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.

CAU Inter Counties fell Championships, Witton Park 18th May 2014

When I was asked to be part of the team to represent the NECAA at the Inter Counties fell championships, I went through my usual lack of self belief panic phase.   "Am I good enough?", "will I be out of my depth?", "there are far better runners in the North East who could do a better job!".  I asked for some time to think about the proposal, to allow it to sink in and to seek some advice from my running companions (plus the Mrs!).

It's not often one is given this kind of opportunity, I ain't getting any younger.  The advice was unanimous in that I should grab it with both hands and give it a right good go and not worry about where I came in the field but to enjoy the experience.

The Yorkshire Three peaks deflated me somewhat, following my bonking episode.  It even crossed my mind to contact the organiser of the inter counties team to pull out.  I was talked around by my coach at the club who told me to move on and focus on the next goal.  So I went for it.  I will give the three peaks another go and get under the magical 3hrs 30 time.  Maybe next year.

I was quite nervous on the journey down to Blackburn with my Dad, piling the pressure on myself again unnecessarily and lacking self confidence.  It's easy to say not to worry, but I've always looked at the negatives rather than the positives.  I tried to think of the good races I've had this year (and last).

Start of the ladies race

I arrived at the Witton Country park.   It was hot and sunny with quite a few folk milling about.  There was even a fun fair.  I met the other members of the team, some of whom I knew from Northumberland Fell runners.  I was handed my vest which can only be described as a small small.  Nevertheless, it was a proud moment to get my hands on it, albeit for an hour or two.

There was plenty time before the race so I chilled out a little and watched the start of the ladies race.  It was at this point I noticed how few runners there were.  I was expecting a couple of hundred, but there mustn't have been more than 80.  Once the ladies were off, I had a joggle around the first part of the course to see what was awaiting.  The ground was firm and as dry as sticks. A cracking trail climbing up to the forest at the top.  It reminded me of Bothal woods near home, but with hills!  There were to be three laps.  I hate laps....

A small small

The start of the men's race was delayed following the collapse of one of the ladies at the finish area.  It looked like she was dehydrated.  Not a good start.  Fifteen minutes later and we were off.  I held back for the first mile and tried to settle in so I could make some progress.  By this time my mouth was as dry as sandpaper and would only get worse with the very still, hot air.  The shade of the trees did nothing to help.  Another seven miles to go with a couple of thousand feet to climb.

After the first lap I felt good and was racing with a guy from Northern Ireland.  I was catching him on the climbs, but he caught me on the descents.  It was a great duel until the finish.  I noticed a few runners dropping out, probably the heat.  I wish I had given my old man a bottle of water to hand me when I passed him, but too late.  I was gradually moving up the field, a far cry from the last descent at the three peaks!  This gave me a boost, also the support from the ladies NECAA team spectating.  I even managed a sprint finish, just pipped by the Irish chap mentioned earlier.  I found out afterwards that he is a 32 minute 10k and low 15 minute 5k athlete.  Wowza.

I finished first counter for the North East Counties.  a cracking day and one I won't forget.  Shame I couldn't keep the vest as a memento.  I am so pleased I took my chance.  You don't know if you don't try!

Thanks for the opportunity!

60th Yorkshire 3 peaks fell race; 23.2m, 5276ft

The past couple of months have been rather good running-wise.  I have achieved two new PB’s in 5k and 10k and also been part of a winning vet’s team at the Elswick road relays on Good Friday.  Oh, and the “small” matter of the Coledale Horseshoe fell race which cannot be underestimated in terms of effort!  During this time I have neglected my long runs in the hills which probably wasn’t the best preparation for this classic race.

Start

The 60^th Yorkshire 3 peaks race took place on Saturday, 26^th April.  I was looking forward to the event but also conscious that it may be a step too far in terms of the distance and cumulative ascent/descent. 

On arrival at Horton-in-Ribblesdale, it was rather bleak.  It was raining, cold and there was low visibility which dimmed the mood from quite keen, to “I’m not looking forward to this!”  There was a lot of talk about what footwear would be most suitable prior to the race.  Some were saying road shoes and some saying trail.  Given the weather I opted for my Mudclaws and they turned out to be a wise choice (lucky!).

