L100

 Hmm. Can't deny it but I was nervous. My failure at H200 had knocked my confidence and our van has had so many issues- bless the van it is old but starting to get stressful. We parked up fine in the overflow field and although the queue was long there were many friends to talk to and it was dry so who cares. Although dry it was definitely cooler than recently and this prompted my to change my clothes (yes , I regretted it later). The trackers are now much upgraded and can go in a top pocket which is great for those of us with bony collar bones. I had several wanders around the field and lazing in van, even managing a sleep. 

I didn't go to the briefing as I wanted time to just get prepared. Pre start I was worried I had too much clothing on and just hoped once the evening came it would be cooler. 

Bob had walked up to the Miners Bridge to see me and was then going to do his own thing. I can never decide what to do at the start- race hard to the bridge or get stuck in a queue. 

In the end I was chilled on the line as the music doesn't get me in the way that some others do. So many friends- Rory, Lawrence, Jackie and so many more.

In the end I did run fairly hard on the first bridge as I couldn't face the idea of queues at the bridge and on the narrow path afterwards. I was then more steady up Walna Scar road. I am now such a wuss on rocky descents. 

I had swapped shorts for 3/4 and a ls top!

The initial drop was fine but the rocky section before the road was terrible. Anna and Shelli both got ahead of me here. 

CP1 with the Irish was lovely and the Guiness chocolate cake was wonderful. Once in the woods I diverted for a wee stop only to find 4 lads followed me. 

Once back on track I ran with Una for a while. There seemed many more runners around me than in previous years but I couldn't figure out if this was because I was slower, faster or if there was just a different field this year.

The new path near Harter Fell was a welcome bonus and the ground was much drier too. There were lots of supporters in Boot as usual and big cheers from those at the pub. The path up towards Wasdale was drier than usual which made for good progress. It was wet around the tarn and stream but I guess that is never dry. Again I was slow on the descent to Brackenclose and the light was starting to fade. I caught Elaine  as she stopped to put on her torch and decided to do the same before chasing her along the road and into the CP. 

The fancy dress here was awesome and I made sure I ate, drank and filled up my soft flasks. I felt OK, probably because I was a little slower this year. The trail of lights as we climbed up to Black Sail Pass is always stunning and on the zig zags there is lots of opportunity to appreciate this. 

I topped up my water again at the hut. I was cautious on the descent down to Buttermere. One guy fell badly and then towards the bottom I met Dan Bye who had also fallen and hurt his knee. I ran most of the way to the CP which was good and perhaps the slightly slower early pace was worth it. Despite the dark it was still very warm and I was regretting changing my clothes options. 

The CP in Buttermere is not my favourite as it is tiny, outside and always seems a bit chaotic. I now know to ask for chocolate milk and just the sausage of a hot dog. The next section is up and up and up. Never really steep but it does go on. The bracken was high but some of the grassy paths made for decent running. I focussed on staying in touch with any lights just ahead. Once off the rocky paths the last bit of descent into Braithwaite is lovely and we had the breeze on our backs. 

The CP had moved next door this year and was in the school. I drank and ate a bit but should have stayed for more. I needed the loo and these were outside, should have gone on the way in and then been in less of a rush. I was alone along the main road for a while but caught a runner and there were others just behind. WE missed the path off behind the traffic barrier but I realised straight away. It seemed very overgrown this year and it was a relief to reach the road near the Pheasant Inn. I felt slow up Latrigg but just kept plodding. There are always going to be 'bad' bits and I have tried to learn to just go with it. Some over took me but I feared a trip. From the virtual CP I felt better and had company all the way to the Blencathra CP.  This year in tribute to Little Dave there was lots of pink and tutus rather than School of Rock. The tables were laden with chocolate cake of many varieties- LDs mum used to make a chocolate cake for the CP. In the past I have arrived here feeling dreadful so it was nice to be able to have cake and tea. I should have stayed for toast etc too.

It was nice to have company from here to the Coach Road. Once on that track I reeled in Una and overtook two others. The wind was on our backs, the daylight had arrived and I was feeling OK. The Hardmoors CP has now moved to the pub in Dockray so we were not fending off midges. I was very hot though and this meant I sat outside and missed the piles of food that would have slowly tempted me to eat. I should have also taken a layer off!

