My Birthday run

 It's becoming a tradition- find a long run and do it solo with perhaps a bit of van support at a few key locations. Even better if you can now get son number two to join his dad so you have two vans - they can have fun during the day and also a bit of company plus at night they can take turns and keep an eye on each other and make sure they are not getting too tired.

This year it seemed even more important than usual to prove to myself that I can still do it (DNF on NT still having an impact). I opted for a route that I knew about but had not recceed at all. I did know some bits at least in outline although often from the opposite direction and from some years ago. 

My chosen route was the Dales Highway. Just over 90 miles (my strava showed almost 94) and a fair bit of climb at 4212m. I opted to run it north to south which is not apparently what most do. Most signage did seem to be from the other direction when it did exist at all.  Not sure which direction would be best, it perhaps makes little difference. As it turns out my option was best as we got quiet parking at the pub in Hoff and escaped the Appleby fair chaos early on. 

A pub meal and beer might not have been wise but it was my birthday after all.  These solo challenges are interesting in that there is not the same pressure as in a race and I wasn't even terribly fussed about my time. No, that's not entirely true- I wanted to finish in under 24 hours. On the other hand there was no company, fewer CPs than usual and not the same race hype/incentive.

I was awake early on Saturday morning before my 4.15am alarm. Breakfast, dressing and toilet meant I was ready for the short drive to Appleby by about 4.30am. As I stood at the Moot Hall it was light and very quiet. I set off up through the town and past the castle as a couple of shops were taking early morning deliveries. Within 1km I made my first minor nav error as I missed a bridleway. OS on my phone was going to get lots of use today! The first fields and paths had tall vegetation and a heavy morning dew.  Wet feet and legs from the start, oh well.

The early start did mean that before I reached the vans at Hoff I had seen rabbits, hares, a deer, heron and countless other birds. Bob and Chris cheered me on my was through Hoff before setting off for Sedbergh.

Here they would leave our van on my route and then go off for a walk up Cautley Spout. With luck they would be back at the van before me but if not I had a key. Lowland paths led me to Great Asby before most people were up and the lanes were traffic free. From there I headed up onto the limestone and over to Sunbiggin Tarn. A couple of minor errors but no serious diversions. It was starting to get warm and sunny.  After crossing the main road at Wath it was a climb up and into the Howgills. 

I love these mountains and their great rounded humps. The views were stunning in all directions although it looked a bit dark over on the northern Pennines. 

I met another runner on Hazelgill Knott and wondered how Bob and Chris were enjoying their walk. 

Approaching the Calf I realised they were just up ahead.  I had gone faster than hoped for but they had been following my track and decided to meet me up there. 

It was a lovely surprise. From there over Calders and down to Sedbergh was fairly speedy. I found the van and made a quick brew before refilling my water and topping up snacks.

Quiet tracks and lanes led me to the ridge over to Dentdale. I had a reminiss of a race over Barbon and thought of the Fellsman only a few weeks ago. Dent was predictably busy and people were now up and about.  It's a quaint little village but I had no time today. Riverside paths led me onto the Fellsman route over the northern shoulder of Whernside. at east today I didn't have to drop into the boggy valley and climb back up to Blea Moor! Dropping down towards Ribblehead there were hoards of walkers out doing a 3Ps charity challenge. They were friendly but many had no hill etiquette- radios blaring, four abreast taking up all the path etc.  I was pleased to reach Winterscales and turn off their route for a while. I made a deliberate decision to modify the route and avoid Chapel le Dale- I wanted to pass the snack bat on Philpin Lane ( two ice lollies please) and avoid the extra 500m on the B road which I knew would be very busy. Back at the Hill Inn I encountered the charity walkers again but few had made it that far yet. 

It was nice to be going up this path to Ingleborough as I hate the step descent. It was chilly on the top so I shot off straight away towards Nick Pot. The rocky path slowed me at first but as I turned away from Horton and left almost all the people the path turned grassy and very runnable. I made good time down to Wharfe and then Feizor where I spotted a lad training his Kestrel. Grassy paths and one small error led me to Stainforth where late afternoon meant the campsite was busy and some people were still playing in the river. I was now on a mission to reach Settle and the vans again. I had a rough schedule of pace and was still ahead of 4mph. I knew that I wanted a decent break now and a chance to recharge my phone, eat, drink and air my feet. 

