Northern Traverse 2022

 I nearly didn't enter this on the grounds that I could not possibly have as good a time as I did in 2018 - wow 4 years ago.  The route is very varied and lovely- except perhaps the lanes across the Vale of York.  I would have no time to recee this year as we were off skiing so I just hoped I could remember the way and that skiing rather than running for almost 3 weeks would not be showing a lack of respect to the event but instead would make a good taper. I felt the pressure was off as I knew I would not beat Anna, Elaine or Lisa and possibly others that I did not know. My goals were to complete and if possible to get close to my time from 2018. Ha ha- well you have to have goals! Writing this post is going to hurt but if I only write up the races that go well it is hardly an honest blog.

Registration On Friday evening went smoothly and I met up with many friends. My biggest stress now was the weather forecast..... at home in the lowlands of Preston it was chilly but dry, no snow etc. MWIS forecast very cold, frozen ground and that would be on top of whatever snow remained. I opted to carry micro spikes and was even able to lend a friend a pair. I got so obsessed with the weather, size of drop bag allowed etc that I didn't give proper thought to putting my poles in just in case- another mistake. I also opted for Altra boots (which in retrospect may have been a mistake), dry socks (which for me never are) and my heavy duty waterproof. A cosy night in the van just outside St Bees meant I slept quite well and the later start this year meant there was no great hurry in the morning. It was a shame to lose 90 mins of daylight but it couldn't be helped due to the bigger entry for both races and the busing. I had a new sack/race vest too. I had tried it out but not perhaps as much as I should have.

Excited for the adventure ahead

On Saturday morning we went back to the school to leave drop bags, have a final briefing and also to walk down to the start together. On the beach we collected our pebbles and dipped our feet in the Irish Sea as Wainwright suggests.

Collecting pebbles and dipping feet

It was cool but not cold. I tried to start cautiously but as always you get pulled along. Elaine was up ahead and I had a chat with Matt and even Eoin (that alone should have warned me that I was going too fast).  We share a love of Aldi bounty bars- and there the similarity ends! A bigger field this year meant there was very little chance of getting lost at least in the first 20 miles or so! We had a small detour this year as Dent Fell was OoB - slightly longer but less climb so overall not much in it. 

Ennerdale

Dropping into Ennerdale I slowed for a quick chat with some friends on the Lakes Traverse. Not long after this it became obvious that the threatened forecast and my interpretation of it did not match reality. It was warm! I was running on my own for most of this bit even though there were more people about but that was fine. The path along side Ennerdale water is never easy but was more interesting than the forest road that leads to Black Sail hut. There was a queue for water here so I left and filled up from a stream instead. I hope this was not the cause of problem1. From Honister I felt I was running well- perhaps too well. A small error meant an annoying double back but it was not long before I reached Rosthwaite and out first CP. I ate but not enough. Leaving here I started to feel less than great- tired, heavy legs etc and then the pains in my lower abdomen began. I pushed on up towards Lining Crag but was frustrated at my speed. The descent to Easedale was not much better but there were more people around now which helped keep me going. Sabs and Ben had come out to spectate but this didn't boost me much and my climb up Great Tongue to Grisedale Tarn seemed really slow with several others overtaking or pulling away. 

Beautiful in the moonlight

I arrived in Patterdale in discomfort and unable to eat. The bowl of chips took forever to go down. In the end I tried stretching out on the sofa with a hot water bottle on my tummy. This must be the only race I have ever done where there was no coke or fizzy drink- one good belch or fart and I might have been OK? The CP was far too small/over crowded and it was impossible to use your drop bag properly.  Despite the lack of snow so far I was a little concerned about what it might be like over Kidsty Pike. I left the CP alone but it was not long before I grouped up with Sophie and Jackie- they were good company and the pace was reasonable. Sharing the nav is always a bonus and especially in the dark. There was some frozen ground as we climbed the Knott but it was easily avoided. The ankle deep snow on Kidsty had been compacted and was fine. The descent was so much better than last time when we had rain. This time I was prepared for the path along the side of Haweswater and knew that it would be a roller coaster and go on for ages. The section from there to Shap passed without issues and we were soon on the A6 and spotting the event flags at the village hall. The 3 of us wanted a rest and food. Despite it being the finish of the Lakes Traverse there seemed to be plenty of space and we got served quickly. It is a fairly gentle start from Shap crossing tracks and fields to the M6 and then over to the lovely limestone grasslands of Oddendale. We did make one slight nav error but were soon back on track and heading to the memorial cross above Orton. This was a new route this year and although it has more climb it is nicer than the old way. The moors were quite dry and we made good time to Smardale Bridge despite missing the way through the wall. Not far now to Kirkby Stephen and more rest and food. Julie was on duty here and as I didn't fancy the cawl without lamb I opted for two fried eggs. Pavel had stopped and retired and as it was day time nobody seemed to want to sleep. On on and up to 9 Standards. I knew the way here and was pleased to find the 'underwater bridge' was crossable. We made it to the top with dryish feet although I knew this would not last.

