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