New Happy Year

Christmas 2014 has been a quiet affair this especially as it has been running-free.  Consultation following an MRI mid-December revealed my ongoing groin issues are down to Sportsman's groin aka Sports hernia (http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/).  Treatment for this is physical therapy and rest. Six weeks of rest!  I'm already into week three and still have my finger nails so not doing too bad.  I'm hoping that this period will sort out the problem and I can return to running in February.

I've spent some quality time with the family and had some nice long walks with our now one year old springer spaniel, Jasper.

I managed a bike ride today via spectating at the Morpeth 11k.  Canny windy!  It beats the turbo trainer which I find incredibly dull.

Happy New Year, let's hope it is a prosperous one.

Derwentwater 10 and 2014 review

So, my racing year has come to a premature end with the ongoing hernia issues I’ve had since July.  I’m hoping I will be sorted out before Christmas.  Up until then I will be ticking over and enjoying some steady running.

My last race for 2014 was the Derwentwater 10, a week past Sunday.  I’ve ran this race twice before and it’s a cracker with undulations all the way.  I had a decent run, considering the inconsistent and interrupted training in the past few months.  I finished in 14th place with a time of 58:52 which clinched division 2 of the Morpeth Harriers grand prix.  It wasn’t an easy course, but I’d rather run a difficult 10 miler in a great location than a flat one in a not so appealing place.

I’ve had a fantastic year, surpassing all of my expectations.  I have achieved PB’s for 5k, 10k (NECAA silver medal), 10m.  Other highlights I can reflect on are running in the National Cross Country Championships, the Yorkshire 3 peaks, representing the NECAA at the Inter Counties Fell championships, a great result at the Lakeland 50 and second place at the Chevy Chase.  Also nabbing my first race win at the Thropton Show.

I’ve enjoyed the fells as always, and the challenge of the Lakeland 50 for the second time. The experience of supporting a friend on his Bob Graham success will be invaluable, what a day! Hoping to support on another attempt next summer.

I’ve also thoroughly enjoyed running fast on the road.  There have been some great tussles with my harriers club mates.  Specifically at the National XC, Blaydon, Blyth 10k and Wallsend 5k.  You know who you are, Mr Straughan! Coach Waugh’s training plans are paying dividends for all in the group which is terrific to see.

I’ve bagged the NFR grand prix and been promoted to division one for Morpeth Harriers grand prix.  I’m very pleased and proud of what I have done this year and shouldn’t feel too gutted at ending the year with injury, as frustrating as it is!  Some consistent training in the New Year should get me back on track, all being well.

My targets for next year remain unknown, or at least I don’t want to jinx them by making them public.  I do have some unfinished business at the Yorkshire 3 peaks (sub 3:30) and at Chevy.  It isn’t long until the ballot opens again for the UTMB.  If the TDS pops up as the only option, then I’m going to take it this time.  

With regards to road running and cross country, I aim to make the National (Parliament Hill) and also improve my 5/10k PB’s.

I will be turning V40 too, feeling old already……is that Bob Graham at the door?.…. Scalpel!

Two Breweries hill race, 27th September 2014

What a great idea.  A race from one brewery to another over some beautiful Scottish Border countryside, on a cracking September day.  I reiterate the word 'idea'.  Doing it should be regarded as bonkers.

This was selected as one of the Northumberland Fell Runners championship races and was located in an area which I hadn't visited before.  The hills were akin to the Cheviots.  Rolling, grassy, heathery and deceptively gentle looking.

The drive up took a good two and a half hours.  With little traffic on the roads, Emma Bain and I made good progress and arrived with plenty time to spare to get sorted and hop on the bus to transport us to the start at Traquair house.  It was a lovely setting complete with a marquee tent, it felt like we were gate crashing a wedding.  We hung around for a while before the start having a chinwag, good crack with the NFR's.  The kit check was rather regimental but good to see the rules being enforced.

The first couple of miles were a chance to stretch the legs before the first climb up Birkscairn.  The legs were heavy already, probably from last week's race at Thropton and no let up in training during the week.  Stupid mistake.  

Nice hillage - Cheviot-esque

The views were spectacular and I felt privileged to be running in such a place.  The first descent to Glensax was a killer on the quads, seemed steeper than the descent off the Cheviot.  My three week old blister reared its ugly head and began to irritate. The next two ascents and descents were a bit of a blur and by the time we reached to foot of Trahenna I was well and truly jiggered.  I clawed my way up, literally!  There were screams heard from runners ahead, I could sympathise if I wasn't in as much agony as them.

