on the Howgills a fair bit both as days out and for Mountain Marathons. I like the ridges and the solitude. The big hulking shapes are very different to the Lake District but I love them. I had not been on recee runs and would be solo unsupported. Some bits I knew but even there not always the best lines. Other bits would be an adventure.

The first tops were easy and I had soon ticked off Crook and Sickers plus The Knott. Then came the novelty. I had 'borrowed' a GPX trace and stupidly assumed it would be fine.  It wasn't wrong but I had not really paid enough attention as to whether it was suitable for me. The descent to Hobdale Beck was dreadful and the bracken hid the trods. It was slow. I crossed the beck OK but then met a sigh suggesting no way through. I tried along the river- no. I climbed back and fell in nettles. Not a great start. I decided all I could do was ignore the sign and follow the GPX and work my way onto the main Pennine Journey Path.

This was better although wetter and muddier than expected. I was soon at  Cautley Beck and could see the Cross Keys Temperance Inn where most people start. More boggy path led to the ford and then it was a stiff climb up Wandale Hill. Coming off the top I went too far west when I found a trod and so then had to climb a boggy fence line to get back on route. Annoying.

From Adamthwaite there was another big climb up Harter Fell. These Tops don't visited as much as the main Howgills and I searched for trods. I got a good line back down to the road but then stuffed up my initial climb to Knott. Ah well - I would soon be back on the main area and surely things would improve?

From Knott to Knoutberry and Green Bell was a joy and even the detour out to Green Fell was fine. The detour out to Hooksey led me on my first contour and then a monster climb back up Randygill.  Kensgriff was OK but then another monster climb to Yarlside. I was starting to struggle and had used all my water. Next stop was Bowderdale Beck via a trod down the north nose. It looked clean and I needed to drink. I refilled both bottles and took time to drench myself and my hat. 16km done and it was over 30C. 

The climb up to Hazelgill Knott was steep and pretty much pathless. At least it was just grass. Usually I run this ridge from The Calf and love it. Today I was less in love and has missed the lovely downhill section of ridge. I ploughed on to West Fell and knew where to find the trod heading west to Langdale Knott. I had done 20km so about 1/3 of the route. It was a gorgeous day but far too hot. I had seen nobody, not even in the distance.

Here I had to make a decision. Follow the GPX direct line or do my usual route which is longer but more gentle in both descent and then climb.  I stuck with the GPX but for me I think it was the slower option. Never mind. 

Crossing Langdale Beck I slipped and suddenly I was lying in lovely cold water.  I rested, refilled my bottles again and set off up Middleton. Usually I manage to jog some of the climb here and to Simon's Seat but today was a struggle in the heat.

It's a big loop round to Docker Knott and then the unnamed 500m Top but the paths were reasonable. A big drop and another climb led to Rispa Pike and I was almost half way. All was good round to Archer Hill but then I made an error.  Hare Shaw and Blease Fell were a low point. A new fenced area blocked my way and I was tired. I took the wrong turn and added extra distance over some less than pleasant ground. I was now half way but my head just said- ONLY half way, oh heck. 

It was better heading to Uldale Head and I made it through the cattle at the stream afterwards.  The next section was horrid. I was contouring on a tiny trod above the Spout and Black Force. Running was out of the question and my feet were rubbing around the ankle bones after contouring in wet shoes. A slightly better contouring path led to Whins End  although I had to make a small detour as horses refused to move. More contouring on even worse paths/trods led to Brown Moor.  Here I made another poor decision.  Given the state of my feet and the fact that at 5'6'' my legs are not long I should not have followed the GPX. Before the steep ground and the heather I should have headed back to the main path to ascend Fell Head. It would have been further but it might have been easier and faster.

A quick check of my ankle bones showed they were rubbed raw. Bugger, no wonder they were so sore. At least I now had some respite on a decent path round Breaks Head and on to Bush Howe. Cobles seemed an annoying out and back at this stage and again I ended up on rough terrain.

Somewhere around here I texted and rang Bob. It would be a long day and I even suggested I bail. It was going to take me much more than 12 hrs, and I had secretly hoped for between 11 and 11.5. Bob refreshed with ice cream was back at the van and told me to keep going.

