My first time to Shaun's Monday training. I need to get some speed back. We do about 14 (I lost count) reps of various distance. Not knowing what was coming next. With short recovery. I think I managed to hold my own.
Not easy to motivate myself for this sort of thing but feel good about doing it afterwards.
I must keep it up.
Russell
Saturday, 12 November 2011
Really Wild Boar Fell Race
Saturday 5th November
I have been meaning to do this for the last couple of years but not been able to fit it in. So this year I had planned to just sneak off on my own and, have a good run and win a prize. None of which actually happened.
I picked up DW on the way and met RS, John? And an assortment of Addisons there. My run was poor from the start. Struggling to get any pace on the track and the short climb was hard. Although my descent (into the unknown) was OK picking up a few places.
So no prizes for me. Not even a spot (raffle) prize. I think just about everyone else who turned up went away with something. DW winning the holiday.
Maybe next year. Or probably maybe not!
Russell
I have been meaning to do this for the last couple of years but not been able to fit it in. So this year I had planned to just sneak off on my own and, have a good run and win a prize. None of which actually happened.
I picked up DW on the way and met RS, John? And an assortment of Addisons there. My run was poor from the start. Struggling to get any pace on the track and the short climb was hard. Although my descent (into the unknown) was OK picking up a few places.
So no prizes for me. Not even a spot (raffle) prize. I think just about everyone else who turned up went away with something. DW winning the holiday.
Maybe next year. Or probably maybe not!
Russell
Thursday, 3 November 2011
Training 2nd November
Wednesday training again. With the schedule set this week is Captain French Lane. An amazing 45 people turn up. Is the group too big? Well it seemed to work OK this week. Will monitor.
8 x 2 min reps. Felt good.
Russell
8 x 2 min reps. Felt good.
Russell
Five of the best part 4
Jura May 2007
I wrote 75% of this blog and then went and deleted it by mistake so whilst I recover my composure and try to remember what I had written.
Jura, best fell race in the world, discuss!
Russell
I wrote 75% of this blog and then went and deleted it by mistake so whilst I recover my composure and try to remember what I had written.
Jura, best fell race in the world, discuss!
Russell
Saturday, 29 October 2011
Training Night
Wednesday 26th October 2011
Not feeling too enthusiastic this week so not sure how tonight will go. I have put the training schedule up on the HHR forum and website so that has committed me up until Christmas.
Tonight is Parr Street. I plan to do several long reps and then some continuous short ones on the top sections getting progressively shorter for approx 5 mins.
In the end we do 5 long followed by 2 lots of 5min short and finish off with 1 long. A good session and I enjoyed it. Next week Captain French Lane.
Russell
Not feeling too enthusiastic this week so not sure how tonight will go. I have put the training schedule up on the HHR forum and website so that has committed me up until Christmas.
Tonight is Parr Street. I plan to do several long reps and then some continuous short ones on the top sections getting progressively shorter for approx 5 mins.
In the end we do 5 long followed by 2 lots of 5min short and finish off with 1 long. A good session and I enjoyed it. Next week Captain French Lane.
Russell
Friday, 28 October 2011
Kentmere variation
Kentmere run Sunday 23rd October
Limited time and a need to do something a bit different lead to DW and myself heading to Kentmere. With a need to get back to Hawkshead Brewery for a couple of pints and some tapas I choose one of my usually solo trainig runs. Along the valley bottom to Kentmere reservoir then straight up the North East Ridge of Ill Bell. I fine climb. From there a departure from the norm over Yoke and to the top of Garburn Pass and on to Sallows. I spot a route for a future outing (watch this space as they say, or the HHR forum) and we head down Scour Rigg to the track and back to the church. 2 hours and it was just about right.
I try the Cumbrian 5 hop. Recommended!
Russell
Limited time and a need to do something a bit different lead to DW and myself heading to Kentmere. With a need to get back to Hawkshead Brewery for a couple of pints and some tapas I choose one of my usually solo trainig runs. Along the valley bottom to Kentmere reservoir then straight up the North East Ridge of Ill Bell. I fine climb. From there a departure from the norm over Yoke and to the top of Garburn Pass and on to Sallows. I spot a route for a future outing (watch this space as they say, or the HHR forum) and we head down Scour Rigg to the track and back to the church. 2 hours and it was just about right.
I try the Cumbrian 5 hop. Recommended!
Russell
Saturday, 22 October 2011
FRA Relays
15th October 2011
So after much to-ing and fro-ing and me getting a bit annoyed at the possible poaching of a team member we arrive in Kettlewell with the original team in tact. I am very pleased with this. It was also great that we were all able to travel together courtesy of Tim and his 7 seat vehicle. We also brought the club tent which turned out to be a great thing. Providing a focal point for all our teams and not least somewhere to keep all the gear.
The weather was perfect, dry and clear but not too warm as Jo set off on leg 1 with the other 181 runners. Time for Chris and me to get ready. We warm up and watch as all the runners come into change over, trying to spot Jo. She arrives in 176th place and we are off on leg 2. The first part is a steep road and track. I am determined to run it all. Then a small detour onto the fields adjacent to the track. I see no point in this! After another (boggy) section off the main track we are descending into Starbotton.
We have already passed a few teams and can see a lot more just ahead so we press on. Alternate running and walking where appropriate. I am finding it hard and Chris is going well. Catching a group we put in the effort to pass them on the last climb and turn for home near Buckden Pike. This section along to Top Mere Top is very boggy and we both have to pull ourselves out of the thigh deep stuff a couple of times. It is energy sapping but I have the knowledge from the recce and keep a steady pace. Chris said he was struggling at this point but didn't look it. There is only one team in sight and we are catching up so I concentrate and dig in. At the end of this section we catch and pass them. Now it is just the run to the finish.
