A bit different this year

 I have done the iconic Fellsman 11 times already but this year would be different. My youngest brother follows my running and over a year ago I suggested we could do an ultra together. He had done a race with his son but would not really call himself a runner. I found a suitable race on Dartmoor and then he announced he was moving;. to Burnsall.  We discussed various options and decided on The Fellsman. It would be tough but at least it has long cut-offs and would be local to him. There would be time for some training runs but it was not so far in the distant future to allow training to be put off. We managed to arrange several recee runs together- all in pretty poor weather! One so bad we had to/ chose to bail. Our final run together was from Fleet Moss to the end so we covered the new bit and just a bit less than half the course. Simon kept up  with me well over 5 hours and even pushed my pace. Good in some ways but a big unknown to set off on 100km when the furthest you have run is 40km. 

Chilly but dry recee

Fast forward to April and we had a plan. I would get to sleep in a real bed in a house on Friday night. Better than the sports hall floor or our van in a busy race HQ car park. Probably my best sleep ever before this race- partly a good bed and quiet  partly having no pressure except getting Simon round to the finish. We would drive to the start so no bus journey either.  At the finish Amber would be waiting to take us home for a hot shower and bed.  I might not make the prize giving and would not have the Scout supper or breakfast but it seemed a good trade off.

It was difficult to decide what time to register on Friday and when we arrived I was disappointed to see a queue out of the school and onto the lane. At least it was dry and sunny plus I got to talk to some friends. After 10 mins we suddenly moved rapidly but only to find a long snaking queue around the school corridors. More chatting to friends. and Simon wondering what the hell he had got in to. Registration once in the room was quite speedy and we got trackers fitted too. We progressed to the main hall and found kit check was also a slimmed down and speedy affair- 5 random items. Much more sensible. I ran to leave a drop bag in the sports hall just in case and then we were done. 

It was strange not having any Runfurther duties like putting up flags, banners and display boards. I gave Charlotte and Steve their prizes from last year and that was it. Back home we repacked gear and considered our clothing options given the forecast of heat and sun- not something The Fellsman is renowned for.

On Saturday the queue at Ingleton was not so bad and we were soon in the hall finding friends, drinking tea, using the toilet and topping up water. As it was already warm and sunny we moved outside early. I had opted for 3/4s as I hate changing my lower layers later in the race and was already down to a long sleeved base layer. It was going to be HOT. 

After some discussion we had decided to exit the field by the middle rather secret entrance and so avoid the steep uphill and bottle neck gate and also the longer route via the pub car park. On the RO video the start looks quite comical as they tried to herd people to run through the start gantry and then tried to suggest people use the pub exit. Lots of runners running across each other. We escaped the chaos and were soon on the lane out of town.

I always try to reign myself in on this first section. No prizes for being first up Ingleborough, especially if you are then trashed. We let people go and settled into an easy pace mixing jogging and walking. Many had opted for a steady start due to the heat and so I got to chat to Claire a couple of times. We chatted to two local guys who were hoping to set up a group wanting to do longer runs in the Grassington area- perhaps Simon will join if it takes off. On the summit we were met by our neighbours who marshall here. I bet they were enjoying the weather after some grim mornings in the past. 

Louise and some other friends were up there cheering us on. The descent was the usual worry of tripping but at least the rocks were dry and there were fewer 3P charity walkers coming up. We were soon on safe ground and heading for the first CP. Here we met Josie and Dave R out supporting.

Heading up to Whernside I met more friends as we jogged along the lane and walked the steeper bits. I was finding the ups tough and we were not far behind my 2025 times- perhaps too fast? The out and back to the summit meant passing lots of runners on their way up and down and I like the mutual support this brings. Once off the rocky bits the ridge run was lovely. Here and on the drop into Kingsdale I tried to check my inner fell runner speed as Simon was slightly more cautious on the descent. The CP at Yordas Cave meant more friends and a chance to refill water bottles before one of the steepest climbs of the day- Gragareth. This is always a personal struggle and today was not different. Nothing for it but to plod on. I had a strange pain just above the outside edge of my knee and hoped it would disappear. We were only 7 mins down on my 2025 time, oops.

