Grand Raid de Pyrenees

 Possibly my most favourite race each year.... low key, reasonable price, amazing CP staff, great scenery, good weather (usually/mostly) and it is like going home to family and friends now. We park the van along the lane by the river with a number of others, the little village where the event starts is quaint and the people there now greet me as a friend. 

Up the valley is St Lary, a small ski resort with more accommodation, cafes, bars and the big lifts up the mountain. We arrived a few days before the race and so had time to shop, settle in and go for a wander up the valley and watch the huge articulated lorry that becomes the stage arrive.

Registration was back to normal after Covid although they had tried to persuade people to arrive in blocks by surname to reduce the crush. It was smooth and efficient with a waiver not a kit check and a nice bag of goodies as usual. I met up with Albert, Michelle, Mark and also Martin Schofield who had travelled through the tunnel from Spain. Julian would appear later too and I had met Jordan on one of my walks. Albert, Julian, Martin and I were doing the 160km; no 220km this year. We know the route pretty well although there were some significant changes due to a landslide. Despite being so familiar with it I got my Life Base CPs muddled in my head. It wasn't serious as I had spare socks, shoes, clothes and food in both bags. 

I slept quite well pre race despite late finishers from one of the shorter races making their way back to cars late at night and then others like me getting up or arriving very early in the morning. Having spent much of the previous day faffing there was little to do now except dress, eat and pick up my sack. Bob stayed out of my way until it was time to walk up to the village square.  

Here we had to part as they had a complicated road block system allowing only runners through and asking us to make a rather circuitous route to arrive at the rear of the start pen. No worries- I didn't want to be at the front! The start is always fast and flat with the danger of you being pulled along at a faster than sensible pace anyway.  I stood with Martin in the pen and waited for the emotional music to start and the count down to begin. I spotted Bob on the roundabout as we ran by and then Michelle and Mark. I had no idea whether the others were in front or behind me. It was early enough in the race not to care and there was a good chance I would see them later as the field thinned out.

Although it was dark I didn't need my head torch much at all as the first bits on tarmac had some street lights and then this is followed by quite a wide track. Once into the trees near La Cabanne it was helpful though. Heading through the edge of the ski resort and towards our first significant Col (Col de Portets) I always get anxious that others are moving faster etc.  I tried to ignore them and to focus on the sun rise over my right shoulder - not as impressive as other years- and  just to keep plodding upwards.  By the time we reached our first CP at Merlans it was properly light. I dashed inside to use the loo.  Almost 16km done and it looked like being a nice day if cooler than usual.

From here to La Monjie the route has changed from year to year.  It starts on a pleasant rising traverse across alpine meadows but soon switches to rocky terrain past refuge Campana and the chain of glacial lakes. 

Some is runnable but there is also some boulder hopping and the rocks were greasy this morning. I hate getting old as I am now so slow over wet rocks - eyes not so good, reactions slower, muscles less elastic, reactions slower, fear of trying to mend an injury and this morning shoes that had good grip but not on the rock. 

Florence a friend from TOR came dancing past and hoards of men seemed to pass me. Still, there is a long way to go yet and two small tumbles persuaded me to stay slow. The last drop to La Monjie was eroded and slightly scary in one small section and just a very steep wet boggy hillside in others. At least my shoes were good on this.  I stopped at the CP for food and also to top up my water/MF. There are already lots of supporters here cheering us in and wishing us well as we head off to the enormous climb up Pic du Midi Bigorre. 

Can't even see the top but we are going up there later

We were reverting to the original route here which I  think I prefer although I had forgotten about the four small stream crossings and the annoyance of wet feet. The path contours and climbs with one small valley head giving you false hope that you are close. It was getting warmer and we were getting used to the people around us and chatting. Eventually the Col de Sencours appeared along with even more spectators. The out and back from here up the peak is quite good in that you can start to sense where you are in the field. I try to spot any women coming down as I head up and it takes my mind off the climb.  I actually overtake some people and that is always good for motivation.  

A very short stop at the top and a water top up before I sped back down to the out-going side of Cole de Sencours and the chance for good savoury food- soup and also puree (mash basically).  As I ran down the stony track I spotted Martin and Julian on their way up- I had expected they would both catch me up by now if they were not already ahead. Then shortly after this I met Albert on his way up. I told him the others were not far ahead but he didn't seem very happy. 

