The Fellsman

 Last year I entered this event with great trepidation after my disaster at the NT. This year I was more positive, or just resigned to being older and slower. I had not run a huge amount since the Calderdale Hike but we did have a few days away in the Dales. 

What it looks like without the mist

This let me recee the new CP and also to get in two decent length runs. On these it was bright sunshine so warm in the valleys but chilly on the tops thanks to a biting cold wind. The forecast for this weekend was warmer but the forecasters seemed rather unsure how much rain we might get and when it might arrive. Not a bad Fellsman forecast though.

Our wonderful sponsors- the barriers were moved

Four hours climbing was perhaps not ideal preparation but we stuck with our standard Friday routine. Despite this we were at Threshfield soon after 5pm and as Bob was helping all weekend we could park at the school. The flags and banners were soon up and it was not a chore given the warm sunshine. The boards were up in the hall with a list of the spot prize winners and there was enough space for me to lay out all the rope mats and dog toys that I make for Mountain Rescue funds. 

After helping to unload the food van I grabbed a quick meal in our van before heading for registration. I was first in the queue and bagged my place on the last bus. It felt strange and rather sad without Kate on registration. Kit check was as thorough as I have come to expect but I was not at all worried- I have suffered enough in bad weather at this event to not even dream of cutting any kit corners! 

Possibly the most thorough kit check ever

Young Timothy Driver on his first stint at a whole weekend volunteer did kit check and then handed out our mint cake so I was free to chat with friends and keep an eye on spot prizes and sell mats. Thanks to all who bought- another £60 to Mountain Rescue.

The A team

At 9pm I checked on Bob in the kitchen and went back to the van to do a last minute faff with gear before some cheese, wine and an early bed. Bob came back some time after 10pm but I barely woke. He also disappeared back to the kitchen at 4am to start preparing breakfasts. I dozed until almost 6 when I got dressed and had breakfast. Fellsman rules have always stated 'full leg cover from dusk' and as it is such a pain to change at that stage I opted for long tights. I was far to warm for much of the day and need to check on this rule as I do not think they applied it this year.

By 6.30am we had a full bus and were on our way to Ingleton. I don't travel well and this is not my favourite part of the day- perhaps we should make the Fellsman 100 miles and circular? Despite the queue for trackers, tallies and race numbers there was still plenty of time to find friends, sort out a team and make several trips to the toilet. Julian organised a team of relative oldies and then we were herded out onto the playing field. Cag or no cag? it seemed mild but then the air got damp, what to do? I decided to be brave and took my cag off. We were late starting and had a minutes silence for missing friends. Despite the clag and damp my neighbours Drew and Liz who were CP marshalls on Ingleborough seemed in fine spirits and were full of encouragement. The cag went on- too early to risk wet layers.

I really dislike the stone steps off the summit and despair at how slowly I descend. Mark had showed me an alternative but he was somewhere behind and I did not want to risk an untried route on race day. I chatted to Albert and Toney as we headed to the next CP at Hill Inn. By now it was dry again and rather warm. Cag off- and it stayed off for most of daylight hours. Not needing any food or water at this stage I plodded on and began the ascent of Whernside. One welcome distraction before the steepness kicked in was SportSunday out taking photos as usual. 

David takes great photos and always makes me smile. Then it was up and up. Our route takes an out and back to the summit which is interesting as you get to see how far behind faster runners you are and to shout encouragement at each other.

More friends at the Whernside CP

The run along the ridge before you turn to Kingsdale is a joy, then it is over the stile and rougher terrain to the river. I was  starting to suffer back pain and stopped long enough to sort out my poles in the hope they would keep my posture more upright. It did work, but not instantly. Charles had now passed me and he was delighted to have done so early on in the race. Bill J was also going strong (for the time being). The climb seemed to take forever and I did not feel strong. At the top I had time to shout Hi to Kat before she headed off to Great Coum. The out and back to Gragareth is always interesting as it is another opportunity to see who is just ahead. The ridge top was drier than often but still had some boggy bits- I concentrated on staying in touch with those just ahead of me. By the next CP I had caught some. I was confused when the group in front headed off left. I even followed initially before saying out loud "This is wrong". I cut back right and down to reach the good if rather wet quad bike track by the wall. Before Flinters Gill I had caught them all and overtaken some.  I did lose some ground to a few on the nasty track down to Dent- I hate being such a wuss but my shoes were not gripping well and now seemed half a size too big too. My shock in Dent was finding that we were all being pulled over for a kit check, including things buried deeply in my sack. At least it was all of us and not a random sample. First time I have ever been kit checked mid race at the Fellsman. Luckily I managed to repack my sack so that it was still comfortable. I grabbed a cheese and onion roll, ate lots of melon and set off to try to catch Bill. He was never far ahead and then got confused at a road junction so I did catch him. At the correct junction Fiona was waiting with the dogbut I had no idea how far Mark might be behind me as I had not seen him since the Hill Inn. 

