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

LAMM 2012

So the LAMM comes around again. This time the location is Ben Cruachan. Not so far to travel. After some last minute arranging I arrive at he event center and meet up with DW. He has been up for a couple of days. We register and settle down for the night.

Saturday morning brings midges and the usual bus ride. We are soon off running and all goes well for a while. After control 2 I begin to find it hard to breathe deeply and my chest hurts. A result of the fall the week before on Martins BG. Our route choices are OK, I think, although we do have a dodgy descent. We later decide another line would have been better.

The last couple of hours are a real struggle for me and I cannot run the last 3k or so down the track. Very disappointing and I realise that tomorrow may be too much for me. The evening starts off midgey but a breeze allows us enough time to cook etc before they return. Thank you DW for looking after me as I found it hard move about.

After an uncomfortable night the final decision not to start day 2  is an easy one and we opt to walk out. This is still not easy for me but after a couple of hours we are back at the event center eating Wilfs veg chilli at 10am. Very odd!

In many way this was still a good weekend. Despite my injury we were only 1hr 7mins behind the leaders and in the chasing start. We will never know how things would have been if I was fully fit but I can still take some positives from the weekend.

Just getting a bit fed up with injuries at the moment. Yesterday I hurt my back getting something out of the fridge. Have not run since the LAMM and need to get out.

Russell

Martins BG

Sunday 3rd June 2012

Martin started his attempt at 7pm on the Saturday night. I was originally down to do leg 4 with DW but plans change as they usually do and he switched to leg 1. The new schedule showed at least 4 pacers for leg 4 plus me, I wondered if I would really be needed. Then things changed again and Martin had a problem with leg 3. So I offered to change. The disadvantage being that this would mean I had to be at Dunmail ready by 3am. Assuming he was not up on time. Fortunately Martin was carrying a tracker and I was able to see where he was and judge his arrival time. This still meant getting up at 1-30am and not much sleep.

I arrive at Dumail and soon after the support team appear. We watch the skyline for head torches, nothing. It looks like they will be late. Not surprising considering the clagged in windy weather. June in the Lakes! James the other pacer arrives, we introduce ourselves and get Martins kit, food and water sorted. Then the lights appear above us. Martin arrives and the support attend to his needs. We are 35 mins down on the schedule. The man with the stopwatch says time to go and we are soon heading up Steel Fell as the first light of day is welcomed. By the top torches are off.

The pace feels good but we lose time on the 22 hour schedule. Martin is not feeling too good at this point and we have to make a pit stop after Calf Crag. Then it is up into the mist at Sergeant Man. We never really come out of it again until the final descent from Sca Fell. The Langdales pass well and although more time is lost it is not much and Martin is still moving strongly. I am quietly confident that at this pace we will be OK. James does a great job of keeping him fed and motivated.

After another pit stop before Rossett Pike we climb well up Bowfell but we lose the trod and go a little high, visibility is really bad but I know if we keep going we will pop out onto the area between Hanging Knotts and the summit. Sure enough we do. At the top it is quite cold. Martin has some rice pudding and a gel. This takes a few more minutes sitting down, it is hard to eat rice pudding with a spoon whilst running.

The food has the desired effect to the point James and myself struggle to keep up climbing Esk Pike. A little worrying with so far still to go. But then another brief pause for Martin to take some Paracetamol. His knee is giving problems. I think more so than he is letting on. Continuing to move well Great End passes and we are soon at Ill Crag. Martin leaves has poles at the bottom of the scramble so we have to return to pick them up. Now Martin has a different line back to the path but we head too far north and have to double back. Not a problem but a couple of minutes gone.

Broad crag goes no problem but then on the descent to Broad Crag col James trips whilst saying good day to passing walkers resulting in cuts to hand and knee. After a minute to calm himself it is apparent he is quite shaken. Worried he will slow us up he urges us to continue and he will head down at his own pace to Wasdale Head. We press on but after Scafell Pike we head a little too far west. Realising this quickly we are soon heading to Mickledore. But not before it is my turn to trip. I land heavily and am a little winded and bruise my hand. No time to dwell, need to press on to give Martin the best chance.

