2015 round up

It has been a funny year in some ways.

Sport wise the first half of the year was all about running, with a small amount of time on rock mixed in.  The few times I got out were mostly good days, apart from popping a hamstring at Roundbarn.  WiltonFest was an entertaining day out in September, and a chance to catch up with Ginnster and Probes and finally meet Mike Adams.
January
I had never been around the Guild Wheel, which felt a little remiss of me.  I ran it clockwise on a very wet and windy day, got cold in the last few miles and then had a week feeling rough.  Never mind, I'll probably have another jog around it in decent weather since it's mostly a nice route through some interesting scenery.

February
As part of my UTLD preparation I had aimed to run a marathon distance each month.  February was the Grizedale Trail 26, which I had done in 2014 with the Iron Man.  He was busy for the 2015 event so I went myself.  I was slower than last time but I wasn't too worried about that.

March
Solar Eclipse month!  The day itself I had a trip up to Higher Chelburn with the new Lancashire Bouldering guidebook.  I did quite a lot of the easier stuff and had a really good day.
I also had  visit to Stronstrey, for old times sake, although everything felt very hard and it was a very hot day.  Been a while since my last visit here.
As I mentioned above, I also went to Roundbarn for the first time and did a few things.  Damp streaks and pulling a hamstring weren't highlights.  I had a couple of months of painful physio after this visit, desperate to get sorted for July's big event.

May
First real test for the hamstring - Howgills Trail 26 with the Iron Man.  This is a great event, with most of the climbing in one big lump within the first five miles.  Again, slower than last time but all miles in the legs.
I had also entered the LDWA Red Rose 100 miler this month.  I was going well up to 68km (Downham), but psychology wasn't right and I called it a day.  Disappointing, but again it was good to get more distance in.

June
Since I'd missed the Buttermere to Dalemain recce due to my hamstring issues, the Iron Man and I decided to recce this ourselves.  We rented a cottage in Thornthwaite as a family, and the Iron Man popped up for a day.  We had a good 53km recce, making an excellent time, and a good weekend in general.  Great weather, and a lot different from what was in store for the Lake District in November/ December. 
The other event in June was the Three Rings of Shap.  Iron Man and I set off on this one, but he had some knee issues so we did the first two rings (68km) then stopped - no point in getting injured the month before the Lakeland 100.

July
This was the one.  The UTLD Lakeland 100 completed.  Amazing.  This was a huge undertaking that neither the Iron Man nor I were vaguely sure we could achieve.  Goes to show what's possible.  And then in a euphoric state I entered again for 2016.  Iron Man was more sensible.  I think I'll have a look at poles for next time.

August
Two week in France on the Vendee was a great family holiday, although the hire car was shocking.  Lots of sea food on the barbecue and really nice to get away and chill.  We flew each way this time, which was probably quite fortuitous considering potential issues at Calais due to the migrant situation.

November
I'd not been doing very much running at all after the Lakeland 100, but I opted to marshal the Delamere night runner event which was really good fun, and nice to give something back.  I'll be helping out at the Rivington night runner in January, so may see some of you there.
Cooked a goose as well, which was excellent and therefore provided fat for the roasties at Christmas - this may become a new tradition.

December
Another great family Christmas, albeit fewer numbers this year.  Food was fantastic, the presents were great and we all had a brilliant day.  And all the leftovers have now gone, and we got a great selection of meals out of them.



Less good things from 2015
Quite a lot has happened this year.  The Charlie Hebdo shootings in Paris was a shocking start to 2015.  November brought more Paris attacks, another reminder of terrorism close to home in a city I have visited a number of times.

Over the past two months the weather has been the other big issue.  Floods in the Lake District were shocking to see.  The family were on the annual CentreParcs trip (Penrith) where the weather was terrible and we sat watching breaking news of widespread flooding.  This must have been a terrible time for the locals, and some familiar features suffered.  The collapse of the Pooley Bridge bridge was particularly poignant as we ran over it doing the Lakeland 100 only four months before.