Running along the tops towards Great Coum was a bit drier than usual but still had to odd wet patch- not that it really mattered as our feet were wet from the first bit of the climb out of Kingsdale. We were moving well and making sensible decisions about when to walk. I got a decent line off the top and we were soon at Flinters Gill CP. The run towards Dent starts well but I really dislike the rocky lane descent. The top bit was drier and easier this year but the lower section was still horrid. I was surprised to find we arrived in Dent only a few minutes down on my 2025 time.

We were kit checked which took a few minutes and also made sure we had plenty to eat and drink as well as filling up water bottles. Simon was sweating more than me but the heat was affecting all of us. Usually I have tea and sausage roll here- today it was melon and cheese. We set off on the lanes still munching and ran a little less than I often do but we were still moving well. At some point here we met two Norwegian lads and had a chat. They were faster on the descents but we were faster climbing, especially given our ages which seemed to impress them. 

The track up and around the back of Whernside was HOT and we stopped multiple times to soak our buffs in cold water. It felt a bit odd not turning at the ruin and heading deep down into the valley before Blea Moor. On the new route it took longer to reach the turning than I expected and the slightly gnarly track slowed me. From the turn off there was initially a good grass track but then rough ground as we headed up to the trig and CP. I wonder how long before there is a Fellsman trod? Josie and Dave R reappeared here to cheer us on and Stephanie caught us up having left Julian with an injured knee. Coming off from the trig I decided to stay by the fence to reach the track and so avoid rough ground. It was slightly further but better running. 

Our pace was slowing a bit now and even on the tarmac road we mostly walked to Stonehouse. It was super hot in the valley but we were only 40 mins down on 2025 times. 

I always make sure I stop at this CP and have plenty to eat and drink. This year there was no need to add layers and I could not face pasta. Luckily they had boiled potatoes and lots of fruit. We moved out into the gazebo and took our time before refilling our water bottles. Using their ready prepared Zoom drink was easier than using my MF powder- I hoped I would not regret the change.

Artengill beck is beautiful but always a big ask when you leave the CP. We plodded up and actually gained on some people. I like the out and back to Great Knoutberry- well mainly I love the run back down. It also gives you another chance to see who is just ahead and who is just behind. 

Back at the stile I sent Simon on as I went for a wee. It took me a while to catch him as he crossed the still very boggy ground. We almost dropped too low but soon found the little trod that led us below the fell and on to Redshaw. This CP has a place in my heart having been a marshall there one year. It was nice to see Aimee who has now done 9 years at the CP. I took no hot food this year just banana- can you over dose on these?

The ground to Snaizeholme CP is very boggy and so there was little point in us trying to run. Simon went in deep at one point but I guess the water cooled him. In this section I saw a small green lizard/ newt and several very big frogs. On our way up to the bridleway we met a cyclist out supporting and he lived in Burnsall and so knew Simon. NIce that somebody called his name for once and not mine. Once on the bridleway I usually try to run and have memories of being met by Matt N who 'persuaded' me to run lots of it. This year we settled into  a steady stomp and kept this up all the way to Dodd Fell. The path to the trig and CP took less time than I expected. The run off the back went well and in good weather it was easy to be sure we were on the right line, helped by a couple of other runners who were just ahead. I usually cross the wall at the stream but we found a hole in the wall slightly earlier. It was tricky with the wire fence and we should have ignored it. When we hit the road one guy had turned left and was heading quickly in wrong direction. We shouted him back.  I then missed the tiny trod that saves you dropping to the road before Fleet Moss and so we had a bit of an uphill trudge. 