Around here I started to catch up with Paul Tynan, who I knew, and Ken his club mate. We were to see quite a lot of each other for the rest of the day. A whole group of us cut over the back edge of Whernside and found the trod that would lead us to Blea Moor. I always get wet feet somewhere on this section and today was no exception; I suspect like parts of Bowland that it never dries out. This year I stayed on the ridge by the fence a little longer after the CP and reached the track by the railway tunnel air shaft a bit more easily. The turkey is no more! and after a short boggy section I met the road leading to Stonehouse. 

The CP staff make such a great effort

I must have overtaken Bill somewhere but Anne was waiting for him and gave me a cheery confidence boost. Timothy was at this CP and loving it so I made tie for a quick chat before joining Paul and Ken for pasta, tea, cake and more. 

Upright once more

Nicola who looked familiar (and she should as we ran at P39 together) was also there. I climbed Artengill Beck slowly letting my food digest. The others pulled ahead slightly but by Great Knoutbery summit we were together again. This is the third out and back so yet another chance to see how you are doing. My back had eased now and I was feeling more positive. Spotting Kat, Ben and others boosted me- true , I still had some of the climb to do and they were zooming down and off to Redshaw but they were not that far ahead. The marshalls at this CP was basking in sunshine which must be a pretty rare occurrence.

Stonehouse- all 4 of us but before we teamed up

After the long flat boggy section Paul and Ken took a slightly higher line and I managed to catch them up briefly before they zoomed off to Redshaw. They did not stop long but I knew I needed to take the time to eat here or I would pay for it later. I did eat my banana on the next section though as I knew running hard would not be possible through the boggy section. They were just leaving Snaizholme as I approached and again it was sunny. The next section is more runnable and I worked hard at trying to reduce the gap before Dodd.

I was helped by Ros who had come out to shout encouragement and Matt Neale who met me and encouraged me to jog (he was probably thinking- Come on Run). I have been to the Dodd CP in foul conditions but not today, although Matt said when he first arrived it was raining steadily and vis was poor. With his motivation I pushed on and the four of us reached the CP together. Our team was starting to come together even if we did not know it yet. I led the way across the moor to the wall with confidence when Ken wanted to go off in the wrong direction and then showed them the way through to reach the lane and beaconed path to Fleet Moss.  As usual in longer races I could feel my body shutting down on the food front. I opted for a huge mug of fruit salad figuring that it would be full of energy but would also give me some liquid and slide down easily. Trying to run and eat this with fingers got very messy but I was determined to eat it all even if it meant Paul got ahead.  Anne came past in her van so I guessed Bill could not be far behind. He and Ken were significantly faster on the road section and were out of sight when Nicola and I arrived at the new Deepdale CP. She pulled ahead slightly to Yockenthwaite but not by far. As we stopped to check where we each wanted to leave the track and to put on cags as it was now misty and chilly we could see the men heading further uphill on the track. I had recceed this bit less than a fortnight ago and although it was now misty I was fairly sure my line was fine. Nicola took slightly different lines but we  were now marginally ahead of the men. Somewhere here my watch died. No panic as I had OS on my phone but that was not going to be as convenient as the watch. I need to play with the battery settings more. From this new CP it is a fairly quick and easy run to Hells Gap which is now at the obvious track junction rather than higher up the track. We were shown the way in with bright lights and Simon and Garfunkel playing loudly. Not a place to hang around so after a quick thanks it was off to Cray. Anne was here again waiting for Bill.

Here we all stopped for food and also to put some extra clothes on. Having stopped it felt chilly so I added another long sleeve and my over trousers. I was soon baking! We trotted off towards Buckden Pike together and only made one very small error when we left the wall for a short time. We started discussing route options and it was good to know we could combine my knowledge, Paul's watch and also Nicola's ideas. 

No Joe F this year but cheery marshalls anyway

It was still light on the Pike but as we ran along the flag stone path and crossed to the war memorial we stuck near to the wall- there are better lines a little further out but only if you can see well. The big decision is how to descend the next section- we opted for the diagonal which is what I have always done. However we took a slightly higher line and it was better and brought us out at the mine tips without the need for the muddy track. We were still running without torches and I went over on an ankle badly enough to yelp. I hoped if I kept going it would be OK. and was pleased to have the poles for some extra support. Soon after this we arrived at the Starbotton CP where they were amazed we had not yet turned torches on. We did shortly afterwards!

