Black Crag Cairn

Black Crag Cairn
28th March 2011

One of my regular training runs is over Reston Scar. One of the minor 'tops' is called Black Crag. You will have passed it on the Reston Scar Scamper, probably without even noticing. There used to be a really nice cairn there but on a recent run I noticed it had gone. Most of the stones had been thrown down the fellside. I assumed it was young lads 'having fun'. Anyway I felt it appropriate to reinstate the cairn.

So I went for a run finishing over Reston Scar and resurrected the cairn. Spending nearly an hour doing so. My efforts seem very modest compared to the original but the the size in keeping with size of the summit I think.

Hopefully it will stay there for some time and may even be improved upon by others.

The views from the top are some of the best in the Lakes. But don't tell anyone.

Russell

Helm Hill Runners Uphill Championship

Uphill Championship race.
26th March 2011

For the last three years this has been run as a downhill race. So this year I thought it would be a good idea to reverse the route and give everyone a good testing uphill knowing they would not have to turn and race back down. Hopefully this meant runners could put everthing into the ascent!

The race is usually planned for December, just before the club presentation evening. But the weather had something to say about that. I attempted to get to the start a few days before but the roads were too icy. Reluctantly I postponed. The date was eventually reset for 26th March. And the venue changed from Fairmile to Cautley. A bit short notice but I spread the word and leafleted cars at the Cautley winter league race to drum up support.

The day dawned clear and bright with a cooling breeze, perfect conditions. DW and myself flagged the route up Yarlside from Cautley and I was back at the car awaiting runners before 11am. They came in one's and two's and by 12 noon I had the grand total of nine!!

Setting them off a minute intervals did not take very long after which I set of up the hill to collect the flags. Meeting DW on his way down we were packed up and ready to go by 1pm. Most of the runners had continued after the finish to make a longer training run out of the day.

I think this could be a really godd event and Cautley is a perfect venue. The feedback from the runners was great. So the race will be on again next year.
Thanks to those who ran and DW for the flagging and timekeeping.

Results can be found on the Helm Hill website and forum. Follow the links.

Russell

Evening on Potter Fell

23rd March 2011

Such a good day it seemed a shame to waste it by going out at the usual time and running in the dark. So straight after work we are off and following the Dales Way down to Cowan Head. Cross the dodgy bridge and head for Potter Tarn. The climb is hard but I have to keep going as DW is ahead of me and I need to get fitter.

At Gurnal Dubbs we take in the view as the sun is going down over the Eastern Fells. Pushing hard now to Potter Fell. DW is behind me so I have to keep the pace going. Surprising myself by making it to the summit! Once there we witness the sun disappearing. We try to pick out the fells but it is difficult, there is no definition. Is that Bowfell?

On to Brunt Knott, our last top and a superb 180 degree view of the Lakes, Kentmere, Longsleddale, The Howgills and the Kent Estuary. Down now picking up the pace along the road. Why am I working hard and DW look like he is jogging. We take in the short climb on Reston Scar (not to the top) and head home. Exactly 1 hour 30 mins.

May it be the first of many evening runs this summer.

Russell

LDWA 4 Passes

LDWA 4 passes. 19^th March 2011

I noticed this coming up but then completely forgot about it until DW mentioned it at training a few days before the event. I say event because it is not a race, there are no times recorded and you can start when you like within reason.

The event was full but there was still a possibility to enter on the day. I needed to be flexible and had to get home as soon as possible. So decided to run independently and change my route if necessary. I paid for my parking in Rosthwaite and did not take advantage of the pre event tea and toast.

Setting off a few minutes ahead of David and Kath I set a comfortable pace and waited for them to catch me. 50 yards form the start I missed the footpath turn and had to double back. Then after half a mile I tripped on a tree route, not unusual for me but still put a small dent in my pride. Luckily no one was around to see it. I am soon at Stockley Bridge and heading onto the fell proper. I spot a runner ahead. After a couple of hundred feet of ascent I meet the sunshine, the warmth is instant and very welcome.

The initial steep climb leads into the runnable section to Styhead which is glorious. Good running and ever improving views of Great End, Lingmell and Great Gable. At Styhead the marshal confirms the runner ahead of me was the first competitor and was more than pleased to announce it was a lady! Another runner passes me, shirtless, it was a nice day but the occasional breeze still had a bite to it.

Descending to Wasdale I keep glancing up to Napes crag on Great Gable and remember the long summer days of youth, hard climbing, airy perch’s, warm rock, lying in the sun recovering from strenuous commitment and the indescribable feelings of self and fulfilment.

At Wasdale I am able to take the shortcut under Kirk Fell missing out the checkpoint at The Barn Door Shop. This puts me ahead of everyone and I take the chance to eat and drink. No sign of the others behind. Dore Head, Red Pike and Pillar looking magnificent.