I ran OK to Aira Force and around Gowbarrow. There were huge waves on Ullswater but luckily not a headwind for us. Nobody passed me and we were now more strung out and set into our pace. I actually overtook a couple of runners on the fields and then the lanes. Approaching Dockray I stopped for a quick wee- good to know I was drinking enough. The coaches were all arriving full of 50 mile runners but the CP was calm and well organised as usual. I changed my socks and shoes but actually my feet were OK. The soup went down well but then thinking I should have solids I tried bread and was spectacularly sick. What a waste of time and effort eating. I had my box of custard and trotted on the best I could. 

It was a relief to be out of the parking fields and away from crowds.  Joe B was at the road waiting for his wife who was doing the 50 and it was nice to get a hug. Then I met Elaine walking back to the CP- her race over. Lack of food inevitably meant a lack of energy so it was slow through Pooley Bridge and out onto the Common. I ran with another woman most of the way to Howtown trying to drip feed my body small bites of Baby Bel cheese and the odd Hula Hoop. By the CP I decided I needed to risk more food and managed fruit and boiled potatoes. I like Fusedale even though it is tough. Suddenly there seemed lots more runners around me again. Were they slowing? Was I speeding up? I met Dan again as his damaged knee was causing him problems. The 50 started earlier this year and the first runners had already passed us. This became a real problem on the narrow Haweswater path. The bulk of the field/main fast pack were now catching us. I stepped aside for over 100 runners and was getting well pi**ed off! It was frustrating, slowing and kept breaking my stride. It was all made worse by very tall bracken this year. When you think you can see the end of the reservoir here you really can't. Knowing this makes it a bit easier to deal with as the path goes on and on. 

At some point along here I ran with Amy and Kelly which was a surprise as I had last seen them near Boot. At Mardale CP I had tea and fruit but was struggling to even consider solids.  I made great time up Gatesgarth which was just as well given how slow I was on the descent the other side. It was pleasantly cool on the tops but very warm in the valley. One poor guy thought this was Kentmere and I had to explain it was only Longsleddale with some hills to climb before Kentmere. Somewhere around here I met Tom again, friend of my brother.  There were cows guarding the gate again but they soon moved. On the way to the CP I passed Mike my previous MV60 friend and then at the CP saw Phil who won MV60 last year. Sadly he was setting off and I knew I needed to stop and eat. I got a lovely welcome at the CP from Jamie and his family but could not face pasta. I sat outside with two big smoothies. When I left I could see Phil up ahead on Garburn but could not catch him and I knew he would be much faster than me on the descent to Troutbeck. 

I lost a little time here when a guy took a very bad fall and bashed his head. He was running with his daughter so once he was upright and insisting he was OK I left them. It was a relief to reach tarmac. In the village I saw Ken and Karen M and I topped up my water as the pub had put out bottles. 

The section from here to Ambleside is much easier with no big climbs and very little gnarly track.  Running into the town is always quite emotional and one of the places where Marks dream of recreating the UTMB atmosphere has really taken off. The crowds line the streets with lots of cheering. They are mostly knowledgeable too and so know that when they see a red bib we are doing the 100. Our bibs this year had our super hero names and it was odd to hear shouts for Banana Girl. At the CP I felt rough and so had no solids. I was still taking small bites of Babybel and the odd Hula Hoop but knew that really I needed more. In the park I met the Billinge Runners but Mark S had already left.

I was slow around Latrigg but a bit better by Elterwater. Here I caught Tom again. Initially I was faster but then he took paracetamol and shot off. Crossing the cattle grid at Baysbrown I  lost my balance and almost fell.  By the CP I felt grim and thought I might be sick. I sat outside just in case and managed to drink.  The path through Langdale felt busy with runners and quite a few 'cheated' . I spotted it but it was Matt N who was cross about this when I saw him the next day. I was happy to get beyond Blea Tarn in the daylight so my overall pace must have been OK. The section to the virtual CP on the road was much easier in daylight! After the easy road section I caught Tom again but he was better organised and when I stopped to find my head torch he shot off.  The midges here were dreadful. 

Despite being slow on the gnarly track I was soon in Tithberthwaite. All I wanted now was to finish and get my 5 yr slate. I must not fall or get lost. I still have not stopped for a cheese toasty - one day!  It was now properly dark and I concentrated on keeping with the lights ahead.  The rock steps were OK and I jogged even though I was not really running. The descent was a bit grim in the dark but I knew it would be- ageing eyes, tired legs and drizzle didn't make it easy.  Once off the hill I recovered and ran all the way to the Miners Bridge and down into Coniston. 

