Hardwolds 80 (twice in two weeks)

 It had been too long since I had met up with my friends in the Hardmoors family... since the H200 in 2017 I think. Cannot believe it is that long ago but the races are now crazy popular ( for good reason) and they are not exactly on our doorstep either. I had originally entered last year and this was the deferred date. 

Open tracking - map and timing

The route was not totally new to me as I had done most of it for the start of the H200 and before that race I had recced it too. On the 9th, 10th and 11th of November I persuaded Bob that he really wanted to visit the Humber bridge and then cycle in the Wolds. 

After arriving in Hessle at lunch time I ran the first 20 miles to Arras Wold- amazingly I remembered almost all of it. It wasn't a waste as it was now fresh in my mind and I knew what the ground conditions were like. I did find the closed path in Welton- but not until I had dropped to the village, so I ran the dale anyway. So that was one bit not receed- the diversion. No worries- it looks very straight-forward.

Flood defence barriers being built

There was also a bit of chaos at the bridge itself due to the flood wall works. The tide was out and I just dropped to the beach. The paths were fairly dry and I arrived at the van very clean compared to running at home. First night was spent on the lane near Scanton just before the Arras Wold CP. 

Beech woods near South Cave- my favourite section

Day two looked fine and I set off for Settrington Beacon. This middle section is the tough bit I reckon and I wanted to do over 30 miles. Lots of grassy dales, farm tracks, field edges and some lanes. There seemed to be a fair bit of tarmac and hard surface- not my joy but I guess in November this could be better than muddy fields and would help keep the mph average up. I had not checked carefully enough- the H200 uses a slightly different route to the HW80! I ran along the old rail line, checked out a shop for supplies and carried on to Londesborough. I should have gone via Goodmanham. Why two different routes for the two races I wonder? Still- at least it ended up in the same village and I was soon back on track and heading for Millington and then Fridaythorpe. The little Dales are pretty- I am never going to get excited about the scenery here but it is nice countryside. 

A dale

Then just before Wharram Percy farmers were doing tree and hedge work and   in avoiding them I missed the signed turn down to the Abbey Ruins and ended up on an alternative route to the Abbey carpark- no big deal until I arrived at the Abbey in the race! (it was dark and this was the only bit where I couldn't find an acorn sign when I needed one). We thought it would be quiet at the Beacon but that lane must be a rat run.  Woken early gave me an early start. 

It is much steeper than this!

A lovely easy run to Wintringham before the steep climb up the wooded dale that leads to the final section along the scarp slope running towards the coast. 

Looking back down the wooded dale

Of course it doesn't just take a nice easy line. I checked out the lane south of West Heslerton for possible van support on race day and enjoyed the relatively easy running to Ganton. I was making reasonable time and the ground was still pretty dry except for a few areas near farm yards. After Ganton the route leaves the scarp edge and does a little loop south and east back up the steep hill to go past RAF Stanton and then dropping steeply before yet more climbs towards Flixton Wold. It doesn't look much on the map but the path follows a fence line on a roller coaster of downs and ups above the dale. Nice straight line- a path designed by Romans. I knew that from here the end was in site and apart from one steep descent it was easy running. After crossing the Hunmanby road it is a lovely gentle drop to the main road at Muston. A couple more fields and I emerged at the rear of Filey High School. Nearly there! Well - you would be if you stuck to the Wolds Way. We though turn away from town on a southern arc to pass the campsites, golf club and eventually to meet the Ravine and the path to the Prom. 

Filey sunshine- it will be dark in the race

It seemed a long way along the Prom and the steps at the far end were a struggle even without 78 race miles in my legs. I made it to the Wolds Stone on Filey Brigg, took the obligatory photo and turned back for town. 

Wolds way stone- the end

Dropping to the beach cut out some steps and I hope the tide is out on race day when I finish. I knew the way up into town but not to the Sea cadets- it was simple and all that remained was to find a cafe and wait for Bob. Our greasy spoon is no more so I eventually found an ice cream and arrived at the pick up point just as Bob drove in. Perfect.

Race weekend saw us parked at Hessle near the rugby club in time to have lunch in the sun and go for a walk along the estuary. It was sunny but chilly in the wind. I bumped into both Jon and then later Shirley before the early darkness of November drove me back into the van. A big meal and then I retired to bed with my book.