On a personal note, it has now been over a year since we have had contact with my daughters.  After four years of difficult times with me ex, matters came to a head at the end of 2014 when her ongoing attempts to threaten or blackmail us meant it was no longer safe to see the kids.  An incredibly hard decision to make, but there wasn't really an alternative at that point.  We have had no communication from them since, which is no doubt what was planned.  Interestingly, as soon as contact was stopped I got a letter from child maintenance service wanting more money due to reduced contact - very interesting timing.  Since then I have learned that CMS are entirely on the side of the claiming parent, who seems to be able to do anything whilst the paying parent has to do everything within a week or CMS come after them.  I can now see why people dress up as Batman, as there is no other choice.  It's just a shame some people have no self respect and behave despicably whilst still wanting more money.

The last couple of weeks showed us more rain, and more flooding this time in places like Yorkshire and our nearby village of Croston.  Croston has flooded before and this time was worse than ever.  We've lent our dehumidifier to the Sports Hall for people to use, but the place has taken a battering.

Anyway, enough of negativity, let's end the year positively.  I'm up to 53 out of 100 books read for the BBC list, slowly getting there. A Prayer for Owen Meany was a highlight, excellent book.  On my way through David Copperfield at the moment.  Some interesting looking books to go.

So, our smaller family unit is doing very well and we are all happy and looking forward to another year.  We are very lucky with what we have.

So, 2016 aims?  Obviously the Lakeland 100 is the main sporty thing this year, but I want to get back out on rock after a bit of a washout year.  Other than that, maybe drop a bit of weight and do more core strengthening.  Apart from that, more family time, a good holiday and generally more of the same good time.

All the best to everyone for 2016.  Happy New Year, and maybe see you out and about.

Delamere NightRunner

I've not been running much recently - I have consciously taken some time out and got in the Board Room a couple of times a week.  I'm going to start running again in February/ March to build back up to the UTLD 100 in July.

For this reason, and because the guys and girls at Epic Events have looked after me on various events, I thought I'd finally give something back.  Three o'clock yesterday afternoon saw the Iron Man and I arrive at Delamere to lend a hand.  He ended up at the registration area, and helped out with car parking before he ran in the event, finishing in a respectable 53:15.  Chris took a bunch of us to the start to set up the gantry, barriers, lights, balloons, banners, flags etc.  An efficient team had this done quite quickly.

After a brief packed lunch, us course marshals ran out onto the course.  I was stationed near the top of the high point, Old Pale Hill.  This provided a great view of both the stars and the surrounding fireworks.  I was up there a good hour before the first runners arrived, so I pointed everyone in the right direction and gave some encouragement.

Once the Grim Sweeper arrived we headed off round the last couple of miles of the course collecting the signs, then packed everything back away again.  I had a great time, and it's nice to see the event from the organiser's side.  I'd be keen to help out again in future.

So for those who took part, the crazed blood soaked doctor with the axe near the hill top was me.  Only a few of the slowest failed to survive.............

Lakeland 100 - Ultra Tour of the Lake District

This has been a long time coming, especially for my lovely wife who has been long suffering.  She has put up with late night wind noise as I watched and re-watched John Kynaston and Dave Troman's excellent videos , looked after children and cooked for us when the Iron Man and I had been out all Saturday doing training runs or recces, listened to me go on endlessly about plans, pitfalls and doubts.  A big thanks to my wife, I certainly wouldn't be here writing this without you.  As I said in my aims for 2015, "1.  Don't die trying to do the Lakeland 100  2.  Get back to climbing after the Lakeland 100."  2015 has certainly all been about the weekend just gone, 24th July to 26th July 2015.  For that reason alone, I will not apologise for the length of this blog.

As the time come closer over the last couple of months I was getting more twitched.  This is a huge endeavour at the best of times, but for someone that isn't a proper ultra runner doubts crept in.  Could I do this?  If not, would I try again?  All I could do was train as best as I could, make a decent plan, and stick to it.  I know I'm pretty damned stubborn so I knew that would help a lot.

