Last race of the year

 Tour de Helvellyn. One of my favourites and with a special memory of celebrations at the end of my 62in52@52 year back in 2013. I have run it 5 times- not every year as when I was still working we sometimes disappeared on a ski holiday and a couple of times we have been in Nepal or NZ.

It is planned to cope with English winters and so goes via passes not tops. It has some big tracks and although it has more road than I would usually like frequently the weather means that I am grateful in the end. It's about 60km with about 2400m of climb. After two great sunny snowy runs on the local moors I was really looking forward to this even though I might have tired legs. 

I left climbing early and we drove up ready for me to register at 6pm. Bob was happy to move the van and drop me off but it still nursing his leg and wanted to potter. Registration was not open and so I chatted to Carmine and some others. In the end I went back to the van and we ate. Returning to the hall I found that the decision had been made to move to plan B. We would be running out and back to Stu's bridge. Gutted. Paul who had been round the route showed me a few pics and some paths did look rather icy. I was disappointed and wondered about up to Sticks Pass, over the top and then down the grassy trod in Grisedale valley. That would avoid the icy drop to Thirlmere, the rocky icy contour and Raise Beck which could be a bit dangerous. It was not to be.

We left and I drowned my sorrows with wine. I then fretted about whether to wear dobs or other shoes with Kathoolas and also which clothes to wear. The forecast was for sleet showers and strong winds. I didn't sleep well and could not stop feeling I was being deprived of the snowy tops. I even considered giving my tracker back and going off on a snow route. I fell asleep to the sound of sleet hitting the van.

By morning I was calmer and more resigned to what was on offer. Bob dropped me off and the roads in Askham were like an ice rink- glad I had the dobs on. There was time to chat with Maria, Albert, Toney, Steve, Charlotte, Gary and more. I planned to start around 8.30 to be sure that Side Farm CP would be open. Still wavering slightly about what route to run I headed for the kit check and start. Tim L was considering some added interest to the route but I have no idea if this happened in the end. Before I knew it I was out the door and looking for a start marshall- there wasn't one! The tracker picked up a signal as I wandered around the road junction. Time to go.

yep- icy paths

Heading up the lane and up to the common was quite comical with people skating all over. Those with spikes on were doing better but I was sure they would suffer sore feet later. Dobs were OK once I realised they actually worked better if I ran with confidence and planted my feet hard. Hopes that all would be well once we left the tarmac were soon dashed. I could not believe how little snow there was compared to on the West Pennine Moors and also how much ice there was across the paths. 

No snow!

Once past the Cockpit I had got used to the terrain and was moving at a nice steady pace and overtaking some of the slower early starters. The descent to Howtown passed without issue and I opted to stay off the road and to take the path via Mellguards that would drop me in behind the first CP at Martindale church. From here I was worried about icy roads but they were not too bad at all and the tarmac along Boredale made for speedy (for me) running. 

Boredale climb on very firm ground

The dobs were doing fine but it was nice to get onto the track and start climbing. I stopped for a few photos and couldn't believe how lucky we were with the weather.. some sun, no rain or sleet and not much wind. Up at Boredale Hause I bumped into Andy H who I knew from the Tor and we chatted as we made progress towards Side Farm. 

At last some snow at the Hause

This rocky stepped path was actually easier than usual with the dobs, perhaps because I was not even trying to run! I got scanned at the CP and after grabbing some crisps shot off across the valley floor. 

There were a few runners ahead as I ran along Ullswater and into Glenridding. I toyed with the idea of a cross country option here but got locked in to chasing the guys just ahead and settled for the road up past the YHA and the mines. A sudden shower of sleety hail made me stop and put gloves back on but it didn't last long. I managed to over take a few people here and was soon climbing into the thin snow. This ended all too soon as I reached the footbridge across Swart Beck. I could Stu and stopped to bemoan our fate of not going up to play in the snow.

I did run really

The descent was a bit slippy and there were now lots of runners appearing. I proceeded with caution even though it did mean being overtaken by about 10 men. I re-caught some of them once we were on easier ground. Being an out and back course was interesting as I got to chat or say Hi to many people as we passed each other. My off road route didn't happen as I was busy talking and missed the turn. Down Greenside road it was. 

We should be up there.

The ice was melting now and the dobs clattering quite a bit. I chased Gary and the NE gang all the way to Side Farm. This time I did stop- the chocolate orange cake was amazing and powered me up the next climb. If it looked good at the Hause I was gong to divert up Place Fell as I had plenty of daylight left. 

