60th Birthday bash- LDWA Virtual 100 on Lady Anne's Way

 The race along LAW in January was first postponed and then rescheduled for next year. I decided it would be useful to know the route and liked the idea of a ‘journey’ with lots of history. The LDWA virtual 100 would coincide exactly with my 60^th birthday and so a plan was born. A few trial runs over most of the course, including two just a few days before the event left me confident that I knew the way and what to expect. The recent rain however had turned paths to rivers and left masses of mud- hopefully it would dry out during the week in the wind and sunshine.

Mud at a stile near Appleby

I felt relaxed without the pressure of a race and the forecast was good although getting rather hot on Sunday. The plan was for Bob to meet me in our van at a few strategic places. In the end our younger son came too which was great as they managed a lovely walk up Buckden Pike and then cycle ride over the famous Buttertubs together. They even had time to go to Hawes Creamery and buy cheese for my birthday too. I was carrying full race kit but it would be good to top up with extra food and water along the way plus also change my socks at my half way virtual drop bag.

Anxious to get going

I slept well in the van close to Skipton on Friday night but as predicted was awake at dawn. A quick breakfast and drive down to a deserted town saw me standing by the castle and ready to start soon after 5am. 

One of Lady Anne's properties

A heavy dew meant the long grass soaked my feet almost immediately but it was wonderful to get miles under my belt before it got warm and also to have the paths to myself as others slept. I had a schedule based on 4mph but was hoping to  start faster and so be able to slow in the dark and also take a few stops.

Sunrise in Embsay

Running east with the sunrise blinding me the historic Barden Tower  was reached almost before I knew it. I sped on northwards now along the Wharfe and past sleeping campsites near Appletreewick to Burnsall. A strange little loop here takes you steeply up away from the river and I took my first brief rest and admired the view.  Hebden was just waking up and when I arrived in Grassington the shops were still closed. The next section is my favourite as you head up onto the moors with superb views over the Dales. My company was lapwings, curlews and oyster catchers, all cross that I was invading their territory. I was making good time over the dry ground and after a short descent began the climb to Capplestone Gate and reminders of so many Fellsman runs. The gradual and grassy descent to Kettlewell is a real treat. The world was waking up but there were still no people on the path until I crossed the Wharfe near Starbotton and joined the Dales Way to Buckden for some flat running. This led to perhaps the biggest climb on the route from Buckden village up to the moors above Cray where Gilbert Lane track starts. 

Gilbert Lane CP

I had asked the family to park here so I could have a lunch stop and recharge my batteries before the climb up to Stake Moss. Having started an hour earlier than planned and also running at closer to 5mph meant I was early.

Still smiling- ready for a second lunch

 I had already eaten sandwiches and crisps so just guzzled a load of chocolate milk. It is always a fine balance of how much water to carry and I had opted for minimum. I had run out twice and been lucky to find clean streams.  

It's steeper than it looks here

A mixture of jogging and power walking took me to the top with easy running on the level, beautiful views of Addlebrough peak  and then down to Worton and the main road. Across the Ure and there was Nappa Hall and more history. Time to turn west now and run along the northern slopes of the river through Askrigg and Sedbusk.  It was a warm afternoon and there were more walkers now but it wasn’t crowded. 

Hawes was in full bank holiday festival mode and I couldn’t wait to escape. My hoped for ice cream never happened as the queues were dreadful but the family were waiting at Appersett; in fact Chris ran out to meet me. 

Getting hotter

This is roughly half way and I took a slightly longer break, sat down, changed my socks, aired my feet and ate. I also collected my torches although I had about 5 more hours of daylight. I tried not to worry about the state of my feet but what I saw explained why they were sore- wrinkled beyond belief and rub marks near my ankles (never had that before).

Refuelling with quiche

Dry socks were soon soaked again as I made my way to the byway that climbs Cotter End. It felt hard work but once on the top it was fantastic with glorious running on grassy tracks and views to Wild Boar Fell and Mallerstang Edge. 