This CP is definitely a place to refuel and prepare for the rest (the rest of the course that is, not a rest).  This year we were being rerouted yet again and so would avoid the dreaded tarmac and then big climb. We would still have a big climb up to the Hell Gap CP though. We ate and refilled bottles before setting off. Chilly at first along the short road section and then warmer as we dropped into the valley and our bodies got going again. It's a pretty valley and seems very quiet with some interesting looking wild swim spots near the bottom. We helped Bill J here before then leading him slightly astray - unintentionally! He's a good friend and we shared memories of the very cold wet Fellsman where we geared up at Stonehouse and set off together. At the bridge in Marsett runners were adding layers but we decided we would wait until Bob Lane- where we helped another runner with nav. I added my second base layer and my light weight cag and it was not long before I was glad to have done so. Then the gloves came on too. Hells Gap CP is now further north and so it left a bigger chunk before the drop to Cray. We ran a bit but mostly power walked these sections. Anne was waiting for Bill at Cray. We headed inside and got food. I think it was here that I had a very welcome hot chocolate, more potatoes and probably more but that I have forgotten. As always the CP staff would not do enough to help- one cut off my tally and helped me undo knots on my front pouch. It had worked well up until now but as I was now wearing everything I had except my hat- (ie. 2 long sleeve base layers, light cag, primaloft, bigger cag, gloves and shell mitts) I really didn't need it anymore.  I pulled the legs of my 3/4s down and pulled my socks up- it was getting very cold and now the wind got up. 

Despite being tired and the cold we stomped our way up Buckden Pike and were only 10mins slower than I was last year! Amazing and Simon although knackered was doing superbly well. We had spotted the shrouding of cloud some time back but once on the summit realised it was quite misty. It slowed our run along the big flag-stone path and suddenly stiles emerged ahead each time. It was also tricky picking up the line from the war memorial. Our progress to Top Mere was much slower and almost twice the time I took before. I do have memories of Simon shouting Wait! several times as I descended faster and into the mist.  Then we speeded up a bit on the way to Park Rash and arrived amazed to find we were only at minus 75 mins.  Simon was doing so well and I hoped he wasn't hating me or his choices too much.

Park Rash was full of welcome and Jonny and Suzanne popped up here too. It was as if they were tracking us to CPs! Think it was here that I had the chilli, yum. Not so keen on the luminous green juice offering though (that might have been at the previous CP but I cannot remember).  I hoped I was motivating Simon when I said just one more big climb. It is a beast and it doesn't help having the bogs of doom at the bottom. He was still in shorts but did have a warm jacket and gloves on. He might be my little brother but he is a big boy now so I accepted his word that he was warm enough.  It was the flog that we anticipated but we safely naved to the Great Whernside CP and into even worse mist. 

I was now very conscious of being on the ball and making sure that we stayed on course as best we could. I did not want to repeat the wanderings that Mark and I had two years ago.  We were followed by a friend today but it seemed the nav was all down to me. Hey ho. My caution slowed us as did general tiredness.  I kept losing confidence and the path each time we crossed peaty bogs and my watch was not working as expected. Instead of a shake I had to actually turn it on each time to check the line. Still we did emerge onto the big track by the wall in the end. We stomped most of the way to Capplestone Gate rather than running but the end was now in sight. 

Power Rangers at Stonehouse

We found two runners escorting a confused Dart runner off the fell and were now being overtaken every now and again. I found this tough but it wasn't about the race it was getting round as a pair and allowing Simon to complete. We picked up the beacons across the last moor and were soon on the tracks leading back towards Yarnbury. Chris and Kate passed us here with him vowing it was his last ever Fellsman! We plodded on and could soon see the lights at the CP on the lane. A quick stop for food and toilet and we really were on the final bit. 

Simon was shattered but digging deep. He suggested that I ran on but no way was that happening. We marched the best he could along the lane, into Grassington, down to the river and up to the school. Amber was sat in the car waiting. What a heroine- she had been there some time. 

