We arrived home from Somerset late on Christmas Eve. Great to have seen mum and dad plus brother and his family again. Delivered elder son to his girlfriends  - the appeal of small children, excitement and getting up early on Christmas Day? We then got home and relaxed. Younger son opened presents with us, at a very civilised hour, but then wanted a lift to his girlfriends. After sherry and mince pies there we set off for some fun in the fresh air. Pendle was shrouded in low cloud but it was hardly raining. What wind and drizzle there was hit our backs and went almost un-noticed.

 

We don't normally run at the same speed but it was good to have my husband for company today and I never did get all that far ahead. He had suggested I get out and run up from Pendleton- but I am glad I used the boggy fields as an excuse not to today.We didn't pass many others but there were at least 3 other runners out having fun. Although it was wet underfoot it wasn't that boggy and the good path made for easy running. Long before the flag stones we were in the clag.

 

I shot off up to the trig point and tried to take a photo on self-timer only to watch in horror as my camera got blown off the top just as it started to flash and take my photo. It was with trepidation that I turned it back on but it seems OK thankfully despite bouncing on rocks and getting wet. To get a photo of both of us I built a 'fort' on top of the trig.

Then we parted company- Bob retraced his foot steps while I shot off north, over the wall and along the ridge to the shelter and big scout cairn. Turning into the wind and rain was a bit of a shock but it gave my new waterproof gloves a good test and once I put some effort in I was warm as toast. It was just as wet and I expected but not so boggy. Shame there were no views across to Bowland and the 3 Peaks but I did have the whole ridge to myself. I successfully picked up the broken stone wall and headed back to the main path and joined it just behind Bob who had been on an unplanned detour of his own. The run down the main path and back to the Nick is always a joy - not steep, few rocks or tussocks - easy running.

We had planned for rain and taken the van but weren't as wet as we had dreaded so after sheddding muddy shoes we leapt in and headed home for alcohol and food! I am sure it tastes better when you feel you have earned it and have worked up a bit of an appetite. I managed to test 2 Christmas

presents in the outing  - the afore mentioned waterproof gloves and also a new slim line garmin. Both were a success. I have an old forerunner201 and it is great mainly because it has  a long battery life making it suitable for ultras. BUT it is enormous on my wrist and so I hate wearing it unless I am going to be out for 6 hours plus and have no real choice. The new one is a lovely lime green, barely bigger than my usual wrist watch and is almost idiot proof- the fewer buttons the better!  

 

 

 

The VERY last run before Christmas

It was not until Friday evening that I was 100% of attending this but I am so glad that I turned up. Preston Harriers run up Paddy's Pole every solstice and set off a firework. I had never managed to make this as we have always been away skiing. I had misgivings as I had to be up early for a long drive on Saturday but decided that if I drove, rather than take the minibus option, all would be well. We assembled at Fell Foot in the dark and within minutes I knew I had made the right decision. What a lovely bunch of men. I had not seen some for months was but was greeted with a smile just the same. We jogged off up the lane and into the night. John, ever safety conscious, tried to count us through the gate. It was nice to plod up Parlic without worrying about a race position and to have the chance to chat and catch up on gossip. Once on this first peak it was easy running to the trig point and shelter. We shouted Merry Christmas at the Bowland folk running down in the opposite direction and then assembled at the cairn. Roy and Joe sorted out the rocket- and we all prayed for a vertical lift off this time (and that MR would not think it was a distress flare). Pete and Alan showed how organised they were with flasks of mulled wine for us to share while Gordan handed round the stollen. More calories eaten than expended I suspect but hey ho! By now it had clagged in a fair bit so we retraced our steps and ran back to the vehicles before a quick change and regroup at the Sun Inn. Beer and hot pot followed. Yum.It was tempting to stay..... but that was why I had arrived by car! No more beer allowed and a fairly early night, but not before I had renewed some frienships and had a good natter. Thanks for a lovely evening Mick.

Last runs before Christmas

Still no more ultras.. combination of a cold, work and weather (yes, bit of a woos there). On Wednesday night I got an early preview run of our next street orienteering event. My husband had done all the planning but wanted the map and control sheet checking, plus he needs my help on the night. I drove to the start and waited for dark, which didn't take long. It was a bit frosty but not too bad. I had a couple of 'moments' on steeper paved corners but no scares or tumbles. It might have been better if I had worked later and run later- it was plenty dark but I had forgotten about rush hour traffic so crossing roads was a pain. I also managed to scare some people by running up behind them panting hard and with a very bright head torch. Having checked the map from two years ago I decided I would do 75 mins this time not 60. The map is crossed by a large dual carriageway which is out of bounds and I felt this would give me the option of crossing it and still having time to do a lop and get back. In the end I didn't cross it all but tried to collect pretty much all the controls on the eastern side. I didn't notice the cold once I got running and managed not to get confused or lost on an area I do not know very well. Quite a pleasing run on the whole. It was also worth my checking as I did find one small error and one potentially dangerous control which has now been resited. On Saturday I had a slower jog around the other half of the map to check that. well, I checked most of it before getting very wet and giving up.
I had been looking forward to Sunday and the last mini MM for some time. I had even managed to get a lift there and back and the forecast was good. Sadly it did quite pan out as I had hoped. I struggled to run form the start. Thought perhaps I was hungry so ate but was then sick..... And it didn't get much better. My brain wouldn't work so I made some poor choices and then spent some time looking for a control on a tor top when it was 100m or so down the slope on a spring! Sitting down feeling dizzy wasted even more time. I did nearly give up as I felt so ropey but by then the shortest way back to the finish was past some controls anyway. Crossing the top I hit my first patch of ice in a huge grough. I went crashing down getting very wet and muddy.