I registered in the marquee on got prepared, debating whether to start in my waterproof jacket or faff around getting it out of my bum bag when I really needed it.  I decided to wear it from the start and within ten minutes I was beginning to regret feeling like a boil in the bag ready meal.  The first peak, Pen-y-ghent, was soon upon us.  The climb wasn’t as bad as I had feared and felt in a comfortable place.  So much so I neglected to acknowledge my pal John, who wasted no time in getting my attention :o)

First peak done then it was a long and undulating section to Whernside.  A good opportunity to stretch the legs and get some miles ticked off.  The trail was good with some muddy and quite rocky sections with great support along the way.  The checkpoint before the viaduct at Ribblehead was superb with a loud speaker shouting each runner’s name as they came through and a good sized crowd to give you a boost before the ascent of peak number two.  The ascent of Whernside was on fell rather than rocky path so it was down to a hands on knees job.  I scoffed my first Nakd bar, although with a dry mouth it was difficult to get down!  I reached the top greeted by the race marshalls and checked in, wasting no time to head off on the descent.

Reaching Chapel-le-dale checkpoint I was beginning to feel quite tired so stopped for a minute or two to get myself together.  The quads were beginning to ache from the fast descents.  Arriving at  the bottom of Ingleborough, I began to bonk and took on some food immediately (shame it was too late).  I was on for sub 3:30 at this point which was way above what I expected.  The climb up was brutal, and I think everyone at this point began to struggle.  I ploughed on slowly, telling myself that once I reach the top it’ll be all downhill.  Unfortunately it turned out to be a very long and painful 4-5 miles.  At Sulber Nick drink station I was in shock to hear “only 20 minutes to the finish” when I was convinced it was only ten.  This was bad news.  I reached the finish to a great reception in 3:43 and in 61^st place.  I had nothing left and collapsed to the ground with relief that it was over.  Looking back at the splits I had got up to 23^rd place.  Next time I will have to pace it better so I can finish stronger.

#darkhorse

What a fantastic race and first class organisation.  I shall return and will be gunning for sub 3:30!  A grand day oot.

Off monkey back my

Two races on consecutive weekends, a 5k and 10k. PB's on both with a bonus silver medal to boot. Mission accomplished. Back to the fells!!

National Cross Country Championships and Brough Law fell race

National Cross Country Championships, Nottingham, 22nd February 2014

Wollaton Park, Nottingham was the destination for this year's National Cross Country Championships. A three and a half hour 'entertaining' journey on a sunny, cool day was well justified. The event was fantastic and a great experience being my first one.

Wollaton Park

It was a lovely setting and the course had a bit of everything. Mud, trail, long grass, hills and even a large tree trunk to leap over on each lap. The mass start was a joy to be part of, all in starting pens and aiming for the same corner at the top of the first climb.

Three Musketeers

You had to be very careful here, not to be trampled on and not go off too fast. I got away with both and eased into a steady pace which I maintained for the rest of the race. Needless to say, the mud was like running through treacle by the final lap and was energy sapping.

I was well pleased to finish 233rd out of a field of around 1600 and ninth counter for Morpeth. I'll be back for next year's, wherever that will be.

Brough Law, 9th March 2014

Great conditions greeted the competitors and spectators at this year's Brough Law fell race at Ingram.  It was mild for this time of year, around 9 degrees with a bit of a wind on the tops. Sunny intervals though with no rain and the ground was quite firm with only a few boggy areas. What a turnout too, record number of 120+ and a Northumberland Fell Runners Grand Prix counter so lots of NFR vests milling about the start area.

First climb

As always, it was a very well organised event with very supportive marshalling throughout. The weather was so good that kit wasn't required!

On a personal level, I was chuffed with 4th spot, second counter for NFR so I have some GP points on the board.  The first mile sets the tone for the rest of your race as it is a canny climb for just short of a mile before the horizon opens up to the tops of the hills. I felt reasonably ok until the second climb and felt quite tired but was spurred on by the oncoming NFR vests behind me. 

Well done to all competitors and thanks again to Will H and John T for a great morning.

Short, sharp shrift

It is now one week before the National cross country championships in Nottingham. My first time at this event which I'm told is all about the experience!

January and February have been good to me so far, I'm training well and have already competed in four events. Hillforts and Headaches fell race, Durham cathedral relays, Wrekenton cross country (now in the fast pack) and the Hetton road relays. This is a far cry from the beginning of 2013 when I was fully focused on high mileage preparing for my first ultra and avoiding any kind of competition.

My whole running picture changed when I failed to get a place in the CCC. Discussions with friends and most importantly my coach, I now have a plan. Next 'big race' is the Yorkshire 3 peaks in April. Really enjoying this short stuff though, and the comarardery of club mates. If I'm lucky to get into the CCC next year then so be it. It is something I intend to do no matter what. Never stand still.

I'm writing this post on a train journey down to Lincoln to meet up with my wife (who is visiting her sister). We then travel to Southport to pick up our new springer spaniel puppy. A bit of a life changer! A long day of travelling ahead....