I had one short stop near the petrol station before the downhill to the finish gantry. Bob was waiting and Sally was there to shepherd me into the marquee. 

I was 1st FV60, 9th F and 99the overall. Time was 29.21. I think it is the first time a 5yr slate has been won with a runner also getting a Vet slate each year they have run. So I now have a 'family' of 5 little FV60 slates and a larger 5yr slate. 

I was not as trashed as in some previous years so perhaps I had not pushed hard enough? Bob got me a beer and my chilli. Then it was a walk to the van for a quick strip wash and bed.  

Sunday began with our traditional fried egg breakfast. 

The prize giving was a wonderful atmosphere as always. I sat with Amy and Phil but there was no run to the stage holding hands as F and M went up separately this year. 

So many people said I was inspirational- it's quite embarrassing. Next year? Who knows, I said no and had not expected a vet win and another free entry.

Pennine 39- one of the best friends away together weekends that there is

 I love this race/ event and whole weekend- it would be my 10th visit! It had been in the Runfurther series several times and I knew I would meet plenty of friends there. As usual we travelled up on Friday afternoon and parked at the Spar. A brew and bun took the edge off our hunger- we had been climbing all morning. I offered to help unload the minibus but it was already done. We wandered up to chat and register at 6pm. No trackers this year as there are places they don't work well without a boost. I had planned to be on the 'late' bus but was asked to change. That would be fine as I would sit with Bob. Bob was doing his own thing- pay for an entry to get the bus ride but then do Joe's old shorter route (apparently now the VIP Nash variation). Back at the van we ate and turned in for an early night- the forecast drizzle and cool weather looked to be correct. There was a road closure in town but contacting the bus driver seemed impossible so there were various contingency plans for the morning.

I slept fairly well and we were up by 6am. Even after breakfast, faffing etc there was still time for me to walk up to the hostel with a kit bag so I could shower after the race. It was strange but nice getting ready for a race with Bob- his first one since his new hip. People started congregating near the Spar, then walking to the road block....... the coach appeared and he asked to get on back at the Spar. He then had a awkward diversion given the size of the coach but we arrived in Bowlees only slightly delayed. The drizzle was patchy as I headed straight for the river for a quick wee and then photos of the falls. We assembled near the start and waited for Ian to set us off (apart from the two had mistakenly set off early). Up by the stone sheep there were fewer midges and the briefing was short. A quiet - Off you go at 8.10am set us off. 

It is easy to set off at a fast pace here and I found myself with half a dozen guys blasting along the river path. A couple soon pulled away. There were cows and their young in one field but they soon moved. Heading to the first farm I caught all the guys again as they had missed the right turn over a stile. Then I caught Louise who had started early. The drizzle came and went so I left my lightest cag on and just kept zipping and unzipping the front. After the farm we turned west and the headwind became more apparent but not too bad. By the time we got to Falcon Clints and nasty stones I was alone. I am so pathetically slow over these now and although the river was low they were a bit greasy today. A fall here would be very uncomfortable. The climb up the side of Cauldron Snout was better and there was Mel sat with clipboard pretending the drizzle wasn't happening. With a shout of my number I trotted on to Birkdale- the highest inhabited farm in England. 

I could now see nobody ahead- not even in the distance, and nobody behind either. This combined with a fierce headwind led to me going slower than I had hoped. I think I knew I was slow but just could not motivate myself to really race hard. I now wished I had insisted on staying on the late bus so that I could pick off runners and be with the other faster women. Oh well. By Maize Beck bridge I felt a bit more positive and ran hard to High Cup Nick. I love that view. In the distance the Lakes looked just as bad and I wondered how friends doing the SLMM were getting on.

A bit damp

From here it is easy running all the way to Dufton; first down grass and then a more gnarly bit before the final lane. There were a few walkers out but it was quiet- not surprising given the damp weather. Once I hit tarmac the temperature seemed to soar and the drizzle stopped. By the time I reached the first houses I felt like a boil in the bag dinner. Without trackers the CP staff had no real idea when to expect us and had clearly got bored waiting after the first men had gone through. I met them walking up towards the cafe and toilet. They cheered me on but there was no chance to chat except to Owen who ran with me to the village hall. I grabbed cheese and banana and set off quickly to try to regain some time.

