1st race of Runfurther 2022

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

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

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

Pre start and Romneys mint cake on offer

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

The rain had just started

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

Soaked but slightly warmer than I had been

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

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

Possibly the slowest ever female win

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

                                             Spot prizes lined up and ready to go

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

2022 and a long awaited race

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

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

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

One of the nicer paths on the eastern moors

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

Glorious sunshine by Saturday lunch time

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

Cold but sunny Saturday

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

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

It deserves a bigger entry than this

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

Trying to make up for lost time

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

Leaving Newton with TC

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

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

My summer start- too dark for photos on race day

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

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

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

I love the heat and sun!

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

Big coat, fleecy tights..

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

James, Glen and Mark

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

Very organised

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

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

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

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

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

End of 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hardwolds 80 (twice in two weeks)

 It had been too long since I had met up with my friends in the Hardmoors family... since the H200 in 2017 I think. Cannot believe it is that long ago but the races are now crazy popular ( for good reason) and they are not exactly on our doorstep either. I had originally entered last year and this was the deferred date. 

Open tracking - map and timing

The route was not totally new to me as I had done most of it for the start of the H200 and before that race I had recced it too. On the 9th, 10th and 11th of November I persuaded Bob that he really wanted to visit the Humber bridge and then cycle in the Wolds. 

After arriving in Hessle at lunch time I ran the first 20 miles to Arras Wold- amazingly I remembered almost all of it. It wasn't a waste as it was now fresh in my mind and I knew what the ground conditions were like. I did find the closed path in Welton- but not until I had dropped to the village, so I ran the dale anyway. So that was one bit not receed- the diversion. No worries- it looks very straight-forward.

Flood defence barriers being built

There was also a bit of chaos at the bridge itself due to the flood wall works. The tide was out and I just dropped to the beach. The paths were fairly dry and I arrived at the van very clean compared to running at home. First night was spent on the lane near Scanton just before the Arras Wold CP. 

Beech woods near South Cave- my favourite section

Day two looked fine and I set off for Settrington Beacon. This middle section is the tough bit I reckon and I wanted to do over 30 miles. Lots of grassy dales, farm tracks, field edges and some lanes. There seemed to be a fair bit of tarmac and hard surface- not my joy but I guess in November this could be better than muddy fields and would help keep the mph average up. I had not checked carefully enough- the H200 uses a slightly different route to the HW80! I ran along the old rail line, checked out a shop for supplies and carried on to Londesborough. I should have gone via Goodmanham. Why two different routes for the two races I wonder? Still- at least it ended up in the same village and I was soon back on track and heading for Millington and then Fridaythorpe. The little Dales are pretty- I am never going to get excited about the scenery here but it is nice countryside. 

A dale

Then just before Wharram Percy farmers were doing tree and hedge work and   in avoiding them I missed the signed turn down to the Abbey Ruins and ended up on an alternative route to the Abbey carpark- no big deal until I arrived at the Abbey in the race! (it was dark and this was the only bit where I couldn't find an acorn sign when I needed one). We thought it would be quiet at the Beacon but that lane must be a rat run.  Woken early gave me an early start. 

It is much steeper than this!

A lovely easy run to Wintringham before the steep climb up the wooded dale that leads to the final section along the scarp slope running towards the coast. 

Looking back down the wooded dale

Of course it doesn't just take a nice easy line. I checked out the lane south of West Heslerton for possible van support on race day and enjoyed the relatively easy running to Ganton. I was making reasonable time and the ground was still pretty dry except for a few areas near farm yards. After Ganton the route leaves the scarp edge and does a little loop south and east back up the steep hill to go past RAF Stanton and then dropping steeply before yet more climbs towards Flixton Wold. It doesn't look much on the map but the path follows a fence line on a roller coaster of downs and ups above the dale. Nice straight line- a path designed by Romans. I knew that from here the end was in site and apart from one steep descent it was easy running. After crossing the Hunmanby road it is a lovely gentle drop to the main road at Muston. A couple more fields and I emerged at the rear of Filey High School. Nearly there! Well - you would be if you stuck to the Wolds Way. We though turn away from town on a southern arc to pass the campsites, golf club and eventually to meet the Ravine and the path to the Prom. 

