Saturday 31st March 2012
After forking out for 2 new front tyres this morning it is time for another run to kill the pain (or at least swap it for another sort). Taking inspiration from recent runs by MW, DW & CS I park in Kentmere and head towards Shipman Knotts and Kentmere Pike. It is tough to get going and the clouds at the head of the valley look ominous. There are a few spots of rain. It is very unusual to keep dry feet here at any time but I do. All the usual boggy places are dry! At Kentmere Pike a take a sharp right an drop into Longsleddale (Saunders MM 2010 ground). I investigate some old mine workings, very spooky. Then follow the track over Gatescarth to Mardale Head. Rather unpleasant descent but only a flavour of what to expect in the UTLD later in the year.
After passing the head of Haweswater I take sharp left and head direct up Dudderwick, a good steep climb, and join the main path to Rough Crag. Here I pass a couple with 2 very small dogs. I press on up to Long Stile. Looking back the couple and dogs are continuing up. I am sure they know what they are doing. Anyway, who am i to judge? I am wearing shorts and a T shirt.
The summit of Racecourse Hill is brilliant. I had forgotten the last time I had been here on a clear day. Clag, wind, rain, ice and snow yes. Sun and a view, I had forgotten about these. I am alone and privileged. It make the hard start to the day and the lack of enthusiasm disappear. It is what it's all about.
I take the easy way down to Nan Beild pass, drop into the valley and am soon back at the car.
Good
Russell
Saturday, 31 March 2012
Sallows
Tuesday 27th March 2012
The weather is too good to stay in and I feel a little tired of my usual runs from home so decide to head towards Troutbeck. Last year on a Kentmere run with DW we had stood on Sallows and contemplated the idea of a run on Applethwaite Common. Tonight was my chance to explore the area a little.
The last time I was here was over 10 years ago with DR. That day had been in rain, strong wind and almost zero visibility. Today could not be more different. I park at the end of Dubbs lane and jog up past the reservoir then over the stile and onto the fell. Pure pleasure, a grassy trod and the sun on my back. A couple of people pass me on their way down and then I am on my own. At the summit of Sour Howes the views are great (my photo's are not).
A great little area for an evening run but don't tell anyone.
Russell
The weather is too good to stay in and I feel a little tired of my usual runs from home so decide to head towards Troutbeck. Last year on a Kentmere run with DW we had stood on Sallows and contemplated the idea of a run on Applethwaite Common. Tonight was my chance to explore the area a little.
The last time I was here was over 10 years ago with DR. That day had been in rain, strong wind and almost zero visibility. Today could not be more different. I park at the end of Dubbs lane and jog up past the reservoir then over the stile and onto the fell. Pure pleasure, a grassy trod and the sun on my back. A couple of people pass me on their way down and then I am on my own. At the summit of Sour Howes the views are great (my photo's are not).
Onward to Sallows and more views then I head back.
Yes this is the summit in the foreground. No cairn but a nice view of the Kentmere fells. Retracing my steps I explore a little more ground south of Sour Howes but it does not look like it will be a good way back to the car so I head for the track. Another visit needed when I have more time.
The return run does however give great view of the Scafell Massif and another photo opportunity.
Russell
Wednesday, 28 March 2012
A Fine Weekend
Saturday 24th March 2012
The Helm Hill Ladies are planning to recce the up coming Coledale Horseshoe and I find myself persuaded to join them. Not that this is a problem. The forecast is great and it is just the sort of run I need to get me back in the game. We leave Braithwaite at 10.15am. A good start time. and head up the road (the worst part of the route). Soon climbing on the fell we reach Sleet How and it is warm but as the summit of Grisdale Pike approached the breeze picks up and conditions are perfect. There is quite a crowd up here but we do not stop.
After a short descent we take the trod missing out point 739 and drop to Coledale Hause. The first time I did this race it was an evening affair and the trod was no so distinct. I remember contouring across the scree and descending the open fell. It is a bit too obvious now. Jogging over the hause it was hard to ignore Eel Crag looming above looking dark and ominous in the shade. We meet a couple of Clayton ladies not sure of the route and careful to avoid any steep drops. I assure them it is OK and we ascend together bursting out into the sunshine one more and heading for the summit of Crag Hill.