We crossed the finish line together at 3.18am. Brilliant. Simoon looks happy in the photo although he said it doesn't quite sum up how he felt! I don't think he realised how fantastic his event had been. We were only 2hrs 40 down on my 2025 time. He had never run more then 40km before, never through the night, rarely over such terrain. What a star. He was 12th MV50 and should be really proud. 88 runners dropped out for various reasons and that should make him realise that he dug deep and stuck it out. I hope when it all sinks in and his legs and feet recover that he feels it was worth it and is proud of his achievement. He will have learnt a great deal and may now agree that Compeed is not great - I hate the stuff, but he never asked. I will be even more pleased if he in retrospect enjoys it as type two fun and is willing to do another run with me- perhaps a shorter one where we can be more evenly matched and I find his pace pushing me hard. Welcome to long ultra running.

ps. I have now done 12 Fellsmans. Lack of sleep was the biggest issue for recovery this year. Comment from 5th man- 19h, that's great for his first 100k, you should definitely be chuffed with that.

Time for an update

 I have been busy; lots of orienteering and hiking holidays in the Canaries- a trip to La Palma and another to Tenerife and La Gomera. Both allowed me to do some running but not a great deal as it was not the main aim. Between them I have been out for some decent runs including ,my beloved Bowland and across in the Dales with my brother.

I love Nav4 events and so entered Lakes Mountain 40 (was 42 but we no longer drop all the way over to Thirlmere). What seemed like a good idea turned into "Oh my God, what have I done" when first we had to move our holiday dates and then I also realised that The Fellsman was only a week later.

Arriving after a fortnight of no real running but with tired legs from lots of hiking was probably not wise. Add in a 20hr day on Thursday and going to bed at 5.30Friday am before then getting up at 3.30 to drive to Askham at 3.45am was beginning to feel very silly. My mind seemed to say OK but despite a cup of tea at registration I was feeling sleepy. I chatted with Joe and other friends as the 6am start approached.

I felt a bit chilly after Tenerife but it wasn't really cold even at that time of the morning. My watch froze as I tried to load Do Course, much to Joe's amusement. Louise G was on the start line which surprised me as she had been on facebook saying how injured she was with a hamstring problem. Other than that I knew almost none of the runners.

I tried to take it steady heading up through the village and out onto the common. That was easy to do as I felt lacking in energy. I didn't want to exhaust myself before the Fellsman or risk a tumble and injury. There was a group of guys up ahead but nobody close behind. That was fine. I knew the way and was happy alone,; just so so sleepy. On a warm sunny day I would have been very tempted to curl up behind a wall and have a quick snooze!

I knew there were two young women up ahead somewhere and as we approached High Street another woman joined me. It was a bit claggy and chilly up near the summit but soon improved as we dropped back towards Angle Tarn. We ran together for a while and she was good company, faster than me but I knew the better lines- especially coming off Knott. By Boredale Hause she had pulled some distance ahead and that was the last I saw of her really.  I never really like the descent down the rock path to Side Farm and on tired legs I made slow work of it. The marshalls based near the Starkey Hut were as welcoming as always and I stopped for a brief chat and to grab some food. 

Thanks to Jenny for the photo

The road up into Grisedale seemed steep. I could see others behind me in the distance and one guy caught me up and passed me. The views were superb and there was a lovely rainbow across the valley. I was starting to wake up a bit now and remember being pleased with how my shoes were gripping on the wet rock. At the tarn I caught the guy as he had been looking for the Brothers Parting Stone. I assured him we could just continue and didn't have to find and touch it. He pushed on and I plodded up behind looking out for John B who I knew would be sat on the cold windy hillside taking photos and relaying info back to Joe in Askham. He was cheerful as ever despite the damp and clag. 

Heading up Dollywagon etc was the only time I felt cold. I almost caught the runner ahead but then he descended faster on Swirral Edge. I was cautious and could not believe how badly eroded it had become. 

