A busy June

 Hot on the heels of my birthday run and then the LDWA100 came the first of two sprint orienteering events. I have never been a sprinter and with a couple of hundred miles in my legs it was going to hurt. Still, it was my local club and a chance to catch up with friends. I certainly didn't capitalise on what should have been home advantage but I did have fun- especially at second event in a fab park on a glorious evening. An errand took us to Yorkshire and so to make the journey worth while we stayed for two days of, in my case, running. 

Brimham Rocks etc seemed like very hard work but I enjoyed Baildon moor the next day. Back home for the weekend and I went off on a long bike ride across the Fylde in the wind to prepare for our next mini adventure. Bob has been itching to do a long cycle ride but this one was short enough and flat enough for me to think I could join him. The Bay cycle ride- around Morecambe Bay from Walney Island to Glasson Dock. It's just over 90 miles but with the ride from Barrow station at the start and then the return to our van in Lancaster at the end we did well over 95. After some uncertainty about whether we would get the bikes on the train all went well and we had perfect weather- warm, sunny and just enough breeze to cool us. 

We made good time despite the big climb at Bigland and so had plenty of time for a wonderful lunch stop in Cartmel. 

From Carnforth onwards we knew we had broken the back of the day and that it would be fairly flat from there onwards. We stopped for a celebration ice cream in Morecambe and it was quite impressive to look right round the bay to where we had come from. It made a great day out.

With tired legs I went of to explore the first few miles of the local LDWA 50 miles for 50 years celebration run. Most had done this over 3 Tuesdays and then the final miles on the Sunday. I hoped to do the lot and aim to finish on Sunday afternoon at roughly the same time. This would mean starting in the dark. I was glad to check out the first 10 miles or so as there were a couple of tricky bits. Hopefully my legs would feel more alive with another 36 hours of rest.  I was up at 3am and off not long after. I started with my head torch. I knew I should only need this for 45 mins at most but didn't fancy a fall in the dark. 

Whalley viaduct on my reccee

As I left Hurst Green and dropped to the Ribble there was thick mist at Dinkley Bridge and I couldn't even see the river. It warmed up as I climbed to Whalley and the Abbey. By now I had seen rabbits, hares, foxes and a deer but the strangest sight was lines of taxis arriving to take home young people who were staggering out of the night club.  From here I climbed across the golf course at Spring Wood and picked up the big track that would lead me to the Nick of Pendle. 

It was pleasantly warm and the sun coming up gave beautiful views. I was at the trig on Pendle by 5.15am. Then it was easy running down to Downham where I was shocked to find the pub had stopped trading. A few miles on new terrain led me to Sawley and the abbey ruins. 

A short road section led to Grindleton before the climb up and over the fell and down over Easington Fell. Here it drizzled on me. I arrived in Slaidburn but of course it was too early for the cafe to be open so it was straight off along the river side path to Newton and then Dunsop Bridge. Again the cafe was shut but the WI were setting up in the village hall for a charity day- as they made sandwiches I had two mugs of tea and the most enormous piece of cake. This fueled me up the valley to Langden Intake and them Langden Castle ( it is in fact just a basic shooting or cattle shelter). Here I met the first people close enough to talk to- a DoE group suffering on the climb to Fiensdale Head. I was back on home turf now and knew there was only one more real climb. I enjoyed the run down and over Parlick and then down the lane to Chipping. The cafe here was full of bikes so I pushed on; it was warm now. I was a bit slow getting up onto Jeffrey Hill and lay behind the wall having a snack and a rest at the top. A short stretch led to Longridge Fell trig but then I found all the windblown trees and a tedious section where the path was blocked over and over again. It was unusually a relief to hit the logging track. Running off the fell and down to the road I passed the two dozen walkers doing their 4th day of the route. A brief chat and I was off on the final loop along the Hodder and then back to Stoneyhurst and Hurst Green. Down here it was hot and sunny. A pint of shandy and then a real pint refreshed me and the walkers arrived about an hour faster me. It was good to put some faces to names- and to eat the sandwiches and chips! 50 miles with 4 big hills in about 11hours 25mins.  Not surprising that I felt tired at the sprint orienteering that Tuesday evening.

Thursday saw us off on another bike ride- this time a 70km loop south to Burscough for a pie lunch. 

It should have come as now surprise that I was tired when we arrived at Lakeland 5 Passes- the running, biking and quite a few hours of rock climbing had all added up and taken their toll. The forecast was pretty dire and as we lay in the van on Friday night I could hear the wind and the rain. I was worried enough to start off in over trousers and cag. I hate being cold and wet. The pace was crazy as we left Grasmere and headed towards Red Bank and the start of Loughrigg Fell. I tried to ignore others and prayed that they were just going too fast- not that I could do much about it. Dropping to Ambleside I felt a bit better (although too warm in all my gear) and had caught two other women. I was slower than previous races climbing Wansfell but by now the views were wonderful and I decided just to enjoy it. 