We are both running well now and keeping each other going. The track has many flat sections and gentle descents which means we have to run hard. The final part is down the steep track we ran up at the start, this hurts my feet. Then the sting in the tail. A short steep uphill to bring us around to the change over field. I think I will try and run it but soon change my my mind. I walk as hard as I can and at the top start to run. My legs turn to jelly as I negotiate the narrow rocky path and give it everything to the finish. Chris keeps up! Or maybe he was just taking it easy behind and humouring me.
We hand over to Tim and Dave for the navigation leg. Then off to the river for a wash down, change, eat, recover and discuss our experience with the other leg 2 runners. We had made up 28 places. I was pleased with my effort. Returning to the action Tim and Dave hand over to Victoria for leg 4, they had made up another 13 or so places. And we avoid the mass start. Top stuff! Victoria had a good run but leg 4 can be a bit lonely as runners are well spread out. We finish 142nd. I feel very proud of the team.
This is the sort of day that reignites my enthusiasm for the sport. Thanks to everyone for making it a great day. Fantastic team spirit and support.
Russell
So after much to-ing and fro-ing and me getting a bit annoyed at the possible poaching of a team member we arrive in Kettlewell with the original team in tact. I am very pleased with this. It was also great that we were all able to travel together courtesy of Tim and his 7 seat vehicle. We also brought the club tent which turned out to be a great thing. Providing a focal point for all our teams and not least somewhere to keep all the gear.
The weather was perfect, dry and clear but not too warm as Jo set off on leg 1 with the other 181 runners. Time for Chris and me to get ready. We warm up and watch as all the runners come into change over, trying to spot Jo. She arrives in 176th place and we are off on leg 2. The first part is a steep road and track. I am determined to run it all. Then a small detour onto the fields adjacent to the track. I see no point in this! After another (boggy) section off the main track we are descending into Starbotton.
We have already passed a few teams and can see a lot more just ahead so we press on. Alternate running and walking where appropriate. I am finding it hard and Chris is going well. Catching a group we put in the effort to pass them on the last climb and turn for home near Buckden Pike. This section along to Top Mere Top is very boggy and we both have to pull ourselves out of the thigh deep stuff a couple of times. It is energy sapping but I have the knowledge from the recce and keep a steady pace. Chris said he was struggling at this point but didn't look it. There is only one team in sight and we are catching up so I concentrate and dig in. At the end of this section we catch and pass them. Now it is just the run to the finish.
We are both running well now and keeping each other going. The track has many flat sections and gentle descents which means we have to run hard. The final part is down the steep track we ran up at the start, this hurts my feet. Then the sting in the tail. A short steep uphill to bring us around to the change over field. I think I will try and run it but soon change my my mind. I walk as hard as I can and at the top start to run. My legs turn to jelly as I negotiate the narrow rocky path and give it everything to the finish. Chris keeps up! Or maybe he was just taking it easy behind and humouring me.
We hand over to Tim and Dave for the navigation leg. Then off to the river for a wash down, change, eat, recover and discuss our experience with the other leg 2 runners. We had made up 28 places. I was pleased with my effort. Returning to the action Tim and Dave hand over to Victoria for leg 4, they had made up another 13 or so places. And we avoid the mass start. Top stuff! Victoria had a good run but leg 4 can be a bit lonely as runners are well spread out. We finish 142nd. I feel very proud of the team.
This is the sort of day that reignites my enthusiasm for the sport. Thanks to everyone for making it a great day. Fantastic team spirit and support.
Russell
Sunday, 16 October 2011
Training 12th October 2011
First night back on the roads and to be honest I am not totally looking forward to taking the group for this. Not because I don't want to but because I feel there might not be much variety in what we can do and the group has such a wide ability range it is hard to come up with something to suit everyone.
My fears come true when 40-50 people turn up. Lisa takes a brief warm up in the gym and then we are off on a tour of Kendal taking in some of the locations that we will use more intensely over the coming weeks. I think generally it went OK but did not receive much feedback. Sometimes it was hard to know if everyone has understood what we were doing. The group did get a little spread out from time to time. If this number turn up regularly them we may have to consider splitting it into two.
Russell
My fears come true when 40-50 people turn up. Lisa takes a brief warm up in the gym and then we are off on a tour of Kendal taking in some of the locations that we will use more intensely over the coming weeks. I think generally it went OK but did not receive much feedback. Sometimes it was hard to know if everyone has understood what we were doing. The group did get a little spread out from time to time. If this number turn up regularly them we may have to consider splitting it into two.
Russell
Training, Relays and the future.
Sunday 9th October 2011
Training
This week saw the last session of the summer on the Helm, and what a night it was. It had been a miserable day. I got wet cycling home from work and was going to get wet all over again. The turnout was surprisingly large. I had only expected a hand full of die hards but at 6.30 over 30 runners appeared from nowhere. After the usual announcements from Billy I got the group going for a short warm up. It would be dark within half an hour so we needed to get going quickly. I was not a night for hanging about with too much recovery so I set up an alternate long/short hill rep session in pairs relay format. It seamed to work well. I hope everyone else thought so.
Meetings
After the session we had arranged a meeting in the pub (where else) to finalise the FRA relay teams but first I had to get changed. As many runners will know this is not easy in the front seat of a car. And not helped by dropping my clean socks outside on the wet grass and then discovering I had forgotten one or two items. I don't think anyone noticed.