Sculpture below Mallerstang

It was over too soon as the track dropped to the river and less joyful muddy paths past Pendragon Castle and then towards Nateby. A bowl of soup in the van and I was soon heading past Kirkby Stephen.

A tiny bit of road running

Earlier in the week the paths here had been like stream beds and although some had drained away it was still very wet. Winton is bypassed to the south via tiny fields with never ending ankle snapper flap gates at stiles. I had been counting these at the start of the run but lost count somewhere after 80! 

This I knew would also be the cow section. I am wary rather than scared but the young cattle by the River Belah were very inquisitive. The van had moved to Castle Brough but I didn’t even need water so just waved hello. The very wet and muddy field paths, with in places knee high meadow grass, took their toll as I plodded on to Warcop. It was here I finally accepted that I  needed a torch as a group drinking in a garden asked where I was going and had I missed the bus. Unremarkable field paths led me through more bog and mud to Great Ormside, although in day time to views to the northern Pennines are wonderful. I missed a stile hidden in a hedge but only added a few hundred metres. The cows were now spooked by my torch and running away but startled birds were making me jump. There was wild garlic and blue bells in the woods, and lots of mud, before easier grass along the river to Appleby.  The route takes a little tour of the town to see the Castle, the monuments, the wide market street and the old bridge. I had a very brief stop at the van but knew I would stiffen up. Getting going again seemed hard and a cruising police car stooped to watch. Once under the A66 I told myself this was the final lap and it was all fresh in my mind as I had run it earlier that week. I am not a road runner but the tracks and lanes were a blessing in the dark rather than the long grass and hidden holes in the meadows. I was soon in Long Marton and then Kirkby Thore. Then it was back to field paths and the River Eden to the van at Ousen Stand bridge.

Orange moon

A quick top up of water and I was on my way but not before admiring the amazing orange moon which confusing looked like a sunrise. Shortly after here I made my only short diversion from the route. At Cliburn the path goes through a farm yard with several gates and a maze of out buildings. I did not want to disturb the dogs and wake everyone at 2.30am. My alternative was the same length, just the other two sides of the rectangle. My feet were now sore having been soaked for getting close to 24 hours. I tried to just ignore this as I knew there was nothing that would help except a few hours of fresh air to my feet. The quite road to Clifton Dykes flew by and the huge rain puddles had thankfully gone. 

Suddenly there was Brougham Hall and as I turned east towards the castle the sun came up over the Pennines. 

What a treat. Daybreak always lifts my spirits and the grass was cropped short by sheep on the field paths by the still swollen Eden. The end was in sight as I arrived in Eamont Bridge and began the final climb up to the A66 and Penrith.  

I wasn't cold but near Kelber it tried to rain

The vans were waiting on Wetheriggs Lane and Chris ran the last mile with me to Penrith Castle. The park was still locked at 5am but we took photos anyway (including one inside the park).

 Routes on the web variously end LAW at Brougham and at Penrith Tourist Info Centre. I decided that Penrith castle was a more fitting end. The official LAW website claims 100 miles but I was anxious I might have recorded less and so did a couple of road loops just to make sure! I know my Epsom watch under-records compared to most garmins.

Relief for my feet at last

If the LAW is 100 miles than it is a PB for me as my tracker shows 23hrs 55 mins. If I include the extra 4 miles around the town then my time is 24hrs 44 mins. 

Either way I am happy. Macerated feet looked pretty dreadful and had caused two small blisters but two days later they had vanished. I was fuelled by sandwiches, crisps, quiche, chocolate milk, custard, soup and Mountain Fuel in my water. 

With just one short night I never really felt sleepy and although it was strange not having other runners a combination of friendly faces at the van, having OS maps on my phone and having already run most of the route made it seem easier. It was warm but not scorching sun and I prefer to be hot than to be rained on. I ate better than I often manage although there was still a spell when the food just went round and round in my mouth.

I had a lovely and memorable 60th birthday so thanks to LAW, the LDWA and to Bob and Chris for their support.