I haven't run over the last couple of weeks, not since a 31km training trip around Rivington a couple of weekends ago.  The weekend after someone we knew was doing the Bolton IronMan so we watched that.  I obsessively studied the maps, worked out times compared to my recce timings and what would deposit me at the finish, and swore not to let the Iron Man make me go faster than I was comfortable with.  I also supplied my wife with a graffitied version of the UTLD map so she would be able to follow us alongside the text updates.

So Friday 24th came.  I was off work, and after my wife had gone to work I tried to lie down for more sleep.  I didn't sleep well on Thursday night, dreams of remembered sections ran through my head and I was awake quite often.  I was entirely unsuccessful in having a sleep on Friday morning, so in the end I got up and re-re-re-packed the bag to make sure all was in order.    I drove us up to Coniston;  "Any preference for music?" I asked.  "Anything" replied the Iron Man.  I put Coldplay on again, it's the least offensive stuff on my iPod and he seems to like it.  I have put it on most of the times we've been out running.  The drive up was OK, apart from some slow patches on the M6.  We were in Coniston and parked up in good time.  We registered, went through kit check, got our SiEntries dibber and got weighed.  91.2kg, what?????  Tim Brook, someone else we know, was one of the marshals.  He did the 50 last year in a good time (14:32:52) and was going to improve on this in this year's 50, but knackered his leg earlier in the year.  Nice to see a friendly face.

We mooched about, and finally headed back to the car to get ready.  I put Compeed on the usual hot spots, and got sorted.  My pack was 3.6kg this time, trying to go lighter.

People being fed at Coniston:

The briefing was an amusing affair.  Terry got things underway, albeit with some reverb issues on the microphone.  

Marc was amusing as usual.  "Look at a stranger next to you, introduce yourself, then decide which one of you will finish" reflected the usual 45-55% finish rate (apart from this year....).  David Cowburn spoke to us over the fence whilst we were in the starting pen, another familiar face.  Then, after Nessun Dorma we were off at 6pm.

Leg 1 - Coniston to Seathwaite
Leg:  11.3km  659m ascent
Total:  11.3km  659m ascent
Planned time:  2 hours
Leg time:   1:46:31
Planned total:  2:00
Total time:   1:46:31
0:13:29 ahead of schedule

After the run through Coniston came the slowly steepening road up to the Miner's Bridge.  I was walking by this point, stick to the plan and don't burn out.  The climb up to the T junction was OK, the drop to Walna Scar car park was fun.  The long slog up Walna Scar Road seemed less bad than when I did the recce, although that was in awful conditions.  The descent to Seathwaite was longer than I recall but was fine.  A few biscuits and coke from the Ulverston crew, and away.  One of my major plans was to spend as little time in checkpoints as possible.


Walna Scar ascent:

http://www.sportsunday.co.uk/ll100-10440#photo

http://www.sportsunday.co.uk/ll100-10442#photo

http://www.sportsunday.co.uk/ll100-10443#photo

Descent to Seathwaite:
http://www.sportsunday.co.uk/ll100-20299
http://www.sportsunday.co.uk/ll100-20300#photo

http://www.sportsunday.co.uk/ll100-20301#photo

Leg 2 - Seathwaite to Boot

Leg:  11.1km  385m ascent

Total:  22.4km  1044m ascent

Planned time:  2 hours

Leg time:   1:54:40

Planned total:  4:00

Total time:   3:41:11

0:28:49 ahead of schedule

I'm not a big fan of the first climb up past Wallowbarrow Crag (incidentally where I first went rock climbing a lot of years ago), nor the awkward section through the fells and then into the forestry section.  This year this was far drier due to some sterling work having been done.  Much easier, and felt a lot quicker - plus dry feet too.  The section along the river into Boot still felt quite long.  Again, a quick stop at the checkpoint for flapjack and a drink from the French fancy dress/ Petzl team.