The short descent from Crag Hill is a bit rough and rocky but there is no avoiding it. Then another contour around Sail brings you nicely onto a trod through the grass and heather down to rejoin the main path. Once again this trod did not used to be here. Is this fell running getting too easy? Drop left now and take the big track passing Outerside. Pick the right trod to turn off this and head for Barrow. Keep straight on at Barrow Door and the summit comes quickly.
Now all that is left is the brilliant descent to the finish. I try and encourage the ladies to lean forward and commit but this does not seem to go down well. However we are soon at the bottom and jogging back to the cars. Tea and the best flapjack ever are a great way to end the run.
Sunday 25th March 2012
Helm Hill Runners Downhill Championship race.
This year the downhill is at Cautley near Sedbergh. Descending from the summit of Yarlside over Ben End to finish at the footbridge. I am ably assisted in flagging the course by DW and MC. Both then time themselves from the top whilst I jog down and check the flag positions.
Once back I start to take registrations. DW heads back up to take on his starters duties. After a few late entries we end up with 19 runners. All return safely but with one DNF due to injury. Times will be calculated later. I am glad to get some positive feedback and most stayed a while to chat and enjoy the sunshine. I would like to keep it going. However I feel a few more entrants are needed.
Results
Russell
The Helm Hill Ladies are planning to recce the up coming Coledale Horseshoe and I find myself persuaded to join them. Not that this is a problem. The forecast is great and it is just the sort of run I need to get me back in the game. We leave Braithwaite at 10.15am. A good start time. and head up the road (the worst part of the route). Soon climbing on the fell we reach Sleet How and it is warm but as the summit of Grisdale Pike approached the breeze picks up and conditions are perfect. There is quite a crowd up here but we do not stop.
After a short descent we take the trod missing out point 739 and drop to Coledale Hause. The first time I did this race it was an evening affair and the trod was no so distinct. I remember contouring across the scree and descending the open fell. It is a bit too obvious now. Jogging over the hause it was hard to ignore Eel Crag looming above looking dark and ominous in the shade. We meet a couple of Clayton ladies not sure of the route and careful to avoid any steep drops. I assure them it is OK and we ascend together bursting out into the sunshine one more and heading for the summit of Crag Hill.
The short descent from Crag Hill is a bit rough and rocky but there is no avoiding it. Then another contour around Sail brings you nicely onto a trod through the grass and heather down to rejoin the main path. Once again this trod did not used to be here. Is this fell running getting too easy? Drop left now and take the big track passing Outerside. Pick the right trod to turn off this and head for Barrow. Keep straight on at Barrow Door and the summit comes quickly.
Now all that is left is the brilliant descent to the finish. I try and encourage the ladies to lean forward and commit but this does not seem to go down well. However we are soon at the bottom and jogging back to the cars. Tea and the best flapjack ever are a great way to end the run.
Sunday 25th March 2012
Helm Hill Runners Downhill Championship race.
This year the downhill is at Cautley near Sedbergh. Descending from the summit of Yarlside over Ben End to finish at the footbridge. I am ably assisted in flagging the course by DW and MC. Both then time themselves from the top whilst I jog down and check the flag positions.
Once back I start to take registrations. DW heads back up to take on his starters duties. After a few late entries we end up with 19 runners. All return safely but with one DNF due to injury. Times will be calculated later. I am glad to get some positive feedback and most stayed a while to chat and enjoy the sunshine. I would like to keep it going. However I feel a few more entrants are needed.
Results
Russell
Monday, 19 March 2012
Work, Mothers Day and Running
Friday 16th March and I am making plans for a good long run on Saturday before helping to flag the Winter League on Sunday. However best laid plans and all that. Work takes over and it looks like I will have to do a couple of hours on Saturday morning. Friday night and CC presents me with a list of errends to do after work (for Mothers Day) so I am only going to manage a much shorter run.
Leaving the Kirkstone I head for St Raven's Edge. Passing the 3 new wind turbines behind the inn. Good thing or bad thing? Discuss. I cut around to visit Hart Crag, Pike How (JNC checkpoint) then Stony Cove Pike and Caudale Moor. I check the routes to the little tarn just in case I am every selected to run the Ian Hodgson relay again. Well you have to remain positive! I get home in time to watch England thrash Ireland at rugby on St Patricks Day, excellent!