Thick mist on Knock Fell

I had not gone far on Hurning Lane when Rory appeared. He slowed for a chat but as we crossed the tiny stone footbridge and started on the long straight walled track he pulled further and further ahead. However I could now see another runner and I am sure this helped motivate me to try harder. As we trudged up Knock Fell I concentrated on reeling him in. The drizzle was now back but at least the wind was mostly on our backs- until we turned for Great Dunn Fell when it was on our sides! I caught him by the radars and the mist. We ran together across Great Dun, Little Dun and then Cross Fell. He followed me down the little trod that cuts the corner to Greg's Hut. This used to be almost secret and quite difficult to spot but is now much more established as a path all the way. Just before the hut Tim from the late bus caught me and had a brief chat. I shouted when he realised he had missed the water pipe but he didn't want to run back.

What a view

I must have been more motivated now because I remember checking my watch for time, ETA and km remaining. The track from Greg's Hut drags on a bit but at least I knew what to expect, was now out of the wind and warm again and was concentrating on keeping ahead of the guy I had overtaken. I was determined to run it all and I did, albeit not crazy fast. I tried to ignore the undulations and tried to keep reducing the ETA on my watch. Before too long the drop to Garrigill appeared and after a brief wee stop I crashed on down the hill. I was now alone again. 

A very brief deviation to the village hall CP where I said Hi to Mel again, checked that she had not yet seen Bob, grabbed some more food, topped up my water and I was off. Under 6km left so try hard. Along the river path Darren caught me up. In all honesty I had expected him to do so sooner. I couldn't quite keep up over the stiles and over the tree roots but it gave me something to aim for and reminded me thee would be others looming from the late bus.  This section passed faster than I expected and most was easy running. By the time I hit the wide path that leads into Alston I knew the end was close. Past the cemetary, then the telegraph pole and then the grey wall of the hostel. No Runfurther flags to guide us this year so just a stumble up the steps and to the front door where Colin was waiting. I was a hot sweaty mess and had lost 3 mins to Darren. I felt less trashed than previous year and a PW by about 10 mins was not surprise. I was 2nd F by a minute! Grr, think of all the places you could have gone just a little faster. I was still first old woman and that headwind had been grim. 

Soon I was refuelling with endless cups of tea pls soup, bread and cake as only Nav4 know how. Waiter service from Ian was awesome. A shower revived me even more and I was back downstairs in time to see Nick, Francis and Bob finish. The remainder of the evening was a wonderful mix of wine, food and chat with so many friends. We had a mini Runfurther reunion, shared memories of Little Dave and generally put the world to rights. It was dark as we stumbled our way back to the van.

A quick breakfast and goodbyes at the hostel and we were off home to prepare for a 1yr old grand child's birthday. Not a bad weekend.

A challenge and a few very hot days away in the van.

 I had been wanting to do the Harvey Howgill Tops for a while. After climbing on Monday we hatched a plan..... Tuesday Howgills, Wednesday SUP on Windermere and Thursday Oddendale area. The forecast was superb- although perhaps not for running!

HH Tops is one of the Go Far challenges. It's about 62km and has lots of climb, about 3700m. Connecting all the tops means that you leave the usual paths and have some fearsome descents and climbs. You also use tiny trods to contour. To make parking easy we parked in Sedburgh so I used getting onto Winder (my first and last Top) as my warm up. Shortly after 8am I was ready. It was already crazy warm.

I have run on the Howgills a fair bit both as days out and for Mountain Marathons. I like the ridges and the solitude. The big hulking shapes are very different to the Lake District but I love them. I had not been on recee runs and would be solo unsupported. Some bits I knew but even there not always the best lines. Other bits would be an adventure.

The first tops were easy and I had soon ticked off Crook and Sickers plus The Knott. Then came the novelty. I had 'borrowed' a GPX trace and stupidly assumed it would be fine.  It wasn't wrong but I had not really paid enough attention as to whether it was suitable for me. The descent to Hobdale Beck was dreadful and the bracken hid the trods. It was slow. I crossed the beck OK but then met a sigh suggesting no way through. I tried along the river- no. I climbed back and fell in nettles. Not a great start. I decided all I could do was ignore the sign and follow the GPX and work my way onto the main Pennine Journey Path.

This was better although wetter and muddier than expected. I was soon at  Cautley Beck and could see the Cross Keys Temperance Inn where most people start. More boggy path led to the ford and then it was a stiff climb up Wandale Hill. Coming off the top I went too far west when I found a trod and so then had to climb a boggy fence line to get back on route. Annoying.

