Saturday, 22 September 2012
Monday, 3 September 2012
Ben Nevis race, 1st September 2012; 10 miles, 4,406ft of ascent
I had a great weekend up at Fort William for this year's Ben Nevis race, my first! The weather on departure was warm and dry but by the time we passed Edinburgh the clouds and rain set in.
Typical Scottish weather.
We arrived at the bunkhouse at just after 5pm so we checked in and went for some bait. The forecast for the race was to be high winds and low visibility.
On Saturday morning, after very little sleep, I checked in at registration then headed back to the bunkhouse to relax and to take on fuel.
Before the start I chatted to a couple of NFR's who made the journey up. David Armstrong and Billy Fraser (who both had great races). The first mile of the race was at a quick tempo along the road to the foot of Nevis. I got through the gate and then we were climbing for what would feel like an age. I did worry about wearing a long sleeve baselayer at the start as it was quite mild but I was glad of it when we reached the top.
The first half of the climb had some tough areas but it was once we passed the waterfall and left the walker's path the race became a long slog.
The terrain changed from peat to stones to rocks to scree. All sorts. My back was aching from hunching over so much. The temperature began to plummet in the last section before the summit so I reached for my trusty Newcastle United beanie and gloves. The "Ice cream" headache was well on its way.
I handed in my token to the fantastic marshalls at the top (who deserve tons of respect) and began the descent. I was alarmed to see mountain rescue in the next few hundred yards tending to a runner who had obviously taken a nasty fall. The helicopter could be heard minutes later. It would be very easy for something like that to happen with the conditions and the speed of some descenders.
I reached the road back to the sports field with my legs feeling like lead but was buoyed on by the spectators. Great support! One lap of the field and I was done. 2 hours 27 minutes, not too shabby I suppose.
Needless to say I enjoyed a pint in the evening at the presentation where there seemed to be awards for every conceivable category going. A great turn out though and met some really nice people.
After a few miles on relatively flat terrain in the morning, we headed back on a long drive home but I was glad I was the passenger. Legs still feeling battered, off for a gentle jaunt.
We arrived at the bunkhouse at just after 5pm so we checked in and went for some bait. The forecast for the race was to be high winds and low visibility.
On Saturday morning, after very little sleep, I checked in at registration then headed back to the bunkhouse to relax and to take on fuel.
Before the start I chatted to a couple of NFR's who made the journey up. David Armstrong and Billy Fraser (who both had great races). The first mile of the race was at a quick tempo along the road to the foot of Nevis. I got through the gate and then we were climbing for what would feel like an age. I did worry about wearing a long sleeve baselayer at the start as it was quite mild but I was glad of it when we reached the top.
The first half of the climb had some tough areas but it was once we passed the waterfall and left the walker's path the race became a long slog.
I handed in my token to the fantastic marshalls at the top (who deserve tons of respect) and began the descent. I was alarmed to see mountain rescue in the next few hundred yards tending to a runner who had obviously taken a nasty fall. The helicopter could be heard minutes later. It would be very easy for something like that to happen with the conditions and the speed of some descenders.
I reached the road back to the sports field with my legs feeling like lead but was buoyed on by the spectators. Great support! One lap of the field and I was done. 2 hours 27 minutes, not too shabby I suppose.
 |
| Refuelling and reflecting |
After a few miles on relatively flat terrain in the morning, we headed back on a long drive home but I was glad I was the passenger. Legs still feeling battered, off for a gentle jaunt.
Sunday, 5 August 2012
Borrowdale Fell race 04/08/2012, 16.2 miles, 6562’ of ascent
My first “Lakes classic” fell race was to be in one of my favourites places - Borrowdale. The weather forecast indicated that we could be in for a very wet race accompanied by a lot of heat and thunder. It turned out to be dry throughout, although it was very warm and humid.
I had been studying the route for several months prior to this race trying to get a feel for how tough it would be. The elevation profile was very daunting. I also looked at past reports from the race reading about others’ experiences.
I was out to enjoy it more than anything as I’m still on the road to getting back to full fitness.
