Stanza Stones (the second one)

 As is usual we drove to the start on Friday evening. As we neared Marsden the weather clagged in and by the time we were putting up flags and banners the drizzle got heavier. It rained hard over night and we had left a skylight open. I was up early and by 7am had dropped off mint cake, put up boards and completed my registration and kit check. Back at the van I had breakfast before returning to the hall to use the loo and to chat with friends. Kevin and Rory were both claiming to be less than ideally prepared; yeah right! Mark D had a dodgy infection on one leg. Guy was back determined to complete this year. 

Plus there were chats with Charlotte, Sarah, Ian, Steve and Sally. Martin finally got his Fellsman trophy and beer and we left it with Dawn in his car.

The forecast was for improved weather as the day went on and it was certainly getting brighter but still chilly. I set off in two tops and my cag as there were still black clouds looming. 

A steady start saw Ian vanishing up ahead and Martin was already out of sight this year, but I was OK with that and found the first stone. Once on the moors we had our first heavy rain shower and I was pleased to have kept my cag on. A mixture of running and stomping led me to the road crossing and then the masts at Windy Hill. It was very breezy crossing the M62 footbridge and quite windy on Blackstone Edge. There was less mud than I expected though and we made decent time to the White House. I didn't really need anything yet so grabbed two jaffa cakes and pushed on. This next section is on a big drivable track and as it is almost flat it should be easy to run. I ran to the Stone near the climbing crag but then into the headwind and with my hip causing me pain I started to slow. Run a bit, walk a bit was to become the pattern for the day. I kept commanding my legs to run but the answer was no. Shouting at failing body parts does not work. I used the guys ahead to push myself onwards to Stoodley Pike and then down into Mytholmroyd. Darren came past and sped off plus various others. The views were now great and the sky mostly blue.

At least I found the correct village hall for the CP this year. Amy and most of the men that were just ahead were still here. A quick snack and top up of water and we were off. It's a tough climb out of the valley and up on Midgely Moor and I could sense the others all pulling away. There was one confusing path section with the first real boggy bits of the day. Gary C ran with me for a bit before we reached the easy running on the conduit and he too pulled away. I just kept trying the best I could and consoled myself that the walking climbs were actually OK.

I found Stone 3 OK, it has a marker post but I remember thinking it was tricky last year. Heading east I suddenly realised I knew exactly where I was as we met the new Calderdale Hike route area. It must have perked me up because I ran well here and caught some guys on the way into Oxenhope. I knew the way here and pushed on. Before long I could see Amy up ahead. Haworth was full of tourists and the trip hazards of dogs on stretchy leads, toddlers, prams and people ambling about with no awareness of others. I reached the CP just seconds behind Amy.  I decided I needed a decent refuel here as I knew I had not really been eating enough. Perhaps I ate too much because I struggled to get going again and only kept with Amy after she made two small errors. By the time we reached the lanes near Cullingworth Moor she was off and pulling away. I was happy with my running on the Calder Aire Link but knew I would be slow on the wet rocks in Goitstock Wood. No swimmers this year but the waterfalls were impressive. I pushed on to the next woods knowing it was now not far to the CP in Bingley.

Charles was there and made me a cup of tea. I refilled my water but really did not fancy the food on offer.  I knew I needed to eat but just could not make myself do it. Having negotiated the town traffic safely I climbed up by the flight of locks and then stopped as grit was rubbing my ankle. I dislike the canal section. It is flat, 6 miles and should be so easy to run. It was easier than in the extreme heat of last year but still very warm. My hip objected strongly but I kept trying to run and refusing to stop until I had counted 100 paces. I encouraged myself with the thought of the unofficial Fellsman CP at the end of the canal. I sat here with Chris and William for a few minutes as I ate an ice pop. I now knew that I was being caught by the next woman but realistically there was little I could do.

Climbing up to Silsden Road I caught the guy with poles but it obviously cost me more than him because as Kate caught me he and the other man pulled steadily away and she followed. For ages I could see them up ahead but the gap was widening as we climbed Addingham Moor and then ran towards Ilkley. I stopped for water at the foot of Keighley old road and again at the CP at the top. The others were now out of sight but I spotted a runner up ahead and was determined to catch him before 12 Apostles. I did and then after we circled the stones I overtook on the long descent to the last stone. The run down seemed Ok so perhaps I was not trying as hard as last year. 

