Monday 9th April 2012
I just wanted to cover the last part of the UTLD 50 route that I m not sure of, except the first few miles where I hope will have enough people in front of me to follow. So I park at Elterwater and head of in search of the checkpoint at Chapel Stile. Soon located I start the run up the Langdale Valley. Over into Little Langdale and on to Tilberthwaite. All goes well so I climb up past the quarries and suss out the final leg route to Coniston (not all the way), then return to Tilberthwaite and take the short route under Lingmmor back to Elterwater.
It rained the whole way but I really enjoyed being out on my own. More reccies to come but am now happy with the route.
Russell
Friday, 20 April 2012
Monday, 9 April 2012
UTLD JNC combo
Saturday 7th April 2012
Feeling inspired and needing a good run before next weekends Highlander I plan a route from Pooley Bridge taking in the first 2 legs of the UTLD 50 and then returning back over part of the first leg of the JNC. However a little limited on time and a misjudgment of how far we could get meant the run was cut short a little but still achieved its' objective. At the start we met another team also reccying. One chap wearing a pair of Hoka's (sorry try this). So impressed I am thinking of getting a pair.
Having DW along meant not needing to consult the map or instructions as he did the 100 last year. Everything went well. Good weather, and good running. Just the right amount of time out and even managed a pint in the Hawkshead Brewery Staveley on the way back.
Pleased
Russell
Feeling inspired and needing a good run before next weekends Highlander I plan a route from Pooley Bridge taking in the first 2 legs of the UTLD 50 and then returning back over part of the first leg of the JNC. However a little limited on time and a misjudgment of how far we could get meant the run was cut short a little but still achieved its' objective. At the start we met another team also reccying. One chap wearing a pair of Hoka's (sorry try this). So impressed I am thinking of getting a pair.
Having DW along meant not needing to consult the map or instructions as he did the 100 last year. Everything went well. Good weather, and good running. Just the right amount of time out and even managed a pint in the Hawkshead Brewery Staveley on the way back.
Pleased
Russell
Tuesday, 3 April 2012
Wansfell Pike
Monday 2nd April 2012
The weather has pretty much held so I drive over to Troutbeck and park at the Church. A short road run and onto Nanny Lane. My legs feel the climb but I push on. Soon I leave the track by a gate on the left and follow the path to Wansfell Pike. It is bone dry. This is the fourth run in a row I keep dry feet! Feeling hungry I root around in my bum bag and come up with a couple of pieces of millionaires shortbread left over from the weekend. They do the trick nicely.
I decide to go back via Jenkin Crag. It is a route I have only done in the dark and in the other direction but I find my way and am quickly down to the main path. I take the opportunity to visit the viewpiont. The eastern fells had been clear but Coniston and the Langdales are in thick cloud. Running back along Robin Lane feels good. I have not seen another person all the time I have been out. I quite like that.
Home now for fishcakes, salad and a nice chardonnay.
Russell
The weather has pretty much held so I drive over to Troutbeck and park at the Church. A short road run and onto Nanny Lane. My legs feel the climb but I push on. Soon I leave the track by a gate on the left and follow the path to Wansfell Pike. It is bone dry. This is the fourth run in a row I keep dry feet! Feeling hungry I root around in my bum bag and come up with a couple of pieces of millionaires shortbread left over from the weekend. They do the trick nicely.
I decide to go back via Jenkin Crag. It is a route I have only done in the dark and in the other direction but I find my way and am quickly down to the main path. I take the opportunity to visit the viewpiont. The eastern fells had been clear but Coniston and the Langdales are in thick cloud. Running back along Robin Lane feels good. I have not seen another person all the time I have been out. I quite like that.
Home now for fishcakes, salad and a nice chardonnay.
Russell
Saturday, 31 March 2012
Kentmere and Mardale
Saturday 31st March 2012
After forking out for 2 new front tyres this morning it is time for another run to kill the pain (or at least swap it for another sort). Taking inspiration from recent runs by MW, DW & CS I park in Kentmere and head towards Shipman Knotts and Kentmere Pike. It is tough to get going and the clouds at the head of the valley look ominous. There are a few spots of rain. It is very unusual to keep dry feet here at any time but I do. All the usual boggy places are dry! At Kentmere Pike a take a sharp right an drop into Longsleddale (Saunders MM 2010 ground). I investigate some old mine workings, very spooky. Then follow the track over Gatescarth to Mardale Head. Rather unpleasant descent but only a flavour of what to expect in the UTLD later in the year.