Still trying to stride out

There is not really anything to be done about the next section except accepting you will get wet feet repeatedly. I picked the best line I could all the way to the farm at Ravenseat.  

Race drone buzzing us

After this we found some new flagstones had been laid- a bonus for the path and also it made the nav easy. Crackpot Hall appeared and I knew to be careful here as previously I had dropped to the river. I had not spotted a 'new' route on the GPX and so we took the old line up to the lead mines with tiny precipitous path, landslip and broken stile! Mark did the same. The lead mines always look interesting but there was no time to explore today. It was around here that I first started to seriously struggle on the ups. The pain under the left front of my ribs was making me hunch and this was beginning to make my back ache. A gap opened up on the climbs but I was able to get back in contact on the flat and downs as we passed the next mines at Gunnerside and then found the big track to Surrender Bridge. After a  quick loo stop in Reeth and we were soon at the cycle centre and topping up water. The gaps were getting wider and I was grateful for the company of Jonathon as we neared Richmond. The path in the Applegarth area seemed to go on forever and was not how I remembered it. Luckily I could remember the way to through Richmond and to the CP.  It was dark and I was tired. My feet were also very macerated and sore. Having washed them I lay down by a radiator only to wake when the heating had turned off. It was slightly surreal as I awoke to firemen dragging in tents- it had been windy enough to collapse two of the sleep tents and send another up a telegraph pole. The medic didn't seem keen to sort our feet and in fact was quite rude to all three of us- perhaps his sleep had been disturbed too. We ate and got sorted to leave. I could have done with more sleep and my back was aching badly now. The section across the Vale of York is not my favourite but I had told myself to be grateful for some easy tarmac miles. As it was I was too tired to appreciate this and my pace dropped dreadfully as my back hurt and I kept wanting to sit and rest. 

Mark and Jackie on the windy NYMoors

We were still together and saw Mark briefly before he got second wind. The field paths after Danby Wiske were horribly muddy but we trudged on. I have bad memories of the services at the A19 as their coffee made me sick last time so I opted to plod on knowing the others would likely catch me up. The services are now modern and had a great array of food- I should have stopped! A hot pie would have been welcome. Again I was slower on the ups and the others pulled ahead for a while and then I was alone over Live Moor and Carlton Bank. No worries, I knew the Cleveland way bit from Hardmoors races and was looking forward to a brew at Lord Stones cafe. 

Descending to Lord Stones

No need to wait for it to open this year and I arrived only shortly behind the others. The brew was good but it was time to get going again. 

Hunched!

The others now pulled away as we climbed all the lumps to Clay Bank even though I knew to take the easier race line rather then and steps on the descents. From the road crossing I was on my own- up past Round Hill and towards Blowith Crossing to pick up the old rail track. I knew this would go on and on but had underestimated just how much! I had several stops and my back was now complaining badly. Why hadn't I put poles in my drop bag? Eventually the building just off the path appeared showing me where to leave the track and climb Blakey Moor to the Lion Inn. The others were already in the little dome tent and sorting gear from drop bags. We stripped off socks and shoes to dry our feet only to find we needed to move to a very draughty gazebo tent for food. The wind here was fierce and I felt sorry for the marshalls. Larissa dressed my feet in the back of one of the vans as the first aid tent had been taken down to save it! The food here was not great- just as I really needed a rest and good feed. Sorting my feet, torches and food distracted me from my back and it must have eased a little with the rest. This was my BIG mistake. I should have opted to sleep here regardless of what others were doing etc. I am not sure what had happened to the sleep tents but do not remember seeing them. We set off along the road verge with the gale on our backs. Before a few hundred metres I knew I was struggling. I should have turned back then but somehow seemed to decide to push on, to stay with the girls etc. 

Shooting track to Gaisdale Rigg

 I was locked bent double with the right side of my back stiff, sore and swollen whilst the left side seemed to collapse under any pressure. I tried their poles but it didn't really help as Jackie's were far too short- perhaps too little too late. Pain killers were not working and I just couldn't control my lurching gait. By Glaisdale Rigg this was awful. The girls refused to leave me until we hit the tarmac at the end of the Rigg. I owe them so much for their kindness and care and just wish I could have finished with them.