The guys at Broad Stand have the rope ready. We apologise for being late. Martin goes first then me. When I get to the ledge Martin has continued and is out of site. I rush up being mindful of the consequences of a fall. At the top I am shattered and can see nothing. I think all I can do is go to the summit hopefully catching Martin on his way down. However before I get my breath back he appears from my left unsure of the route. Soon on the path it is only a few minutes to the top and thankfully my last summit of the day.

As we descend we finally come out of the mist and the view is terrific. I get ahead to take some photos. The fells to the west and north are clearing. Red Pike, Kirk Fell and Gable almost cloud free. This is a big boost for Martin. We are well above Yewbarrow and I think how small it looks in comparison but keep this to myself. It won't look that way to Martin in half an hour or so.

A check of the watch and I am confident we will only lose 20 minutes or so to schedule on the leg. Not bad considering the stops etc. Martins knee trouble returns and the descent is slow but steady and we are down in good time. Much to my relief. He leaves Wasdale an hour down on the original 22 hour schedule. I feel sure he can get around.

Once home I track his progress and he is clearly going strongly. Sure enough he completes in 22.41. A good time. He must have been strong on the last two legs. No doubt helped by the great support team and pacers. Well Done!

Jubitastic!

Russell

Helvellyn & the Dodds

Saturday 26th May

DW and I head out for a recce of this race, forecast is for a warm day but strong winds. Correct!

Leaving the car near the cricket club we run up the road to Newsham. I had forgotten how steep this was. As usual I take a while to get going. We follow the route on the race map and are soon into the main climb. It is hard work. From Clough Head the next checkpoint is Great Dodd. Not on the original race route I find it a bit strange and not quite in keeping. Especially as it also has to be visited on the return route. The wind in relentless and only gets stronger as we approach Raise. No time to hang around, on we go. Finally at Helvellyn we have a brief stop for food and decide to head straight back. The wind makes any conversation or stops to discuss route choices unpleasant.

Retracing our steps as it were we are soon climbing back up Great Dodd, the contour path to our left looking very appealing. But not the race route. On the descent my legs begin to feel it. Niggles creeping in. Coming off Clough Head is steep and the further we go the hotter it gets. On the tarmac the heat is intense. Once back at the car the wind soon cools us.

On reflection a good run.

Russell

Loughrigg Monday

Monday 28th May

Loughrigg 2 ways. 2 tarns and a lot of paths.

Perfect evening for a run so I decide to go up Loughrigg 2 ways I have never been, or at least not for a long time. I park in Clappersgate and set off up the small path from the phone box. Last time I went up this was was over 30 years ago. That makes me feel old. Soon climbing steeply I am hoping to find Lily Tarn. The map shows a path going straight there. There are a lot of paths! However I locate the tarn and then head off to pick up the main path down to Loughrigg tarn.

Here the map shows a path going past a farm and then climbing very steeply almost directly to the summit. Now I say map but although I did look at it earlier in the day I don't actually have one with me so memory is put o the test. Map and memory prove right and sure enough after a warm climb I pop out just below the summit. I am alone.

I follow the race route back to the main path and test the line along the wall. Better running than the other way but quicker?

Back to Lily tarn and reverse the ascent route.

A pleasant evening.

Russell

Ankle, recce and loss of fitness.

The story starts a couple of weeks ago whilst in a race I turned my ankle descending a heathery slope. Over the years I have learnt to tell how seriously I had done it. This time I knew it was worse then one of those tweaks I occasionally have but not  bad enough to keep me out of action for too long. I continue to descend steadily and at the bottom give it a minute in the river. I then jog the the next checkpoint. As I am OK doing this and climbing is not a problem I decide to continue. I might as well as getting back to the start would still mean a few miles walk. Strangely up and down hills are OK but flat running is more of a problem.

So as a result I do not run at all for 10 days. Then at training I manage OK so feel fit enough to at least try the Great Lakes recce we have planned. The day is windy with a forecast to get worse. We cut the recce short but still manage a good few hours out. Again I am OK on hills but still tentative on the faster running sections.

The following Tuesday I have a short run through Craggy Wood and over the scar. A modicum of fitness still remains but I will need to do much more before the LAMM in 3 weeks.

Training again goes well but the ankle is stiff the next day, cycling to work seem to help. I plan a couple of longer days out and hope as enthusiasm begins to return I will regain some stamina.

Russell

Highlander Mountain Marathon

14th and 15th April 2012.

Kinlochewe.