 Decided this was far too glum and depressing so have edited with 2 photos - happy memories running on Kinder when the boys thought it was hilarious to get very muddy!

Worse though I bashed my shoulder and my head and broke the ice and cut my hand. It clearly was not my day! Under two minutes later and I went down again. I was now getting fed up. The cuts were fairly superficial but would not stop bleeding. I looked sorry site running with my arm stuck out and blood dripping off the end. I collected a couple more easy controls and called it a day. I knew I was missing between 15 and 45 points but I had had enough. Still I got back inside the 4 hours so at least I didn't lose any points. It will not be my best run and was a very poor effort after such a good run at Coniston. Thanks very much to Charmian for making me a cup of tea. Sorry to Mick for being so grumpy when he shouted Hello. Thanks and Sorry to Mandy - for taking the runfurther prizes and for having them thrown at her as she crossed the finish line. One to put down to experience and be grateful that it was at least dry and even sunny! I'll be back for more.

Still no more ultras

I was feeling better and the rain stopped so I cycled to work.. and came off on the ice. Fortunately nobody saw and I did not hurt myself much. My cold was then replaced by an irritating cough so not much running. Sunday was forecast to be cold but dry so I took up my invitation to join the Calder Valley runners on their 3 hour winter score event. I had great fun and had to concentrate as I did not really know the area. After a hesitant start and then ending up under, rather than on top of the viaduct, things improved. I was struggling to breath and run but the views were fantastic. I probably didn't make the best choices of controls to collect but had a wonderful time and got round without slipping on any ice and without getting seriously lost. The food afterwards was very welcome and it was good to chat. Mid week was the next of our winter street orienteering events so for 75 mins I ran my heart out. I actually had a pleasing run and did not cough once, until I finished.
The weekend was rather mixed. An introductory walk with my DoE group did not really get me any exercise and I was missing the night O as well. Saturday evening was the Runfurther prizegiving. A lovely evening with talks, food, prizes and a chance to catch up with friends. I really owe Karen and Si such a huge thank you for all their work with the series. It has given me such wonderful days out, new races to try and so many new friends. It was the end of an era with them handing over to mark and Jon- lots of relieved faces as we can now rest happy that the series is in good hands. Although I missed the run I was very pleased to find that Jon had completed his 50@50 and still managed to get to the meal. He was full of support for my plans next year.  I had hoped to run the Derbyshire edges on Sunday but the wind and rain rocked the van all night with no sign of a let up in the morning. My cold had somehow refreshed it self and I felt dreadful anyway. By the time we were close to Preston theer was blue sky so I jumped out at the motorway junction and ran the last 7-8 miles home on the Guild Wheel in the sunshine. Not an ultra, all paved but better than no running at all. Now all I need to do is get rid of the cold readu for next weekend.

Not the best week!

I guess it was inevitable. As a teacher to make it through to almost the end of November without catching a cold from some ***** little person is quite amazing, perhaps running gives us extra resistance to germs? That resistance ended on the 20th.  I almost decided not to go to our Wednesday night Steet orienteering but my competetive nature got the better of me. I thought I had a fairly mediocre run so was pleased but rather surprised to find I had done quite well. I did actually feel better, for a few hours, after the run. Must be the sea air in Morecambe. I struggled through to the end of the week with a banging headache and sore throat. Odd- I looked fine and felt awful, where as this week with a streaming cold I look awful but feel OK really. I stopped cycling to work- not much persuasion needed there considering the wind and rain. By the weekend I felt a bit better and was very frustrated to see dry sunny weather and to be stuck with a 2 day Outdoor First Aid course. The course was good fun and very helpful but I felt trapped. Luckily help was at hand in the form of the first night orienteering of the winter. Caton Moor was always going to be wet under foot after the months rain but predictably the wdry weather ended as I set off up the motorway on Saturday tea time. Once out and running it wasn't so bad- except for the 'bounce back' effect rain has on torch beams. It gave me an hour of running the best I can while navigating in the dark and slipping across muddy slopes or tussocks. It was not the most sociable event- having stripped and changed in the car I shot off with the heater on full blast, but I was glad to get out and enjoyed the challenge.
I did n't cycle yesterday and felt very guilty.. until work ended and the rain started again. Today though was dry. Yes, a chance for some exercise and a cycle to work and back.
So not much ultra running recently.