We have free route choice but I would always use Swirral and then up to the Hole in the Wall- unless the edge was really iced up. Phil was still in sight (I later learned his name) as we crossed the ground below Red Tarn but then he seemed to disappear. I crossed the wall and began the descent back to Grisedale. Just as I reached the end of the path Phil appeared. He had not crossed the wall until much later. We jogged together back to the Starkey Hut and that is when I not only learnt his name but also found that he only lives about 6 doors away from me! It would have been nice to chat for longer but at the CP he dug out sandwiches and although I stopped for more food and a chat I didn't want to hang about.

I pushed on up towards Boredale Hause alone. As I turned and took the short cut up to Place Fell I could see him not that far behind. I expected him to catch me but it never happened. Feeling I was now on the home strait boosted me and I really enjoyed my run off  Place Fell and all the way to Martindale. It was heaving near the church and I counted almost 40 cars! I opted to stick on the zig zags and taking the short cuts rather then the contouring path. There were a few walkers about and I used them to draw me along. 

Ta Jenny

By the time I had done all the climbing and reached the common I could see some runners in the distance. They were not moving fast so I worked hard to draw closer. I was checking my watch and wondering if I could scrape in under the 9hrs. We had another light shower on the common but not enough to make me put my cag back on. I caught the two guys as we left the track and crossed the cattle grid. I was still hoping I might beat the hour and so tried for a sprint finish. I felt a bit guilty blasting past them and it was pointless in the end as my time was 9.01.47

A good day out. I did not feel totally trashed and so had probably not pushed hard but that was fine. 4th F and 1st FV40+ will do. It was a PW by about 11 minutes but I was not upset. After several cups of tea, lots of chats, soup and cake I knew I needed to start driving back before I became too tired. 

Craggrunner 15 ReservoirsAfter the initial climb it was fast running oon big tracks at the

 I had decided to try the longer 15 Res route long before I damaged my ribs and was reluctant to change down to the 10 Res. The cut-offs were long and the ribs were gradually feeling better anyway. When I did the 10 it was 6 years ago and the race was much smaller and started in the pub. I remember the day. well because I left the van lights on and flattened the battery. Chris D helped me jump start it.

No such issues today. An easy quiet drive to Saddleworth and a nice park up at the cricket club with just a walk across the pitch to the club house. The forecast was good with no rain expected. It was chilly but not really cold. Registration and kit check were swift so I was able to have a quick chat with Charles and Claire, Sally and others. 

I found Mark and David already at the bar - although they saved the drinking for later. I didn't know many of the runners but chatted to Tony H on the walk up to the start. I was glad we were walking at least part way up the first steep hill. He and Daz joked that I would be speedy and gaining another trophy; I was much less convinced.

I knew a few sections of this route but for much of it I had no idea at all. My garmin had the route and I hoped this would keep me on course- it did, mostly.  After the initial climb it was fast running on big tracks past the first 3 reservoirs. I knew this section from the 10 and also from mini MMs.  Leaving the big track I passed Charles who was going to sweep the route and then began my way up the rocky clough. I got wet feet on the bogs just before the main road- it was bound to happen at some point.  Stuart and others were marshalling at the road crossing.  From here I had no idea but it was mostly a flag stone path to Black Moss reservoir with just a few muddy and boggy sections.  

My garmin was doing it's job but it was still nice to have a few other runners about to confirm the route as we crossed the next main road near Brun Clough Res and headed off to Castleshaw. Grace and I were taking it in turns to share the lead now but I got a shock on the out and back to the CP in the Outdoor Centre when I realised that 3 other women were only just behind me. Time to try to up the pace. Two more reservoirs at Castleshaw and then another small one soon after.

We had our first nav issues at a small house/farm on the way to Denshaw Res and lost a few minutes. Back on route we met a couple of runners completing the short out and back to Rooden Res. Grace and I were still together plus a couple of fell running guys who seemed to know me. A good path led to the next Res and then across to the main road again. 