Place Fell disappearing

Sadly as we approached the path junction those tops disappeared in thick cloud and di not look so inviting. It was clearly not to be today. Some faster runners came flying though and I concentrated on not losing the group of men I was with. They pulled away over the initially rocks but I had caught them again by the farm.

So much better than the forecast

By now I was roasting! I had already discarded hat, gloves and buff plus was running with my heavy weight cag unzipped and pushed behind my race vest. Two long sleeve thermals and fleecy tights was too much! Still, no time to stop. We stayed together until Martindale church. I then headed back to the fellside while they stuck to the zig zags. We were together again after Howtown and running with them certainly helped keep me going. Rory came powering past and made the hills look like nothing. Climbing back onto the common my dobs allowed me to run ahead a little and as I reached the planation below Barton Fell it motivated me for the final push. Damo shot past and I wondered what route he would take and how far he would pull away. My choice after the cockpit worked and he actually lost a little of his distance briefly. Another speedy runner egged me on and even stopped to hold the fell gate for me. Down hill now al the way, come on legs less than a mile to go. It was easier after only 25 miles and not the usual 36 or so. I prayed there was no traffic and shot across the cross roads and into the back room of the village hall. I was a sweaty mess with soaked clothing and my hair plastered to my head and face.

5hrs9 mins for about 26.5 miles and some ice skating. 6th F and first old lady and not far behind some rival who usually beat me by more. Not too bad and a better day out than expected in terms of the route and the weather. As always at a Nav4 event there was excellent soup, real bread, endless tea and more of that amazing cake. There were also so many friends to talk to.  Sophie from my NT disaster came to say Hi. Maria beat me just and we laughed at the lack of beer and prosecco. I ended up on a table of elites... Damo, Rory, Ross , Lawrence, Elaine and others. They treated me as an equal and likely have no idea how awed I was. I then had a chat with the NE guys and a quick interview with Gary. Poor phone signal meant Bob and I were having difficulty communicating and I gave up chatting to sort this out. In the end it worked out and he picked me up at the cross roads where I just had time to shout bye to Joe who was spreading salt/grit on our road crossing. As we drove home the weather worsened with fog at Shap on the M6 and then rain and very grey skies. Our day had not been so bad at all.

Thanks to Andy H for this and a couple of the photos

November

 A strange month- The Runfurther season has finished, Street O has started and the weather often turns dark and grey. I needed some motivation and decided Turfing again would get me out when it might be easy not to bother.

I was determined the Turf would not take over my life, rather that I would use it to suit me. I had lots of turf bike rides locally. This helped Frances too as we re-took zones from each other several times. Mostly these were in decent weather although I did have one dreadfully wet trip to Leyland. I know where most local Turf zones are and so can leave my phone screen off and even hide the phone away in a pocket. Not so in Leyland and trying to cope in very heavy downpours led me to abandoning the effort after a while. I did also manage a bike Turf trip to the seaside taking in both Lytham St Annes and then most of Blackpool. My favourite Turf activities are definitely runs on the local hills with some lovely runs around Roddlesworth and the West Pennine Moors. Not the best value points per hour but nicer runs. It must have rained lots at some point because on one run across the moors heading towards Pike Stones I was splishy splashing along and then stepped in a much deeper hole and fell. Soaking wet up to my chest! The only solution seemed to be to strip off, wring things out and put them back on with a cag over the top. Luckily I was able to cut short my route so that it was on less exposed terrain and I got warm again. I also had a wonderful day running on the moors above Clowbridge where there is an extensive set of Turf Zones. All was going well and I had a small loop of 12 zones left when my phone pinged. Bob asking me to return to the van. He had injured himself in a MTB accident. The huge lump on his leg was impressive but nothing compared to what it morphed into over the next fortnight. Urban turfs on foot are not really my thing but I did Turf in Chorley when we made trips to A and E there twice, Horwich before a street O, Southport when running errands and even Blackburn. Parts of that last city are lovely but on the whole a trip there just makes me grateful I do not have to live there! I also organised  a Turf event based around the riverside parks and old rail and tram lines in the south of Preston. I think I finished up 4th in the UK for that Turf round so not too bad an effort for somebody who was not taking it too seriously.

We continued to climb roughly twice a week(indoors) of course and the new wall does have the joy of regular route changes to keep us interested and tested. They also set up the winter bouldering league again. As last time I am the only Super Vet F in Preston so I had to enter ;) I will never do particularly well as I will not commit if I think I may fall from near the top. Give a rope to dangle on any day.