Getting wet feet so early on meant some of the tape had peeled off and the hot spot under my big toe was in fact a water filled blister. Damn. I aired my feet, removed some tape, taped my toe, ate chips and quiche, drank tea and soup! Clean dry socks and I needed to get going again. It was a 30 min break but well needed.

I felt a bit full heading uphill out of town but all that food would give me energy soon. I love the scenery up past Attermire Scar and through to Stockdale Lane but it did feel like a truly relentless climb and it went on and on until I could see Malham Tarn. A very short down to the lane and then the gnarly track down Malham Cove meant I didn't make up much time on the descent as I was too busy making sure I didn't trip and end my adventure. Gordale was very busy which spurred me on up the lane to Weets Top. It was late afternoon but still warm even though the sun was sinking behind me. From Weets past Winterburn Reservoir and down to Hetton was quiet and speedy- a good path on the whole and few trip hazards. I made up some time. The vans had been tracking me and as they were bored with Settle ha decided to surprise me in Hetton village.

My sudden turn of speed meant they had to do the same! A lovely surprise and what a pretty little village- all flash Range Rovers and a 5* restaurant. 

I was now on new paths until the trig on Sharp Haw.  The riverside path to Flasby was good but the moors below the trig were the muddiest of the day. It was a relief to reach the summit and head down towards Skipton in the fading light. The path down was good and grassy until it met a track and then a lane. I recognised the vans as they shot across the B road just ahead of me and I knew the next couple of kilometres as it is the start of Lady Annes Way. It was getting dark as I crossed the golf course and then the A59 but I knew I would be in the market square in minutes. It was a bit of a shock to find masses of people dressed up for a boozy night out but a relief to climb into the van for more soup etc.  I checked my phone had charge- they were tracking me on Strava beacon and I was using it to nav when I had to.  It was tempting to linger but I didn't stop long. The climb out of town reminded me of a strange evening event we once did called the Shortbank Olympics- a local legend used to cone off the road and put on all sorts of races from a short hill sprint to a fell run. Then it was up into the woods and unknown territory again. After Skipton Moor the route drops all the way to Addingham and you know you will have to regain all the climb back up onto the moor and the start of the Ilkley Moor ridge. 

It was dark this time!

This was possibly my low point and I didn't know the paths which slowed me down and it seemed a pointless drop and climb. By the time I was up on the moor again all was good and as the path steadily improves as you move east I picked up the pace. The vans were waiting for me at Spicey Gill. Chris had even set an alarm to make sure he was up and out waiting for me. we woke Bob and I had a quick brew. Seeing them and getting encouragement spurred me on for the last section. I had a vague idea of this next bit but do not know it well. The initial climb seemed steep and the 12 Apostles took longer to appear than I had hoped. Coming off the back of the moor I was annoyed to lose the path once but managed to get back on track and was soon at the Otley- Bingley road. The very last miles were entirely new to me but I got a pleasant surprise as the track/lane was a good running surface and there was less climb than I expected. Once on Glen Road I knew the end was in sight. I was frustrated not to find the path down into Shipley Glen but after 5 mins gave up and opted for the next more obvious path instead. 

A quick section through the woods, over the river, along the canal and then just a few hundred metres uphill to Victoria Square and the Saltaire Lions. 

The vans were both parked up and Bob and Chris out ready to welcome me to the finish. Yes- job done and although the pace had slowed after Settle I made it in under 23 hours. Strava says 21hrs 6 ins moving time. 

I was amazed to find I had also won two segment crowns and had 6 personal records on segments.

What a wonderful day out with great support. After a few photos we moved the vans up onto Glen Road and fell into bed. I was wired and my hips hurt so I struggled to sleep but it was nice to be horizontal. Up for traditional post run breakfast of fried egg on bread and coffee at 8.30 and then just the drive home. Happy 61st Birthday to me. Weekend rounded off nicely with presents and a play plus cuddles with Layton. We slept through our alarms on Monday but still managed over 4 hours at the climbing wall. Still cannot believe how lucky I was with the weather  after a long spell of either wind or rain or both and today as I right this torrential rain for a few hours. Feeling blessed.

