Lakeland 5 Passes

 Another Runfurther race actually happened! Race number 4, or for me number 2 as I was injured for Pendle way and didn't travel to Shires and Spires. It had been a busy month with Brennand Watershed, two runs with Rowena,  three runs checking out parts of L100, Nav4 Lakes Mnt 40, the Dales Skyline, a Bowland run plus some cycling and climbing. Two cycle rides and a restful damp Friday was my taper. Checking the entry list it was clear I would meet some friends that I had no seen for ages but that on the whole I would not recognise many people. It was also the day of The Great Lakes Run in Langdale plus Sabs was recovering and Carol waiting to start a mega run. 

We drove up early on Friday afternoon in wet and increasingly windy weather. The rain eventually abated and we put up sponsors flags and banners. The wind was fierce and blasting down from Dunmail Raise so strongly we contemplated taking the flags down at least twice. I don't tend to sleep well before a race and the noise from the wind had me awake more than I would have liked. I was up early to register but even then it had not become clear that Si Entries emails were not getting through to those of us with talktalk. I managed to find some runners and dish out spot prizes before heading to my start wave at 8.25am. 

Starting in this way meant I missed some friends altogether and for much of the time had no real idea who was in front, or just behind and how I was doing. Still, you can only do what you can do. It was quite nice being able to pick off the walkers who had started an hour earlier and those at the front of the alphabet who had been in earlier waves. I never did catch Richard Lendon who had started just 5 minutes ahead of me. Before we even left tarmac I was shouting some runners back and this continued throughout the day. Climbing to the summit of Loughrigg we were still quite bunched and I was able to chat to Ian F. 

Ambleside CP always seems far too early for me to need anything but by now I was regretting the extra layer and faffing with my number and safety pins. I gave up and stuffed it in a pocket in the end. On the steep climb to Wansfell I overtook some runners but was also passed by some faster men. Initially the descent is a delight but I am not good on gnarly bouldery lanes. I lost some places but then regained them as I knew the way down to the valley floor. Stomping up Garburn Pass I managed to eat a bag of crisps and drink a load of MF in between running the slightly less steep sections. The drop to Kentmere is now awful but at least I knew what to expect and looked forward to the CP in the village. I topped up my water and grabbed cake before again putting a runner on the correct path. This event seems to attract many people from a long distance which is lovely. Brighton man ran just ahead or just behind me for much of the race and he was awed by the scenery and the need to use hands as well as feet on some climbs like Stoney Cove Pike. He was also starting to feel the brutal climbs. 

There was some softer ground as we crossed to Longsleddale and the track was less gnarly for the feet. Next up was the long long climb up from Sadgill to the top of Gatesgarth Pass and then on further to Harter Fell. 

I was doing nicely on the big wide track but suddenly tripped and hit the deck. I didn't even have time to put a hand out- perhaps just as well as another female runner did so and dislocated a finger. A bit of a shock and some small grazes to knee and elbow but I was OK really. I was helped up by Geoff who showed great concern. I knew there would be some great bruises later along most of my right side but for now the best thing was to keep going rather than stiffen up. By the top of the pass I was moving OK again. Having company certainly helped and we pushed each other along as well as reeling in a couple of others. Apparently I was first female and that motivated me too, although not knowing if a runner from a later wave  was just behind me was a little disconcerting. 

Looking across the tops earlier I had predicted more challenging conditions on the tops. Before Harter Fell I had to stop and put on my long sleeved base layer- just low cloud and a damp feeling but chilly. We made good time over the tops and down to Nan Bield Pass. 

Heading up from this I knew to check for the grassy area and rather vague left turn. Just before this we bumped into the 'mobile' Safety check who were still on their way to Harter Fell! Nice grassy running took us most of the way to Thornthwaite Beacon and there were a couple of tiny flags to help. No distant views today though and the Beacon remained hidden until we were within 50m or so. 

I feared losing places and my companions as we dropped to Threshthwaite Mouth but I almost kept up and soon reeled them in as we scrambled up Stoney Cove Pike. 