Beautiful skies the night before

The road was noisier than I had hoped but I rarely sleep well the night before a race anyway.  Up at 6 and registered etc before the coach arrived. Collected the apple juice from Mark. Back to our van for a bit and then went to meet friends at the Rugby Club- Jenny, Ken, Sarah, Andy and more. 

Hessle Rugby Club- already Jon has added distance

It was chilly enough to wear my cag although I should have realised I would be plenty warm enough once we left the estuary and I got into my running. By 8am we were congregated outside and ready for the off. The first miles are flat, tarmac or good track and very runnable. It is easy to get carried away along the foreshore, up through Ferriby and into the Scouts wood and on to Brantingham.

CP1 Brantingham one of several pretty villages

I should have been more worried when I was close enough to Antony G to chat, he is way faster than me. Needless to say I didn't stay with him or some of the other faster men for long. I ran with Rob Letts a short time before Arras Wold.. again he is faster than me. Perhaps I should of gone off more cautiously, who knows. I was 1st woman to the Millington CP at 33 miles but only just. Kendra whizzed past whilst I was inside eating and getting stuff from my drop bag. She had support and so no need for this.  The last I saw of her was at Thixendale (44 miles) although she was not far ahead at times and only 30 mins ahead at the end when she won. Lisa also appeared and shot off but I was to see more of her. 

Acorns ark the miles every now and again

The nav was easy with many acorns on signs and even some beautiful carved ones; although the miles on these were getting hard to read as they suffered from the weather.  It is a steep climb up out of Millington to regain the Wolds Way and I was still digesting food. It made me feel slow but hopefully would be worth it in the long run. 

Another dale

You visit several dales in the next section- some you cross steeply down and then up again, others you enter and run along the bottom. No two dales are quite the same. I had been running intermittently with a road runner who was new to off road ultras but loving it. He was far too fast once we left the grass and hit the big farm road for Glebe Farm and I had to let him go- a shame as the chat was good and he appreciated my route finding.

After Fridaythorpe we ran along a more exposed section and for the first time I had to stop and put my cag back on. I was later a bit too warm in some sheltered dales but it stayed on and I just vented it the best I could knowing it would soon be dark and cooler. As I entered Thixendale I spotted Kendra and three guys just leaving. I was very tempted to run after them but knew that really I should stop for an eat and drink. I never saw them again.  I like the next section but knew I must be careful not to miss the left turn to Wharram Percy this time. 

Borrowed pic

I expected to see Lisa behind me but there was no sign of her yet. I began the drop in fading light and in the end decided it would be wise to find my head torch. Then at the ruined Abbey I lost the path.. Suddenly there were no acorns of any sort. Lisa appeared and we worked it out and then climbed to the car park together. I then stopped at the van- my first meeting with Bob all day. A quick gulp of custard and then coffee to set me up for the night. I met up with two relay guys at Wharram le Street- but one was too fast and the other too slow which meant I ran most of the way to Settrington Beacon on my own. This was fine, it was dark but I knew the way and the paths were easy. I didn't need to stop at the CP here and caught up with Lisa in the woods. She said she was tired and seemed to be feeling the miles. I was too but ultras are a head game, just keep plodding. Somewhere on the long descent to Wintringham I lost her and even when I stopped I could no longer see her torch although I doubt she was far behind. 

Another borrowed pic- could not resist that sky

It is a tough climb out of the village but I told myself it is also where you turn east for the sea! The sunset had not been so spectacular but the moon was full and bright with the clouds giving it added interest. I upset no end of birds in Knapton plantation and tripped on a tree route that led to me wind-milling to stay upright for a while. A couple more field edges and I was at the van again on the lane from Heslerton. It was a quick detour and Lisa caught me up. She had a friend running with her now. I set off determined to put some distance between us if I could and knew that this section was straight forward with even a road section as you drop towards Sherburn and then climb back up again. Before the road I had lost them. My mind was now playing tricks and I couldn't remember what came next- until I got to it. I kept waiting for the gradual drop by a golf field but that s much later. Somehwhere in this bit there are a couple of stretches on nasty path on a real camber that twists your feet and I think this may have been where I pulled ahead. I did remember the sandy lane and knew I would soon be in Ganton. David and the others were doing a great job at this CP and I cannot believe I refused pizza! I wanted food but it had to be stuff that would slide down now. There was no point in loitering so it was back off into the night. I felt slow climbing back up the the escarpment but soon enough the road and then lane to RAF Staxton appeared. This lane should be very runnable but I had to really make myself keep going even at the turn towards the farm. I knew the descent was followed by the short but steepest climb of the whole route. Luckily there is a fence to use as a handrail. Then it is just a couple of field edges before the roller-coaster field paths to the road CP at Flixton Wold.