I ran well down the tarmac but did have to stop for a breather on the way to the school. 

Kevin and Rory with only 2 secs splitting first and second place!

50 miles with 2145m of climb. Done in 11hrs 21 so a PB by 17 minutes. It should be a PB after the heat of last year and I was pleased until I found Kevin had a 100 minute PB! Amy was 1st in 11.06 and Kate next in 11.16. I guess only being 5 mins behind Kate and 15 behind Amy is not so bad. First FV again.  

Lots of sitting, chatting and some food allowed me to feel more normal and my legs were much less trashed than last year. We were due to go straight to the Lakes but Bob said the forecast had worsened so it was home for a much needed shower and bed.

Feeling old

My race prep was less than ideal with 239km and 8747m in the previous 10 days, which included a reasonably fast effort on my Birthday 100. Not that I would change this as I love my birthday runs and we had some great days in the Lakes too.

Birthday run

 It seems a long time since I posted and I certainly have not been doing nothing! Lots of indoor climbing, quite a few bike rides and some big Wainwright walks and runs.

It has become a thing to do a big run on my birthday as proof to myself that I am not really getting old. Denial yes. I had a variety of options in mind but knew I had to plan with only Bob as support this year plus I did not want to do anything too crazy as I had some races in June. A local guy had written a book on a route he devised called the North West Way which goes from Preston to Carlisle via some interesting places. At 192 miles I was tempted to do it all but then the weather in the preceding fortnight was awful and I decided to be sensible and do half of it. I quite liked the idea of running home and knew that this would work well for Bob supporting me and so the plan was Bowes to Preston. All down hill and running home. Of course it was also into the wind and no it really was not all down hill. There would be plenty of variety underfoot, in the scenery and also in terms of bits I knew or did not know.

First light in Bowes

We drove north past all the bow topped caravans making their way to Appleby Horse Fair and were in Bowes by early evening. Two of my planned park ups were non starters but the third was fine although traffic noise from the nearby A66 was not ideal. I was already packed and organised and so with itchy feet I went out to explore. It is a pretty little village with some gentrified houses, a pretty church and the ruins of a castle. I decided not to start by the castle as the field paths had long grass that would be very wet in the morning. Wet feet after 500m when the next 8 miles were on big dry tracks seemed daft.

Ready for a long day

I was up as my alarm went at 4.30am and after a quick breakfast a photo left the van in cool but dry weather. I was cautious on the first mile or so but once on the big tracks over the moors I relaxed and made good progress. 

Setting off for home

The route opted for the drivable shooters track rather than the Pennine Way path so my feet stayed dry all the way to Tan Hill Inn.  All was quiet as I passed the pub and those in campervans were still asleep. 

Not the best selfie

Here I turned south on the Pennine Way which although following a good track was wet and muddy after all the recent rain. Beautiful wild scenery all the way.

Wild moors above Keld

Before long I could see Keld and recognised the scenery from my Northern Traverse runs. With  no need to divert to toilets or shop in Keld I was soon near Crackpot Hall (what a great name) and entering new territory. 

Keld village

The route ignores the PW and the Pennine Journey paths and stays to the east of the river. Again it was a good track  and then some lovely old flagstones all the way to Muker.

Old mine workings

Quickly admiring the old buildings in the hamlet I took field paths where the flood water had just about receded and headed west to Thwaite. It was now properly morning and I got some strange looks as I passed the camp site. 

Beautiful meadows

Bob had found a good parking place above Thwaite and it was good to see him and to eat and drink. 

Off to the moors again

Determined not to get comfortable I was soon on my way up the track leading towards Great Shunner Fell (2384m) and Bob shot off over Buttertubs to Hardraw.  Soon the track became grassy and very wet and muddy. The sections of flagstones were under about 8-10 inches of water but they were better than the muddy boggy sections.  As I neared the summit the drizzle started. Fortunately it was really just wetting out of low cloud and soon stopped. 

Grey but not yet too wet

I had been looking forward to the 5 miles of track which would drop me into Wensleydale but for the first mile or so had to be cautious given the underfoot conditions. The views were wonderful, the bird life amazing (grouse and curlews mainly) and I met my first walkers of the day. It was a joy to be running downhill as it is a track I have only ever gone up before.  