On to business. The meeting started a bit chaotically with only part or provisional team lists being put forward. Then after several other names had been thrown into the mix to confuse everyone and team captains being nominated we eventually arrived at a point where we had five teams. I am captain of the 5th team. Which started out as on O'50 team but due to lack on runners!? has now ended up as mixed and somehow I am even running myself. I just hope everyone picked will run and the day itself goes smoothly.
Leg 2 recce.
Today DW, KA and myself headed off to Kettlewell to recce leg 2 of the FRA relays. KA and myself will be doing the leg on the day and DW will be on the navigation leg. The weather has not improved since Wednesday! We manage the leg OK as the navigation is quite straightforward. There is a long boggy section across the summit which will be challenging on race day and the long track descent to finish punishes the feet. I feel the leg will not suit me personally but am happy to be running it. Cake and coffee back at the car and then a stop in Kirkby Lonsdale for soup. A good day out in good company.
The future
After next weeks relays and maybe a couple of races my plans for next year will start to take priority. Firstly I have entered the 50 Mile UTLD so plenty of training and reccying to be done. Then come November I will be 50 so plan to do the Joss Naylor Challenge. I think this will be really hard to complete in the 12 hour time limit. Anything else will just have to fit in around these two events.
Russell
Training
This week saw the last session of the summer on the Helm, and what a night it was. It had been a miserable day. I got wet cycling home from work and was going to get wet all over again. The turnout was surprisingly large. I had only expected a hand full of die hards but at 6.30 over 30 runners appeared from nowhere. After the usual announcements from Billy I got the group going for a short warm up. It would be dark within half an hour so we needed to get going quickly. I was not a night for hanging about with too much recovery so I set up an alternate long/short hill rep session in pairs relay format. It seamed to work well. I hope everyone else thought so.
Meetings
After the session we had arranged a meeting in the pub (where else) to finalise the FRA relay teams but first I had to get changed. As many runners will know this is not easy in the front seat of a car. And not helped by dropping my clean socks outside on the wet grass and then discovering I had forgotten one or two items. I don't think anyone noticed.
On to business. The meeting started a bit chaotically with only part or provisional team lists being put forward. Then after several other names had been thrown into the mix to confuse everyone and team captains being nominated we eventually arrived at a point where we had five teams. I am captain of the 5th team. Which started out as on O'50 team but due to lack on runners!? has now ended up as mixed and somehow I am even running myself. I just hope everyone picked will run and the day itself goes smoothly.
Leg 2 recce.
Today DW, KA and myself headed off to Kettlewell to recce leg 2 of the FRA relays. KA and myself will be doing the leg on the day and DW will be on the navigation leg. The weather has not improved since Wednesday! We manage the leg OK as the navigation is quite straightforward. There is a long boggy section across the summit which will be challenging on race day and the long track descent to finish punishes the feet. I feel the leg will not suit me personally but am happy to be running it. Cake and coffee back at the car and then a stop in Kirkby Lonsdale for soup. A good day out in good company.
The future
After next weeks relays and maybe a couple of races my plans for next year will start to take priority. Firstly I have entered the 50 Mile UTLD so plenty of training and reccying to be done. Then come November I will be 50 so plan to do the Joss Naylor Challenge. I think this will be really hard to complete in the 12 hour time limit. Anything else will just have to fit in around these two events.
Russell
5 of the best part 3
Number 3 in my best days out ever top 5.
New years day 2000
Coniston
We were staying in the Coppermines Valley to celebrate the new year. The family and several friends and aquantancies partied and played through the 31st December 1999 and into the small hours of 1st January 2000. I think I went to bed sometime around 4am. Slept well and awoke at 8am feeling really good (considering the amount of alcohol consumed over the previous 12 hours). I dress quietly and go downstairs. Another couple are up and going for a walk. Everyone else is asleep. I grab a banana and step over the sleeping bodies on the kitchen floor and out into the cold new years morning.
There isn't a cloud in the sky and the ground is hard with the frost. I cut through the quarry and head up to join the main tourist route to Coniston Old Man. It is cold but I can see the sunlight on the slopes above and am keen to get there. As I reach the path and head up I find a body lying motionless in the middle of the path. My first though is S**T this could spoil a good run. As I get nearer I am releived to hear the man breathing and after some shouting I manage to wake him and establish that he is OK. He declines my offer of help to get him back to Coniston (thankfully) so I press on.
At Small Water another couple are just getting a brew on after camping there, we exchange waves and I carry on up. Soon after that I am in the sunshine and on the summit taking the fantastic panaramic view. The running over Brim Fell and on to Swirl How is pure pleasure I am feeling really great. Down Prison Band and onto Whetherlam enjoying every step, concentrating and working hard but the energy seems to keep coming. I take the long descent steady finding it hard to keep my eyes off the view and on ground. As I approach our cottage I can see people are up now and they spot me coming down. No doubt in awe of my superb descending technique!
When there we all exchange 'happy new years' and I am given a bacon butty.
The perfect way to start the new year!
Russell
New years day 2000
Coniston
We were staying in the Coppermines Valley to celebrate the new year. The family and several friends and aquantancies partied and played through the 31st December 1999 and into the small hours of 1st January 2000. I think I went to bed sometime around 4am. Slept well and awoke at 8am feeling really good (considering the amount of alcohol consumed over the previous 12 hours). I dress quietly and go downstairs. Another couple are up and going for a walk. Everyone else is asleep. I grab a banana and step over the sleeping bodies on the kitchen floor and out into the cold new years morning.