On, on to Park Rash- some running , some walking but all forward progress. I tried to eat here and managed a little before feeling I might heave. I didn't want to waste what I had managed to get in and so stopped eating. I could have done with more. I hate being the weak link in a team and so set a good pace as we started up Great Whernside before we all slowed on the steep pull to the stile. We ran some of the next section with Paul leading but there were too many trip hazards to keep a consistent pace. We found the little blue CP tent wedged amongst the rocks and knew that we had done the last significant climb. We all agreed that the fence was going to be our friend even if we didn't actually stay right next to it. There were the expected boggy bits but it wasn't too bad and again the poles were a great aid here. My strava trace shows we made a pretty good fist of this and it didn't take too long to arrive at Capplestone Gate. We got clipped, whooped and pushed on. I knew this bit and Paul had recced it so we made good time to the beacons and flags that would lead us across the field paths heading south and then the tracks towards Yarnbury.  We were all starting to suffer and take it in turns to slow down or speed up. Chatting and being a group helped to keep us going. I suggested that at the tarmac those who could run should push on. Although it is either flat or downhill I know in the past I have struggled to keep running the whole way. Nicola and I think Ken felt we should finish as a team but I really didn't want people to wait or to feel I had to try harder than my body wanted to. As it turned out three of us were in the same boat and took turns deciding to run or stop. 

Paul though managed to pull away and was back 3 mins before us. He therefore took the V60 trophy. Perhaps I should have tried harder to stay with him.. it wasn't far, was all on tarmac and was almost all downhill. 

I was chuffed to finish in 16hrs 18 mins which although not a PB was one of my better times. Bob had left the kitchen to come out and meet me which was lovely. We took 'team' photos before staggering off to eat and drink. 

I couldn't face collecting gear and a full shower so wandered off to the van for a strip wash and to fall into bed. Bob had a few more hours to do in the kitchen though! He spent more hours on his feet than I did with only a short bike ride on Saturday morning as a change of scenery.

I was in the van by 2am and asleep soon afterwards. Bob arrived back about 5am ish and I snoozed until about 7.30 when I got up. I was able to welcome in some later runners, briefly see Charles and Claire, have breakfast, congratulate Kat and Maria who had both had amazing runs and then have even more to eat. 

Phil and Claire appeared along with Julian and Stephanie. Lots of chat and stories to swap before I headed out to take down flags and banners. It was just starting to rain but not heavily.  

Part of the Oldies winning team

The prize giving seemed slightly shorter and less vibrant than sometimes but we had a good chat about the previous day and future plans. 

I sold a few more mats and people started to drift away. Bob was back in the kitchen and I went in to help. A mega washing up session ensued... cups, plates, cutlery and worst of all those metal trays that had baked the sausages and bacon. By1pm I was wilting and we announced it was time for us to head home. There was some rain on the journey and I reflected on how lucky we had been with the weather. Next year is the 60th Fellsman and it will be my 10th so I guess I will have to enter.

The Calderdale Hike

I sold my place for the Haworth Hobble which was the second race in the Runfurther series.... I have done the race any ties, it's tough and always very well attended by speedy fell runners. We needed a bigger block of tie for adventures on the continent and this was the sacrifice.

12 days skiing went well with some mixed and interesting weather but no big falls, except that is on the concrete floor of the ski room. It was over in seconds but what a crash landing. Left ski boot skidded, kicked the other boot off the floor, legs up, body down. Wham. Huge bruise on my hip but some hidden and more serious damage to my left torso. No idea  but either cracked/broken ribs or seriously pulled muscles. Couldn't lift arm above horizontal and a cough or sneeze was a disaster. It meant climbing wasn't really possible although I did try for a couple of days before admitting defeat. We checked out Sisteron but did an amazing walk instead (caves, crawls, the odd wire and rung) plus I walked/jogged up a hill from our wild camp. Gigondas was superb as usual and it was frustrating not to be able to climb properly but I had two wonderful runs and a walk with Bob instead. En route to Spain we called in at St Series Via Feratta, partly to break the journey and partly to check my progress. It was a chilly start but warm in the sun. Ribs not great but VF possible.  Next stop was the border. My race in the summer does not quite go sea to sea and so I wanted to do the first 35k from the sea. If I complete I will then be able to say I have done the whole route. We had a great coastal walk together and then I ran from the Med to Perthus whilst Bob moved the van.  The weather on the coast was warm and sunny even just after sunrise. I was sweating on the first big climb and then it all changed. The sun vanished, the wind got up and the temperature dropped. The middle part of my route which should have been wonderful high grassy tops became a battle for staying upright and warm enough. I was carrying spare gear but only just enough. Thick mist didn't help as my slower speed didn't help keep me warm. By the end it was much warmer again but still windy.  I lost the GR10 markers at one point and then thought I had found them- but it was an old disused route. A chat with two farmers got e back on track. so just 850km or so left to do! We were hyped to go back to some favourite climbing areas, especially as we missed the last year but it seemed daft to drive as far as Benidorm and find I still couldn't climb. Instead we explored areas we had previously driven past further north and inland fro Barcelona. Found some lovely mountains and some Via Feratta- in Spain they are not easy to find, not always well maintained and in some cases closed but we had fun despite failing to find one and me carrying a 60m rope on an all day ridge walk.... training I guess. All too soon it was time to start the journey home. A day stop at Puy le Dome allowed a wonderful run en route.

