The Northern Traverse just got real

I had been struggling to find the enthusiasm to do much about this race in May even though it was one my main targets for the year. Until my foot was resolved I had no idea whether I would be on the start line. Now I just have no idea whether I can get to the end! Time to start some recees.
I have plotted the whole route onto OS maps so that I can print out A4 tiles when I want to and I do have much of the route covered by 1:25000 paper maps too so I had spent some time deciding which bits were most important to recee assuming I could not just start at St Bees and do the lot. Most of the Lakes I should know or at least know where to be careful and also towards the start I am less likely to be totally alone- I hope. I should also know the Cleveland Way part but would be happiest if I have time to run this too.
First up was the eastern lakes through to Shap. I had hoped to do Kidsty Pike as an out and back from the end of Haweswater but our evening drive proved tricky and the road was icing over. We didn't want to be stuck there and I also guessed the steep edges coming off the Pike might be tricky too. It will all be thawed and gone in a week or so I expect so it didn't seem worth the risk.

Back to Kidsty Pike from Odendale

There seemed little point running along Haweswater- surely you can't get lost there. It left me with a shorter run from Burnbanks through to Shap.  I did first trek back to the lakes side path just to check it was as I remembered and was rewarded by spotting red squirrels at play. From here moving east the route took me onto new areas and it was good to explore. I started fairly early and much of the ground was semi frozen. Towards Shap I recognised bits from other races and as it got warmer the ground got more boggy.

Shap Abbey from the 3 Rings of Shap

I found it all without any errors but it was good to check some lines and be certain where gates and stiles were. It took less time than I had predicted so I found the van but no husband. Luckily the village toilets were warm and I popped into the New Balance shop. By the time Bob appeared and we had bought each other Valentines presents in the shop the weather had taken a severe turn for the worse.
Shap to Oddendale I know well and Oddendale across the tops to Orton I have done may times as training runs.

One of our favourite van stops and running areas

I had hoped to go up to Orton and run the next bit but there seemed little point doing so in gales and blizzard conditions. Still, a tiny bit of the NT was done and I had made a start. It also meant we were back in time to join Lostock AC for their Horwich Street O event and then after a day of chores to climb on Friday morning and set off again.
The plan was 3 days to do more of the NT. Friday afternoon was planned as Orton (the moor above the village) to Kirkby Stephen. It would be mostly low level and there should be plenty of time before dark even if I moved slowly. I made notes as I ran as this could be dark during the race and knowing to 'aim for the white house' etc helps when you are tired.

Writing little notes slowed me down but I no know this section is pretty runnable even in the dark and I sorted out a couple of dodgy nav bits.

Some was on deserted lanes and farm tracks but lots was on grassy paths that are a feature of this area where the bedrock is limestone. I had done the first couple of miles before but forgotten.

A highlight was the area around Smardale Bridge with views to the viaduct but also to the Howgills and high Pennines.

A fair bit was well signed with finger posts but by no means all of it. Dropping into KS was easy and I found the rugby club with no problems.

I was early after just 21km of running so I explored to Franks Bridge on the other side of this small market town.

I was pretty sure I would recognise it from The Yomp and I did. I was back at the van and changed before Bob reappeared (I had taken a key today). At Franks Bridge was a useful sign - 82 miles done and 108 of the Coast to Coast to go!
Saturday would see me climb into the hills. Sadly the forecast was not quite as good but neither was it awful. I couldn't actually see the hills in the morning and so was unsure how much snow or ice to expect. I made and early start and ditched my kahtoolas in the hope that I could avoid any icy paths on the way up to Nine Standards.

The first few miles were easy nav and up the lane that is a dead end onto the moor. I met a farmer who seemed quite surprised anybody else was up and about and even more surprised that I was on my own and heading to Reeth. The main track had a few icy patches but they were easily avoided. Higher up the path was obscured by snow drifts in a few places. Some of the snow supported my weight but in others I broke through to bog, icy streams of just heather.