There isn't a cloud in the sky and the ground is hard with the frost. I cut through the quarry and head up to join the main tourist route to Coniston Old Man. It is cold but I can see the sunlight on the slopes above and am keen to get there. As I reach the path and head up I find a body lying motionless in the middle of the path. My first though is S**T this could spoil a good run. As I get nearer I am releived to hear the man breathing and after some shouting I manage to wake him and establish that he is OK. He declines my offer of help to get him back to Coniston (thankfully) so I press on.
At Small Water another couple are just getting a brew on after camping there, we exchange waves and I carry on up. Soon after that I am in the sunshine and on the summit taking the fantastic panaramic view. The running over Brim Fell and on to Swirl How is pure pleasure I am feeling really great. Down Prison Band and onto Whetherlam enjoying every step, concentrating and working hard but the energy seems to keep coming. I take the long descent steady finding it hard to keep my eyes off the view and on ground. As I approach our cottage I can see people are up now and they spot me coming down. No doubt in awe of my superb descending technique!
When there we all exchange 'happy new years' and I am given a bacon butty.
The perfect way to start the new year!
Russell
Saturday, 24 September 2011
Orton Autumn Fair Fell Race 2011
24th September 2011
This was a 6 mile fell race and really all runnable so didn't suit me at all. The first couple of miles were across waterlogged fields and passed a strategically places cattle feeder. To say it was muddy would be an understatement. My legs felt a bit heavy to start with but after the first (only real) climb I picked up a bit and ran well to the finish.
There was a good turnout from the club as it was a championship counter and also many juniors. Club members picked up a good haul of prizes. Just a pity not all stayed to receive them.
Excellent cakes and tea at the finish.
A cracking race!
Russell
This was a 6 mile fell race and really all runnable so didn't suit me at all. The first couple of miles were across waterlogged fields and passed a strategically places cattle feeder. To say it was muddy would be an understatement. My legs felt a bit heavy to start with but after the first (only real) climb I picked up a bit and ran well to the finish.
There was a good turnout from the club as it was a championship counter and also many juniors. Club members picked up a good haul of prizes. Just a pity not all stayed to receive them.
Excellent cakes and tea at the finish.
A cracking race!
Russell
General update
Since the Mountain Trial I have done a few local runs and trained on the Helm as usual. To be honest I have been feeling quite good. Last week I did a 7 mile road run and finished of by timing myself over the last 2 miles. I used to this when I trained for the London Marathon a few years ago. To my surprise I had not lost much speed, something which was bothering me recently. Buoyed by this I weighed myself. Pleasantly shocked to find I have not put on any weight. The beer, wine and cake diet is still working!
Russell
Russell
Saturday, 17 September 2011
Ten 'must do' fell races.
10 races all fellrunners should do.
My opinion I know. But I'm right!
Ben Nevis
Jura
Wasdale
Coniston Gullies (bofra)
Wasdale Show (bofra)
Three Peaks
Grasmere Guides Race
Lake District Mountain Trial
Dunnerdale
Shipman Knotts
Please note:
List subject to change according to future performances in any of the above. Amount of beer drunk or bribery.
Russell
My opinion I know. But I'm right!
Ben Nevis
Jura
Wasdale
Coniston Gullies (bofra)
Wasdale Show (bofra)
Three Peaks
Grasmere Guides Race
Lake District Mountain Trial
Dunnerdale
Shipman Knotts
Please note:
List subject to change according to future performances in any of the above. Amount of beer drunk or bribery.
Russell
Thursday, 15 September 2011
Lake District Mountain Trial
Sunday 11th September
LDMTA
Haven't done this for a few years and don't have the best memories of it. But for some unexplainable reason I decided to give it another chance. The men's course (now the classic) is a very tough day out so I opt for the medium course, previously the women's course. There is also a short course. I think they changed things around because some women wanted to do the longer course, and were more than capable of it, and some men, getting older, didn't fancy such a long day out. So now all courses are open to all. Providing you have the necessary experience.
The location this year was Mungrisdale. Back 'o' Skiddaw. I had a leisurely start time of 9.24. But my lift had 8.42 so we set off at 7.00am. There was much discussion in the car of the area, weather, and how long we could expect to be out. The forecast was terrible! So it was a relief to find out on arrival that the courses would be shortened. Registered and ready I made my way to the start. Kit checked I wait my start time.
All too soon it is go and I collect my map. It is quite a distance to the first control but on a good path to begin with. This gives a good chance to work out the route as I climb steadily up to Mungrisdale Common. I find out later that others, including the winner and second place, took a different route. But the splits show not much in it. Therefore I conclude that my line must have been better! CP1 dibbed and off to CP2 on The Knott. I remember parts of this section from the Rab MM a couple of years ago and manage to avoid most of the heather. I remind myself of the strategy to set off steady and keep keep going. It worked for me at the Ben last week. So I hold back a little on the climb.
After CP2 runners are taking various routes but I decide to stick to mine and not be distracted. I have learnt from the last few years of MM's with DW to decide on your own route and stick to it. If often works out OK. I see JR (not a reference to Dallas) and wave. Because the course is shortened it means CP3 is a bit of an out and back route but I am soon heading for CP4 at Bowscale Tarn. Again I pick my own route ignoring others, it seems to be working. But then I find myself at the river Caldew. I could run 1km down stream to the bridge or follow my planned route accross the river and direct. A look at the hillside ahead and no one is in sight. Is this a bad decision? Only one way to find out and I search for a crossing point. Nothing obvious so I go for it. It soon gets deeper and faster but I am committed. With the opposite bank almost within reach I slip and after some panic, splashing, swearing and thrashing I grab the far bank and haul myself out. Surprisingly map still in hand. Is has been a while since I got my 25m breaststroke certificate but now I realise it was well worth the effort.