One reason for the return was the Calderdale Hike- the next race in the Runfurther series. I wasn't sure I was up to 37 miles or so and a stiff neck from climbing on Friday didn't help matters. We drove across in the van and parked up at the school (made famous in Happy Valley) for the night. It was quiet and I slept well. An earlier than expected start to the cricket season meant we started at the cricket club as usual but would finish at the tennis club. By 8am Nick and Jenny had arrived,we had all the flags and banners up and we oved down the cricket club to register. As always there were loads of friends to catch up with and much discussion about various route choices that could be taken during the day.

Sun in my eyes

All the runners started together and at 9am we were off. It was already warm and I knew I would have to shed a layer before long. The first lanes soon passed and we were dropping down the cobbled and stone track to Mytholmroyd. Claire and Ashok were just ahead and not sure of the way but I knew it was foolish to try to keep up. On the climb I shed my layer and then had to shock of running on brown slippery stuff MUD, for the first time in 6 weeks. 

I did in fact catch them by the time we were on the big track below Stoodley Pike and entering Lumbutts. I grabbed a bite to eat at the church but did not want to linger. AS we dropped towards the outskirts of Tod they pulled further ahead and vanished. No worries I like being on my own and I knew where I was going. 

More mud followed from the golf club to the CP at Mount Cross but then it was down hill on tarmac until the little enclosed path led to Cornholme. Apparently Claire and Ashok went astray briefly here but I knew of the back alley and also the way up onto Flower Scar. I had decided I was not going up through the MTB woods but stayed on the lane a little longer before cutting onto the moor. The Tod Centenary Way might be slightly longer than up by the turbines but there was less climb. Just before Horden Gate I made a bad choice through a cow area and got very muddy but arrived at the CP as Martin T came in from the other direction. We chatted as we went along Limers Gate and up towards Trough Edge End. Martin, who has form for nav errors, had not made sense of the drop to the canal route and so was sticking to the turbines. I decided that as the CP was moving further and further down the lane I would try the drop for the first time. It seemed better than retracing our steps and climbing up onto the moor. Kevin H had assured me it was 5 ins faster but I think for e the gain was even more. An easy run down tarmac and then a good path down to the main road really upped my pace the the pavement by the main road and then the canal were easy running. 

A recee from a previous year

It wasn't as scenic but definitely faster. I never saw Martin or the others that went the turbine way again! A slight rise to Summit and then quickly down to Sladen Fold where I was alone the whole tie. I remembered the way up to the pub and then the White House- Claire and Ashok went via the turbines and went off course again in Sladen. The pull up to the White House was tough and I stopped to refill my water. No sandwiches this year but at least I had plenty of my own food. The only time I was chilly all day was on the next stretch towards the M62. 

Not today!

I love Blackstone Edge but know that is faster along the goyt which is easier running and allows you to miss some climb. The noise of the motorway is grim but I was soon turning north towards the new CP and Green Withens reservoir. It was here that Claire and Ashok caught me up. I was feeling trashed after the easy speedy running so we were not together long. 

Today the sun was taking a brief rest at this point

On the climb up onto Rishworth Moor they pulled further ahead and were eventually out of sight. I plodded on. Ryburn Reservoir came and went with now mostly small lanes and a big track all the way to the finish. I couldn't see runners but concentrated on trying to keep my pace good by picking off walkers on the short and medium route who had now rejoined our route. Fro the last CP it was pretty much downhill and I urged myself to run. Jackie was coming the opposite way on her bike- a stiff ride home after her run on the medium route and we shouted hellos. Having the church near the event centre is a real bonus, except perhaps for years when the route climbs up fro the canal valley bottom, as you can see it and know the end is in sight. Bob had come out to see me in and take a photo. 

I thought I was running fast!

I arrived at the Tennis Club in 7hrs 11 and only 10 mins behind the others. Kevin, Adam and others were of course long gone. Tea and chilli jacket potato refreshed e but I seriously missed the yogurt and custard that is usually on offer and the cans of beer did not look as attractive as the real bar in the cricket club. We sat chatting with Phil and Claire, laughing at all her extra bits from nav errors. She would have been much further ahead of me otherwise. Martin T and the other turbine route users arrived shortly afterwards. 

A good day out and although y legs and feet were a bit sore I had done better than I dared to hope. Off home promptly for a family weekend. Chris and Alice arrived on Saturday night and we all met up with Matt, T and Layton on Sunday. Almost perfect- except for L being quite a poorly boy.

Pendle Way in a Day- first Runfurther race of 2023

 I was unsure how this would go as I have been struggling with some sort of chest infection for weeks but after Street O on Wednesday there did seem to be some improvement and Fridays big climbing session in Kendal went well. It is a lovely tough Lancashire winter route- mud, bogs, some faster track and a big hill especially at the end. This year due to the change of start Pendle would be right at the end!