Team of 3 was not to last

Here I sat and phoned HQ and Bob explaining that I was going to go slowly and try to find the toilets in the village. There aren't any- the map is wrong. After a big circuit of the village I ended up back at the top end in the wind and the rain. I was now struggling to move on level tarmac. If only I could find somewhere to shelter for a while. I should have carried on slowly to the station as I believe there are toilets there. Instead I rang Bob and told him to come and get me.  At least I got one thing right- my kit was enough to keep me warm and dry even when I was sat still- I was chilly but not in danger. I also texted both sons so they knew what was going on. In the time all this took me I could have been at the station but that's sleep deprivation for you. Resting in the van would have seen me disqualified and I didn't really want to rest for 5 hours and then grind out the last 20 miles. (although now perhaps I wish I had)

It looks so close on the map but although my legs and feet were willing my back was not going to let me complete this. I have spent hours considering what I might have done differently and was obviously terribly disappointed to get so close. I should have packed poles? I should have run more with my new race vest? I should have stopped to sleep at the Lion Inn? I should have pushed on through the villages until I found a toilet to rest in (I know the ones at Grosmont exist). I had hoped to complete in roughly the same time as 2018 and even if I missed that I had hoped to finish not many hours outside this. I don't think I had really considered not getting there. 

What would I have done if Bob had not been around in the van? At the time it seemed like the correct and only sensible decision but handing in my tracker the next morning and then seeing all the celebratory posts and photos on facebook made it very hard to come to terms with. I had failed. Had I stuffed up by giving up? 

Rory on the final coast path- he had a storming run

Time to move on and stop all the self pity. So many people have said I am amazing, awesome and other kind adjectives- I feel a failure and a fraud, a broken machine not a machine. I took myself for a long walk with a bit of downhill jogging on Bowland. I sat and cried for a bit where nobody was about. A dnf felt like I was grieving and no matter how much I told myself to get over it, that it was only a race and that people were suffering from far worse  it took me over a week to come to terms with it. Today I went for a fast flat local run- legs were fine and back was OK until I came home and sat. I cannot keep moving 24/7 though. Now I need to try to rebuild, sort my back and torso muscles out (I did eventually get a physio appointment) and get ready for the next adventure- the Fellsman ( I binned all thoughts of doing the Calderdale Hike). I also need to consider whether to enter the NT again next year... or let it beat me.

1st race of Runfurther 2022

Our season started early again this year with Pendle Way in a Day on 6th Feb. It was actually my second race of the year and I was worried I would be starting on tired legs. I was even more worried when I saw the forecast of wind AND rain. I hate these two combined. Luckily it is fairly local for me and I was able to sleep in my own bed with a not too desperate 5.20am alarm. I arrived in plenty of time to put up flags, banners and boards even if it was still dark. 

Mountain Fuel, Tent Meals, Injinji, Ultimate Direction and Icebug

That done I retired inside to an early registration and breakfast- my own porridge pot supplemented with tea and toast courtesy of the RO. Jamie and his team are gradually tweaking this event, including the CPs and the food at the start and the end. Before long the Heritage Centre was filling up and there were people to talk to. I debated packing a spare base layer or even a primaloft but decided against it- I was already wearing two long sleeve thermal tops, fleecy tights and my thickest cag. I was to regret this decision later. 

Pre start and Romneys mint cake on offer

After a slight delay due to some late registrations we were assembled outside shortly after 8am and off before ten past. Even though I knew my tired legs needed a slow start I was frustrated at the pace of some on the very narrow initial footpath. By the time we were crossing the main road north of Blacko people had found their place and all was well. Heading up onto the moor and Weets Hill  I leap-frogged position with another woman for several miles before and after this. At this stage there was just a breeze and the rain had not arrived. I was a bit warm in all my layers.BY the Alpaca Farm at the top of the road Gary was sheltering from the wind and cheering us on... he had also done the LAW last weekend but was not daft enough to do this too. The run down to Barlick is lovely although it was quite slippery after all the rain. After a strange little loop in the town to see the industrial history we climbed to Letcliffe Park before another drop to the canal. I was pretty much on my own now and hoping I would remember the route as I came to it. At some point on the canal tow path the rain started and got steadily heavier. David from Sportsunday shouted hello - he was still dry enough to be taking photos and smoking at 10am but it wasn't long before the rain forced him to give up. 

