The Inaugral Stanza Stones

 June was always going to be a busy month and my big birthday run right at the end of May would add to the demands on my body. I am a sucker for lovely weather and feel I should be out in it every day... so when not running we cycled, walked and paddle-boarded plus a bit of indoor climbing.

This race was being organised by Cragg Runner/Daz and it looked like a great route with the added interest of visiting each of the Stanza Stones.  Very early on Saturday morning we left sunny Preston and were shocked to arrive over the Pennines and find the tops were clagged in. Kevin appeared shortly afterwards and assured me it would burn off. He was right. 

By the time the flags and banners were up and I had registered before the masses on the coach arrived it was getting warmer. After a cup of tea and lots of chatting I headed outside for the briefing. 

It was going to be warm but for now I kept my long sleeves on- probably a mistake but I am a right wuss and hate being cold. Should remember Quentin's mantra- if you are not shivering on the start line you will be too hot once you are running.

The road start seemed steep and my body was not yet warmed up. Claire was already pulling ahead with the lead men. On Pule Hill I met Bob out for his walk and Steve who was supporting Sally. 

There were climbers on the small crag and the Stanza Stone was easy to find. I followed a guy and took the wrong line leaving though! 

Dropped too far to the road and had to climb back up over some rough ground- not far but I lost places and was cross with myself. Rachel had overtaken me and we ran together down to the road and the steep path to the stream. I pulled ahead and didn't see he fall. I was busy taking my top layer off and keeping an eye on Martin up ahead. 

He was kindly wearing a bright florescent top making him easy to spot. I told myself not to chase this early in the race but it was no use.. well before the radio masts on Windy Hill we were close and it stayed like that all the way to the White House. The Pennine Way was easy to follow and the flag stone path made for easy running although the ground was so dry that the peat would have been fine. I was pleased to cross the M62 and escape the litter strewn lay-bys and noise of traffic. Blackstone Edge was beautiful and being dry we could avoid the worst of the trip hazards by running on the peaty lines close by. From the Aigin Stone to the CP we were together. 

It was a bit of a shock to arrive and realise that I had not eaten at all and had barely drunk anything either. I was carrying plenty so I just grabbed some sweets and pushed on. The big track was easy running and I knew where the next Stone was from climbing on Cows Mouth crag.  

The big track continued past reservoirs and it was breezy but hot.  From Warland Res we followed the drain on a big loop that led us the ridge with Stoodley Pike- all familiar territory. 

Not Martin but it is the Pike

Leaving the Pike Martin pulled ahead a bit but was always in sight until we left the moor and dropped through the woods towards Mytholmroyd. Here I made my next mistake- a little knowledge is a dangerous thing! I was sure we were heading to the hall that the Hebden uses. I wondered why I couldn't see Martin and ran 3 sides of a square before realising my mistake and heading back to the Community Hall. Annoying and it made me rush. I should have stayed and eaten more plus I only refilled one water bottle not two. The next section was a bit fiddly and I lost time checking carefully. It was also a steep climb! A path diverted around a house was the only boggy section of the whole day and here four guys caught me. I was struggling with a sore glute, sore left shin and terrible stomach cramp. There was nothing they could do and I assured them I would be fine and tried to follow and tag on to their pace. We dropped one guy and I was now following Steve's red shirt across Crow Hill and onto the moors. I do not know this area at all and it is years since I have done any races there. It was good to have people to follow and to concentrate on trying to nibble at food as we left the open moor and followed yet another water drain to the minor road. The next Stone was the trickiest to find but the description was good and we arrived with no issues. From here it was down into Oxenhope and then on to Haworth which seemed to take longer than I expected. I was keen to stick with them but knew that the pace was stopping me eating enough. I drank all I had and resolved to stop at the next CP to rest, recover and eat. Haworth was predictably busy and we dodged tourists all the way down the cobbled street and into the CP. 