The forecast was quite good and certainly would be better than last years' dreadful conditions. I couldn't believe it when the steady drizzle started on my drive along the M65 when most people were still in bed. It continued as I put up the flags and banners in the dark.  I was quickly registered and then had the luxury of time to chat and greet friends as they arrived. Kat, an ex-colleague, was signed up for Runfurther and this would be the furthest she had ever run.  It is good to have some young blood and for the women's side of the series to be more competitive. I managed a small second breakfast of tea and a slice of toast. Soon Rory, Lawrence, Bryn, Steve, Martin, Chris, Charles and Claire and others appeared and I was able to point them in the direction of our boards and spot prizes.

By the time we congregated outside it was light and more importantly dry! My only concern was would I be too warm in two layers and my cag. The lead runners sprinted off and I found myself with Chris- we had run a fair chunk of the race together last year and he is good company as well as knowing all the sneaky little turns. We must all be getting old- Martin said he wasn't race fit, Bryn was well rested but not up to speed, Chris has been trying to recover from a damaged ankle and I was anxious about my chest/back. 

The lead  runners made a mistake as the lane turned up to Whitehough- so many memories of DoE here for me. We shouted them back and laughed. Kat was up ahead now but I did not chase and after I had stopped for a quick wee she was out of sight. The wet fields down to town were not as bad as I remembered.

We punched the self clip at Barrowford Heritage Centre and headed off on the narrow stream side path and off into the hills again. I was still with Chris but felt I was struggling to breathe on the ups even though they were gentle at first. By the time we were on the lane up to Weets people had settled into their pace and place for the race. Seeing the Lonsdale vest of Jonaton up ahead would continue all day. Chris veered off to visit the trig point and I shot off to the lovely descent to Barlick. A strange little loop of the town to go past the old steam gorge etc and we were heading uphill again to Letcliffe Park. Here I caught Bryn which is unusual. Neither of us were fans of the canal tow path but it was easy running and I tried to keep Jonaton in sight. The fields to Thornton farm and then across to Earby passed without incident but I did have to walk up some of the lane in the village. I didn't stop long at the CP which this year was at the Youth Hostel- just grabbed some water, sweets and a small piece of cake. The fields across to Black Lane Ends were less boggy than usual but far from dry. Some time around here I met up with 'shorts man' and was able to help keep him on track. Jonaton was ahead but not pulling away. I had lost Chris now and was soon to lose Bryn too. At Laneshaw Bridge we reconnected with the 'short' route and so had a few more people to pick off as we headed into Wycoller and our next CP. I love this section for all the history..., ancient buildings, pretty cottages, the Aisled Barn, clapper bridges etc. This year the CP was by the barn so there was no need to climb to the Atom. I grabbed crisps and set off up the lane eating, still shouting instructions to shorts-man. 

The Bronte Way below Boulsworth Hill always seems tougher than it should, It has some climbs but mostly should be so runnable on the big track. My back was a bit sore and I concentrated on posture which took my mind off the long track disappearing into the distance. At least the breeze was not a body stopping gale this year. Just before the reservoirs I spotted a photographer- yes it was David from SportsSunday. He always makes me smile, run and takes a great photo. Today was no exception.

Coldwell Activity Centre is a great CP and this year the wooden chalet was almost empty! I had a cup of tea and some food. Last year it was carnage and together with other soaked and cold runners I struggled into more layers, over trousers and dry gloves. 

Parts of the next section are my least favourite of the whole route- initially the  path is fine but the mud just before the lane at Catlow is grim and this year I actually got stuck for a minute or so. Then after the pleasant descent to Walverden Reservoir there is the boggy ground and steep climb up to the road. At least from there the path across the golf course and to the outskirts of Brierfield are good. Then it is a glorious downhill stretch on tarmac! I gained some places here- I think they were runners on the 30 mile route. Across the main road and over the canal before the wettest part of the day- the sunken board walks of Pendle Water. Clean feet anyhow.  Across the M65 (via a footbridge) and then some pleasant fields before the muddy path by the River Calder. Dirty feet again. The pull up from here to Higham is a killer and Lonsdale man pulled ahead even though I caught and over took others.

This is the final CP this year and I was looking forward to a hot chocolate. Imaginer my upset when there was none! I settled for tea but then there was no jam in my donut (honest). Jamie- I want my money back! Verity told me to bin it and take another but that would be wasteful so I ate it and then took another to munch as I set off. I ignored the shots this year and being dry and warm did not feel the need to linger.

Home straight now and I know the way well. A nice path up fields and across above the farms before the mess at Bull Hole. Others missed the turning right and I managed to call a couple back. The others would have a steep climb to the road before they could turn. From Newchurch I felt slow up the always boggy field but got second wind, or the sugar donuts kicked in, as we entered Fell Wood. I always smile here at the memory of my small child coming to a full stop orienteering- didn't dare go into the woods in case there were bears! This year as we hot the road through Ogden Valley it was still light, it wasn't blowing me off my feet and it wasn't raining. Yay.  It is still a long pull up to the Trig though. I knew the trod along the rim would be faster and reached the top of the steps at the same time as the runner I had been chasing. Although he lives in Poulton he had never run on Pendle- why the hell not? I showed him the runners trod and we made quick work of the descent. I was able to lead him through the final tricky turns but once I smelt the finish I was off and sprinting through the village. I didn't quite break 9 hrs by about 30 seconds- how annoying? (no not really). 