Disco dancing and prancing towards Boot: 
http://www.sportsunday.co.uk/ll100-10699
http://www.sportsunday.co.uk/ll100-10700#photo

Leg 3 - Boot to Wasdale Head

Leg:  8.6km  297m ascent
Total:  31.0km  1341m ascent
Planned time:  2 hours
Leg time:   1:42:55
Planned total:  6:00
Total time:   5:24:06
0:33:54 ahead of schedule

Going well.  This section is actually one of the easiest on the route, and is a welcome chill out before the next leg over the tops.  We headed up gently over the moors, past Burnmoor Tarn (I put the head torch on just before the Tarn), then the nice descent to Wasdale.  This one felt a lot easier than on the recce, but was still pretty boggy.   Wet feet now.  I had some soup (the first of many) and sandwiches from the Stroller disco.  Fantastic.



Leg 4 - Wasdale Head to Buttermere

Leg:  11.0km  712m ascent
Total:  42.0km  2053m ascent
Planned time:  3 hours
Leg time:   3:01:11
Planned total:  9:00
Total time:   8:25:17
0:34:43 ahead of schedule

This is in the top two big climbs - there's a lot of ascent, and it's all in one lump.  Properly dark by now, the night was pretty cloudy so no decent stars, just a line of head torches painfully working their way up Black Sail Pass.  I was very pleased to reach the metal gate that marks the top, and equally pleased to make it down the rocky and technical descent to the River Liza, the bridge, and then Black Sail YHA.  The next drag up Scarth Gap Pass was a lot longer than the route book suggested (uphill for 230m?  more like 1230m!!).  At the summit, with another gate, there was a chap in a bivvy bag with some cans and a pizza box egging us on.  Surreal.  The run down to Buttermere went fine, and it was time for more soup with bread, a tea and biscuits.

Leg 5 - Buttermere to Braithwaite

Leg:  10.5km  573m ascent

Total:  52.5km  2626m ascent

Planned time:  2:30 hours

Leg time:   2:49:21

Planned total:  11:30

Total time:   11:14:45

0:15:15 ahead of schedule

When Iron Man and I did this "quarter" of the course as a recce this was the first section and it felt OK.  After a marathon it would feel more tough!  The section by the river and out to open fell was fine, as was the next section contouring around Whiteless Breast and crossing streams.  It took a long time to get to the small cairn that marks the start of the steep climb, and the climb itself felt tough.  At one point we had to shout down to a guy that had missed the turn and was heading off towards Derwentwater.  Annoyingly, he pretty quickly overtook us with thanks for our intervention.  My legs were starting to dislike steep hills.  Once we hit the top of Sail Pass, the nice descent to Braithwaite went well and I was soon enjoying pasta, tea and biscuits.  Iron Man had the rice pudding and jam.  Thanks to Tony and Giselle.



Leg 6 - Braithwaite to Blencathra Centre
Leg:  13.7km  478m ascent
Total:  66.2km  3104m ascent
Planned time:  2:30 hours
Leg time:   2:58:06
Planned total:  14:00
Total time:   14:12:51
0:12:51 behind schedule!

With stomachs full of food we ran/ walked this next bit.   On our recce I didn't like the section by the A66, nor the next bit along the old railway.  Today it felt OK for some reason and we were soon turning left onto Spooney Green Lane.  We climbed up well, and pushed on around Lonscale Fell heading towards the self check.  This was the first time I fell asleep running.  This was to be the most unpredictable, most irritating and most bizarre part of the UTLD 100.  I had that feeling you get on a late night long car journey (or trying to stay awake to read a book in bed).  My brain seemed to shut down and my eyes closed, and there was nothing I could do about it.  Then I would come to with a jump and remember where I was.  This was highly irritating as it slowed me down a lot, but also dangerous as this section involves contouring around on a very narrow path above a big drop.  Luckily we made it to Blencathra safely as it was getting light, and  I willingly accepted two cups of sugary coffee from little Dave, along with cake.  



Leg 7 - Blencathra Centre to Dockray
Leg:  12.3km  417m ascent
Total:  78.5km  3521m ascent
Planned time:  2:30 hours
Leg time:   2:24:37
Planned total:  16:30
Total time:   16:37:28
0:07:28 behind schedule!