Arriving in Hardraw

Bob was parked exactly where I met the tarmac. More food and a cup of tea. Over 22 miles done and I was up an schedule.

Refuelling

Knowing the way made the next miles easy and allowed me to relax and take in the scenery. I love the dales with their meadows full of flowers, lambs and birds. It was warm but not too hot now. Road signs saying floods/closed caused some concern but they were a day or so old. I did stay on the PW rather than the smaller path close to the river but managed to get from Hardraw to Hawes with no issues. Thwarted by flood water would have been very irritating and the road had been shut 48hrs earlier. The small town was getting very busy with walkers, tourists and shoppers as I took the old stone path behind the creamery and into Gayle. Bob meanwhile went to the cheese shop and bought me lots of extra birthday presents!

I love the Dales

Once out of town and on Gaudy Lane I was alone again heading up and up on the PW. My feet were soaked but did not seem to be suffering at all. I was moving towards Fellsman and Dales High Way paths that I knew. Running along the big track below Dodd Fell seemed easier than when racing the Fellsman and I had time to admire the view north to Snaizeholme and Great Knoutberry. 

Off Cam High Road but still good tracks

At Kidstone Gate I joined Cam High Road, an old Roman route, and had excellent views of the Y3Ps and Ribblehead Viaduct. 

Ribbleshead viaduct and 3Ps scenery

At Cam End it was a sharp left turn to head south but still on the PW. Good tracks were certainly helping me make good progress here. Ling Gill looked interesting and a good spot to swim plus there is lots of history- a 16th century bridge  and old mine workings. 

Looking a bit grey but still dry

From Old Ing there are multiple paths but I stuck to that chosen for the NWW rather than the slightly lower Ribble Way. Along this section I passed a few walkers, a DoE group and then a friend out running with her son: always a nice surprise. 

So much water everywhere!

At Sell Gill Holes I remembered a winter walk with Bob where we sheltered from the wind to picnic. Before long I was in Horton in Ribblesdale. It was surprisingly quiet although the campsite looked full.

A quiet spot in Horton

I had decided in advance that the best spot for Bob was by the old primary school. I knew there would be space and that it would be quiet if he needed a snooze. Being in Brackenbottom meant Pen Y Gent would be a short out and back but in the end the weather changed my plans here anyway. As I ate and drank in the van we could see the weather closing in. 

Cag on - it's going to rain

Sure enough, by the time I had climbed 1km east the cloud was low and the air was damp. There seemed little point gaining the peak with no view. I had been many times before and didn't want to risk a slip on the greasy rocks either. Instead I headed south to Churn Milk Hole and eventually the lane. It was now wet and I found PW walkers hiding behind a wall sorting their gear. Climbing onto Fountains Fell seemed to take a while; I guess I was getting tired now after 40+miles and the boggy ground was slowing me down. No photos either. Dropping towards Tennant Gill Farm the rain eased but the paths stayed horribly wet and boggy all the way to the road. I consoled myself with the maths that by the south side of Malham Tarn I would be pretty much half way. It was a relief to reach the tarmac driveway to the hall and also to have the distraction of all the wooden carved birds and animals as I climbed. 

Waves on the tarn

Reaching the tarn more walkers appeared making the most of the now dry weather. I ate more here. I cannot remember what but know there was soup, fresh mango, quiche and cups of tea. 

Arriving at Malham Tarn car park

Leaving the main car park it was soon obvious the whole area had been flooded and much of the flat grass was still under water with raging streams where there is often just a trickle. A rather circuitous route got me through. I had been anxious about the next section knowing how much I dread wet muddy limestone and the gnarly path below Ing scar did not disappoint. 

Heading to Malham Cove

It was a relief to reach the limestone pavement above the Cove. Usually I would bounce across this but today with tired legs I took more care.

Limestone pavement

It was busy with many families having walked up from the campsite and car parks on such a pleasant afternoon/evening. No time for me to explore the village today.

The iconic view

In my head it would be down hill from here to Hellifield; of course it wasn't. A couple of miles and I was in Kirkby Malham and alone again. Here the paths deteriorated with first a slippery steep muddy affair in the woods and then rather indeterminate paths through meadows with thigh high grass all the way to Otterburn. At least from there to Hellifield was easy and was downhill! I was very pleased to see Bob and the van and to have yet more refreshments. A day later would have been a disaster as the Long Preston road was blocked for hours- perhaps by the travelling vans. I should probably have stopped and changed my socks here, if only to check on my feet, but there seemed little point as I knew they would soon be soaked again.