I dashed back out from the finish to find the river and wash the worst of the mud from my shoes and legs whilst they were still wet. Climbing down to the water was easy but getting back out much less so.

It was a PB, I was 2nd female and only 25 mins behind Kat who had loved her day.  

I finished in day light and the dry- result, and so different to last year. It's a different race starting in Barley but I liked it.

So pleased she enjoyed it even if it did cost me 1000 Runfurther points. Rory had set a new record and Lawrence had a good run too. A good start to their Runfurther series with 1000 and 900 odd points each.

I couldn't keep up with Kat and Steve but had beaten Martin, Bryn and Charles. Happy with that. Refuelled by tea and a fantastic buffet i sat chatting with Kat who them kindly helped me take down the flags etc. 

Charles and Claire did offer but had only just finished. Suddenly I was tired, the rain had started and I just wanted to be home. It was good to have had a shower before I enjoyed my Ice Witch. 

Cheers Jamie and team- fantastic race, good CPs, amazing volunteers and superb food at the end.

Thanks to all the Runfurther runners who still love the series and turn up to race for points the best they can regardless of age or niggles.

Heading into 2023

 Suddenly realised we are half way through January and I have not written yet.  I don't really do New Year's resolutions but do have a think about some of what I might want to achieve next year. I will hope to do lots of Runfurther races again even though this will prevent me doing a couple of other favourites. I want to get back to some orienteering- partly because I like the challenge and partly so that I can perhaps make a contribution to our club at the interclub challenge. I have already completed three events in the NW Night League and so will try to do the rest of the series. Bit anxious about the next event which is on much more technical terrain in the Lake District. I had fun (I think) at the New Year Cracker- fast and furious but sadly rather awful brambles. The annual charity John O'Goats in Lyme Park was much nicer with open terrain and fairly easy nav. I did pretty well. Update- did OK at Torver in that I got round. Made mistakes at Beacon  but quite pleased with Brereton Heath. Did quite well for me at Haigh Hall in daylight and disappointed the interclub I have been practicing for is post phoned due to access issues.

As always I want to run something special around my birthday- still not entirely sure what so perhaps more than one during the year. I might do the Ribble Way again as it has been a while and I like the idea of running home. Plus it's about 62 miles. I have found a new circular route in the Ribble Valley and I quite like the look of the Dales Top 10 which is also just over 60 miles.  If things are going well I have had my eye on the North West Way for a while now, it's almost 200 miles but if I do it in 'reverse' I would be running home.  I would really like to fit in is a Parr Round as the 62 peaks would fit with my 62nd year but we will see.  If I decide to do a long UK race then it might be the Hardmoors 160 as this is one I have not done before.  I did consider the NT again but hope we might get away to ski and climb then. I will likely miss my favourite of the year the GRP as I have found a crazy race in the Pyrenees- TranspyreneA.......... I might find I have bitten off more than I can chew but I will give it my best shot. It's almost 900km so what could possibly go wrong!

Last race of the year

 Tour de Helvellyn. One of my favourites and with a special memory of celebrations at the end of my 62in52@52 year back in 2013. I have run it 5 times- not every year as when I was still working we sometimes disappeared on a ski holiday and a couple of times we have been in Nepal or NZ.

It is planned to cope with English winters and so goes via passes not tops. It has some big tracks and although it has more road than I would usually like frequently the weather means that I am grateful in the end. It's about 60km with about 2400m of climb. After two great sunny snowy runs on the local moors I was really looking forward to this even though I might have tired legs. 

I left climbing early and we drove up ready for me to register at 6pm. Bob was happy to move the van and drop me off but it still nursing his leg and wanted to potter. Registration was not open and so I chatted to Carmine and some others. In the end I went back to the van and we ate. Returning to the hall I found that the decision had been made to move to plan B. We would be running out and back to Stu's bridge. Gutted. Paul who had been round the route showed me a few pics and some paths did look rather icy. I was disappointed and wondered about up to Sticks Pass, over the top and then down the grassy trod in Grisedale valley. That would avoid the icy drop to Thirlmere, the rocky icy contour and Raise Beck which could be a bit dangerous. It was not to be.

We left and I drowned my sorrows with wine. I then fretted about whether to wear dobs or other shoes with Kathoolas and also which clothes to wear. The forecast was for sleet showers and strong winds. I didn't sleep well and could not stop feeling I was being deprived of the snowy tops. I even considered giving my tracker back and going off on a snow route. I fell asleep to the sound of sleet hitting the van.