Filey sunshine- it will be dark in the race

It seemed a long way along the Prom and the steps at the far end were a struggle even without 78 race miles in my legs. I made it to the Wolds Stone on Filey Brigg, took the obligatory photo and turned back for town. 

Wolds way stone- the end

Dropping to the beach cut out some steps and I hope the tide is out on race day when I finish. I knew the way up into town but not to the Sea cadets- it was simple and all that remained was to find a cafe and wait for Bob. Our greasy spoon is no more so I eventually found an ice cream and arrived at the pick up point just as Bob drove in. Perfect.

Race weekend saw us parked at Hessle near the rugby club in time to have lunch in the sun and go for a walk along the estuary. It was sunny but chilly in the wind. I bumped into both Jon and then later Shirley before the early darkness of November drove me back into the van. A big meal and then I retired to bed with my book.

Beautiful skies the night before

The road was noisier than I had hoped but I rarely sleep well the night before a race anyway.  Up at 6 and registered etc before the coach arrived. Collected the apple juice from Mark. Back to our van for a bit and then went to meet friends at the Rugby Club- Jenny, Ken, Sarah, Andy and more. 

Hessle Rugby Club- already Jon has added distance

It was chilly enough to wear my cag although I should have realised I would be plenty warm enough once we left the estuary and I got into my running. By 8am we were congregated outside and ready for the off. The first miles are flat, tarmac or good track and very runnable. It is easy to get carried away along the foreshore, up through Ferriby and into the Scouts wood and on to Brantingham.

CP1 Brantingham one of several pretty villages

I should have been more worried when I was close enough to Antony G to chat, he is way faster than me. Needless to say I didn't stay with him or some of the other faster men for long. I ran with Rob Letts a short time before Arras Wold.. again he is faster than me. Perhaps I should of gone off more cautiously, who knows. I was 1st woman to the Millington CP at 33 miles but only just. Kendra whizzed past whilst I was inside eating and getting stuff from my drop bag. She had support and so no need for this.  The last I saw of her was at Thixendale (44 miles) although she was not far ahead at times and only 30 mins ahead at the end when she won. Lisa also appeared and shot off but I was to see more of her. 

Acorns ark the miles every now and again

The nav was easy with many acorns on signs and even some beautiful carved ones; although the miles on these were getting hard to read as they suffered from the weather.  It is a steep climb up out of Millington to regain the Wolds Way and I was still digesting food. It made me feel slow but hopefully would be worth it in the long run. 

Another dale

You visit several dales in the next section- some you cross steeply down and then up again, others you enter and run along the bottom. No two dales are quite the same. I had been running intermittently with a road runner who was new to off road ultras but loving it. He was far too fast once we left the grass and hit the big farm road for Glebe Farm and I had to let him go- a shame as the chat was good and he appreciated my route finding.

After Fridaythorpe we ran along a more exposed section and for the first time I had to stop and put my cag back on. I was later a bit too warm in some sheltered dales but it stayed on and I just vented it the best I could knowing it would soon be dark and cooler. As I entered Thixendale I spotted Kendra and three guys just leaving. I was very tempted to run after them but knew that really I should stop for an eat and drink. I never saw them again.  I like the next section but knew I must be careful not to miss the left turn to Wharram Percy this time. 

Borrowed pic

I expected to see Lisa behind me but there was no sign of her yet. I began the drop in fading light and in the end decided it would be wise to find my head torch. Then at the ruined Abbey I lost the path.. Suddenly there were no acorns of any sort. Lisa appeared and we worked it out and then climbed to the car park together. I then stopped at the van- my first meeting with Bob all day. A quick gulp of custard and then coffee to set me up for the night. I met up with two relay guys at Wharram le Street- but one was too fast and the other too slow which meant I ran most of the way to Settrington Beacon on my own. This was fine, it was dark but I knew the way and the paths were easy. I didn't need to stop at the CP here and caught up with Lisa in the woods. She said she was tired and seemed to be feeling the miles. I was too but ultras are a head game, just keep plodding. Somewhere on the long descent to Wintringham I lost her and even when I stopped I could no longer see her torch although I doubt she was far behind. 