Then easier running dropped us on Kirkstone and the final CP.  I didn't want to stop long but refilled water, grabbed quiche and banana and dug out more crisps. If you are not used to the Lakes or similar Red Screes must come as a shock at this stage in the race. It wasn't long before there were just three of us. Adam was stronger on the descents but Geoff and I could keep up on the climbs. The food did it's trick and we powered our way up and enjoyed the slightly boggy drop to Scandale Pass. 

A determined effort meant ?? couldn't drop us even on the long run down the valley to  pretty little High Sweden bridge and luckily we were still close enough for me to stop him bearing left to Low Sweden Bridge. 

The pace was starting to hurt me now and I wanted the other two to push on so I could slow down. No such luck even when I stopped very briefly to refill my water at the Rydal campsite tap. These last few miles were the only bit I had not receed earlier in the month but basically it's simple- just follow the old Coffin Road until you reach tarmac. We chatted and pulled each other along. I was now far too hot in two layers and had a stone in my shoe but there was no way I was stopping now. Just before the tarmac I realised a PB was possible and it gave just the extra burst of energy needed as we sped down the tarmac, across the main road and into the show ground.  

6 hrs 56 and first female. True it would only have been 3rd place 2 years ago with that time but I was happy. Only 20 secs behind martin and only 6 mins behind Adam.

Our reward was a nice medal and Grasmere gingerbread plus copious amounts of tea and then a  Cumberland sausage meal from the lovely ladies at Fell and Dale catering. The bonus was it was warm and sunny enough to sit in the field chatting and cheering in other runners.

Really great to see so many friends again and to make new friends like 2nd female Wioleta who had a really speedy second half of the race and was always smiling. No photos today thanks to the low cloud on the tops but mainly because I was 'racing' so all are from my recee run on 8th June. 

Once most runners were back we took the flags down and headed off to Kirkstone for the night and well deserved beer. Room with a view... sat in sun, beer, book. What more could I want.

A good nights sleep and I was ready for more adventures. An early start saw me ready to jog from Ambleside to Coniston checking out those last miles of the L100. My arm was sore and my knee stiff and not functioning 100% but there was plenty of time and the sun was out. 

Lots of others were out doing the same but my early start meant I only met two before I reached Coniston- two lads on Loughrigg and a girl in Langdale. 

It was nice to have the trail to myself and to be running through Langdale to the smell of bacon breakfasts on the campsites. The views were beautiful and I recalled climbs we had done on the crags and past MMs with Rowena. By Little Langdale I was hungry and stopped to eat my sandwich and by Tilberthwaite it was getting busy and very warm. The crowds in Coniston were a bit of a shock but I did get a very nice ice cream.

June

 I recovered well after the LDWA 100 and was soon back to cycling and climbing. A week later I had a lovely run with Rowena checking out the next very short Bowand Challenge and then adding lots more for a decent run. We try to avoid weekends unless we know it will be a quiet area so Saturday saw an early start to Dunsop. 

I had planned a 'Brennand Watershed' - like Duncan's Dunsop one but without the horrors of White Hill and it did seem a more natural loop. The birds dived bombed me and set up an awful clatter as usual. I even visited the centre of the Kingdom as I was in the area.

A glorious day and the ground is still pretty dry. Once away from Dunsop I saw nobody for the whole time I was out which is one of the reasons I love Bowland.

Next up was a quick trip to the Lakes. 

In my heart I think I knew that I had not forgotten the L5Passes route but it was a good excuse for a lovely long run and I cut out the tourists in Grasmere and made it over Loughrigg before too many were up. 

There were whole sections when I had the fells and paths to myself which was lovely. 

I met Bob almost by coincidence at the bottom of Garburn Pass and then even more by luck met Angela White on her Parr 62@62 as she made her way up Stony Cove Pike. 

I about turned and jogged with her for a bit. I now have a plan- Steve Parr's original plan was 61 peaks and next year I will be 61. Hopefully there will be lots of excellent days route finding before then as I plan to do it solo and with only minimal road support. More mid-week climbing and cycling followed and then another trip to the Lakes. 

We went up early on Friday and I set out for an easy walk to check some more of the Lakeland100 route- Cockpit, up Fusedale, and then back over Loadpot etc. 