Red Screes from Wansfell- on a previous run

The descent of Nanny Lane was easier than I remembered and I was soon climbing Garburn pass- again not quite as quickly as last time. The bridleway to Kentmere had been improved slightly but I was still cautious over the lumpy track. I grabbed quiche and banana at the CP and pushed on towards Longsleddale. 

Back to Kentmere and Garburn from Green Quarter- not today

I tried to run a bit over the hills from Green Quarter but just didn't have enough energy. The climb up Gatesgarth was better as a mix of jogging and power walking.

Gatesgarth- not today

Heading to Harter Fell the views were stunning but the sky was also starting to look black. True enough from Nam Bield Pass the forecast came true with strong squally and furious hail that hurt. 

Great views from Harter Fell area

After Thornthwaite Beacon the hail stopped and as I descended the wind was less. I quite enjoyed the scramble up Stony Cove Pike and then the run to Kirkstone. I should have stopped to take my layers off here but instead grabbed food, topped up my water and set off up Red Screes. 

Red Screes on a previous hot and sunny day

Spotting Charles behind me gave me the extra incentive to try hard but by the top he had caught me. We ran together to Scandale with Charles pulling slightly ahead until the track became less technical. 

Scandale Brdige- hot enough to fancy a dip but not today

We were still together at Rydal Hall but I stopped to remove my cag and then had to chase him along the old coffin road (still wearing my over trousers which I decided would take too long to remove). At the end of this track we were back together and I managed to pull ahead slightly as we passed Dove Cottage. I got a lucky break crossing the main road and just had the show ground to run around. I turned to see if Charles would catch me and spotted another woman- where had she come from! A determined effort allowed me to finish ahead of both of them- just. It was a PW by about 25 minutes but 3rd F and 1st old F wasn't too bad. 

Many cups of tea, a plate of sweet and sour plus a few bits of cake put back what the day had taken out. It was even sunny enough to sit outside and chat as other friends finished.  We managed to get the flags and banners down before the next gales and rain came through at nightfall.

Wearing same gear a year ago- shoes now binned!

LDWA 100 Trans Pennine

 I loved my first LDWA 100  (Hadrian100) and can't quite figure out why it took me so long to sign up and do one. I also did the virtual/covid100 last year. The route sounded good with a real mixture of scenery and terrain. I recceed some of it over two days- from Silkstone through to Hayfield and then the next day Hayfield through to Moscar. I now knew over half the route. An aborted climb at Stanage (freezing winds) meant I got the chance to do Moscar to Wentworth too. I didn't want to do the start or the finish miles as I knew what they would be like from Round Rotherham... flat cycle way on often straight old railway lines. Ugh.

Checking out some of the route was perhaps the best part of my preparations. Running my birthday run the week before was less than ideal. I blame the queen for moving the bank holiday... not only did it mean the LDWA no longer coincided with my birthday but also as it would start on the Friday I got one less day of recovery. 

It did worry me a little and I changed my start time from 1pm to 10am. Playing with different pacing showed me I would need to run fairly hard to reach the first 2-3 CPs before they closed if I started at 1pm. I didn't want that pressure as I had no idea how recovered my legs would be. I also didn't really want to sit around waiting to start in the afternoon. We were making a mini holiday around the event and Bob had some good bike rides planned. We decided to try out a new climbing wall too...... 5 hours climbing the day before the 100? Well, it kept me busy and stopped me faffing.

The forecast was good, dry. In fact it was quite warm when we started. I decided to try my 'new' race vest again despite the problems I blamed on it during the NT. It had worked OK on the Dales Highway and deserved another chance! I did carry poles again- carried for 100 miles and used for about 5 at most. 

They're off

We arrived late afternoon and there was plenty of space for vans. I had a quick explore and admired the bright new shiny academy high school. I slept fairly well but was up early and ready to register and leave my drop bag. I checked carefully that they knew there were 2 Karen Nash runners but did not repeat this check at the tracker desk.

Apparently this is why my tracker was live but not assigned to me until it became clear CPs were not expecting me. I was starting to get a little irritated to be told "Your tracker's not working you know". What did they expect me to do? In the end Raynet phoned it through and the issue was solved.

A lead already...

The start line was busy but not crowded as many had gone for the 9am start. I had met Nick, Charles, Ken, Steph and others as we milled around killing time. It was warm and sunny but not hot. I started in more clothes than most with 3/4 tights and a long sleeve base layer over my T shirt. Worrying about needing to do the first miles fast became a joke as I was first down the school drive and off into the distance. 