Last road section was quite nippy, although legs were like jelly.  I managed to cross the line on 3:30.  Emma Bain was the star of the day finishing in 3:34.  She's in fine form and strong! I got the points needed to secure the NFR champs so I'm well pleased. Time to ease off the gas before the British Fell relays, feeling goosed.

The catering was top notch at the village hall.  Soup, salad, cakes and all the beer you could want!  Good crack with JT, Paul et al.  Also with the men's V70 winner, legend!  There were some saying it was tougher than Borrowdale, I'd probably agree with that.  Having a climb so steep just two miles from the finish is cruel.

A brutal race but in a lovely place.  It really did kick my arse.  I will return.... one year! 

Well done to all NFR!

Team NFR

Simonside Fell race 20th September 2014

The good thing about a local show fell race is you don’t have to rush around like a mad idiot in the morning getting things sorted for an early start. The Thropton Show gates opened at 12 noon and the race started at 2:30pm. Plenty of time to fuel up and walk the dog. The
only debatable issue was whether to have lunch or a light snack. I chose the latter but ended up being ravenous by the time we gathered for the start.

The weather was muggy and moist in the morning, but began to clear on the trip over at a casual, fuel conserving speed. There was a definite autumnal feel with the falling leaves and rapidly changing colours of the trees. Beautiful. I parked up next to the show field and paid my entry fee.

I was quite tentative about running this race having a niggling hernia which I really need to get sorted out as soon as possible. Hills seem to aggravate it. Mmmm

Top organisation by Phil Green. Clear instructions were given out regarding the route and which areas were marked. We were off. We all had wet feet within the first mile having to cross the river Coquet. I was up at the front, too much responsibility on route navigation! It was a steady climb for the next two miles through fell, forest, heather and a bit of bouldering to reach the top of Simonside (ended up on a slight detour losing around 30 seconds). The descent was very technical with slippery rocks and roots to negotiate. Once through that section it was all out balls out. I was joint leader at the top and was determined to make this my race for the first time.

I retraced the route back to the Coquet and looked back to see how much of a lead I had, not a lot! I ploughed on hoping I wouldn’t lose it at this stage of the race. I reached the show field and knew I had done it, eventually my first ever Fell race win. A great reception from the spectators and a great relief.

Scott Gibson was second (flying!) and Rob Salter third (he did a Park run in the morning too). Winning lady was Karen Robertson. A special mention to Rob and Sam Hancox from Morpeth harriers. Their first fell race and did brilliantly. Sam was with me at the top of Simonside but understandably took it easy on the way down on that terrain. A bit more practice and he’ll be a fab fell runner.

A great race.  Thanks again to Phil and clan. A bit surreal getting my first win, better make the most of it.  Cheers!

Results on Phil's blog: http://thehottrod.blogspot.co.uk/2014/09/simonside-fell-race-provisional-results.html

Proud moment - first win

Chevy Chase fell race and the Lakeland 50

Chevy

The Chevy Chase seems like a distant memory, even though it was only 4 weeks ago.  People who know me are aware that this is my favourite race and felt I was in good shape going into it - although there were nagging thoughts that I hadn’t done the mileage.  

With Emma B (Women's winner) and Steph Scott (3rd) Top folk!

The plan was simple.  Do what I did last year.  A steady start then have something left for the last ten miles from the top of Hedgehope where I can chase down those ahead of me.  The start was steady.  So steady that it felt like a training run.  I was up at the front for the first couple of miles along with Bruce Crombie (race favourite) and Simon Johnson (second in 2013).  It felt as though I was maintaining the same pace but somehow managed to open up a bit of a lead from Broadstruther.  I was out on my own, not looking back, but conscious that I could be caught at any moment. This didn’t bother me much as I was feeling strong, but I am not used to leading a race.  I passed through the Cheviot checkpoint and descended down the line I had recced a few weeks earlier. The drag up to Hedgehope seemed to be a struggle but I still managed to reach the summit in first position.  If I could maintain a steady pace from here on in I might win this thing.  