The Spire and possibly getting preparation wrong

 Our plan was simple- travel to Derbyshire, climb on Stanage, wild camp, check out sport climbing at Harpur Hill and then race on Saturday (well Bob had a bike ride planned).  As we drove down the M61 it rained and the sky was grey; not what was forecast. The end of the M67 had a massive bottle neck and we were stuck for over 45 mins... never mind , it will give the weather chance to improve. By the time we parked at Cut throat bridge near Ladybower it was looking better. We walk to the climb warmed us up and I even thought I had too many layers. It didn't last. The wind was ferocious and by the time we had stood around, decided on a climb I had two base layers, a fleece, primaloft and cag on plus 3/4 tights and big thick leggings over the top. I was not warm. By the time we had done one climb our hands were almost numb and standing on the top at the belay was getting tricky. What a bugger! Keen to salvage something from the day I jogged back to the van, changed and decided I could checkout another 20+ miles of the LDWA 100 route. Moscar to Wentworth and then down to Elsecar where Bob would meet me in the van. 

Ironically down in the shelter it was warm and sunny. I ran all afternoon in 3/4s and a T shirt! I was tired after it turned out to be almost 24 miles but enjoyed my exploring and this part of the country gets my vote for the friendliest locals.  No longer trusting the weather forecasts we opted to climb indoors on Friday but not until we had explored Elsecar. Usually I run past it on Round Rotherham and had never realised how much history there was. We were still at Awesome walls shortly after they opened at 10am. We had forgotten how much more daunting the extra height can be compared to Preston and the grades here also seemed a bit tougher too. It was fun though and there was so much more than we could manage in one visit even though we did stay for almost six hours. Yes, I know... 24 miles run and 6 hrs climb not the best race prep but life is short.

You know it's tall when it won't all fit in the shot

A shortish drive to just south of Chesterfield found us wild camping again within a five minute drive of the race start.  A quite night and a good sleep followed by a very short drive meant we were super early and all the flags etc were up by 7.30. It was good to have time to meet friends and ponder how hot the day might be. 

Still not trusting the forecast I stayed in 3/4s and it was HOT. Shortly before 9am we were herded to the start away from busy roads and suddenly we were off. Kevin and others quickly disappeared out of sight and I concentrated on not letting myself be pulled along by the pace. Although I had done the race twice before there were huge chunks I could not remember. Fortunately some felt familiar once I arrived and I was able to prevent other runners going wrong more than once. It's not a stunning route but does have some very pretty sections. I love the blue bell  and the beech woods. It was getting hotter but I had caught up with Annette the only woman in front of me. 

I knew Sarah would not be far behind. One marshal deserves a medal, he had bought ice lollies for us. I think it was at CP2 but as there were lots of extra road marshal points I might be wrong.  I had a lovely chat with a runner preparing for the Dragon's Back and then met up with another runner who had shared to Beacons 100 race in those awful conditions. He had bailed at the Storey Arms too. I ran on my own for a while and seemed to pull away from all 3 'friends'.  Mostly I remembered the way at stiles etc but I did have to use OS on my phone a couple of times just to be sure. At 33 miles this race is on the short side for me and there is so much that demands you RUN. It left little time for eating and so I tried to down a few jellies and drink more.

Shortly after the CP near Hundall, about 19 miles in, I started to get stitch and an upset stomach. I was in the bushes as a very strong looking Sarah powered past me. She stayed in sight for miles but I couldn't/wouldn't catch her. The next section of the race is not as pretty as you traverse old mining settlements like Brimington and use some tracks along old rail lines. I hate those straight flat miles, probably because it shows me what a rubbish runner I am Lakeland fells give me a chance to walk and eat). Things improve again after Arkwright Town with pleasant countryside (except for the field of head  high yellow rape) and you get a view of Bolsover Castle, Scarsdale Hall and then the pretty village of Health.  I could still see Sarah up ahead as we climbed to Heath  but once in the village she pulled ahead and out of sight. The end is now not far but now my stitch was a real pain and as we hit the last few miles on the Five Pits Trail I was reduced to walking every few hundred metres to ease it. Perhaps I should just 'man-up' and put in more effort and ignore the discomfort. I assumed Sarah was well ahead but in fact it was only 5 minutes- would a more determined effort have caught her? I doubt it she was running strongly. We both finished inside the previous record that I had set back in 2019 when the race was only in it's second year. This year the ground was rock hard. Sarah finished in 5hrs 43 and I was 5 minutes behind. The leading men were home in 4hrs 45- well done Kevin. 