No time to stop though as I dropped past Lac d'Oncet and then picked up the smaller path heading for Col de la Bonida and Col d'Aoube. There were still quite a few people around and some were moving faster than me especially on any rocky downhill sections. 

Somewhere before Lac Bleu the weather clagged right in and you woud not have known there was a huge and beautiful lake down to the left at all. Shame to miss the scenery here as it is beautiful. I plodded on to the Col de Bareilles and then eventually up again to Hourquette d'Ouscouacu. 

From here I knew it was easier running and not too far to Hautacam. Along here I did start making better time and actually overtook people. I was looking forward to meeting friends who marshall at the next CP and hoped post-Covid that it would be back indoors. Sadly it was outside in a draughty tent and after my burst of speed I was feeling sick. Nice to say bye to the friends though- their last year on the CP as they are getting older. Having thrown up all my eating efforts there seemed little point hanging around in the chill so I began the descent to Pierrefitte. The weather and temperature improved hugely and by the time I reached the CP I was too hot to sit inside. A kind marshall brought me a chair and my drop bag so that I could sit outside. Lots of runners have family support here and I am always jealous of the chilled fruit, yogurts etc.  The 'showers' were cold hose pipes so I washed my legs and feet but ignored the rest! A medic used a magic potion to dry out my slightly macerated feet and then taped them for me. Then I sat for a while trying to eat and drink- custard and chocolate milk went down OK but not much else.  Off we go.

As with many foreign races the route is fully taped. This is good for those who cannot do a reccee but does mean you often have little idea where you are going or where you have been. I didn't bother printing new maps as experience has taught me I never use them. I know that the route here was changed this year due to landslides. Part of the route was on a cycle way with an interesting tunnel and then a fairly wide easy track leading almost to Cauterets. To make up for this we were then sent on a dreadful loop on lanes and then up through woods. I had been looking forward to a stop in the town and some food. For me it was a low point and I felt sleepy. My pace slowed and I tried to find somewhere to lie down for a short spell.  The bench I found was too close to the trail and passing runners kept prodding me to see if I was OK!  The CP when I eventually arrived was in the Casino as usual. I used my coffee bag and had a great drink plus some food and even managed a short sleep. The next section of route had also changed and it was brutal. I am glad it was dark and I could not see the full extent of what we went up and also down. Seriously steep, pathless in places, steep black ski run in others and the tiny ski station of Aulian took forever to arrive. There were a few others around but nobody was moving fast. Luckily by the time we had been fed at the CP it was getting light. I stopped for a couple of pancakes but struggled to eat; time to get moving again. A mixture of switchback road and short cut paths drop you quite quickly towards Sazos. The paths I thought would be slippery were better than I remembered and I felt I was moving better again. The dawn always lifts me, plus you have done almost 100 of the 160km now.  My memories of the CP at Luz were dreadful- a packed over heated room and sitting outside the back fire doors with most runners being sick. Today was much better- space, cooler and calm. I collected my drop bag, changed my socks and head torch and settled down to eat. Not much but every bit helps, I could not play the rest of the route in my head and divided it up into nice manageable chunks. 

Back to Luz and the hills we crossed in the dark

The path up into the woods is steep but it was warm and sunny. I enjoyed myself and started overtaking some people.  There is a hug loop contouring up a valley to cross a stream and then contouring back on the other side. 

A few guys pulled ahead here but not by far and I felt I was running faster now to keep them in sight. Last year we had an annoying section after this on big paths in woods that seemed to take us the wrong direction. This year I got a lovely surprise as we appeared in the tourist area above Bareges and I knew it was not far to Tournaboup. We were back in 'supporter' land too and that encouraged me. It was hot but not as intense as last year. I ate quite well at this CP and power walked back up towards the hills. Overtaking two women in my race here spurred me on as did finding out that at least one and maybe two of the leaders had dropped out. Since Covid the RO have had reduced podiums with the first 5 M/F and then just age category winners. I was keen to make the podium and not just as a category winner as I knew there was little competition there. 

By now I could feel the sun scorching the back of my legs and we were all taking opportunity to soak buffs etc in streams. I stopped more than I should have but perhaps made better time in between. At the small CP at Cabanne d'Aygues I was desperate for shade (not like me) and took my food to the shadow of the tent. 

I left refreshed and then filled my bottle at the source as I left. The Hourquette Nere arrived much sooner than I dared hope and suddenly I could smell the finish.