After passing the head of Haweswater I take sharp left and head direct up Dudderwick, a good steep climb, and join the main path to Rough Crag. Here I pass a couple with 2 very small dogs. I press on up to Long Stile. Looking back the couple and dogs are continuing up. I am sure they know what they are doing. Anyway, who am i to judge? I am wearing shorts and a T shirt.
The summit of Racecourse Hill is brilliant. I had forgotten the last time I had been here on a clear day. Clag, wind, rain, ice and snow yes. Sun and a view, I had forgotten about these. I am alone and privileged. It make the hard start to the day and the lack of enthusiasm disappear. It is what it's all about.
I take the easy way down to Nan Beild pass, drop into the valley and am soon back at the car.
Good
Russell
After forking out for 2 new front tyres this morning it is time for another run to kill the pain (or at least swap it for another sort). Taking inspiration from recent runs by MW, DW & CS I park in Kentmere and head towards Shipman Knotts and Kentmere Pike. It is tough to get going and the clouds at the head of the valley look ominous. There are a few spots of rain. It is very unusual to keep dry feet here at any time but I do. All the usual boggy places are dry! At Kentmere Pike a take a sharp right an drop into Longsleddale (Saunders MM 2010 ground). I investigate some old mine workings, very spooky. Then follow the track over Gatescarth to Mardale Head. Rather unpleasant descent but only a flavour of what to expect in the UTLD later in the year.
After passing the head of Haweswater I take sharp left and head direct up Dudderwick, a good steep climb, and join the main path to Rough Crag. Here I pass a couple with 2 very small dogs. I press on up to Long Stile. Looking back the couple and dogs are continuing up. I am sure they know what they are doing. Anyway, who am i to judge? I am wearing shorts and a T shirt.
The summit of Racecourse Hill is brilliant. I had forgotten the last time I had been here on a clear day. Clag, wind, rain, ice and snow yes. Sun and a view, I had forgotten about these. I am alone and privileged. It make the hard start to the day and the lack of enthusiasm disappear. It is what it's all about.
I take the easy way down to Nan Beild pass, drop into the valley and am soon back at the car.
Good
Russell
Sallows
Tuesday 27th March 2012
The weather is too good to stay in and I feel a little tired of my usual runs from home so decide to head towards Troutbeck. Last year on a Kentmere run with DW we had stood on Sallows and contemplated the idea of a run on Applethwaite Common. Tonight was my chance to explore the area a little.
The last time I was here was over 10 years ago with DR. That day had been in rain, strong wind and almost zero visibility. Today could not be more different. I park at the end of Dubbs lane and jog up past the reservoir then over the stile and onto the fell. Pure pleasure, a grassy trod and the sun on my back. A couple of people pass me on their way down and then I am on my own. At the summit of Sour Howes the views are great (my photo's are not).
A great little area for an evening run but don't tell anyone.
Russell
The weather is too good to stay in and I feel a little tired of my usual runs from home so decide to head towards Troutbeck. Last year on a Kentmere run with DW we had stood on Sallows and contemplated the idea of a run on Applethwaite Common. Tonight was my chance to explore the area a little.
The last time I was here was over 10 years ago with DR. That day had been in rain, strong wind and almost zero visibility. Today could not be more different. I park at the end of Dubbs lane and jog up past the reservoir then over the stile and onto the fell. Pure pleasure, a grassy trod and the sun on my back. A couple of people pass me on their way down and then I am on my own. At the summit of Sour Howes the views are great (my photo's are not).
Onward to Sallows and more views then I head back.
Yes this is the summit in the foreground. No cairn but a nice view of the Kentmere fells. Retracing my steps I explore a little more ground south of Sour Howes but it does not look like it will be a good way back to the car so I head for the track. Another visit needed when I have more time.
The return run does however give great view of the Scafell Massif and another photo opportunity.