Bowland Top 6 at last

 I have had my eye on the route for some time. After plenty of snow I was hoping in January that the bogs would be frozen and the snow crust would be great running. They had been great on the 1st and 4th for two other runs up there. Not on 9th Jan 2021, how wrong can you be. I arranged a lift to Jubilee Tower and within minutes knew that it was not going to be easy. There was plenty of snow but it was deep and not frozen. I plodded on trying to make the most of it. 

At least the weather wasn't bad (yet). Before I reached Grit Fell I had been passed by a skier and he was making much better progress. My feet were already soaked along with most of my lower legs.  Onwards and upwards, don't be a wimp. Before Wards Stone I had met three skiers and all were doing OK. My progress was slower than I would have liked but not dreadful and I was still warm enough. From Wards Stone onwards the snow became a real chore. For much I was in deep drifts that hid deep icy pools. At some points I was in thigh deep and even waist deep drifts. I was getting slower and colder. By now it was the zero vis of low cloud. I was stumbling around like a drunk as the ground suddenly rushed up to meet me or dropped away unexpectedly. The wind got up with yet more blown snow. Falling so much meant my gloves were soaked and I was shivering and wearing all my layers. Then I started to feel sea sick. I almost made it to Wolf Crag but knew it was getting unsafe for me to continue, plus it wasn't much fun. I decided I should bail and headed down to Marshaw and the valley floor. By the time I met the tarmac conditions were so different and I felt almost daft for having bottled out. After a fair bit of road running I was warm again and included a short loop of Grizedale Head and Nicky Nook. I phoned to rearrange my lift and to stay warm kept jogging towards Garstang until Bob and the van arrived to rescue me. A 35km training run and some SMJ. No harm done, just a bit of disappointment.

Fast forward to May and I spotted another window of opportunity. Doing The Accumulator in January had left me injured with no running for weeks but I was now on the mend. The dry weather had ended but I hoped the tops would not be a total bog fest yet. It was not ideal with the forecast mentioning rain later in the day but I reckoned I had time to squeeze it in given that I should be able to do 40km in under five and a half hours. 

Again I got Bob to drop me at Jubilee Tower early on. Within minutes I had wet feet but hey this is Bowland so what did I expect.  I made good time up the fence line despite this and really it was just standing water not bog. Once on Grit Fell the swooping path down past the Christmas Tree was fun and I was soon on Wards Stone.

 By now I was warm enough to shed my cag and race on to Ward Stone east.  It got a little more boggy on the path to Wolf Crag but the sun came out and the views were wonderful. Looking right I could see Totridge in the far distance, it looked a long way and big. 

For now though my mind was focused on White Hill. If there is a good way to this trig I have never found it. I did have a trod up the fence line but as I turned to move to wards the siting tower and trig it disappeared. 

Descending was a bit better with a larger path by the fence line dropping me to the old fell road only a short was from the footpath that would take me to Whitendale. Once at the farm I made a silly error and took the road option- albeit running on the verge. The path on the other side of the river would have been nicer and had less climb. Oh well, an excuse to do it all again some time. I was now meeting my first people of the day and made good time to the edge of Dunsop Bridge. I wasn't really racing so had taken time to admire the views, take some photos and even stop and eat. The fields across the the Trough road were full of lambs and the road full of cyclists. 

Once I reached Harden I was alone again. Totridge summit came quicker than I had hoped and I paid my respects to Bill Smith as usual. Only one more top to go now and it started well along the wall. It was ankle deep in places but just standing water. Then things got much worse. The bogs and cloughs of peat made it very slow going. 

A fence was being replaced and machinery had made the line even worse than usual. At one point I got stuck and almost lost a shoe. More time lost. As always it ended and I was very pleased to reach the top of Saddle Fell, drop a little and pick up the good path all the way to the cairns just east of Fairsnape. No more nasty fence line.  I sploshed my may across to Paddy's Pole and the final trig point. The black clouds were building up and I hoped I could make it down to Fell Foot before the rain. Nope- it started so I stopped to bury my phone and dig out my cag. I had phoned for a lift and hoped it would also be there before the rain got too heavy. 