After the OMM I was determined to hone my nav and orienteering skills. We did quite well at the OMM except for one huge mistake where we actually punched an incorrect control and so were disqualified on day 1. The weather had been cold, wet and windy as we approached Esk Pike and then we had a nightmare finding a control in very poor visibility. We knew we were getting cold but could not find shelter to stop and add layers. Eventually with the CP found and dropping off the tops we found shelter. IN our joy we raced off downhill and punched the wrong control- ours was a hill not a large knoll and was about 500m further on. It was the only time we did not check all weekend and the only time two controls were so close together! The weekend as a whole was the sort of fun/ adventure it usually is.

Street O helps with quick decisions and route planning but not with fine nav on terrain.  The Runfurther prize giving was based on a 3 hour score event in the Goyt valley. Relatively easy nav but some tricky decisions about which controls to take and which to ignore, especially for those not local who did not know which paths or hillsides were really runnable. Despite this I was pleased with my run and had fun - helped by the torrential rain stopping long enough for me to enjoy my run.

Day time orienteering on fairly open ground suits me best and I had a lovely run at Dean Clough. Lots of fast running with just enough navigation challenge to make it interesting. Plus the weather window was perfect for me yet again.  I then spotted that the first NW Night O was on Beacon Fell. We used to look after the permanent course here and so know the hill pretty well even if storms have flattened some forest bits. The night O was tough. Nav in the dark is a whole new challenge plus the undergrowth and fallen trees caused me real obstacles and reduced me to walk and jog. Towards the end I also had head torch issues and so sped up just in case it failed when what I really needed to do was slow down and concentrate. The day time event the following day was so much easier. The next Night O was Longsight Park near Bolton. It is an abandoned and re-wilded golf course. There should have been lots of decent running but a couple of foolish nav errors caused me some serious time loss. Not deterred I entered the next Night O on Hurstwood near Burnley. I know the main paths through here from various races but not the intricate old mine workings that are scattered around.  This was an even tougher challenge and I knew to take care. In the dark some parts of the terrain were awful tussocks so I couldn't run much anyway. Trying to avoid tussocks and area of rock strewn ground meant it was hard to keep on a compass bearing. I made one silly error early on and then another when I let myself believe a better orienteer knew the way better than me. Despite this I did OK and got a better time then some and certainly better than all those who retired. Again the day event on Sunday although a very different course was so much easier. 

Visiting family reduced my adventures for a week and I missed some sunny frosty hill days but did manage one escape to Bowland. Now the roads seem to be sheet ice and the skies here are grey and I am hoping it will thaw enough for a sunny trip out tomorrow. I need some running in my legs before the Tour de Helvellyn.

The Yorkshire Trod- last race of the Runfurther season.

 I ran this race for the first time last year and although I found it tough I really liked the route and journey. There were bits that were quite new to me then especially near the Winterburn valley and Weets (I thought Weets was over near Barnoldswick but it turns out there are two!). Hanging on like grim death to keep up with others that knew the way meant I arrived at the first CP knackered and at the main CP in Grassington so trashed I was not sure I could go out for the final loop. This year I was determined to start more carefully. 