Russell
Wednesday, 28 March 2012
A Fine Weekend
Saturday 24th March 2012
The Helm Hill Ladies are planning to recce the up coming Coledale Horseshoe and I find myself persuaded to join them. Not that this is a problem. The forecast is great and it is just the sort of run I need to get me back in the game. We leave Braithwaite at 10.15am. A good start time. and head up the road (the worst part of the route). Soon climbing on the fell we reach Sleet How and it is warm but as the summit of Grisdale Pike approached the breeze picks up and conditions are perfect. There is quite a crowd up here but we do not stop.
After a short descent we take the trod missing out point 739 and drop to Coledale Hause. The first time I did this race it was an evening affair and the trod was no so distinct. I remember contouring across the scree and descending the open fell. It is a bit too obvious now. Jogging over the hause it was hard to ignore Eel Crag looming above looking dark and ominous in the shade. We meet a couple of Clayton ladies not sure of the route and careful to avoid any steep drops. I assure them it is OK and we ascend together bursting out into the sunshine one more and heading for the summit of Crag Hill.
The short descent from Crag Hill is a bit rough and rocky but there is no avoiding it. Then another contour around Sail brings you nicely onto a trod through the grass and heather down to rejoin the main path. Once again this trod did not used to be here. Is this fell running getting too easy? Drop left now and take the big track passing Outerside. Pick the right trod to turn off this and head for Barrow. Keep straight on at Barrow Door and the summit comes quickly.
Now all that is left is the brilliant descent to the finish. I try and encourage the ladies to lean forward and commit but this does not seem to go down well. However we are soon at the bottom and jogging back to the cars. Tea and the best flapjack ever are a great way to end the run.
Sunday 25th March 2012
Helm Hill Runners Downhill Championship race.
This year the downhill is at Cautley near Sedbergh. Descending from the summit of Yarlside over Ben End to finish at the footbridge. I am ably assisted in flagging the course by DW and MC. Both then time themselves from the top whilst I jog down and check the flag positions.
Once back I start to take registrations. DW heads back up to take on his starters duties. After a few late entries we end up with 19 runners. All return safely but with one DNF due to injury. Times will be calculated later. I am glad to get some positive feedback and most stayed a while to chat and enjoy the sunshine. I would like to keep it going. However I feel a few more entrants are needed.
Results
Russell
The Helm Hill Ladies are planning to recce the up coming Coledale Horseshoe and I find myself persuaded to join them. Not that this is a problem. The forecast is great and it is just the sort of run I need to get me back in the game. We leave Braithwaite at 10.15am. A good start time. and head up the road (the worst part of the route). Soon climbing on the fell we reach Sleet How and it is warm but as the summit of Grisdale Pike approached the breeze picks up and conditions are perfect. There is quite a crowd up here but we do not stop.
After a short descent we take the trod missing out point 739 and drop to Coledale Hause. The first time I did this race it was an evening affair and the trod was no so distinct. I remember contouring across the scree and descending the open fell. It is a bit too obvious now. Jogging over the hause it was hard to ignore Eel Crag looming above looking dark and ominous in the shade. We meet a couple of Clayton ladies not sure of the route and careful to avoid any steep drops. I assure them it is OK and we ascend together bursting out into the sunshine one more and heading for the summit of Crag Hill.
The short descent from Crag Hill is a bit rough and rocky but there is no avoiding it. Then another contour around Sail brings you nicely onto a trod through the grass and heather down to rejoin the main path. Once again this trod did not used to be here. Is this fell running getting too easy? Drop left now and take the big track passing Outerside. Pick the right trod to turn off this and head for Barrow. Keep straight on at Barrow Door and the summit comes quickly.
Now all that is left is the brilliant descent to the finish. I try and encourage the ladies to lean forward and commit but this does not seem to go down well. However we are soon at the bottom and jogging back to the cars. Tea and the best flapjack ever are a great way to end the run.
Sunday 25th March 2012
Helm Hill Runners Downhill Championship race.
This year the downhill is at Cautley near Sedbergh. Descending from the summit of Yarlside over Ben End to finish at the footbridge. I am ably assisted in flagging the course by DW and MC. Both then time themselves from the top whilst I jog down and check the flag positions.