The rain had just started

As I ran past the Rolls Royce works and up to the church Chris came past me and we chatted for a while as we approached the first CP at Thornton Hall Farm. It reminded me to eat. Heading into Earby Chris pulled away and a few more guys appeared. I told myself not to worry and just to plod on and by Kelbrook Moor and the pub at Black lane Ends I had overtaken the other woman and was still with the new bunch of guys. Maybe my pace was just more realistic. The paths across moors and farm land to Laneshaw Bridge were very wet and the last bit by the stream alarmingly narrow and slippery. This year CP2 was shortly after the road crossing a some way before Wycoller. Again I stopped to grab food. More and more mud followed and I arrived at Wycoller alone. I was surprised to see nobody ahead as I crossed the old stone footbridge and passed the ancient Aisled barn. Turns out they had forked left and were heading up to the Atom before they realised and found a way back. They caught me as we climbed to the Pennine bridleway track that runs below Bouslworth Hill. Here I focused on staying with the men and picking off walkers and those on the shorter route. Part was along the track I realised how exposed it was and how cold and wet I was becoming. My gloves were soaked and despite tucking them into my cuffs they were making my hands so cold. The wind was now a blustery headwind and the rain was steady and unpleasant. I could see the woods up ahead and knew that shortly after that the paths forked and we headed to the reservoirs and the next CP at Coldwell. I prayed I would get warmer. The relief on finding that this year the CP was not a draughty gazebbo but an indoor room almost made me cry. It took a while for my brain and fingers to work out what needed to be done and to obey. Food, tea and layers. Except I didn't have much else to wear. I put on over trousers and a hat which improved things. My base layers were wet despite my heavy duty cag but I had nothing extra. I swapped my gloves for waterproof shell mitts and hoped jogging the next bits would warm me up. Luckily it worked. I had to slow in the thick deep mud before Catlow but I was now lower and more sheltered. The run to Walverden Reservoir further warmed me as did the climb up the hill to the golf course. It had been a close call but I felt warm enough to safely continue. Heading down through Reedley on the only urban section of the route I could see Chris ahead and this spurred me on. 

Soaked but slightly warmer than I had been

The flooded path by Pendle Water was a pain but the slippery mud along the Calder before the climb to Higham was worse. Here I caught Chris and we agreed we needed time and to refuel at the Higham CP. Two hot dogs, two donuts and two cups of tea later and I was ready for off.  The first paths are OK but I knew Bull Hole would be boggy as usual and then the fields above Newchurch would be wet as they never seem to dry out even in summer. In Fell Wood there were trees down creating an obstacle course but at least they provided shelter from the wind and rain. As you drop through the woods to Ogden Clough the route plays a mean trick. Barley is only about 1km down the road to the right but the route turns left up hill. Luckily I had warmed up enough since Coldwell to resist bailing here. Work on the upper reservoir meant a slight detour and suddenly as we climbed the wind was fierce. I was blown to a stop several times and was not happy crossing the stream at Boar Clough. I headed up the side stream slightly to a smaller narrower section. From here to the top of Pendle was grim. The wind was very strong, the rain relentless and it was misty. I was just about safe and told myself I would not be on the top for long. At least I know this part of the route like the back of my hand. Even on the descent of the tourist steps it was blustery and the mist and cloud was making it dark earlier than expected. Not wanting to stop in such conditions I pushed on glad that I knew where to be cautious and where I could run. There was a comedy section of slippery mud that almost had me in the garden of the first farm but the lights in the houses of Barley were now getting close. Again an inside CP was a relief. More tea and toast. From here I knew the way to Whitehough but after that my memory was more hazy. Luckily Chris arrived minutes after me and was happy for us to leave together. He navigated the couple of kilometres to Roughlee perfectly. There we found the stepping stones under water. We might have made it across but it did not seem worth the risk... a dunking would be bad but a bashing on the stones after a fall or being swept away would be silly. Our detour added a kilometre and we re-joined the route only about 250m above the river. From here it was pretty much down hill on swampy fields and then the lane to Barrowford. The paths in the park were flooded so we arrived cleaner than we had been. It was good to fall inside the Heritage Centre where it was warm and dry. Some photos were soon followed by beer and food. 

For me it was over an hour slower than my last race on the route in 2020 so I was surprised to find I was first female- the record holder was not racing and a friend who I knew would beat my 1-2 hours had not been able to come either. Not a bad start to the Runfurther season = 1000 points. 

Possibly the slowest ever female win

Plus a bottle of wine and a trophy (the first time the race has done them). Unbelievably the men's record had been reduced by a further 5 mins and the leading men had been back long enough to go home! Julian Hood 7hrs 10 then for Runfurther Adam Worrallo in 3rd in 8hrs 2, Kevin Hoult 8hrs 34 and 1st MV45, Steve Sweeney 10th in 9hrs 20 and 1st MV55, Martin Terry 15th in 10hrs 01 and 1st MV60 then Chris and I in 10hrs 28. A number of other Runfurther runners finished but poor Rory Harris sacrificed his race to aid another runner. He was in 3rd place on Pendle when he found a runner under- dressed for the weather and starting to suffer the consequences. Like the true gent he is he escorted the runner to safety.

                                             Spot prizes lined up and ready to go

Jamie McKilvenny and his team put on a good race and plan for hot food in the refurbished kitchens next year. East Lancs in early February will never be easy but it is a good day out. Big thanks to our sponsors who provided prizes for the winners and spot prizes for Runfurther runners.

2022 and a long awaited race

 Due North ( a relatively new RO) has been trying to put on LAW100 for over a year now. At last it happened. But I am getting ahead of myself. The race was the last weekend in January but it is not the first thing I have done this year. Although I have pretty much given up Turfing for now I have organised a Turf event. This is more fun the standard Turf as it is sociable, the zones are brand new not learned locations and with lots of people charging around at the same time you quickly lose zones etc. 