I did run the downs and the route was a bit longer than I had thought. Possibly not the best plan pre-race day. 

We got a shock to find our usual parking spot up on the common was banned but went instead to a quieter section of common for the night having spent the day on the Woodyard which is now Pay and D but only £2.

An early start saw Bob drop me off in Askham at about 6ish. More than enough time to faff with a drop bag of food (Covid rules) and to check Joe was not serious about us needing to carry sun cream. The midges were out and I thought it was blinkin chilly- T shirt, long sleeve base layer and cag! 

Must be getting soft. Minutes rushed by as I caught up with friends I had not seen for months and months and suddenly it was almost half past and time I was running. 

I kidded myself that with no points or prizes I needn't worry about making too much effort and this sort of worked up until High Street as I let Antonio and others pass me. Then nicely warmed up and having met up with Richard L I decided to get into race mode. I love it up by Angle Tarn and it didn't disappoint. 

The rocky decent from Boredale to Patterdale was less awful than in my memory and I was soon topping up water and grabbing food. I ate on the move and was suddenly ahead of five runners. Dominic R soon came past me as did Richard but I hung on pretty well and they were never far ahead after this. The pull up from Grisedale Tarn to Helvellyn who  was tough and hot. A crowded summit was not a place to loiter and I was grateful to the tourists on Swirral Edge who made way for us runners. I think I am getting ore and more cautious on such rocky and slightly technical descents but I was soon off the worst and spotted three runners ahead. It turns out they were a group from the Chilterns and Jess especially was finding she was a little out of her comfort zone. I caught them at the lake outflow and stayed ahead through the Whole in the Wall and down to the valley. Easier running saw the easily over take me but then they stopped at Patterdale and faffed for far longer than me. I grabbed fresh water and a box of custard (kindly opened by JohnV and Stuart) and concentrated on reeling in Richard as we climbed back up to Boredale. Again I couldn't quite catch him or Dominic but I did use them to motivate me along. 

A quick photo shoot on Place Fell and it was down and down to Howtown. It was a shame not to have time to chat with Angela who was taking numbers but it was crowded with tourists and the race was on. I didn't do the race last year so it was my first time on the route without dropping to Thirlmere. Could I keep first female and could I beat 8 hours.  Knowing the end was in sight gave me a boost and I pulled ahead of Richard (although he had started later and so beat me by 5mins in the end). I had to fill up with stream water but needed it as I crossed the common and raced down to the village. 7 hours 52! and after sprawling on the grass drinking beer it was time to refuel on amazing Nav4 soup, bread, more soup and bread and cake and cups of tea. Love Nav4 events. It was great to chat with friends as they finished and to just lie in the sun. I managed to keep my first place too.

Our activities are generally driven by the forecast and Sunday didn't look so good so we came home to shower etc. Stocks replenished and we were back in the lakes on Monday and Tuesday- the sunny days of the week. Bob cycled and I set out to recee more of the Lakeland 100. 

There were big chunks I knew would be straight forward but I was keen to check the few bits I was less sure about and I like to have the paths and turnings in my mind even if there are other runners about. Bob dropped me in Coniston early and it was already warm enough for shorts and T shirt. By the time I was at Walna Scar road the car park was looking pretty full but most people were heading up Dow and I soon had the path to myself. Seathwaite was fairly quiet and I didn't see anybody until I dropped into Eskdale. A few 'new to me' miles took me past Burnmoor Tarn and over to Wasdale. 

Again the car park looked busy but my route by passed the crowds and had me heading up Black Sail Pass where I only met a few people. The climb wasn't too bad although the start of the descent slowed me down. 

The same was true on Scarth Gap- the pull up from the YHA was OK but the descent wasn't worth risking race pace. I must remember in the race that 10 mins lost here will not be vital and there are plenty of other runnable bits.

I was now getting hot and tired. The promised ice cream never happened as at a few minutes to 5pm I wondered if it would still be open. 

