24th September 2011
This was a 6 mile fell race and really all runnable so didn't suit me at all. The first couple of miles were across waterlogged fields and passed a strategically places cattle feeder. To say it was muddy would be an understatement. My legs felt a bit heavy to start with but after the first (only real) climb I picked up a bit and ran well to the finish.
There was a good turnout from the club as it was a championship counter and also many juniors. Club members picked up a good haul of prizes. Just a pity not all stayed to receive them.
Excellent cakes and tea at the finish.
A cracking race!
Russell
Saturday, 24 September 2011
General update
Since the Mountain Trial I have done a few local runs and trained on the Helm as usual. To be honest I have been feeling quite good. Last week I did a 7 mile road run and finished of by timing myself over the last 2 miles. I used to this when I trained for the London Marathon a few years ago. To my surprise I had not lost much speed, something which was bothering me recently. Buoyed by this I weighed myself. Pleasantly shocked to find I have not put on any weight. The beer, wine and cake diet is still working!
Russell
Russell
Saturday, 17 September 2011
Ten 'must do' fell races.
10 races all fellrunners should do.
My opinion I know. But I'm right!
Ben Nevis
Jura
Wasdale
Coniston Gullies (bofra)
Wasdale Show (bofra)
Three Peaks
Grasmere Guides Race
Lake District Mountain Trial
Dunnerdale
Shipman Knotts
Please note:
List subject to change according to future performances in any of the above. Amount of beer drunk or bribery.
Russell
My opinion I know. But I'm right!
Ben Nevis
Jura
Wasdale
Coniston Gullies (bofra)
Wasdale Show (bofra)
Three Peaks
Grasmere Guides Race
Lake District Mountain Trial
Dunnerdale
Shipman Knotts
Please note:
List subject to change according to future performances in any of the above. Amount of beer drunk or bribery.
Russell
Thursday, 15 September 2011
Lake District Mountain Trial
Sunday 11th September
LDMTA
Haven't done this for a few years and don't have the best memories of it. But for some unexplainable reason I decided to give it another chance. The men's course (now the classic) is a very tough day out so I opt for the medium course, previously the women's course. There is also a short course. I think they changed things around because some women wanted to do the longer course, and were more than capable of it, and some men, getting older, didn't fancy such a long day out. So now all courses are open to all. Providing you have the necessary experience.
The location this year was Mungrisdale. Back 'o' Skiddaw. I had a leisurely start time of 9.24. But my lift had 8.42 so we set off at 7.00am. There was much discussion in the car of the area, weather, and how long we could expect to be out. The forecast was terrible! So it was a relief to find out on arrival that the courses would be shortened. Registered and ready I made my way to the start. Kit checked I wait my start time.
All too soon it is go and I collect my map. It is quite a distance to the first control but on a good path to begin with. This gives a good chance to work out the route as I climb steadily up to Mungrisdale Common. I find out later that others, including the winner and second place, took a different route. But the splits show not much in it. Therefore I conclude that my line must have been better! CP1 dibbed and off to CP2 on The Knott. I remember parts of this section from the Rab MM a couple of years ago and manage to avoid most of the heather. I remind myself of the strategy to set off steady and keep keep going. It worked for me at the Ben last week. So I hold back a little on the climb.
After CP2 runners are taking various routes but I decide to stick to mine and not be distracted. I have learnt from the last few years of MM's with DW to decide on your own route and stick to it. If often works out OK. I see JR (not a reference to Dallas) and wave. Because the course is shortened it means CP3 is a bit of an out and back route but I am soon heading for CP4 at Bowscale Tarn. Again I pick my own route ignoring others, it seems to be working. But then I find myself at the river Caldew. I could run 1km down stream to the bridge or follow my planned route accross the river and direct. A look at the hillside ahead and no one is in sight. Is this a bad decision? Only one way to find out and I search for a crossing point. Nothing obvious so I go for it. It soon gets deeper and faster but I am committed. With the opposite bank almost within reach I slip and after some panic, splashing, swearing and thrashing I grab the far bank and haul myself out. Surprisingly map still in hand. Is has been a while since I got my 25m breaststroke certificate but now I realise it was well worth the effort.