Once back I start to take registrations. DW heads back up to take on his starters duties. After a few late entries we end up with 19 runners. All return safely but with one DNF due to injury. Times will be calculated later. I am glad to get some positive feedback and most stayed a while to chat and enjoy the sunshine. I would like to keep it going. However I feel a few more entrants are needed.
Results
Russell
Monday, 19 March 2012
Work, Mothers Day and Running
Friday 16th March and I am making plans for a good long run on Saturday before helping to flag the Winter League on Sunday. However best laid plans and all that. Work takes over and it looks like I will have to do a couple of hours on Saturday morning. Friday night and CC presents me with a list of errends to do after work (for Mothers Day) so I am only going to manage a much shorter run.
Leaving the Kirkstone I head for St Raven's Edge. Passing the 3 new wind turbines behind the inn. Good thing or bad thing? Discuss. I cut around to visit Hart Crag, Pike How (JNC checkpoint) then Stony Cove Pike and Caudale Moor. I check the routes to the little tarn just in case I am every selected to run the Ian Hodgson relay again. Well you have to remain positive! I get home in time to watch England thrash Ireland at rugby on St Patricks Day, excellent!
Sunday dawns clear and bright. I am envious of DW going for a long run. I help flag the Elterwater Winter League route then head home for more Mothers Day duties. Still, a free meal and 3 pints of Hawkshead in rhe Eagle and Child help the mood.
Conclusion: Work, Mothers Day and running do not mix.
Running followed by beer does so next weeks Hawkshead Brewery beer festival provides an ideal opportunity.
Russell
Leaving the Kirkstone I head for St Raven's Edge. Passing the 3 new wind turbines behind the inn. Good thing or bad thing? Discuss. I cut around to visit Hart Crag, Pike How (JNC checkpoint) then Stony Cove Pike and Caudale Moor. I check the routes to the little tarn just in case I am every selected to run the Ian Hodgson relay again. Well you have to remain positive! I get home in time to watch England thrash Ireland at rugby on St Patricks Day, excellent!
Sunday dawns clear and bright. I am envious of DW going for a long run. I help flag the Elterwater Winter League route then head home for more Mothers Day duties. Still, a free meal and 3 pints of Hawkshead in rhe Eagle and Child help the mood.
Conclusion: Work, Mothers Day and running do not mix.
Running followed by beer does so next weeks Hawkshead Brewery beer festival provides an ideal opportunity.
Russell
Monday, 12 March 2012
Trying to get fit
After Black Combe I am finding it hard to get any enthusiasm. Still not up to Monday training and not wanting to risk making the injury worse I give it a miss and do the circuit training on Tuesday with MC. It might be better to wait until after the Highlander to push it in case I make it worse. Wednesday at the club night the hill reps don't come easy but I am glad I did the session.
On Friday it is only 5 weeks to the Highlander so decide I had better concentrate on longer runs. A surprise visit from my daughter scuppers plans for Sunday but I manage a shorter run in the evening. During which I hatch a plan to do Fairfield on Monday night. I know this will mean coming down in the dark but I should make the top in daylight.
I only intend to go up and come down the same way and time is limited. I decide to see where I am in 1 hour and what the weather is like before committing myself to anything more. At Nab Scar I realise that of all the times I have been here I don't think I have visited the top. There are about 5 summits, some with cairns and some without. I go to them all just in case. Then I make good progress to Heron Pike but am now in the mist. I push on the Greatrigg Man. 59 minutes down and it is very gloomy, time to turn back.
I have a head torch but feel reluctant to use it. I really don't like staring down the tunnel of the beam. So progress is steady. 45 minutes to get down with pause to take in the view when I drop out of the mist. Do the lights of Amblside seam attractive? It is surprisingly warm. I am please with my effort and must now keep it up,
Sundays cake. Treacle tart and ice cream.
Russell
On Friday it is only 5 weeks to the Highlander so decide I had better concentrate on longer runs. A surprise visit from my daughter scuppers plans for Sunday but I manage a shorter run in the evening. During which I hatch a plan to do Fairfield on Monday night. I know this will mean coming down in the dark but I should make the top in daylight.