Flixton werewolves

 This was lit up like a beacon with a tent. stoves and the works. Oh, and werewolves. They must have been able to see my torch for ages but welcomed me with cheers. Sadly all I wanted to do was keep going- in retrospect I should have taken a sausage with me! Then it is back into the Dales with one very steep and painful drop. My quads were now shot and my big toe was sore. The looping path along Camp Dale and Stocking Dale seemed to take a while and loads of pheasants screeched at me. Then finally I reached and crossed the road for my drop past the golf field and to the pigs. It was a lovely gradual drop and the gap into the ploughed field was easy to spot. Luckily the mud in the one ploughed field had been bashed flat and then there was just the grassy fields down to the road at Muston. It is a good km through the village but the end is in sight. Up the steps, over two fields, across another road and then past the stables before a short section to the outskirts of Filey. I had hoped to meet my gold taregt of 16 hours but knew back at Flixton that this was very unlikely.  I made myself run past the school and towards the Ravine. The steps into the Ravine were torture but the Prom was easy and lit. I was in luck- the tide was out. I dropped down the jetty and headed across the sand to the Sailing Club. A short sharp climb and I was on the grassy tops heading for the Brigg. 

Mark on the Brigg

Mark was there at the Wolds Way stone in a tiny tent. He claimed to be warm enough out of the wind. There was no time to chat as I turned and retraced my steps to town. Cargate Hill was too much for me to run up until I hit the summit and could run to the finish. 16 hrs and 13 minutes. I was done- literally. Suddenly huge tiredness hit and I felt sick. I did managed a couple of cups of tea and some fruit salad but could not face the chilli beans or more. 

I sat with Bob and just slumped. My neuroma/ metatarsalgia hurt like mad and then the muscle in my ribs cramped and popped out repeatedly. I was alert enough to be able to congratulate Kendra and to cheer Lisa when she arrived but really I just wanted my bed. 

Almost 45 minutes of rest had seen no improvement so Jon did his presentations and we slowly walked back to the van. It was a shame to miss Ken and Jenny who had run it as a relay and only finished about 20 minutes later. 

Jon- the boss 

I  had missed my gold target but was happy to only be 13 minutes over and to be 2nd F overall and so also 1st FV50 and 1st FV60 (infact 1st V60 M or F). 

It is a tough route with few excuses to slow down and not to be running. Too much for me is road, track and runnable- give me a big hill to stomp up any day. I was woken at 4am by heavy rain squalls and a very strong wind. I said a quick prayer for Mark and any late finishers before going back to sleep. He had taken his tent down at 5am in fear of being blown into the bay. Some challenging weather for those last finishers. How lucky we had been with the day and the dry ground. I must come back and do another Hardmoors soon. My first 50, 100 and 200 milers were all Hardmoor races. In fact I must check how many more Hardmoor miles I need to reach my 1000 certificate.

The Yorkshire Trod

 With no Fellsman this year we needed to find a replacement race- this ticked all the boxes as it was the right length, same area of Yorkshire and a new RO/Due North who welcomed the extra entries and publicity. It goes over fewer peaks and has more trails and so is overall more runnable for most people. Having said that the climb up Simons Seat was brutal.

As always we arrived early to put up flags and banners, drop off mint cake and prizes etc. I stayed and registered before we moved the van to the top of Yarnbury road to cook and spend the night. I slept well - it was proper dark and silent. It was the predictable early start but the forecast was good and it didn't feel as cold as I had feared. I opted for one base layer and my cag- it stayed like that all day with the sleeves up, then down, with the front open and then closed. There were many DNSs so a small group of just over 30 lined up at the top of Grassington before a low key "Off you go". I knew I was going too fast on the easy tarmac downhill when I found myself running with Phil Withnall who went on the win the race. I didn't (couldn't stay with him long. I managed without a torch on the lit streets and then on the big track heading west onto the moors. By then it was first light and Martin Terry had joined me along with a group of 4 guys who had receed the route. Their help at a couple of points was useful although it was me that pointed out we had nearly ignored the first self clip. At Winterburn Reservoir we turned north on the Dales High Way heading for Weets. 