I skipped Parlick in my rush to beat the rain and arrived at Fell Foot gate with my watch showing 39.5km, 1079m of climb and 5hrs 27 moving or 5hrs 45 total. Not the fastest but a great little day out.

First race since Covid lockdowns- The Spire Ultra

 

After missing out on the Pendle Way in a Day through injury this was my first opportunity to pin a number on and to race. Thanks to Jamie McKilvenny and Jamie Glazebrook for their determination in making these two races happen. We had been away most of the week but after two days of slow runs in the Dales I was careful and restrained on Friday and just went for a walk despite the lovely weather on the edge of Derbyshire. The forecast for Saturday was poor and did not change, what a shame. It was raining when I woke at 6am and did not stop all day although I have to admit it was not ‘heavy’ as they had predicted.

                              Our fabulous sponsors- plus banners at the farm for tent meals and Romneys

Luckily we had put up the Runfurther flags and banners the evening before so all I had to do on Saturday was wander up the lane to the car park field, hand over mint cake and prizes to Jamie and collect my race number from Clare. I then retreated to the van for over an hour. We were set off in waves of 8 to be Covid safe. It meant I didn’t see everybody but I did start with Sarah C and Charles C.  At this stage I had no idea whether my groin would allow me to run this race and knew that with about 18 miles being the most I had run since late January it would not be easy. Worried that I might be forced to walk and get chilly I set off in tights and full waterproofs. I timed my arrival up at the start perfectly... just in time to see wave 4 go and a couple of minutes to chat with friends.  I had some doubts about my ability to remember the way even though I had done this race 2 years ago. Recently I have started to rely on OS maps with the route downloaded on my phone but today fearful of the wet I had buried it deep in my sack thinking I would only get it out in an emergency. As a consequence I was pulled along as I tried to catch people from the earlier waves and then keep up with some for a short time in the faster waves behind.  There were a few bits I did remember but I would have sworn never to have ever seen other sections!  For me it was a new start venue as being in Tier 3 prevented me going last October for the rescheduled 2020 race.  Once off and running the rain really didn’t seem so bad and with the first landmark being Belland (Bellend?) Road I was already smiling. All was going well and I even recognised the woods and bits near Holymoorside and the Chatsworth Rd.  

                                                   I had no memory at all of this bridge!

I made it through Commonside and into the woods beyond. Then I lost the faster male runners from waves behind me. I stopped to get food and also for a wee. Just as I was debating if my memory was correct about an unmarked turning to reach the A61 crossing some more runners arrived. Sarah and Charles were in the group but first to arrive was Christine and I quickly hooked in with her and Frank. Mostly I remembered this section but it was good to have Frank and his GPS making sure and also almost non-stop chat with Chris. I do most of my running solo and was amazed how fast the miles flew by as we were chatting.  I felt she was setting the pace (apparently she thought I was) so we cracked on. So far I had only had a twix, a MF jelly and some MF in my drink. At the pub at Hundall a nice marshall opened a packet of crisps for me and I managed not to choke as I ate and ran.

Why do I look like I am battling the weather while Chris looks so nonchalant?

We made a tiny nav error in New Whittington but it only cost us a couple of hundred metres. Near Longcourse Farm I told tales of eating strawberries and melon on the hot day two years ago and also realised I knew the way for the next few miles to Heath and beyond. I had spotted Sarah and Charles not far behind at this point and was keen to push on. Chris and I pulled ahead of Frank and all was well until the 5 Pits Trail. Famous last words of “it’s easy this bit”. As we sped down hill chatting I suddenly felt it wasn’t right. We trudged back uphill and sure enough there was Charles waving and putting us on the correct route. By North Wingfield we were off and alone again. Once again on a downhill we flew along chatting and missed a small turn off the main track. Chris said she sort of knew this bit and I stopped concentrating. She did know it- well enough to get us back on route and we only added about a mile. We popped out new the new houses and retail-park just behind Charles and Sarah. Bugger, now we would have to run hard all over again. Some earlier sections had been ankle deep in water or on very slippery mud but the next woods were a delight and full of blue bells. I could remember this section and gradually pulled ahead knowing that once we were on Bole Hill we were almost home. It looked likely that Chris and I would both beat my old record and perhaps Sarah too. In the last woods I could smell home and as always this gave me just the boost I needed to plod on with renewed effort.  I did pull away from Chris but knew that she had started in the wave behind me and so had at least a 2 minute advantage. As we left the last lane I turned to check she was still on route and raced in the last 800m or so. I arrived at the finish soggy from rain and sweat. There had been no opportunity to remove waterproof over trousers or the extra base layer I was wearing.