Thanks to Jamie the RO- and yes he really is tall, those are adult women not primary school children.

The Fellsman

 I really really needed this race to go well enough that I finished. It sounds pathetic but my confidence was rock bottom and I was quite tearful at the thought that my back might mess up again and lead to another DNF.  I had been out for some local long runs but as these were 5 hours max and my back was very sore afterwards it was not at all clear how I would get on. People being kind and supportive was lovely but in some ways made it worse. I did not feel awesome, inspiring etc or that 170 miles was great. 

I couldn't sort my head out but I could try to put a plan together to maximise my chances. I opted for my ancient trusty OMM sack. It is getting a bit like Trigger's Broom with all the repairs and adaptations but I do love it. I also made sure I took poles in the hope that this would aid my posture in the early stages and give me something to lean on towards the end. I packed food for a long hike, even though a shortage of food is not a problem on this event. I also packed kit to be warm knowing how cold I get. This meant I felt a bit daft sat in Ingleton in long tights and with so much in my pack as many were moaning about how warm and sunny it was! It paid off though... more of that later.

As the event was in the Runfurther series there were flags, banners and display boards to put up and also prizes to sort out. Luckily Nick was volunteering and so was there to help and as Bob was volunteering we got to park at the school. There was no sleeping in the sports hall and people were being shuttled from the quarry car park. With jobs done there was time to chat with friends and once the registration and kit check were done it was time to cook. A last minute faff and taping of feet saw me off early to bed. The feet had not really been my biggest issue on the NT but I wanted to protect them and make sure they would not fail me. I didn't sleep well but I hadn't really thought I would.

The horse-shoe route means buses to the start. Early buses. Up at 5.30 and bus at 6.30. This left me far too much time to loiter in the village hall and get more and more wound up about how things might go. I am sure Albert, Mark, Andy and Sarah thought I was being ridiculous but I couldn't help it. Several loo visits and a cup of tea soaked up some time.  It was starting to look warm and sunny so once on the field I shed my cag and was glad I did. The start is always fairly comical with runners leaving the field in all directions. Few now go north and left, lots go N and right but the fastest know you go directly up the very steep bank and through the tennis courts. The minutes or seconds saved really don't matter as th event will take most of us well over 12 hours. 

It's a long way but a nice route on the whole

I had promised myself to start slowly and concentrate on my posture. My main aim was to finish but at the back of my mind I did want a 'respectable' time and even hoped I might get close to my previous slowest of 16hrs 39; after all the ground was going to be dry and fast. (Hmm) You can't help yourself in a race and having said a cheery hello to my neighbours clipping tallies on Inglebrough it was off to the Hill Inn and Whernside.  

I Love SportSunday- happy in the sunshine

A wave to my favourite photographer from SportSunday and I was pushing the pace up the climb. At Kingsdale and Dent I was still 3rd lady - Oops. By now I had the poles out in another attempt to keep me more upright. Kendra then passed me and there were others not far behind who caught me and passed me on Blea Moor. By Stonehouse I think I was 7th female and I stayed to eat a reasonable amount. I was slow up Artengill Beck and towards Great Knoutberry was suddenly cold enough to stop and put my cag on. ( a promise to myself that I would try to keep my back warm). The out and back here lets you see how others are doing and although I wasn't flying I felt I was doing OK. From there it is pretty much downhill to Redshaw and I got a good line unlike two guys ahead who climbed unnecessarily. Redshaw is where I volunteered a few years ago and today Carmine was there. He is always super positive and encouraging which is lovely. He waited on me as I ate sausages and drank tea. I also put on my merino layer- it was getting chilly. On On to Dodd Fell via Snaizeholme and the ground was getting more boggy until the nice grass bridleway. Ros and Neil were there cheering us on and I can only hope I wasn't too negative as by now my back was very sore. I knew the way off Dodd Fell and found the gap in the wall with no issues- the same two guys spotted me, turned round and came back to it. 

