People are often surprised that I have never done this race but we are often on the continent by this stage of the summer. Retiring changed the urgency to leave the UK on a certain date in July and then I somehow volunteered to help at a CP. When Rupert needed a hip operation suddenly I was promoted to being in charge of Kentmere CP and the reward was a free entry to 2020. Covid postponed that race to 2021.
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| Marc at the prize-giving later |
The weather had been glorious and the ground would be dry. It was hard sitting and trying not to do too much in the days leading up to the race. The previous Saturday I had run the Old Crown Round route pretty hard and so this week it was walks and cycle rides before even less on Wednesday, Thurs and Friday. We were up in the Lakes with the van parked on the school field at Coniston by mid morning. The field was already half full and a full party atmosphere of runners and the massive team of volunteers was in full swing. Registration was quick and then after a bit of faffing with my race gear and drop bag I was ready. I wandered round the field finding friends but also tried to just rest lying in the shade. The forecast had been for slightly cooler weather than the previous days but it was still roasting hot and very sweaty. One error was falling asleep which dried out my contact lens enough that I needed to remove it before CP1. I went to the briefing more for the atmosphere than the info and sat with Jo B and Jess. Marc is a good showman and the hall was buzzing. Not long before the start I bumped into Albert and Tony, friends from home. I was determined to start cautiously due to the heat and distance and many had the same idea.
I don't often get to chat to Kevin H in a race but he was drenched in sweat even at our slower pace and did not plan to start racing until Wasdale. I also got to meet Anna Troup and so was able to congratulate her on her Spine run in person. She too was having a steady start. We were cheered loudly through the village and up onto the Miner's Bridge.
There was a little bunching on this first path but by Walna Scar Road car park where the track was lined with more supporters we were pretty well spread out.
It's a fair pull up out of the village at almost 660m of climb before the big drop down to Seathwaite. The descent on tarmac let me race away a bit and I arrived about 20 mins ahead of my plan. I barely stopped here but did top up my water - it was hot enough that I had already drunk half of it. Heading over to Boot I settled into a steady pace. Albert had stopped for a wee and I never saw him again. Matt Neale came past but I was struggling to stick with him especially on the descents. And then I made a stupid error. Coming off the fell I spotted another female ahead..... I bent my head to drink and then chased her. Sadly she didn't know the way and I had missed the turning on to the river-side path. Being focused on chasing meant I raced along the lane for some way before getting worried. There were no runners ahead or behind. I didn't remember a road section here. Oh bugger. Phone out and I saw the mistake.
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| My error |
We didn't dare risk disqualification and so despite being almost at the CP we turned round and ran back onto the route. Those I had been with were long gone and I ran a bit too hard to try to make up for my error. It meant I arrived at CP2 a bit trashed; not good after only 14 miles and I should have known better. Here I met Maria and others. It was hard work but being determined to stay with them dragged me over to Wasdale faster than I had intended and I was now 40 mins up on plan. It was good to chat with Maria and we just coped without torches as we ran down through Brackenclose and out onto Wasdale road and then the path behind the pub where suddenly it was dark. Sadly the speedy run also meant I couldn't chew and swallow and so struggled to eat much at the CP. The plod up Black Sail Pass was a beautiful procession of head torches strung out over several kilometres. Although the path up was steep it was fairly easy but the descent down to Ennerdale and Black Sail hut was something else. I kept losing the path and in the dark was struggling to run over the varied and rocky terrain; I hate getting old. From the hut it was straight up again to Scarth Gap and then an even rockier drop down to Buttermere.
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| The paths look so easy in daylight |
I had not realised how slow those two dark descents would make me and took almost 25 minutes longer than I had hoped. It also taxed me mentally. I was very glad to hit the main lakeside paths and run with Martin T and Andy S along the lake and towards the village. Running long is a mind game and I told myself to be happy that I was still 20 mins up on my plan, 25% of the race was done and two of the biggest climbs between CPs were over. Plus the had chocolate milk at the CP!
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| It doesn't do the moon justice- it was amazing |
For the next section the route is straight forward and I knew the way. It is a mixture of small gradually ascending paths with a fair few runnable bits, then some rocky sections between Sail and Barrow before the wonderful but too short grassy drop to tarmac and the village. The CP was busy but not crowded and I took time to stop, eat and recover along with Martin T, Andy M, Andy S, Ben A, Simon B and others. It was now about 2am and I know that for me 2-3.30am is my low spot. I was feeling predictably negative and had to remind myself that it would soon be dawn and things would suddenly feel so much better. Despite his tumble before Buttermere Andy S was running fast on the roads and paths towards Keswick and I knew trying to keep up was foolish. Instead I climbed up to the lower slopes of Skiddaw with Martin Webb. The moon was absolutely amazing and no photos I could take would have done it justice. There was a small trail of torches ahead of us and an even larger one behind. Chatting and company was good ( he lives in Taunton where I did my 6th form schooling) and we were soon at virtual CP1 on the ruin and heading to the Blencathra Centre CP. School of Rock.