You would think from here to Preston across relatively lowland and flattish field paths would be easy. It proved to be the toughest part of the day. The paths are clearly walked much less and this meant the nav was more tricky plus with the recent rain and warmth the vegetation had shot up and nobody had beaten it down. There were some quiet lanes which upped the pace a bit but there were also some very very muddy bits with highly exuberant young cows.  I was pleased to have my poles even though I didn't actually need to use them. The Paythorne area will not be my favourite and I was pleased to reach the old bridge and be making my way towards Gisburn. The paths added to avoid main road running have improved since we ran the Ribble Way as a team and turning off to Gisburn Park was even better. Bob had again found the perfect stop. It was only about 8.30pm and I was keen to make the most of the light and so did not stop long. Baby bel cheese and Lidl Romeo / Bounty vars would have to do. I was carrying my head torch but would not need it yet. Over 100km done and feeling OK.

Mill Lane near Gisburn

Leaving the van I turned up the driveway of Coppice Farm to meet a huge herd of deer which was a nice treat. 

There must have been 50 in total

A few km later was a herd of very frisky cows- much less of a treat. The ground was wet and muddy but I eventually emerged at Sawley for a bit of road running. It was quiet and I had no issue with traffic. I deviated from the official route slightly here as I did not want to run through a farm yard in the dark and cause upset or spook any farm dogs. Near Grindleton I picked up the Ribble Way and relished easy nav for a while. The quarry and cement works at Chatburn were noisy even at night but otherwise all was deserted. The river side path was easy to follow but very wet and muddy. There were even some sections where the river had burst it's banks. Wider paths near the sculpture park were easier and before long I was at Low Moor and then Eddisford Bridge. Bob was there in the van as promised but for the first time today I was feeling slightly sick and not wanting to eat. Still, there was only a marathon to go and I had eaten well all day.

Leaving Clitheroe

It was easy running even in the dark to Great Mitton and then roads to the Hodder bridges- the 'new' one and the ancient packhorse Cromwell's bridge. Cromwell's army crossed here on their way to the Battle of Preston in 1648. Shortly after this my route left the Ribble Way and climbed to the back of Stonyhurst College so there was more easy track running pretty much all the way to Hurst Green. Having visited and run here often I did not mind not seeing the impressive buildings as it was dark. A track dropped me towards the river and Dinckley bridge and then it all went a bit wrong. I lost the path and did some battle with mud and undergrowth- I was tired and it was dark. Having my poles helped keep me upright in several sections of mud but I still managed one skid and a twisted knee. I relocated on the bigger bridleway and was soon at the bridge in Little Town.  Bob was there but I didn't really want much except to get the job done now.

Near Malham Cove- out of order but too good not to include

The NWW crosses some field paths to Ribchester but the road has pavement and I could not face more bog and mud. Ribchester was deserted as you might expect at 2.30am and I was soon on my way to Hothersall and thinking of all the times I had gone to meet kids doing DoE on paths around here. I kept disturbing wildlife now. I think a fox watched me and then ran off. There were some deer and an owl plus lots of sheep's eyes glowing in the dark. Heading west on paths that cross Alston Lane and Elston Lane was OK but then I saw 'different' eyes and suddenly there was barking. Two dogs had either escaped or been let out alone. I was not impressed. It was not yet light and I had no idea how friendly they might be. Stressed I charged off towards Tun Brook woods and it all went a bit wrong again. I found the gate into the woods and crossed a bridge. OS maps and my instructions were cross it and go straight up the other side. There are two bridges!  After some swearing and battle with mud and undergrowth I retraced my steps to the first bridge and saw that I needed to drop down to the main stream and another bridge. It's probably easy in daylight and with a fully functioning brain but I will go back one day soon and check. Once past the solar farm I was soon on familiar ground and on the easy path above Red Scar wood. I was glad running home meant from here it I knew the way so well. Dropping to Brockholes and the nature reserve there was even more bird life and I met a photographer out at dawn. The Guild Wheel is a good surface Which on a normal run I would not be a fan of) and as I crossed under the A59 to follow the Ribble downstream I knew there was less than 9 miles to go. It was now raining but I didn't really care. I stopped at our van briefly at the Shaws Arms but again wanted little to eat. 