                                              Leading women all fuelled by Mountain Fuel!

Chris arrived less than two minutes later and so was the female winner- delighted with her trophy and Icebug shoe voucher (thanks to our sponsors at Beta). It was only then talking to Jamie that I realised I actually knew Chris from fell races about 15-20 years ago- more as a name than somebody I ran with as I was never that fast.  Sarah arrived shortly afterwards and we managed a group photo before deciding we needed to shed wet clothes and get warm again.

3 Record breakers- 2nd,1st and 3rd

 The route needs a few more markers in places for those of us who are not local and have a poor memory. I have suggested an option to donate medal ( I have plenty of medals) preference to fund more signs instead. The route is lovely and very varied with a much more rural feel than say Round Rotherham.

Not that we actually saw the crooked Spire in the rain

 It was a great day out and so wonderful to pin on a number again, see friends, actually race and to make sure Runfurther keeps going. Thanks to the RO, team of marshalls and those who kept me company on the run. Bob drove home, although by the time we got to Glossop we were starving and so stopped for Fish and Chips which disappeared very very fast... another good reason to like ultra running. 

Frozen Accumulator- another Cockbain trial and the Turfing

 After doing the Accumulator last May I do now in hindsight wonder what possessed me to do this again. It was tough and I finished the last one but with an injury. I guess we knew there would be no races, our ski trip was cancelled and the likelihood of climbing in Spain getting dim. Maybe this time would be easier?

Fantastic conditions on Bowland at the start

The weather was certainly very different with some grim days during January. I did not have as much snow or ice as some in other parts of the country had to contend with but I would much rather be too hot than cold and wet.

No ultra runner goes out to run 1 mile and so on the 1st Jan I set out to enjoy a Calder Vale Round of my own invention. It gave me a lovely loop of 28km and a few hills plus some bits I didn't know very well at all which is always fun.  We were really being asked to 'Stay Local' what ever that might mean so for the next two days I did run from home. Local paths and roads are a bit boring so I discovered Turfing. It is a game on an app- you go to places called zones and get points. Initially I was sceptical and my old I phone seemed to struggle for GPS, and for a link to their server and with battery life. I persevered and it became quite addictive. Three days done and 36 miles rather than 6 done but all was good. 

To celebrate I ran The Wyresdale Skyline on the 4th. This goes from the old PO in Quernmore to the PO in Scorton. An early start and an amazing sun rise.

There are some great route suggestions on the Bowland Fellrunners website.  A beautiful 37km and not a soul on the hills until the predictably crowded Nicky Nook. I was loving being out on the hills and the weather was OK. The next day was a recovery with just the minimum distance but the following day I was back out on the hills I love but exploring new trods and so a rather slow 22km. Two more days of turfing followed as I used it to explore places close by that I rarely visit. Then came the snow. I was hoping that compacted snow and frozen bogs would make a long trip on Bowland a great idea. How wrong can you be! 

My attempt at the Bowland top 6 peaks failed due to deep drifts of unconsolidated snow. I knew in my heart even before Clougha and Grit Fell that it might be too tough  as three people on skis were making considerably better progress than me. After Wards Stone I was in waist deep snow at times and struggling to move enough to keep warm.  Zero visibility made me feel sea sick as the ground came up to meet me or suddenly dropped away.  It was not safe for me up there. I abandoned and escaped to the valley where it was hard to believe what conditions had been like and had me wondering if I had been a wuss and bailed too quickly. Still 35km done. 