It was now scorching and I was suffering. I sat in the shade drinking lots and trying to eat. I should have made myself eat more but I just couldn't face it. Martin had left as we arrived and now Steve and the other guy left too. I left a little later and alone. The next section was relatively short but is a bit of a hazy memory.... it was HOT, I didn't know the way, there were lots of nettles and a climb up onto a moor. Across the moor was easy and I felt a bit better in the breeze but then I made two small nav errors and had to double back. Darren Tweed caught me here and it was nice to have company again as we took the Calder Aire path towards Harden Beck. 

There was shade in the woods but no breeze. The path was rocky and full of trip hazards plus lots of families walking and teenagers swimming in the big pools. The second set of woods had a wider path and we were soon on the outskirts of Bingley. In the park on the edge of town we caught a runner I had been with before the M62, he was trashed and I think he retired at that CP. 

Off the dreaded canal and arriving at Fellsman CP

Again, I knew I had to stop and try to eat even though it was tempting to crack on with Darren. I filled both water bottles, drank a fair bit and managed a slice of pizza but no more. A cold wet cloth from Charles helped. After a confused moment in the car park I was soon on track and heading for the canal- a mixed blessing of easy nav, what should have been easy running but Oh so boring. It was depressing to be so slow and not make good use of this flat good path to up my pace but my body just would not do it! I could find no where to sit and felt rubbish. I even contemplated phoning Bob and telling him I was doing badly and would be very late. There was some shade and I tried to jog when I could. At least I knew where to leave the canal at the swing bridge. I had messaged Chris Driver with the tracker link and knew he might support us. He and his boys did much better than that. Timothy was out on his bike making sure we didn't miss the swing bridge turn and giving encouragement. Chris had set up a full water station with William. I stopped to sit, chat and recover. I managed a bag of crisps, more liquid and then William ran to fetch me an ice pop- what a star.  They also checked the tracker and let me know that Rachel was only a few km behind me. 

With a bit of food inside me and the ice pop cooling me I set off to the climb onto the moor. 

The next Stanza Stone is huge, upright and set in a wall so at least that would be no issue.

I plodded up the tarmac to the moor and tried to keep a good pace going. At least we didn't have to climb up onto Rivock Edge. The new path into the woods and down to the farms was easy running and I was feeling slightly better- amazing what some food can do! Having clipped at the Stone I pushed on past the paths and up onto Addingham moor. This bit I knew from my Dales High Way run and it was much easier in the daylight and being bone dry. I ran most of it even if it was not super fast and it didn't take long to reach the moor road. I plodded up this at a reasonable pace but then had to stop on the seat as the slope levelled out. I had a MF jelly and pushed on to Whetstone Gate and the last CP.  I ate a small piece of cake, drank and asked how far behind Rachel was. Suddenly it seemed important not to be caught at this stage having been ahead all day. There was still plenty of day light and I was feeling slightly better- perhaps because I knew the end was in sight. A mixture of walking and jogging took me along the ridge top on the flag stone path. It was cooler now but still warm enough for shorts and T shirt. I was worried about the next stone and checked two spots on either side of the path unnecessarily. More time lost! 

I needn't have bothered- the Stone 'Puddle' which I knew would be lying flat was very close to the path and the kite was easily visible. I punched quickly and ran on to the path junction where there was a quad bike. The out and back to 12 Apostles didn't take long and then it was down and down towards Ilkley. Parts were pleasant running and other bits seemed determined to trip my tired legs. I was also anxious not to miss the last Stone which was always further down the hill than I hoped. There were little red flags in places but some had been flattened or removed. I kept the stream on my left and prayed. Eventually I reached the short turn to the last Stone and I stepped down my leg collapsed with painful cramp. The two guys I had been chatting too were very concerned. They asked what they could do and perhaps were not expecting a request to please massage my leg! Last clip punched and the path quickly improved as it left the moor and a short section of woodland. 

Then it was out onto to the road where Bob was waiting and down into the suburbs to turn right on the final level road section and into the field. 

Phew- I had made the finish (which wasn't a given in the early afternoon), had kept ahead of Rachel and it was done.  

Explaining the cramp and strange men rubbing my leg

11 hours 38 mins. Longer than I had hoped but I was pleased to be 2nd F, 1st FV and 13th overall. I was only about 15 mins behind Martin  but Darren and Steve had both run well in the second half. 