Not my photo

I though Weets was near Barnoldswick but there are two! We continued north to Mastiles Lane and then to Malham Tarn where John Bamber was sunning himself at the car park CP. 

Again- a borrowed photo

We left Malham Tarn going NE to Arncliffe on the old Monks Road. This was lovely and grassy but my hip/groin were bothering me (not the right one as a fortnight ago but the other one!).  By Arncliffe I caught Martin and then grabbled pizza and cake before we set off along the river meadow path to Litton. This should have been beautifully runnable but I was struggling a bit. In Litton I caught Martin again as I called him back to the self clip and then the 4 guys caught us a we dithered at a path junction. It was a stiff climb over the moors before the drop to Buckden. So far almost all the route had been new to me except for a small section at Malham. The others had now pulled ahead although they were still in sight. I expected the next bit to be very easy as I knew the way but then I got distracted. There is an elderly man missing in the area and I spotted somebody sat high on the hill- all alone and not moving for some time. I felt I had to go and check. It took me off route and over some lovely bogs and tussocks. It was just a young guy resting, admiring the view and having a snack. 

You couldn't see that much today

I did eventually make it to the trig on Buckden Pike and amazingly had not lost much time on the 4 guys who were just leaving. It was shrouded in low cloud and not a place to loiter with no views. I then got carried away in Fellsman mode and am still not sure which path is best for descending to Starbotton. My route will not have been used by others as I took an off path sort of straight line as I wanted to be going downhill but to avoid the gnarly tracks. We had route choice from here to Kettlewell. I opted to stay east of the river but would be curious to know how many crossed to the Dales Way which is flatter but less grassy.

Having clipped at the maypole we had an 'allowed' section on road until shortly after Scargill House. The pull up from here was a low point (and it isn't even very steep or long) but my hip was troubling me.  It was further than I had estimated form here to Grassington although it is a lovely path past Conistone Pie and other outcrops. Lovely that is except for the ankle break flap stiles!

At this point I was seriously questioning whether I should stop- I am doing the OMM next weekend and so do not need a dodgy hip. It seemed wise to sit, eat and think. I also found out that I was well over half way and there was only 25 miles to go... queue much amusement from the winners on the 50km " Oh well, if there is only 25miles left that's easy!" Before I could change my mind was off but just in time to hear Mel tell me that the next lady was about 2km behind. I set off anxious about her catching me. 

Typical Dales Way path

The river path was lovely easy running once I fought my way through the tourists heading from the visitor centre to the river and back. My hip seemed slightly better and before long I was in Burnsall and clipping yet again. A short section by the river and then I turned onto a new to me path that would take me up to Appletreewick pasture and then Trollers Gill. I had actually been here once before but in a race where I had others to follow and so took little notice. From Skyreholme it was up and up on the least good path of the day. I have never been so pleased to meet flag-stones as I was here.  

Simons Seat- not mine 

The run down from Simons Seat was lovely and I was both enjoying myself and trying to get as far as I could before dark. Another short section on the riverside Dales Way led me to Barden Bridge and familiar ground again. I made good time up the road onto Barden Moor and even ran some of it. I should really have stopped to get my torch out but there were few cars and I could see fine. One benefit of a small race entry is CP marshalls who are delighted to see you and offer all sorts of services. I got my tally clipped, a cup of tea, a bowl of soup, my water topped up and the offer of having my groin checked out (thanks Stuart). It was now definitely dark and it was good to be on familiar ground and also a big easy track. I did nearly make one mistake but corrected it after 200m- mainly exuberant downhill running got me carried away.  The hip was no worse so I felt I was not adding harm and started to really enjoy myself. I scared loads of birds including a beautiful owl. 

Then from the track gate I turned north to follow the wall over Rylestone fell- past Cracoe Cross and then up to the memorial obelisk. It was less steep than I feared and not as muddy as I expected until the slight descent after the memorial. 