After recovering my composure I get some jelly babies down and head up the climb. Runners appear from nowhere. Some form the out of bounds! Again my line proves good and I gain places. Meeting BJ at the tarn. The final climb is daunting but there is no option. Whichever way you go it's steep. Again I pace myself. Concentrate on the map and control descriptions. Look ahead and choose a good lines. On the run in to the last control, and finish, I feel good. Please to finish ahead of the bad weather I am soon changed and discussing the day with fellow competitors over a bowl of curry, tea and cake.
Will I be back next year? Who knows. Perhaps I'll wait until I am 50.
Russell
LDMTA
Haven't done this for a few years and don't have the best memories of it. But for some unexplainable reason I decided to give it another chance. The men's course (now the classic) is a very tough day out so I opt for the medium course, previously the women's course. There is also a short course. I think they changed things around because some women wanted to do the longer course, and were more than capable of it, and some men, getting older, didn't fancy such a long day out. So now all courses are open to all. Providing you have the necessary experience.
The location this year was Mungrisdale. Back 'o' Skiddaw. I had a leisurely start time of 9.24. But my lift had 8.42 so we set off at 7.00am. There was much discussion in the car of the area, weather, and how long we could expect to be out. The forecast was terrible! So it was a relief to find out on arrival that the courses would be shortened. Registered and ready I made my way to the start. Kit checked I wait my start time.
All too soon it is go and I collect my map. It is quite a distance to the first control but on a good path to begin with. This gives a good chance to work out the route as I climb steadily up to Mungrisdale Common. I find out later that others, including the winner and second place, took a different route. But the splits show not much in it. Therefore I conclude that my line must have been better! CP1 dibbed and off to CP2 on The Knott. I remember parts of this section from the Rab MM a couple of years ago and manage to avoid most of the heather. I remind myself of the strategy to set off steady and keep keep going. It worked for me at the Ben last week. So I hold back a little on the climb.
After CP2 runners are taking various routes but I decide to stick to mine and not be distracted. I have learnt from the last few years of MM's with DW to decide on your own route and stick to it. If often works out OK. I see JR (not a reference to Dallas) and wave. Because the course is shortened it means CP3 is a bit of an out and back route but I am soon heading for CP4 at Bowscale Tarn. Again I pick my own route ignoring others, it seems to be working. But then I find myself at the river Caldew. I could run 1km down stream to the bridge or follow my planned route accross the river and direct. A look at the hillside ahead and no one is in sight. Is this a bad decision? Only one way to find out and I search for a crossing point. Nothing obvious so I go for it. It soon gets deeper and faster but I am committed. With the opposite bank almost within reach I slip and after some panic, splashing, swearing and thrashing I grab the far bank and haul myself out. Surprisingly map still in hand. Is has been a while since I got my 25m breaststroke certificate but now I realise it was well worth the effort.
After recovering my composure I get some jelly babies down and head up the climb. Runners appear from nowhere. Some form the out of bounds! Again my line proves good and I gain places. Meeting BJ at the tarn. The final climb is daunting but there is no option. Whichever way you go it's steep. Again I pace myself. Concentrate on the map and control descriptions. Look ahead and choose a good lines. On the run in to the last control, and finish, I feel good. Please to finish ahead of the bad weather I am soon changed and discussing the day with fellow competitors over a bowl of curry, tea and cake.
Will I be back next year? Who knows. Perhaps I'll wait until I am 50.
Russell
Thursday, 8 September 2011
Training This Week
Wednesday 7th September 2011
Trainig night on The Helm and this week it should be some sort of hill reps. Mindfull of some athletes recent racing and the upcoming Mountain Trial it isn't going to be too hard. I plot a zig zag route with some flat bits and not too long. 8 reps with a jog back down recovery.
I think it works well. All runners complete the reps within a reasonable time so no need to stop those at the back. The recovery is perhaps a little short but there is a cold breeze and it was getting dark. We need to keep moving. Also we are a hill racing club and you don't get any recovery in a race!
Russell
Trainig night on The Helm and this week it should be some sort of hill reps. Mindfull of some athletes recent racing and the upcoming Mountain Trial it isn't going to be too hard. I plot a zig zag route with some flat bits and not too long. 8 reps with a jog back down recovery.
I think it works well. All runners complete the reps within a reasonable time so no need to stop those at the back. The recovery is perhaps a little short but there is a cold breeze and it was getting dark. We need to keep moving. Also we are a hill racing club and you don't get any recovery in a race!
Russell
Sunday, 4 September 2011
Ben Nevis Race 2011
Ben Nevis 3rd September 2011
So today will be my 11th consecutive Ben race. Still on course for 21 in a row. For various reasons I had not made any plans for accommodation and the weather forecast was so bad for Friday night that I ruled out camping again. So it will be up and down in the day, a 500 mile round trip. The drive went smoothly with only minor traffic along Loch Lomond. I arrive in Fort William at 10.45am. A text from DW is very welcome and I meet him and KA in the car park at Claggan Park. Tea and biscuits, excellent.
After registration I attach numbers front and back to my vest and make the decision as what to wear. Long sleeve top it is. Some friendly banter helps to calm the nerves and all too soon I am warming up on the field. Light rain is falling. I congratulate Andy from Rossendale on his 21st Ben Race. When I was doing my first he was doing his eleventh. The nerves have disappeared as we file into the start area. My plan is to just go steady the whole way and not worry about what every one else is doing. Don't want to get into any actual racing!
