June

 I recovered well after the LDWA 100 and was soon back to cycling and climbing. A week later I had a lovely run with Rowena checking out the next very short Bowand Challenge and then adding lots more for a decent run. We try to avoid weekends unless we know it will be a quiet area so Saturday saw an early start to Dunsop. 

I had planned a 'Brennand Watershed' - like Duncan's Dunsop one but without the horrors of White Hill and it did seem a more natural loop. The birds dived bombed me and set up an awful clatter as usual. I even visited the centre of the Kingdom as I was in the area.

A glorious day and the ground is still pretty dry. Once away from Dunsop I saw nobody for the whole time I was out which is one of the reasons I love Bowland.

Next up was a quick trip to the Lakes. 

In my heart I think I knew that I had not forgotten the L5Passes route but it was a good excuse for a lovely long run and I cut out the tourists in Grasmere and made it over Loughrigg before too many were up. 

There were whole sections when I had the fells and paths to myself which was lovely. 

I met Bob almost by coincidence at the bottom of Garburn Pass and then even more by luck met Angela White on her Parr 62@62 as she made her way up Stony Cove Pike. 

I about turned and jogged with her for a bit. I now have a plan- Steve Parr's original plan was 61 peaks and next year I will be 61. Hopefully there will be lots of excellent days route finding before then as I plan to do it solo and with only minimal road support. More mid-week climbing and cycling followed and then another trip to the Lakes. 

We went up early on Friday and I set out for an easy walk to check some more of the Lakeland100 route- Cockpit, up Fusedale, and then back over Loadpot etc. 

I did run the downs and the route was a bit longer than I had thought. Possibly not the best plan pre-race day. 

We got a shock to find our usual parking spot up on the common was banned but went instead to a quieter section of common for the night having spent the day on the Woodyard which is now Pay and D but only £2.

An early start saw Bob drop me off in Askham at about 6ish. More than enough time to faff with a drop bag of food (Covid rules) and to check Joe was not serious about us needing to carry sun cream. The midges were out and I thought it was blinkin chilly- T shirt, long sleeve base layer and cag! 

Must be getting soft. Minutes rushed by as I caught up with friends I had not seen for months and months and suddenly it was almost half past and time I was running. 

I kidded myself that with no points or prizes I needn't worry about making too much effort and this sort of worked up until High Street as I let Antonio and others pass me. Then nicely warmed up and having met up with Richard L I decided to get into race mode. I love it up by Angle Tarn and it didn't disappoint. 

The rocky decent from Boredale to Patterdale was less awful than in my memory and I was soon topping up water and grabbing food. I ate on the move and was suddenly ahead of five runners. Dominic R soon came past me as did Richard but I hung on pretty well and they were never far ahead after this. The pull up from Grisedale Tarn to Helvellyn who  was tough and hot. A crowded summit was not a place to loiter and I was grateful to the tourists on Swirral Edge who made way for us runners. I think I am getting ore and more cautious on such rocky and slightly technical descents but I was soon off the worst and spotted three runners ahead. It turns out they were a group from the Chilterns and Jess especially was finding she was a little out of her comfort zone. I caught them at the lake outflow and stayed ahead through the Whole in the Wall and down to the valley. Easier running saw the easily over take me but then they stopped at Patterdale and faffed for far longer than me. I grabbed fresh water and a box of custard (kindly opened by JohnV and Stuart) and concentrated on reeling in Richard as we climbed back up to Boredale. Again I couldn't quite catch him or Dominic but I did use them to motivate me along. 

A quick photo shoot on Place Fell and it was down and down to Howtown. It was a shame not to have time to chat with Angela who was taking numbers but it was crowded with tourists and the race was on. I didn't do the race last year so it was my first time on the route without dropping to Thirlmere. Could I keep first female and could I beat 8 hours.  Knowing the end was in sight gave me a boost and I pulled ahead of Richard (although he had started later and so beat me by 5mins in the end). I had to fill up with stream water but needed it as I crossed the common and raced down to the village. 7 hours 52! and after sprawling on the grass drinking beer it was time to refuel on amazing Nav4 soup, bread, more soup and bread and cake and cups of tea. Love Nav4 events. It was great to chat with friends as they finished and to just lie in the sun. I managed to keep my first place too.

Our activities are generally driven by the forecast and Sunday didn't look so good so we came home to shower etc. Stocks replenished and we were back in the lakes on Monday and Tuesday- the sunny days of the week. Bob cycled and I set out to recee more of the Lakeland 100. 

There were big chunks I knew would be straight forward but I was keen to check the few bits I was less sure about and I like to have the paths and turnings in my mind even if there are other runners about. Bob dropped me in Coniston early and it was already warm enough for shorts and T shirt. By the time I was at Walna Scar road the car park was looking pretty full but most people were heading up Dow and I soon had the path to myself. Seathwaite was fairly quiet and I didn't see anybody until I dropped into Eskdale. A few 'new to me' miles took me past Burnmoor Tarn and over to Wasdale. 

Again the car park looked busy but my route by passed the crowds and had me heading up Black Sail Pass where I only met a few people. The climb wasn't too bad although the start of the descent slowed me down. 

