The start of 2024

 It kicked off on 1stJan at my orienteering club's annual New Year Cracker.  A fairly low key event where controls are not too technical- ideal for me. There was lots of fast running terrain too so the only issue was deciding how much I could manage in the allotted time and making sure I was not late back. It went well in good weather and I had fun. Afterwards I went for a walk run out onto Helsington and Scout Scar to meet Bob. 

I have kept my promise to myself of attempting more Night Orienteering- in terrain, not just the Street O. I don't find it easy but I am sure the concentration and practice will benefit my nav and keep the skills from being lost altogether. It is so easy today to simply load up OS maps on my phone and press the little button that says You are here! The first event went quite well even though it followed a fairly tough day on the Coniston Fells.

It was cold but dry and although hesitant in the forest at times I did not get lost. I missed the next event despite my over ambitious hopes of fitting it in after an Ultra race but made the following one. Again this was on a new area to me, a big disadvantage compared to many of those running. I made a complete hash of CP1 thinking the map looked easy. In my defence I became muddled in part because the line led me to CP4 which in the dark and my haste looked like 1. By the time I had wandered about trying to make it all fit I was starting to panic. Once sorted the rest of the event went well on a lovely and so much milder evening. Two events in one day as we had our club handicap in the morning in very chilly weather and on some very icy paths. With luck I will make the event next weekend too.

Bob is celebrating a big birthday this year and so has set himself some challenges. It will mean many days in the Lakes and not wanting me to be left out he suggested if he could do 80 Wainwrights @80 I should do double my age and collect 126. Never one to refuse a challenge I have made a start. We had sort of planned a flying ski trip but when the weather looked dry and bright we binned that and took the van to the Lakes. 

First stop Coniston in some very frosty weather. The views were superb, Bob got to see a beautiful broken spectre 

and I bagged 7 Wainwrights with some running and a great deal of power walking.  

I was hoping tired legs would let me run more slowly and carefully that evening at the Night O. An easier rest day saw us exploring the Ravenglass estuary and parts of Muncaster Castle grounds before heading up to Wasdale.  Van parking is no longer easy here and given the forecast we booked onto the campsite. This allowed an early start up Lingmell. 

It got a bit sketchy from then onwards with poor visibility, strong winds, icy ground etc but I made it up Scafell Pike seeing only 3 other people in a couple of hours. No photos of these early bits! 

By the time I was lower and near Esk Hause conditions improved so I included Great End even though I saw very little. 

By Styhead things improved considerably and so I went up Great Gable. So glad that I did as the 360 views were amazing! I thought about Green Gable but was concerned there may be ice in Aaron Slack and so simply reversed my route and doubled back to find Bob. 

This gave me some extra miles and allowed us to return to Wasdale together. Another 4 added to my tally. 

We then moved to Ennerdale. I had planned a nice clockwise tour for the van. It is always a quiet valley and this trip was no exception. The dark skies made for awesome star gazing and we stayed two nights.

The pull up to Caw took less time than I expected but wow was I greeting by cold one the top. A fierce wind on the ridge as I battled towards Haycock. Then turning south to Red Pike the wind dropped and I even found somewhere to stop and eat before returning to the wind and Scoat Fell. It wasn't as bad on the exposed ridge to Steeple and the ice was no issue. 

I spotted Bob coming off Haycock and ran back to meet him. I guessed I had time to make it to Pillar and although the track after Black Sail hut would be a bit annoying it would be a safe way to end the day if the light started to fade. 

At least the descent to the hut was easier than on L100- legs much less tired and I could see where I was going! Another 7 bagged and back long before dark. 

The next days forecast was less good and an easier day was on the cards. A short drive via Cockermouth for some essential shopping and we were still in Buttermere quite early. We set off for Rannerdale Knotts together. 

Bob then headed back down the valley and I power hiked up Whiteless Pike. 