From Adamthwaite there was another big climb up Harter Fell. These Tops don't visited as much as the main Howgills and I searched for trods. I got a good line back down to the road but then stuffed up my initial climb to Knott. Ah well - I would soon be back on the main area and surely things would improve?

From Knott to Knoutberry and Green Bell was a joy and even the detour out to Green Fell was fine. The detour out to Hooksey led me on my first contour and then a monster climb back up Randygill.  Kensgriff was OK but then another monster climb to Yarlside. I was starting to struggle and had used all my water. Next stop was Bowderdale Beck via a trod down the north nose. It looked clean and I needed to drink. I refilled both bottles and took time to drench myself and my hat. 16km done and it was over 30C. 

The climb up to Hazelgill Knott was steep and pretty much pathless. At least it was just grass. Usually I run this ridge from The Calf and love it. Today I was less in love and has missed the lovely downhill section of ridge. I ploughed on to West Fell and knew where to find the trod heading west to Langdale Knott. I had done 20km so about 1/3 of the route. It was a gorgeous day but far too hot. I had seen nobody, not even in the distance.

Here I had to make a decision. Follow the GPX direct line or do my usual route which is longer but more gentle in both descent and then climb.  I stuck with the GPX but for me I think it was the slower option. Never mind. 

Crossing Langdale Beck I slipped and suddenly I was lying in lovely cold water.  I rested, refilled my bottles again and set off up Middleton. Usually I manage to jog some of the climb here and to Simon's Seat but today was a struggle in the heat.

It's a big loop round to Docker Knott and then the unnamed 500m Top but the paths were reasonable. A big drop and another climb led to Rispa Pike and I was almost half way. All was good round to Archer Hill but then I made an error.  Hare Shaw and Blease Fell were a low point. A new fenced area blocked my way and I was tired. I took the wrong turn and added extra distance over some less than pleasant ground. I was now half way but my head just said- ONLY half way, oh heck. 

It was better heading to Uldale Head and I made it through the cattle at the stream afterwards.  The next section was horrid. I was contouring on a tiny trod above the Spout and Black Force. Running was out of the question and my feet were rubbing around the ankle bones after contouring in wet shoes. A slightly better contouring path led to Whins End  although I had to make a small detour as horses refused to move. More contouring on even worse paths/trods led to Brown Moor.  Here I made another poor decision.  Given the state of my feet and the fact that at 5'6'' my legs are not long I should not have followed the GPX. Before the steep ground and the heather I should have headed back to the main path to ascend Fell Head. It would have been further but it might have been easier and faster.

A quick check of my ankle bones showed they were rubbed raw. Bugger, no wonder they were so sore. At least I now had some respite on a decent path round Breaks Head and on to Bush Howe. Cobles seemed an annoying out and back at this stage and again I ended up on rough terrain.

Somewhere around here I texted and rang Bob. It would be a long day and I even suggested I bail. It was going to take me much more than 12 hrs, and I had secretly hoped for between 11 and 11.5. Bob refreshed with ice cream was back at the van and told me to keep going.

A small detour to White Fell Head and then the high point of the day- The Calf. At last; 45km done now. In my head the end was in sight. The reality was another detour to Bram Rigg Top and then a bigger detour to Great Dummacks before reaching Calders. 

I am sure somebody moved Arant Haw. It usually seems quite close and comes quickly. Not today. Then I realised I had to detour to Comb rather than just run down the ridge to Winder. Getting to Comb was fine but the last leg was awful. Perhaps I should have regained Arant Haw despite the extra climb it would entail. Instead I ended up on a contouring trod making very slow progress and trying not to cry as my ankles rubbed. Finally I reached Winder and could stop. 13hrs 9 mins was not what I had hoped for. Yes a lovely day out of type 2 fun and at least I had completed the challenge. I had not seen a single soul all day. Jogging back to the van I couldn't decide whether to try again for a faster time or whether I never ever want to see some of those lines again. 

I arrived at the van almost tearful. I was trashed and despite refilling my bottles countless times I was still thirsty.

Lessons learned. Don't try to run a big challenge in a heat wave. Allow more than 48 hrs recovery after an ultra race. Check a borrowed GPX carefully. Don't be pig headed and punish your body for failing you the month before and take your ankle area in preparation for contouring. Days later the question remains- should I go again?

The Windermere SUP happened at a leisurely pace and with some swimming. We did clock up over 20km and ice cream was eaten! 