We are off! . I find the road hard going but once into my stride my tactics seem to be working perfectly. The tourist path is awkward running. I tell myself that it might feel tough now but coming back down will be much worse so just get on with it. I am happy to fall into line for the zig zag cut offs. Setting my own pace I ignore all the runners passing me, there is a long way to go.
After Red Burn (half way up) the angle steepens. Again I fall into line. Occasionally I pass someone. Occasionally someone passes me. I am never struggling with the pace. The odd bit of rain comes and goes as does the breeze. Long sleeves the right choice. The angle eases and I do bit of running, feels surprisingly good. The summit is is always further than you think, even after 10 races. I hand in my tag and head down. There are a lot of walkers today. They have as much, if not more, right to be there. I say a lot of thank you's.
I pass a lot of runners on the descent to half way and down the grass bank to the burn. No one passes me despite my deliberately conservative pace. The combination of tired legs and the rocky tourist path is not a good one. Full concentration required. This is where runners usually pass me but this time it is me doing the passing. Well two anyway. Through the gateway I say to myself 'last bit before the road concentrate'. I immediately trip and do a sideways roll. Concerned walkers ask if I'm OK. A brief yes thanks and I start to run hoping that I am.
I take my secret line and the running is better until I slip again and this time bang my knee on a rock. I hurts as I start to run but soon wares off. Onto the road and a few pass me. I recognise them as those I passed earlier. Taking my own advice I try and keep form and am determined to run to the finish (because I don't always manage it). It works and I even pass a few people.
Looking at my watch as I cross the line, 3.20pm. It takes a few seconds to work out but I must have run around 2 hours 20 mins. Very pleased with that. Steady tactics seem to have worked. A dip in the river. A shower. A cup of tea with DW and KA. More chat and race analysis and I am on the road home at 5.00pm
As I leave Fort William and prepare for the drive home I am feeling very pleased with myself. The drive through Glen Coe as the cloud lifts is magnificent. The motorway is quiet, as I pass the open section south of Glasgow just before the Lowther Hills the sun is setting to my right and behind. Catching the tops and ridges. Some fields are still very green whilst the slightly higher ground is starting to look very autumnal. Bracken and heather turning brown. I feel privileged.
An hour or so before home my left knee begins to feel the effects of the knock and stiffens up. But I press on and am soon there. Eat and relax. I go to bed with a sore left hand, left knee, left hip, left elbow and left shoulder. I wouldn't have it any other way. A great day.
Thanks to DW for the hospitality.
Next year?
Of course. Just hope I get an entry.
Russell
So today will be my 11th consecutive Ben race. Still on course for 21 in a row. For various reasons I had not made any plans for accommodation and the weather forecast was so bad for Friday night that I ruled out camping again. So it will be up and down in the day, a 500 mile round trip. The drive went smoothly with only minor traffic along Loch Lomond. I arrive in Fort William at 10.45am. A text from DW is very welcome and I meet him and KA in the car park at Claggan Park. Tea and biscuits, excellent.
After registration I attach numbers front and back to my vest and make the decision as what to wear. Long sleeve top it is. Some friendly banter helps to calm the nerves and all too soon I am warming up on the field. Light rain is falling. I congratulate Andy from Rossendale on his 21st Ben Race. When I was doing my first he was doing his eleventh. The nerves have disappeared as we file into the start area. My plan is to just go steady the whole way and not worry about what every one else is doing. Don't want to get into any actual racing!
We are off! . I find the road hard going but once into my stride my tactics seem to be working perfectly. The tourist path is awkward running. I tell myself that it might feel tough now but coming back down will be much worse so just get on with it. I am happy to fall into line for the zig zag cut offs. Setting my own pace I ignore all the runners passing me, there is a long way to go.
After Red Burn (half way up) the angle steepens. Again I fall into line. Occasionally I pass someone. Occasionally someone passes me. I am never struggling with the pace. The odd bit of rain comes and goes as does the breeze. Long sleeves the right choice. The angle eases and I do bit of running, feels surprisingly good. The summit is is always further than you think, even after 10 races. I hand in my tag and head down. There are a lot of walkers today. They have as much, if not more, right to be there. I say a lot of thank you's.
I pass a lot of runners on the descent to half way and down the grass bank to the burn. No one passes me despite my deliberately conservative pace. The combination of tired legs and the rocky tourist path is not a good one. Full concentration required. This is where runners usually pass me but this time it is me doing the passing. Well two anyway. Through the gateway I say to myself 'last bit before the road concentrate'. I immediately trip and do a sideways roll. Concerned walkers ask if I'm OK. A brief yes thanks and I start to run hoping that I am.
I take my secret line and the running is better until I slip again and this time bang my knee on a rock. I hurts as I start to run but soon wares off. Onto the road and a few pass me. I recognise them as those I passed earlier. Taking my own advice I try and keep form and am determined to run to the finish (because I don't always manage it). It works and I even pass a few people.
Looking at my watch as I cross the line, 3.20pm. It takes a few seconds to work out but I must have run around 2 hours 20 mins. Very pleased with that. Steady tactics seem to have worked. A dip in the river. A shower. A cup of tea with DW and KA. More chat and race analysis and I am on the road home at 5.00pm
As I leave Fort William and prepare for the drive home I am feeling very pleased with myself. The drive through Glen Coe as the cloud lifts is magnificent. The motorway is quiet, as I pass the open section south of Glasgow just before the Lowther Hills the sun is setting to my right and behind. Catching the tops and ridges. Some fields are still very green whilst the slightly higher ground is starting to look very autumnal. Bracken and heather turning brown. I feel privileged.