It took very little time but my legs were tired, I didn't have much gear with me and clag showed no signs of moving off the higher tops. In dobbed O shoes I had a wonderful jog downhill all the way to the van.  A short day but 2 more notched up.

A cozy night below Rannerdale Knotts didn't really have the van in the correct place for the next day so we moved to the NT Buttermere car park.  I decided to start with Haystacks and not to bother with Fleetwith Pike in case it was icy. This would also allow me time to continue along to Starling Dodd and beyond if all went well. The weather was great again- cold, very cold but dry and beautiful views. 

 Haystacks took a bit of time with all the little scrambles and false tops but I made it back to the col in time to meet Bob in Scarth Gap. We parted again and I hurried off up High Crag. I had still seen no other people until a fell runner came flying towards me. The ridge to High Stile was interesting in strong winds but the going was good on frozen ground and as I reached the summit the clouds cleared giving me great views as I wondered around the several summit cairns. 

It was too cold to linger for long so I was soon on my way to Red Pike. By now I was dropping slightly and the weather was improving. I raced off over to Little Dodd on wonderful grassy paths. I found a sheltered hollow to eat and even catch the sun before moving on again to Starling Dodd. From here all the tops are wonderful rounded lumps covered in grassy paths. They suck me in and make me wish I could just run and run all the way to the coast. 

Not today though. I explored Great Bourne and then picked up the bridleway that links Ennerdale and Crummock Water. I got wet feet here but I had expected this. It seemed too early to head back so I flogged across the bog until I reached drier paths up Melbreak. It is ages since I have been up here- on the DH memorial Buttermere race with a bashed face after a fall on Whiteside edge. I wondered if I might see Bob but now had no signal to see how far he had got. After a direct line temporarily got me crag bound on Scale Knott I was soon low down by the lake on big paths.

I had very wet and muddy feet so did not loiter even though the cafe looked enticing. I was back in the van changed and with the kettle on when Bob appeared. A quiet night on Newlands Hause finished off the day. Unbeknown to us the next day had an amazing temperature inversion but we were committed to an errand in Keswick and the journey home. A pretty good week.

Saturday 13th saw my first Ultra of the year. It was the inaugural Bowland Ultra. A very early drive in the dark led me thanks to Google maps by some interesting roads to Slaidburn. Runners were struggling with the pay and display machine but it did accept my card even though the time would run out at 3pm. Ah well- who would be checking on a wintry day in January just before dark- hopefully nobody. 

I introduced myself to Seth the RO as he had asked about being in the Runfurther series. Too late for this year but you never know in future. 

Soon I was through kit check and chatting to friends.  I knew most of the route if not in detail at least well enough to not be anxious. It was cold but dry. 

A 8am start meant no need for torches as Seth on his bike led us out of the village and to the first road junction. A rollercoaster of mostly ups led to the Salter Fell road. 

This huge gravel shooting track heads north towards the Lune valley and I knew it from several runs including the Witches Way. We were soon heading into cloudier skies with mist at the junction where we turned west. I had been making good time and the gravel was less nasty than expected with a fair bit of soft ground to use. I could still see Claire up ahead and was running with Bridget. I should have realised the pace was a bit fast for me but all felt OK.

It was shame not to be off track and plodding up Wolfhole Crag but permissions had been tricky on the shooting estates so it was shooting tracks for lots of kilometers here and it seemed to take a long time to pass below Ward Stone and reach the turn for Abbeystead. Again lack of permissions sent us on a little detour of lanes before we reached the village hall. I spotted Claire and had no longer been able to keep up with Bridget- yep- too fast too soon and I was going to pay for it! This must have affected my mood as I really disliked the next section. There was some road running but nothing near as much as I felt at the time. I guess my Bowland runs are usually all off road and it was a shock. By Oakenclough I had had enough- a real low point as I dawdled along the tarmac.  At this point I knew there was no hope of me finishing in time to recover and drive to the Night O. Strong words and some food improved things and by Stang Yule I was a bit more cheery as I ran to Bleasdale village hall. I knew I needed to stop and eat here. Paul T caught me and passed me but hey ho. This was the only part of the day where we had any rain- blustery showers as I plodded up to Fiensdale Head. I was now back on familiar running routes and happier. The descent to Langden Beck is a bit gnarly and I had opted for comfort not grip and so was cautious here. Marshalls had kindly flagged the river crossing although I knew the way.