I only intend to go up and come down the same way and time is limited. I decide to see where I am in 1 hour and what the weather is like before committing myself to anything more. At Nab Scar I realise that of all the times I have been here I don't think I have visited the top. There are about 5 summits, some with cairns and some without. I go to them all just in case. Then I make good progress to Heron Pike but am now in the mist. I push on the Greatrigg Man. 59 minutes down and it is very gloomy, time to turn back.
I have a head torch but feel reluctant to use it. I really don't like staring down the tunnel of the beam. So progress is steady. 45 minutes to get down with pause to take in the view when I drop out of the mist. Do the lights of Amblside seam attractive? It is surprisingly warm. I am please with my effort and must now keep it up,
Sundays cake. Treacle tart and ice cream.
Russell
Saturday, 3 March 2012
Black Combe
Black Combe Fell Race. Saturday 3rd March 2012
I was very apprehensive about doing this again. It is one of those races where, even if you have done it before, it is easy to go wrong in bad weather. I was determined to get it right this time. The other reason for entering was to get some climbing in before the up coming MM's.
The forecast wasn't great but improving from 12 noon onwards. As it turned out this was spot on. Rain on the journey and low cloud when we arrived at Silecroft. We couldn't even see the first checkpoint, Seaness. After registration and chatting to friends we could see blue sky approaching and by the start all but the very summit of Black Combe was cloud free.
Because of the wet fields the start and finish was moved much closer to the fell gate. Just after noon we were off and into the short but steep first climb. I go very steady hoping this will pay off later. The main path to the summit is not steep and runnable for me if fit. Not so today. Runners I am normally up with are not far ahead so I am happy with that. The summit arrives and the mist is light enough to easily get the right route off.
After a short descent White Combe comes into view, on the run round I pick up a few places. Not least because after turning at the top of White Combe beck a brief hail shower comes in and people stop to put cags on. I look west and see it should only be brief so carry on. The hail is accompanied by a strong breeze and legs, arms and face are battered. It stings a lot. I run with my hand over my ear. A lot of runners finish with what looks like a nasty rash on the right hand side of any exposed parts.
Sorry about the quality of the photo. It is hard to photograph your own leg, the indoor lighting doesn't help. Anyway I hope you see what I mean.
I gain more places on the descent to the Fodder Rack and beck bottom. Then it is into the climb back up all the way to the South Summit. I expect to die here and suffer a lot but am surprisingly into a good pace and manage to keep it going. I even gain on a few and pass them near the top. Runners leave the checkpoint down the "racing line". I take my line further right to join the main path sooner. This works well and I gain half a dozen places.
2 or 3 more places gained on the descent and the finish comes into site. I hear feet behind me and so speed up but cannot shake them off. With 40 yards to go we are neck and neck. Ben warns me that the dibber boxes at the finish are in a tricky, slippy place so I just hold back in the last few yards allowing the other runner to out sprint me. This works well as he overshoots the line and I dib before him. Only 1 place by 1 second but it is a race. Even if I had thought I had given that sort of thing up.
Good runs also from Helm Hillers. Ben, Chris, Stewart, Lindsay, Steve and Victoria.
Russell
I was very apprehensive about doing this again. It is one of those races where, even if you have done it before, it is easy to go wrong in bad weather. I was determined to get it right this time. The other reason for entering was to get some climbing in before the up coming MM's.
The forecast wasn't great but improving from 12 noon onwards. As it turned out this was spot on. Rain on the journey and low cloud when we arrived at Silecroft. We couldn't even see the first checkpoint, Seaness. After registration and chatting to friends we could see blue sky approaching and by the start all but the very summit of Black Combe was cloud free.
Because of the wet fields the start and finish was moved much closer to the fell gate. Just after noon we were off and into the short but steep first climb. I go very steady hoping this will pay off later. The main path to the summit is not steep and runnable for me if fit. Not so today. Runners I am normally up with are not far ahead so I am happy with that. The summit arrives and the mist is light enough to easily get the right route off.
After a short descent White Combe comes into view, on the run round I pick up a few places. Not least because after turning at the top of White Combe beck a brief hail shower comes in and people stop to put cags on. I look west and see it should only be brief so carry on. The hail is accompanied by a strong breeze and legs, arms and face are battered. It stings a lot. I run with my hand over my ear. A lot of runners finish with what looks like a nasty rash on the right hand side of any exposed parts.