Claire had another storming run and was only just behind Phil by the finish. The winners time was 9hrs20 with Kevin inside 10 hours and Adam just over 10.

I sat on the finish line for a while before moving inside for cups of tea, food and a mini presentation of my trophy, mug and T shirt. Bob had been patient all day so as the light started to fade we dismantled the flags, said bye and he drove me home.

I know there are places where I faffed with route nav and so could do better but then the ground might not be so dry another year. I should have eaten more early on and perhaps have done less in the previous fortnight.  It was though a great day out and a beautiful route

Birthday challenge run

 A long run on my birthday is becoming a tradition- perhaps my attempt to deny ageing. I had several options in mind but one seemed too big (maybe later) and several of the others too short (might reserve the shorter ones for future years).  rs LDWA100 in the Midlands just did not enthuse me so I browsed the GoFar site and found the Dales Top 10, at 80 hilly miles it seemed perfect. There would be parts I knew but other sections that would be an adventure. Certainly no time to check it all out. Chris has helped on several of my solo runs and I wanted to invite him if he was available- just as well in the end as our van was off the road!  The next decision was deciding which day over the bank holiday would be best- the weather was pretty much the same but a family walk and lunch on Sunday and the hope that Monday into Tues would be quieter meant the run would be on my actual birthday.

Chilly start

Chris and I drove to Horton on Sunday evening and parked up by the now closed Primary School- plenty of space and very quiet so perfect. We went for a short stroll up the lane  and were stunned at how cold the air was thanks to the easterly wind. 

Super crew van

I slept well and woke refreshed at 5am. After a quick breakfast it seemed daft to hang about and at 5.40am I set off. 

A few walkers had already passed the van and I picked these off quickly as I jogged up the lane to Brackenclose and then the footpath towards my first Top Pen y Gent. 

The sun was already up and I was soon shedding layers. the views were awesome and the wildlife not yet disturbed by the masses. The peak loomed large although actually it is only the 9th highest. The rock steps were pleasingly dry and I was soon up at the trig point. Reversing the rock and heading towards Fountains Fell I saw y last people for several hours. I guess I could have skipped F Fell as it is 12th highest but my route sort of took me that way and the GPX from the GoFar website included it. I had two options here and having taken the least tarmac I now guess most people opt for tarmac and then the Pennine Way. My path was mostly dry but the long grass was still wet from overnight and before long my shoes were soaked. Once I reached the PW it was easier running and mostly down hill to the lane that would lead me north to Arncliffe. 

Not a fan of tarmac but speedy miles

I was making good time and the tarmac helped me increase this further. It was a shock to see a worried Bob in my car. He had misunderstood my spreadsheet where I had inserted road crossings and thought I was well behind time. Overall the lane descended but there was one very steep climb up from a stream. 

After birthday kisses I left Bob and took the bridleway behind the village to cross the river and climb Middlesmoor towards Kettlewell. Busy looking at the views I must have missed a small path and climbed higher over the spur than I had intended but it was on a nice grassy path and I didn't really mind. I had seen nobody for ages but Kettlewell was awake and starting to get busy. 

Mixed jogging and hill stomping led me through the village, past the campsite and onto the moor.  Hag Dyke was deserted and I think the last time I was here there was deep snow ( a Fellsman recee with Bob). Great Whernside (6th highest) was up ahead. This was going to be reverse Fellsman and so should be easy except a chilly wind as I reached the top had me dropping quickly for cover and I missed the small path. I dropped too low but found some trods and all was well as I reached the Park rash road crossing. It's is usually dark when I reach here so it made a change to see the scenery. Knowing I would be out all day and most of the night I made myself stop and eat properly. 

Warm now even on the tops

Back on track it was easy to reach the lower slopes of Buckden Pike. It was also a joy to find the bogs by the wall were now bone dry and I was soon up at the memorial. More and more flag stones are being added to the ridge path and I made good time to the trig where there was a small crowd of walkers including Bob and Chris. 