 I was soon passing Langden Castle (it is NOT a castle) and on my way along the river to Dunsop Bridge. Another food stop and some some cheery words from Graham who was spectating set me on my way to Whitendale. 

The shooting fraternity were out in huge numbers and I had to step aside for lines of posh 4B4 vehicles going in both directions.Then near the waterworks bridge I had to squeeze past a dozen parked along the usually gated bridleway. As I left this and took the contouring path to Whitendale Farm they were shooting non stop.  I knew that from here it would be pleasant running and paths over Dunsop Fell  and then down to the lanes leading back to Slaidburn. I had been on my own since seeing Paul at Bleasdale but that was fine. It was just getting dark as I approached the village but I had made it without needing my head torch. Personal service from the RO saw me swilling tea and tucking into food very promptly. I was surprised to find that Claire was not 1stF and that an unknown to us woman had shown Phil a clean pair of heels! 

I still got a prize- 4thF and 1st FV. Lots of chat and more tea followed as various friends also finished. I needed my torch to find the car and decided to ignore Mr Google and follow my nose to Dunsop Bridge and home. A tough day out at 8hrs 58 and almost 43 miles. After a day or so my feelings about the race changed and I might do it again. Seth cannot help the awkward land owners, it is a great set up for charity and food banks, plus he needs a route that will work in the worst weather we could get in a Lancashire January.

The weather then became even better- cold and bright. 

So a day on Darwen Moor where I kept clean dry feet thanks to frozen ground and then a trip to Langdale mid week. It was an interesting drive through the valley on Tuesday afternoon as no buses were running and the snow plough and gritter had not arrived yet. We made it and managed to blag a spot on the Langdale NT campsite. 

It was cold and icy but not quite as cold as the previous week. Early Wednesday saw me set off in microspikes along the valley floor. They were needed all day and in fact the lowest paths with compacted snow turned to sheet ice were the worst. 

I had a wonderful day from Rossett Pike, out and back to Allen Crags before heading over Esk Pike, Bow Fell and Crinkle Crags. It was tough going with a crust of snow that was firm in places but in many dropped me through to knee deep soft snow. The unpredictable nature of this made running or moving fast a bit dodgy. I took masses of photos and kept stopping to admire the views. It was very quiet until I met a few people who had come up the band. From the Crinkles I struck out for Cold Pike and then decided I just had time to take in Pike O Blisco. With some footprints to help guide me this was actually a more pleasant descent than in the dry last autumn. I was back at the van well before dark and soon cozy.

Day 2 saw a trip on the other side of the valley. I was a little anxious about the ice on the path up Stickle Beck but it was fine. Stickle Tarn and Pavey Arc looked spectacular. I toyed with the idea of Blea Rigg but the Wainwright point is quite a long way down and the deep snow was sapping my energy. I made it over Sergeant Man and headed off to High Raise. Again my stops to admire the views and take photos were many.

 From here it was a snowy wander over to Thunacar Knott, the top of Pavey Arc, Harrison Stickle and then the rocky dumpy scrambly lump that is Pike of Stickle. This last top was actually easier in the deep snow. Sadly it was not yet 1pm and other than Loft Crag I had nowhere else to go. I should have done Blea Rigg after all. 

I dawdled on the tops and visited every little cairn wanting to stay high and in the sun for as long as I could before heading gradually down to the New Dungeon Gill car park. Back at the van by 2.15pm I made a sandwich and sat in the sun until chilly I decided to venture back up the path to meet Bob. Another amazing two days with 7 more Wainwrights for me on each one. We stopped off on Helsington above Kendal for one last play in the sunshine on the way home- 

Scout Scar and Cunswick Scar.