I gain more places on the descent to the Fodder Rack and beck bottom. Then it is into the climb back up all the way to the South Summit. I expect to die here and suffer a lot but am surprisingly into a good pace and manage to keep it going. I even gain on a few and pass them near the top. Runners leave the checkpoint down the "racing line". I take my line further right to join the main path sooner. This works well and I gain half a dozen places.
2 or 3 more places gained on the descent and the finish comes into site. I hear feet behind me and so speed up but cannot shake them off. With 40 yards to go we are neck and neck. Ben warns me that the dibber boxes at the finish are in a tricky, slippy place so I just hold back in the last few yards allowing the other runner to out sprint me. This works well as he overshoots the line and I dib before him. Only 1 place by 1 second but it is a race. Even if I had thought I had given that sort of thing up.
Good runs also from Helm Hillers. Ben, Chris, Stewart, Lindsay, Steve and Victoria.
Russell
Sunday, 19 February 2012
Golden Pearl
Sunday 19th February
A race to celebrate Pete and Anne Blands 50th wedding Anniversary and 30 years of running the shop.
The route is 2 laps of the summer Reston Scar Scamper.
I have a jog in the morning to test out my injury and all seems well (well almost) so I run.
The weather was perfect and I run OK. Better than expected actually. I can only put it down to the Monday nights giving me a bit extra speed. The climbs were tough and I will have to improve.
Russell
A race to celebrate Pete and Anne Blands 50th wedding Anniversary and 30 years of running the shop.
The route is 2 laps of the summer Reston Scar Scamper.
I have a jog in the morning to test out my injury and all seems well (well almost) so I run.
The weather was perfect and I run OK. Better than expected actually. I can only put it down to the Monday nights giving me a bit extra speed. The climbs were tough and I will have to improve.
Russell
February runs, training and injury.
Not posted for a while so here is an update. February got off to a good start. I was improving!! Monday training was paying off. On Sunday 5th I had a good 2 hour run from home over the scars (Cunswick and Scout) and back. It snowed quite a bit but I really enjoyed it. My route took me cross country to the Crook road and then up onto Cunswick. Along to the mushroom down across the racecourse and into Kendal. Back up through Serpentine Woods, across the golf course to Cunswick again then return by same route. The ground was frozen making the boggy bits much better.
Monday training was interesting because of the snow which was soft in places and crunchy in others. I don't know if I ran well or others were more cautious.
Wednesday training went well also. We found a snow and ice free road on Shap Road Industrial Estate. Again I notice the improvement. But then on the warm down get a pain in my right leg just above the knee. It feels minor (I hope).
Saturday I flag the Fairmile Winter League route with Tim. The ground is frozen and the frozen snow patches make us question if the race can be run. An overnight thaw helps and the race goes ahead, good.
My leg hadn't bothered me so I turn up at Mondays session as usual. On rep 3 the pain returns. I decide to stop. I want to race on the following Sunday so give Wednesday a miss. Cycling to work all week does not seem to effect the injury but I choose not to run until the race and hope it is OK.
Russell
Monday training was interesting because of the snow which was soft in places and crunchy in others. I don't know if I ran well or others were more cautious.
Wednesday training went well also. We found a snow and ice free road on Shap Road Industrial Estate. Again I notice the improvement. But then on the warm down get a pain in my right leg just above the knee. It feels minor (I hope).
Saturday I flag the Fairmile Winter League route with Tim. The ground is frozen and the frozen snow patches make us question if the race can be run. An overnight thaw helps and the race goes ahead, good.
My leg hadn't bothered me so I turn up at Mondays session as usual. On rep 3 the pain returns. I decide to stop. I want to race on the following Sunday so give Wednesday a miss. Cycling to work all week does not seem to effect the injury but I choose not to run until the race and hope it is OK.