We had booked a weekend on the North York Moors. I was going to run/race each day and Bob planned to cycle. Best laid plans! The Saturday event was LDWA and they suddenly pulled the plug citing Covid fears. Perhaps just as well as I could have an easier Saturday. After a Friday night near Sutton Bank where it was Baltic we parked near Hole of Horcum.

There was thick fog and it was not warm. We prayed it would improve as the day progressed and were rewarded.  I did a steady long run the forest and across the moors. 

One of the nicer paths on the eastern moors

Bob took his MTB into the forest. He had a good time until technical failure forced his return.

Glorious sunshine by Saturday lunch time

The main event for me was Sunday and The Tandem. This was once a LDWA event but has been restarted by local runners. It is quite unusual in that you run as a team of two but most of the time you are not together as one does a loop west while the other goes east. 

Cold but sunny Saturday

You meet up for the last 8 miles or so. Anthony TC Gurundini had invited me to be his partner. I guess initially I was flattered but as the day grew near I was increasingly anxious as I know he is faster than me. I had met him doing the western loop on day a few years ago when I was on Glaisdale Rigg doing a recee for the Northern Traverse.  I had opted for the western route as it looked simpler to navigate and I knew bits of it. At the 11th hour we found the eastern route was shorter and easier- bugger, too late to change my maps etc now. I would have to run hard and TC would just have to wait. 

We slept up on the moor in the van and were treated to a lovely sunset. I was one of the first to register and he was one of the last.  It was chilly but dry. 

It deserves a bigger entry than this

We left Goathland at a blistering pace and within minutes the two loops separated. We headed north to Grosmont on a pleasant path that must have been an old rail track. We soon corrected a minor error, found the CP and I congratulated myself that I knew the next bit- albeit in reverse. It's always when your guard is down that thigs go wrong. Approaching Glaisdale all was well and then it wasn't. I did hesitate but the guy ahead checked and shouted that his garmin said OK. I trusted this- my mistake. After nearly 1km I knew it was wrong. The three of us then compounded the error. I should have just turned round and raced back on the big track mostly downhill. Instead we opted for jungle warfare, an alarmingly steep drop to the river, a wade across and then a climb up the other side before a slight trespass let us reach a bridleway. Hmm. A fair bit of time lost as we spotted slower runners ahead of us on the Rigg. Matt Hutchinson was very surprised to see me- so it brightened somebodies day. After that I was much more careful and ad no idea where I was anyway. Maps in hand I continued. The road was nasty but quiet and easy running as were the forest tracks. 

Trying to make up for lost time

One dreadful muddy and very slippery old lane near Sleavy Slack was awful and the next forest seemed to have many trip hazards as I tried to run to Newton on Rawcliffe and the waiting TC. He had been sat a while but was cool and had no wasted his time. I was immediately given a mug of tea and cup of soup.. both cooled to fast drinking temperature. I should have eaten more both earlier and now but what can you do when the pace is faster than you like and you are doing all you can to keep up.

Leaving Newton with TC

The next 8 miles were fine as we climbed through woods on greasy mud and then over Simon Howe moor on more familiar boggy peat. Some cheats  missed the trig point self clip- it annoyed me not that they had done this but that the RO did not check or evidence! Goathland and the finish were now in sight. We had a minor blip on Two Howes Moor when I favoured a path and TC the direct route. He let me think I had burnt him off as we entered the village. I was determined to stay ahead of the pair just behind us and we did. Not a bad race and it was nice to sit with food, tea and chat. Next time I should do the shorter route- if YC will have me of course.

Afortnight later with some Street O, local hill runs and lots of indoor climbing led me to Skipton and LAW at last.  Fifteen hours climbing during the week was perhaps not the best prep but it did stop me going out for a run. When it was cancelled last January I decided I would recee it and use the route for my LDWA virtual 100. This coincided with my 60th birthday and I thought the route and challenge would make a good adventure. It had the advantage of me knowing the route if I could remember it. Mel had made some diversions for various reasons but the bulk would be the same. 

My summer start- too dark for photos on race day

Having registered in Skipton we drove up to Embsay to spend the night in the church car park, just like last time. I had looked at the start list but mostly knew people slower than me and so had no plans to run with anybody. I had little idea of who would be faster but thought I recognised the name Emma Stuart? I slept pretty well and the weather was calm despite the forecast for gales later. I remember saying I preferred dry to anything else! Be careful what you wish for- it was mostly dry but the wind!! More of that later. The start predictably seemed horridly early as I chatted to Joe as he threw drop bags into the van. I had a brief chat with Jo and Sarah, Charles and also Tim Laney who I ran some of the TOR with. 