One of our favourite van stops is Oddendale and the running here on the grassy limestone hills is what I generally consider to be gentle. A run /walk of almost 38km was a silly idea. 

I loved the first 15km, hated the next 10km and kept stopping to rest in the shade. The last 13 were better, although whether the drop to Shap for ice lolly was worth it is debatable. 

Looking back at the Howgills

I then lay in the shade at the van for the rest of the day until walking out to meet a very hot and trashed Bob. 

Yes- we both climbed on Friday.

Red Rose Ultra

 I had a free entry to this as a prize from last year. Jilly had me down for the Red and White Rose combined. I decided that just the Red was more sensible and I wanted to make sure I completed and enjoyed it. We drove across on Friday evening and I had spotted that parking at Slack Top would be straight forward and be less than a kilometre warm up in the morning on paths to reach Hebden Hey Scout Centre, the event HQ.

It was a glorious evening and I scoped out the paths. Easy and all downhill, which of course meant all up hill after the race. Bob had a plan to get some training in before P39 and knew he would have all day. From the van we could see across to Stoodley Pike.... it seems it is always there and would be in my sights for much of the race day too.

She Strides events have long cut offs and that meant an early start. I was up dressed and breakfasted soon after 6am and then down at HQ shortly afterwards. It was a small field even though the Red and the combined set off together. The forecast mentioned rain but it was already warm so I ditched my primaloft and soon took my long sleeve base layer off too.

Before 7 we were herded outside for a short briefing and at 7am we were off.

The different venue this year meant an easy start with the big access road giving us all space to spread out and get into our stride. Soon we turned uphill and followed woodland paths to the top of Heptonstall. Narrower paths eventually led to Colden. From here I remembered the route from last year. The moors were quite dry and although a couple of guys had shot off fast I was with the next pack. I was to run with a lovely Lithuanian girl most of the day as we took turns to lead and follow.  Two guys in green vests were also our pace; I had seen them on 15 Reservoirs.

I didn't really need anything at CP1 near Gorple Reservoir and used this as a chance to get ahead.  I was soon caught again and now another young woman joined us. We made good time on the big track to Hurstwood and the next CP. 

We dropped the new woman here and the four of us set off pretty much together as we headed towards Townley Park in Burnley. The route seemed to have changed and we stayed on the pavement for what seemed an eternity before turning off and leaving the traffic. 

The park was busy and as last year we got caught up in the Park Run. After the Hall it was quieter and this year I was more prepared for the uphill pavement on the Clowbridge road. Lena pulled ahead a bit but the green men were still behind me.

By the next CP above Holme Chapel I was keen to eat and so took a little longer. Lena made a small error near Thievely Pike and we were back together again with me showing the way.  The moor is lovely but the farm just before the Tod road is a disgrace and so is the litter along the main road. It was a relief to turn off onto Limers Gate although even this is spoiled by waste tiles, bricks etc used as aggregate. The moor before Trough End was damp but not awful and I knew the way here and on the descent towards Walsden. So many memories of past Calderdale Hike routes!

It was hot and sweaty but perhaps not quite as hot and sunny as last year. I grabbed fruit at the CP and refilled my water. I like the next section up to Gaddings Dam and then on to Stoodley Pike but today I felt I was slow. The Tower on the Pike was open today but I could not spare the time. 

I had promised myself to run all of London Road and I pretty much did. Once past Erringden Grange I lost Lena and ploughed on downhill and into Hebden. Fortunately we avoided the town centre which was heaving. I had to check the map a few times here but was still on my own. I crossed the beck and knew that there would be an uphill through the woods and then the access road again. The paths in the woods had been flagged at junctions thankfully and I tried really hard as I did not want to be caught now. 

I finished as 1st F on the Red Rose with Lena not far behind. 6hrs 37 so not so bad. It is only typing this now that I have checked my time from last year. I thought it was just over 6hrs and so was a little disappointed but in fact it had been 6hrs 50 and this years route is marginally longer! Result. 

Despite drinking loads on the race I was so so thirsty. I refuelled with endless cups of tea, soup and even some coke. I sat in the sun enjoying myself. I did then feel a bit guilty? and a bit of a wimp not going back out on the White Rose loop but not so much that I wanted to change my mind! Maybe next year.

After the prize giving I had a brief chat with Evan and then slowly made my way back uphill to our van. It was only mid afternoon so I lay drinking and resting before deciding to go out to meet Bob. 

On Sunday we cycled as a recovery day and called in our grandsons.