No parts of the climb to Sail Pass are especially steep but wow it goes on and on. I needed to refill my water several times and did try to run the contour sections. The rocky trails after the pass were mashing my feet and I was so pleased to reach the grassy slopes after Barrow Door.  What a lovely drop to Braithwaite. Even better Bob offered to drive down from Whinlatter and pick me up! Lakeland 100 might not go over peaks but those first 32 miles or so are tough. It will be important to leave enough in the tank for dawn and the second day. We slept near the Blencathra Centre and I looked forward to an easier day in the morning. It started with easy running downhill and on lanes to Threlkeld before the climb to the Old Coach Road. 

This then had a few more ups than I remembered but was a fairly good surface.

There were a few tricky bits between Dockray and Aira Force and I couldn't quite make the description work but following my nose seemed to fit the GPX file. The crowds going to the waterfall were mostly by passed and soon left behind as I traversed Gowbarrow. It was easy nav but I am glad to have done it as there was more climb than I had realised. After Swinburns Park another section didn't quite fit the text but then easy lanes took me rapidly to Dacre. I had planned to meet Bob here but decided it would be good to carry on to Dalemain as there was plenty of time. I was very disappointed to find the cafe there doesn't sell ice creams! I stopped to eat my sandwiches and to refill my water before heading on to Pooley Bridge. It was heaving but I knew I could get an ice cream there. Easy riverside paths took me to the lovely new bridge. In the shop I asked for a double ice cream only to be told quite sternly that they only sell singles. I am not sure what would have happened if I had replied that I would take two! Have never been told I cannot have that much ice cream before. Refreshed I retraced my steps and then took a lane to meet Bob in Dacre where we sat in the sun drinking coffee until it was time to drive home.

Wednesday saw a rare day of nothing- well no running, cycling or climbing. 

A quick trip to Leeds to deliver books and maps to Chris allowed an overnight in the Dales and then a long run on Friday before the weekend crowds. I have had my eye on Duncan's Dales Skyline for a while and so that was the plan.

 I would be doing it in reverse as we had slept near Settle and was a little anxious about fine route finding and ways over dry stone walls.

A friend had recently done the route and just scrapped in under 10 hours so that was my target- assuming I found my way over the first 12 miles or so. In the end it was fairly straight forward and good grassy paths to Warrendale Knots. Second CP is Rye Loaf and there were no real paths once I left the Dales High Way but in good vis it was easy. The section heading north to the Malham road posed a few more issues as I searched for the best trods and places to cross walls then it was easy up onto Malham Moor and Fountains Fell. Easy but up and up. At this point I questioned why I was doing the route in reverse. It was though beautifully quiet and stayed so until I reached the flanks of Pen Y Gent.

A quick charge to the summit 3hrs 13 and I was soon off to Horton. At least I knew the way now although it was further than I remembered heading across to Inglebrough. Again this would be lovely downhill running if I was going the other way. Luckily I found a welcome spring and got fresh water. I didn't stick around on the summit as it was chilly in the breeze and I was keen to get the descent over with- I really dislike the initial rocky drop off here. Once past the Hill Inn the seemed to be hoards of people coming the other way- some 3Ps challenge no doubt. I bought an ice lolly at the barn and ate it as I ran on. 

Taking the Fellsman trod let me escape some people and I was soon on the summit and at the start of new to me terrain again. The drop west to Kingsdale was good and I found nice grassy paths. Once I had crossed the road it was a different story but the ground was pretty dry as I hacked across to join the big track for a short while. Then it was pathless again for the climb up to Green Hill and the little summit cairn. I couldn't decide whether to stick to the ridge path and do a big loop or head more directly to Crag Hill. In the end I did a bit of both and I arrived just inside 7 hours. Only one peak left now but I knew the next section would be rough and that the last climb would be horrendous. The descent to Barbondale wasn't great, or perhaps my legs were just getting tired but the climb up the other side was dreadful. The vegetation was OK but it was steep and seemed to go on forever. It took me 30 mins and then arriving at the ridge I then found the summit trig was still some way off up hill to the north. My hopes of sub 8hrs30 were not looking good. 

The paths from here to the finish were a joy but further than I had anticipated. I did try and felt like I was really racing but time was bleeding fast as I reached the parkland close to the village. By the time I reached the finish at the church it was 8hrs48.