By 7pm on Friday evening the flags and banners were up, mint cake delivered, boards and prizes sorted and I was registered with my tracker attached. After a quick chat with Mel the RO and also with Jenny and Ken I was ready for my meal and settling down cosy in the van. We drove to the end of the tarmac above Yarnbury and cooked. Before long the wind became fierce and the rain started and we headed to bed.  Then the local 'lads' arrived and turned the car radio to max before setting off a firework. During the night the rain sounded torrential and I prayed that the forecast would still be correct- a mix of cloud and sun, no rain, a bit windy not not cold. (a real wuss). We woke to low cloud and drizzle but by 7am down in the village things were looking a bit more promising. The entry was small this year and Runfurther people made up about half the entry. There were some runners doing the 50km but I don't think I knew many of them. It was nice to have time for a brief chat with Adam, Phil and Claire before the start. After several trips to the loo I opted to start in my cag but hoped I would not need it for too long. It would be light within half an hour but I started with my torch just in case- I would feel pretty daft tripping over a kerb or tree root in the first mile or so.  We gathered outside and there was a hushed a low key start. Down hill on tarmac made it hard to reign in the pace but the hill up to the school at Threshfield helped. By the time we had crossed the main road and were heading onto the first moors I was suffering. I could not seem to get my breath and had to walk and so lost touch with Martin and Mark. It did allow me to meet and briefly chat to Felicity- a new Runfurther runner so that was good. Without my 'leaders' I missed the turn off towards the road above Winterburn but soon realised and put it right. From there I knew the way and made good time up towards Weets. I opened a gap and was catching a runner ahead- ? in a vegan vest. I didn't race after him but tried to slowly narrow the distance as w ran past the Roman Camp, Street Gate and on to the first manned CP at the Malham Tarn car park.  Stephen was marshalling here but I had no need of water so rushed on with just a cheery Hello. A better line across the grass put me ahead of vegan man for a while but he then pulled slightly ahead of me on the Monks Road to Arncliffe. The limestone rocks poking through the grass and mud were slippery and although my shoes had good grip on mud they were not so great on rock. We arrived at the village hall roughly together and just as Martin was leaving. I stopped long enough to top up water, swig some tea and eat a little. The river meadow path along the Skirfare to Litton was very wet and several small streams had over flowed but I was more comfortable now and had shed my cag too. The stepping stones were drier than most of the field rocks and I crossed unscathed. From Litton the path climbs steeply and this seemed to take some time. I could see a runner ahead but did not know whether the red was Martin's T shirt or Mark's race vest. The flag stone path from the ridge felt slippery and I slowed down a bit. The boggy path descending to Buckden was more to my liking. I topped up with water and MFuel at the water container and debated which way I would go up Buckden Pike. The rocky path up the beck is slightly shorter but the rocks would be greasy. The middle option looked OK on the map but had the scope for nav issues. The main path loops out north but at least I would know exactly where I was and could hopefully make better speed on a slightly easier gradient? I opted for the latter and apart from one dreadfully boggy section felt it was likely the best choice for me. It was decidedly cold and very windy up here and not a place to hang about. Standing on tip toe at the trig I just about managed to use the self clip before setting off on a little adventure into the unknown. Mel was convinced that the best route down to Starbotton was the permissive path to the lead mines and then down the ridge so I decided to try it out. It was far less bog than my standard Fellsman route and also kept me off the stony track of Walden Road too but there were slightly more short rises than I expected. As I started down to the mines I met vegan man on his way up- it was the last I saw of him. The clip at the end of the village set me off on the Dales Way field paths to Kettlewell. It was now very warm and I was regretting the T shirt over my base layer. 

The little flappy stiles were a pain but fortunately there were not too many walkers on the path. I made a silly error in Kettlewell which took me on a slightly roundabout route to the maypole adding a few hundred metres. Again I stopped to refill water and MFuel and grab a quick bite. Just as I was leaving I passed Fiona and the dog and learnt that Mark was only just ahead of me. I sensibly did not try to fly after him but I did try to up my pace at to keep an eye on the paths ahead. The short section on tarmac should be easy but I struggled to get going again after my mini break. Once I had done the climb and was on the lovely grassy ledge above Swineber Scar things improved. I was running fairly well and spotted Mark ahead. As I neared the distinctive Coniston Pie I knew I was reeling him in and this gave me a boost. Before long we were running together and almost in Grassington. We have run together several times before- never with a pact but just with our pace conveniently coinciding. In the CP Martin was just about to leave and we stopped for a more major refuel, collect stuff from drop bags and in Mark's case change shoes and socks. I set off ahead but was sure he would work hard to catch me. It was now mid afternoon and the Dales Way was annoyingly busy. The river was quite dramatic after the rain and I used this as a distraction. 

At the suspension bridge I had to bite my tongue at the slow pace people were moving and then at the shrieks as I jogged and made the bridge bounce. All the way to Burnsall it was busy and I was pleased there were not so many stiles. Mark did a km on the road here and we met again as I joined Kail Lane. It was good to have company again and I knew it would get us to both move faster than if we were alone as well as having two eyes on any silly nav errors. We made good time along the old lane and up to New Road before making even better time down Trollers Gill. I had remembered it as having more rock so it was a pleasant surprise to find it so grassy. Simon's Seat was looming and seemed menacingly big but we had further to drop across the next valley yet. The path up through the patchy woods and onto the moor is in a shocking state with some serious erosion from running water. Today it was a stream bed and I was just thankful to be going up it and not down. I was stronger uphill but knew Mark would catch me again on a couple of technical bits after the summit area. We met Paul putting out the self clip and teased him that the string was too short- tired quads did not want to sink that low! Parts of the descent are now flagstone and quite easy running but a few sections were more rocky and stream bed like. It meant we arrived at the permissive path into the woods together. Just as we found the self clip at Howgill Andrew E appeared with the offer of chat, satsumas and even ice cream. Sadly the van at Barden was locked up for the night but the thought was there and it led me to push the pace a bit on this last section of the Dales Way. We marched up to the cattle grid on Barden Moor with some running on the flats and downs. It was still light whereas last year it was just starting to get sketchy without a torch. Andrew left us at the CP and after a short stop for food we pushed on. We were too early for Joe which was a shame but we were up on time! I was now pleased to have my cag back on as a windshield although I then got too hot again as we worked hard. The sunset was beautiful.

