Four Lakeland Passes

Saturday 27th September 2014

A bit of a late decision to do this after DW reminded me it was on. Not sure how it would go as I have not done this distance for a while. And giving blood two days before might not have been the best preparation but I couldn't change that. 

I plan to go steady and that is exactly what I do. It is good to have DW for company and to keep me moving along. The climbs get increasing hard and I don't push it on the descents. The food stops are very welcome. Thanks to all the marshals and helpers. 

I begin to flag a little on the final climb and run in. It gets hot. I am glad to see the finish. 

Everything aches now. Tomorrow will be worse!

Russell

Potter Tarn

Saturday 20th September 2014

On Wednesday at club training I got the news that I was likely to get a place in the 6th team at the FRA  relays in four weeks time. It is interesting that this news seemed to give me renewed vigour and training went very well that night. 

So now I have a goal, something missing for quite a while, and I had better get out and train some more. So after work tonight I head out over familiar ground up to Potter Tarn and return along the river. I feel good and run better then expected. Amazing what the power of the mind can achieve over the weakness of the body.

But still more work to do.

Russell

Ben Nevis Race 2014

The Ben Nevis race has come around again. For me the 14th time. I am still to work out why I keep doing this to myself. So DW and I head up to Fort William on Friday afternoon and camp in Glen Nevis.

Race day dawns calm with some cloud and mist. The forecast for race time is not great but as often happens it turns out to be not as bad as predicted. After the usual start formalities we are off down the road, I feel good at first and settle into a steady pace. I basically maintain this all the way to the summit. Some better patches than others.

The descent starts well but half way down the lack of running and racing becomes apparent as my quads are very painful. However I keep going, concentrating on every footfall and survive down to the road without a fall, then surprise myself by running quite well on the road.

My time is slow but given the circumstances this year I have hope that with better preparation I can improve. Should I decide to enter next year.??

Russell