Black Combe race

Saturday 2nd March 2012

Always a good way to kick off the racing year. If you have not already done 10 Winter League races. Back to the usual start and finish as the fields were relatively dry. My warm up felt OK but the race start was terrible. Heavy legs and hard work but I am determined to keep running until the steepness of Seaness prevents it.

I deliberately set a steady pace to the summit of Black Combe, perhaps too steady as I feel out of place in the field. In the mist now but I get the right line around to White Combe and gain a few places and a few more down to the fodder rack and river crossing. Now the real work begins. Surprisingly I feel better than I thought I would. I start to gain on the group ahead but am passed by 4 or 5 runners. However I 'dig in' as they say and by the summit I feel good and have caught then all up.

The mist has come right in now and I ignore everyone else and take my own line back to the main path. This works well as I pass all but one without even seeing them. I chase this runner all the way down slowly gaining. Approaching the finish I finally catch them and although crossing the line behind them my better dibber technique enables me rightly or wrongly to be placed ahead of them in the results ( sorry Anna).

My time is 5 minutes slower than I would like but that is usually the case these days. But I am still relatively pleased. The pie peas back in the village hall were very welcome. And all for £6. This really in one of the best races in the calendar.

Russell

Helvellyn and the Dodds

Saturday 23rd February 2013

DW, CB and I head for Threlkeld to do the race route.

Although a reasonably nice day in the valleys the tops are in mist and still have snow. The climb up Clough Head seems harder than last time but I can only go at my pace. I am finding more and more that the start of runs is harder and it takes a while to get going.

After Great Dodd the snow and ice increases and at Lower Man we don Kahtoolas. A good decision. They make the return so much easier, especially the descents. There were a few Mountain Rescue call outs on Helvellyn this day.

I work as hard as I can but still get left behind on the climbs. Nice of the others to wait for me. Soon we descend back to Newsham and things warm up. Coffee and cake courtesy of DW very welcome.

Russell

Fairfield

Saturday 16th February 2013

Not a great forecast but need to get out today as am on family duties tomorrow. I decide on Fairfield from Grasmere via Stone Arthur and see how it goes from there. Quite wet underfoot to start with but then things became gradually more frozen. The summit of Great Rigg Man was bleak. From there the snow became more crusty and icy. The breeze picked on Fairfield, not a place to hang around today.

The descent to Grisdale Hause is not great in summer. Today decidedly unpleasant. As height was lost the snow became softer and rocks more prominent. Care needed. Once down it was a relief to be out of the wind. Most of the ascent of Seat Sandal was in deep snow and very hard going. I can only gain comfort from the fact that this must be good training.

From the summit I take a bearing and head off into the whiteness. However I find myself heading too far right. The snow drifts have a crusty surface as my shins can testify. After correcting my line I am soon at the pointy rock spike. Although below the snow now the steep and rocky ground is tricky. I am careful.

At Dunmail I consider Steel Fell, wanting to recce an alternative line. Conditions are against me on this so part way up I contour to the ridge and head back down to Town Head. Only 2 and a half hours but very hard work at times.

Always try to take a positive.

Russell

Langdale

Saturday 9th February 2013

The plan was to do more recceing for the JNC but the weather was not playing ball. Snow and low cloud. Still it was a good opportunity to try alternative lines in poor visibility. Langdale was the chosen venue and DW and I head up Stickle Gill and Blea Rigg to Sargeant Man. From there we dropped to below Calf Crag. The line I wanted to try follows Birks Gill then continues almost directly to High Raise. This worked well. The snow made for hard going but I think it could the way to go. Just one more alternative to try and of course do again it better conditions when I can check it against the schedule.

From High Raise we pick up the snow covered trod to the top of Stake Pass. This line will need a bit more attention. Stick to the path or take more direct but on potentially poorer ground. Now we follow the OCT route for a while then try a line to Rossett Pike that I had used last summer. In the poor visibility we cut up too soon and after orientating ourselves head along the ridge to the summit. Then down the main path and along the valley to the NDG.