Alas, at Carey Burn, Bruce caught up to me.  I was flagging at this point, reaching for an emergency gel and a nakd bar.  Too late.  The legs were gone.  By the time I picked up, Bruce was long gone.  He had his race plan and stuck to it without any deviation.  I had a strong last two miles, and managed to finish second, one place higher than 2013.  Happy days! Congrats to Bruce, the strongest man won on the day.  I’ll be back, more determined than ever. Will I ever get a better chance to win my first race? Fabulous hosting by Wooler running club again.  I won’t forget my midge repellent next year.

L50

Going into the Lakeland 50 I was in canny nick, although I had strained my groin somehow ten days before.  I took it easy and tried some strengthening exercises which did help.  And of course the taper helped!  I was running as part of a team with my brother this year and was looking forward to doing well.  Unfortunately he had a heel problem for some weeks and was unsure if he was going to be able to run.  We headed off to Coniston to pitch up and register.  It was very warm.  A mini heat wave had hit Cumbria and it was in the 30’s.  We saw the 100 mile runners off at 6pm and chilled for the rest of the evening.

No need to get to the front, early days!

We arrived at Dalemain on the Saturday morning via an eventful bus journey, basking in the heat for an 11:30 start.  Michael was going to give his foot a tester on the first 4 miles, a loop of the Dalemain Estate.  It would be at this point he would decide if he could carry on and do the whole race.  Unfortunately he had to stop and wished me luck on my journey to Coniston.  I felt really bad for him as this has been on our calendar for almost a year.  He’ll come back stronger once his foot is sorted.  I have no doubt.

Scorching

It was steady running right through to Howtown where I filled up my empty bottles and collected some salted peanuts.  The liquid was going down so quick.  The drag up Fusedale doesn’t get any easier.  I was chatting with a guy who was unsure of the route and he mentioned we were in the top ten.  No way! Haweswater took an age to run along, it states 5k along the shore to Mardale Head.  Absolute codswallop.  Longest 5k in the world.  Once I had reached the top of Gatesgarth pass I knew most of the long climbs would be over so I pushed on towards Kentmere.  I knocked back four smoothies and a cup full of coke.  I hadn’t pee’d since before the start and was kind of thinking I should try.  Five minutes in a porta-loo without success.

Michael had managed to get the bus back to Coniston and then drive to Troutbeck to give me some encouragement.  He walked with me for a few minutes giving me a boost.  After last year’s route deviation through Skelghyll woods I was hoping to take the right path this time.  It was so much easier!  I dropped into Ambleside to a great reception from spectators and the general public.  Morale boost indeed.  Glancing at the spectators in the beer gardens holding some delicious beverages.

At Chapel Stile checkpoint I was craving something savoury.  The beef stew was awesome and set me up for the last stretch on to Tilberthwaite. I kept eating throughout the race this year, which made a hell of a difference.  I usually can’t get things down but I forced myself.

Welcome sight and finishing in daylight

A few orange segments and some haribo at Tilberthwaite, I climbed the steps of doom for the last climb of the day.  There was a gentle breeze at this point, thankfully behind me which helped me along.  It even started to drizzle a little.  Refreshing!  I stepped onto the road for one final push through Coniston to cheers from the crowds again.  Amazing.  I reached the end in 9hrs 15 and 12^th position.  Michael was waiting for me, what  welcome sight.  Thanks for that! :o)

Top event, would highly recommend it.  It’s no picnic.  Even though it’s “only the 50” it’s one tough day out.  Well done to everyone and thanks for all the support/marshalls etc.

That could be me done with ultra’s for a while.  My last one could be the CCC in 2015.  To do the CCC has been my plan for the last 2 years and I hope to get in especially after last year’s rejection.  Stupid lottery system. 

I’m happier in the fells and running quick, short races.  20 miles and under.  I should stick with that while I can.  Speed doesn’t last forever.  Probably change my mind though.....

Windy Gyle Fell race, 22nd June 2014 8.5miles, 1801’

This year, the Windy Gyle fell race is one of the Northumberland Fell Runners’ grand prix fixtures.  I was anticipating a good turn out on a warm, dry day in the Cheviothills and wasn’t disappointed.  Over sixty competitors out for a run around the Cheviots.