Murky and cold on Nine Standards

The vis was pretty poor but the low cloud didn't really produce any rain, it just seemed to wet me from the air. It was chill but not really cold. The next section bothered me a little as I knew the tops were pretty featureless and snow was obscuring the paths. At one point I found the new flag-stone path but then as it twisted round a boggy section I lost it under snow drifts again. In the end I opted for running south ish on a compass bearing and picking up bits of paths the best I could. I knew not to go east into the bog and wilds of Whitsun Dale and knew not to go too far right or I would drop steeply to the road. It worked out fine and as I dropped slowly I found the pillar marked on the map and could see the road down to my left. Then there was a finger post and a shooting track. Even better the track led to a hut that was open. I stopped briefly for food before heading on to Ravenseat which seemed very isolated. I was now out of the murky weather and off the bog- although not off the mud.

 The path into the main valley of Swaledale was slow at first but then as I neared Keld it improved lots and my speed picked up.

 I also started meeting just a few people out walking. After Crackpot Hall ruin the path got smaller again and near Swinner Gill had quite a serious drop into the gorge. Hopefully I won't be there in the dark.

It was a  tough climb out of the gill at first but then I met the new flagstone steps. Nice grippy gritstone ones too!  There was some snow but it wasn't at all icy here. Towards the top of East Grain stream there was more snow but by now I was on a big track which dropped me into Gunnerside Gill. It wouild be easy to get carried away running down the track and I made careful note of the cairns and small path off to the left. Here I met deeper drifts of wet snow and footprints that on me were thigh deep. Fortunately it was a short section. Having crossed the river there seemed to be many paths going up onto the moor. I chose an early one to avoid dropping to the ruins and hoped this would be OK as far as James the RO was concerned.

Towards the top I met posts and cairns so perhaps it was correct. The top was like a moonscape of old mine workings and rock waste.

A big track through this area made easy running and I was soon heading towards the pleasantly named barney Beck. All the buildings here were locked but some did have some shelter and seating. Immediately after crossing the minor road I made a small error (mainly because I was too lazy to dig out the 1:25000 map from my sack). I quickly realised I was too low and close to the river. Luckily there was a stile over the wall and I was able to get back on route and another good path then track that would lead me to the moor above Reeth.

Hard to believe it was the same day after the snowy tops

A walled footpath led me down to the village but again I missed a small path that cut the corner. It was warm in Reeth and The Green which I had expected to be fairly quiet at this time of year was packed. Bob had only just found a parking place for the van. I stripped off my wet socks and shoes and then we went exploring. It is a picturesque village.

 Even better though was the Dales Cycle Shop. We missed Stu Smith by less than 5 minutes but did have a very nice coffee and piece of cake. Not a bad day - some useful notes taken, 37km run and a whole new area explored.
Sunday was shorter and easier in that is was flatter. Knowing that if I started early we could get home before the end of weekend traffic I set off early. It was chilly. Luckily the first section was along a minor lane so I was able to up the pace and get warm. Then there was the ancient path from the ruined Priory up to Marrick leading me up into the sun and more warmth. A strange roundabout but well signed route got me through the tiny village and out onto grassy fields. There were boggy bits but mostly it was good running. The drop down the road to Marske was steep and just slightly slippery where the sun had not reached.

 Then more field paths led me to the limestone cliffs of Applegarth. The grassy paths were a joy but sadly ended and became a muddy track in the final woods before Richmond. In no time I was descending to the river and looking for the final paths to the main road and the side road up to the rugby club.

 It was freezing down by the river- the coldest I had been all day.

The lane up to the CP was steep but Bob had found space to park despite the rugby game. I stopped for a coffee and food - 17km or so done. I only had maps to do another 10km to Bolton on Swale. The paths here were ploughed and a total mud fest. I tried to run but was anxious not to fall and get coated in mud. Luckily as the route diverted away from the river (official diversion to avoid A1 roadworks) I left the fields and joined a lane. It wasn't great to run along the A6136 and over the A1 but at least there was a wide pavement and it wasn't long before I dropped back onto the river side path which thankfully was grassy and not more ploughed fields.

I found the van and stripped off my socks and shoes again. 28km done today and no major nav issues. It would have been nice to carry on to the A19 and the Osmotherly area but I had no maps and it would also be good to get home at a reasonable hour.