Oh well, still not bad and only a quick walk to the pub. The pint of bitter-shandy barely touched the sides and I would have ordered a second but £4.50 for 2/3 lemonade and a dash of beer seemed excessive. I rang Bob asking him to come and collect me and sat on the war memorial steps eating my sandwiches. A great day out but I was trashed. Next time I will try it in the other direction. Yes, 12 hours later and I am already remembering how lovely most of it was and making plans.

60th Birthday bash- LDWA Virtual 100 on Lady Anne's Way

 The race along LAW in January was first postponed and then rescheduled for next year. I decided it would be useful to know the route and liked the idea of a ‘journey’ with lots of history. The LDWA virtual 100 would coincide exactly with my 60^th birthday and so a plan was born. A few trial runs over most of the course, including two just a few days before the event left me confident that I knew the way and what to expect. The recent rain however had turned paths to rivers and left masses of mud- hopefully it would dry out during the week in the wind and sunshine.

Mud at a stile near Appleby

I felt relaxed without the pressure of a race and the forecast was good although getting rather hot on Sunday. The plan was for Bob to meet me in our van at a few strategic places. In the end our younger son came too which was great as they managed a lovely walk up Buckden Pike and then cycle ride over the famous Buttertubs together. They even had time to go to Hawes Creamery and buy cheese for my birthday too. I was carrying full race kit but it would be good to top up with extra food and water along the way plus also change my socks at my half way virtual drop bag.

Anxious to get going

I slept well in the van close to Skipton on Friday night but as predicted was awake at dawn. A quick breakfast and drive down to a deserted town saw me standing by the castle and ready to start soon after 5am. 

One of Lady Anne's properties

A heavy dew meant the long grass soaked my feet almost immediately but it was wonderful to get miles under my belt before it got warm and also to have the paths to myself as others slept. I had a schedule based on 4mph but was hoping to  start faster and so be able to slow in the dark and also take a few stops.

Sunrise in Embsay

Running east with the sunrise blinding me the historic Barden Tower  was reached almost before I knew it. I sped on northwards now along the Wharfe and past sleeping campsites near Appletreewick to Burnsall. A strange little loop here takes you steeply up away from the river and I took my first brief rest and admired the view.  Hebden was just waking up and when I arrived in Grassington the shops were still closed. The next section is my favourite as you head up onto the moors with superb views over the Dales. My company was lapwings, curlews and oyster catchers, all cross that I was invading their territory. I was making good time over the dry ground and after a short descent began the climb to Capplestone Gate and reminders of so many Fellsman runs. The gradual and grassy descent to Kettlewell is a real treat. The world was waking up but there were still no people on the path until I crossed the Wharfe near Starbotton and joined the Dales Way to Buckden for some flat running. This led to perhaps the biggest climb on the route from Buckden village up to the moors above Cray where Gilbert Lane track starts. 

Gilbert Lane CP

I had asked the family to park here so I could have a lunch stop and recharge my batteries before the climb up to Stake Moss. Having started an hour earlier than planned and also running at closer to 5mph meant I was early.

Still smiling- ready for a second lunch

 I had already eaten sandwiches and crisps so just guzzled a load of chocolate milk. It is always a fine balance of how much water to carry and I had opted for minimum. I had run out twice and been lucky to find clean streams.  

It's steeper than it looks here

A mixture of jogging and power walking took me to the top with easy running on the level, beautiful views of Addlebrough peak  and then down to Worton and the main road. Across the Ure and there was Nappa Hall and more history. Time to turn west now and run along the northern slopes of the river through Askrigg and Sedbusk.  It was a warm afternoon and there were more walkers now but it wasn’t crowded. 

Hawes was in full bank holiday festival mode and I couldn’t wait to escape. My hoped for ice cream never happened as the queues were dreadful but the family were waiting at Appersett; in fact Chris ran out to meet me. 

Getting hotter

This is roughly half way and I took a slightly longer break, sat down, changed my socks, aired my feet and ate. I also collected my torches although I had about 5 more hours of daylight. I tried not to worry about the state of my feet but what I saw explained why they were sore- wrinkled beyond belief and rub marks near my ankles (never had that before).