After recovering my composure I get some jelly babies down and head up the climb. Runners appear from nowhere. Some form the out of bounds! Again my line proves good and I gain places. Meeting BJ at the tarn. The final climb is daunting but there is no option. Whichever way you go it's steep. Again I pace myself. Concentrate on the map and control descriptions. Look ahead and choose a good lines. On the run in to the last control, and finish, I feel good. Please to finish ahead of the bad weather I am soon changed and discussing the day with fellow competitors over a bowl of curry, tea and cake.
Will I be back next year? Who knows. Perhaps I'll wait until I am 50.
Russell
LDMTA
Haven't done this for a few years and don't have the best memories of it. But for some unexplainable reason I decided to give it another chance. The men's course (now the classic) is a very tough day out so I opt for the medium course, previously the women's course. There is also a short course. I think they changed things around because some women wanted to do the longer course, and were more than capable of it, and some men, getting older, didn't fancy such a long day out. So now all courses are open to all. Providing you have the necessary experience.
The location this year was Mungrisdale. Back 'o' Skiddaw. I had a leisurely start time of 9.24. But my lift had 8.42 so we set off at 7.00am. There was much discussion in the car of the area, weather, and how long we could expect to be out. The forecast was terrible! So it was a relief to find out on arrival that the courses would be shortened. Registered and ready I made my way to the start. Kit checked I wait my start time.
All too soon it is go and I collect my map. It is quite a distance to the first control but on a good path to begin with. This gives a good chance to work out the route as I climb steadily up to Mungrisdale Common. I find out later that others, including the winner and second place, took a different route. But the splits show not much in it. Therefore I conclude that my line must have been better! CP1 dibbed and off to CP2 on The Knott. I remember parts of this section from the Rab MM a couple of years ago and manage to avoid most of the heather. I remind myself of the strategy to set off steady and keep keep going. It worked for me at the Ben last week. So I hold back a little on the climb.
After CP2 runners are taking various routes but I decide to stick to mine and not be distracted. I have learnt from the last few years of MM's with DW to decide on your own route and stick to it. If often works out OK. I see JR (not a reference to Dallas) and wave. Because the course is shortened it means CP3 is a bit of an out and back route but I am soon heading for CP4 at Bowscale Tarn. Again I pick my own route ignoring others, it seems to be working. But then I find myself at the river Caldew. I could run 1km down stream to the bridge or follow my planned route accross the river and direct. A look at the hillside ahead and no one is in sight. Is this a bad decision? Only one way to find out and I search for a crossing point. Nothing obvious so I go for it. It soon gets deeper and faster but I am committed. With the opposite bank almost within reach I slip and after some panic, splashing, swearing and thrashing I grab the far bank and haul myself out. Surprisingly map still in hand. Is has been a while since I got my 25m breaststroke certificate but now I realise it was well worth the effort.
After recovering my composure I get some jelly babies down and head up the climb. Runners appear from nowhere. Some form the out of bounds! Again my line proves good and I gain places. Meeting BJ at the tarn. The final climb is daunting but there is no option. Whichever way you go it's steep. Again I pace myself. Concentrate on the map and control descriptions. Look ahead and choose a good lines. On the run in to the last control, and finish, I feel good. Please to finish ahead of the bad weather I am soon changed and discussing the day with fellow competitors over a bowl of curry, tea and cake.
Will I be back next year? Who knows. Perhaps I'll wait until I am 50.
Russell
Thursday, 8 September 2011
Training This Week
Wednesday 7th September 2011
Trainig night on The Helm and this week it should be some sort of hill reps. Mindfull of some athletes recent racing and the upcoming Mountain Trial it isn't going to be too hard. I plot a zig zag route with some flat bits and not too long. 8 reps with a jog back down recovery.