Finishing of with a pint of Winter Warmer in the Hawkshead Brewery.

A very good training run and a couple of things learned. A good day.

Russell

Leg 1 JNLC recce

Saturday 2nd February 2013

I have been planning this run for a while but never had the chance due to time and weather. The forecast was very good if a little breezy (it was) so no excuse. The scariest moment of the day came on the drive over. A patch of ice by Brotherswater momentarily took my destiny out of my own hands.

Parking no problem today and I am soon off up the road and track to Hayeswater. A little more height gained and I am into the sunshine. But also to wind. Hat and gloves on. It was to be this way all day. At The Knott I am onto snow. It is frozen but just enough give to allow safe passage without need for crampons. Just as well as I had decided to leave my Kahtoolas behind. After reaching Rampsgill Head I follow to ridge all the way back to Loadpot Hill.

Now the fun begins. Time to set the watch and see if I can keep to the schedule. I drop the odd minute and the going is variable. The wind cannot decide if it wants to help or hinder. The snow mostly firm but occasionally the frozen drifts give way. I am also constantly distracted by the view west. Probably as good as it gets. I had no camera so you'll have to take my word for it. They will live in the memory. I suspect on the day I won't have the time for such luxuries. If you had the good fortune to be out this day you will know what I mean.

I descend happily back to Hartsop and warmer temperatures. The car park is now chocker! The drive home is a pleasure. I always know I have had a good run when driving back my mind wanders over the days events, I am smiling and nothing bothers me. Not even news about idiot politicians, football fixing and the price of petrol on Radio4.

Russell

Snowy day.

Saturday 26th January

The predicted snow finally came making my cycle home last night entertaining.

This morning after snow clearing duties I ran the Reston Scar Scamper race route. Quite breezy on the top so I guess it would be a lot worse on the high fells.

Great to be out in these conditions. The steep descents were interesting. Thawing quickly now so if the rain comes tonight I don't think there will be much left tomorrow.

Russell

The training begins

Saturday 19th January 2013

Provisional date for JNLC attempt set as 20th July 2013.

Last week I had a look at the last part of the first leg. Parking at Kirkstone I ran out to Thornthwaite Crag. Then set the clock and timed myself back. Quite pleased I managed to keep to the schedule (just).

Today I went out with DW. Parking at Dunmail we climbed up Willie Wife Moor to Dollywagon then on to Nethermost Pike and Helvellyn. Thinking going back would be too short we continued to Whiteside and Raise. Down Stake pass to Stanah bridge. Back along the paths and forest roads to Dunmail.

A very good run. More of these needed.

A small slip resulted in a bruised knee but hey ho that's the way it goes.

Must keep motivated.

Russell

New Years Day Run

Tuesday 1st January 2013

The weather was a little grim so I opted for a short run over Cunswick and Scout Scars. A good way to start the new year. Hope to keep it up.

Russell

No title comes to mind for this post.

Saturday 29th December

The weather forecast was not good. Wet and windy. So we eventually decide to abandon plan A. Also plan C and go for plan B. Basically follow he UTLD route from Elterwater to Coniston and then find an alternative way back.

Thankfully the pace was very steady and we made reasonable progress passing a couple of 4x4's on the way to Tilberthwaite. Heading over to Coniston we encountered wind and rain. Confirming our decision to stay low was a good one.

In Coniston we decide to follow the Cumbrian Way back to Skelwith Bridge. Going via Tarn Hows was OK but after that I did start to suffer a little. It felt a long (undulating) way and my lack of running and climbing was showing itself.

The river Brathay at Skelwith Force was in full spate and very impressive. A bit scary I find. The plod back to Elterwater along the partly flooded path uncomfortable. Glad I made the effort but it did show just how short of fitness I am and how much I need to do if any of 2013's challenges are to be attempted.

Thanks DW and CB for the company and waiting for me.

Russell

Orienteering

27th December 2012

Tried out the orienteering course at Center Parcs. Good fun but not proper orienteering.
Approx an hour. Good training.

Russell

Boxing Day

26th December 2012

Had a short run then a swim followed by a game of pool and a pint of lager whilst watching the footy. Top.