Tim leading our gang to Fleet Moss- cheered on by Ros and Neil

I was to spend some time with Peter and Andrew as well as Tim. 

I was already chilly

At Fleet Moss I knew I was getting colder and so put on my primaloft, hat, gloves and over trousers. I knew we would be leaving to go downhill on the road but I was cold and it had started to rain. There would be no real shelter until the buildings at Oughtershaw and no tent CP until Cray. I was on my own for a while but that was fine. I caught (I think) Stuart who was bemoaning having set off too fast and now suffering. I had been asked to turn on any beacons from Yockenthwaite onwards and duly did so as we reached the 'new' self clip and began the climb to Middle Tongue. 

The new self clip on Sat am when it was still sunny

The others guys all caught me up here and our little group reformed. I was pretty confident of the best line to Hells Gap and located to kink in the wall, then the big gate and the trod by the wall perfectly. Mark who I had run with at Lady Anne's Way caught me up here. He had talked of pulling out at Dent but was clearly feeling better now it was cooler. The guys were all  faster then me on the stone track down to Cray but were still eating when I arrived only a minute or so later.  There was more food and drink at the Cray CP but I was now predictably struggling to eat and my back was getting worse. As we had trackers there would be no official grouping this year so although we set off pretty much as a group of 5 or 6 we did not have to stick together. The climb up Buckden Pike was slow in the dark but we soon found Joe F snuggled in his tent by the trig point. From here the others shot off and I fell behind. I was reluctant to race hard in the dark as I know the edges of some of the flag stones are a big trip hazard and the visibility was deteriorating badly. By the war memorial I had lost all their head torches. Somehow I messed up here in the dark and got confused. I put it right but had lost time using OS on my phone which was a struggle with gloves, poles etc. 

Ironically the other women, except Fiona P, were not that far ahead. The two lads had gone wrong again and I caught them before Top Mere; Mark had already left though having taken the safe bridleway path that I missed. The rest of us stuck together to Park Rash.

The gloom

I was anxious that I would be very slow up Great Whernside but the four of us pretty much stuck together and shared the nav in what has to be some of the worst vis I have ever experienced. Crazy but we could not see walls we should be using as hand rails and actually had to go and touch them to check they really were there. We lost faith a couple of time on the way to the CP and faffed more than we should have. Once clipped at the tiny tent nestled in the rocks we made our way to the fence- what a lovely handrail. Sadly you do need to leave it. we got this wrong and I am cross with myself that I let myself be led by others! The poles were now good for support but a liability for nav. I had resorted to my waterproof over mitts and struggled to get my phone out and use it. we should have stuck with the fence to the next corner. As it was we hacked across some desperate terrain, fell in very wet bogs (who said the ground would be dry) and startled a flock of geese who then flew into us. Things improved when we reached the path and although we didn't know it at the time others including Mark were having an even worse time. There are some very funny traces on the Open Tracking website! 

Not my trace- anon. but funny in retrospect I am sure

As we ran towards the big track at Kelber Andrew and Peter shot off- we tried to chase and shout but as we started descending I knew it was wrong and by the gate we gave up the chase. We (Tim and I) turned around and headed back up to the crest to search for the little trod. We spotted the cairn but no beacons until we were heading in the right direction, perhaps a beacon at the junction would have helped. It was now easier nav towards Yarnbury. I told Tim not to wait as he seemed to have more energy than me and I was soon joined by both Mark with tales of woe and then Andrew E. We tried to jog as we were now on tarmac but I was struggling. Crossing the river we almost caught Kendra and 5 of us were given the same finish time with Tim just a few minutes ahead. Andrew and Peter appeared shortly afterwards having hacked their way back onto the route. 