A small detour to White Fell Head and then the high point of the day- The Calf. At last; 45km done now. In my head the end was in sight. The reality was another detour to Bram Rigg Top and then a bigger detour to Great Dummacks before reaching Calders. 

I am sure somebody moved Arant Haw. It usually seems quite close and comes quickly. Not today. Then I realised I had to detour to Comb rather than just run down the ridge to Winder. Getting to Comb was fine but the last leg was awful. Perhaps I should have regained Arant Haw despite the extra climb it would entail. Instead I ended up on a contouring trod making very slow progress and trying not to cry as my ankles rubbed. Finally I reached Winder and could stop. 13hrs 9 mins was not what I had hoped for. Yes a lovely day out of type 2 fun and at least I had completed the challenge. I had not seen a single soul all day. Jogging back to the van I couldn't decide whether to try again for a faster time or whether I never ever want to see some of those lines again. 

I arrived at the van almost tearful. I was trashed and despite refilling my bottles countless times I was still thirsty.

Lessons learned. Don't try to run a big challenge in a heat wave. Allow more than 48 hrs recovery after an ultra race. Check a borrowed GPX carefully. Don't be pig headed and punish your body for failing you the month before and take your ankle area in preparation for contouring. Days later the question remains- should I go again?

The Windermere SUP happened at a leisurely pace and with some swimming. We did clock up over 20km and ice cream was eaten! 

One of our favourite van stops is Oddendale and the running here on the grassy limestone hills is what I generally consider to be gentle. A run /walk of almost 38km was a silly idea. 

I loved the first 15km, hated the next 10km and kept stopping to rest in the shade. The last 13 were better, although whether the drop to Shap for ice lolly was worth it is debatable. 

Looking back at the Howgills

I then lay in the shade at the van for the rest of the day until walking out to meet a very hot and trashed Bob. 

Yes- we both climbed on Friday.

Red Rose Ultra

 I had a free entry to this as a prize from last year. Jilly had me down for the Red and White Rose combined. I decided that just the Red was more sensible and I wanted to make sure I completed and enjoyed it. We drove across on Friday evening and I had spotted that parking at Slack Top would be straight forward and be less than a kilometre warm up in the morning on paths to reach Hebden Hey Scout Centre, the event HQ.

It was a glorious evening and I scoped out the paths. Easy and all downhill, which of course meant all up hill after the race. Bob had a plan to get some training in before P39 and knew he would have all day. From the van we could see across to Stoodley Pike.... it seems it is always there and would be in my sights for much of the race day too.

She Strides events have long cut offs and that meant an early start. I was up dressed and breakfasted soon after 6am and then down at HQ shortly afterwards. It was a small field even though the Red and the combined set off together. The forecast mentioned rain but it was already warm so I ditched my primaloft and soon took my long sleeve base layer off too.

Before 7 we were herded outside for a short briefing and at 7am we were off.

The different venue this year meant an easy start with the big access road giving us all space to spread out and get into our stride. Soon we turned uphill and followed woodland paths to the top of Heptonstall. Narrower paths eventually led to Colden. From here I remembered the route from last year. The moors were quite dry and although a couple of guys had shot off fast I was with the next pack. I was to run with a lovely Lithuanian girl most of the day as we took turns to lead and follow.  Two guys in green vests were also our pace; I had seen them on 15 Reservoirs.

I didn't really need anything at CP1 near Gorple Reservoir and used this as a chance to get ahead.  I was soon caught again and now another young woman joined us. We made good time on the big track to Hurstwood and the next CP. 

We dropped the new woman here and the four of us set off pretty much together as we headed towards Townley Park in Burnley. The route seemed to have changed and we stayed on the pavement for what seemed an eternity before turning off and leaving the traffic. 

The park was busy and as last year we got caught up in the Park Run. After the Hall it was quieter and this year I was more prepared for the uphill pavement on the Clowbridge road. Lena pulled ahead a bit but the green men were still behind me.