Lowest paths were very icy but most of the fellside beautiful and great views back into the Lakes and the Howgills. Wow days that make you glad to be alive and out there- mountains snow and sun-= good for the soul.

End of year round up

 Not a great deal of running towards the end of the year- few races, poor weather (wimp!) and some niggles meant I did more on the bike and this included lots of Turfing.

Mid November saw the last Kong mini MM from the current organisers. We must be getting old because Rowena and I decided to drive down the night before and book into an AirBnB. The weather was pretty foul throughout and had been in the lead up too. Heavy rain had swollen streams causing them and lakes to overflow. The forecast was for gales on the summit ridges of Cader Idris. It was not planned in advance but before long we made a pact to run together and were both later so pleased we had. Initially we still had thoughts of the ridge as it shame to come all this way and not visit. The wind and rain had other ideas. We stopped to put more layers on and were now running in full waterproofs too. Crossing one stream I misjudged the depth of the central channel and went in armpit deep. Another CP required great care as the lake had spread and almost washed the kite away. Then we were faced with a deep fast flowing stream. We tracked upstream for what seemed ages and in the end decided the only option was to jump towards the far bank, grab the grass and pray. We both made it - wet but safe and glad to be together. The finish was a welcome site and the hall with soup, hot drinks and cake even more so. Fortunately  a new RO has been found so it will not be the last Kong mini MM.

Dreadful weather encouraged us to book a last minute trip to Cyprus. We had never been and missed the opportunity when my parents were working there. Lots of walks, loads of historic sites, far too many good meals out and even one evening run. Mostly it was hot and sunny but there was a dusting of snow on our day in the Trodos Mnts.

Dark nights mean the annual Street Orienteering season is in full swing. Running on tarmac is not really my thing and sprinting for 60-75mins is something I find tough but it gets me out, is very competitive and is usually good fun. It is also the season for full on Night O on the hills. This season kicked off with a day event on the relatively local Hamledon Hill. The day event went well and I really enjoyed the open terrain and technical rocky quarry areas.  The night event was very very cold but I had quite a good run for me with the only downside being a tumble in the beech woods towards the end. One hole in tights and a sore knee and arm. No real harm done.

Most of the rest of the time has been dominated by Turf. If you have never met this it is an app on your phone and you get points for visiting places and also for keeping the zone if nobody else visits. It is quite addictive and gets me out on a daily basis when it would be easy to cuddle up inside.  The one short spell of icy weather led to a dramatic tumble from the bike but although I slid a long way little harm was done. Our Runfurther AGM used a Turf Event as our pre prize giving run and it went well despite the rain. Before mid Dec I realised I could win the North West crown and so that will keep me busy until the round ends on the first weekend in January. On top of this a friend shared a link to some festive Turf fun- Advent Turf. Every day a new challenge pops up and it is as much fun planning how to meet the requirements as it is to run or cycle the zones. Friendly rivalry had me out on the bike early this morning to complete the challenge before the rain and gales swept in.

The only race has been the Tour de Helvellyn- a favorite and a way I often end the Ultra year. A visit from my grandson gave me a dreadful cold and this morphed into some sort of chest infection and persistent cough. Still, I had paid, arranged an overnight stay and the forecast was mostly dry and mild but very windy. I knew I would struggle but loved seeing so many friends and hoped to have a pleasant day out with good views.  Up over Askham Common, Boredale Hause and on to Patterdale I was slow but managing OK. What should have been faster flatter running and then the climb through Glenridding certainly changed that. I was struggling to breathe, coughing like mad and even though I was walking my heart rate was alarmingly high.  

Albert, Toney and Carmine

It was great to see Carmine playing carols and Christmas songs with his accordion.  He suggested I stop and even offered me a lift back to base. I arrived at Swarth Beck Bridge rather shaken at feeling so grim. 

