2 Mondays and 2 Wednesdays
Monday training was a tough one after BG leg 4 on the Saturday. Quads were sore. I was still having trouble walking downstairs. However I manage to hold my own and keep my usual place in the group. MC came with me for the first time and did very well completing the whole session.
Wednesday was a lolipop at Abbott Hall followed by some lamp posts. A smaller group of 30 or so seem to enjoy the session but they do not always do what I ask. It's up to them!
Monday around again and another hard one. We do more reps and it feels like more long ones. I concentrate on keeping my form and pace through each rep. It seems to work. What a way to spend your Birthday!!
Reward, liver and onions for tea with a nice chardonnay. Top!
Wednesday it's short and fast reps on Green Hill. An even smaller group. 20. Am I puitting people off?
We do 5 sets of 5 to keep the group together. Finish in good time so when we do them again it will be 5 sets of 6.
Russell
Sunday, 4 December 2011
Monday, 21 November 2011
Bob Graham Round Leg 4
Saturday 19th November 2011
DW has a plan to do leg 4 of the BG. But starting from Honister and running over to Wasdale first.
We have done this before as a recce for pacing duties and therefore whilst actually supporting. Today though will be different as I have not done anything of this distance and time since the summer. I expect a tough day.
It is cold and breezy as we leave Honister at 8.36am when DW, KA and I set off. This is a great route to Wasdale, not much climb and with great views, though perhaps not today.
Here is an evening view of Ennerdale on a better day.
Crossing Beck Head under Great Gable it occurs to me that in another four and a half hours or so we will pass this way again but won't be taking the easy way back. The path down to Gavel Neese is rocky at first then grassy down the ridge. I go steady to preserve my quads. In Wasdale we see the hunt starting out onto the slopes of Yewbarrow then all too soon we leave the road and start the steep ascent ourselves. Steady again, there is a long way to go. The summit comes in good time so onto Red Pike and into the mist.
The views do not improve over Steeple, Scoat Fell and Pillar but the pace is good and we drop out of it as we approach Black Sail. Here we cross paths with the hunt. Beginning to feel it now on Kirk Fell but know Gable is next and that is the last big one. Again I set my pace and just keep going. It works well as I feel quite good.
Great Gable from Kirk Fell
We decide to take my racing line from the summit to Windy Gap, this is much quicker but does require a bit of commitment! Green Gable is soon behind us. Just before Brandtreth a disorientated group ask me just where they are. I am tempted to say Helvellyn but resist and point them in the right direction. On over Grey Knotts and down to the car where DW provides welcome tea and biscuits, excellent!
A great day but my quads feel it. Thanks DW.
Stairs are a problem on Sunday and Monday training is a test but I make it through.
Russell
DW has a plan to do leg 4 of the BG. But starting from Honister and running over to Wasdale first.
We have done this before as a recce for pacing duties and therefore whilst actually supporting. Today though will be different as I have not done anything of this distance and time since the summer. I expect a tough day.
It is cold and breezy as we leave Honister at 8.36am when DW, KA and I set off. This is a great route to Wasdale, not much climb and with great views, though perhaps not today.
Here is an evening view of Ennerdale on a better day.
Crossing Beck Head under Great Gable it occurs to me that in another four and a half hours or so we will pass this way again but won't be taking the easy way back. The path down to Gavel Neese is rocky at first then grassy down the ridge. I go steady to preserve my quads. In Wasdale we see the hunt starting out onto the slopes of Yewbarrow then all too soon we leave the road and start the steep ascent ourselves. Steady again, there is a long way to go. The summit comes in good time so onto Red Pike and into the mist.
The views do not improve over Steeple, Scoat Fell and Pillar but the pace is good and we drop out of it as we approach Black Sail. Here we cross paths with the hunt. Beginning to feel it now on Kirk Fell but know Gable is next and that is the last big one. Again I set my pace and just keep going. It works well as I feel quite good.
We decide to take my racing line from the summit to Windy Gap, this is much quicker but does require a bit of commitment! Green Gable is soon behind us. Just before Brandtreth a disorientated group ask me just where they are. I am tempted to say Helvellyn but resist and point them in the right direction. On over Grey Knotts and down to the car where DW provides welcome tea and biscuits, excellent!
A great day but my quads feel it. Thanks DW.
Stairs are a problem on Sunday and Monday training is a test but I make it through.
Russell
Friday, 18 November 2011
Remembrance and training etc
Remembrance Sunday I have short run from home. Craggy Wood and Reston Scar finishing at the war memorial for 11am. I feel a distinct lack of enthusiasm.
Monday training again, what am I doing, it goes well. Hard but that is what it is meant to be. No doubt the rewards will be reaped in the future.
40 mins run around Milnthorpe and Heversham on Tuesday whilst MC does his circuit training. Surprisingly OK.
Wednesday training is on Low Fellside. Various reps on the cobbles and lanes. The group is still big and quite difficult to keep together in this area. Not getting back down fast enough for the next rep. Will discuss.
Some positive feedback from a couple of new people.
Must now recover for big day on Saturday.
Russell
Monday training again, what am I doing, it goes well. Hard but that is what it is meant to be. No doubt the rewards will be reaped in the future.
40 mins run around Milnthorpe and Heversham on Tuesday whilst MC does his circuit training. Surprisingly OK.
Wednesday training is on Low Fellside. Various reps on the cobbles and lanes. The group is still big and quite difficult to keep together in this area. Not getting back down fast enough for the next rep. Will discuss.
Some positive feedback from a couple of new people.
Must now recover for big day on Saturday.
Russell
Saturday, 12 November 2011
Wednesday 9th Nov Training
Peat Lane.
I plan to do 8 reps but time will only allow for 7.
A large group again but not as many as last week.
It seemed to go OK. Hope we did not upset too many drivers.
My third day running in a row and I could feel it.
Russell
I plan to do 8 reps but time will only allow for 7.
A large group again but not as many as last week.
It seemed to go OK. Hope we did not upset too many drivers.
My third day running in a row and I could feel it.
Russell
Monday Training.
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
Not easy to motivate myself for this sort of thing but feel good about doing it afterwards.
I must keep it up.
Russell
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)