By the next CP above Holme Chapel I was keen to eat and so took a little longer. Lena made a small error near Thievely Pike and we were back together again with me showing the way.  The moor is lovely but the farm just before the Tod road is a disgrace and so is the litter along the main road. It was a relief to turn off onto Limers Gate although even this is spoiled by waste tiles, bricks etc used as aggregate. The moor before Trough End was damp but not awful and I knew the way here and on the descent towards Walsden. So many memories of past Calderdale Hike routes!

It was hot and sweaty but perhaps not quite as hot and sunny as last year. I grabbed fruit at the CP and refilled my water. I like the next section up to Gaddings Dam and then on to Stoodley Pike but today I felt I was slow. The Tower on the Pike was open today but I could not spare the time. 

I had promised myself to run all of London Road and I pretty much did. Once past Erringden Grange I lost Lena and ploughed on downhill and into Hebden. Fortunately we avoided the town centre which was heaving. I had to check the map a few times here but was still on my own. I crossed the beck and knew that there would be an uphill through the woods and then the access road again. The paths in the woods had been flagged at junctions thankfully and I tried really hard as I did not want to be caught now. 

I finished as 1st F on the Red Rose with Lena not far behind. 6hrs 37 so not so bad. It is only typing this now that I have checked my time from last year. I thought it was just over 6hrs and so was a little disappointed but in fact it had been 6hrs 50 and this years route is marginally longer! Result. 

Despite drinking loads on the race I was so so thirsty. I refuelled with endless cups of tea, soup and even some coke. I sat in the sun enjoying myself. I did then feel a bit guilty? and a bit of a wimp not going back out on the White Rose loop but not so much that I wanted to change my mind! Maybe next year.

After the prize giving I had a brief chat with Evan and then slowly made my way back uphill to our van. It was only mid afternoon so I lay drinking and resting before deciding to go out to meet Bob. 

On Sunday we cycled as a recovery day and called in our grandsons. 

Running after the DNF

 Although I was fine with only completing 130/200 miles and calling it a day I did need to prove that I was still able to run. We had a great mini holiday on the Yorkshire coast with a lazy day SUP at Runswick Bay followed by a great pub meal on a very hot day. This was followed by lots of walks along cliffs, sea birds, seals, exploring caves and finally a superb SUP near Flamborough Head with caves, puffins and so many seals.

A trip to Leeds gave me some free ours to fill and a chance to explore some new footpaths. It wasn't about times or pace just getting out there, running and finding enjoyment. I managed almost 20km and about two and a quarter hours. I explored wooded valleys, sculpture trails, Roundhay park and even a village outside the ring road. I had found my mojo.

Next was to find a bit of a challenge. The Montane shop in Lancaster along with Voom have two challenges local to me. I had done the Dunsop Dash and claimed a place on their leaderboard but not yet tackled the Dunsop Dawdle. It's about 40km with some tough climbs and some fearsome boggy bits. I waited for a reasonable day when the forecast was not torrential rain or gales. I decided to start at Parlick as it meant a much shorter drive for me. Driving over I went through a heavy downpour but then it stopped. I used the stiff climb up Startifants Lane and then up Parlick as a warm up. Starting here meant I would meet the worst of the bogs early on so there was no chance of staying dry or clean. Heading towards Totridge a heavy shower came through followed by hail. At least the wind was on my back. Most of the path was not as bad as I feared but at one pond area I tried to stick by the fence and was suddenly in boggy peaty water well above my knees. 

Not today but you get the idea

The hail stopped and I was enjoying myself. I stuck to the zig zags coming off the top and this saved my quads. There were cows with young calves in the fields but they just ignored me and I was soon on the lanes heading to Burnholme bridge. I was running well and happy with the progress I was making. At Burnholme Farm I made a mistake- the footbridge that had been closed appeared open and I took it. Despite a field of deep pasture I was soon in Dunsop Bridge and running past the play area and out to the water works road. I knew the way from here all the way back. BUT.... in taking the bridge I had unintentionally cut off a loop before the village. I only realised this much later. 

The water works road was easy running and the wet path to Whitendale no worse than usual. The climb round Middle Knoll was wet but not too bad and the field down to Brennand Farm was fine. Huge puddles covered the lane at the bottom but my feet were already wet. Ouster Rake is one of the significant climbs but the views were wonderful and the reward was a nice run down to the Trough road. A short section on the road led to Langden Intake. 