An hour or so before home my left knee begins to feel the effects of the knock and stiffens up. But I press on and am soon there. Eat and relax. I go to bed with a sore left hand, left knee, left hip, left elbow and left shoulder. I wouldn't have it any other way. A great day.
Thanks to DW for the hospitality.
Next year?
Of course. Just hope I get an entry.
Russell
Tuesday, 30 August 2011
Fairfield Horseshoe
Monday 29th August
Planned to have a good run this morning and get some climb in. Fortunately DW texts me with an invite to Fairfield Horseshoe, Rydal at 8.30am. I am in the middle of the game with no name at my brother in laws 50th birthday party so my reply is not too clear. Some red wine had been consumed and more was to follow!
So dragging myself out of bed at 7.50am was hard but needed to be done. Who knows how long I would have stayed there without the motivation of a brisk 9 miles and some 3000+ feet of climbing. A quick breakfast and assuming we will be going at a good pace I throw minimal kit together. I question whether I should be driving at all this morning but don't feel too bad after the juice and cereal.
Arriving at Rydal I find a few others have come along and this makes it a good sociable run. The climbs up Nab Scar and Heron Pike go on longer than expected, but they always do. I decide this is a good thing and ideal preparation for Ben Nevis next week. A cool breeze picks up so I put on my jacket and decide it is best o keep moving. After the summit of Fairfield the wind is behind and the going good.
The views are great and we take time to admire them. Spotting lines and checkpoints for the up coming Ian Hodgson Relay. Then it is down. One of my favourite pieces of fell running in the Lakes. The Fairfield race probably has the worst climb and the best descent going (only my opinion). Things warm up so it is off with the jacket and enjoy the feeling of moving over the short grass at the perfect angle to stride out and just let it happen.
I have to dash off home so miss out on the coffee and cake. Instead it is shopping in Preston. I am soon parted from this months wages by 'neccessities' for my daughters return to university. The contrast between the two parts of my day are not lost on me.
Russell
Planned to have a good run this morning and get some climb in. Fortunately DW texts me with an invite to Fairfield Horseshoe, Rydal at 8.30am. I am in the middle of the game with no name at my brother in laws 50th birthday party so my reply is not too clear. Some red wine had been consumed and more was to follow!
So dragging myself out of bed at 7.50am was hard but needed to be done. Who knows how long I would have stayed there without the motivation of a brisk 9 miles and some 3000+ feet of climbing. A quick breakfast and assuming we will be going at a good pace I throw minimal kit together. I question whether I should be driving at all this morning but don't feel too bad after the juice and cereal.
Arriving at Rydal I find a few others have come along and this makes it a good sociable run. The climbs up Nab Scar and Heron Pike go on longer than expected, but they always do. I decide this is a good thing and ideal preparation for Ben Nevis next week. A cool breeze picks up so I put on my jacket and decide it is best o keep moving. After the summit of Fairfield the wind is behind and the going good.
The views are great and we take time to admire them. Spotting lines and checkpoints for the up coming Ian Hodgson Relay. Then it is down. One of my favourite pieces of fell running in the Lakes. The Fairfield race probably has the worst climb and the best descent going (only my opinion). Things warm up so it is off with the jacket and enjoy the feeling of moving over the short grass at the perfect angle to stride out and just let it happen.
I have to dash off home so miss out on the coffee and cake. Instead it is shopping in Preston. I am soon parted from this months wages by 'neccessities' for my daughters return to university. The contrast between the two parts of my day are not lost on me.
Russell
Thursday, 25 August 2011
Shipman Knotts Fell Race
23rd August 2011
Last year after a couple of years to get my act together I organised the Shipman Knotts fell race. Designed to be a low key basic traditional type of race. i.e. Just turn up, run, cup of tea, not too much red tape as it were.
Although only 23 runners turned up it was deemed a success so I took the plunge and put it in the FRA calendar for this year.
After a minimum of effort on my part everything seemed to be in place. DR was despatched to the summit. DW to the car park (sorry), Ali and Moira to the gates. I sat with EM awaiting entries. After a few nervous minutes (was anyone coming?) the runners started to appear and soon we had 43 willing souls and I made my way to the start. Brief instructions issued and it was go!
I organise the finish team. EM on numbers, me on the times and hopefully DW could work on the results at the same time and save a on a lot of work that would normally be done after everyone had finished.
The system seems to work well and soon we are drinking tea and organising the prize giving. The setting on the terrace at Maggs Howe is fantastic.
I don't like standing up and talking in front of a crowd but tell myself that these are all like minded people and will understand my nervousness. It was good to see the surprised faces as people received unexpected prizes.
Thank you to the runners. Those who donated prizes. Christine at Maggs Howe but most of all to the volunteers who marshalled. Without whom there would be no race.
£121 raised for Kentmere Institute.
Russell
Last year after a couple of years to get my act together I organised the Shipman Knotts fell race. Designed to be a low key basic traditional type of race. i.e. Just turn up, run, cup of tea, not too much red tape as it were.
Although only 23 runners turned up it was deemed a success so I took the plunge and put it in the FRA calendar for this year.
After a minimum of effort on my part everything seemed to be in place. DR was despatched to the summit. DW to the car park (sorry), Ali and Moira to the gates. I sat with EM awaiting entries. After a few nervous minutes (was anyone coming?) the runners started to appear and soon we had 43 willing souls and I made my way to the start. Brief instructions issued and it was go!