February update and moving on

So the MRI came and went and then so did the consultant appointment. No nueroma showed up and whilst the guy was polite, pleasant and apologetic nothing was really resolved. I didn't know whether to be happy or upset. No surgery was good and would mean I could get on and enter races, make plans etc but it also suggested no change from the discomfort and at times pain. All that waiting for much of Dec and all of January.........No alternative diagnosis offered and no solution.
So time to man up and move on!
Fortunately only two days later was the Anglezarke Amble and I had entered in the hope of running. I had not been out training as much as I would have liked and the forecast was awful but I was determined to run. It's fairly local for me and I know the paths from training runs. Now that they have separate starts for the walkers and runners I even got a lie in. I was still early and this gave me time to hand over a box of new Runfurther postcards to Nick and chat to people. The RO warned of snow and ice - just when I had decided not to take my kahtoolas. I was more worried about staying warm and dry. In the end I started with over-trousers on and it was a good call. Albert shot past very early on, then Josie and also Isaline. Nick was up ahead but in sight. I was very slow up through the Japanese gardens and not much better onto the Pike. It was chilly and wet but bearable. There was not enough frozen ground for kahtoolas but more than enough to make me wary and timid. I lost time on the big track to Pikes Cottage, gained some up to the mast on Winter Hill but then was a total wuss on the descent.

Sunny Belmont- not today

 I wasn't alone and could see Abi just ahead. My legs were struggling and I just wasn't fit enough. Using the gym to improve my upper body for climbing and also using the cycles and treadmills there is clearly no real replacement for getting out and running! I was despite the weather and being slow enjoying myself in that weird way that we do. I did contemplate switching to the shorter route at the marker post but knew that I would regret it later. My gloves were soaked but I wasn't really that cold and my smart wool base layer really seemed to be keeping my core warm. I got a good line across the last moor before the Entwistle CP and reached this with Abi, Wendy Doods and others. The CP had been relocated when their cars could not negotiate the lane early that morning but they were ready with food and even cups of tea. I grabbed some cake and plodded on. I lost sight of Abi when I stopped for a toilet break and spent most of the run through to Cadshaw and then up onto Darwen Moor on my own.

Lancashire's rocket in summer

The path was wetter than I had ever seen it (which is saying something as it is very rarely dry) and the deep puddles had broken ice on the top but also slimey slush on the bottom. I was back on home turf now and enjoyed heading to Darwen Tower.

I knew I was slower than usual but was feeling happier. There was no self clip at the Tower again (because it is a LDWA challenge event and not a race they don't see it as important but I do wonder how many take a short cut across the moor). Before I knew it I was heading down to Slipper Lowe and more food. A cup of tea and a quick chat with Jane and I was off. Standing still was too chilly and I felt for Alan who was waiting for Mick. One last major climb now - Great Hill.

The West Pennine Moors- wild but beautiful

Again, it was a bog fest but a lovely run down to White Coppice.

No puddles, mud or ice on that day

This must be one of the prettiest cricket grounds in the UK and the CP was well stocked. Friends marshalling here had asked what runners wanted and I had replied savoury! I left with cheese, potatoes and tomatoes. Fuelled up for the last 4 miles. This was mostly lower and sheltered although it was into the wind along the Anglezarke area. I was now actually overtaking a few people, including Abi who had jarred her knee.

Nearly back (and running the wrong way for this race)

I spotted Nick up ahead but never quite reeled him in. He finished less than a minute ahead of me. It was a PW but I was happy to be out, to have run the long route and not bailed to the short and to have taken care of myself staying warm and mostly dry. Clean dry clothes were some sorted and then the serious business of post race food which here is hot pot with all the trimmings, bread, gallons of tea and cake. As always there were loads of friends to chat to. Wendy appeared muttering about the cold and wet, she was recovering from the cold/flu bugs we have all had.

2017 had more snow

She thought it was as bad as the famous Hardmoors 55 whereas I really hadn't thought it so bad at all - just Lancashire in February on a wet day. By the time I left to return to the car it wasn't even raining so much. It was far too wet to risk my camera- I have ruined two in the last 3 years so the photos are what it can be like!