The path up Langden Brook always seems to take longer than I expect but the 'castle' came and went smoothly. The river crossings at Fiensdale were not too deep and next came the big climb up to Fiensdale Head. 

Not much running here but a steady power walk. From the col and up to Fairsnape was more runnable and knowing I was near the end spurred me on. The descent and then climb to Parlick is one of my favourite local routes- it's such a lovely swooping line. And suddenly I was back. Elapsed time 5hrs 37 mins. I moved down the slope a big and sat for a well earned rest. Hold on- it should be more then 40km not less? That's when I realised my mistake. Oh well, a good day out none the less. I'll just have to do it again. It made me believe I could do the proper route in a bit over 6hrs as it is about 3.5km more.

The weather looked reasonable for the following Sunday so off I went again. This time from Dunsop Bridge which meant I got the fastest running along the water works road done first. That went well as did the path to Whitendale and even over to Brenand Farm. Going up Ouster Rake seemed tougher but I was still moving OK and enjoyed the run down to the Trough Road and Langden. Then I felt sure I was slowing a little but it might just have been messing in my head. 

From Fiensdale Head I was more convinced that I was slowing and I am sure I struggled to run up to Fairsnape more than on the Wednesday. 

Certainly I didn't run quite so much to Parlick as this time it would not be the end. Turning towards Totridge I started getting stomach cramps- no idea why and it is not usual for me. I plodded on and avoided a swim this time. I tried to ignore the cramp but it would not go away. Eventually a toilet stop improved matters. I arrived at Burnholme Farm amazed to be only 5-10 mins down on Wednesdays time. Here though I had seriously underestimated what was left. I had woken with a stiff left knee but that had vanished. Now it was a sore left hip and glute. It stopped me from running and I bled time badly from here onwards. On the map the path up Hodder Bank Fell looked OK but it seemed to go on forever and the descent I had expected at the other side was more level than downhill. I hit the estate road before Knowlemere Manor and hoped a short run of under 2km would soon see me back. My body refused to respond and I struggled to run. Then I came across blocked stiles and even though I saw the aqueduct I failed to see the path off right. I added a bit extra along a flooded track with more blocked stiles. Eventually I crossed Thorneyholme bridge and reached Puddleducks and the play area. A disappointing 6hrs 28 I could not believe how long the last 3-4km had taken me. Ah well. Twice in a week and the first female to complete the challenge solo and faster than the group that did it. 

I refuelled at the Village Hall tea shop and so contributed to more play area improvements. A wash in the river cleaned me up but a slip bruised my foot.

Monday was meant to be a recovery walk from Abbeystead but we found the Trough road blocked and so spent the night above Chipping before a run/walk around the Parlick and Fairsnape area.

 My foot felt OK but I finished with a sore back? Starting to think I am falling apart.

Hardmoors 200

 This was meant to be an early celebration of my 65th birthday and proof that age is just a number. I did the race 9 years ago and had fun. Could I do it again. Turns out the answer is NO.  If you want the short version then- I was not good enough or fast enough to meet the cut offs on the day. My 3rd ever DNF and my 1st ever being timed out.

Strangely I came to terms with this quite quickly. I do hope it is not a sign of the future etc as I have lots more I still want to do. Some friends asked if it was the heat but I am not at all sure that it was. Usually I quite like the heat and suffer less than others. I have certainly run long races in equally hot weather. 

Happy at the start

It feels like making excuses but both Bob and I had been moaning all week that we had something around us. Bob kept falling asleep and I lacked energy. 

My support crew

We rocked up on Thursday evening and soon met friends. There were only 36 entries so registration etc was very easy on Friday morning. 

Chat with Hem- so pleased he finished

I had plenty of time to chat to Gary and his mates, Hem and also to introduce myself to Dizzy and Laura the other women racing.

On the race start line I felt fine and really ready to run. The first miles along the Humber estuary from Victoria Dock Hull were flat and fast. It was tricky to decide on pace. 

I knew I needed to bank some time on this first day and to run at every opportunity to make sure cut-offs were met. 