The big shooting tracks encouraged us to run  all but the steeper bits so we were soon on Brown Bank and dropping west. It was now dark but fairly easy running to the fell gate above Rylstone. 

From a daylight run past Rylstone Cross and the war memorial

Mark had some torch issues and a couple of very brief stops to deal with this gave us a breather. We both knew the paths here well and although they had both rocky and peaty bog sections we moved well. We were now daring to consider how many miles were left and what time we might do. I grabbed a MF jelly and we set off along the wall to reach the next section of shooting track. Chatting made the time fly and it wasn't long before we arrived at the big stone shooting house. Mel apparently favours an earlier trod descent but I was sticking with what I knew even if it was slightly further (actually about 1km further). The grassy paths heading north and down to Thorpe were good but the last section on the old cobbled lane was dreadful and we both feared a fall. A short tarmac section led to the final fields before the drop to the suspension bridge. Here we met Steve and Charlotte starting their final loop- heck, it was going to be a run through the night for them. They had until 7am and it could be tight. We on the other hand turned west and knew it was less than 4km to the finish. We were wary of tree roots by the river but mostly it was easy running to Sedber Lane. We stomped up this as fast as we could at this stage and with 1km to go believed we might even get in before 9pm. We even ran the first half of Main Street despite the hill and finished with almost 3 minutes to spare. 13 hours 57 mins and a few seconds. I had beaten last year's time by over 40 minutes and so was chuffed. Mark had, as usual, been good company. Several cups of tea and pie with beans filled the hole in my stomach. Martin appeared behind us- he had run more miles on the Dales Way and then had to back track to get back on route. Credit to him for not giving up in despair. A tricky spot of contortion gymnastics in the toilets let me wash the mud off my legs so that I could sleep in our bed in the van. Bob had already taken down the flags and banners plus taken them back to the van (what a star).  A short downhill walk and I fell into bed. I fancied a pint but was too tired to contemplate the pubs. 

We were so lucky with the weather window. We awoke on Sunday to low cloud and drizzle which soon turned to rain. Only much later that evening did I realise that by running faster than last year I had managed to keep just 42 points ahead of Claire. She gained the 1000 for a great win today but I was able to bin my Fellsman 687 and replace it with 892 from today. It was a shame as she is a better runner and has always beaten me when we run head to head but I couldn't help being a tiny bit pleased too. (it won't happen next year if Claire and Vic both enter 4 races)

The Lancashireman

 What can I say. It was a disaster and I was terrible. I knew it would be bad as in the last 2 months since the L100 I had run ONCE- the GRP and much of that is stomping up big mountains. True we had been very active with lots of climbing, Via Feratta and SUP plus a few walks but it's not the same. I also know that at 26 or 27 miles it would be faster than I like but I never imagined quite how bad and humiliating it would be. Fail to prepare, prepare to fail has never been so true. I was tired and didn't really want to go but had to take some Runfurther stuff anyway.

I arrived nice an early, found the parking area and then Nick arrived. We found the start using OS on my phone and then set up the flags etc as other runners stated to arrive. Phil was desperate for the loo but no key could be found. 

It was good to see Roy, Vic, Katy, Dave R and Katherine S plus Ian S who I have not seen for years now and also Tony.  

We stood chatting in the very cold Burnley morning until it was time to head to the start over the road and down on the canal tow path. Within minutes I lost a few places as I had to rapidly leave the tow path and go to the loo. 

I then perhaps ran too hard to make up places.  I had no idea of the route but assumed I would have others around me. That worked until the local Trawden guy ran faster and then I stopped to take my jacket off as I was over heating. Ran on with a woman who seemed to know the way- she didn't. I was focused on getting through a field of cows and bulls- so much so that I didn't realise all the runners not far behind me had turned sharply left up hill and were now ahead. I cut up to a track and got back on route but about 20 had overtaken. At some point here I was with Matt H but not for long- he was running strongly. I did meet up with Michelle though as I dithered in one field before Thursden Brook. She talked non-stop for miles and miles- quite impressive. Climbing to the road and then up to the col towards Widdop  I met other friends but also realised just how hopelessly knackered I already was. 