I was soon catching walkers from the earlier start as the flat wide paths had a good surface. These trails are not my favourite type of running but it did get the miles done and I was at the Gilroyd Lane CP in about an hour. I passed huge numbers of walkers on the next section and was able to chat to Brian L and my name-sake too. I only grabbed a quick sandwich at the Penistone CP.  It was now getting very warm. 

By now I was on familiar ground from my reccee and could run with confidence. The route description was very good and I barely had to use OS on my phone to check. I tried to pull back on the pace as I was worried about the miles to come. From Penistone the scenery changed and we ran past a reservoir, through fields, a lovely little cricket ground at Upper Denby and then some wonderful woods. I lost the route in the woods but soon put it right and was soon at the Birds Edge CP. 

I hadn't been there long when I was  joined my Alwyn and Mike. I stopped for food and to chat to the CP staff before heading off up the lane and catching Mike. Some lanes and then stony tracks led us towards New Mill where we dropped steeply before a mini rollercoaster of paths with views over Holmfirth led to more climbing up onto the next ridge. I had pulled away from Mike by now but met a friend of his waiting to run a fair few miles with him.  Some easy field paths dropped us to the Holmbridge CP. 

There was Jubilee bunting everywhere. I was carrying more food than I needed (should remember that on LDWA 100s I need to carry very little!).  We were now trail breaking and being first customers were greeted by all staff and then fussed over. This CP offered me steak pie, mash and gravy. I finished with custard. It took a bit of time but was probably worth getting decent food/fuel in. As Mike, Alwyn and I left the CP I spotted Matt H and others arriving. Another reservoir and we were soon on Issues Road and spotting the radio mast and start of the Black Hill section. 

The big climb felt slow but I was pulling away. I then enjoyed the run over the tops and down to all the fords on Crowden gate Brook.

From here the path up over Laddow has more trip hazards and I was cautious. The views on this section were beautiful and I should have taken my camera. 

The last km or so was more grassy and I made good time to the Outdoor Ed Centre that was our CP. Fuelling on soup and pizza it was here that the Raynet man tried to resolve the tracker issue. At some point we had a kit check and in my haste I had stuffed things back in my sack. It was now bruising my back. I couldn't really find the cause so just ignored it and tied my extra base layer around by waist as a buffer. Crowden to Glossop/Dinting Vale is another section which should make for fast running as it mostly follows an old rail track through Longdendale. There is a lovely woodland section before the reservoir dam but that is over far too fast. 

There is a strange little tunnel up onto the trail but then it is flat and straight for ages. I was now trail breaking and running alone as I had been since soon after Holmbridge. The only downside was the nettle bashing but fortunately there was not much. 

Under the impressive railway Viaduct, down the alley at the chippy and I was soon at the CP. Friends were manning this and Jenny was also waiting for Ken.  I was a bit confused to be offered hot oatcakes- surely they would be very dry? No, Staffordshire oatcakes are like crepes or pancakes- yummy with cheese. I also had some baked beans on toast. Less faffing at CPs would certainly reduce my overall time but the food was good. Mike soon appeared with his friend. It was now 6.45pm and I was keen to crack on d make the best of the daylight. The next section is lumpy but mostly nice running once the climb out of Glossop is over. The views were still great as I headed towards but not over Lantern Pike. The drop to Hayfield had a few short tricky bits with trip hazards but the CP was soon in sight. This time I really didn't stop long as at 8.10pm I knew it would soon be dark. Hayfield looked very attractive festooned in bunting as I power walked through village... the Chippy was shut again but the pub where we had our wedding anniversary meal on my reccee was open.

It's a long pull up and up to Mount Famine and South Head but I plodded on alone again. A couple of mountain bikers came flying down the track at breakneck speed- they were having fun in the last of the daylight. Rounding South Head I started to feel the chill. I had to stop and put the base layer on. It felt slow here and even slower up to Lords Seat. The sun was setting behind me, the wind was getting stronger as it had been since Laddow Rocks and now it was getting decidedly cold. 

Not today- it was dark

I had to stop and put my cag on and even then struggled to keep warm. Reluctant to stop again and chill even further I battled on to the CP below Mam Nick in rapidly fading light. The last few metres under the tress were very dark! I really felt for the marshals at this open air CP. At least it was dry. They offered all sorts but after  a quick soup I knew I should keep moving. I love the section over Mam Tor, Hollins Cross, Back Tor and Lose Hill. 

The views in daytime are great... at least I have seen them before. Even though I was moving well and running a fair bit I was cold. It was a real relief to start the drop to Hope. Once off the edge it got much less chilly and the grassy paths let me move well. I knew the way and must have been going well as the CP thought I was on a bike! (old Petzl Nao with a spare battery in my bag). The speed took it's toll though and I didn't feel like food for the first time on the event.  A lovely french girl persuaded me to eat and bit before I left at about 11.30pm. Hope to Hathersage basically follows the river. 