Making good time meant they had not yet completed their walk. More birthday misses and photos before we left Bob and Chris and I jogged down together chatting. 

The cows tried to guard the last gate but were easily moved and we reached the van on the Cray road. I spent a few minutes here eating, drinking and topping up my supplies. 

The stony Gilbert Lane up onto the next moor is fairly steep but I think I prefer flogging up than running down. There were lapwings and curlews everywhere, some getting very cross that I was close to their nesting areas. 

I found the turn off to Staling Busk easily and was delighted to find it was grassy! This lasted a while until it levelled out and became a gnarly track down and into the village. Field paths led me towards Marsett and another gnarly track.

I had not been here before and the 'small' ridge of Wether Fell I had to cross looked bigger than I had hoped. Luckily there were two struggling walkers up ahead and I promised myself I would overtake them by the stile and having done so had to jog on of course. I crossed the old Roman Road and could soon see Hawes nestled by the river Ure. I made  a determined effort not to look too far north to Great Shunner Fell. Lovely grassy field paths led me down and down to Gayle and then Hawes. I had done almost 50km and was moving quite well.  Worries that the small path cutting the corner in Hawes would be crowded proved unfounded and there was no queue at the icecream van. I stopped for a treat which vanished quickly and jogged over the river and towards Hardraw.

 It was more crowded here and I hoped they had found space to park the van and car. No worries- they had a space and were sat sunbathing with mugs of tea. 

Wow it was hot in this valley. I had planned a longer stop here to eat and to change my socks. I had a worrying hot spot on my foot and decided to take both heels. I also charged my phone which had somehow turned itself on. I was using Strava beacon so that they could track me and so needed the battery to stay good.

It was tough getting going after the stop even though the PW track is relatively easy going.  I plodded on trying to ignore the hot spots on my feet and wishing I could run or jog a bit more. 

Great Shunner Fell is 716m (3rd in height) and I was still up on time when I reached the deserted shelter stone at the top. I didn't linger as I knew the next section was perhaps the roughest with a couple of pathless sections.

Bob on his way up Buckden Pike

At least it had dried out in recent weeks and I found the quad bike track more quickly today.  The climb up past the shooting butts was grim and I felt very slow- still 5 tops done if you count Fountains Fell and I was still up on time. It was a relief to reach Hugh Seat at 689m and a decent path. This is 10th highest but not include in todays list? I must find out why. Nor is the next top Gregory Chapel which is 695m. I had to pass them anyway to reach the out and back peak of High Seat. 

The summit

At 709m the top of this is rather underwhelming but I was just glad to turn and know that the next few kilometres were downhill and on grass all the way to Hells Gap and the B road. I knew Chris was keen to check out this stream, gorge and waterfall but he was just a little too early to meet me. I stopped for more food and top ups before crossing the road and heading up to Swarth Fell. Despite my concerns about them driving tired they insisted they would see me in Garsdale. The ridge path was much drier than I have ever known it and I was so pleased that my route stopped at 681m and did not have to go all the way north to Wild Boar Fell even though that is 705m and 5th highest in the Dales. Running back down the ridge was a joy until I reached the low col and a boggy section and then the pathless slightly tussocky ground leading to the bridleway. Once into Grisedale it was farm lanes all the way to Garsdale. I had seen nobody for ages again but the birds were chirping away and I had seen deer, mice, shrews, rabbits, hares and now a fox. I had collected my torch just in case but certainly didn't need it yet even though the moon was starting to look interesting. 

So many meadows and flowers

The tarmac lane was boring if easy and I tried to identify and count wildflowers to distract myself. Before long I was at Dandra Garth and the van again. 

Moon is up but still light

They had managed a short snooze when I stopped to eat, drink coffee and replenish things again. I was struggling to eat now. 