Sunday dawns clear and bright. I am envious of DW going for a long run. I help flag the Elterwater Winter League route then head home for more Mothers Day duties. Still, a free meal and 3 pints of Hawkshead in rhe Eagle and Child help the mood.
Conclusion: Work, Mothers Day and running do not mix.
Running followed by beer does so next weeks Hawkshead Brewery beer festival provides an ideal opportunity.
Russell
Leaving the Kirkstone I head for St Raven's Edge. Passing the 3 new wind turbines behind the inn. Good thing or bad thing? Discuss. I cut around to visit Hart Crag, Pike How (JNC checkpoint) then Stony Cove Pike and Caudale Moor. I check the routes to the little tarn just in case I am every selected to run the Ian Hodgson relay again. Well you have to remain positive! I get home in time to watch England thrash Ireland at rugby on St Patricks Day, excellent!
Sunday dawns clear and bright. I am envious of DW going for a long run. I help flag the Elterwater Winter League route then head home for more Mothers Day duties. Still, a free meal and 3 pints of Hawkshead in rhe Eagle and Child help the mood.
Conclusion: Work, Mothers Day and running do not mix.
Running followed by beer does so next weeks Hawkshead Brewery beer festival provides an ideal opportunity.
Russell
Monday, 12 March 2012
Trying to get fit
After Black Combe I am finding it hard to get any enthusiasm. Still not up to Monday training and not wanting to risk making the injury worse I give it a miss and do the circuit training on Tuesday with MC. It might be better to wait until after the Highlander to push it in case I make it worse. Wednesday at the club night the hill reps don't come easy but I am glad I did the session.
On Friday it is only 5 weeks to the Highlander so decide I had better concentrate on longer runs. A surprise visit from my daughter scuppers plans for Sunday but I manage a shorter run in the evening. During which I hatch a plan to do Fairfield on Monday night. I know this will mean coming down in the dark but I should make the top in daylight.
I only intend to go up and come down the same way and time is limited. I decide to see where I am in 1 hour and what the weather is like before committing myself to anything more. At Nab Scar I realise that of all the times I have been here I don't think I have visited the top. There are about 5 summits, some with cairns and some without. I go to them all just in case. Then I make good progress to Heron Pike but am now in the mist. I push on the Greatrigg Man. 59 minutes down and it is very gloomy, time to turn back.
I have a head torch but feel reluctant to use it. I really don't like staring down the tunnel of the beam. So progress is steady. 45 minutes to get down with pause to take in the view when I drop out of the mist. Do the lights of Amblside seam attractive? It is surprisingly warm. I am please with my effort and must now keep it up,
Sundays cake. Treacle tart and ice cream.
Russell
On Friday it is only 5 weeks to the Highlander so decide I had better concentrate on longer runs. A surprise visit from my daughter scuppers plans for Sunday but I manage a shorter run in the evening. During which I hatch a plan to do Fairfield on Monday night. I know this will mean coming down in the dark but I should make the top in daylight.
I only intend to go up and come down the same way and time is limited. I decide to see where I am in 1 hour and what the weather is like before committing myself to anything more. At Nab Scar I realise that of all the times I have been here I don't think I have visited the top. There are about 5 summits, some with cairns and some without. I go to them all just in case. Then I make good progress to Heron Pike but am now in the mist. I push on the Greatrigg Man. 59 minutes down and it is very gloomy, time to turn back.
I have a head torch but feel reluctant to use it. I really don't like staring down the tunnel of the beam. So progress is steady. 45 minutes to get down with pause to take in the view when I drop out of the mist. Do the lights of Amblside seam attractive? It is surprisingly warm. I am please with my effort and must now keep it up,
Sundays cake. Treacle tart and ice cream.
Russell
Saturday, 3 March 2012
Black Combe
Black Combe Fell Race. Saturday 3rd March 2012
I was very apprehensive about doing this again. It is one of those races where, even if you have done it before, it is easy to go wrong in bad weather. I was determined to get it right this time. The other reason for entering was to get some climbing in before the up coming MM's.