Windy Gyle stands at 2,031ft and sits on the border between England and Scotland.  One of the six Cheviot’s which top out at over 2,000ft.  Apparently it is possible to see the Northern fells of the Lake District from the summit.  I have walked some of the route before, starting at Barrowburn and along the Border Ridge.  I remember it being a steady climb up to the top with fantastic views of the surrounding hills.  God’s country.  It really is a beautiful area to run and walk in.

The race was to start at 10:30am.  I travelled up with my Dad and the ever excited Jasper (English Springer Spaniel, 6 months old).  It was Jasper’s first time in the Cheviots and I knew he would love bounding around while I was off on the route.  My Dad knows the area very well, regularly hiking the hills with his chums so the boy was in good hands.

Phil Green (www.thehottrod.blogspot.co.uk) was organising the event.  He was disappointed not to be running it too, even though he had done the Cyclone the day before. £6 entry plus a quid for a map, terrific – all for a good cause.  I even managed to nab some safety pins from the boot of his car, gratis.   Thanks Phil.

We set off at 10:30am along the road for a few hundred metres before turning left onto the first climb.  I was up with the leading group for the first couple of miles and managed to pull away for a few minutes.  I realised I was unsure of the route at this point so slowed down to be directed.  The climb up to Windy Gyle was a struggle. I think the effects of the weekend before, supporting a Bob Graham were still in my legs (well done again, John – epic!).  

Dad and Jasper

I dropped to fourth spot when we reached the summit, Bruce Crombie (Alnwick) was flying.  I was racing with Lee Bennett (Elswick), Jonny Malley (Dark Peak) and Adam Fletcher (Alnwick) coming off the Trig.  Jonny had the right lines having done the race before along with his orienteering expertise.  Adam was strong on the climbs and Lee was gliding on the downhill sections.   We were back and forth for a few miles, which was great to be involved in.  I was feeling much stronger now and managed to break away into second.  

Bruce was uncatchable, looking in fine form for the Chevy Chase.  I passed my dad and Jasper on the last descent, which gave me a boost.  I made it to the finish in second, and congratulated Bruce on a great race.  NFR won the team prize.  Steph Scott had a great run and finished first Lady.

Jasper had a great time too. I think he had my dad worn out! Looking forward to taking him for a run in a few months, it’s still a bit early for the little fella.

I’ll not forget the midge repellent next time, two weekends in a row of being munched on.

Many thanks to Phil for the organisation and great to hear the event had raised over £300 for Mountain rescue.  It was good to catch up with a few NFR’s, not least Steph Scott who hadsupported Steve Birkinshaw on some of his epic Wainwright’s challenge.

Results:http://www.northumberlandfellrunners.co.uk/html/raceresults/2014/WindyGyleResults.pdf

Photo’s from Andy:https://www.flickr.com/photos/47734809@N08/sets/72157644896511560/

Blaydon Race 2014

The last time I ran the Blaydon race was in 2012, where I was running with undiagnosed anaemia. It was a day to forget. I found myself stopping after the first mile and had to take walking breaks on a frequent basis.  It was an odd feeling, not knowing what was wrong and watching streams of runners leave me in their wake.

Nevertheless, that's a long way behind me now. I was on the start line at Balmbra's waiting patiently for the 7:15pm kick off. The weather was good, although very warm. I couldn't help but admire the athleticism of the elite runners warming up.  I was pretty well placed at the start, uncomfortable for anyone with claustrophobia though. 25 minutes of waiting and unable to stretch the legs can't be good for you. But good crack with the other runners.

The gun went dead on time and we were off, runners coming from all directions jostling for position. It's a rather tricky start where you have to be careful not to get barged over and to avoid bollards. Once on the Scotswood road, it was nice to just focus on pace and enjoy the ride.

The first 5k flew by, moving up the field at a steady rate with a parched mouth. I passed the chap who beat me into second place at the Blyth 10k. I was thinking it was going well!  I ran with my training partner for a while, helping each other along, taking in the crowd and support which gave us a boost.  I paid the price for wearing my old inov8's when a blister appeared on the outside of  my left foot. #slinflint

By the 5 mile point I was starting to fade, the last section seemed to go on forever. I dug deep and crossed the line in 29:56, 17th place. One of my best races. My calf's can vouch for that.

Excellent turn out from Morpeth Harriers. Another grand pric race ticked off.  Well done to everyone who competed and for their support. Top ale too!

Windy Gyle next, after a Bob Graham Round leg this weekend. Hoping for good weather.