Approaching the top of Black Sail I think I see David and Kath but can’t be sure. I take the grassy line down into Ennerdale and am soon at the Black Sail youth hostel. There have been a few comments made about keeping to the paths as it is a LDWA event, not a fell race, and has a route description. I will leave that to your own conscience.

Two runners ahead of me know on Scarth Gap, after my short snack break and chat with passing walkers asking what I was doing. At the top I glance back to see David approaching in his unique style so I quickly search for my camera. Photos not very good but here is one anyway.

Running with David and Kath now the pace picks up down to Buttermere. The marshal wants my number but I explain that I am not in the event. Nevertheless I am offered juice and cake.

The last climb up the Honister mine track is not too steep but is relentless. David is putting in effort and is rewarded with fine views at the top. I struggle to keep up with Kath but need this sort of thing to regain lost fitness.

Fast descending and a good run to the finish with only one bad route choice and it’s over.

I can’t recommend this route enough and hope the LDWA keep it going.

It would make a good winter training run. The fact it does not go to any summits in no way detracts from the quality or experience.

Well done all Helm Hill.

Russell

Kielder Borderer

Kielder Borderer

(Britain’s Worst Fell Race)

Photos and other reports can be found on NFR website here:

http://www.northumberlandfellrunners.co.uk/

David did this race two years ago and it didn’t inspire me much, but somehow this year I found myself looking at the route and being interested in what would be both a challenge and a change from the usual Lakeland runs and races.

My running was going well until the end of January when a bug got me. I thought I’d recovered early Feb but not so. A trip to the doctor 10 days before the race and subsequent ECG and blood tests had me worried. Results however proved to be OK and so I thought if I felt OK on the day I’d still go.

David said he would do it again but did not seem to keen. I had other ideas which I will come to later. So we set off at 7am Sunday morning therefore missing my usual lie in and bacon and egg. Fresh snow the day before and a poor forecast added to the prospect of an interesting day.

Arriving early not many people were around. I was good to see a car load from Dallam and some familiar faces. To say this race is low key would be an understatement. Registration opened about half an hour before the start in a caravan. Numbers were a mix and match from the organisers own collection. Mine was from the Ian Hodgson relay. (49).

The race briefing stated that the route through the forest from the start was marked but we could go any way we chose. Similarly from the last checkpoint to the finish. Local knowledge would prove vital! So, on the sound of a whistle 37 brave (foolish) souls set off. 32 turned right to follow the marked route and 5 went left. David and I chose left to follow Louise. A local to these parts.

David was soon off into the lead and into the mist followed by one other runner. Louise, Joe and I stayed together to the first checkpoint. Arriving we were in 3^rd 4^th and 5^th. David must be leading the race. Shortly after leaving the checkpoint we met the main group coming the other way. Local knowledge!!

Two years ago David had a good run in a reasonable time. I knew that time and also the winners’ time. As we all know from training and racing David is going well at the moment. I had secretly encouraged him to come as I thought he would do well.

At checkpoint two we were passed by a small group but I could see Davids footprints so knew he was still leading. My plan was working. We followed the border to the Kielder Stone, checkpoint 3, crossing from England to Scotland several times. How many races run into another country and back?

Continuing along the border we left what could only vaguely be described as a trod and cut off uphill through thick heather to checkpoint 4. The mist was getting thicker and footprints in the snow going all over, compass needed. However it was not much use. Perhaps some magnetism in the area. The needle swung through 180 degrees and would not settle. So I pressed on and it eventually settled down and the cairn appeared.

On a bearing again and through more heather until the bridleway (vague trod) is reached. A good time to eat again. Running with Louise and Joe again and local knowledge gets us a good line to checkpoint 5. Then finally a good descent through a forest break, mud, snow and tussocks make it interesting.

By this time my feet are completely numb. So running for a mile on a farm track was not the best experience. Then a river crossing, only knee deep. At least the water was warmer than the snow. Now the final climb, set a rhythm and keep going. I spot David footprints again. It knew there must be about 9 or 10 runners in front of me so seeing his prints clearly on the trods meant he was no longer in the lead. I hoped he was still near the front. More boggy trods as we climb gradually to the final checkpoint.

The taped  route to the finish went down dark forest breaks, along mountain bike tracks and forest roads. I was trying to keep up with Louise and Joe (local knowledge). She headed of the marked route into the trees a couple of times but it seemed to work out as we were soon down and heading along the final track to the finish.

I found David sitting in the caravan smiling. Drinking tea. Had he won?

It had been close. He was in the leading group on the last climb and stayed with them.

The racing was close through the forest and neck and neck until the final 100yds when David decided to go for it winning by a few seconds. I did not know he was so competitive!