It's not all flat but the climb is minimal with a mixture of nice meadow paths and a few gnarly bits with tree root trip hazards. There are some UPs and one particularly short steep section. 

Also a Roman ruin- even in daylight you could be excused for missing a little pile of stones that seem to have little significance! 

On my reccee this section seemed to go on longer than I expected so this time I was prepared. 

Not long now to the 'breakfast' stop at Hathersage and our drop bags. I was again their first customer and this is my local group. I quickly took off shoes and socks to air dry my feet. The precautionary tape all looked good and my feet had been dry for almost all of the miles. Breakfast at just after 1am felt odd but two fried eggs and hash browns slipped down well followed my toast and tea. It would have been easy to get comfy there but I changed my socks, restocked with Mountain Fuel powder and set off into the dark. Mike had yet again caught me up and I left him eating. I guess I was at the CP for over 20 mins perhaps half an hour. 

In the dark I expected to take almost two hours to climb Stanage and then reach Moscar. It was still cold and windy but not noticeable until I reached the top of Stanage and turned north. 

I know these early hours of the morning are my natural low point and I was probably slower than if I had been in company but I quite liked my solo adventure. 

I reached Moscar before 3.30am so not too bad. The guys there were sheltering the best they could in cars as the tent/marquee had blown down. I grabbed a little food but was still full from breakfast. 

The path near Strines Reservoir was the muddiest of the whole day but it was starting to get a little lighter and by the time I reached Low Bradfield I was able to discard my torch. 

The next CP at Worrall is a bit of a blur but I am sure I was treated well and given a warm welcome. From this CP down to the river Don there were two overgrown paths- more nettle bashing and wet legs. The climb up through the woods was better than I remembered although I did get frustrated by poorly maintained gates on a couple of fields before the drop to Oughtibridge. The tracks up and through Wharncliffe Woods are tough but I made no mistakes today and was soon passing the aerial and farms before the next self clip. I did make a sill error here and dropped some way before realising it was not correct. Back up to the lane and a little further to the big rock where I found the self clip easily.

I enjoyed the next section along the crags and as it was daylight got good views back to the moors south of Stocksbridge. As I dropped to go under the main road the first dog walkers and bikers were out. In my memory the road up to the Wortley Rugby Club was long and hard so it was a nice surprise for it not to be as bad as expected. This tiny CP greeted me with yogurt and fruit, plus the offer of beer. I declined and quickly went on before I could change my mind. Beer for breakfast at 7.30am would seem wrong. The next CP was only a few miles although compared to the bikes  felt very slow. 

I negotiated the crop field OK and got a pleasant surprise to find signs directing me on a direct line over field paths to Pilley. I had gone slightly wrong here on my reccee.  Again I was not really hungry but a yogurt slipped down well as did ice cream. There was still about 24km to go but the end was coming into sight and crossing the M1 was a landmark ticked off. The running was now on a mixture of lanes and tracks- easy running with no big hills but sore for my suffering feet. I could see Wentworth church spire and that encouraged me. This CP was again run by friends. I arrived feeling a little dodgy but took a few minutes sat down and left feeling OK. I was still first on the ground although aware that those staring at 1pm would beat me on times. I was very surprised they had not already caught me but I guess 3 hours is quite a bit to make up. 

The big loop east of Wentowrth was new to me and the deer park was lovely. I initially mistook the Stable Block for the main house! There were follies, mausoleums and lovely parkland. 

As I turned at last back towards Elsecar Simon Pipe came running towards me wanting to chat and film me. 

He spurred me on and told me the first man was chasing me down. I was determined to get to Elsecar first- silly really but it helped me up the pace as I passed the Heritage Centre. I didn't stop at this CP knowing that it was less than an hours running t the finish. 

I was now back on the TPT cycle tracks etc. I was cautious as there are so many turns and variations but I made no errors and kept pushing on in my attempt to be first back. Turning away from Old Moor and towards Barnsley I knew there could not be much more than a mile if that. 

I couldn't run every step but I did try. Suddenly the school drive appeared and I was running past our van and round to the finish. 

Bob was waiting and as first person back there was lots of applause.

25 hours 23 mins. Not my fastest 100 but I was happy.

Sore feet from lots like this

My feet were sore but I was in decent shape. Food and drinks soon got me back to normal. Could I have gone faster? Almost certainly. I could have cut time in CPs although the food helped me and I could have pushed the pace harder especially if there had been company.

I had run most of the route alone. There was a dreadful wait for our breakfast bags and in my sleep deprived state I was not as forgiving as I perhaps should have been. I had a short lie down in our van and then went back just as the Bag Van arrived. 

A number of impatient runners helped unload it and then we were on our way home- well, to Leeds to see our youngest, help with a job on his van and be treated to a lovely meal. Thanks to all who organised, manned CPs etc and also to Nick Ham and others for photos.