2018 A year full of uncertainty

It is almost the end of January and I have not run much and have entered very little. I feel in a sort of limbo state. I know I cannot just ignore my foot but trying to get it resolved is making me wish I could just ignore it and hope for the best. I was told to expect an MRI appointment in early/mid Jan so we didn't go skiing, just in case. The NHS 'crisis' soon meant that date seemed unlikely (and I am not complaining as meant patients are much worse off). Then a date of 28 Jan appeared - but it is now too late to ski this month and the consultant appointment is 8 Feb so now space in between and then it is half term...... you get the idea. Oh and I had some sort of flu/chest infection that has left me weak and coughing. I have entered The Northern Traverse in May )as I had a discount from marshalling) and really want to do it but I have no idea if my foot will be solved by then, nevermind the lack of training in the run up.  Uncertainty is starting to get to me.
On the plus side... got to look for the positives.... my frost nipped toes seem to have recovered, we have joined the climbing wall and gym so can go daily for no extra cost. This means my climbing is improving and I am discovering exercises I should be able to do to stay fit even if my foot is operated on.
I have been out for a few slow runs- checking out the new Calderdale Hike route, checking street O map and controls plus an attempt at a long hill run when I had to sit down for a rest! Then I spotted a race entry for the Hebden on sale. OK, lets give it a go. I have done this twice before but not for 4 years. I looked up my times; 4hrs 13 and 4 hrs 22. Surely I can manage to run slowly for that long.
The forecast deteriorated as the week progressed so Bob decided not to come and I cannot really say I blame him. So instead of being in the van on Friday night I drove across early on Saturday. I didn't sleep well as I think I was worried about icy roads.  By 7am I was in a very icy Mytholmroyd car park and skating my way to the church hall. I was early enough to treat myself to tea and toast and still have time for a toilet visit before the queues.

Chatting to so many friends meant it was very soon nearly 8am and time to move outside. The start is now round the corner in the station car park. It  was nippy but not freezing. I probably had too much clothing on but was worried that I might not be moving very fast. It wasn't long before Albert came skipping past and then Josie and Tony shot off too. I settled into what I thought was a comfortable pace for me but was struggling a bit even this early. As we climbed towards Old Town I felt better and ran more, except where I feared black ice or slippery bits.

Love LDWA events and cake

Somewhere on the next section I skidded a bit and pulled my groin. I stopped to rub it and bending over set off what we think is a hernia, twice. I tried to run but it was run a bit, walk a bit all the way down to Hardcastle crags and along to Gibson Mill.

I was going so slowly that I ignored the stepping stones and went to the bridge

People I can usually beat came running past but there was little I could do. I thought about stopping but I was sort of enjoying the snowy scenery and decided to try to jog round the best I could. It was interesting running with different people for a change.There was a guy in shorts with tattoos and I made a plan to stick with him.
I almost went wrong as I missed a sneaky left turn but luckily a runner shouted. Then on the concrete track down to CP3 I had to stop for a pee.

The best stollen!

 My groin and abdomen still felt a bit dodgy at the CP so I grabbed a piece of cake and dashed off before I could decide to retire there. Shorts man was still in sight and I worked hard to keep it that way. He got ahead as I stopped to chat to Dave Bradshaw who must have wondered why I was so slow, walking and even happy to stop and chat.

Climbing up onto Stoodley Moor I started to reel in a few runners and this lifted my spirits a little.

The tops were snowy but I was cosy and concentrated on chasing the shorts as I wasn't sure I could remember the way into the woods. The woodland path was a bit slippy and shorts man got away. I left the CP where the two routes diverge alone and hoped I could remember the way. Luckily yes and then I caught my friend again. We ran together through to the pub at Crag Vale and up onto the final moor. Julian was taking numbers at the CP and I was starting to feel better. Then as I rounded the track bend I spotted orange fluro shorts and a white cag. It had to be Nick.

This gave me another boost and so after a quick photo I shot off running.

Next I spotted Wally who had earlier commented that I must be taking it very easy if he was overtaking me. I managed to stick with him all the way to the end but couldn't quite bring myself to try hard and overtake him on the final road.  As we started to descend to the valley the snow vanished and the thick mud began.

Contouring along the final scarp edge was interesting as was the final footpath before the cycle track. Here I spotted Linda ahead. I was now boiling but too close to the finish to fret about taking a layer off.
The time was a PW by almost 20 minutes but at CP3 I expected a PW of over an hour so I guess I did make up for some lost time. Tony finished in 4hrs 13 (my fastest time) and Josie in 4hrs 20 so perhaps the mud slowed us a bit. Given how much I walked in the middle section I was surprised not to be further behind.
I took my time eating, drinking and chatting in the hall. Where else can you  have mulled wine, pie and peas, a huge apple crumble and custard and also have your empty plates whisked away. I was finally introduced to my double.