The heaviest of the rain I had in all the journey

It is always a joy to run through Avenham and Miller Parks. I looked up right to Avenham Tower where we once lived, was surprised to see a couple of tents by the river in the park and then started meeting early morning runners. I hope they didn't think I usually run so badly- they of course had no idea where I had started. The official route goes up through the very fine Winckley Square to then finish at the train station. I stayed on the Guild Wheel by the river and had opted to finish at the dock swing bridge where I knew Bob could park easily even in rush hour.  

I can stop at last

I thought about running home- another mile or so on the Guild Wheel but the cycle path along Portway is noisy and smelly so finishing at the dock seemed nicer. 

Job done

 I finished- a bit wet and bedraggled but in one piece and happy at 6.48am. So just under 26hrs (25.53) for the 99 miles/159km and 3294m of climb. 

It was a very short drive home for a shower, fried eggs on bread as always and some sleep for both of us. Bob had managed a few micro naps but had been awake as long as me.

Doing this in the 'proper' direction would have been better for the prevailing wind but it was not really very windy and it was good to be running home and on very easy paths at the end.  I ate well until Clitheroe and was happy with that. I did not change any clothes or footwear and should perhaps have changed socks and checked my feet. Two days later my feet are fine. It would have been better without the previous fortnight of rain but the weather on the day was pretty good. After a sleep we repacked the van and drove to the Lakes for 3 days of big Wainwright walks. Bob completed (and exceeded) his 80 Wainwrights for 80 years. I must admit it was good to have dry feet for almost the entirety of those 3 days and no mud or navigation issues. We were also blessed with beautiful weather. So now I just have the Carlisle to Bowes section to do when I have some spare time. I might have to start at Bowness on Solway to make it about 100 miles though. Thanks to Steve Garrill for the inspiration and the kind gift of his NWW book as an early birthday present.

The 60th Fellsman

 For us the start was exactly the same as last year- climb for four hours and then drive to Threshfield. Put up flags and banners in the sunshine. Catch up with RO friends. Put up display boards, spot prizes, hand over winners prizes and mint cake bars, set out rope mats and dog toys.

Bob then went to help unload the food vans. I was first in the line for registration and soon had Martin, Ian, Mick, Fiona and others to catch up with. Once the staff had the wifi up and going I was used as a registration guinea pig and so was soon inside and warm! I passed quickly through bus tag, disclaimer and on to the infamous kit check. All good and speedy although I believe the queue outside got quite long later and the weather got a bit damp as well as cold.

I went back to our van to eat- bonus of Bob helping in the kitchen is we get to park at the school. Once fed I grabbed a beer, checked Bob was OK, handed over his food and went back into the main hall. Plenty of friends to talk to and I managed to sell rope and so make more money for Mountain Rescue as well as pass out some spot prizes. By 9.30pm I was ready for doing final faffs and getting into bed. Bob knew he would be on a late night and an early start so had said he would sleep in the staff room. I slept quite well despite marshalls in other vans coming back late and getting up early.

It was a chilly start so I put the van heater on as I ate my breakfast. The forecast of a cold dry morning with rain perhaps later made the decision to start in long tights easy. I knew I would be grateful for them early on and later that evening even if I was a tad warm in the middle of the day. Then after one final check of gear I headed off to say bye to Bob, go to the loo and get the 6.30am bus. Not being a circular route means an early start even though race off is 8.30am. There seemed to be more runners than seats on the bus which was a bit unfortunate and I felt sorry for the lady sitting on the stairs being sick. I hope she recovered, started and finished. As we pulled into the car park in Ingleton I spotted a big queue and so shot off to the toilet. When I returned the queue was even longer and we were soon very cold. I was already glad to be wearing my long tights and third layer plus cag. We were already kit checked so it was hard to see what the delay was but I don't suppose they were just trying to annoy us! We inched forward and then inside to warmth where I collected by number, whee watch, tally card and then tracker. Belt and braces but apparently we cannot get rid of the iconic tally. I then moved into the next room and found more friends to chat with and started to warm up. I had not seen Matt N or Brian for ages. Julian was busy sorting out our 'oldies' team when it was announced the start would be delayed by half an hour to cope with the queues.