It was a slow walk up the tarmac and even slower onto the Haworth Hobble route.

Trying to enjoy the day

I did try to run more heading towards Hurstwood Res but even that seemed a struggle and it is mostly downhill. I arrived at Long Causeway safely but was so tired. I tried to stay with Michelle and her friend hoping it would spur me on and that they would know the best line. They didn't and I was struggling. Having made a poor route choice we were overtaken by a couple and caught by David and Katherine. Oh dear. Next came the climb to Thieveley Pike. Initially this was steep and I fell further behind. The weather also seemed to be clagging in with just a bit of misting wet in the air. Please don't rain on me was all I could think. From the trig I did run reasonably well down to the railway line and the CP but I was done. my head ached, my throat was sore and I had no energy. I stomped on with the odd bit of running the best I could. Even going slowly I made a couple of small nav errors. Crossing the main road at Walk Mill I prayed I was almost back. It gave me a bit of a lift and I ran down to the park and Townley Hall. It was busy but I had no time to linger. I took a wrong path here but it didn't matter much and likely only added a few hundred metres. 

The last bits to get us into Burnley seemed to go on but really it was quite short and not long before I was heading down to the canal. I remembered Jamie's last minute instructions of turn right (the event base had changed) but recognised where my car was parked anyway. I made some sort of effort to run the last bit on the canal but must have looked a sight. 

How on earth did it take me almost six and a half hours to run 26-27 miles? I was at least an hour off the pace. I didn't even need it for the Runfurther points- I just had to deliver the mint cake. I needed to sit down and could really have done with warmth and a cup of tea but couldn't face walking back to the car for money and then returning to help with the flags. I waited for Jenny, Ken and Nick.  I wasn't very good company and felt ill. The RO and marshalls helped with the flags which was lovely and it did at least stay dry.

Ian back to running- 2nd

 Fail to prepare and prepare to fail - oh yes. Absolutely no consolation that I was 1stFV60- maybe I was the only one. I had been beaten by Tony and he is a V70. Time to go home, lick my wounds and do some training once I feel better.  It's a lovely route so I will have to try again.

Claire

On the plus side Claire could easily beat me and win the Runfurther trophy this year so long as she has a good run at the Yorkshire Trod. She won today in an awesome 4hrs 52.

Grand Raid de Pyrenees

 Possibly my most favourite race each year.... low key, reasonable price, amazing CP staff, great scenery, good weather (usually/mostly) and it is like going home to family and friends now. We park the van along the lane by the river with a number of others, the little village where the event starts is quaint and the people there now greet me as a friend. 

Up the valley is St Lary, a small ski resort with more accommodation, cafes, bars and the big lifts up the mountain. We arrived a few days before the race and so had time to shop, settle in and go for a wander up the valley and watch the huge articulated lorry that becomes the stage arrive.

Registration was back to normal after Covid although they had tried to persuade people to arrive in blocks by surname to reduce the crush. It was smooth and efficient with a waiver not a kit check and a nice bag of goodies as usual. I met up with Albert, Michelle, Mark and also Martin Schofield who had travelled through the tunnel from Spain. Julian would appear later too and I had met Jordan on one of my walks. Albert, Julian, Martin and I were doing the 160km; no 220km this year. We know the route pretty well although there were some significant changes due to a landslide. Despite being so familiar with it I got my Life Base CPs muddled in my head. It wasn't serious as I had spare socks, shoes, clothes and food in both bags. 

I slept quite well pre race despite late finishers from one of the shorter races making their way back to cars late at night and then others like me getting up or arriving very early in the morning. Having spent much of the previous day faffing there was little to do now except dress, eat and pick up my sack. Bob stayed out of my way until it was time to walk up to the village square.  

Here we had to part as they had a complicated road block system allowing only runners through and asking us to make a rather circuitous route to arrive at the rear of the start pen. No worries- I didn't want to be at the front! The start is always fast and flat with the danger of you being pulled along at a faster than sensible pace anyway.  I stood with Martin in the pen and waited for the emotional music to start and the count down to begin. I spotted Bob on the roundabout as we ran by and then Michelle and Mark. I had no idea whether the others were in front or behind me. It was early enough in the race not to care and there was a good chance I would see them later as the field thinned out.