I knew there was another Karen Nash and I knew we even had the exact same birth date as it had caused confusion with results and a race entry in the past. It was lovely to meet her and chat.
I couldn't face walking back to the car for a shower and then back to the hall to eat and then back to the car to go home. A quick change into warm dry clothing on the stage had to do. Driving home the sun came out! and then my foot started to hurt. At first I was worried the frost nip effect had returned but it seems it was just the mortons neuroma? and a very bruised big toe nail. I seem to be collecting injuries and if I was a race horse they would have put me down by now. Still, I enjoyed my day out and was glad I hadn't given up. Something about being out on the hills even in iffy weather always makes me feel better about everything. Putting climbing shoes on tomorrow should be interesting though.I think I have missed Rombald's entries but the next LDWA should be Anglezarke Amble and then maybe Peeler's and Two Crosses.

Tour de Helvellyn

This race will always have a special place in my heart. It was the 62nd ultra in my crazy year of multiple ultras but there are so many more reasons too..... It rounds off my racing year, the organisation is low key but spot on, the food is fantastic with real food on the way round and real home made food at the end. Why else do we run ultras except to eat well afterwards? I always know I will meet friends and it isn't actually that far from home. This year I ended up travelling up on Saturday morning, alone in my car, which was different to our usual habit of sleeping in the van on the start line. As I walked into the hall Tony, Albert and Josie were about to set off- damn, I was just not ready to go just yet. Finally I like the race because I know it will be tough and test me. This year just turning up was about 50/50  after frost nip in Nepal damaged my toes and the likely mortons neuroma on my foot got progressively worse. I was quite worried that cold wet feet from the snow would cause me pain but also maybe damage my toes more permanently ( if you have never suffered you won't understand just how painful it is). I am seeing a new consultant on Monday about the neuroma  and as the forecast was OK (although not as good as it had been earlier in the week) I decided to fit in one last run in case what he has planned means no running for a while. Sounds a bit melodramatic but the discomfort and pain have really started to get to me towards the end of this year.
My plan was to start at around 8am so that I would not need a torch on the way out and maybe not on the way back either if all went well. The walk up from the icy wood-yard had been chilly so I kept most of my layers on . It was interesting to see runners in more clothes than even me and yet others in shorts and T shirts. At the kit check with Shane I joked that he needn't do more than lift my sack - to weigh that much I clearly hadn't skimped on gear. Starting on my own meant I could ease into the first climb out of the village with no pressure. I could see others just ahead and in fact I caught Heather as we went through the gate and onto the common, just before Nicky and a friend overtook me.  I love the grassy tracks and paths across Askham Common and the icy was only patchy and very easily avoided for now. I concentrated on keeping my feet dry and warm. I had a cag plus hat and gloves on and was aware I was getting damp but I think it was all just mist and clag not really raining. Dropping off the common there was slightly more ice on the paths but it was still avoidable and didn't slow me down much. By now I was hooked in behind Tony and ??? ( i must ask Josie) and using them to tow me along. I played cat and mouse with them and a few others for much of the day. I dropped to the lakeside and then took the road up to Martindale church as I remembered the alternative path as boggy. I don't think it makes much difference time-wise really.The road  meant slightly more climb and had a few greasy patches. My poorly feet had forced me to wear the oldest and widest trainers I could find but naturally they had almost no tread left on them! A quick scan at the church CP and we were off on a short road section. It wasn't long before this morphed into the track and path to Boredale Hause and we were passing some runners who had set off earlier than us. I lost some time on the descent to Patterdale. I am becoming a real slow coach in old age on steeper descents especially if there is any rock. I caught most people up again at Side Farm as we stopped to be scanned and also grabbed some food (cheese, tomatoes, crisps) and a cup of tea. I set off munching malt loaf. Yum. I made good time along the valley floor and then it was the steady climb up to Greenside mines. The race is relatively unusual in having an open start window of a couple of hours. It is nice to have people to chase down and as others come flying past it also means you see more of both the slower runners and the elite end of the field. Somewhere on the climb Katie, Caspar and Tom came past me and then I caught Chris H. I had not seen him for ages and it was good to chat. After the mines there was deeper snow and before long I stopped to put my kathoolas on. Not much point just carrying them and my worn out shoes were giving me no real grip. They gave me the confidence to move a bit faster, although speed is a relative thing.