By morning I was calmer and more resigned to what was on offer. Bob dropped me off and the roads in Askham were like an ice rink- glad I had the dobs on. There was time to chat with Maria, Albert, Toney, Steve, Charlotte, Gary and more. I planned to start around 8.30 to be sure that Side Farm CP would be open. Still wavering slightly about what route to run I headed for the kit check and start. Tim L was considering some added interest to the route but I have no idea if this happened in the end. Before I knew it I was out the door and looking for a start marshall- there wasn't one! The tracker picked up a signal as I wandered around the road junction. Time to go.

yep- icy paths

Heading up the lane and up to the common was quite comical with people skating all over. Those with spikes on were doing better but I was sure they would suffer sore feet later. Dobs were OK once I realised they actually worked better if I ran with confidence and planted my feet hard. Hopes that all would be well once we left the tarmac were soon dashed. I could not believe how little snow there was compared to on the West Pennine Moors and also how much ice there was across the paths. 

No snow!

Once past the Cockpit I had got used to the terrain and was moving at a nice steady pace and overtaking some of the slower early starters. The descent to Howtown passed without issue and I opted to stay off the road and to take the path via Mellguards that would drop me in behind the first CP at Martindale church. From here I was worried about icy roads but they were not too bad at all and the tarmac along Boredale made for speedy (for me) running. 

Boredale climb on very firm ground

The dobs were doing fine but it was nice to get onto the track and start climbing. I stopped for a few photos and couldn't believe how lucky we were with the weather.. some sun, no rain or sleet and not much wind. Up at Boredale Hause I bumped into Andy H who I knew from the Tor and we chatted as we made progress towards Side Farm. 

At last some snow at the Hause

This rocky stepped path was actually easier than usual with the dobs, perhaps because I was not even trying to run! I got scanned at the CP and after grabbing some crisps shot off across the valley floor. 

There were a few runners ahead as I ran along Ullswater and into Glenridding. I toyed with the idea of a cross country option here but got locked in to chasing the guys just ahead and settled for the road up past the YHA and the mines. A sudden shower of sleety hail made me stop and put gloves back on but it didn't last long. I managed to over take a few people here and was soon climbing into the thin snow. This ended all too soon as I reached the footbridge across Swart Beck. I could Stu and stopped to bemoan our fate of not going up to play in the snow.

I did run really

The descent was a bit slippy and there were now lots of runners appearing. I proceeded with caution even though it did mean being overtaken by about 10 men. I re-caught some of them once we were on easier ground. Being an out and back course was interesting as I got to chat or say Hi to many people as we passed each other. My off road route didn't happen as I was busy talking and missed the turn. Down Greenside road it was. 

We should be up there.

The ice was melting now and the dobs clattering quite a bit. I chased Gary and the NE gang all the way to Side Farm. This time I did stop- the chocolate orange cake was amazing and powered me up the next climb. If it looked good at the Hause I was gong to divert up Place Fell as I had plenty of daylight left. 

Place Fell disappearing

Sadly as we approached the path junction those tops disappeared in thick cloud and di not look so inviting. It was clearly not to be today. Some faster runners came flying though and I concentrated on not losing the group of men I was with. They pulled away over the initially rocks but I had caught them again by the farm.

So much better than the forecast

By now I was roasting! I had already discarded hat, gloves and buff plus was running with my heavy weight cag unzipped and pushed behind my race vest. Two long sleeve thermals and fleecy tights was too much! Still, no time to stop. We stayed together until Martindale church. I then headed back to the fellside while they stuck to the zig zags. We were together again after Howtown and running with them certainly helped keep me going. Rory came powering past and made the hills look like nothing. Climbing back onto the common my dobs allowed me to run ahead a little and as I reached the planation below Barton Fell it motivated me for the final push. Damo shot past and I wondered what route he would take and how far he would pull away. My choice after the cockpit worked and he actually lost a little of his distance briefly. Another speedy runner egged me on and even stopped to hold the fell gate for me. Down hill now al the way, come on legs less than a mile to go. It was easier after only 25 miles and not the usual 36 or so. I prayed there was no traffic and shot across the cross roads and into the back room of the village hall. I was a sweaty mess with soaked clothing and my hair plastered to my head and face.

5hrs9 mins for about 26.5 miles and some ice skating. 6th F and first old lady and not far behind some rival who usually beat me by more. Not too bad and a better day out than expected in terms of the route and the weather. As always at a Nav4 event there was excellent soup, real bread, endless tea and more of that amazing cake. There were also so many friends to talk to.  Sophie from my NT disaster came to say Hi. Maria beat me just and we laughed at the lack of beer and prosecco. I ended up on a table of elites... Damo, Rory, Ross , Lawrence, Elaine and others. They treated me as an equal and likely have no idea how awed I was. I then had a chat with the NE guys and a quick interview with Gary. Poor phone signal meant Bob and I were having difficulty communicating and I gave up chatting to sort this out. In the end it worked out and he picked me up at the cross roads where I just had time to shout bye to Joe who was spreading salt/grit on our road crossing. As we drove home the weather worsened with fog at Shap on the M6 and then rain and very grey skies. Our day had not been so bad at all.