Despite Stu's efforts to persuade me to stop it seemed sunny and a shame to turn back. From the top of Sticks Pass I even managed to run the flat and downhill. 

This was possibly a mistake as I arrived at Stannah in an even worse state. At Swirls CP I stopped, ate and rested. Normally from here I make good time on the easy forest tracks but today felt very slow. Passing some runners gave me a boost. The race allows you to start any time so the slower runners can still arrive back at a sensible hour. 

It is odd not knowing how you are doing compared to others but today that was the least of my worries. The climb up Raise Beck to Grisedale Tarn was easier than I dared to hope. Father Christmas (John B) was guarding the one sketchy section and I caught up with Francis. 

The only poor weather was up near the tarn where strong winds and missle out of low clouds was unpleasant. I dislike the rocky tourist path and so now always take the grassy intermittent trods. It is slightly more direct and for me so much more runnable. 

I met more friends on this last section and so made better than hoped for time back to Side Farm. More food here allowed me a brief rest and then to catch Albert and Toney (who was suffering with a damaged knee). Picking off other runners helped me the rest of the way- I might be ill and slower than usual but I was still feeling competitive. On the outward route I stayed high to arrive behind Martindale church but on the return leg I used the road- it was faster too as I got ahead of a group of three who if anything had been moving slightly faster than me. Approaching the common it was clear I would need my head torch at some point. It seemed daft to trip or blunder into wet holes at this point.  A trail of lights lit up the grassy paths and again it was good to have company to spur me on. Job done. 9hr10mins was about 1hr20 slower than last time but was far better than I dared hope earlier in the day. I think I was still first FV60. Staggering into the hall I suddenly felt a little wobbly so Joe gave up his seat and cup of tea for me. Before long I was in the main hall and refuelling with soup, tea and cake. A great way as always to end the Ultra year.

Strava stats are interesting (and will go up over last 10 days or so of the year)

7647km of distance now with 165330m of climb. 495 PRs, lots of local legends (including the interestingly named My Back Passage) and in the top 1% of most active on Strava at 1216 hrs. 

August was not surprisingly the big month with 870km a longest run and 65000m of climb.  Running was 33% of all I logged on Strava with climbing, hiking, Bike all pretty equal.

So a bit more Turf and some climbing before the year end. All I need to do now is plan my big adventures for 2024.

Chalkland Way Ultra

 Summer seems a long time ago. Since my last blog I have orienteered locally, travelled to a mini mountain marathon and nearly lost all my points by being very late back, have 'hashed', run a winter Street O and done rather a lot of climbing. We also had a mini break in the Lakes with a wonderful mountain run. The Yorkshire Trod was great and it is just such a shame it did not get more entries- the route is superb as was the food. This was followed swiftly by the OMM... the weather was far better than forecast but sadly for me it has suffered since they changed the linear courses and this year our course was ridiculously short.

November has started with a new race for me, the Chalklands Ultra.  It was the last of the Runfurther 12 races this year and attracted a big entry from our members. I had chatted with the RO by phone and was keen to meet the team in person. Much of the route would be new to me but I thought I would recognise some bits from when I ran the Hardmoors 200 and H80 along the Wolds Way. I remember liking the steep sided grassy dales. One tough decision was shoe choice. I knew the mud would be tricky but there would also be a fair bit of tarmac and track. A need for grip and cushioning. 

We arrived in the dark just in time to find Grant the RO and to park the van up for the night.  Jenny and Ken had kindly arrived much earlier to put up flags, banners and display boards with the prizes.  Up bright and early as usual there was plenty of time for breakfast, registration and meeting up with friends. It was dry- a bonus as far as I was concerned. (sadly it had rained a great deal recently, as we were about to find out). 

I walked up to the start with Grant with a trail of 120 runners following. With just a minute to go my watch went blank as I pushed the button 'Do Course'. Bugger. I tried turning it off and on. No luck. I think I should have just left it and hoped. Grant was busy telling us about markers and flags so perhaps all would be well, plus I did have paper maps and OS on my phone.