Russell

Great Langdale Christmas Pudding 10 K

Saturday 16th December 2012

I had originally planned this as my first race as a vet 50 but then the Really Wild Boar race popped up so I really had no reason to be here at all. Several times before the start I did question why I was still doing it. However I had set myself the target of running under 45 minutes and getting as near to 42 minutes as possible. Trying to do 7 minute miles or better.
7 minute miles = 43.45. I ran 44.14 so just missed that one.

I think I ran at a fairly consistent pace. Passing a few in the first half but being passed by a few in the second. They didn't gain much on me

A little disappointed but generally pleased. Especially when I consider my lack of training on the road.

'Not bad for someone of my age' to quote KA at the finish.

Russell

The 'Really' Wild Boar

Saturday 8th December 2012

A momentous day. Well not really but it was my first race as a V50.

Having been a bit full of cold in the week I doubted if I would be able to run. Even at 9 o'clock on race day I questioned whether it was a good idea. Once up and breakfasted I felt better and packed my bag. The wife was back late from an errand which meant I arrived with only enough time change, register, 5 min warm up and then be ready to race ( I mean run/ jog).

The track we followed for the first part of the race was partly icy but mostly OK with little snow cover. I went very steady until I spotted a club mate ahead and noticed I was gaining on him. By the time we reached the top gate I had caught him and made my pass. However this only resulted in joining single file traffic up the last part of the climb.

The wind here was cold and icy, blasting us from the south. I wished I had my cag on.

There was no passing opportunity as venturing of the snow trod meant entering deep snow and expanding a lot of energy. Once on the summit plateau things improved . We moved quicker but the odd drift slowed progress. I manage to pass a couple of runners just before the descent.

This was fun but venturing of the trod meant shins would be cut or grazed as feet broke through the icy top layer of snow. I passed when I could but otherwise just strode out and enjoyed it. Once back on the track I concentrated on picking off the few runners I could spot ahead and keeping my feet.

Times were well down on last year. 12 mins for me. A warm pub for prize giving was most welcome. Soup and chips. A pint. A good day. Glad I made the effort.

Russell

Night run photo shoot

Thursday
29/11/12

Basically this evolved me running around with a head torch and a bike light whilst Matthew took some long exposure photos. Good fun. Also one of me running back.

Birthday run

28/11/12

50th birthday run.

Kentmere.

After opening a few presents and a quick bowl of cornflakes DW picks me up and we head up the Kentmere valley. It is looking like a beautiful day if a little cold and breezy. At 8.30am we set off up Garburn the sunlight ahead drawing us on. Climbing more steeply to Buck Crag I begin to feel the effort. Once over the top the pleasant running up towards Yoke is made a bit of an ordeal by the head wind. The upside being the views improving with every few yards.

We take the race/traverse line around Yoke and climb Ill Bell where the views are superb. We can see the snow ahead on Thornthwaite and High Street. Traversing Froswick on the race route is one of my favourite pieces of running, DW kindly let's me take the lead.

Once into the snow the going gets tough as we cannot be sure which step will be firm and when we will break through the icy crust, sapping energy and scratching shins. We abandon the struggle to High Street and follow the snow and ice covered path across towards Mardale Ill Bell ( pic below) and pick up the trod around the head of the valley.

Now with the wind more or less behind it is down to Nan Bield. At Nan Bield the wind in definitely not behind. Best head up quickly and once again take the traverse/race line to Kentmere Pike. One last chance to take in the views before heading down. A descent that needs constant attention. The valley is relatively warm, the running pleasant and I feel very happy I made the effort.

Back at the car DW surprises me with a cake complete with candles. A great end to a fantastic run. We finish appropriately with a pint at the Hawskhead Brewery. Thanks DW for the company and getting my birthday off to a perfect start.

Russell

Number 12

Saturday 1st September 2012

Ben Nevis race.

So my 12th Ben has come and gone leaving me with very mixed emotions about it all.