So by 8.30 we were being herded out into the cold sunny morning on the field. Our first tally clips had been taken. More and more people seem to be opting to start up the steep grassy slope now but I was determined not to get carried away despite the bottle-neck at the gate. Before the tarmac ended we were fairly spread out and then taking slightly different lines on the grassy paths. It is up and up and up to the first CP on Ingleborough so there was plenty of walking as well as some running. 

Stunning morning at CP1 but very chilly

My neighbours marshall this first CP and were looking pretty frozen as we arrived. I debated trying the direct line due north and down the grass but could not see anybody going that way and didn't think it wise to experiment. The rock steps and slabs were drier than often so I made reasonable time but it is apparently a quicker line.

By the time we arrived at the Hill Inn I was confused. Neil was ahead of me moving fast so was I being slow? But Claire was with me so was I too fast? In the end there was nothing to do except stick with what felt comfortable and do my own thing. A cheery voice shouted hello as I left the road- Andy N was marshalling the 3Ps race. I trotted on the best I could aiming to keep Neil and the Morts within talking distance. It was good to leave the main tourist path and take the grassy ramp up to the ridge. I am always surprised how long it takes to get to the summit but as usual there was a stream of faster runners coming down to distract me. The summit CP was the usual cold and windy spot- not a place to linger. I was cautious over the rocky path and Cat pulled ahead. Once on the grass I was more comfortable about speed and seemed to fly down to Kingsdale. The CP was quite busy so I grabbed some Voom and filled my water. I tried eating on the climb but it was a struggle. I sipped mountain fuel but couldn't manage more than a couple of mouthfuls of Voom bar. It had an interesting red dye effect on my hands though! The Voom mint cake like stuff went down more easily but I don't think I could stomach much of it in one go. The climb up to Gragareth ridge is one of the steepest on the route and I took a couple of brief breathers. I like the run out to the two cheeriest marshalls ever and the views were amazing. I got led onto a new to me trod on the return loop- shorter but a little damper. The ridge goes on and on towards Great Coum on mostly nice grassy paths. I missed my usual short cut near the end but was running with Claire as we left the CP and began the drop to Flinters Gill. The track/trod by the wall was as wet as usual but we missed the scree easily. I really dislike the rocky path as it drops to Dent so experimented in the field but think I cut back a little sooner than necessary. The young man who usually points the way was missing due to exam revision but I found the path OK and was soon on the campsite. 

Dent = hippies with fruit, tea and cheese sauasage rolls

The guys at this CP always make me smile and I refueled on melon and cheese roll. Claire was still with me for now but soon pulled ahead as we trotted along the tarmac. I found I was running with Cat and we chatted a bit with me keeping her on course before she too pulled ahead a little on the climb over the end of Whernside. The weather was warmer now but I was not too uncomfortable in my long tights and was just happy that it was dry and sunny.

Stonehouse CP ready for action

I know this section well and soon found the trod off the main path and then the best of the pretty non existent trods through the bog below Blea Moor. It was here that I ended up with Bill J again, something that is becoming a regular thing on this race. We jogged and chatted all the way to Stonehouse. I was pleased to find most of the paths were drier than usual and the geese in the farm yard had disappeared. Stonehouse meant fancy dress, a kit check and food. I managed a small portion of pasta and a piece of cake before starting the plod up Artengill Beck. 