Somehow I managed to start fairly near the front. Perhaps too near the front. There were limited options for passing in the first few kilometres and a very skiddy muddy path next to a barbed wire fence meant single file only. 

I stayed upright over all this and was pleased to be keeping up with Ant TC. I should have perhaps realised the pace was a bit fast, especially when I passed him! Just before the first village I skidded in mud. I stayed upright but in doing so wrenched my groin and my knee. It was sore. From Bishop Wilton there were more lanes than I like but it did make for easier running. 

Odd- leading Darren and TC

After a short section off road it was back to lanes for a while around Bugthorpe (what wonderful names). There followed a nicer section of Wolds dales towards Thixendale and an indoor CP. I was grumpy about my lag and so grabbed a banana and left. I tried to ignore the discomfort but must have slowed as Charles and group of runners caught me. The paths in the dales were beautiful but the ones around enormous muddy fields less so.  Mud on the flat was fine, steep sticky mud on slopes or narrow field edges more tricky.

Francis enjoying some mud and puddles

A 5km road section led us to the next CP in Fimber. I hadn't eaten much so declined my tiny drop bag of food and just got my number registered and left. It was raining and I stopped to safeguard my phone. I was suffering. This was definitely a race for those who can run and run, whereas I am better at stomping up big hills. From Fimber there were more very muddy field paths to the gloriously named Wetwang. I had perked up a little and was trying to convince myself that if my groin and hip hurt walking then I might as well run. I overtook a few people and was further boosted. 

After more muddy fields we dropped into a series of linked dales near Huggate and these were beautiful. I skidded on a muddy section and upset my groin/hip again. Stopping now was pointless so on I pushed. My mood was lifting as others were starting to suffer. I had passed Darren, not seen Ian who had earlier caught me up but then dropped back and was now back with and then ahead of Charles. Things now seemed less muddy and there were some short sharp drops and climbs. 

Despite this a female runner came flying past me. I had been second since about mile10 and was now 3rd, oh well. At CP4 it was lovely to see Hardmmors friends Jon and Shirley- just a shame not to stop and chat. I refilled water but had no need for food.

Selective memory- I don't remember it being that wet

I left the CP and dropped into the woods and then Tun Dale and Frendal Dale. I could see the other runner ahead but there was no way I was going to catch her even though I kept her in sight for the big drop into and climb out of Nettle Dale and a similar drop and climb at Sylvan Dale. She powered ahead and out of sight as we climbed the field edges above Millington. From here it was soon downhill, first on a big track by woods and then on lanes to Kilnwick Percy. I had been struggling to work out distances properly without my watch but now knew there was only 2-3km and it was all on tarmac. I am not usually a fan but I told myself it was better than more skidding on mud. I knew there was a guy close behind me and I used this to make a final effort to finish without being caught. I made it and was welcomed at the end of the finish flags by Grant, the photographer and Bob. It had pretty much stayed dry all day with just odd spells of drizzle and light rain. We had also seen hill mist and sunshine. 

My reward was a piece of recycled Wolds finger post reworked into a beautiful trophy. 3rd woman and 1st V. (less then 5 mins behind second female- I should have tried harder). Another nice touch was being able to decide when I entered that I did not need an other T shirt and the choice of a wild flower seed medal.

Multiple cups of tea and a few snacks revived me. Bob kindly went back to the van to put the heater on and to boil a kettle so that I could wash. Everything from knees down was caked in mud although my shoes had been partly washed clean in puddles.

I spent the later part of the afternoon cheering in runners. It was good to see Sarah finish not far behind me plus Steve, Charlotte, Francis, Darren, Charles and Claire. Ken had sadly retired. I missed Jenny finishing as once it was dark we took down the flags in the rain and then decided we needed to go in search of food.

A good end to the Runfurther series and a great race set up. I need to look at their other races earlier in the year.