Thanks to Andy H for this and a couple of the photos

November

 A strange month- The Runfurther season has finished, Street O has started and the weather often turns dark and grey. I needed some motivation and decided Turfing again would get me out when it might be easy not to bother.

I was determined the Turf would not take over my life, rather that I would use it to suit me. I had lots of turf bike rides locally. This helped Frances too as we re-took zones from each other several times. Mostly these were in decent weather although I did have one dreadfully wet trip to Leyland. I know where most local Turf zones are and so can leave my phone screen off and even hide the phone away in a pocket. Not so in Leyland and trying to cope in very heavy downpours led me to abandoning the effort after a while. I did also manage a bike Turf trip to the seaside taking in both Lytham St Annes and then most of Blackpool. My favourite Turf activities are definitely runs on the local hills with some lovely runs around Roddlesworth and the West Pennine Moors. Not the best value points per hour but nicer runs. It must have rained lots at some point because on one run across the moors heading towards Pike Stones I was splishy splashing along and then stepped in a much deeper hole and fell. Soaking wet up to my chest! The only solution seemed to be to strip off, wring things out and put them back on with a cag over the top. Luckily I was able to cut short my route so that it was on less exposed terrain and I got warm again. I also had a wonderful day running on the moors above Clowbridge where there is an extensive set of Turf Zones. All was going well and I had a small loop of 12 zones left when my phone pinged. Bob asking me to return to the van. He had injured himself in a MTB accident. The huge lump on his leg was impressive but nothing compared to what it morphed into over the next fortnight. Urban turfs on foot are not really my thing but I did Turf in Chorley when we made trips to A and E there twice, Horwich before a street O, Southport when running errands and even Blackburn. Parts of that last city are lovely but on the whole a trip there just makes me grateful I do not have to live there! I also organised  a Turf event based around the riverside parks and old rail and tram lines in the south of Preston. I think I finished up 4th in the UK for that Turf round so not too bad an effort for somebody who was not taking it too seriously.

We continued to climb roughly twice a week(indoors) of course and the new wall does have the joy of regular route changes to keep us interested and tested. They also set up the winter bouldering league again. As last time I am the only Super Vet F in Preston so I had to enter ;) I will never do particularly well as I will not commit if I think I may fall from near the top. Give a rope to dangle on any day.

After the OMM I was determined to hone my nav and orienteering skills. We did quite well at the OMM except for one huge mistake where we actually punched an incorrect control and so were disqualified on day 1. The weather had been cold, wet and windy as we approached Esk Pike and then we had a nightmare finding a control in very poor visibility. We knew we were getting cold but could not find shelter to stop and add layers. Eventually with the CP found and dropping off the tops we found shelter. IN our joy we raced off downhill and punched the wrong control- ours was a hill not a large knoll and was about 500m further on. It was the only time we did not check all weekend and the only time two controls were so close together! The weekend as a whole was the sort of fun/ adventure it usually is.

Street O helps with quick decisions and route planning but not with fine nav on terrain.  The Runfurther prize giving was based on a 3 hour score event in the Goyt valley. Relatively easy nav but some tricky decisions about which controls to take and which to ignore, especially for those not local who did not know which paths or hillsides were really runnable. Despite this I was pleased with my run and had fun - helped by the torrential rain stopping long enough for me to enjoy my run.

Day time orienteering on fairly open ground suits me best and I had a lovely run at Dean Clough. Lots of fast running with just enough navigation challenge to make it interesting. Plus the weather window was perfect for me yet again.  I then spotted that the first NW Night O was on Beacon Fell. We used to look after the permanent course here and so know the hill pretty well even if storms have flattened some forest bits. The night O was tough. Nav in the dark is a whole new challenge plus the undergrowth and fallen trees caused me real obstacles and reduced me to walk and jog. Towards the end I also had head torch issues and so sped up just in case it failed when what I really needed to do was slow down and concentrate. The day time event the following day was so much easier. The next Night O was Longsight Park near Bolton. It is an abandoned and re-wilded golf course. There should have been lots of decent running but a couple of foolish nav errors caused me some serious time loss. Not deterred I entered the next Night O on Hurstwood near Burnley. I know the main paths through here from various races but not the intricate old mine workings that are scattered around.  This was an even tougher challenge and I knew to take care. In the dark some parts of the terrain were awful tussocks so I couldn't run much anyway. Trying to avoid tussocks and area of rock strewn ground meant it was hard to keep on a compass bearing. I made one silly error early on and then another when I let myself believe a better orienteer knew the way better than me. Despite this I did OK and got a better time then some and certainly better than all those who retired. Again the day event on Sunday although a very different course was so much easier. 

Visiting family reduced my adventures for a week and I missed some sunny frosty hill days but did manage one escape to Bowland. Now the roads seem to be sheet ice and the skies here are grey and I am hoping it will thaw enough for a sunny trip out tomorrow. I need some running in my legs before the Tour de Helvellyn.