Lakeland 50 Recce

Saturday 28th January 2012

Waking to see the fells covered in snow I pondered what to do that day. I had thought of a recce of the first section on the Joss Naylor Challenge but the snow would have made that difficult.Finding the right lines and trods etc. So I opted for plan B and a recce of part of the Lakeland Ultra 50 mile. The section I chose was from Troutbeck to Skelwith Bridge. A lot of the route I already know so this was an exercise on joinig the dots as it were.

Parking near the church I reversed the route up to the Garburn track to be sure where to leave it and drop into the valley. Then I headed along Robin Lane and Jenkin Crag into Ambleside. Contrasting views here.

Firstly the Fairfield Horsehoe looking splendid.

Then this blot on the landscape.

I did not actually go to the checkpoint at Rock & Run but cut through the lanes to the park and headed to Loughrigg. Straightforward over the main path and down to the step road descent to Skelwith Bridge.

So recce complete it is just a case of getting back to the car in Troutbeck. I am planning to do the Loughrigg Silver How Chase in three weeks so check out the route to Lily Tarn on the way back.

Back through Ambleside I stop at Fellinis to book our cinema and meal for the evening and reverse the route to Troutbeck. A good run.

Sunday I had hoped to get onto the scar and support those Helm Hill Runners doing 'That's Lyth' but family matters get in the way, and more decorating. Although we are now on to choosing light fittings.

Today cake is treacle tart. Excellent.

Last week it was spicy apple.

Russell

Thursday

A day to recover. I don't even cycle to work. Only a meeting in the warehouse followed by a ham sandwich. Then home to sand the skirting boards. I love decorating :-(

Russell

The Crosby Commoner

Saturday 21st January 2012

A new race for the calendar and also one for our club championship. It turned to be excellent if a little challenging in the strong wind. It never seemed to be behind us.

HH had some good results with DW 4th and KA first lady.

One to look out for next year.

Russell

Weekly update

After the Crosby Commoner Sunday was a day of rest. Only a gentle walk with the wife. Followed by tea and cake of course.

Monday training was a tough one, a few more reps than usual but felt good at the end.

Tuesday was a quick, ha ha, 10k whilst MC was at training and Wednesday 8 reps on Captain French Lane.

That's enough until Saturday.

Russell

More training.

Monday training was as usual hard but good (in the end). The ground was frozen and because of the recent wet weather very uneven. We all survived in tact.

Wednesday produced the largest group so far. 50+. Too big really for many reasons. Will need to split up if that many turn up again.

Russell

Coniston Fells

Saturday 14th January

5 of us set of from near the Sun Inn Coniston on a round of the local fells. The weather was excellent. Clear and cold. The climbs warmed us up and the breeze on the tops cooled us down. We made good progress with a couple of short stops for snacks and were back down in a little over 3 and a half hours. Soup, chips and beer were had. Then head home to paint the ceiling.

Fine views and company. Top day!

Russell

Back to training.

Monday 9th January

First Monday back and it is tough going. Especially after yesterday. Really clarty underfoot. I struggle and think of packing it after 2 reps. But then I always feel like that. I manage to keep going and finish. Glad I did.

Tuesday 10th January

Steady run from Dallam whilst MC is in the gym. My legs feel like lead to start but improve a bit after half an hour. No speed though.

Wednesday 11th January

Reps on Peat Lane. I am taking the session otherwise I might not have come. Again fell better as the session goes on. Big group again but it went well. Looking forward to the Helm. Enthusiasm for the street is low.

Russell

Buttermere Sailbeck

Sunday 8th January

We start from the old purple house (not there any more) and head straight up Causey Pike. A good climb to get things going. No problem finding the trod in the heather, there is now a trod leading straight to it. Not how it used to be. Into the mist by the time we reach the top and the wind picks up. Hat and gloves time.

Steady progress over Sail and onto Eel Crag. A quick bearing almost brings us onto the trod towards Whiteless Pike but we soon recover and are heading down this brilliant descent to Buttermere. One of the best race descents there is. Honest.

It is much warmer down here, hat and gloves come off. A short climb on the road and we are on the muddy trod heading to the steeper climb to Knott Rigg. Not a checkpoint so we contour past the summit. Colder now with the wind back and rain. Hat and gloves back on. Quickly on to Ard Crags and the final descent. It is super slippy but I keep my feet until 10 yards form the bottom when I trip over myself. Nice somersault.

Change to warm clothes and then a coffee. Back to Hawkshead Brewery, Staveley and a pint of Stout.

Nice.
Russell