The Loughrigg and Silver How Chase

Sunday 22nd Februry 2015

A last minute decision to do this race. The forecast was bad and proved to be so. However it snowed rather than rained so in a way that made it better, the big issue was visibility. Down to less than 50m at times. 

The start was terrible and that is putting it mildly. I had nothing in my legs at all and for a while was in last place. It made me feel very low. Even contemplating dropping out at one point. Mainly thinking of the marshals and how long they would be out in the conditions. But as I kept going I was keeping in touch with runners ahead so pressed on.

It was very hard work all the way to Silver How but then things improved. I was dreading the climb back up Loughrigg but it went very well and I found a good rhythm. Then had a good run to Lily Tarn and final descent. And I wasn't last.

It is not often that I run a fell race in waterproof jacket, hat and gloves all the way, but today it was essential. Last time I did this race it was shorts and vest weather.

So whilst this is a bit of a low point in my running recently I can take some positives from it. I did enjoy it. So work to do.

Russell

Orrest Head Night 'O'

Wednesday 18th February

Where do I start with this one? Last night I could have ranted on about how bad it was and how rubbish my navigation was etc etc. But this morning after a restless night with my brain working overtime trying to put things into perspective I feel a little better. Yes I totally messed up a couple of legs and I do hate thrashing through the woods hunting for controls, even in daylight, but at night!! Aaaarrrggghhh.

So in hindsight I did make time consuming mistakes but also did really well sometimes. The main error was missing control 17. Control 16 was in the wrong place so after much searching eventually finding it I was keen to press on and headed straight for a crossing point. I didn't realise my mistake until the finish. 

Looking at the results I see the better orienteers realised the error (control on wrong place) and didn't bother wasting time looking for it. I am not that good. So lessons learned and hopefully remembered.

I'll leave it at that.

Russell

  

Night run

Saturday 7th February 2015

A short night run from home. Not great as legs have no go in them and my back seems to hurt a little.

I stop on top of Reston Scar, turn of the head torch and lay down so I can look straight up at the stars.

A little light pollution but still great.

Russell

Helm night 'O'

Wednesday 4th February 2015

Another night orienteering event but this time the venue is the Helm. So home advantage may be a factor. The course is basically two laps of the Helm in different directions and of course visiting different controls. I do OK and make no serious mistakes. Enjoyable and good fun. As usual I just need more speed.

Lap 1.

Lap 2.

Russell

Helvellyn

Tuesday 3rd February 2015

A beautiful day, and after two days away at a trade show it is great to be out, up high and in the snow. I park at Dunmail and head up towards Grisdale Tarn. Then a sharp left turn and climb steeply by the broken wall and fence posts to Dollywagon Pike. The snow soft and about a foot deep. But a few people have been this way recently so the going is not too arduous. The views however are fantastic. A good excuse for the frequent stops.

The breeze when it comes is very cold and I do not linger at the summit. On towards Helvellyn. The paths are a little icy in places and I have to pick my way but am soon on the last climb to the top. When I arrive the cloud comes in and the view disappears with it. A quick stop and put on my micro spikes. Then head down to Wythburn Church. I need them nearly all the way down. As I descend the views re appear. 

The track through the forest is no go due to forestry works. I follow the OCT route to the road and then take the track back up to the path and along to the car. Where I had left my phone, hence no photographs.

Russell