Although it was dark I didn't need my head torch much at all as the first bits on tarmac had some street lights and then this is followed by quite a wide track. Once into the trees near La Cabanne it was helpful though. Heading through the edge of the ski resort and towards our first significant Col (Col de Portets) I always get anxious that others are moving faster etc.  I tried to ignore them and to focus on the sun rise over my right shoulder - not as impressive as other years- and  just to keep plodding upwards.  By the time we reached our first CP at Merlans it was properly light. I dashed inside to use the loo.  Almost 16km done and it looked like being a nice day if cooler than usual.

From here to La Monjie the route has changed from year to year.  It starts on a pleasant rising traverse across alpine meadows but soon switches to rocky terrain past refuge Campana and the chain of glacial lakes. 

Some is runnable but there is also some boulder hopping and the rocks were greasy this morning. I hate getting old as I am now so slow over wet rocks - eyes not so good, reactions slower, muscles less elastic, reactions slower, fear of trying to mend an injury and this morning shoes that had good grip but not on the rock. 

Florence a friend from TOR came dancing past and hoards of men seemed to pass me. Still, there is a long way to go yet and two small tumbles persuaded me to stay slow. The last drop to La Monjie was eroded and slightly scary in one small section and just a very steep wet boggy hillside in others. At least my shoes were good on this.  I stopped at the CP for food and also to top up my water/MF. There are already lots of supporters here cheering us in and wishing us well as we head off to the enormous climb up Pic du Midi Bigorre. 

Can't even see the top but we are going up there later

We were reverting to the original route here which I  think I prefer although I had forgotten about the four small stream crossings and the annoyance of wet feet. The path contours and climbs with one small valley head giving you false hope that you are close. It was getting warmer and we were getting used to the people around us and chatting. Eventually the Col de Sencours appeared along with even more spectators. The out and back from here up the peak is quite good in that you can start to sense where you are in the field. I try to spot any women coming down as I head up and it takes my mind off the climb.  I actually overtake some people and that is always good for motivation.  

A very short stop at the top and a water top up before I sped back down to the out-going side of Cole de Sencours and the chance for good savoury food- soup and also puree (mash basically).  As I ran down the stony track I spotted Martin and Julian on their way up- I had expected they would both catch me up by now if they were not already ahead. Then shortly after this I met Albert on his way up. I told him the others were not far ahead but he didn't seem very happy. 

No time to stop though as I dropped past Lac d'Oncet and then picked up the smaller path heading for Col de la Bonida and Col d'Aoube. There were still quite a few people around and some were moving faster than me especially on any rocky downhill sections. 

Somewhere before Lac Bleu the weather clagged right in and you woud not have known there was a huge and beautiful lake down to the left at all. Shame to miss the scenery here as it is beautiful. I plodded on to the Col de Bareilles and then eventually up again to Hourquette d'Ouscouacu. 

From here I knew it was easier running and not too far to Hautacam. Along here I did start making better time and actually overtook people. I was looking forward to meeting friends who marshall at the next CP and hoped post-Covid that it would be back indoors. Sadly it was outside in a draughty tent and after my burst of speed I was feeling sick. Nice to say bye to the friends though- their last year on the CP as they are getting older. Having thrown up all my eating efforts there seemed little point hanging around in the chill so I began the descent to Pierrefitte. The weather and temperature improved hugely and by the time I reached the CP I was too hot to sit inside. A kind marshall brought me a chair and my drop bag so that I could sit outside. Lots of runners have family support here and I am always jealous of the chilled fruit, yogurts etc.  The 'showers' were cold hose pipes so I washed my legs and feet but ignored the rest! A medic used a magic potion to dry out my slightly macerated feet and then taped them for me. Then I sat for a while trying to eat and drink- custard and chocolate milk went down OK but not much else.  Off we go.