Over 20km to go though. I ran well down from the col and only slowed on the nasty eroded path dropping towards Cabane de la Lude area. 

My favourite bits back in the Neouville NP

The climb up and across to Merlans was not so bad and I arrived feeling less sick than last year. 

A professional photographer was doing a portrait project- it seemed rude not to stop even though I was keen to keep going. 

The Col de Portet was heaving but I shot straight through. The path from here is getting more and more eroded. I did one huge flying trip and how I stayed on my feet I do not know. 

I could see runners ahead from the 80km and 120km routes and tried to pick them off.  It meant my quads were a bit shot for the drop to Soulan but never mind. More supporters cheered us here. The first part of the descent is easy but then after the stream it gets rocky and very slippery. I had thought of sticking to the lane but huge signs and a marshall made me stick to the prescribed route and I emerged in Vignec unscathed. I was slower than I hoped but saw that I could slip under 38hrs if I made an effort. Down the road to the bridge, down the steps and onto the riverside path, past all the holiday makers and you can here the finish. Checking my watch showed I had at least 6 minutes leeway now so I slowed to regain my breath before the final bridge and the red carpet through Vielle Aure village. Bob was there but the wandering band chose that moment to walk past and block his photo. 

He met me on the finish line. I collected my finishers hoody and established that the food on offer was just CP left overs. Next stop a chair, shoes and socks off and into the fountain as usual. Bliss. I had beaten last year's time by over an hour and I think with the changes near Aulian that it is a tougher course.

Happy with that. Also 5th F, with 4th only 13 mins ahead. My friend Florence was 3rd F in under 36 hrs but the winning F was just over 32hrs and first man an amazing 26 hrs 30.  Eventually we wandered back to the van and I caught the shuttle to the campsite for a much needed shower. 

Sunday started with an eggy breakfast before the prize giving and then the fantastic buffet on the rugby field.  The prize haul was enormous as they combined my 5th and 1stFV60 prizes. 

Lots of food but also vouchers for shoes, sun glasses and more vouchers.

So much good food and unlimited beer from the local brewery. It was great to sit and chill with Martin and Julian as well as Bob. I also spotted an interesting race T shirt..... dare I?

L100

 It would be my second go at this event and I really enjoyed the first. I was though anxious as repeat events had not gone well at the NT. The weather forecast looked OKish and then we were away with no signal, as we paddle boarded on Coniston and then camped up in Broughton Forest, and so spared to constant checking and changes. We had been busy with cycle rides, SUP and climbing but not as much running as perhaps there should have been. Still P39 was quite recent and that went OK. 

Tracker picture

The 6pm start is never easy with far too much time to chill or faff. I taped my feet and pondered on shoe choices. Registration took up a bit of time as did chatting with friends. 

Nervous before the start

I opted for a calm and steady start; it's not like I am going to win! I saw Jess and Maria dash off and Emma was already well out of sight. 

Feeling small

Walna Scar Road came and went with no issues. The descent to Eskdale is not great and it was good to chat to Anna and hear that it gives her nightmares too. Matt N came past around here and steadily pulled away. 

The lane up out of Coniston

By the CP at Boot I was very pleased to find they had savoury options and not just the cakes and sweets of the first CP. It was a long haul to Wasdale but with lots of company. With no moon and overcast skies I needed to use the head torch earlier than last year. I lost a few places but felt OK and less sick than last year. On the next big climbs I met Jodie from Cornwall and it was good to chat and motivate each other before she pulled away on the long drop to Buttermere.

Outdoor CP at Buttermere

 Here I stopped long enough for hot dog and chocolate milk. My pace was slightly slower than last year but I was able to eat and the only issue was pain from the issue in my right foot.

Early on

I ended up totally alone in Newlands and as it was wet decided not to check the route on my phone. Somehow I ended up on a lower path and did a bit of bracken bashing to regain a higher trod. Here I picked up others and was able to stick fairly close to them all the way to Braithwaite. This is a nice indoor CP and worth stopping for a decent feed- yogurt, custard, fruit and more. I set off power walking towards Latrigg. A few overtook me but I stuck to my pace and nursed my now very sore foot. It's a long loop to the virtual CP and was drizzling but still warm in just a T shirt. The Blencathra Centre was rocking with Trawden's School of Rock and it was good to see friends there. It was almost light now and so felt very similar to last year.