Rachel on the invisible trod

The trod next to the fence was awful so we ran up the verge instead. Before long I recognised that we were on the  Stanza route in reverse- some flag stones and some mud all the way to the stream crossing and steep climb up to the main road. It was easier going up then down on the slippery rocks. We left the Stanza route and turned onto some rather sketchy paths all the way round to Marsden Cricket club.

There was bog- not me as the photographer missed me all day

Sally and Steve were in charge of refreshments here and I took the opportunity to refuel- possibly too much as I got stitch afterwards. I left just ahead of Grace but then took a wrong path at Butterley Res and she overtook me. The next section should have been so runnable as it is on a big track up gradually past 3 reservoirs. 

Big track- not me, we beat the photographer again

I was struggling even after the stitch subsided. Grace shot off getting further and further ahead. The only consolation was that I stayed ahead of all the guys that had been around me earlier. It was a relief to reach Wessenden Head and the CP. I didn't need much but grabbed some food and said Hi to Stuart again. Then it was the Pennine Way up and up to Black Hill. I thought back to the LDWA Pennine 100 which had also summited this hill but from further east. I passed Dom plodding his way up and it was good to now have more and more 10 Res runners to pick off.

Ben who I had been running with on and off all day made faster progress than me over Tooleyshaw Moor. The bogs were energy sapping and I skidded a few times. I could still see him up ahead- sometimes further, sometimes closer and this kept me going. Things got marginally better as we began the drop to Crowden . I lost the path in the quarries but was soon back on track and heading to the Outdoor Centre which had also been a CP on the LDWA 100. My stomach (or head) didn't fancy the idea of pasta so I ate some melon and set off with a sandwich. After a short fiddly bit it was onto the Pennine Way again for the climb up to near Laddow Rocks. Again I used Ben and others to keep me going.

Just before the rocks we turned off west to Chew Reservoir but then we diverted from the old route and stayed high on small boggy and muddy paths to reach eventually the trig at Alphin Pike. It seemed to go on and on even though I was catching some people and overtaking some tourists. I had hoped for a good run off the Pike but the trail was very gnarly with so many trip hazards. I did overtake one couple and then on the final descent almost caught another guy who then put on a sprint finish to beat me by seconds. 

Daz was correct- 2nd F and definitely 1stFV, another trophy. I need not have worried about the 3 women who I had thought were catching me but Rachel was not far behind me in third place. 

Lots of great food and cups of tea followed and then an easy stroll across the pitch back to my car. 

Anglezarke Amble

 Not an ultra but I had an entry and the event was full so it seemed rude not to use it. Plus the weather forecast was good, the best day for ages. Having managed PWiaD I was sure I could do this even though I knew I would be slower than usual. The mud and some icy patches had me running even more cautiously and so even slower but it was a grand day to be out.

I over estimated the travel time and parked easily and fairly close to the hall. It meant I had ages to chat with people before the start. I missed Nick as he was just heading out to set off with the walkers. Jenny was able to update me with knee woes, Mark to tell me I should be resting and Lawrence to check the route. I also had a long chat with Chris C who has been injured and I have not seen for ages. Claire and Phil arrived and I was pleased to see he was also contemplating how many layers to wear!

Before 9am we were gathered outside for a very quiet briefing and then off.  I tried to go steady and knew that even if I ran to the top barn I would struggle on the steeper bit into the terraced gardens.  Albert and Jordan had somehow raced ahead without me even seeing them but I could see Tony up ahead until we got to the Italian Lake and then he pulled further ahead and out of sight. The climb up the Pike was tough and my lungs could not get enough oxygen. I was cautious on the descent but it was fine and the big track to Pike Cottage had icy bits but they were all avoidable. Having the CP down there is much better for the marshalls and as we climbed up towards the mast it was wonderful sunshine but chilly. The diversion due to mast works took us off onto icy flag-stones and already there was a walker wrapped in a space blanket having slipped and damaged their wrist.