As with many foreign races the route is fully taped. This is good for those who cannot do a reccee but does mean you often have little idea where you are going or where you have been. I didn't bother printing new maps as experience has taught me I never use them. I know that the route here was changed this year due to landslides. Part of the route was on a cycle way with an interesting tunnel and then a fairly wide easy track leading almost to Cauterets. To make up for this we were then sent on a dreadful loop on lanes and then up through woods. I had been looking forward to a stop in the town and some food. For me it was a low point and I felt sleepy. My pace slowed and I tried to find somewhere to lie down for a short spell.  The bench I found was too close to the trail and passing runners kept prodding me to see if I was OK!  The CP when I eventually arrived was in the Casino as usual. I used my coffee bag and had a great drink plus some food and even managed a short sleep. The next section of route had also changed and it was brutal. I am glad it was dark and I could not see the full extent of what we went up and also down. Seriously steep, pathless in places, steep black ski run in others and the tiny ski station of Aulian took forever to arrive. There were a few others around but nobody was moving fast. Luckily by the time we had been fed at the CP it was getting light. I stopped for a couple of pancakes but struggled to eat; time to get moving again. A mixture of switchback road and short cut paths drop you quite quickly towards Sazos. The paths I thought would be slippery were better than I remembered and I felt I was moving better again. The dawn always lifts me, plus you have done almost 100 of the 160km now.  My memories of the CP at Luz were dreadful- a packed over heated room and sitting outside the back fire doors with most runners being sick. Today was much better- space, cooler and calm. I collected my drop bag, changed my socks and head torch and settled down to eat. Not much but every bit helps, I could not play the rest of the route in my head and divided it up into nice manageable chunks. 

Back to Luz and the hills we crossed in the dark

The path up into the woods is steep but it was warm and sunny. I enjoyed myself and started overtaking some people.  There is a hug loop contouring up a valley to cross a stream and then contouring back on the other side. 

A few guys pulled ahead here but not by far and I felt I was running faster now to keep them in sight. Last year we had an annoying section after this on big paths in woods that seemed to take us the wrong direction. This year I got a lovely surprise as we appeared in the tourist area above Bareges and I knew it was not far to Tournaboup. We were back in 'supporter' land too and that encouraged me. It was hot but not as intense as last year. I ate quite well at this CP and power walked back up towards the hills. Overtaking two women in my race here spurred me on as did finding out that at least one and maybe two of the leaders had dropped out. Since Covid the RO have had reduced podiums with the first 5 M/F and then just age category winners. I was keen to make the podium and not just as a category winner as I knew there was little competition there. 

By now I could feel the sun scorching the back of my legs and we were all taking opportunity to soak buffs etc in streams. I stopped more than I should have but perhaps made better time in between. At the small CP at Cabanne d'Aygues I was desperate for shade (not like me) and took my food to the shadow of the tent. 

I left refreshed and then filled my bottle at the source as I left. The Hourquette Nere arrived much sooner than I dared hope and suddenly I could smell the finish.

Over 20km to go though. I ran well down from the col and only slowed on the nasty eroded path dropping towards Cabane de la Lude area. 

My favourite bits back in the Neouville NP

The climb up and across to Merlans was not so bad and I arrived feeling less sick than last year. 

A professional photographer was doing a portrait project- it seemed rude not to stop even though I was keen to keep going. 

The Col de Portet was heaving but I shot straight through. The path from here is getting more and more eroded. I did one huge flying trip and how I stayed on my feet I do not know. 

I could see runners ahead from the 80km and 120km routes and tried to pick them off.  It meant my quads were a bit shot for the drop to Soulan but never mind. More supporters cheered us here. The first part of the descent is easy but then after the stream it gets rocky and very slippery. I had thought of sticking to the lane but huge signs and a marshall made me stick to the prescribed route and I emerged in Vignec unscathed. I was slower than I hoped but saw that I could slip under 38hrs if I made an effort. Down the road to the bridge, down the steps and onto the riverside path, past all the holiday makers and you can here the finish. Checking my watch showed I had at least 6 minutes leeway now so I slowed to regain my breath before the final bridge and the red carpet through Vielle Aure village. Bob was there but the wandering band chose that moment to walk past and block his photo. 

He met me on the finish line. I collected my finishers hoody and established that the food on offer was just CP left overs. Next stop a chair, shoes and socks off and into the fountain as usual. Bliss. I had beaten last year's time by over an hour and I think with the changes near Aulian that it is a tougher course.

Happy with that. Also 5th F, with 4th only 13 mins ahead. My friend Florence was 3rd F in under 36 hrs but the winning F was just over 32hrs and first man an amazing 26 hrs 30.  Eventually we wandered back to the van and I caught the shuttle to the campsite for a much needed shower. 

Sunday started with an eggy breakfast before the prize giving and then the fantastic buffet on the rugby field.  The prize haul was enormous as they combined my 5th and 1stFV60 prizes. 

Lots of food but also vouchers for shoes, sun glasses and more vouchers.

So much good food and unlimited beer from the local brewery. It was great to sit and chill with Martin and Julian as well as Bob. I also spotted an interesting race T shirt..... dare I?