Looking up to the Coach Road and Clough Head it looked grim so I stopped to put my cag on. I did most of the gnarly track alone and my foot was on fire.  

Fire pit at Dockray

It was a relief to get to Dockray CP which is manned by Hardmoors friends- Jon, Shirley, Jo and more. 

It was still raining despite what my forecast had said, although on the plus side there no midges this year! Chat, sympathy, a cup of tea and cheese set me up for the next section. 

Beware the chair but my foot did need the rest

It's a long way so I break it down into bits. All the way to Aira and around Gowbarrow my foot was definitely slowing me and it was a relief to get softer grounds in the woods and fields. Even tarmac was some relief and I made up some lost time as I looked forward to a shoe change and hopefully a happier foot at Dalemain where our drop bags waited.

I spent almost 40 minutes here but it was time well spent. I dried my feet enough that I could even re-tape them, changed my socks and shoes (only to find I had forgotten to stick on the velcro tabs for my gaiters) and had chats with marshalls and friends. I managed two plates full of stew plus bread. I restocked my food and MF powder but had only eaten some crisps and a couple of bars. Leaving the tent I found I had seized up and it must have looked pitiful as I set off towards Pooley Bridge. I felt a real fraud as people cheered. Others were having a worse time and both Ashkok and Marco were very sick and struggling to eat at all. As we headed up to Askham Common I met up with two southerners and was able to show them the way. By Howtown my sore foot was improving and I fuelled on fruit and even some coke. In Fusedale I was alone until near the top and there was lovely soft ground. The run along the top ridge there is one of my favourite  of the race although this year it was much wetter and my feet got soaked. The drop through the bracken as greasy and nasty- apparently a runner fell and dislocated a shoulder. I picked my way cautiously and still had two tumbles. The lead runners on the L50 came flying through and seemed to be having no problems at all, they must have special shoes :)

It always seems to take forever to make progress along Haweswater and even then when you think you are at the end there is a loop around to the CP. The rain was now a bit grim but the CP staff were cheerful and offered me some amazing flapjack. The climb up to the top of Gatesgarth was the worst weather of the race so it was a slow and steady climb. For me it was a slow and steady descent too- we were due to go on holiday and I didn't want a bad fall. I missed a turn on the way into Kentmere and had to double back... annoying but not too serious. Here we got the usual warm welcome plus smoothies. The slog up Garburn was wet but it was entertaining watching a jeep drive down- he expected us to all get out of his way naturally. The last descent to the road at Troutbeck felt greasy but I was lifted as I passed another female runner and now had the company of many L50 folk. 

Ambleside was wet and so I didn't want to stop. I grabbed banana and crisps before heading straight off. I felt I was going very slowly now and bizarrely even thought about phoning Bob to apologise for the late night he would have! I should have eaten my mint cake and Bounty bar but you don't think well once you are tired. Before long I was in Langdale. I couldn't run as much of the big tracks as I would have liked- just too tired. Shame as that bit is so runnable. Chapel Stile came and went with more soup eaten. The next bit was slow. The paths were flooded, the rocks greasy and my legs were shot. I sheltered in the woods after Blea Tarn to find my head torch. The next bit was a bit grim with flooded paths, greasy rocks and bogs. The virtual CP was lit up with car headlights. Down the road and onto the Tilberthwaite track. The weather was wet and the mist was making it hard to see where you were going. It was good to have others around me here on paths that were shin deep in muddy water. The drop to the Copper Mines was so much worse than I remembered it last year in the dry and light and I felt so slow by comparison. I was sure that from Kentmere I had been about 2 hours slower so my next aim was to beat midnight. I did and finished at about 11.30pm. 

Soggy but happy

The finish tent was heaving with supporters and I had to ask one of them for a chair so I could eat my food. My need really did seem great than theirs!

A strip wash in the van and I fell into bed.  29 hrs 40 mins. So yes it was 2 hours slower but given wet and greasy rocks plus the earlier darkness I wasn't surprised or even too disappointed.   

REcovered the morning after

An eggy breakfast and lots of coffee set me up for the prize giving which Marc does so well. The VIP area was there again together with bouncers to keep out the riff raff.  

It was a bit of deja vu as Maria and I sat drinking again- beer and champagne. Never refuse free alcohol! 

Although we did note that the true athletes like Sabs and Katie had orange squash. 