The weekend has finally come. The forecast is for cold weather but not much wind. A possibility of snow. Gear choice could be crucial. Not that I have that much to choose from. We arrive on Friday afternoon and register. We can start anytime between 7.30 and 8.30 am on Saturday morning. The start is a short walk from the event center so we plane to be there for approx 8.15. After the usual morning faffing around with gear deciding what to take and food etc we arrive at the start, what we have is what we have, too late to change our minds now so we join the queue, dib to start, collect our control descriptions and map and begin to mark up the route.

It is a nice change to only have 9 controls. We have done the score course in the past which involves plotting a lot and then taking some time to plan a route. This time we are off to control 1 on no time. Straight into a short steep climb. 1 dibbed and then a straight 4k to 2 and it begins to snow/hail/sleet. We plod on and eventually the control sight comes into view. A rough and boggy descent and we are there. Now the fun really starts. Our next control is another straight 4k away only this time it is directly on the opposite side of Slioch, a 980m Munro. Choices are north, longer but less climb. Or south, steep climb but more direct. We opt for south, as you do, but first we have to descend into Gleann Bianasdail, heathery and steep, then cross Abhainn an Fhasaigh (a big river)! We try several places before there is nothing to do but go for it. But not before I fully test the waterproofness of our maps. They are really waterproof! Once across I take the time to eat and tackle the climb.

It is here that I feel a little low. It usually happens at some point. But once the climb is over and I can take in the fantastic scenery I feel much better. As we reach our high point and begin to descend and contour to the control I feel it is a pity having come this far not to visit the summit. But as DW has been there before I will save it for another day. Perhaps the Slioch race. Mental note to check the date.

From Control 3 things pick up as controls are closer together. A short hop to 4 and then mainly on a path to 5 above Lochan Fada with another short steep climb at the end. I expect this to be tough but it goes OK. Although the day is getting warmer. 5 to 6 is a long contour up Allt Gleann Tulacha, we make good time here and admire the amazing cliffs under Beinn Lair. Again good time to 7. I find it tricky to pinpoint the control as I have written on my map and the pre marked circle obscures the contours but DW has it sorted and we are off to 8. We take a little time on this leg but it pays off as we stick to our line and avoid a climb other teams are taking. Then it is the final descent of the day to 9 and into the finish. 6 hours 21mins. A good day.

To get to mid camp we are treated to a RIB ride across Loch Maree. Exhilarating!

We eat well and then find we are in the chasing start. 5th place and 1st vets. So we collect our number for day 2 (B5). The chasing start is run in reverse.i.e. the fastest teams going of last at 8.30am. All teams not in the chasing start can go from 7.00 to 7.30am. We assume to ensure everyone gets back in good time and there is not too much waiting around at the finish. I sleep well but worry a little about keeping it up for day 2.

Day 2

The day starts cloudy and with some snow but soon clears and turns out to be fine all day. We make it to the start in time and are soon off. Only 7 controls today. The first dilemma of the day is the route to control 1. Most teams seem to be heading straight up the hill. We realise that we can run along the road for a mile or so and then climb direct to the control. It has to be a better option than a similar climb followed by an uncertain contour. It works well and at least one team before us has done the same as we follow their footprints in the snow.

Control 2 is approx 7k away with a 5k contour up Strath Lungard. It takes a long time, running is hard on the rough ground and we walk most of it. Control 3 is at a small lochan on Maell a Ghuithias. The route choice is the direct line dropping into Glen Grudie and a steep climb or stay high, longer but a shorter climb. We go direct. Another good choice as we hear later the high line was very awkward ground. I am surprised to climb well and we are soon up into the snow. My feet then get very cold and numb. No time to complain as we need to keep moving. With the last few controls close together we make good progress and no errors.

At control 4 we are passed by team B4 (a Swedish pair?) but manage to keep up with them to control 5. We pass B6. DW assumes B4 must be orienteers and so are good navigators therefore we have the option to just follow them to 6 and not waste time deciding what to do. A quick look at the map confirms they are heading in the right direction and we are off. They pull away but the route becomes obvious anyway and in no time we have dibbed 6 and 7 and are on the run in to the finish.

It is 1k or so on a good path. I usually find this hard work at the end of a mountain marathon but this time I feel OK. I can even stand and speak coherently at the finish. 5 hours 2 mins today.

We hold on the 5th place and first vets.

Russell

More UTLD 50

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

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