Food, brew and bed. We almost over slept the next morning as Bob had been on duty until I finished and was ready to move to the van. Thank good ness for the car alarm that went off at 9.05am!! Not often I am pleased to be awoken by a vehicle alarm.

So, importantly for me I finished. It wasn't fast and in fact was a PW by about an hour. I guess that isn't so bad given how sore my back was and how daft my errors were both coming off Buckden Pike and then again off Great Whernside and at Kelber gate. Many people had slower times as the awful vis slowed them down even if they didn't all make nav errors and even the winning men pushing each other to joint first were a long way off the record pace. A great run by Fiona Pascall will shred our female Runfurther points though. Today my legs feel fine, my feet are pretty much OK, we have climbed indoors for over 4 hours and I plan to orienteer tonight. My back is no worse and perhaps slightly better than it was before the race. Next up is The Spire ultra in a fortnight. Feeling a bit more positive.

Northern Traverse 2022

 I nearly didn't enter this on the grounds that I could not possibly have as good a time as I did in 2018 - wow 4 years ago.  The route is very varied and lovely- except perhaps the lanes across the Vale of York.  I would have no time to recee this year as we were off skiing so I just hoped I could remember the way and that skiing rather than running for almost 3 weeks would not be showing a lack of respect to the event but instead would make a good taper. I felt the pressure was off as I knew I would not beat Anna, Elaine or Lisa and possibly others that I did not know. My goals were to complete and if possible to get close to my time from 2018. Ha ha- well you have to have goals! Writing this post is going to hurt but if I only write up the races that go well it is hardly an honest blog.

Registration On Friday evening went smoothly and I met up with many friends. My biggest stress now was the weather forecast..... at home in the lowlands of Preston it was chilly but dry, no snow etc. MWIS forecast very cold, frozen ground and that would be on top of whatever snow remained. I opted to carry micro spikes and was even able to lend a friend a pair. I got so obsessed with the weather, size of drop bag allowed etc that I didn't give proper thought to putting my poles in just in case- another mistake. I also opted for Altra boots (which in retrospect may have been a mistake), dry socks (which for me never are) and my heavy duty waterproof. A cosy night in the van just outside St Bees meant I slept quite well and the later start this year meant there was no great hurry in the morning. It was a shame to lose 90 mins of daylight but it couldn't be helped due to the bigger entry for both races and the busing. I had a new sack/race vest too. I had tried it out but not perhaps as much as I should have.

Excited for the adventure ahead

On Saturday morning we went back to the school to leave drop bags, have a final briefing and also to walk down to the start together. On the beach we collected our pebbles and dipped our feet in the Irish Sea as Wainwright suggests.

Collecting pebbles and dipping feet

It was cool but not cold. I tried to start cautiously but as always you get pulled along. Elaine was up ahead and I had a chat with Matt and even Eoin (that alone should have warned me that I was going too fast).  We share a love of Aldi bounty bars- and there the similarity ends! A bigger field this year meant there was very little chance of getting lost at least in the first 20 miles or so! We had a small detour this year as Dent Fell was OoB - slightly longer but less climb so overall not much in it. 

Ennerdale

Dropping into Ennerdale I slowed for a quick chat with some friends on the Lakes Traverse. Not long after this it became obvious that the threatened forecast and my interpretation of it did not match reality. It was warm! I was running on my own for most of this bit even though there were more people about but that was fine. The path along side Ennerdale water is never easy but was more interesting than the forest road that leads to Black Sail hut. There was a queue for water here so I left and filled up from a stream instead. I hope this was not the cause of problem1. From Honister I felt I was running well- perhaps too well. A small error meant an annoying double back but it was not long before I reached Rosthwaite and out first CP. I ate but not enough. Leaving here I started to feel less than great- tired, heavy legs etc and then the pains in my lower abdomen began. I pushed on up towards Lining Crag but was frustrated at my speed. The descent to Easedale was not much better but there were more people around now which helped keep me going. Sabs and Ben had come out to spectate but this didn't boost me much and my climb up Great Tongue to Grisedale Tarn seemed really slow with several others overtaking or pulling away. 