Anna FV50 champ

105 miles done with 6856m of climb. 1st FV60 only 2nd FV50 to Anna and 11th F overall Shall I do it again and work towards my 5 year slate? not sure yet.

Perhaps I am quite small

Pennine 39

 

I love this event and have done it 5 times before. For me it is a whole weekend of chilling with friends but with a race in the middle too. As usual we arrived on Friday afternoon but this time direct from 5 hours on Kendal climbing wall – not ideal race prep but great fun. The flags and banners were soon up and prizes handed over. Joe was busy with shuttle runs to the railway stations but I caught up with him eventually. After food in the van I walked back up to the YHA to catch up with yet more friends.

My race prep had been a bit daft with a family wedding but also loads of activity- just not much running. Mon was a 4 hour climbing session, Tues a 130km bike ride, Wednesday SUP on a local river estuary, Thursday a walk on Pendle and then on Friday more climbing. I would have to wing it and I knew that I could be in trouble. This was not arrogance; more that I had been having fun doing other stuff. It was too late to worry now so I went to bed with “Fail to prepare, prepare to fail” ringing in my head. Despite this I slept well and opted to enjoy the superb scenery and make the most of the warm weather.

I caught up with Steve Jones and his plans for more bonkers adventures as the coach took us to Bowlees. Then chatting to Siobhan and Joe before a very very low key start I was actually in the lead for a few minutes. 

Rory soon came past as did Phil and also Despina and then Claire.  I refused to chase and risk blowing up. I settled into what I hoped was a reasonable pace for me and ran much of the next chunk along the Pennine Way and up past Cauldron Snout with Gary. 

Approaching High Cup Nick is always special and today was not exception. What a view. Charles had caught me and passed me, along with Peter. They took photos but still steamed off ahead of me looking strong on the initial gnarly descent. 

By the Dufton CP I had closed the gap a little but Charles shot off fast and powered ahead up Knock. I refilled water, ate melon and took goodies from my drop bag. I hoped to reel Charles in on the climb- but not today. On the plus side I pretty much kept Peter in my sights and got further and further ahead of Gary. The marshall on Knock was cold but after our efforts we were steaming in just shorts and T shirts. Luckily there was water in the streams and water at his car. This and the breeze along the 3 tops kept us cool. There was more surface water than I expected on this section with several flag stones submerged so we had cool feet too. A cheery ‘Hello’ to the photographer by the radar station and I was chasing Peter. My tiny trod to Greg’s Hut did the trick even though I stopped to fill my bottle again at the pipe.

The track from Greg’s Hut to Garigill has broken many runners, especially those who dare to believe that it is now all down-hill. It isn’t! Instead you face a roller-coaster of stony track that seems to go on forever. I caught Peter and chatting helped take my mind off the pain. We discovered we had a mutual friend and he quizzed me about hilly northern ultras (he’s from Essex). I would hardly say dumping rough aggregate is track improvement but it did mean the grassy verge had been widened and flattened making it more runnable. I raced down and to my amazement caught Charles before the village. On the downside a glance at my watch showed I was going to be 20-30 minutes slower than last year. After a PW at Lakeland 5 Passes I now believed I was rubbish, a fraud and had been stupidly lazy in my training. Bob had planned his bike ride to intercept me in the village but I was feeling a bit negative despite the melon.

Our threesome set off together and after a short silly error when I led them down the wrong footpath all was well along the riverside path and meadows. Knowing the route helped me to judge what was left and to shout peter back at one junction. It also allowed me to time my final effort to perfection and so to finish a minute ahead of Charles.

Rory had won again and although about 15 mins slower we were all awed by his time of 5hrs49. Phil was not far behind. Despina was 1stF in 6.44 and it was good to chat to her after the race. Claire beat me easily this year in 6.55 and I was 3rdF in 7.21 which was 26 mins down on last year.  I drank so much water that the marshall brought me out my own jug. Gradually I felt more normal as I cooled down and cheered in other runners. A shower and then Nav4 soup, bread and cake completed the job.

All photos- credit Nick Ham

The event was far from over though and we sat eating and cheering runners in for ages. A large group of us had booked in for the Saturday night meal which was superb. The wine and beer flowed and we sung Happy Birthday to Joe. Retiring to the lounge for more beer I set about persuading Joe that this should not be the last Pennine 39 before staggering back to the van at gone midnight. We were off to Ullswater for more paddle-boarding in the morning and so left Nick to deal with all the flags etc. Thanks.