An experiment

Having failed to get an entry for the Wensleydale Wedge I was disappointed but determined to make the most of what promised to be another mostly dry weekend. In preparation for next year I thought perhaps I ought to check that I really could do two ultras in a weekend without my body making too many protests.
Saturdays experiment used the Anglezarke Amble route- it is local and I know it well. PLus my husband was coming mountain biking. This could be a route I use next year when I have no race or event but need an ultra. It is only 24 miles but it is easy to add in some extra at the end on lovely trails by the reservoir. They are only a little undulating, compared to the rest of the route, and work well as an out and back. Having waited for the clag to clear we headed for Chorley and tried not to get depressed at the thick cloud obscuring Winter Hill. Once parked I leapt out and was off, worried that it might get dusk before I returned.


 Well before the Pike I had stripped off hat, gloves and cag. The views over the south Lancashire Plain with rapidly rising and dispersing cloud were superb. Shortly after crossing the Belmont road I got a taste of how wet and boggy today was going to be and en route to Turton it got dire (although at least the scary cows were missing). As I was cursing yet another stumble and mid thigh soaking my phone rang. I don't usually carry it but had been persuaded. Just as well it was my husband pointing out I had not taken a van key and so if I got back before him I would need to stand in the cold and wait. Damn. He galantly tried to catch me up all the way round but it was quicker running given the state of paths and bridleways today, plus he had taken a more leisurely start. I made good time to the Strawberry Duck but then seemed to slow on the big track to Cadshaw. Time for food. I am not good at food and running- both I love, just not together. It seemed to work and despite the headwind I ploughed on to Darwen Moor and the Tower.
 For me this always signifies the home stretch- a bit daft as there is lots to go but it is the outer limit of lots of our training runs and so makes me feel closer to the end. The good track allowed me to make up some lost time and contemplate the bog awaiting me when I crossed the Bolton road.


 It was no worse than I expected so I munched more food and soon saw the shelter cross and views back to Preston. It's down hill all the way to White Coppice so that was a joy. I did not realise at the time but my husband even with detours to avoid footpaths had now almost caught me up.  Before long I had crossed the lanes and was under Anglezarke quarry. Not far now. The last field is notoriously wet but after the bogs of today it seemed quite dry in comparison. Route complete. Now all I needed was a quick check that the van was still locked and a trot down to the Castle and back. It's not really a Castle but a folly. It was harder than I expected but I kept myself amused checking out all the Go Ape gear and trying to calculate min/mile pace etc. The ancient Garmin I had dug out was not performing well. I got back to the van with just enough time to check the map and Bob arrived with the keys. Perfect timing.

Sunday did not dawn with the cloudless blue skies I had anticipated but by 11 it was looking more promising. I had been meaning to run the Guild Wheel for some time, so now was my chance. It is a circular 21 mile route built to celebrate this years Preston Guild. Most is tarmac or light gravel so it would be fast going and hard on the feet. At least there wouldn't be any bogs. Being able to run from the door almost made up for the tarmac. The first 5 miles are my cycle route to work and I had cycled the rest a number of times.It is well used but that made for lots of hellos and good afternoons and a little competetiveness between me and some of the more recreational cyclists. By Brockholes and the Ribble I knew I could not only make it back before dusk but also add in a couple of extra miles down the old tram way. The park was busy but people and bikes thinned out after that and I used the miles markers to keep up my motivation. The last mile is all up hill- we should live somewhere else! Still, job done. I cheated really because I think I did 24 miles not the 'needed' 27 but I now know my body will manage two ultras back to back, especially if the second is relatively easy and neither are at race pace.
Next time on both routes I will take a camera.

RAB mini

With no ultra on the cards I decided I would enter what is left of the RAB mini MM series. I had missed the first as it clashed with the LDMT but could make the next three. I guess I should have entered earlier and shown some support because the late November one has been cancelled due to low numbers. Round 2 was Coniston- fells I know quite well and scene of the first SLMM that I did partnering one of my sons. Good memories. I was pleased I had bothered digging out my old map as the start location was very similar and I even headed out up the same hills. After a steep start I realised I had made a planning error and needed to drop a long way to collect a control- nothing for it so head down, blast into valley and then stomp all the way back up. Other than this I was mostly pleased with my route, although my route choice from 9-10 was not the best. I tried to stick with  or pick off other runners to keep my speed up and this did work well. Overall a pleasing run, which with the benefit of hindsight and armchair planning could have been improved to get another 20 points and joint 2nd place.  Score events always lead to lots of ifs and buts, well they do for me. Fours hours of good running and fantastic views. Yet another dry run!! It was a well organised event and a great event centre to socialise in afterwards.