+ve's

I did it.
If I want to do 21 only 9 to go.
It was a good weekend away,

-ve's

I fell on the way down at the last possible moment before reaching the flat ground.
It hurt and I got cramp.
It will take a while to recover from.
I didn't really enjoy it.

Entries for 2013 open end of January. What should I do?

Russell

Arnison & Grasmere

Saturday 25th August 2012

Arnison Crag Horseshoe.

A good short race and part of the Helm Hill Club Championship. I have a poor start but pick up a bit half way through and gain a few places. A good Helm turnout.

Sunday 26th August.

I plan to get a run in somewhere near Fairfield or Helvelyn and then watch the Grasmere Sports Guide race. But on parking up at Dunmail and opening my bag a find I have forgotten my fell shoes. Still I get an good steep climb in up Willie Wife Moor and get back down before the heavy rain comes in. Very slippy in road shoes.

After watching the U14 and U17 races I climb the senior course and watch from the top. A big field of 182.
Steady on the way down with a few slips. The runners had turned parts of the grassy climb into muddy steps.

Russell

What's been happening

After a few day of doing the exercises the physio gave me I decide it is time for a run. Not fancying any of my usual ones from home I search the internet and see it is the BOFRA Farleton Knott race. 4.5 miles 1500'. I plan to take it steady. It is warm and hard work but nice to be running again. I can feel my adductor towards the end but no pain. 2 minutes slower than last year but I was just plodding around (really!). A great atmosphere at these races and an ideal place to start.

Fed up with sitting in weekday evenings I decide it would be better to go to training on the Helm. I don't push too hard but am happy to get through the session. The next week we do longer reps over the back. I am very pleased to be able to do these OK.

Between training sessions I feel I need to get some bigger climbs in before the Ben Nevis race. I head over to Patterdale and try to park at Hartsop. It is full but I manage to find a space along the road at Low Wood. I did a run from here some 10 years ago with DR so head off the same way up onto Bleaberry Knotts. It is good to be out and the views are brilliant. I make my way to Hartsop Above How and on to Hart Crag. Suddenly there are a lot of people about, the ever popular Fairfield Horseshoe. I descend via the old IHR route and am please to run well down Dovedale and past Brothers Water to the car. Home in time to watch the Olympics for the rest of the day.

Saturday 18th August. After doing a few domestic chores I decide to go for a run as the forecast is poor for Sunday. I search my brain for somewhere with a good steep climb, not too far away and maybe something new. In the end I park at Rydal and start to run up the track by Rydal Beck. Passing a popular swimming spot I vow to return one evening for a dip. I little further up the valley I decide now is the time and turn 90 left and head direct for the summit of Heron Pike. A good steep climb, hands on grass a few times. On the top it is hard not to stop a few minutes and take it all in. I am alone.

Descending Nab Scar on the made path is a little bit of torture. Last time I did this it was dark. I think I preferred it then.

Another hill session in the week and a run next weekend should see me in better shape for the Ben. Let's hope so.

Russell

Adductor and out

So the worst has happened. An adductor strain a week before the UTLD 50 has put me out of the event.
I tried to be positive and hoped some treatment etc might see me able to start but in the end it was very apparent that I had little chance of completing.

I settle for a a short walk/jog to give some support to runners on Garburn Pass. Some were in better shape than others! The run back to my car left me in little doubt that I had made the right decision.

I have resisted the urge to lock myself in a dark room or take to serious alcohol consumption and vow to recover and get fit asap.

As for entering again next year. A big ?

Russell

Injuries and fustration

So after recovering form a niggle in February in time for the Highlander and doing OK. Twisting and ankle the following weekend and recovering from that in time for Martin's BG. Getting a rib injury on Scafell Pike which came back to scupper our chances on the LAMM. I have now gone and done my back whilst getting something from the fridge.

Resulting in no running and so no blogging. And lots of frustration. However I seem to be recovering now and might just with a bit of luck manage to hobble around the UTLD 50 miles.

If anything else goes wrong you may find me sitting in a dark room rocking backwards and forwards mumbling to myself.

Keep smiling.

Russell