Not mine sadly- I would have had the steam train

I had opted to use my old KIMM sack not my race vest and this was the first of many times I regretted this as there was no easy access to my phone so I missed the steam train going over the viaduct above me. I did get my poles out and this seemed to help me get into a steady rythmn and almost kept up with Bill. As we crossed the stile for Great Knoutberry it was interesting to see who was about 15 minutes or so ahead as they headed back down the hill. Just before the top there was a brief spell of hail but pleasingly it didn't last. I made good time down the grassy paths, one of my favourite bits, and was soon ahead of Bill and running with Cat again. Redshaw was soon in sight and I pointed out the way. I marshalled here once and so know the team. Today I grabbed a cup of tea, banana and a small sandwich and watched as Cat who didn't stop disappeared up hill.  The path to Snaizeholme was damp but not dreadful and the CP was in sunshine. I felt I was struggling a bit so concentrated on not letting the gap to Cat and the other runners get any larger.  Last year Matt N met me here and encouraged me to run. He was racing this year but the memory actually had the same effect and I was soon on Dodd Fell. The sky was now starting to look more evil and as I crossed the wall and started on the final path to Fleet Moss it started to rain. By the time I reached the CP I was chilly and thinking this was the start of the predicted bad weather I added a layer and then my over trousers. I managed a little food and chatted to Ken who was bailing here. I knew a couple of runners had just left and so headed out and used their backs to pull me all the way down Langstrothdale. The rain had now stopped and I was feeling like a boil in the bag meal with sweat running down my body. I prayed I would be cooler once I started the climb back onto the moor. I like the Dales Way path and we were soon in Yockenthwaite (love the names here)and heading onto Chapel Moor. This is the 'new' bit and there is no obvious trod yet or perhaps people just take a multitude of different lines. Interestingly the erratum OS sheet provided by the race does not show a patch of fences and gates which for me are key to getting the correct line. It is a long long pull up over rough ground but I knew the stone wall would eventually come into sight and then behind the top corner would be the CP tent. Again I struggled to get my 'whee' to whee and the delays were becoming frustrating.  Next stop was the slightly adjusted Hells Gap CP and some easier running before the even easier drop to Cray. The rain seemed to have gone but I could see mist beginning to shroud the top of Buckden Pike. I did manage a little food at Cray but not much. I set out alone towards the hill and then stupidly let myself be persuaded to try the right-hand side of the stream again. We still got to the tourist path but I think I prefer my usual way. The mist was getting thicker and I was now alone again. I hoped to see Joe at the top but the clipper was held by a young couple. The massive flag stones led the way south and I put my torch on to avoid the trip hazards. The flag stones now extend all the way to the War memorial stile. Then it all changes in a very bad way. Usually I veer left a bit away from the wall and so avoid the worst bogs. Today on my own in the dark and thick mist I stayed near the wall to make sure I didn't miss the gate. Sadly this meant awful bogs and before long I fell thigh deep into one. I was so grateful to have my poles and even more relieved when I got out with both shoes still attached to my feet. Ironically not long after the gate I ended up in a group of six plodding our boggy way to the Top Mere CP.  

A loose group of us made our way to Park Rash and the CP by the road. I tried to eat again but was now really struggling and thought I might be sick. I left the CP alone and slightly disorientated. I cut right too early which was not a disaster as I could follow the wall but it was slightly longer and steeper.  Just before the ridge top and CP other runners appeared and we reached the CP together. Again no whee from several of us!  It was good to run off Great Whernside together and share the joy of spot the trod and avoid the bog! We split up before Capplestone Gate but arrived at the CP together. I hoped to stick with Martin T here and it worked for a while but he was stronger as we neared Yarnbury and was soon out of sight. This last CP is always a welcome sight. There was no need for food and I felt I ran more of the tarmac even if I could not keep up with Martin. Second year in a row where I have lost the V60 trophy by 4 minutes or so after running with the man for a few miles! Grassington was almost silent as I jogged down the hills and over the bridge before the final pull up to the school at Threshfield.  16 hrs 34 so a little slower than last year but not a PW. I think 8th F, 2nd V60, 1st FV60 and my tenth Fellsman run.

Finished!

Bob met me at the finish desk and once I had collected my snood and medal he fetched me tea. I knew I should eat and so sat in the hall eating chilli and drinking yet more tea with rhubarb pie and custard. The body bus arrived as I finished and so I had a chat with Nicky who had bailed at Cray. She will be back to complete next year. 

The chairs had no back support

hil and Claire were showered and fed and soon headed off to bed. It wasn't long before I slowly wandered back to our van. I struggled to sleep at first but by 8ish was up and back for breakfast. 

Rather more climb than they advertised

There were some great runs from Runfurther runners- Phil in 4th, Lawrence 10th, Claire 3rd F. Winning man was Kim C in 11.07 and Emma was 1st F in 11.36. 

We managed to get the oldies team prize again and so I left with a bag full of Timothy Taylor goodies.

After the prize giving I took down flags and banners. Took display boards etc back to the van. I was thrilled to find I had made £45 for Mountain Rescue from mat sales and dog toys. I then went to find Bob who was still working hard in the kitchen with Jean and Tom. He had been on the go for most of 40 hours with little sleep and just a short bike ride in a quieter interval. 

Washing up reward

I washed up, dried up and cleaned for a few hours before we made our excuses and drove home. A fairly exhausting weekend but good to support such a great event.