Beautiful in the moonlight

I arrived in Patterdale in discomfort and unable to eat. The bowl of chips took forever to go down. In the end I tried stretching out on the sofa with a hot water bottle on my tummy. This must be the only race I have ever done where there was no coke or fizzy drink- one good belch or fart and I might have been OK? The CP was far too small/over crowded and it was impossible to use your drop bag properly.  Despite the lack of snow so far I was a little concerned about what it might be like over Kidsty Pike. I left the CP alone but it was not long before I grouped up with Sophie and Jackie- they were good company and the pace was reasonable. Sharing the nav is always a bonus and especially in the dark. There was some frozen ground as we climbed the Knott but it was easily avoided. The ankle deep snow on Kidsty had been compacted and was fine. The descent was so much better than last time when we had rain. This time I was prepared for the path along the side of Haweswater and knew that it would be a roller coaster and go on for ages. The section from there to Shap passed without issues and we were soon on the A6 and spotting the event flags at the village hall. The 3 of us wanted a rest and food. Despite it being the finish of the Lakes Traverse there seemed to be plenty of space and we got served quickly. It is a fairly gentle start from Shap crossing tracks and fields to the M6 and then over to the lovely limestone grasslands of Oddendale. We did make one slight nav error but were soon back on track and heading to the memorial cross above Orton. This was a new route this year and although it has more climb it is nicer than the old way. The moors were quite dry and we made good time to Smardale Bridge despite missing the way through the wall. Not far now to Kirkby Stephen and more rest and food. Julie was on duty here and as I didn't fancy the cawl without lamb I opted for two fried eggs. Pavel had stopped and retired and as it was day time nobody seemed to want to sleep. On on and up to 9 Standards. I knew the way here and was pleased to find the 'underwater bridge' was crossable. We made it to the top with dryish feet although I knew this would not last.

Still trying to stride out

There is not really anything to be done about the next section except accepting you will get wet feet repeatedly. I picked the best line I could all the way to the farm at Ravenseat.  

Race drone buzzing us

After this we found some new flagstones had been laid- a bonus for the path and also it made the nav easy. Crackpot Hall appeared and I knew to be careful here as previously I had dropped to the river. I had not spotted a 'new' route on the GPX and so we took the old line up to the lead mines with tiny precipitous path, landslip and broken stile! Mark did the same. The lead mines always look interesting but there was no time to explore today. It was around here that I first started to seriously struggle on the ups. The pain under the left front of my ribs was making me hunch and this was beginning to make my back ache. A gap opened up on the climbs but I was able to get back in contact on the flat and downs as we passed the next mines at Gunnerside and then found the big track to Surrender Bridge. After a  quick loo stop in Reeth and we were soon at the cycle centre and topping up water. The gaps were getting wider and I was grateful for the company of Jonathon as we neared Richmond. The path in the Applegarth area seemed to go on forever and was not how I remembered it. Luckily I could remember the way to through Richmond and to the CP.  It was dark and I was tired. My feet were also very macerated and sore. Having washed them I lay down by a radiator only to wake when the heating had turned off. It was slightly surreal as I awoke to firemen dragging in tents- it had been windy enough to collapse two of the sleep tents and send another up a telegraph pole. The medic didn't seem keen to sort our feet and in fact was quite rude to all three of us- perhaps his sleep had been disturbed too. We ate and got sorted to leave. I could have done with more sleep and my back was aching badly now. The section across the Vale of York is not my favourite but I had told myself to be grateful for some easy tarmac miles. As it was I was too tired to appreciate this and my pace dropped dreadfully as my back hurt and I kept wanting to sit and rest. 

Mark and Jackie on the windy NYMoors

We were still together and saw Mark briefly before he got second wind. The field paths after Danby Wiske were horribly muddy but we trudged on. I have bad memories of the services at the A19 as their coffee made me sick last time so I opted to plod on knowing the others would likely catch me up. The services are now modern and had a great array of food- I should have stopped! A hot pie would have been welcome. Again I was slower on the ups and the others pulled ahead for a while and then I was alone over Live Moor and Carlton Bank. No worries, I knew the Cleveland way bit from Hardmoors races and was looking forward to a brew at Lord Stones cafe. 