Another borrowed pic- could not resist that sky

It is a tough climb out of the village but I told myself it is also where you turn east for the sea! The sunset had not been so spectacular but the moon was full and bright with the clouds giving it added interest. I upset no end of birds in Knapton plantation and tripped on a tree route that led to me wind-milling to stay upright for a while. A couple more field edges and I was at the van again on the lane from Heslerton. It was a quick detour and Lisa caught me up. She had a friend running with her now. I set off determined to put some distance between us if I could and knew that this section was straight forward with even a road section as you drop towards Sherburn and then climb back up again. Before the road I had lost them. My mind was now playing tricks and I couldn't remember what came next- until I got to it. I kept waiting for the gradual drop by a golf field but that s much later. Somehwhere in this bit there are a couple of stretches on nasty path on a real camber that twists your feet and I think this may have been where I pulled ahead. I did remember the sandy lane and knew I would soon be in Ganton. David and the others were doing a great job at this CP and I cannot believe I refused pizza! I wanted food but it had to be stuff that would slide down now. There was no point in loitering so it was back off into the night. I felt slow climbing back up the the escarpment but soon enough the road and then lane to RAF Staxton appeared. This lane should be very runnable but I had to really make myself keep going even at the turn towards the farm. I knew the descent was followed by the short but steepest climb of the whole route. Luckily there is a fence to use as a handrail. Then it is just a couple of field edges before the roller-coaster field paths to the road CP at Flixton Wold.

Flixton werewolves

 This was lit up like a beacon with a tent. stoves and the works. Oh, and werewolves. They must have been able to see my torch for ages but welcomed me with cheers. Sadly all I wanted to do was keep going- in retrospect I should have taken a sausage with me! Then it is back into the Dales with one very steep and painful drop. My quads were now shot and my big toe was sore. The looping path along Camp Dale and Stocking Dale seemed to take a while and loads of pheasants screeched at me. Then finally I reached and crossed the road for my drop past the golf field and to the pigs. It was a lovely gradual drop and the gap into the ploughed field was easy to spot. Luckily the mud in the one ploughed field had been bashed flat and then there was just the grassy fields down to the road at Muston. It is a good km through the village but the end is in sight. Up the steps, over two fields, across another road and then past the stables before a short section to the outskirts of Filey. I had hoped to meet my gold taregt of 16 hours but knew back at Flixton that this was very unlikely.  I made myself run past the school and towards the Ravine. The steps into the Ravine were torture but the Prom was easy and lit. I was in luck- the tide was out. I dropped down the jetty and headed across the sand to the Sailing Club. A short sharp climb and I was on the grassy tops heading for the Brigg. 

Mark on the Brigg

Mark was there at the Wolds Way stone in a tiny tent. He claimed to be warm enough out of the wind. There was no time to chat as I turned and retraced my steps to town. Cargate Hill was too much for me to run up until I hit the summit and could run to the finish. 16 hrs and 13 minutes. I was done- literally. Suddenly huge tiredness hit and I felt sick. I did managed a couple of cups of tea and some fruit salad but could not face the chilli beans or more. 

I sat with Bob and just slumped. My neuroma/ metatarsalgia hurt like mad and then the muscle in my ribs cramped and popped out repeatedly. I was alert enough to be able to congratulate Kendra and to cheer Lisa when she arrived but really I just wanted my bed. 

Almost 45 minutes of rest had seen no improvement so Jon did his presentations and we slowly walked back to the van. It was a shame to miss Ken and Jenny who had run it as a relay and only finished about 20 minutes later. 

Jon- the boss 

I  had missed my gold target but was happy to only be 13 minutes over and to be 2nd F overall and so also 1st FV50 and 1st FV60 (infact 1st V60 M or F). 

It is a tough route with few excuses to slow down and not to be running. Too much for me is road, track and runnable- give me a big hill to stomp up any day. I was woken at 4am by heavy rain squalls and a very strong wind. I said a quick prayer for Mark and any late finishers before going back to sleep. He had taken his tent down at 5am in fear of being blown into the bay. Some challenging weather for those last finishers. How lucky we had been with the day and the dry ground. I must come back and do another Hardmoors soon. My first 50, 100 and 200 milers were all Hardmoor races. In fact I must check how many more Hardmoor miles I need to reach my 1000 certificate.