No ceremony and no prizes. Just a small stone trophy to all finishers. Money going to charity. I said it was low key.

Thanks to organisers and hope you keep the race going.

Russell

Flagging

20th March 2011

Arrive at 9am to flag the course for the Fell Race. It's raining and enthusiasm is low. Soon GB arrives with the flags and we are of up the fell. Carefully placing flags and keeping the routes colour coded, we don't want to lose anyone, and soon we are into the mist and visibility is low. Wet and cold by the summit we leave the flag bags and jog back down. Checking placements to ensure averyone will stay on the right route.

GB goes home when  the registration team arrive, I sit in the car to get warm.

Five minutes to race start and I make my way back up the fell to ensure people know where they are going and turn around at the right place. The junior races seem to go without an hitch and now I await the seniors.

Soon they are streaming past and I pick up the last runner to follow to the summit. Now the last job. Collect all the flags. I set of with two sacks, soon they are filling up and awkward to carry. I hope someone will be coming up to help or other spectators have taken the flags down from the junior races but I am out of luck.

At the junior turn I pick up the third sack and struggle on down. I drop below the mist and can see my car. Everyone else has left. Take a breather. Back at the car I load the three full sack into the back. Dismantle the finish funnell and arms aching head off home. Hot bath, bottle of wine and the satisfaction that I have done a little bit for the fell running community.

Cheers!

Wuthering Hike

Wuthering Hike                                12^th March 2011

2.45 am and I wake up, 2 more hours sleep, good. But did I sleep? Not much. Up just before 5 am. Dress, breakfast, pick up my bag. Meticulously packed the night before to avoid delay. Perfect timing as Craig arrives to pick me up. We collect Mick and Steve and are soon approaching Haworth.

After registration and the usual deliberations about what to wear (worse than a Saturday night) we are just about the first to arrive at the start and chat idly to cover the nerves and anticipation of what is to come. All too soon we are off running up the cobbled streets and out onto the moor. The others are off into the distance but Steve and myself, competing as a team, set a steady pace. We queue at the early gates and stiles then climb to Top Withins. The deserted building reputedly the inspiration for Wuthering Heights.

Checkpoint one at Widdop Reservoir, 7 miles gone. A piece of broken biscuit and we press on. There is a man with a camera ahead. We decide to run! Over the moor and down. Someone looks to have taken a tumble and is getting a bit of first aid. It’s Tim! We stop to see what has happened and then run with him for while; he slowly pulls away from us. A bit of adrenaline perhaps. If you want the full gory details then speak to Tim.

We run and chat and are soon at checkpoint two, 13 miles, and more biscuits. I supplement this with my own food, fruit cake, as we hit a short road section. On through mud, bog and farm yards to checkpoint three, 15 miles. We are offered hot dogs. For some reason I quite fancy one but decide against it as the consequences might not be too pleasant. We press on along and down walled tracks and paths to Todmorden. There is potential to go wrong here but I remember it OK from two years ago. Just before the end of the lane there is a rather innocent looking rounded rock in the middle of the path. Do not be fooled. Two years ago I did not see it and twisted my ankle badly, ending my race there and then. Needless to say this year I avoided it. I was now into new territory as the climb to Stoodley Pile approached.

At Mankinholes, checkpoint four, 18.5 miles, we are offered whiskey. I decline but Steve has a wee nip. I cannot however resist the jam doughnuts. As we climb to the pike we spot Tim about a minute ahead. Now the long descent to Hebden Bridge begins. The pounding hurts my feet. Hamstrings tighten and knees wobble. No sooner down than we are into the climb to Heptonstall. 24 miles. The first part is up some steep steps. Thankfully there is a handrail! We pass an award wining pie shop but have to make do with a jam sandwich. I remember the way through Heptonstall from the Calderdale Way but this does not prevent a small detour to someone’s back yard.

Checkpoint five, 25 miles, at Horse Bridge. Straight through and into a seemingly  endless gradual climb. We run and jog but the distance is beginning to tell. Passing farm buildings with ankle deep mud and cow ****. I am glad to run through puddles and streams I would normally avoid. A pleasant down hill brings us to checkpoint six, 28 miles, and only the last section over ‘Top o’t Stairs’ remains. Happy to keep our own pace we press on. There are a few words of encouragement from spectators as we make the last descent. A horrible rocky track at the best of times, but after 31 miles a painful experience. Somehow we pass a few runners who are suffering more than us if that was possible! The last section over Penistone Hill and through Haworth to the finish is tricky but we manage to get a good route, brain still working if legs not. And it’s all over. Two pints of Landlord and the world is a better place. Thanks to Craig for driving. Steve for putting up with me and well done to all Helm Hillers.

Never again! Till next year.

Russell