The race was a counter for the English Fell running championships this year, so upon arrival I wasn’t surprised by the amount of cars in the field car park. I parked up and trotted off to get registered.
The start was quite narrow for the first half a mile or so, queuing to get through gates but it was fairly easy running all the way to Bessyboot. The sheer gradient of Bessy meant it was a hands on knees job, occasionally on all fours clambering up to the summit. That was one climb over, only several more to contend with. Not least Scafell Pike.
The ground was quite dry and firm apart from the obligatory bog littered around the place, which made it quite difficult to avoid dipping a leg in here and there. The terrain from Bessyboot up to Esk Hause and on to Scafell Pike was varied. Negotiating boulders and sharp edges certainly exercised the ankle joints. Having to concentrate so much on where the feet were landing does take it out of you and unfortunately you can’t appreciate the fantastic views all around.
This was my first ascent of Scafell and there was something endearing about being on top of the highest mountain in England. The descent was unbelievably treacherous. The pressure on the quads all the way down on the scree made the legs burn, I have never descended anything so steep and slippery with high risk of injury. Yells of “below!” were ringing out to warn runners further down that a rock had been displaced and was on the way to meet them.
Great Gable came next and it seemed to go on forever. By this time I was chomping on jelly beans and cracked open an energy gel. Looking back at Scafell was a fantastic view. The legs were beginning to suffer now but I was still in good spirits. 10 miles done, 6 miles or so to go.
I reached Honister in around 3hrs 20mins, well in advance of the cut off point. With only Dale Head left to negotiate I was hopeful of a sub 4 hour finish. Wishful thinking! I topped my water bottle up from the kind marshal’s stash and made my way up. About 200 yards later cramp began to set in. The adductors were in pain and I had to stop to do some stretching. Looking at the elevation profile, Dale Head looks no problem compared to the other climbs but it was just as tough. Reaching a crest then seeing that there was another in the distance was pretty demoralising. This happened a few times on the way up. I finally made it but the descent was just as slow and just as bad on legs. So, it took over an hour to get from Honister to the finish. Disappointing but very pleased to have finished.
A great event organised by some great people. The support on the course was fantastic and I thank everyone involved. The tea and sandwiches at the end were very welcome (after a scraped myself up off the field). Ben Nevis is next, I can’t see it being as hard as this one though.
Garmin activity: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/206550074
Pics from Sports Sunday: http://www.sportsunday.co.uk/borrowdale-fell-race-2012-scafell
I had been studying the route for several months prior to this race trying to get a feel for how tough it would be. The elevation profile was very daunting. I also looked at past reports from the race reading about others’ experiences.
The race was a counter for the English Fell running championships this year, so upon arrival I wasn’t surprised by the amount of cars in the field car park. I parked up and trotted off to get registered.
The start was quite narrow for the first half a mile or so, queuing to get through gates but it was fairly easy running all the way to Bessyboot. The sheer gradient of Bessy meant it was a hands on knees job, occasionally on all fours clambering up to the summit. That was one climb over, only several more to contend with. Not least Scafell Pike.
The ground was quite dry and firm apart from the obligatory bog littered around the place, which made it quite difficult to avoid dipping a leg in here and there. The terrain from Bessyboot up to Esk Hause and on to Scafell Pike was varied. Negotiating boulders and sharp edges certainly exercised the ankle joints. Having to concentrate so much on where the feet were landing does take it out of you and unfortunately you can’t appreciate the fantastic views all around.
This was my first ascent of Scafell and there was something endearing about being on top of the highest mountain in England. The descent was unbelievably treacherous. The pressure on the quads all the way down on the scree made the legs burn, I have never descended anything so steep and slippery with high risk of injury. Yells of “below!” were ringing out to warn runners further down that a rock had been displaced and was on the way to meet them.
Great Gable came next and it seemed to go on forever. By this time I was chomping on jelly beans and cracked open an energy gel. Looking back at Scafell was a fantastic view. The legs were beginning to suffer now but I was still in good spirits. 10 miles done, 6 miles or so to go.