Russell
Sunday, 29 January 2012
Lakeland 50 Recce
Saturday 28th January 2012
Waking to see the fells covered in snow I pondered what to do that day. I had thought of a recce of the first section on the Joss Naylor Challenge but the snow would have made that difficult.Finding the right lines and trods etc. So I opted for plan B and a recce of part of the Lakeland Ultra 50 mile. The section I chose was from Troutbeck to Skelwith Bridge. A lot of the route I already know so this was an exercise on joinig the dots as it were.
Parking near the church I reversed the route up to the Garburn track to be sure where to leave it and drop into the valley. Then I headed along Robin Lane and Jenkin Crag into Ambleside. Contrasting views here.
Firstly the Fairfield Horsehoe looking splendid.
Then this blot on the landscape.
I did not actually go to the checkpoint at Rock & Run but cut through the lanes to the park and headed to Loughrigg. Straightforward over the main path and down to the step road descent to Skelwith Bridge.
So recce complete it is just a case of getting back to the car in Troutbeck. I am planning to do the Loughrigg Silver How Chase in three weeks so check out the route to Lily Tarn on the way back.
Back through Ambleside I stop at Fellinis to book our cinema and meal for the evening and reverse the route to Troutbeck. A good run.
Sunday I had hoped to get onto the scar and support those Helm Hill Runners doing 'That's Lyth' but family matters get in the way, and more decorating. Although we are now on to choosing light fittings.
Today cake is treacle tart. Excellent.
Last week it was spicy apple.
Russell
Waking to see the fells covered in snow I pondered what to do that day. I had thought of a recce of the first section on the Joss Naylor Challenge but the snow would have made that difficult.Finding the right lines and trods etc. So I opted for plan B and a recce of part of the Lakeland Ultra 50 mile. The section I chose was from Troutbeck to Skelwith Bridge. A lot of the route I already know so this was an exercise on joinig the dots as it were.
Parking near the church I reversed the route up to the Garburn track to be sure where to leave it and drop into the valley. Then I headed along Robin Lane and Jenkin Crag into Ambleside. Contrasting views here.
Firstly the Fairfield Horsehoe looking splendid.
Then this blot on the landscape.
I did not actually go to the checkpoint at Rock & Run but cut through the lanes to the park and headed to Loughrigg. Straightforward over the main path and down to the step road descent to Skelwith Bridge.
So recce complete it is just a case of getting back to the car in Troutbeck. I am planning to do the Loughrigg Silver How Chase in three weeks so check out the route to Lily Tarn on the way back.
Back through Ambleside I stop at Fellinis to book our cinema and meal for the evening and reverse the route to Troutbeck. A good run.
Sunday I had hoped to get onto the scar and support those Helm Hill Runners doing 'That's Lyth' but family matters get in the way, and more decorating. Although we are now on to choosing light fittings.
Today cake is treacle tart. Excellent.
Last week it was spicy apple.
Russell
Thursday, 26 January 2012
Thursday
A day to recover. I don't even cycle to work. Only a meeting in the warehouse followed by a ham sandwich. Then home to sand the skirting boards. I love decorating :-(
Russell
Russell
The Crosby Commoner
Saturday 21st January 2012
A new race for the calendar and also one for our club championship. It turned to be excellent if a little challenging in the strong wind. It never seemed to be behind us.
HH had some good results with DW 4th and KA first lady.
One to look out for next year.
Russell
A new race for the calendar and also one for our club championship. It turned to be excellent if a little challenging in the strong wind. It never seemed to be behind us.
HH had some good results with DW 4th and KA first lady.
One to look out for next year.
Russell
Weekly update
After the Crosby Commoner Sunday was a day of rest. Only a gentle walk with the wife. Followed by tea and cake of course.
Monday training was a tough one, a few more reps than usual but felt good at the end.
Tuesday was a quick, ha ha, 10k whilst MC was at training and Wednesday 8 reps on Captain French Lane.
That's enough until Saturday.
Russell
Monday training was a tough one, a few more reps than usual but felt good at the end.
Tuesday was a quick, ha ha, 10k whilst MC was at training and Wednesday 8 reps on Captain French Lane.
That's enough until Saturday.
Russell
Thursday, 19 January 2012
More training.
Monday training was as usual hard but good (in the end). The ground was frozen and because of the recent wet weather very uneven. We all survived in tact.