I mostly turfed after this- often doing one big run for the Accumulator but then going back out again in search of more zones. 

Hard to believe there is a 3m wide cycle track here

Much of it was wet, so wet that our local stream that is canalised flooded badly; by far the worst we have ever seen it. High tides (yes, this canal is affected by tides), heavy rain and melting snow...

The path has gone

There was another trip to Bowland but it was shorter and on decent paths. I think the average total miles on most days was about 18 in the early/middle of the month. By the 25th it was getting tougher to find interesting local routes and to make my body move. Suddenly on the 27th after 8 miles something deep in my glutes and groin objected violently and I walked the remainder of my miles.

What to do? Could I walk it off? Should I stop? I had invested well over 400 miles in the challenge by now and only had 4 days left. In hindsight being pig headed and competitive has cost me dear but at the time it seemed that pushing on and avoiding another dnf was the right thing to do. I walked and hobbled the last 4 days, mostly in discomfort or pain and yes I even took a few pain killers.

Total of 620 miles for January and my worst injury yet. I could not walk up or down stairs, had to manually lift my right leg to get into bed etc and had to hold furniture to move around the house. Not good at all. It did ease very slightly and after a week of rest I could limp about. 

I mentioned Turfing. Well you can Turf on foot or on a bike. I was still struggling to walk never mind run but I found that I could cycle OK. Getting on and off the bike was a bit of a comedy sketch and I only really had power in one leg but I could be outside and active. 

Green are yours! Record for me pph of 666

A local orienteering club had challenged us to this 'Round' of Turf and so from 7th Feb for a month my competitive head was back on. At first that's all it was- a low key attempt to beat PFO and win for SROC. Then I realised I was winning the North West turf points. Getting on and off the bike became slightly easier and I cycled a bit more. Suddenly winning the UK points looked likely and so we hatched a plan. We found loops that gained maximum points for least effort and also loops that others did not do so we did not have to worry about being blocked and with the bonus that we kept the zones and so gained points per hour even though we did nothing.  Fearglas in Scotland was cycling late each evening and taking zones giving her up to 1600pph over night. This was very frustrating as waking up to find the effects of this was a bit demoralising. In the end I came to realise that she was likely frustrated that her zones were only worth a few points by comparison whereas mine were often worth the full 185. We became addicts. Mid way through the month we had beaten PFO but our competitive heads were well and truly on. I started working my way up through the world rankings and getting a podium position looked very possible. Bob sacrificed his rides and we had a system where I followed him  round as he cleared zones so we both got good points but I kept all the pph. We messaged other local turfers to check who was riding where and make sure we didn't block each other. By doing 3 big rides a day in this manner we stacked up points. 

We started to love the dark rides each evening and the lack of people and dogs did make it more pleasurable. There was also less traffic. Knowing where all the zones are made it faster and getting an android phone solved the tech issues. It didn't all go smoothly. I had a very heavy fall on Blackpool Prom when a dog shot under my front wheel and another fall closer to home in the dark when I overcooked a complex kerb area.  There was also a slightly disturbing few days of Trolling and stalking from some odd ball. Long story but nothing bad happened in the end. 

Nearing the end of the month I was in 3rd place and just needed to make sure a guy in Berlin did not turf madly through the nights and catch me. He didn't. So 3rd rank in World and another good month of activity. This ended on Sunday 11am 7th March.

Sadly although I had kept a residual fitness I had done nothing about repairing the injury. Time for some serious rehab exercises and some physio. These worked up to a point but it was very very slow progress. Almost a month on and I can now do a decent walk although if it is very tough I am still sore and limping a little by the end. I still cannot really run and nothing much seems to be helping. I have started just doing long hard walks and trying to run a few hundred metres more each time and with days off with easy walks and cycle as recovery. Yesterday should have been our return to racing with the first race in the Runfurther series. I spent the day marshalling and running a CP instead. It is nice to volunteer and give back but I was madly jealous of the runners and to make matters worse they had great conditions underfoot and beautiful blue skies. I should perhaps avoid all Cockbain challenges in future?