The main sloping rake down to Bolton Road was much less icy than I had feared and I concentrated on overtaking bobble hat lady.  I knew that Claire would be well ahead and that there was one other younger female. I can't help it..... yes I was being cautious but I did also want to do my best!

At the next stile there was another runner sat nursing their wrist but the path was muddy not icy as I crossed the fields and dropped to the stream. The minor road was much more icy and I jumped the gate to gain the fields as soon as I could even if it is not the legal right of way.  Despite all the icy bits the path through the reed beds and bogs to the A666 was wet, muddy and boggy. I caught more walkers and moved ahead. Somewhere here I slipped on a stile and bashed my knee but no serious damage was done. The path below Turton Heights was better than expected and I was soon running downhill to the CP at the reservoir. I stopped for food and then stomped across the dam and up the lane munching as I went. Running on a reasonably level surface and not up a big hill felt a bit better but I knew it was unlikely to last. The Witton Weavers Way back to Cadshaw and A666 was easy running and I overtook some more walkers/slow runners. I knew the climb up to the back of Darwen Moor was about 3km but was determined to run when I could. I picked off people in front and gradually gained the height. Turning right at the green sign the path was semi frozen but still boggy in places and this continued pretty much to the Tower. 

I could now see runners ahead and this boosted me a bit.  I couldn't quite catch them but was gaining. The sun had now disappeared and it was a bit chilly. Leaving the moor I caught two runners and then worked out it was 2nd F (but she had taken her jacket off confusing me for a minute). We chatted and then as we dropped to Slipper Lowe we caught Nick. No time for more than a brief chat as I wanted to stick with the couple if I could. Stopping at the CP for sausage, tea and pain killers meant I lost contact with them but they were not far ahead. They kept looking back so perhaps they were struggling a bit. I pushed on and even though climbing Great Hill lost me a few minutes I then closed the gap dropping down to Drinkwaters. By White Coppice we were together. It is good that the CP here is now out on the main path and so there is no need to divert into the Cricket Ground.  It's only a few miles back and so no need for more food. I passed Albert who was walking and concentrated on staying with the couple past Bullough and along the tarmac below Anglezarke. It was here that I realised I had more in reserve than the other woman who had a sore knee, and I could now smell the finish. We were together until the last field when I made a big effort to finish a minute or so ahead. 

LDWA would say it is an event not a race but as certificates show a time this seems a vague distinction. Exactly 5hours and 2nd F. It maybe a PW I am not sure but it was a good day out. I joined Claire who was less then 30 mins ahead and also Tony and Josie who had run some bits with him. Soup, cake and several brews saw me recovered. I volunteered to help in the kitchen but was assured there was no need. Ribs are still very sore, it won't let me breathe deeply so I run out of breath on climbs and then get back ache from holding myself rigid but hopefully they will mend soon and this way I will keep some fitness.

First Ultra of the year- PWina D (shorter version)

 Only I could fall twice in a matter of weeks and land on a solid object with the same ribs. It didn't stop the skiing but was uncomfortable. I managed a reasonable night O on Teggs Nose and then an even better Street O in Thornton where picking 60 mins instead of my usual 75 certainly seemed to be a winning choice.

Daylight when I arrived this year

I had an entry for PWinaD which is 45 miles but knew this would be a big ask and I was also meant to be at a 50th birthday party in Preston that evening. I made the sensible decision to drop to the 30 miles- yes OK, some have said the sensible decision would have been not to run. At least I hadn't entered LAW75 like last year. The forecast was awful and the 'shorter' version has a long section of tarmac where it cuts across the northern loop.  It was very strange to have a relatively late get up and drive to the race in daylight. Starting at 10am felt very odd indeed. I parked easily and was soon registered and repacking my sack. There were friends to chat with and I still had stacks of time. Shoe choice was tricky- so much tarmac but also some very very muddy and slippery sections.