As the church near the castle chimed 6am we set off. A front group of half a dozen went off at sprint pace and I knew enough to let them go. After Embsay it was light enough not to really need a torch and I knew the way here pretty well. Around the ice cream van farm, up the moor and onto the Barden Road. The ground was wetter than I thought it might be but not too bad. Some road running with a fair bit of downhill led to VCP1 (vehicle CP) at Barden Bridge. The next section is lovely and the Dales at their best. Great paths and scenery all the way to Burnsall. Here you leave the Dales Way and climb up to Hebden before dropping back to Grassington. Lady Anne certainly took an interesting route! By now there was a group of us running within a 200m  spread. We had to drop through Grassington to the VCP in the main car park before retracing our steps uphill and out onto the moor. I still knew the way and knew from previous errors to be cautious as he headed up to Bare House. It was here that the wind began to be a real issue. I was being blown sideways so that my line was a bizarre zig zag and could not run next to anybody as I had no control to stop me being blown into them. James and Mark were making much better progress and I envied their extra weight and power. Gates were now a serious problem. Either I could not open them against the wind or if I did I could not close them again. Mostly I ran with mark and James, in fact using them as a wind break helped a great deal. One gate when I was on my own was suddenly taken by the wind and catapulted me across the track and into the wall. (A friend logged this as sport gate wrestling). Even on the downhill to Kettlewell I was struggling to make forward progress and I could feel myself getting mad at the wind. Here we met our first indoor CP with hot food. I was able to guide us in to the village hall and back out onto the fell fuelled by soup, pasta, pizza and melon. In addition to the wind we now had the typical Dales ankle snapping flap gate/stiles. 

I hate them. Our little group drifted apart a bit as we headed from Starbotton to Buckden. In the valley it was slightly better but the wind was still strong. Tim C was still with me here and said he was conserving energy in the hope of running later when the wind died down. It worked as he finished a couple of hours ahead of me. Heading up to Cray and the VCP we were back into the wind. The waterfalls were being blown back and upwards so we got a shower. The views were amazing and I do love the Dales. We had put up with drizzle early on but the sky was now a wonderful blue. From Cray I knew the climb up Busk Lane track would be tough but I had hoped that once the climb was over I would be able to run. 

I love the heat and sun!

I had a serious sense of humour loss here as the wind was spoiling my fun. We spread out again as the guys made slightly better progress and I reverted to climbing gates as it was safer. It seemed to take forever to drop to the VCP at Carpley Green even though this should have been easy running. I now had the wind on my back which was not much help as it just raced me on totally out of control. It was a joy to drop down to Worton and the main road for some respite. There is a bit of a detour east here as Lady Anne went to Nappa Hall but before long I was heading back west to Askrigg and the next indoor CP. 

Big coat, fleecy tights..

We also had access to our drop bags here. I replenished some food but decided there was little point in changing my socks- we had just crossed one stream and I was sure they would soon be wet again. I did eat but not enough- I really wanted something that would slide down and pizza was not it.

James, Glen and Mark

Soup was good though. It was now mostly west to Sedbusk and the wind was less fierce for a while. The woods near the mill had a lovely floor of snowdrops and the sun was still shining. Mark, James and I were back together and another Mark had joined us. Glen was close by but slightly ahead and doing his own thing. As we dropped towards the river Matt Neale appeared- it was good to see him and chat. He asked if my eyes were OK. At the time I thought they were but perhaps he could see how blood shot they were. Mel had a diversion here so that we avoided Hawes and the tricky paths just after it. We took the path to Hardraw and then the lanes back towards Appersett to pick up the real route by the river. We were soon at the VCP and onto the main road. I don't like the traffic here and so pulled ahead towards Cotter Rigg. It was late afternoon and the temperature was dropping although we didn't notice it as we climbed. Once at Cotter End it is a fairly level path all the way following the Dales High Way to drop to Hell Gill. I really looked forward to running it but not today. We were back into the NW headwind and it was strong and freezing. For the first time today I was very pleased to have worn my fleecy tights and my thickest cag. Eventually we reached a wall- I was desperate to stop to find my gloves and have a pee. It was also dark enough to need our torches. The 3 of us set off with Glen a little way ahead and Mark not far behind.  We would soon be a group of 5 for the rest of the race. As we got lower the track worsened to cloying mud and the wind had not abated- I want a refund from the BBC for their poor forecast! My right eye was now very troublesome and I could only see a milky haze from it. Oh well- at least the left eye was fine. We dropped the Thrang and Mark's wife was there to offer encouragement. I then made a slight nav error and missed the bridge. The next 3km are some of the nastiest boggy tussocky fields and not at all easy to navigate. We made it without too much fuss to Pendragon Castle and the next VCP. A pleasant surprise awaited as the marshall made us tea! I tried to smile but was no longer sure I was having fun. The wind had exhausted me, I couldn't see properly and it was getting cold. I announced that if Bob was still parked neat Nateby I might bail. We will never know- he wasn't there! Another kilometre or so with tricky nav and no obvious path saw us regroup with Glen. In Nateby my torch started warning of low battery and on the third warning I knew it would die. I stopped to change the battery and got a horrid shock. I had packed a spare battery but it was the one for Bob's torch which was in my drop bag. Presumably the battery I needed was with it. I tried to use a micro torch but that was useless. I had to stumble the best I could using the light from others down the gnarly track t the meadows and Kirkby Stephen and then the tree root infested river bank to the lane at the north end of town. James tried his best to give me light. Thank you. I was very grateful for Mels diversion here that let us use the old lane into the village rather than the field paths. An even bigger relief was swapping torches from my drop bag in the Winton CP. 