I organise the finish team. EM on numbers, me on the times and hopefully DW could work on the results at the same time and save a on a lot of work that would normally be done after everyone had finished.
The system seems to work well and soon we are drinking tea and organising the prize giving. The setting on the terrace at Maggs Howe is fantastic.
I don't like standing up and talking in front of a crowd but tell myself that these are all like minded people and will understand my nervousness. It was good to see the surprised faces as people received unexpected prizes.
Thank you to the runners. Those who donated prizes. Christine at Maggs Howe but most of all to the volunteers who marshalled. Without whom there would be no race.
£121 raised for Kentmere Institute.
Russell
Sunday, 14 August 2011
Five of the best part 2
Beinn na Caillich
Number 4 in the best 5 runs ever.
September 2010
Having been invited to a friends wedding on Skye we (wife and I) decide to make it a long weekend. We must have been the luckiest people ever as the weather was perfect for 3 days. After the wedding on Saturday we headed to Elgol on Sunday after which I had a few hours to spare. Our B&B was at Old Corry so a trip up Beinn na Caillich seemed almost compulsory.
Taking our landlords advice I did not head straight for the summit as might seem normal but went into Coire Fearchair and onto the North East ridge. A good choice. The direct route is covered in shattered boulders and very tough going. I was however very soon aware of how isolated I was despite being only a mile or so from the B&B. A boulder I stood on rolled over and gave me a nasty scratch. Not expected back for 3 or more hours I would have had a long wait for help with a broken leg.
The ridge was steep but with the frequent stops to take in the views it was worth it. However reaching the summit was even better giving a distant view if the Cuillin Ridge.
There was a cool breeze so keeping moving was essential. And after taking these photos my phone ran out of battery. More alone now! The run to Beinn Dearg Mhor was pure pleasure and more great views. Stop for biscuit. I had read about the descent to Bealach Coire Sgreamhach so set of down with some caution. Obviously the authors of those articles do not appreciate the finer points of scree running. I was brilliant!! On to Beinn Dearg Bheag. Then follow the ridge east to Coire Beithe. The running became very technical. A rocky twisting path with intermittent bouldery bits and bog. A twisted ankle here would not be good. Soon down into the heather and bilberry covered lower slopes the path disappeared and intermittent trods led me to Coire-chat-achan. The B&B and a hot shower.
This was special because there is nothing like a solo run on new ground. And I didn't see another soul. It holds the concentration to the exclusion of all else and makes you very aware of your frailties.
If you head to Skye don't just go for the Cuillin. You will be missing out.
Russell
Number 4 in the best 5 runs ever.
September 2010
Having been invited to a friends wedding on Skye we (wife and I) decide to make it a long weekend. We must have been the luckiest people ever as the weather was perfect for 3 days. After the wedding on Saturday we headed to Elgol on Sunday after which I had a few hours to spare. Our B&B was at Old Corry so a trip up Beinn na Caillich seemed almost compulsory.
Taking our landlords advice I did not head straight for the summit as might seem normal but went into Coire Fearchair and onto the North East ridge. A good choice. The direct route is covered in shattered boulders and very tough going. I was however very soon aware of how isolated I was despite being only a mile or so from the B&B. A boulder I stood on rolled over and gave me a nasty scratch. Not expected back for 3 or more hours I would have had a long wait for help with a broken leg.
The ridge was steep but with the frequent stops to take in the views it was worth it. However reaching the summit was even better giving a distant view if the Cuillin Ridge.
Here I am.
This was special because there is nothing like a solo run on new ground. And I didn't see another soul. It holds the concentration to the exclusion of all else and makes you very aware of your frailties.
If you head to Skye don't just go for the Cuillin. You will be missing out.
Russell
Tuesday, 2 August 2011
Farleton Knott
31st July 2011
Well, I put this in the club championship because I hadn't done it before and fancied it. That was the only reason I was on the start line. It was too hot, I felt tired, heavy legged and my hay fever had really picked up nicely in the week.
The long run out and round to the top should be all runnable but I had to walk the short steep sections. There was little respite along the main path before the descent. The scree run down is great but then it is an immediate turn and back to the top. This was a big effort. My legs had nothing. There was a gap behind me and the runners ahead were pulling away. I could just go steady and finish.
But oddly I found myself catching up on the long return run to the finish. The racing spirit took over and I was determined to pass somebody before the line. This I managed. Earning myself an ice cream!
Mondays steady hour run was a struggle at first but I got into it after half an hour and the ride to work on Tuesday felt quite good. Light at the end of the tunnel.
DW did the 100 mile Ultra Tour of the Lake District at the weekend. Should I be inspired?
Watch this space.
Russell
Well, I put this in the club championship because I hadn't done it before and fancied it. That was the only reason I was on the start line. It was too hot, I felt tired, heavy legged and my hay fever had really picked up nicely in the week.
The long run out and round to the top should be all runnable but I had to walk the short steep sections. There was little respite along the main path before the descent. The scree run down is great but then it is an immediate turn and back to the top. This was a big effort. My legs had nothing. There was a gap behind me and the runners ahead were pulling away. I could just go steady and finish.
But oddly I found myself catching up on the long return run to the finish. The racing spirit took over and I was determined to pass somebody before the line. This I managed. Earning myself an ice cream!
Mondays steady hour run was a struggle at first but I got into it after half an hour and the ride to work on Tuesday felt quite good. Light at the end of the tunnel.
DW did the 100 mile Ultra Tour of the Lake District at the weekend. Should I be inspired?
Watch this space.
Russell
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