Before 10 we were gathered outside with Jamie and the forecast was clearly incorrect as it was dry and even the sun was trying to shine. The easy start on good track to Whitehough soon changed to a steep climb and then some very muddy woods. Running seemed OK except when it got steep and I couldn't catch enough breath. I lost some places in the woods and on the climb but then gained some dropping down the muddy slopes to Roughlee. A few scary moments when a skid could mean a fall but escaped both times just jarring my ribs a bit. The stepping stones were clear of the water today and again I gained some time on the muddy boggy fields to Barrowford. First lady was now out of sight  but 2nd was not far ahead and I tried to make sure it stayed that way.

CP1 Laneshawbridge

A quick self clip at the Heritage Centre and a very short section of path before the long long road. It seemed to go on forever. I was annoyed that I couldn't run properly and not knowing the area there was more uphill than I had anticipated. Still, I stuck with the other female almost to Laneshaw Bridge and the weather was still pretty kind; just some drizzle. As I left the road the first runner on the 54 passed me. He was motoring. The river side path was very slippery and I slowed to make sure I stayed upright.  I could not see any other runners now but as we had rejoined the 'normal' route I knew where I was going. Through the pretty hamlet of Wycoller with it's ancient stone bridges and special barn and then up and up towards the track running W-E below Boulsworth Hill.

Into the wind here my hands got cold and a few showers made me do my cag up but it was nothing like the very wet year that saw us soaked and freezing. A couple of male runners joined me but they did not pull far ahead.  They made better progress along the road past the activity centre but heading to Catlow we were together again. The next bits are a maze of fiddly paths and one guy was pleased to be with me as I knew the way to the CP in the chapel at Southfield.  I grabbed malt loaf and cake and set off jogging down the big track to Walverden Reservoir.

The fields up to Nelson Road were as boggy as usual and I wandered when the next 54 runners would catch us. I didn't have to wander for long. As I left the path and turned to cross the golf course Kat appeared and then after a brief hello sped off. I was still leading the way for 'first time man' and he stuck with me down into Brierfield and over the canal. I was pleased to have the diversion here and avoid the broken, sunken duck boards but several people still went that way- perhaps using old GPX traces?  I was less happy with the long slow slog up Greenhead Lane but could see Kat up ahead and also 2nd F on my course. They both made better time than me to Higham  and by the time I reached the CP Kat had gone. 

Usually in this CP I am trashed so it was quite nice to arrive in a decent state and feeling able to eat. 

I grabbed a sausage, a donut and a shot of run before heading out to chase 2nd F. 

I closed the gap especially in the mud of Bull Hole and then actually caught her when she mistook a path and ended up the wrong side of a fence. This clearly broke her as I stayed in front from here onwards. The end was now in sight. The climb out of Newchurch was slippery and the track by the side of Fell Wood very muddy. It was a relief to enter the woods and then to be on better ground in the Ogden Valley. As we climbed higher onto Pendle we hit thick mist and suddenly I was on my own. I knew that if I reached the trig point alone I would stay ahead to the finish.

I was surprised to see the photographer at the trig- it was damp and the only place all day where the wind was strong. 

I dropped to the little path around the rim but did not escape the wind until I reached the big stone staircase. I never use this on the descent as the fell runners trod just off to the left always seems safer. It gained me further advantage as when I reached Pendle House and looked back there was nobody in sight. Easy paths and then a jog through the village saw me finish in 6hrs 2 mins. 

I guess I could have aimed for under 6 hrs but I was content to be round in one piece and with ribs that were not cursing me. 

2nd F and 1st F over 45, 25 mins behind the winning female.

I had chat with Jamie and Rox, tea and dahl from Sadie and friends and a catch up chat with Kat. Then it was time to grab my beer and head home ready to shower and go to the party. The forecast rain arrived as I was driving back along the M55 en route to the party.  Hopefully not too many were still out running.