I missed the best direct line up but was soon on well trodden snow and in sight of Stu and his bridge.

 Later I believe it got sunny here but for now it was all fogged up with a watery sun not making much impression.

You couldn't see how far up Sticks Pass was, just a straggled line of runners disappearing into the gloom.

The compacted snow was good for running and I was enjoying myself.

There were skiers and snow boarders having fun or flogging up in the hope of fun.

Then suddenly we were at the top and I prepared myself for losing more places again on the descent. Even in kathoolas I was a bit timid although in fairness my big toes were now wet and cold and so painful.A quick scan with Shane and it was onward on the rocky muddy path to Swirls car park. More real food and another cup of tea plus a quick moan to Gaynor (sorry) about the state of my foot. Then the seemingly endless forest track.... I was too lazy to stop and take off the kathoolas and they were not as uncomfortable as I expected. I was keeping Tony etc in sight but now also had a chat with Steve W as I passed and then spotted another Steve W up ahead - it took me until the bottom of Grisedale to catch him but I did eventually. In the meantime we had Raise Beck to climb. There was some ice but not so much. Part way up was John Bamber in full Santa gear with his camera and then the top and Grisedale |Tarn appeared.

 It looked amazing but the path was less consistent than at Sticks Pass and the danger of some deep holes slowed me down. Here runners split.

 I should perhaps have gone down the grassy bit towards the stream as I was definitely not fast on the icy rocky path, The vis was now clear and I could see all the way to the bridge so it would have been safe and perhaps faster. It was at the bridge where I took kathholas off that I eventually caught Steve W and trotted off happily on the big wide track. The lure of more food at Side farm was pulling me on. Along the main road in Patterdale a car honked it's horn- Stu on his way to Side Farm but he didn't offer me a lift. One think that long ultras has taught me is positive thinking so as well as the food and another cup of tea at the CP I was buoyed up by the thought of only having to  climb Boredale Hause not Place Fell!

It should only be 2 hours or so from here. Yay!  The stop for a cup of tea was well worth while. I had been thirsty at Grisedale and drunk from streams and even sucked some snow.

Now I concentrated on keeping up with some and catching others. The descent was easier than I expected and apart from 100m or so was easy and fast running. The lane seemed so much longer than on the way out this morning even though the first half was gently downhill.  Then up and up to Martindale church but knowing that the last real climb was now done.

I missed the best line down to the lake but was soon on the path by the wall and heading back to Akham Common. I concentrated hard on picking runners off and had some success although at least one runner did pass me.

 I ran well over the common, past the cockpit and on to the skyline that would drop me to Askham. I must have put just a bit too much effort in because at the fell gate it all fell apart and at least 5 who I had overtaken caught me and headed off to the village. I was tired and even though the end was close I struggled to make myself run. I knew my chance of a PB had faded up at the fell gate but as I headed down to the village in ever thickening mist I hoped I could make sure it was not a PW. No torch was needed and I was back in 8hrs 27. So not a PW. Not a great time perhaps but I was happy and I later found I could have kept up with Tony and Josie after all.
Soup, real brown bread, more soup and then 3 cups of tea and I started to feel normal.  A relaxing chat with Tony, Albert and Josie with ore tea and cake before I suddenly started to feel chilly. A quick escape to the toilets to strip off damp layers and get my feet warm and dry made me happy again. The walk back to the wood-yard seemed twice as long even though it was now down hill and even though the road was not icy as I had feared. I got the car heater blasting hard and then realised the harm it was doing to my frost nipped toes. I nearly stopped at Tebay services as the pain in my right foot was so intense but instead coasted the downhill as I massaged my foot and turned the heater down. Tony et al shot past me at Sedburgh but  despite the mist it was an easy and fairly short drive home.
Not a bad day out to end the racing season. Thanks to all at Nav 4. I enjoyed the local beer that evening too.