The same was true on Scarth Gap- the pull up from the YHA was OK but the descent wasn't worth risking race pace. I must remember in the race that 10 mins lost here will not be vital and there are plenty of other runnable bits.

I was now getting hot and tired. The promised ice cream never happened as at a few minutes to 5pm I wondered if it would still be open. 

No parts of the climb to Sail Pass are especially steep but wow it goes on and on. I needed to refill my water several times and did try to run the contour sections. The rocky trails after the pass were mashing my feet and I was so pleased to reach the grassy slopes after Barrow Door.  What a lovely drop to Braithwaite. Even better Bob offered to drive down from Whinlatter and pick me up! Lakeland 100 might not go over peaks but those first 32 miles or so are tough. It will be important to leave enough in the tank for dawn and the second day. We slept near the Blencathra Centre and I looked forward to an easier day in the morning. It started with easy running downhill and on lanes to Threlkeld before the climb to the Old Coach Road. 

This then had a few more ups than I remembered but was a fairly good surface.

There were a few tricky bits between Dockray and Aira Force and I couldn't quite make the description work but following my nose seemed to fit the GPX file. The crowds going to the waterfall were mostly by passed and soon left behind as I traversed Gowbarrow. It was easy nav but I am glad to have done it as there was more climb than I had realised. After Swinburns Park another section didn't quite fit the text but then easy lanes took me rapidly to Dacre. I had planned to meet Bob here but decided it would be good to carry on to Dalemain as there was plenty of time. I was very disappointed to find the cafe there doesn't sell ice creams! I stopped to eat my sandwiches and to refill my water before heading on to Pooley Bridge. It was heaving but I knew I could get an ice cream there. Easy riverside paths took me to the lovely new bridge. In the shop I asked for a double ice cream only to be told quite sternly that they only sell singles. I am not sure what would have happened if I had replied that I would take two! Have never been told I cannot have that much ice cream before. Refreshed I retraced my steps and then took a lane to meet Bob in Dacre where we sat in the sun drinking coffee until it was time to drive home.

Wednesday saw a rare day of nothing- well no running, cycling or climbing. 

A quick trip to Leeds to deliver books and maps to Chris allowed an overnight in the Dales and then a long run on Friday before the weekend crowds. I have had my eye on Duncan's Dales Skyline for a while and so that was the plan.

 I would be doing it in reverse as we had slept near Settle and was a little anxious about fine route finding and ways over dry stone walls.

A friend had recently done the route and just scrapped in under 10 hours so that was my target- assuming I found my way over the first 12 miles or so. In the end it was fairly straight forward and good grassy paths to Warrendale Knots. Second CP is Rye Loaf and there were no real paths once I left the Dales High Way but in good vis it was easy. The section heading north to the Malham road posed a few more issues as I searched for the best trods and places to cross walls then it was easy up onto Malham Moor and Fountains Fell. Easy but up and up. At this point I questioned why I was doing the route in reverse. It was though beautifully quiet and stayed so until I reached the flanks of Pen Y Gent.

A quick charge to the summit 3hrs 13 and I was soon off to Horton. At least I knew the way now although it was further than I remembered heading across to Inglebrough. Again this would be lovely downhill running if I was going the other way. Luckily I found a welcome spring and got fresh water. I didn't stick around on the summit as it was chilly in the breeze and I was keen to get the descent over with- I really dislike the initial rocky drop off here. Once past the Hill Inn the seemed to be hoards of people coming the other way- some 3Ps challenge no doubt. I bought an ice lolly at the barn and ate it as I ran on. 

Taking the Fellsman trod let me escape some people and I was soon on the summit and at the start of new to me terrain again. The drop west to Kingsdale was good and I found nice grassy paths. Once I had crossed the road it was a different story but the ground was pretty dry as I hacked across to join the big track for a short while. Then it was pathless again for the climb up to Green Hill and the little summit cairn. I couldn't decide whether to stick to the ridge path and do a big loop or head more directly to Crag Hill. In the end I did a bit of both and I arrived just inside 7 hours. Only one peak left now but I knew the next section would be rough and that the last climb would be horrendous. The descent to Barbondale wasn't great, or perhaps my legs were just getting tired but the climb up the other side was dreadful. The vegetation was OK but it was steep and seemed to go on forever. It took me 30 mins and then arriving at the ridge I then found the summit trig was still some way off up hill to the north. My hopes of sub 8hrs30 were not looking good. 

The paths from here to the finish were a joy but further than I had anticipated. I did try and felt like I was really racing but time was bleeding fast as I reached the parkland close to the village. By the time I reached the finish at the church it was 8hrs48.

Oh well, still not bad and only a quick walk to the pub. The pint of bitter-shandy barely touched the sides and I would have ordered a second but £4.50 for 2/3 lemonade and a dash of beer seemed excessive. I rang Bob asking him to come and collect me and sat on the war memorial steps eating my sandwiches. A great day out but I was trashed. Next time I will try it in the other direction. Yes, 12 hours later and I am already remembering how lovely most of it was and making plans.

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.