A mug of tea and toast fuelled me up and I was off. After the first woods there was no need for the head torch any more and I caught up with Hem and Gurkha soldier. He was good company and again it's small world as I shared stories of my two trips to Nepal and memories of school with Gurkha children in Hong Kong.
He was a faster runner than me on the old rail line and his pace pulled me along before I pulled away on the climb to the Old Coach Road. He was a chunky guy and not made for up hill- I reckon his thighs are the same size as my waist! On a map this huge track looks as if it contours the hillside around to above Dockray. Fortunately I knew the truth and ran when I could and walked the other bits. I was pulled along by the knowledge that the next CP was manned my Jon and Shirley 'Hardmoors'. The last two sections had allowed me to make up time and I was back inside 4mph schedule. In the end it was a very brief chat and hug as the midges were swarming so badly it was not a place to hang around. Heading out of Dockray Andy M came past shouting encouragement. It was now after 6.30am and the heat was building again. I couldn't quite stick with him but tried to keep him in sight. The climb around Gowbarrow was tough but then easier running through the woods and fields led us to the lanes. I'm not a tarmac fan but told myself to be grateful for easy terrain that was almost all down hill. It worked and I managed to catch Simon B and Andy S.
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| More friends waiting |
Dalemain was 59 miles and I knew it would be sensible to take time here and check my drop bag carefully. I managed some stew before replenishing my water and Mountain Fuel and snacks to carry. I tried to air my feet before putting on fresh socks as the others seemed damp with sweat. The bottom inside edge of my heals were a bit macerated and sore but I didn't think changing shoes would help. The front of my right shin had been sore for some time- red, hot and slightly swollen. I think is the tendon sheath and has happened before - not much to do but ignore it as I know it won't get better until I stop and rest for a few days. I was surprised to still be with Martin T but he was having foot problems and Simon was having stomach ones. The heat was taking it's toll. Sitting so long meant I was stiff and getting going was hard work but the nice grassy paths to Pooley Bridge helped. Although I was on my own there were just enough runners behind and ahead to keep me motivated and we climbed onto Askham Common. It was hot now and I was pleased to get onto the track dropping me to Howtown. It was here that Andy M, Ben A and I became a small group. I stuffed down some crisps, which seemed to be the only solid food I wanted and drank yet more and more. I guess I was getting some energy from the MF in my water.
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| Fusedale in the daylight but not race day |
People say Fusedale is tough but I quite like it, perhaps because it is not a rocky path and it is also a beautiful and less frequented valley. The final pull up onto the Loadpot ridge slowed us down but what a joy the grassy tops were as we headed north towards Burnbanks before dropping towards Haweswater. Here we picked off a few more runners including David who I knew from The Hill on the Cheviot. I had been dreading the path along Haweswater as my memories of it were in dark and heavy rain after a dreadful descent off Kidsty Pike on the Northern Traverse. It was so much better than I expected that I almost enjoyed it.
We couldn't run fast in the bracken or over the rocks that suddenly appeared but we made decent time and were soon at Mardale Head CP.
I didn't really want to eat but knew I should. I think a huge conference style flip chart board listing what is available at each CP would help. I was too tired to ask what there was and in the heat they were trying to cover and hide things from the heat.
Tea, coke and more crisps fuelled me ready for the mega climb out of the valley and I chatted to Paul W from Event Safety as I rested.
The three of us set off together again and motivated each other up to Gatesgarth. I knew at the other side they would easily drop me on the descent and encouraged them to go. I also needed a wee. I reckon I am slow now if the track is stones or rocks but I did manage to overtake two guys and then caught Andy and Ben in Longsleddale. I was keen to stick with them as it was definitely helping the pace. We chatted a bit but much passed in 'companionable silence'. I felt a bit refreshed and led the way to Kentmere where we bumped into Kevin Perry holding gates open for us.