Dandra Garth

I waved them bye as the sun was setting and the moon rising high. The bridleway over to Dentdale was drier and better than I remembered and it was a gorgeous evening. Dropping into the valley at Cowgill it was just getting dark and I put my torch on, partly to warn and drivers I met. I actually met none despite running several kilometres west along the bulk of Dentdale but they would not have been expecting a pedestrian and there were tall hedges with almost no verge. Eventually I reached the small bridge and woodland that we run past on the Fellsman. I was careful here as I wanted to take the first little used path and so avoid a farm yard and dogs. I found it despite thigh tall meadow grass and flowers. The water eroded stony path up to the old green lane was steeper and harder work than I had anticipated after my recee. I now had a choice- follow the hill straight up as on my recee or go along the green lane to the quarry in the hope that the paths there led all the way up. If they did I did not find them in the dark and that section of the green lane was awful with huge puddles and rocks. Perhaps neither way would be good at this stage in the run but I was very glad to have my poles as I flogged up the slope. Despite the sunset this was a low point- I needed to have eaten more- and I felt like I was crawling. Once on the top I quickly ran past Great Coum687m (10th) and on to Crag Hill 682m (11th). I have no idea why Crag Hill is included but the return trip was only about 1.5km and was relatively level. From this last trig I could see the lights of civilisation and a town.

The next job was to get back down to the green lane. I found a trod beside a wall from the col which took me most of the way. Fortunately this section of the old track is much better and I managed to jog most of the way to the road. Only two peaks to go now even if they are the two highest ones! Both guys were sleeping when I arrived and I felt quite guilty disturbing them, especially as I did not stop long as I did not really want to eat. I set off along the road linking Deepdale to Kingsdale and they promised to see me near the Hill Inn. I found the footpath up New Pasture and flogged up the back of Whernside. It was still warm as the mass of the hill protected me from the easterly wind. 736m and the highest peak done. I made reasonable time along the big ridge path but the wheels really came off on the descent. In the dark, on tired legs and with what seemed like constant multiple trip hazards I slowed dreadfully. I did not dare to cut across the grass as I had in daylight. The campsite was silent and as I reached the last cattle grid I spotted Chis who had come out to meet me. The moon was huge and bright yellow. Awesome. They had parked way up the road where it was wider- it wasn't far but I was perhaps a little grumpy about it. A brief stop and I was off up the last peak. 

Not from my run as it was still dark- last peak

Easy running to start with and even the flag stones ere OK. I slowed badly on the rock steps and over the summit plateau to the final trig at 723m. The path from here to Horton is a fair few kilometres but I had forgot how gnarly it is for tired legs. It seemed to take forever to reach a runnable path and I was losing much of my time advantage. As I hit the lower slopes and a decent path it was light enough not to need my torch and at last I could run. I really wanted to stay under 24 hours. 

I crossed the railway and ran through the village, past the old cafe, the campsite and the pub until the lane to the school. Yes- the van and car were in sight at last. 

Challenge complete- 80 miles, almost 5000m of climb and 23hrs 18 mins. 13 peaks although Fountains Fell and not Wild Boar Fell is still a puzzle. Not a bad way to spend the 24hrs of your birthday! 

I was too tired to want to eat and they had been asleep so I had a very quick and superficial wash before falling into bed. So many great memories of a grand day out in the beautiful Dales. 

Celebrations the next day

 Huge thanks to Bob for his support and encouragement and especially to Chris my super crewman for his time and the use of his van, including his bed for my smelly body at the end. I could not have done it without you both.

The Spire Ultra

 A short(ish) race and so a short blog. We had decided to combine this race with and errand and family and climbing, it is after all a bit of a trek fro Preston. The errand was a success- collect the poles I left at the Fellsman from a house near Keighley. So far so good. Then we encountered the Bradford CAZ... would have been cheaper to post the poles. Hey ho.

We spent the rest of the day climbing at the newly opened Leeds Big Depot climbing wall. It was great- masses of routes, holds I had never seen before and we stayed for hours. Chris and Alice came after work and then we all went for a lovely meal. We said our goodbyes and went back to the climbing wall- an even longer stint today. When we left I had done all but 3 that I wanted to do or try.  Hands sore, arms buzzing with exhaustion and very tired. At least we had a night stop ready planned only a 5 min drive from the race start. Meal in van, wine, cheese and an early night. I didn't sleep very well but that is not unusual before a race.  Apparently the east of the Pennines had been much wetter than Lancashire and there would be MUD. Mud here just means peat bog and mess but over there it means gloopy, slippery stuff. What shoes to wear?