I think it works well. All runners complete the reps within a reasonable time so no need to stop those at the back. The recovery is perhaps a little short but there is a cold breeze and it was getting dark. We need to keep moving. Also we are a hill racing club and you don't get any recovery in a race!
Russell
Trainig night on The Helm and this week it should be some sort of hill reps. Mindfull of some athletes recent racing and the upcoming Mountain Trial it isn't going to be too hard. I plot a zig zag route with some flat bits and not too long. 8 reps with a jog back down recovery.
I think it works well. All runners complete the reps within a reasonable time so no need to stop those at the back. The recovery is perhaps a little short but there is a cold breeze and it was getting dark. We need to keep moving. Also we are a hill racing club and you don't get any recovery in a race!
Russell
Sunday, 4 September 2011
Ben Nevis Race 2011
Ben Nevis 3rd September 2011
So today will be my 11th consecutive Ben race. Still on course for 21 in a row. For various reasons I had not made any plans for accommodation and the weather forecast was so bad for Friday night that I ruled out camping again. So it will be up and down in the day, a 500 mile round trip. The drive went smoothly with only minor traffic along Loch Lomond. I arrive in Fort William at 10.45am. A text from DW is very welcome and I meet him and KA in the car park at Claggan Park. Tea and biscuits, excellent.
After registration I attach numbers front and back to my vest and make the decision as what to wear. Long sleeve top it is. Some friendly banter helps to calm the nerves and all too soon I am warming up on the field. Light rain is falling. I congratulate Andy from Rossendale on his 21st Ben Race. When I was doing my first he was doing his eleventh. The nerves have disappeared as we file into the start area. My plan is to just go steady the whole way and not worry about what every one else is doing. Don't want to get into any actual racing!
We are off! . I find the road hard going but once into my stride my tactics seem to be working perfectly. The tourist path is awkward running. I tell myself that it might feel tough now but coming back down will be much worse so just get on with it. I am happy to fall into line for the zig zag cut offs. Setting my own pace I ignore all the runners passing me, there is a long way to go.
After Red Burn (half way up) the angle steepens. Again I fall into line. Occasionally I pass someone. Occasionally someone passes me. I am never struggling with the pace. The odd bit of rain comes and goes as does the breeze. Long sleeves the right choice. The angle eases and I do bit of running, feels surprisingly good. The summit is is always further than you think, even after 10 races. I hand in my tag and head down. There are a lot of walkers today. They have as much, if not more, right to be there. I say a lot of thank you's.
I pass a lot of runners on the descent to half way and down the grass bank to the burn. No one passes me despite my deliberately conservative pace. The combination of tired legs and the rocky tourist path is not a good one. Full concentration required. This is where runners usually pass me but this time it is me doing the passing. Well two anyway. Through the gateway I say to myself 'last bit before the road concentrate'. I immediately trip and do a sideways roll. Concerned walkers ask if I'm OK. A brief yes thanks and I start to run hoping that I am.
I take my secret line and the running is better until I slip again and this time bang my knee on a rock. I hurts as I start to run but soon wares off. Onto the road and a few pass me. I recognise them as those I passed earlier. Taking my own advice I try and keep form and am determined to run to the finish (because I don't always manage it). It works and I even pass a few people.
Looking at my watch as I cross the line, 3.20pm. It takes a few seconds to work out but I must have run around 2 hours 20 mins. Very pleased with that. Steady tactics seem to have worked. A dip in the river. A shower. A cup of tea with DW and KA. More chat and race analysis and I am on the road home at 5.00pm
As I leave Fort William and prepare for the drive home I am feeling very pleased with myself. The drive through Glen Coe as the cloud lifts is magnificent. The motorway is quiet, as I pass the open section south of Glasgow just before the Lowther Hills the sun is setting to my right and behind. Catching the tops and ridges. Some fields are still very green whilst the slightly higher ground is starting to look very autumnal. Bracken and heather turning brown. I feel privileged.
