TWA

Saturday 27th April

I have been thinking about this race route for some time. Combined with the fact I have never been to Grasmoor and need some long training runs it seemed the perfect choice. Earlier plans had been thwarted by the weather and I wanted to do it in good conditions. I couldn't do the race because I had a meeting in Blackpool with Jim Kerr so this Saturday provided the perfect opportunity. It meant I would be on my own but sometimes that can be a good thing. Friends were having successful runs in The 3 Peaks and Highlander MM.

The forecast was good, breezy and the odd shower early in the day then sunny with light winds later, this worked out perfectly. Looking at the results from the race the week before I planned to be out for 5 hours. So leaving Stair at 9.07am I head up Causey Pike. At Sleet Hause I reach the (fresh) snow line and have to put on cag, hat and gloves. Soon over the summit the route to Outerside is straight forward. Although I can see the next objective at Coledale Hause the best route is unclear. I go with what looks right. Employing proven MM tactics of the more direct the better. Avoiding unnecessary climbing. There is enough of that without adding more.

Not sure how well that worked out, I would like to know the race line. As I ascend I see the cloud lifting and at the Hause all the summits are clear. My earlier thoughts were that if the summit of Grasmoor was in clag I would cut the corner direct to Whiteless Pike. No question now so I climb enthusiastically for the summit. What a great place to be on such a perfect day (alone). At least it felt that way after such a long winter. The views are a privilege but the cold northerly breeze prevents loitering.

Descending now and onto the Buttermere Sailbeck race route to Whiteless Pike. Conditions are much more benign. A brief photo stop and into the unforgiving descent to Sail Beck. Here I remove the cag etc. Hat and gloves would be on and off later in the day. Once again it is pick a line time to Newlands Hause. I am happy with the line. Climbing again by Moss Force and on to High Snockrigg, another new summit. Across Buttermere Moss, boggy, with Robinson looming. It had been my plan to look at my watch here to make a decision but it was such a good day I decided to continue and finish the route whatever. Almost all the snow from earlier in the day had gone and all the high summits are clear. I am forced to slow and take in this incomparable vista.

Now it was a case of following the AW route. Easier said than done but it goes OK. The main thing being the descent from Dale Head. I am happy with the line I chose. A mixture of pleasure and pain at the end. The river provides welcome welcome cooling relief. A fraction over my allotted time but the day demanded a slower complementary pace.

Photos are:
Looking back from Coledale
Robinson from Whitless Pike
Grasmoor from Whitless Pike
View from Dale Head to Gable.

Russell

Mondays and training.

Started going out on the fells on Mondays now the clocks have changed. First run was Wansfell from Troutbeck church. Nanny Lane still had quite deep snow drifts between the walls. The gate half way up was partly buried. The farmer told me that a week earlier it was covered and you could walk straight over it. Much less snow on the ridge from Baystones to the Pike but breezy. Worked hard and felt good.

Did Reston Scar Scamper race route one night but can't remember which one.

Last Monday it was Potter Fell and Brunt Knott. Hadn't done much at the weekend so felt strong. Ran some of the up hills I have recently had to walk through lack of motivation and heavy legs. As much as I like running in good company it is nice to be out on your own sometimes. Especially in the evenings.

Back to Helm training. I found last year that taking the sessions meant that I did not work has hard myself as I should do. This year I will try to rectify that.

Russell

Extended Kentmere

Saturday 13th April

CB and myself plan a few hours out from Kentmere. This is his last long(ish) run before the 3 Peaks and our first run as just us before the Old County Tops. The chosen route goes like this. Kentmere. Shipman Knotts. Kentmere Pike. Harter Fell. Gatescarth Pass. Haweswater. Dudderwick. Rough Crag. High Street. Thornthwaite Crag. Ill Bell. Kentmere.

On the tops the snow patches make for hard going. Never knowing quite how firm the foot fall would be we are slowed by constant slips or sudden knee deep plunges. In clag for the first half of the run but at High Street the sky brightens and we look up to see blue sky. From then on the day was warm and very pleasant. A good day.

Russell

Potter to Yarlside

6th and 7th April 2013

On the Saturday I really do potter over Brunt Knott and Potter Fell, passing Dubbs and descending in vague paths. Following signs and arrows I eventually emerge near Burneside and make my way home along the river.

Sunday is the Helm Hill Runners downhill championship race at Yarlside. I had better go because I am the organiser. Picking up DW, my invaluable helper and time keeper, we drive over. The day looks perfect. Not too warm or cold. Mainly sunny. Spring! The race goes well but could do with a few more runners. I hope all those involved, runners, helpers, supporters and spectators had a good day.

We finish with refreshments in the Cross Keys. Perfect.

Russell