We were at the start by soon after 7am and the flags, banners and boards were up by 7.20. I put the rope mats inside, registered quickly and went back to the van for breakfast. The forecast had promised no rain and warmth. It didn't quite feel that way at 8.30am but perhaps it was coming. After multiple toilet trips and after catching up with many friends we were herded outside ready to walk up the road to the start. I kissed Bob goodbye and told him to enjoy his bike ride.

Ashok- behind me at the start but only for 1 minute!

At 9 we were all off the road and on the narrow path. Jamie said Go and we were off. I had tried to play the route of the race through my mind in bed last night but could only remember patches. I hoped as I reached each section it would come back to me.  At least the section past the 'new' houses would be easy- this is where two of us went wrong a couple of years ago- then we had started at the farm and so it was near to the end of the race. There were plenty of people around for the first mile or so but then the first ten or so fast runners started to pull ahead. I was alone for a short while until a guy from Wales was running with me.Two heads are always better than one, even with a GPS watch. She and her partner made a couple of small errors and although they were slightly faster down the worst of the mud they never got far ahead. We were to see lots of each other.

So far so good. At almost every decision point I recognised the route and at a couple of places I had a short hesitation but was fine. The first woods were not too muddy and we got to Holymoorside unscathed. 

The next woods were muddy but we were soon on field paths heading to the main road crossing- some faster running here and on tarmac for a while. I felt I was struggling but tried to keep in contact with Sam and her partner. Linacre woods were muddy too and my feet were now wet fro a stream crossing but I stayed upright. More fast running took us to the footbridge over the A61 and some more muddy woods.

At two points we crossed fields with tall bright yellow oil seed rape with enough pollen to coat my arms and clothing in yellow dust. By CP4 opposite the Miners Arms in Hundall I needed food and so stopped briefly. From memory the more attractive scenery was over for a while. 

Another section of sploshy and slippery mud led me to New Whitington and then having crossed the river, canal and railway into Brimington. This is where Sam first pulled away and out of sight. I plodded uphill through the houses to the next CP but could not see them. I ran this next section almost alone with just one guy passing me in West Wood.  From here we started to pick up old tracks and the disused rail line trails- NOT my favourite. They seem to stretch on forever and there is not excuse not to keep running despite feeling a bit trashed by now. On the plus side I could still see Sam in the distance every now and again and that kept me going along with the hope that the CP at Longcourse would have it's usual array of fab food. Yes- boiled potatoes, strawberries and melon. Sam had pushed on but on the long track up to Scarsdale Hall I could see them again briefly. 

The climb up to Heath was tough but we were now on the home straight. The 5 Pits Trail paths were easy running compared to the mud but again they seemed to stretch on with no respite. I made one stupid error here and lost about 3 minutes as I headed downhill on a nice wide path only to have to turn around and flog back up again. The only thing keeping me going now was the hope that I could stay under 6 hours and not be too far behind Sam to maximise my Runfurther points- even then I did slow to walk a couple of times. Finally I reached the outskirts of North Wingfield and knew it was only 500m to the end.

A tough day out but it had not rained. I had not fallen in the mud and I did creep in under 6 hours. In fact my time was exactly the sae as my first go at the race in 2019. That year I won, this year 2nd but still first old lady. 

Bob had been out on his bike having fun but Ashok took a photo as I finished. I was about 6 mins behind Sam. 

First 3 women

The winning man took the record in 4hrs 12 minutes- incredible. I recovered with Jamie's dahl soup, cups of tea and cake before relaxing on the grass outside and applauding others as they finished. As a bonus I got a large and apparently very potent bottle of his dad's cider.  One nice touch today was seeing Pete Carter back to ultra racing. He is an old friend from Preston Harriers and took me to my first ultra in 2009- the Haworth Hobble telling me it would be fine, it's just a long fell race but with some food. Just look what you started Pete!