Descending to Lord Stones

No need to wait for it to open this year and I arrived only shortly behind the others. The brew was good but it was time to get going again. 

Hunched!

The others now pulled away as we climbed all the lumps to Clay Bank even though I knew to take the easier race line rather then and steps on the descents. From the road crossing I was on my own- up past Round Hill and towards Blowith Crossing to pick up the old rail track. I knew this would go on and on but had underestimated just how much! I had several stops and my back was now complaining badly. Why hadn't I put poles in my drop bag? Eventually the building just off the path appeared showing me where to leave the track and climb Blakey Moor to the Lion Inn. The others were already in the little dome tent and sorting gear from drop bags. We stripped off socks and shoes to dry our feet only to find we needed to move to a very draughty gazebo tent for food. The wind here was fierce and I felt sorry for the marshalls. Larissa dressed my feet in the back of one of the vans as the first aid tent had been taken down to save it! The food here was not great- just as I really needed a rest and good feed. Sorting my feet, torches and food distracted me from my back and it must have eased a little with the rest. This was my BIG mistake. I should have opted to sleep here regardless of what others were doing etc. I am not sure what had happened to the sleep tents but do not remember seeing them. We set off along the road verge with the gale on our backs. Before a few hundred metres I knew I was struggling. I should have turned back then but somehow seemed to decide to push on, to stay with the girls etc. 

Shooting track to Gaisdale Rigg

 I was locked bent double with the right side of my back stiff, sore and swollen whilst the left side seemed to collapse under any pressure. I tried their poles but it didn't really help as Jackie's were far too short- perhaps too little too late. Pain killers were not working and I just couldn't control my lurching gait. By Glaisdale Rigg this was awful. The girls refused to leave me until we hit the tarmac at the end of the Rigg. I owe them so much for their kindness and care and just wish I could have finished with them.

Team of 3 was not to last

Here I sat and phoned HQ and Bob explaining that I was going to go slowly and try to find the toilets in the village. There aren't any- the map is wrong. After a big circuit of the village I ended up back at the top end in the wind and the rain. I was now struggling to move on level tarmac. If only I could find somewhere to shelter for a while. I should have carried on slowly to the station as I believe there are toilets there. Instead I rang Bob and told him to come and get me.  At least I got one thing right- my kit was enough to keep me warm and dry even when I was sat still- I was chilly but not in danger. I also texted both sons so they knew what was going on. In the time all this took me I could have been at the station but that's sleep deprivation for you. Resting in the van would have seen me disqualified and I didn't really want to rest for 5 hours and then grind out the last 20 miles. (although now perhaps I wish I had)

It looks so close on the map but although my legs and feet were willing my back was not going to let me complete this. I have spent hours considering what I might have done differently and was obviously terribly disappointed to get so close. I should have packed poles? I should have run more with my new race vest? I should have stopped to sleep at the Lion Inn? I should have pushed on through the villages until I found a toilet to rest in (I know the ones at Grosmont exist). I had hoped to complete in roughly the same time as 2018 and even if I missed that I had hoped to finish not many hours outside this. I don't think I had really considered not getting there. 

What would I have done if Bob had not been around in the van? At the time it seemed like the correct and only sensible decision but handing in my tracker the next morning and then seeing all the celebratory posts and photos on facebook made it very hard to come to terms with. I had failed. Had I stuffed up by giving up? 

Rory on the final coast path- he had a storming run

Time to move on and stop all the self pity. So many people have said I am amazing, awesome and other kind adjectives- I feel a failure and a fraud, a broken machine not a machine. I took myself for a long walk with a bit of downhill jogging on Bowland. I sat and cried for a bit where nobody was about. A dnf felt like I was grieving and no matter how much I told myself to get over it, that it was only a race and that people were suffering from far worse  it took me over a week to come to terms with it. Today I went for a fast flat local run- legs were fine and back was OK until I came home and sat. I cannot keep moving 24/7 though. Now I need to try to rebuild, sort my back and torso muscles out (I did eventually get a physio appointment) and get ready for the next adventure- the Fellsman ( I binned all thoughts of doing the Calderdale Hike). I also need to consider whether to enter the NT again next year... or let it beat me.

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.