Borrowed from another day- it was very dark today

The boggy path then turns into a good track and turns east to the impressive shooting huts.  I turned to check for torch lights following me yet again but there were none. I did not know the path down to Thorpe but Bob had pushed his bike up it and was not happy. Without a bike and heading downhill it was a joy until it became a slightly greasy walled track closer to the village. It was now mostly downhill, first on tarmac and then across fields to reach the suspension bridge over the Wharfe. I knew that from here it should only be 40 minutes or so and trotted on just being wary of tree roots. The walled path from the river was now deserted as I headed up to the visitor centre. I opted for the village centre roads that were better lit as soon the Devonshire Institute was in sight. A final clip and I was done. Not quite as fast as I had hoped but 14hrs 40 was not so bad. I was lucky to be 1st F and 6th overall. Martin had finished about half an hour ahead of me. Bob had taken down all the flags and banners once it was dark so we didn't have too much to take away with us. I was really hungry and knew I should eat but after a cup of tea and an enormous bowl of Joe's soup I had to admit defeat. I washed most of the mud off my legs and the sweat from my face before heading downhill and to the van. It was too late to drive home now so we spent an extra night in Grassington disturbed only by a sheep bashing the back of the van at about 3am.

This is a wonderful route and should become a classic once more runners know of it. The tracks are runnable, the nav not too hard, the Dales Way is beautiful and so are the stone villages and typical Dales barns. Plus of course the team are lovely and you get amazing soup and cake! Good Luck Due North/ Mel and hopefully there will be bigger numbers next year.

It doesn't always go to plan

 Last weekend was my last real opportunity to complete my run on the 3 Towers Ultra course. Without a RO the race as such would not happen this year but we at Runfurther had decided it could be run 'virtual' on any date within a week of the original race date. The weather on Saturday was pretty dreadful so I waited until Sunday- this was drier but still damp plus the ground was soaked from the previous days rain.

Great Hill

To save diesel I opted to start where the route crosses the Bolton Road. The tiny streams were over full as I headed to Great Hill but it was dry and warm. I was soon over this hill and heading down to White Coppice and the flat running along the valley to the next road crossing. Somewhere here the first of the rain started- not too heavy but enough for me to dig out my cag and burry my phone. The climb to Jepson's Gate didn't seem too bad and in the end I stuck to the 'original' race route. We had agreed this and various other sections could be modified. A last minute decision also saw me stick to the trod that would eventually lead me to Lower Hempshaw ruins; it was less overgrown and tussocky than I remembered. The drop through the woods was a bit muddy but the big track up towards the pigeon tower and Rivington Pike was fairly dry. Then the rain turned heavy and the Pike was not the place to hang around. I was soon at Pike Cottage where the cafe was the quietest I have seen it, probably because most people had fled the rain. The rain was now off/on. I resigned myself to keeping the cag on and just doing the best I could to vent in in the dry interludes. Winter Hill came and sent before dropping down to the Bolton Road. The section after this was very wet underfoot and it was a relief to turn south on the big track towards Longworth Rd and Dimple. 

The paths CAN be dry

I felt I was moving well and keeping up a good pace. From here I used our new 'variant' route and climbed directly onto the ridge and then along the top to the trig at Cheetham Close. It was totally water-logged and over my ankles for much of the way. From here it was mostly downhill to Turton Tower (number one today) and then Jumbles reservoir and the path to Turton Bottoms. This too was very wet and very muddy. The rain was still off/on but I was enjoying my day out. I used the alternative path to avoid Birches Farm and although it was totally waterlogged and splashy I was soon up at Bury Road and heading over the tops to Hawkshaw.

Somewhere around here I started looking at my watch and got worried. I had in my head that we had raced the route in just over 7 hours. In retrospect I should have checked more carefully but we had only been back home from France for a few days and I never found the time. I now calculated that I was moving far too slowly, yet it didn't feel like that? I crossed the army ranges and camp and speed and headed up to Peel Tower as fast as I could. 

Peel Tower and Howlers

I couldn't go any faster and if anything I was tired and getting slower. Oh well, keep plodding. There were very few people up on the moor as I headed for Pilgrims Cross and even fewer as I set off on the looping and mostly contouring Rossendale Way. 