Refuelling with quiche

Dry socks were soon soaked again as I made my way to the byway that climbs Cotter End. It felt hard work but once on the top it was fantastic with glorious running on grassy tracks and views to Wild Boar Fell and Mallerstang Edge. 

Sculpture below Mallerstang

It was over too soon as the track dropped to the river and less joyful muddy paths past Pendragon Castle and then towards Nateby. A bowl of soup in the van and I was soon heading past Kirkby Stephen.

A tiny bit of road running

Earlier in the week the paths here had been like stream beds and although some had drained away it was still very wet. Winton is bypassed to the south via tiny fields with never ending ankle snapper flap gates at stiles. I had been counting these at the start of the run but lost count somewhere after 80! 

This I knew would also be the cow section. I am wary rather than scared but the young cattle by the River Belah were very inquisitive. The van had moved to Castle Brough but I didn’t even need water so just waved hello. The very wet and muddy field paths, with in places knee high meadow grass, took their toll as I plodded on to Warcop. It was here I finally accepted that I  needed a torch as a group drinking in a garden asked where I was going and had I missed the bus. Unremarkable field paths led me through more bog and mud to Great Ormside, although in day time to views to the northern Pennines are wonderful. I missed a stile hidden in a hedge but only added a few hundred metres. The cows were now spooked by my torch and running away but startled birds were making me jump. There was wild garlic and blue bells in the woods, and lots of mud, before easier grass along the river to Appleby.  The route takes a little tour of the town to see the Castle, the monuments, the wide market street and the old bridge. I had a very brief stop at the van but knew I would stiffen up. Getting going again seemed hard and a cruising police car stooped to watch. Once under the A66 I told myself this was the final lap and it was all fresh in my mind as I had run it earlier that week. I am not a road runner but the tracks and lanes were a blessing in the dark rather than the long grass and hidden holes in the meadows. I was soon in Long Marton and then Kirkby Thore. Then it was back to field paths and the River Eden to the van at Ousen Stand bridge.

Orange moon

A quick top up of water and I was on my way but not before admiring the amazing orange moon which confusing looked like a sunrise. Shortly after here I made my only short diversion from the route. At Cliburn the path goes through a farm yard with several gates and a maze of out buildings. I did not want to disturb the dogs and wake everyone at 2.30am. My alternative was the same length, just the other two sides of the rectangle. My feet were now sore having been soaked for getting close to 24 hours. I tried to just ignore this as I knew there was nothing that would help except a few hours of fresh air to my feet. The quite road to Clifton Dykes flew by and the huge rain puddles had thankfully gone. 

Suddenly there was Brougham Hall and as I turned east towards the castle the sun came up over the Pennines. 

What a treat. Daybreak always lifts my spirits and the grass was cropped short by sheep on the field paths by the still swollen Eden. The end was in sight as I arrived in Eamont Bridge and began the final climb up to the A66 and Penrith.  

I wasn't cold but near Kelber it tried to rain

The vans were waiting on Wetheriggs Lane and Chris ran the last mile with me to Penrith Castle. The park was still locked at 5am but we took photos anyway (including one inside the park).

 Routes on the web variously end LAW at Brougham and at Penrith Tourist Info Centre. I decided that Penrith castle was a more fitting end. The official LAW website claims 100 miles but I was anxious I might have recorded less and so did a couple of road loops just to make sure! I know my Epsom watch under-records compared to most garmins.

Relief for my feet at last

If the LAW is 100 miles than it is a PB for me as my tracker shows 23hrs 55 mins. If I include the extra 4 miles around the town then my time is 24hrs 44 mins. 

Either way I am happy. Macerated feet looked pretty dreadful and had caused two small blisters but two days later they had vanished. I was fuelled by sandwiches, crisps, quiche, chocolate milk, custard, soup and Mountain Fuel in my water. 

With just one short night I never really felt sleepy and although it was strange not having other runners a combination of friendly faces at the van, having OS maps on my phone and having already run most of the route made it seem easier. It was warm but not scorching sun and I prefer to be hot than to be rained on. I ate better than I often manage although there was still a spell when the food just went round and round in my mouth.

I had a lovely and memorable 60th birthday so thanks to LAW, the LDWA and to Bob and Chris for their support.