Equally I did not want to run so fast I blew up early. The first 8 miles or so seemed easy and even by Brantingham at 17 miles I felt quite good. I topped up water/MF and checked that I had eaten. It was super hot. I made it to South Cave OK but somewhere in the next miles it all started to go pear shaped. My main memory is of just feeling so tired and sleepy. All supporters on the course were wonderful and very generous with their help. I remember sitting on a van step and then at Arras Wold using a chair and being offered melon.

Still happy here

I had nothing left and it was so early in the race. Shortly after crossing the main road I allowed myself a short lie down- I fell alseep. In fact a couple of runners thought I had passed out. I stirred myself and staggered on to Market Weighton where a kind lady gave me an ice lolly. I was still managing some running but nothing like as much as I had hoped. The next 10 miles seemed to take forever and I was walking more and running less. I reached the 40 mile mark in Millington and tried hard to sort myself out. I ate, topped up my water/MF and tried to be cheerful. 

The first climb went OK and then that was it. I was sleepy again. The wonderful grassy Dales that should be so runnable were just impossible. I think in my heart I knew that if I could not run on a big flat grassy path that I was stuffed and my race was over.  I pushed on slowly to Fridaythorpe and then Thixendale. I was cross with myself for feeling so pathetic but there just didn't seem anything I could do. I tried hard and managed to run a whole section into Wharram Percy and even enjoyed the ridge down to the ruins. A brief lie down in the van at the CP didn't really help much and I should have eaten more but I knew Bob and the van would be at Settrington Beacon.  This spurred me on a bit and suddenly there was Chris moving towards me. What a nice surprise. 

In the van my watch and phone were charged whilst I ate soup, bread and drank tea. It would have been good to stop and eat more but I didn't really have time and was now anxious about the cut offs. Others were also arriving at this CP in a poor state and also feeling sick so struggling with food. I collected my poles here.

I set off alone into the night. Down into Wintringham where I ran a bit, then up the other side where I walked. The super super steep bit was as bad as I remembered and I was grateful for the rope handrail. Turning east towards the coast was a small boost as was knowing that there were still a few runners behind me. Eventually I reached Ganton CP at 74 miles. I was desperate to eat but really didn't fancy pizza. I only just made it to the loo before being spectacularly sick. I went for a 10 min lie down and tried to eat some more. I could not spare more time if I was to reach Filey in time. Somewhere behind me Dizzy, Mark and Kole were having the same problems. 

Not long after the CP a heavy downpour forced me to stop and put a waterproof on. I told myself the cool would help and tried hard to this last section of Wolds. I was still sleepy and this caused me to make a few tiny errors but I was still alert enough to put them right. By Muston I knew I would reach Filey in time but I just could not make myself run. The dawn had come and this usually lifts me but not today. I staggered along the prom, up all the steps and toward the CP and our van out on Filey Brigg. 

Late into Filey

88 miles down but not even half way yet. I had time to lie on the bed and sleep but not enough time to really reast and eat enough. Back in  2017 I arrived here at 3.30am and so had lots of time to really sleep and eat before setting out around 6.30 with some hours in the bank. 

This year I struggled to leave the van before the H110 race started at 8am. These runners streamed past me and a few friends shouted encouragement. I was struggling to run even the good bits and we had not reached all the nasty steps of Hayburn Wyke and Boggle Hole. 

Determined to set off along the Cleveland Way

My memories of the next bits are all  a bit muddled. It was super hot again. I kept seeing Mark and Kole then being on my own again. I had not seen Dizzy so assumed she was just behind me somewhere. Two lovely tail runners/ sweepers joined us before Scarborough. They were lovely, encouraging and seemed impressed with my power march but I knew I needed to be running at least some of this and I just couldn't! Mark and I negotiated the high tide diversion at Scarborough but then he jogged off around the headland. The flat prom should be so easy to run and I was upset and frustrated that I just had no energy.

The Calypo

A ice cold Calypo leaving Scarborough helped me feel better but I still couldn't move any faster. Ravenscar took forever to reach and the long drag up to the CP seemed cruel. I tried to eat here but really just managed a few pieces of fruit. I needed to be eating more. I set off with Mark and Kole. Initially I ran a bit but it didn't last. 