Nice part of the Rosendale Way

This was incredibly wet underfoot but once you're wet there is not much point worrying. I was busy enough beating myself up about how slow I was compared to the race two years ago. On the plus side without a race there were no books to visit so we had agreed it was OK to miss out the short out and back to the first book and also to miss out the loop to the second and instead to head for the chimney and then run along the ridge- much nicer. It saves about 2.5km.  The path along the top was wet and the flagstone path after Musbury Heights was under water. Worse was to come when I reached Hog Lowe Pike and the boggy moor across to Edgerton Moss. By now I was despairing about what my final time would be. Hoddlestone came and went before my least favourite section of the route. It might be that I know this section least well or it may be that it is pretty awful on very underused paths. It was wet, muddy and slow. Then on my way to the A666 I reached a flooded gateway. I did try to climb along the fences but it didn't work. I had to wade through the huge puddle that reached the top of my thighs. I could at least now see the end and calculated that I might be able to make 9 hours. Pathetic I thought but the best I could manage. The first section of the Witton Weavers way was under water and things were not much better when I reached the start of Darwen Moor. 

Darwen Tower

The Tower was shrouded in scaffold and plastic sheeting and I was grateful to reach the drier tracks heading for Slipper Lowe. I was safely back at the car just inside 9 hours after a desperate final push. I almost cried- surely I wasn't so rubbish. Perhaps it was the two big European races with walking up big mountains? I drove home pleased to have completed the route but a bit despondent. I also seemed to have damaged the front of my groin/hip abductor area. Back home I checked the race results. What an idiot. 7 hours would have been the men's record. 

Fiona and I had taken just over 9 hours in the race. It's not quite the same route and very slightly shorter but roughly the same time which without any food CPs or others to motivate me seemed pretty good. Perhaps I am not rubbish after all. I felt better (especially knowing it was a few more Runfurther points) - except that is for whatever was wrong with my hip abductor area. (photos from the race 2 years ago and a reccee run in the heat with Howlers).

Fast forward less than a week and it's Round Rotherham- a fast flat (ish) 50 miler with a fair amount of tarmac or hard surfaces but also some arable fields and woods.  I love the set up and the people but hate this route- it always punishes me. 

RR in happier times a few years ago

We arrived via a trip to see a son and then 5 hours on the climbing wall in Sheffield- it was a new wall for us and we got a bit carried away. Possibly not ideal race prep but I felt OK. As is often the case at RR we had a committee meeting in a pub on Friday night. God company but possibly a contender for the worst meals I have seen arrive at our table. We had already put up flags and banners so 9pm saw me ready to race and in bed on Manvers Lakeshore. I slept quite well until early vehicles scrunching on the gravel made sleep impossible.  After breakfast I left Bob in bed with coffee and went up to the boat house to register. I met up with many friends but as we had a wide spread of start times to be Covid safe it was hard to know who I had missed. Before 7am I was ready with my dibber allocated and as it was light there seemed little point delaying. As I started Julian shouted he was coming with me........ it was nice to have company and we gave each other reassurance that we were on route. Sadly though perhaps this meant I set off too fast? I did stop to find my cag and bury my phone but Julian slowed for me. There had been no mention of rain in the forecast and it never came to much in the end.

After Wentworth we were passing a number of earlier starters and I persuaded Julian to leave me. My right hip abductor was already causing me problems and every little dip was torture.  At this point I really though I might not even make it past the first CP at Thorpe Hesley. Running on a flat surface and one without any dramatic drops seemed OK, just. I didn't stop at the CP as I had caught up with Julian and others and was not too far behind schedule yet. The next section is a real mixture with some pleasant field paths and tracks to Hilltop but then some slightly steeper paths down to a main road. Those hurt today but it got worse. The steps at the rail crossing and main road caused me serious issues and much time. Shortly after this Sarah came past. I was struggling to run along the easy canal tow path at the time and she was surprised to see me. I think only the horrors of Tinsley made me keep going and even try to speed up. Not my favourite part of the course. I was not far behind Sarah until the next steps at Sheffield Parkway. Negotiating those and then the normally fine but today for me uneven ground before Catcliffe lost me more precious time.  I arrived at Treeton CP looking a bit of a wreck. I grabbed a piece of banana and set off before I could change my mind. The huge start window was for me having one very positive effect- I could keep finding another group of walkers to pick off. This kept me going all the way to Rother Valley Park where Charles caught me up and overtook me. Roughly 20 miles done and although I was struggling badly I started to think of making it to half way. The scenery improved from here,  still just farm land and villages but much nicer than Tinsley. 

