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.

Here I am.

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

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

Kentmere Race Route

24th July 2011

Not been out for a week so needed a steady run. Chatting to DW at the Hawkshead Brewery Beer Festival we decide to head for Fairfield the next day. But change our minds as there could be a lot of traffic. Kentmere is the new venue. Amazingly on this perfect almost cloudless warm summers day we find a parking place and are and off up the Garburn track surprisingly quickly. I feel terrible. My achilles are incredibly tight and legs feel heavy. I am glad that DW wants to walk the uphills and jog the rest.

We take our time, take in the views and discus the route options of last years Mountain Trial which was based in Kentmere in 2010. The race route is very familiar and I am glad we can take the time to enjoy it. So often it is a bad weather option. On Kentmere Pike the Red Arrows give us our personal aerobatic display. I assume it was for us and not the thousands at the Windermere Air Show. Finally on the descent I get to stretch my legs but the run in brings back a hint of an old injury and a reminder to keep up the stretching exercises I have neglected over the past few weeks.

Just over 2 and a half hours. Take out the stops to admire the view etc and that would not be a bad race time.

But still a feeling I need to train more.

Russell

Robin's BGR

16^th July 2011

Robins BG

8 O’clock Saturday night and I am driving through Keswick, cosy and warm with the heater blowing and ‘Dark Side of the Moon’ keeping me mellow. Intermittent showers have been the order of the day but now the cloud is lifting and the views are very fine indeed. I feel good. This was not the case at 8 O’clock this morning.

I awoke to the sound of heavy rain and a quick peek through the curtains revealed low cloud, by low I mean down to the roof tops. Checking the phone a text from DW lets me know Robin had left Dunmail at 7.36am well up on schedule and going strong. Decision time. I have little enthusiasm. A call to DW and he tells me the weather in Keswick is much better so I throw some gear together. Then I remember that it is the anniversary of my BG. Only 11 years ago. So at 10am I am on my way to Honister. After all what else would I be doing today? Drinking tea, eating biscuits and watching the golf! And I like golf.

Stuck behind 4 coaches and idiots doing 20mph down Borrowdale I arrive OK. I need to be at Wasdale for 1pm. The run over via Beck Head is enjoyable and I chat aloud to myself. Something I only do when I am on my own by the way. Descending Gavel Neese I emerge from the cloud to a fantastic view. The flanks of Lingmell were bright emerald green and the streams swollen by the rain are bubbling pure white threads dancing between the bracken.

I arrive in good time and am offered tea and cakes as we await Robin. He is later than expected but finally we spot him and his pacers descending. They are slow and even stop for a while, something clearly wrong. Knee trouble. After treatment, food and a change of shoes he decides to carry on. At 2.33pm we are off up Yewbarrow.

The pace is strong. 42 minutes. I can barley keep up. But leaving the summit the problems return. Descent to Dore Head is slow to start but then as we contour more the pace picks up. I am once again dropped as DW and Robin climb into the mist on Red Pike. Nothing to do but push on as best I can. Thinking I might have to miss Steeple and meet them in the way to Pillar I am surprised to catch up just after the summit. Descending now a real problem but the overall pace is still good.

However coming off Scoat Fell things get much worse. Several stops and attempts to support the knee joint using a Buff don’t work and now the climbing is slow going. After Pillar and clearly in pain Robin decides it is best to call it a day and make our way by the easiest route to Honister. I run on ahead to let everyone know. The fells begin to clear and the view first down Ennerdale and then to Buttermere are excellent; I arrive just after 7pm.  A party of five head up to meat Robin and DW to give moral support. I am cold and wet so need to change clothes and get warm. No need for me to hang around so I set off home.

A day I was not looking forward to, and in the end not a successful one, but I enjoyed it all the same and felt happy with myself. It is strange that sometimes days of bad weather and problems can end up feeling like the best days when things improve and you are back down warm and fed.

Russell

Reston Scar Scamper

6th July 2011

My local race and also in the club championship. My legs are still suffering from the Saunders but I'll just have to see how it goes. A big club turnout is good, but not necessarily for those wanting points.

After a steady start I find a bit of pace and gain a few places. The first descent is very slippy and I gain on a small group. But then it is the narrow section and no passing. I tuck in for the last climb to the summit and pass a couple more just before the top. I know I will be slow on the final road section so I give a big effort and pass about eight on the grassy descent. Sure enough I lose three places on the run in. No results yet but I think only a minute slower than last year. Reasonably pleased given the weekend before.

Russell

Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon

2nd and 3rd July 2011

Unlike the LAMM I am going into some detail on this one. it deserves it!!
Chapel Stile Langdale was the start venue. We had a late start time of 9.54am. This suited us fine.
I am not going to go into too much criticism of the event but there are one or two points later that I will comment on.