Now I was back where it all started. The Kentmere CP. This year Montane were in charge and they had plates of fresh fruit and ice cold smoothies. YES! I had been dreaming of a Calypo for miles and this was wonderful. I had two helpings and would have had more but feared what it might do to my system. I was also reluctant to stop and get stiff so set off before the others. It was the last I saw of Andy M who was having real eating issues and a high heart rate. I plodded up Garburn Pass alone and in blistering heat. So much so I actually sat and had a short rest at the top gate where the wall gave some shade. As I neared the road at Troutbeck the first man on L50 came flying past. He must have thought I was moving like a slug, as did the next few who passed me between there and Ambleside. I had not receed this bit and so checked my phone- I couldn't face going off route now. My phone was almost out of charge and I had to search for charger and lead. Supporters cheered me up into the village and pointed the way to Robin Lane. I should have checked this out as there was more uphill than I expected- never good for morale. I was now behind 4mph and seemed to be moving so so slowly in the heat. I probably was short of fuel but was struggling to eat much at all. Ambleside was crazy busy and I just held my hand up to run through the traffic. At least the crowds were cheering and urging us on. At some point I ran past Martin G and family but barely recognised him in my contact lens less tired state. I tried to eat at the CP but it wasn't really happening. A quick chat with Ronnie (medic friend) and some calculations showed we were 90 miles in so only 15 to go. As I couldn't eat there was no point hanging about and I was soon on my way, leaving just ahead of Ben. My attempt at running through the park must have looked pathetic and it was good to be able to walk up onto Loughrigg. Here I passed Carole, Simon and others out supporting. I dared to start telling myself the end was now getting closer and started doing the mental maths of possible finish times. From Skelwith Bridge the route should be so runnable but not at this stage today. It was so ridiculous to be struggling on the nice flat path to Elterwater and then Chapel Stile that we laughed. The campsite cheered us on and it was a relief to get some shade in the tent at the CP.
Even better they had water melon which went down a treat. It was almost 7pm but still very warm and despite already being pretty brown and weathered I was getting some sunburn on my thighs. I met Sabs shortly after this and she was full of encouragement. I was probably rather grumpy as I felt I was now moving like a tranquilised elephant - must apologise to her. In fact my splits for Ambleside to Chapel Stile were better than 4mph and I clawed some time back. The climb up onto Blea Moss area was dreadful for me and other runners pulled away. More mental maths to try to motivate me. Once over the road I was able to run again and it wasn't far to the virtual CP on the wall/gate. A MF jelly had helped and I suddenly had some energy to race down the road to Fell Side and the big track leading to Tilberthwaite. Getting there, getting there, keep going. The mental mind games we play. Last CP and I knew I wasn't going to stop for long. I grabbed some melon and a piece of pineapple and set my mind to Jacob's ladder steps. Claire, 2ndF on L50, met me here and we had our photo taken together. No idea how some people know who I am.
Ben A was also back with me and as Claire pulled ahead we settled into more chat over the last 3 miles. Yet another stop in the steam at the top to soak caps and buffs and then the last little climb until we could see down to the Copper Mines. Ben was faster down the rocky path but then slowed. I caught him as we hit the big track and as so often is the case with the end in sight I got more than second wind. I ran hard down to the village and then amazingly was running at what felt like sprint pace past the crowds cheering at the pubs, along the road side and even in the halted traffic. The little rise near the petrol station didn't slow me and then it was downhill to the school. Yes. A finish in daylight and with so many supporters cheering. I finished with a huge smile.
Bob had come out to meet me and once the official photo was taken and I had my medal it was off to the van.
The beer went down OK but the food took me ages and I only managed half before giving up and going for a shower. Good to be clean and non sweaty again. Suddenly I was cold and so piled into bed and once I had massaged both hips fell asleep to cheers from the big tent and other finishers. I woke to the same sound the next day.
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| There was a third egg too |
Some serious refuelling needed now- 3 egg breakfast, crisps, ice cream and more. The morning was spent strolling around the field feeling good, cheering others in and finding friends to talk to. I should have gone down to the lake for a swim but it just seemed too far. Lazy.
The prize giving was due at midday and as we assembled Marc announced the VIP area. What a lovely idea. Those who had won overall, age categories in both the L50 and L100 and 500s all crowded in and were treated to free drinks. Never say no to free beer.
Marc put on a great show and the lively marshalls did him proud dancing to the Blues Brothers and more. Runfurther had a good showing. Rory H was 3rd on L100, Martin T was 1st MV60, I was 1stFV60, Richard L was 1st MV50. Simon, Ken and others were 500 winners and Matt Neale got an individual mention for having done 12 100s.
I was sat with Maria who I know locally and was so pleased to see her get 3rd place and beat me by almost exactly an hour.
As the vets were called to the podium Martin and I ran hand in hand which seemed such a fitting end to the whole race.
So in the end very pleased with the result. I am not a fan of technical rocky descents (too much of a wuss now with poor eyes, slow reactions, non elastic legs and the what if factor) but the dry weather helped and I prefer heat to rain any day. I ran almost 107 miles with 6300m of climb.
27 hours and 35 minutes- slightly outside my 4mph schedule but well inside the mix of 3.5-4mph which was more realistic. 35th overall, 7th female, 1st F/MV60, 2nd FV50 to Anna Troup who was 1st F. Not sure what the % was this year but well over 100 dropped out.