After crossing the M1 the first ploughed arable field appeared and I was pleased to see a reasonable beaten path up it to Woodhall. Sadly it didn't last and some of the next fields were just uneven enough to tweak my hip and cause yelps of pain. I had to walk. I didn't stop at Harthill CP as there only seemed to be chocolate biscuit bars. My mind set was now in survival mode. I needed a 'long' for Runfurther and told myself it would be easier to finish this one than worry whether I would mend in a fortnight for the Yorkshire Trod. The paths were mostly OK until I got to the next ploughed fields.

 It was pathetic but even the tiny ditches between fields and roads were causing me problems and the fields by the wind turbine were dreadful ( not wet or muddy just too uneven for me). The 'big' stile near Top Hall Farm almost defeated me but I did eventually climb over and it was a joy to reach the Chesterfield canal and then the easy tracks across the golf course. Never thought I would be so pleased to see tarmac and flat tracks. I had just passed Nick and he was soon at the CP too. I decided to stop and eat properly in the hope some fuel would help and set off just after him. The next section to Langold lake had easier ground and I jogged on telling myself that if I was going to try to finish I should just get on with it and 'run' whenever I could. 

I caught Nick and passed him and then hooked in behind a couple who like me were doing a mix of run. jog, walk. It is two years since the last race and I was not clear in my mind what came next so it was a pleasant surprise to arrive at Firbeck. Again just wrapped chocolate bars so I refilled my water and set off. The tracks and paths from there to Roche Abbey were fairly even and I made slightly better time and even overtook some more people. 

I knew from the Abbey it was only about 3 miles to Maltby and the next CP. The volunteers there were wonderfully encouraging and assured me there was under 12 miles to go. Pavements and easy tracks took me to Micklebring and the M18 where I caught up with a local runner. He stopped me from an error when the path was lost in sunflowers and we used each other to push on the best we could. The ploughed  and arable fields had better paths on flattened earth but the path in the woods before Hooton Roberts was very muddy and uneven, I don't think it ever dries out.  I had now passed Charles who was suffering badly with a damaged glute and saying he hoped he could make it to the next CP where he would retire. The 'new' CP in the barn was wonderful and certainly the best of the day. They had a huge assortment of proper food. This cheered me up no end and although I spent longer there than I should it was possibly worth it. There is no CP at Old Denaby now so I hoped I had enough water. The local guy said 3-4 miles but I knew it was more. 

The new bridges and ramps at the railway must have cost a fortune- I made it up the steps but used the ramp to descend as it would be quicker than walking backwards down all the steps. The canal and riverside paths seemed shorter than usual and I was soon on the edge of Swinton. Some bored teenagers lurking under a canal bridge offered me encouragement and the cycle path took me to the old race HQ at the sports college. Oh, to have finished there today! The river paths might have seemed shorter but the 3km or so along 'the roundabout' road seemed longer. I was so pleased to see the fire HQ at last and know I was almost there. Almost no fly tipping this year, thanks Rotherham and local councils! Thanks to Stef  for most of the photos out on the course.

So I finished at a jog. Over 50 miles and a PW by over 40 minutes (even worse compared to my better times).  Bob was waiting for me and Sarah was sat at the finish with a cup of tea. Sitting wasn't very comfortable but I needed a rest. Bob did a great waiter service of food and cups of tea before I decided I really needed to stand and move. We sat cheering in runners and chatting. Julian had finished in a good time too. Before long Kevin had finished and Nick. Charles finished- in pain and after a tough effort. It was the day for such things for some of us.

Bob was back from his bike ride in time  to greet the first runners and do their prize- giving. A clean sweep for 3 Runfurther men. Rory now has close to the magic 4000 points and cannot be beaten. Kevin and Rory also had good runs.

A local woman won our race in 8hrs31 and then Sarah C who had a storming run was 2nd in 9hrs10. She was rightly chuffed with her run and also to beat both her husband and me. 

Unbelievably I was 3rd in a PW of 9hrs46. Just shows  you should never give up. Oh, I also got an award for having done 10 RRs! Some runners have done 20 or even 30!!

I was keen to make sure I completed a 'long' Runfurther race and if I am not mended enough to do the Yorkshire Trod I will be gutted but at least I think I have enough points to ensure I cannot be caught.