I reached Honister in around 3hrs 20mins, well in advance of the cut off point. With only Dale Head left to negotiate I was hopeful of a sub 4 hour finish. Wishful thinking! I topped my water bottle up from the kind marshal’s stash and made my way up. About 200 yards later cramp began to set in. The adductors were in pain and I had to stop to do some stretching. Looking at the elevation profile, Dale Head looks no problem compared to the other climbs but it was just as tough. Reaching a crest then seeing that there was another in the distance was pretty demoralising. This happened a few times on the way up. I finally made it but the descent was just as slow and just as bad on legs. So, it took over an hour to get from Honister to the finish. Disappointing but very pleased to have finished.
A great event organised by some great people. The support on the course was fantastic and I thank everyone involved. The tea and sandwiches at the end were very welcome (after a scraped myself up off the field). Ben Nevis is next, I can’t see it being as hard as this one though.
Garmin activity: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/206550074
Pics from Sports Sunday: http://www.sportsunday.co.uk/borrowdale-fell-race-2012-scafell
Sunday, 8 July 2012
Chevy chase fell race, 15.4m, 2,900'
I’ve been looking forward to the Chevy chase fell race since my first one last year, although it was touch and go if I would actually participate having had several injury problems since Gisborough moors back in April. Nevertheless, I didn’t let that stop me and committed to doing the race, however slow that might be.
The weather this year has been absolutely dreadful, no comparison to last year’s race when it was boiling hot with no breeze whatsoever and crystal clear visibility. Weather warnings were “pouring” in during the week before the race so I knew it would be a proper mucky affair, rain pounding the windows on the eve of the race set the tone for what was to come.
The closer to Wooler we got, the less we could see. Very low cloud cover and a drizzly atmosphere. We were promptly informed that the race had been shortened to “approximately 12 miles”. This was disappointing but perfectly understandable given the conditions. Thanks must be given to the organisers for arranging the alternate route which took out Cheviot summit and Hedgehope. Safety is of course paramount importance. The descent from Cheviot summit would have been quite dangerous if it had been included in the route.
The first mile or so was good running, mostly on road before turning off and heading towards Broadstruther. Needless to say I went off too fast (a downfall of mine), and the lack of training over the past couple of months began to kick in quite quickly. This wasn’t my main concern, I just wanted to finish the race without any niggles which would give me the impetuous to knuckle down and get some quality training under my belt.
Visibility was quite bad in places, but aided by the silhouette's in the near distance, I reckon it saved me a few wrong turns. Checkpoints seemed to come quite quickly, the same can’t be said about my running! Well done to those standing by and dibbing the dibbers.
I think there must have been some confusion at one point during the course after bumping into some fellow runners and walkers at a crossroads. Either I had gone the wrong way or they had. Talking to a few folk after the race it seemed a common occurrence.
There were some very encouraging words from the walkers and the checkpoint staff, so thank you for that. Not sure about the sheep carcass on top of Langley crags! That made it even more Hound of the Baskervilles.
I reached Hells path at a snails pace and checked the watch, 12.6 miles. Ok, I thought, it’s at least 2.5 miles to the finish. I had a little in reserve and stretched the legs in the last mile.
Legs aren’t too bad today, a little sore but a few miles on the bike this afternoon will sort that out. Most importantly the ankle seems to be cured.
Thanks to Wooler running club for their impeccable hospitality. Cracking sarnies and flapjack. Good to see and chat to NFR’s, a great bunch.
The weather this year has been absolutely dreadful, no comparison to last year’s race when it was boiling hot with no breeze whatsoever and crystal clear visibility. Weather warnings were “pouring” in during the week before the race so I knew it would be a proper mucky affair, rain pounding the windows on the eve of the race set the tone for what was to come.
The closer to Wooler we got, the less we could see. Very low cloud cover and a drizzly atmosphere. We were promptly informed that the race had been shortened to “approximately 12 miles”. This was disappointing but perfectly understandable given the conditions. Thanks must be given to the organisers for arranging the alternate route which took out Cheviot summit and Hedgehope. Safety is of course paramount importance. The descent from Cheviot summit would have been quite dangerous if it had been included in the route.