Wednesday produced the largest group so far. 50+. Too big really for many reasons. Will need to split up if that many turn up again.
Russell
Wednesday produced the largest group so far. 50+. Too big really for many reasons. Will need to split up if that many turn up again.
Russell
Coniston Fells
Saturday 14th January
5 of us set of from near the Sun Inn Coniston on a round of the local fells. The weather was excellent. Clear and cold. The climbs warmed us up and the breeze on the tops cooled us down. We made good progress with a couple of short stops for snacks and were back down in a little over 3 and a half hours. Soup, chips and beer were had. Then head home to paint the ceiling.
Fine views and company. Top day!
Russell
5 of us set of from near the Sun Inn Coniston on a round of the local fells. The weather was excellent. Clear and cold. The climbs warmed us up and the breeze on the tops cooled us down. We made good progress with a couple of short stops for snacks and were back down in a little over 3 and a half hours. Soup, chips and beer were had. Then head home to paint the ceiling.
Fine views and company. Top day!
Russell
Friday, 13 January 2012
Back to training.
Monday 9th January
First Monday back and it is tough going. Especially after yesterday. Really clarty underfoot. I struggle and think of packing it after 2 reps. But then I always feel like that. I manage to keep going and finish. Glad I did.
Tuesday 10th January
Steady run from Dallam whilst MC is in the gym. My legs feel like lead to start but improve a bit after half an hour. No speed though.
Wednesday 11th January
Reps on Peat Lane. I am taking the session otherwise I might not have come. Again fell better as the session goes on. Big group again but it went well. Looking forward to the Helm. Enthusiasm for the street is low.
Russell
First Monday back and it is tough going. Especially after yesterday. Really clarty underfoot. I struggle and think of packing it after 2 reps. But then I always feel like that. I manage to keep going and finish. Glad I did.
Tuesday 10th January
Steady run from Dallam whilst MC is in the gym. My legs feel like lead to start but improve a bit after half an hour. No speed though.
Wednesday 11th January
Reps on Peat Lane. I am taking the session otherwise I might not have come. Again fell better as the session goes on. Big group again but it went well. Looking forward to the Helm. Enthusiasm for the street is low.
Russell
Buttermere Sailbeck
Sunday 8th January
We start from the old purple house (not there any more) and head straight up Causey Pike. A good climb to get things going. No problem finding the trod in the heather, there is now a trod leading straight to it. Not how it used to be. Into the mist by the time we reach the top and the wind picks up. Hat and gloves time.
Steady progress over Sail and onto Eel Crag. A quick bearing almost brings us onto the trod towards Whiteless Pike but we soon recover and are heading down this brilliant descent to Buttermere. One of the best race descents there is. Honest.
It is much warmer down here, hat and gloves come off. A short climb on the road and we are on the muddy trod heading to the steeper climb to Knott Rigg. Not a checkpoint so we contour past the summit. Colder now with the wind back and rain. Hat and gloves back on. Quickly on to Ard Crags and the final descent. It is super slippy but I keep my feet until 10 yards form the bottom when I trip over myself. Nice somersault.
Change to warm clothes and then a coffee. Back to Hawkshead Brewery, Staveley and a pint of Stout.
Nice.
Russell
We start from the old purple house (not there any more) and head straight up Causey Pike. A good climb to get things going. No problem finding the trod in the heather, there is now a trod leading straight to it. Not how it used to be. Into the mist by the time we reach the top and the wind picks up. Hat and gloves time.
Steady progress over Sail and onto Eel Crag. A quick bearing almost brings us onto the trod towards Whiteless Pike but we soon recover and are heading down this brilliant descent to Buttermere. One of the best race descents there is. Honest.
It is much warmer down here, hat and gloves come off. A short climb on the road and we are on the muddy trod heading to the steeper climb to Knott Rigg. Not a checkpoint so we contour past the summit. Colder now with the wind back and rain. Hat and gloves back on. Quickly on to Ard Crags and the final descent. It is super slippy but I keep my feet until 10 yards form the bottom when I trip over myself. Nice somersault.
Change to warm clothes and then a coffee. Back to Hawkshead Brewery, Staveley and a pint of Stout.
Nice.
Russell
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