An hour or so before home my left knee begins to feel the effects of the knock and stiffens up. But I press on and am soon there. Eat and relax. I go to bed with a sore left hand, left knee, left hip, left elbow and left shoulder. I wouldn't have it any other way. A great day.
Thanks to DW for the hospitality.
Next year?
Of course. Just hope I get an entry.
Russell
So today will be my 11th consecutive Ben race. Still on course for 21 in a row. For various reasons I had not made any plans for accommodation and the weather forecast was so bad for Friday night that I ruled out camping again. So it will be up and down in the day, a 500 mile round trip. The drive went smoothly with only minor traffic along Loch Lomond. I arrive in Fort William at 10.45am. A text from DW is very welcome and I meet him and KA in the car park at Claggan Park. Tea and biscuits, excellent.
After registration I attach numbers front and back to my vest and make the decision as what to wear. Long sleeve top it is. Some friendly banter helps to calm the nerves and all too soon I am warming up on the field. Light rain is falling. I congratulate Andy from Rossendale on his 21st Ben Race. When I was doing my first he was doing his eleventh. The nerves have disappeared as we file into the start area. My plan is to just go steady the whole way and not worry about what every one else is doing. Don't want to get into any actual racing!
We are off! . I find the road hard going but once into my stride my tactics seem to be working perfectly. The tourist path is awkward running. I tell myself that it might feel tough now but coming back down will be much worse so just get on with it. I am happy to fall into line for the zig zag cut offs. Setting my own pace I ignore all the runners passing me, there is a long way to go.
After Red Burn (half way up) the angle steepens. Again I fall into line. Occasionally I pass someone. Occasionally someone passes me. I am never struggling with the pace. The odd bit of rain comes and goes as does the breeze. Long sleeves the right choice. The angle eases and I do bit of running, feels surprisingly good. The summit is is always further than you think, even after 10 races. I hand in my tag and head down. There are a lot of walkers today. They have as much, if not more, right to be there. I say a lot of thank you's.
I pass a lot of runners on the descent to half way and down the grass bank to the burn. No one passes me despite my deliberately conservative pace. The combination of tired legs and the rocky tourist path is not a good one. Full concentration required. This is where runners usually pass me but this time it is me doing the passing. Well two anyway. Through the gateway I say to myself 'last bit before the road concentrate'. I immediately trip and do a sideways roll. Concerned walkers ask if I'm OK. A brief yes thanks and I start to run hoping that I am.
I take my secret line and the running is better until I slip again and this time bang my knee on a rock. I hurts as I start to run but soon wares off. Onto the road and a few pass me. I recognise them as those I passed earlier. Taking my own advice I try and keep form and am determined to run to the finish (because I don't always manage it). It works and I even pass a few people.
Looking at my watch as I cross the line, 3.20pm. It takes a few seconds to work out but I must have run around 2 hours 20 mins. Very pleased with that. Steady tactics seem to have worked. A dip in the river. A shower. A cup of tea with DW and KA. More chat and race analysis and I am on the road home at 5.00pm
As I leave Fort William and prepare for the drive home I am feeling very pleased with myself. The drive through Glen Coe as the cloud lifts is magnificent. The motorway is quiet, as I pass the open section south of Glasgow just before the Lowther Hills the sun is setting to my right and behind. Catching the tops and ridges. Some fields are still very green whilst the slightly higher ground is starting to look very autumnal. Bracken and heather turning brown. I feel privileged.
An hour or so before home my left knee begins to feel the effects of the knock and stiffens up. But I press on and am soon there. Eat and relax. I go to bed with a sore left hand, left knee, left hip, left elbow and left shoulder. I wouldn't have it any other way. A great day.
Thanks to DW for the hospitality.
Next year?
Of course. Just hope I get an entry.
Russell
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