The forecast wasn't great but improving from 12 noon onwards. As it turned out this was spot on. Rain on the journey and low cloud when we arrived at Silecroft. We couldn't even see the first checkpoint, Seaness. After registration and chatting to friends we could see blue sky approaching and by the start all but the very summit of Black Combe was cloud free.
Because of the wet fields the start and finish was moved much closer to the fell gate. Just after noon we were off and into the short but steep first climb. I go very steady hoping this will pay off later. The main path to the summit is not steep and runnable for me if fit. Not so today. Runners I am normally up with are not far ahead so I am happy with that. The summit arrives and the mist is light enough to easily get the right route off.
After a short descent White Combe comes into view, on the run round I pick up a few places. Not least because after turning at the top of White Combe beck a brief hail shower comes in and people stop to put cags on. I look west and see it should only be brief so carry on. The hail is accompanied by a strong breeze and legs, arms and face are battered. It stings a lot. I run with my hand over my ear. A lot of runners finish with what looks like a nasty rash on the right hand side of any exposed parts.
Sorry about the quality of the photo. It is hard to photograph your own leg, the indoor lighting doesn't help. Anyway I hope you see what I mean.
I gain more places on the descent to the Fodder Rack and beck bottom. Then it is into the climb back up all the way to the South Summit. I expect to die here and suffer a lot but am surprisingly into a good pace and manage to keep it going. I even gain on a few and pass them near the top. Runners leave the checkpoint down the "racing line". I take my line further right to join the main path sooner. This works well and I gain half a dozen places.
2 or 3 more places gained on the descent and the finish comes into site. I hear feet behind me and so speed up but cannot shake them off. With 40 yards to go we are neck and neck. Ben warns me that the dibber boxes at the finish are in a tricky, slippy place so I just hold back in the last few yards allowing the other runner to out sprint me. This works well as he overshoots the line and I dib before him. Only 1 place by 1 second but it is a race. Even if I had thought I had given that sort of thing up.
Good runs also from Helm Hillers. Ben, Chris, Stewart, Lindsay, Steve and Victoria.
Russell
I was very apprehensive about doing this again. It is one of those races where, even if you have done it before, it is easy to go wrong in bad weather. I was determined to get it right this time. The other reason for entering was to get some climbing in before the up coming MM's.
The forecast wasn't great but improving from 12 noon onwards. As it turned out this was spot on. Rain on the journey and low cloud when we arrived at Silecroft. We couldn't even see the first checkpoint, Seaness. After registration and chatting to friends we could see blue sky approaching and by the start all but the very summit of Black Combe was cloud free.
Because of the wet fields the start and finish was moved much closer to the fell gate. Just after noon we were off and into the short but steep first climb. I go very steady hoping this will pay off later. The main path to the summit is not steep and runnable for me if fit. Not so today. Runners I am normally up with are not far ahead so I am happy with that. The summit arrives and the mist is light enough to easily get the right route off.
After a short descent White Combe comes into view, on the run round I pick up a few places. Not least because after turning at the top of White Combe beck a brief hail shower comes in and people stop to put cags on. I look west and see it should only be brief so carry on. The hail is accompanied by a strong breeze and legs, arms and face are battered. It stings a lot. I run with my hand over my ear. A lot of runners finish with what looks like a nasty rash on the right hand side of any exposed parts.
I gain more places on the descent to the Fodder Rack and beck bottom. Then it is into the climb back up all the way to the South Summit. I expect to die here and suffer a lot but am surprisingly into a good pace and manage to keep it going. I even gain on a few and pass them near the top. Runners leave the checkpoint down the "racing line". I take my line further right to join the main path sooner. This works well and I gain half a dozen places.
2 or 3 more places gained on the descent and the finish comes into site. I hear feet behind me and so speed up but cannot shake them off. With 40 yards to go we are neck and neck. Ben warns me that the dibber boxes at the finish are in a tricky, slippy place so I just hold back in the last few yards allowing the other runner to out sprint me. This works well as he overshoots the line and I dib before him. Only 1 place by 1 second but it is a race. Even if I had thought I had given that sort of thing up.
Good runs also from Helm Hillers. Ben, Chris, Stewart, Lindsay, Steve and Victoria.
Russell
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