The first mile or so was good running, mostly on road before turning off and heading towards Broadstruther. Needless to say I went off too fast (a downfall of mine), and the lack of training over the past couple of months began to kick in quite quickly. This wasn’t my main concern, I just wanted to finish the race without any niggles which would give me the impetuous to knuckle down and get some quality training under my belt.
Visibility was quite bad in places, but aided by the silhouette's in the near distance, I reckon it saved me a few wrong turns. Checkpoints seemed to come quite quickly, the same can’t be said about my running! Well done to those standing by and dibbing the dibbers.
I think there must have been some confusion at one point during the course after bumping into some fellow runners and walkers at a crossroads. Either I had gone the wrong way or they had. Talking to a few folk after the race it seemed a common occurrence.
There were some very encouraging words from the walkers and the checkpoint staff, so thank you for that. Not sure about the sheep carcass on top of Langley crags! That made it even more Hound of the Baskervilles.
I reached Hells path at a snails pace and checked the watch, 12.6 miles. Ok, I thought, it’s at least 2.5 miles to the finish. I had a little in reserve and stretched the legs in the last mile.
Legs aren’t too bad today, a little sore but a few miles on the bike this afternoon will sort that out. Most importantly the ankle seems to be cured.
Thanks to Wooler running club for their impeccable hospitality. Cracking sarnies and flapjack. Good to see and chat to NFR’s, a great bunch.
Saturday, 30 June 2012
Inching forward
After the doctors' diagnosis of a fracture I decided to see a private specialist for a thorough investigation incorporating an ultrasound scan. The scan proved beyond doubt that the tendon over the talus was significantly inflamed, no fracture! A relief but still time off.
Electro therapy and laser treatment later, and a bill (not too bad actually) I was advised that I could run, little but often. This was 4 days ago, I had my first run today. An easy 5 miles. Hard work seeing as I hadn't run for well over a week but pleased I came through quite optimistic!
Chevy chase on Saturday followed by borrowdale at the beginning of august then Ben Nevis at beginning of september. If I go to Chevy, it'll be a jog!
Biked to work 3 times this week, around 100 miles. Thoroughly enjoying the bike. Wish i'd taken it up a long time ago. Certainly helping! Noticed it was the cyclone today, could be a goer next year.
Off to a team building assault course tomorrow, my fear of heights will be tested! No running or bike.
Next update may be about the Chevy done or the Chevy that could have been!
Electro therapy and laser treatment later, and a bill (not too bad actually) I was advised that I could run, little but often. This was 4 days ago, I had my first run today. An easy 5 miles. Hard work seeing as I hadn't run for well over a week but pleased I came through quite optimistic!
Chevy chase on Saturday followed by borrowdale at the beginning of august then Ben Nevis at beginning of september. If I go to Chevy, it'll be a jog!
Biked to work 3 times this week, around 100 miles. Thoroughly enjoying the bike. Wish i'd taken it up a long time ago. Certainly helping! Noticed it was the cyclone today, could be a goer next year.
Off to a team building assault course tomorrow, my fear of heights will be tested! No running or bike.
Next update may be about the Chevy done or the Chevy that could have been!
Saturday, 23 June 2012
Ankle
Finally bit the bullet and went to the doctors for a diagnosis on the ankle. It hasn't been right since Gisborough moors fell race back in April when I went over on it but managed to finish the race. I've been resting and running and biking and resting. Not painful, only in certain stances and positions but very uncomfortable.
Doctor diagnosed it as Avulsion fracture of the ankle. Rest, no off road running for at least 4 weeks. Hell. Chevy chase is in 2 weeks followed by borrowdale. I need to get it sorted in time for Ben Nevis, beginning of September. We'll see how it goes. Missing the lads at harriers, and the crack. Frustrating!
For now it's bike, bike and more bike!!
Doctor diagnosed it as Avulsion fracture of the ankle. Rest, no off road running for at least 4 weeks. Hell. Chevy chase is in 2 weeks followed by borrowdale. I need to get it sorted in time for Ben Nevis, beginning of September. We'll see how it goes. Missing the lads at harriers, and the crack. Frustrating!
For now it's bike, bike and more bike!!
Friday, 15 June 2012
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