Another hot hill

I was resting more and more. A sit down at the top of Robin Hoods Bay, a lie down and I fell asleep again on the way to Whitby.

At Whitby Abbey Mark was sat forcing down potato mash. Some savoury food would have been good although at the time I am sure I would have struggled to get it down. I treated myself to a huge ice cream at the top near the whale bones. Surely the calories in that would help. I tried to run a bit but I know that by the road at Sandsend I was power walking again. Here I passed Dizzy who was also moving very slowly. Bob had planned to meet me here but the parking had been full so he had gone on the Kettleness. It was only a few miles further and so should not have been a big deal. 

I had a bit of a moment sorting out the route in the mine workings but then got a lovely surprise when Chris came out to meet me. I thought he had gone home to Leeds. Turns out he had done but then he had come back with Alice. I sat in the van and tried to eat. Again I needed to eat more but time was not on my side.

Chris agreed to come with me on the next section. He was probably hoping or expecting a bit of a run or at least a jog. What he got was a staggeringly slow walk. I only had 3-4 hours to reach Saltburn and unless I jogged most of the next bits it was just not going to happen. 

Guardian Angels- the sweep team

I had said to Bob that if I got timed out I would just continue 'outside' of the race. For now I tried to set a goal of Saltburn and so completing the coastal section. The steps down to Runswick Bay were a trial but at least the tide was out. The climb up to the top car park and CP were grim. Mark retired here knowing he could not reach Saltburn in time. 

Trashed quads- the steps hurt

Perhaps I should have stopped too but I was really hoping that I would get through on sheer determination and bloody-mindedness. It was lovely being with Chris through the first bit of this second night but I wish he had seen me doing better. 

Port Musgrave and Staithes came and went before the big climb over Boulby hill. 

Big drop to the right

After this the paths to Skinningrove were easier but I had no energy to run. The huge Iron and steel work were incredibly brightly lit and very noisy. I was now stressing that I had messed up by keeping my tracker and that I should have given it in at Runswick Bay. Fortunately Jo who was in charge at Saltburn drove to Skinningrove and was very understanding. We were offered a lift to the vans parked near the Saltburn CP.  I was timed out. In fact even driving there meant I missed the cut off by almost an hour.

Skinningrove lights

I was sad to stop but knew that pushing on was pointless. It was not much fun and although I could have continued just out of the race my body was really in no fit state to do so.  I was never going to catch up the lost time over the NY Moors. We accepted the lift in the car and fell gratefully into the vans to sleep.

I slept well and refuelled on eggs and bread as usual. I felt 'better' but it is easy to feel that when you are not actually asking much of your body. By 9ish we were all up and agreed to move on to Dikes Lane. This should have been Bob's next support point. It as a gorgeous day and we went for a very slow walk up Rosebury Topping. This proved I was better but far from capable of taking on the remaining race miles as I took several sit downs and could not contemplate running. It was a nice family walk. Bob and I stayed there and I lazed whilst he went up Captain Cooks and did another loop walk. In the evening I went back up the first bit of the hill for the sunset. Yes I was recovering but it was all to late- the final cut off in Helmsley was 8pm. It was good to check the trackers and to see that Laura and Hem bot made it. The really star was Gary who actually won!

Gary who went on to win in an awesome time too

It was not to be. I got over it quickly which is sort of pleasing so long as it doesn't mean I have adjusted to the idea that it is acceptable and that more DNFs will follow.  After my Northern Traverse DNF I was in pieces and so upset for weeks.  This time it was not sudden and I had had many miles to get used to the idea that today I was just not good enough for what was being asked. Well over 130 miles banked with lots of climb. Ah well. Time to lick my mental wounds and move on. On to the next race or challenge and fingers crossed. 

Staithes- the writing says it all

The rest of the week was superb and allowed me to celebrate my birthday. SUP at Runswick on a crazy hot day. Parmo (a first for us) in the pub. Walks at Bempton to to see Gannets, Puffins and more. Walks from Flamborough. A quick trip inland to escape the wind for a SUP on a river before the finale- a SUP at Flamborough with caves, arches, stacks, seals, puffins and more. Superb.