Day 1

The start was a little congested and perhaps some would say held up teams. Everyone started up the same trod where it was hard to pass. Not too long but enough to niggle. It didn't bother me as I just wanted to concentrate on getting the first control right. We perhaps overshot a little but were quickly on course and happy.

There were plenty of route choices as we worked our way around Easdale, The Langdales and Langstrath. Taking in some familiar ground from the Old County Tops and Borrowdale race routes. We were on our own for a big part of this section which made me question our judgement for a while but suddenly there were several teams ahead and our choice proved a good one. A steep climb and contour past Ullscarf lead us to the run in to mid camp at Steel End Farm. The last proper control at a sheepfold was in a great place but left a route choice to the finish. We opted for the more direct less climbing option and ended up inadvertently crossing a boundary. Many teams did the same. 6 hours and 14 seconds. A good day. We were second and in the chasing start. All be it 34 minutes behind the leaders.

Day 2

With the first checkpoint on Steel Fell it was straight into a climb. Never a good thing on a Sunday morning after a bad nights sleep in a small tent. Then it was decision time again. Down and up or around to the next control on Gibson Knott. Looking at the the climb it didn't seem too steep or long so it was straight for it. After some scree it was into the bracken and then a across Green Burn bog. Up to my knees twice, but managed to extricate myself without losing a shoe.

We found the kite on the second knoll. The heat of the day was starting to make itself felt and we had more choices to make. Spotting an intermittent path marked on the map we chose down and up again to control 3 but this would at least be good underfoot conditions, after the steep bracken descent of course. Finding the location OK we then went straight line via Bright Beck to control 4 just down from stake Pass. Choices again but this time I persuade DW to take the high line and not the up and down. I think it worked well but even the short climb to the control was tough for me.

With the finish in sight it was getting serious. We still had a couple of climbs to do and it was proper hot now. I had been drinking enough but had struggled to eat all day. I force down a gel and hope it will help. Too little too late perhaps. DW forges ahead but gets a good (very steep) line to the next control. I try just to keep going. The last few controls are on Limgmoor after the final short climb. We find them OK but the location of one reentrant is not obvious. After the last control we are into the final run in. I tell myself to keep going as minutes lost here can be vital. Setting off OK I am soon reduced to a walk and even stop once almost involuntarily. After a little dizzy spell I force down some jelly babies and fingers tingling somehow keep going to the finish.

Amazingly we are still in second place so have to go through a kit check. I produce bits of gear in between bouts of cramp. OK. We eat and rink and awarded 2nd prize. However a late starter demotes us to 3rd after we have gone. I can only be pleased considering my pace in the second half of the day.

Not sure how much the effects of the heat, the LAMM, Dockray Great Dodd race, hay fever and lack of sleep had on my performance. But I'm not making excuses. Honest!

Once again, a great weekend, great weather and great company. What more?

Russell

Dockray Geat Dodd

Wednesday 29th June

Just want to say what a great mid week race this is. Last run approx 12 years ago. That day was thick mist and a bit of a learning experience. This year was pure pleasure. Perfect conditions, no need to get the map out. Worst part was the road at the start. I can only recommend it but hope it stays low key. It must be the only race where most of the field go the wrong way!! But I'm not going to let you in on the secret.

Russell

Devon 2011

18th to 25th June

Holiday in Devon. More to follow.

Another Place.

Russell

LAMM 2011

11th and 12th June 2011

Another LAMM has come and gone and what a great weekend it was. Probably the best area I have done and a superb mid camp. I am not going into detail about the navigation and control sites as this year all were good and easily located if you were in the correct place. Not always the case in past years. We climbed 3 Munro's each with a control on the summit, a bit unusual for the B course. But that was the problem. I wasn't climbing well and it cost us time. Some good route choices made up for this somewhat but a bit of dithering also cost us a couple of places. I think 5 or 6 minutes covered 5 places in the end. Lesson learned, make good choices and keep going. You never know what other teams are doing and they are probably making as many errors as you. So 15th in the end but it could have been better. Thanks to my patient partner. Great weather, good routes and fine company. What more can you ask for?

Russell

5 Of The Best. Part 1

Top 5 days on the Fell.

This is part 1 of my top 5 best days out on the hills and fells so far. I have had many memorable days with many people. Now it is time to record some of them.

Highlander Mountain Marathon 2009 day 2.

Event centre at Cannich. Day 1 was a good day, but with a slightly poor route choice at the start and possibly 10 more points available had we gone for it. It was however one of our first ventures into the world of the Score Class. I felt happy with our performance.