Very organised

Again the guys seemed to manage to scoff down food compared to me. Tea, soup, pasta and a porridge pot from my drop bag. I should have changed my socks here but was so relieved to sort my torch that I almost forgot. Within a few miles I was really regretting this as the ball of my heel was screaming with every foot strike. I tried to ignore it. With light at last I set off with renewed hope. The group made good progress over boggy fields and we were more sheltered from the wind now, or perhaps it was at last abating. The villages came and went so we were soon in Church Brough and could hear the A66. We still had perhaps 1/3 to go but in my head we had cracked it now. Another VCP mug of tea in Warcop fuelled us on our way to Appleby. We de grouped slightly but not for long. The scenery is less interesting from here but in the dark it really didn't matter and unlike last summer there were no drunks on the town streets. At Keld we found an unplanned diversion- well the others did. I think if I had been alone I might not have seen the sign. Apparently a farmer was stressed and didn't want us all on the public footpath through the farm yard. Some more lane running took us to Long Marton with no extra distance. From there it was easy running on tracks and with no real climbs to the next indoor CP at Kirkby Thore. More soup! The section of path to Ousen Stand was worse than I remembered  but we now had a starry night and a huge group of swans on the stream. Up a giant stile and we hit the road. I had lovely memories of meeting Chris here last May and getting a cup of tea in his van whilst Bob slept. We pushed on through towards more lanes and Cliburn. I was pleased we were avoiding the farm yard here as the dog is noisy and fierce. A loop south to Street House and the final VCP before lots and lots of tarmac to the end. If I was walking this route I would not enjoy the last miles. Being a group of 5 was good- there was always somebody prepared to try to run. We walked or marched  the ups and some flats but jogged the downs. I had told myself the road from Ling Moss to Clifton Dykes went on and on so today I was prepared for it. Paths took us to Brougham and we were still together. I knew to turn towards the Hall although at this stage nobody could give a stuff what the ornate door knockers looked like! 

I still couldn't see very well so was almost pleased to be back on tarmac. I tried to suggest we broke the group and those who could run did so but in the end we all stuck together past the castle, under the A66, up the awful hill (that is probably tiny) and on to the outskirts of Penrith. No river path today as Mel thought the road at Eamont Bridge could be dangerous. We jogged the best we could unless it was uphill and were soon in the town centre and heading for the Castle and the park gates. An uphill finish. We crossed the line together in 24hrs 45. All 8th equal regardless of what the results say.

Summer finish... didn't bother climbing the railings today

 Bob then scanned out cards and so we all got slightly different official finish times. I had prepared myself for the walk to the hostel for showers, food and even a bed. It was only a 10 minute walk but we were offered a lift! Once muddy shoes were removed we refuelled on sausage buns and tea. I could have done with a main meal to make up for all I had not eaten but never mind. The shower was lovely and I did lie in a bed for 90 mins or so but couldn't sleep. I decided I would be less stiff if I walked and so strolled up to the Castle to see Bob and more finishers. Some seemed to have no idea where to go next so I escorted some back to the hostel and had cake and toast and more tea. My legs didn't feel too bad but my feet were trashed. Sore heel bottom and sore big toes. I should have changed my socks as just airing my feet at the 2 drop bag CPs would have helped them dry out. Where the left was macerated and the skin had folded I had a blister. No wonder the bottom of my heel pad had been sore.

I could not believe that we had finished in under 5 hrs. True Emma (Kenny's daughter) had finished 2nd overall in an amazing 19hrs 39 but after battling the wind, being semi blind and a head torch fail I was more than happy. I had thought that without van support and in the wind and mud I might take 28hrs. I guess it being a race and having company made a bigger difference than I had anticipated. Thanks to mark, James, Glen and Mark and of course to Bob who volunteered at the castle and also did the driving for my all weekend.

End of 2021

 I know some people have really suffered during Covid but for me it has been about making the best of what we can do. I have missed my ski holidays and would love to visit family in Australia and New Zealand but in the meantime.... Also life is what you make it! Go out and seek adventure- locally or afar, cherish what you have and those around you. I have loved seeing more of family in the UK and really loved becoming and Gran ma.

Review of the year... Managed lots of indoor climbing- Stockport and now Preston Wall is back open.

