50th birthday run.
Kentmere.
After opening a few presents and a quick bowl of cornflakes DW picks me up and we head up the Kentmere valley. It is looking like a beautiful day if a little cold and breezy. At 8.30am we set off up Garburn the sunlight ahead drawing us on. Climbing more steeply to Buck Crag I begin to feel the effort. Once over the top the pleasant running up towards Yoke is made a bit of an ordeal by the head wind. The upside being the views improving with every few yards.
We take the race/traverse line around Yoke and climb Ill Bell where the views are superb. We can see the snow ahead on Thornthwaite and High Street. Traversing Froswick on the race route is one of my favourite pieces of running, DW kindly let's me take the lead.
Once into the snow the going gets tough as we cannot be sure which step will be firm and when we will break through the icy crust, sapping energy and scratching shins. We abandon the struggle to High Street and follow the snow and ice covered path across towards Mardale Ill Bell ( pic below) and pick up the trod around the head of the valley.
We take the race/traverse line around Yoke and climb Ill Bell where the views are superb. We can see the snow ahead on Thornthwaite and High Street. Traversing Froswick on the race route is one of my favourite pieces of running, DW kindly let's me take the lead.
Once into the snow the going gets tough as we cannot be sure which step will be firm and when we will break through the icy crust, sapping energy and scratching shins. We abandon the struggle to High Street and follow the snow and ice covered path across towards Mardale Ill Bell ( pic below) and pick up the trod around the head of the valley.
Now with the wind more or less behind it is down to Nan Bield. At Nan Bield the wind in definitely not behind. Best head up quickly and once again take the traverse/race line to Kentmere Pike. One last chance to take in the views before heading down. A descent that needs constant attention. The valley is relatively warm, the running pleasant and I feel very happy I made the effort.
Back at the car DW surprises me with a cake complete with candles. A great end to a fantastic run. We finish appropriately with a pint at the Hawskhead Brewery. Thanks DW for the company and getting my birthday off to a perfect start.
Russell
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