Day 2 did not start well. We missed the first control, 10 points, due to exuberance and poor map reading. When we discovered our errors it was to late to back track (the advantage of the score class) so pushed on to the next control and then up a very steep and long climb. The legs definately feeling the day before. After reaching the next control the hills opened up before us and the sun was shining. The day was warming up. There had been a frost overnight and my socks and shoes, left under the fly sheet, had frozen.

2 more controls and then it was crunch time. Which way to go for the most points? And be sure we were back within the time limit. We opted for a route over several small summits with controls and a possible out and back if enough time before heading to the finish. This was fantastic. We were on our own. No one was following and no one in front, I felt good. I dont think we saw another team for quite some time.

Navigation was straighforward in the perfect visibility. We were all to soon at the crucial point. We could not decide if we could make the out and back .We decide to set of  for the control and see if we were any where near in 10 minutes. If not, turn back and hopefully pick up an extra control on the run in.

Soon realising it was not on we turned and plotted out route to the finish. I began to flag a little but knew it would soon be over. Eat. After the next control it was decision time again. Go for one more or head back? On the map it looked OK and not too far so we went for it. It was further than expected and the run back in the heat, yes heat, of April in the highlands was tough. Time got tight and there was nothing for it but to run. Even if it was road for the last half mile.

We made it with two minutes to spare. In the end the missed control and 10 points cost us 3rd place and a prize but it didn't matter. Most teams had taken a different route and got a few more points. I was glad we took the route we did. This was everything a day competing should be. Mistakes, good running. perfect weather, decisions to be made, going for it, emotional highs and lows, doing your own thing and above all great company.

Russell

Coniston Gullies

5th June 2011

With many runners from the club heading of to Duddon or Ennerdale I go for the opposote end of the spectrum. Coniston Gullies. It may be short but packs a big punch. A must do. One for the bucket list.

Once out of the field you are straight into the 900' gully climb. It's steep and unrelanting. Hard to pass anyone as going off the line is awkward. A short running section accross the top and it's back down another gully. This is very steep. Scree, rocks and some grass. A descent that ensures the concentration. Not for the feint harted. Commitment gets it's reward. Mine was to pass several Helm vests.

The race is usually won in around 15 mins. Me about 20. Am too old to care about times and cannot be bothered to start the stopwatch. I will of course be eager to see the results and analise them for a while.

A scenic drive took us to Yew Tree Barn. Tea and Rarebit with bacon ar The Hat Trick Cafe. Excellent.

Russell

Bowfell

Sunday 29th May 2011

Needed a good but not too long a run this weekend to help recover from the OCT. A few friends were doing part of leg 3 of the BG so I tagged along. We started in Langdale and headed for Rossett Gill. A familiar climb. My plan was to turn back at some point as I had to be home and ready to go out by noon.

We were soon up to the col and onto the BG route proper. Acsending into the mist it got colder and wetter. But the company was good and the chatting aided the climb. At the summit on Bowfell I decided that continuing to Esk Pike and returning back down the gill was not my best option and left the group to descend via 3 Tarns and The Band. Rocky at first but then grassy I dropped out of the mist and headed down.

I thought of the others and their route to Scafell. Easy to go astray up there. Hope they found Ill Crag OK.

Down quicker than I thought and I pass a lot of folk on their way up. Met a guy who had set of at 5am to do the Crinkles. He said it rained the whole way. At the car I realise I have enough time to call in on a friend at Chapel Stile. Been meaning to do this for some time.

Make it home in time and after a quick change Cheryl and I head back to Ambleside. Park at Pelter Bridge. A leisurely walk around Rydal Water. Now warm and sunny. Cream Tea at Rydal Hall.

A good day.

Russell

Recovery

22nd May 2011

Recovering from yesterday. A couple of bacon buttties this morning and just back from a couple of pints of Gold at Hawkshead Brewey. Sitting in the big leather sofas with the evening sun warming me through the windaw.

Perfect

Russell

Old County Tops

21st May 2011

After chatting a while ago about up and coming events and feeling a bit fitter I decided I quite fancied doing the OCT for the third (and final) time. My usual partner for this had an injury, so after asking around I entered with Tim, I though we would be a good team. We could set a steady pace and look to get around in 10 hours or so on a good day. In the process improving Tim's PB by about 2 hours. Of course on a run of 37 miles and 10,000 ft of climbing a lot can go wrong.

Things started well. Good time to Helvellyn and a good line off in the mist. Wythburn, Angle Tarn, Esk Hause no problems. Then as we headed to Scafell Pike and it went a bit wrong. I have to take full responsibility, call it a moment of ??. The team in front left the main path and I just kept following. Realising the error straight away I turn to look back but somehow it doesn't seem right so we carry on. Passing across a small trod I immediately think this must be the BG route to Ill Crag, then I see the rocks and am sure. We turn back but again it doesn't look right. So after checking it really was Ill Crag and taking a bearing we head back and are soon on the main path. 20 minutes lost for nothing. Fustrated and angry with myself we press on. I must now get the descent off Scafell Pike right. There is no way I am not going home without a Tee Shirt.

