Running after the DNF

 Although I was fine with only completing 130/200 miles and calling it a day I did need to prove that I was still able to run. We had a great mini holiday on the Yorkshire coast with a lazy day SUP at Runswick Bay followed by a great pub meal on a very hot day. This was followed by lots of walks along cliffs, sea birds, seals, exploring caves and finally a superb SUP near Flamborough Head with caves, puffins and so many seals.

A trip to Leeds gave me some free ours to fill and a chance to explore some new footpaths. It wasn't about times or pace just getting out there, running and finding enjoyment. I managed almost 20km and about two and a quarter hours. I explored wooded valleys, sculpture trails, Roundhay park and even a village outside the ring road. I had found my mojo.

Next was to find a bit of a challenge. The Montane shop in Lancaster along with Voom have two challenges local to me. I had done the Dunsop Dash and claimed a place on their leaderboard but not yet tackled the Dunsop Dawdle. It's about 40km with some tough climbs and some fearsome boggy bits. I waited for a reasonable day when the forecast was not torrential rain or gales. I decided to start at Parlick as it meant a much shorter drive for me. Driving over I went through a heavy downpour but then it stopped. I used the stiff climb up Startifants Lane and then up Parlick as a warm up. Starting here meant I would meet the worst of the bogs early on so there was no chance of staying dry or clean. Heading towards Totridge a heavy shower came through followed by hail. At least the wind was on my back. Most of the path was not as bad as I feared but at one pond area I tried to stick by the fence and was suddenly in boggy peaty water well above my knees. 

Not today but you get the idea

The hail stopped and I was enjoying myself. I stuck to the zig zags coming off the top and this saved my quads. There were cows with young calves in the fields but they just ignored me and I was soon on the lanes heading to Burnholme bridge. I was running well and happy with the progress I was making. At Burnholme Farm I made a mistake- the footbridge that had been closed appeared open and I took it. Despite a field of deep pasture I was soon in Dunsop Bridge and running past the play area and out to the water works road. I knew the way from here all the way back. BUT.... in taking the bridge I had unintentionally cut off a loop before the village. I only realised this much later. 

The water works road was easy running and the wet path to Whitendale no worse than usual. The climb round Middle Knoll was wet but not too bad and the field down to Brennand Farm was fine. Huge puddles covered the lane at the bottom but my feet were already wet. Ouster Rake is one of the significant climbs but the views were wonderful and the reward was a nice run down to the Trough road. A short section on the road led to Langden Intake. 

The path up Langden Brook always seems to take longer than I expect but the 'castle' came and went smoothly. The river crossings at Fiensdale were not too deep and next came the big climb up to Fiensdale Head. 

Not much running here but a steady power walk. From the col and up to Fairsnape was more runnable and knowing I was near the end spurred me on. The descent and then climb to Parlick is one of my favourite local routes- it's such a lovely swooping line. And suddenly I was back. Elapsed time 5hrs 37 mins. I moved down the slope a big and sat for a well earned rest. Hold on- it should be more then 40km not less? That's when I realised my mistake. Oh well, a good day out none the less. I'll just have to do it again. It made me believe I could do the proper route in a bit over 6hrs as it is about 3.5km more.

The weather looked reasonable for the following Sunday so off I went again. This time from Dunsop Bridge which meant I got the fastest running along the water works road done first. That went well as did the path to Whitendale and even over to Brenand Farm. Going up Ouster Rake seemed tougher but I was still moving OK and enjoyed the run down to the Trough Road and Langden. Then I felt sure I was slowing a little but it might just have been messing in my head. 

From Fiensdale Head I was more convinced that I was slowing and I am sure I struggled to run up to Fairsnape more than on the Wednesday. 

Certainly I didn't run quite so much to Parlick as this time it would not be the end. Turning towards Totridge I started getting stomach cramps- no idea why and it is not usual for me. I plodded on and avoided a swim this time. I tried to ignore the cramp but it would not go away. Eventually a toilet stop improved matters. I arrived at Burnholme Farm amazed to be only 5-10 mins down on Wednesdays time. Here though I had seriously underestimated what was left. I had woken with a stiff left knee but that had vanished. Now it was a sore left hip and glute. It stopped me from running and I bled time badly from here onwards. On the map the path up Hodder Bank Fell looked OK but it seemed to go on forever and the descent I had expected at the other side was more level than downhill. I hit the estate road before Knowlemere Manor and hoped a short run of under 2km would soon see me back. My body refused to respond and I struggled to run. Then I came across blocked stiles and even though I saw the aqueduct I failed to see the path off right. I added a bit extra along a flooded track with more blocked stiles. Eventually I crossed Thorneyholme bridge and reached Puddleducks and the play area. A disappointing 6hrs 28 I could not believe how long the last 3-4km had taken me. Ah well. Twice in a week and the first female to complete the challenge solo and faster than the group that did it. 

I refuelled at the Village Hall tea shop and so contributed to more play area improvements. A wash in the river cleaned me up but a slip bruised my foot.

Monday was meant to be a recovery walk from Abbeystead but we found the Trough road blocked and so spent the night above Chipping before a run/walk around the Parlick and Fairsnape area.

 My foot felt OK but I finished with a sore back? Starting to think I am falling apart.