All sorts of new challenges= Frozen Accumulator in January (left me a bit broken), Dales Skyline backwards (a wonderful day out)

, Brennand Watershed (solitary exploring and seeing nobody for hours), Turfing on a bike in February and managing 1st in UK/3rd in World,

recently our first turf event and now also planning one. Street O returned and so far 5 events and back in pubs for the social part.

I enjoyed a wonderful day on Lady Anne's Way for my 60th birthday- great support from Bob and Chris allowing me to complete the 100 miles in under 24hrs. An escape to France and Italy for the summer in the van- lots of climbing in the sun, my first big fall, two long races with podiums- GRP and TOR.

Runfurther had a race series and we only lost two races in the end- I ran at The Spire, Lakeland 5 Passes, Pennine 39, 3Towers Ultra virtual, Round Rotherham, Yorkshire Trod. Also races Lakeland 100 and LM42.

Lots of podiums and PBs. It has not all been perfect but looking at the positives makes me happy.

Strava stats are interesting too. I never do much to a plan except where I have entered a race or decided to do a challenge. I run when I want to and that's it as far as training goes.

Strange to see cycling as my top sport but I guess that is down to the hours that I bike turfed in February and also quite a few rides since both turfing and around the Fylde with Bob. No surprise that longest race and that with most elevation was TOR.

I spent 283 days active- not sure what I did on the remainder or whether I just forgot to log anything. September was my month with fewest active days but I did little leading up to the TOR and not much immediately after it either.

Total distance was over 11,000km but it seems to combine bike, run etc. Total elevation was 146,392m but again think this is bike and run- although most of my biking is fairly flat so running will have added most of this.

Total time was 1433 hours with March having the highest total. 103 climbing activities logged., 293 rides and 741 on foot/runs.

Last race of the year was the fabulous Tour de Helvellyn. It never disappoints and this year the weather was kind. As usual we travelled up the night before and as Bob was helping we were lucky enough to park on site. A quick chat and registration on Friday evening saw me retire to the van for food and an early bed. It was cold with all vehicles coated in frost by morning. My guts woke me early but after a few chilly visits to the portaloo I felt OK.

This race doesn't have a mass start so after a quick kit check I was good to go. I had tried to leave early enough to maximise the daylight but late enough that the Patterdale CP would be open. As I set off up the lane out of the village it was light enough not to need my torch. As I crossed Askham Common the sunrise was superb and the moon was still up too. There were amazing temperature inversions for much of the morning.

The ground was mixed with some bits a bit firm but no ice in the places I dreaded it like Boredale and then the steps down to Side Farm. I am slow enough on those in good conditions and right wuss if it is icy. A quick panic when I couldn't see the CP at Side Farm was soon sorted as I rounded the corner and spotted a tent on the track. It must have opened early as I only passed one early starter a long way up towards Bell Cottage. I should have stopped to take a pic of the mist over Ullswater but was in race mode. I had a lovely surprise in the village as I met Carmine just as he was about to take his accordion up Helvellyn for a winter carol sing a long. It wasn't long before I arrived at Stu's bridge and headed off to Sticks Pass. No snow this year and no rain either. Faster men were now starting to come past and I was able to shout well done to Caspar, Lawrence and others. A nice grassy descent lured me into faster running and then a face plant! Luckily no harm done although no doubt it amused Andy F who was just behind me. I was slower down the steep bit and then along the rock strewn path towards Swirls car park very slow with the sun in my eyes. It gave me a chance to chat to Matt before he blasted off once we hit the forest track. I grabbed food from my drop bag at Swirls and jogged off eating along the track. I knew I would need energy for the climb up to Grisedale Tarn.

Raise beck was easily crossed and climbed although I did feel very sorry for John Bamber aka Santa sitting in the cold shade there. A silly mistake a loss of concentration saw me on a higher trod than necessary and I then had to drop to the tarn outlet. I then made a good decision though and went down the grassy trod in the valley- for me this is much more runnable and faster than the pain rocky path. I was soon back in Patterdale and stomping back up to Boredale Hause.

I made it down the other side without mishap and although the lane had some icy patches it wasn't bad that early in the afternoon. Up until now I had been first lady but I knew it wouldn't last. The faster ones who had started later came past me just before Martindale. I managed a quick chat with Cat before she trotted on. Kirsty also appeared and was not going much faster than me. In the end we sort of ran together with each of us pushing the other to keep up the pace and me shouting directions as I knew the way. It pulled me along nicely and it was good to be of help. The run back across the common is a favourite of mine and Lowther Castle was soon in site. Rory came past me like a train as we dropped off the fell- he will have started ages after me.

It was my 5th T de H and I realised I could get a PB (not bad at 60). It pushed me to race hard over those last few miles and the reward was 7hrs 41 A great way to end the year. Lots of soup, bread, cake, tea, coffee and beer followed and many chats with friends.