Coming off the summit I am blown over by a gust of wind and feel real urgency to get down. I pick up the trod that DW and I reccied and feel happier. But I follow it further than before so end up taking a steeper, rougher line down. Still we are safe and I think good, now lets get moving. Tim reminds me of the cut off time at Cockley Beck and I am thrown into panic again. How will we make it. I urge Tim on and in fact we get there with plenty of time to spare. Phew! As we leave the weather comes in. Rain and high winds now until we descend Wetside Edge. But not without my usual mini bonk on Coniston Old Mad. I stuff down Jelly Babies and sultanas and am soon revived.

We get another good line across Great Carrs and down Wetside to the 3 Shires Stone and discover that we still have 2 hours to get back. What a great moment of relief. We are completely on our own for this section after our good route choice and jog in chatting, a great way to finish.
Soup, sandwich and a quick change. Head home for hot bath and glass of wine. I mean ice bath and isotonic, honest!

Thanks Tim

Russell

Disappointed

14th May 2011

The cairn you see in the photo at the top of the blog is no more.
Vandals have destroyed it.
I could go on with lots of expletives etc but what would be the point.
Just very disappointed!

Russell :-(

Kentmere Horseshoe

8th May 2011

So I've got the new shoes and now it's time to try them out. We set of in drizzly rain and as we ascend past Buck Crag the weather improves just as forecast. Working our way round the horseshoe in and out of the mist we take in every top. Yoke. Ill Bell, Froswick, Thornthwaite Crag, High Street (Racecourse Hill), Mardale Ill Bell, Harter Fell. Kentmere Pike and Shipnam Knotts. Finishing in sunshine with some blue sky. The shoes are good, no problems. It's the legs that don't work properly!

Persuade the wife to go for a walk and pop into Hawkshead Brewery for a pint. Excellent!

Russell

Much Needed Run

7th May 2011

For a while now I have had a lack of motivation to go for a run on my own. Even though I want and need to.
So today I decided a good hours running would be just the thing. I thought I would set of as if running with someone slightly quicker than I wanted to go and try and maintain a decent pace. So I set of up the Kentmere road. I would run for half an hour, or to Kentmere Church, whichever came first and then turn back.

After half an hour I was only a few hundred yards form the church so I went there anyway. BAck a bit quicker and I felt much better for it!

Tomorrow a last longish run before the Old County Tops and perhaps Fairfield next Saturday. Undecided!

Russell

New Shoes

7th May 2011

Have needed new shoes for while now. Finally got to Pete Blands to try some on. Will collect tomorrow and see if I 'need' anything else. Have to wear them in a bit before the Old County Tops in two weeks. Hope Tim has got some training in.

Russell

Tim and Treen's Party

30th April 2011

Teenage Kicks. No need to say any more!

Russell

Coniston Fell Race

30th April 2011

I wasn't going to run in the race. My plan was to watch and take a few photo's. But after a bit of 'persuasion' from friends I decided to put my toe on the line. Having not raced so far this year and after a tough couple of weeks, by my standards, I planned to set off very steady and see how it went. As usual these days my legs felt tired and heavy at the start. Mouldry Bank was as steep as ever but I managed to find a comfortable pace. It's a long way to the top of Wetherlam but I found myself slowly passing people and had my sights set on a couple of Helm vests up ahead. Only racing can do this to me.

I had seen Speedy Dave up near the front but now he was out of sight. Again I thought he could have a good race. When I suggested he would be well under 1 hour 30 mins he did not believe me. I suspected he was taking the race quite seriously. He had reccied the course a few days earlier. Coming off Wetherlam my legs felt good and I soon passed some familiar faces. I can't say the climb of Prison Band is a pleasure but I am very familiar with it and enjoy it in a strange kind of way. Suprised to see K ahead, more reason to push on.

Get a great line off Swirl How and pass loads on the way to Brim Fell. K passes me so I work hard to keep in touch. I hope to pass her again on the descent. Am feeling much better than I thought and actually enjoying myself. Get a poor line at first off Coniston Old Man but soon pick up my usual route. I see people joining from the left and am buoyed to see I am up with some runners I have battled with over the years. Of course I was only having a steady run for the pleasure of it but there was no way I was going to let them beat me now. I commit to the last part of the descent and once on the miners track I have enough gap to hold them off to the finish.

Speedy Dave lived up to has name and was 14th in 1 hour 22 mins. I was faster than expected! The club won the Ladies Team prize. All in all a good day.

Russell