I will hold my hand up now - I don't like this leg.  At all.  We dropped down from Blencathra Centre, me falling asleep here and there still, then along the railway (still snoozing) to get to the boggy ascent to the old coach road.  This was wet, but not too wet.  The coach road was less of a drag than I recalled, but still nasty.  Not much more to say, other than being glad to get to the Dockray checkpoint and more soup and sandwiches.  I had more coffee too from the Newburgh Nomads.



Leg 8 - Dockray to Dalemain
Leg:  16.3km  370m ascent
Total:  94.8km  3891m ascent
Planned time:  3 hours
Leg time:   3:13:16
Planned total:  19:30
Total time:   19:50:44
0:20:44 behind schedule!

We ran down this road section, then stomped through the Aire Force section, taking in passing views of the lovely waterfall.  After this the interminable climb around Gowbarrow Fell passed relatively easily.  I was more awake now and going well.  The trog across fields was easier as a path had been carved by our quicker colleagues.  The last section on the road to Dacre was really dull, then the Iron Man "stretched his legs" by running the rest of the way to the checkpoint.  I ran/ walked this bit, feeling some blisters but generally feeling good.  At the checkpoint, I had meat stew and coffee (most of which I spilled) and some sweets.  Whilst popping blood blisters under my lesser toes, I was very much pleased to see my wife arriving in the tent along with the boys.  She told me later that we looked rough, but I didn't feel it.  This was a big boost and set me up for the last 46 miles of our journey.  Dalemain was the first huge mental boost for me, the second being Mardale Head (after my very least favourite leg of this event).  Thanks to The Endurance Store team.  I had a choice of putting my new pair of Inov8 shoes on (which were the same as the ones I'd worn so far, and therefore rubbed in the same spots) or swap to my Hokas.  I opted for the latter, which was to be a very wise choice.



Leg 9 - Dalemain to Howtown
Leg:  11.5km  294m ascent
Total:  106.3km  4185m ascent
Planned time:  3 hours
Leg time:   2:43:39
Planned total:  22:30
Total time:   22:34:23
0:04:23 behind schedule!

After a longer stop at Dalemain, it took a minute to loosen the legs up but we jogged through to Pooley Bridge.  Here we were greeted not only by the fab wife, but by Rob Turnock and family.  It makes a big difference to the psyche to see people you know, it really spurs you onwards.  The climb up to the Cockpit felt OK, then we jogged along on the slow descent to Howtown.  Cowboys greeted us here, and I ate flapjack and biscuits courtesy of the Chia Charge guys.  Thanks.  This is now my distance record to date.


Leg 10 - Howtown to Mardale Head
Leg:  15.2km  765m ascent
Total:  121.5km  4950m ascent
Planned time:  4 hours
Leg time:   3:51:57
Planned total:  26:30
Total time:   26:26:20
0:03:40 ahead of schedule

I hate this leg.  Each time I've done it I've overheated, felt ill and been crap thereafter.  This time I was determined to take it slowly.  The cooler, but still warm weather certainly helped.  I went step by step, slowly plodding up and up through the never ending steep grass and bog.  Oh my, I hate this.  Eventually we got to the top of the climb, then went over High Kop (which always lasts a lot longer than you expect) until the drop back down to Haweswater.  Now this bit is totally different in character - rocky, awkward, boring, undulating - but still horrid.  I was supremely glad to get to the Spartan's tent at CP10.  More soup, coffee and sandwiches.



Leg 11 - Mardale Head to Kentmere
Leg:  10.4km  511m ascent
Total:  131.9km  5461m ascent
Planned time:  3 hours
Leg time:   2:59:59
Planned total:  29:30
Total time:   29:26:19
0:03:41 ahead of schedule

Off we went.  There was a 50 runner stopping at CP10, which was one thing we had in the back of our minds - overtaking 50 runners would be a huge booster.  We overtook a girl doing the 50 on the brutal ascent of Gatesgarth Pass - apparently she had got to the top of Fusedale, then decided to turn back only to meet someone that pushed her on - she did Fusedale TWICE!!!  Our ascent went fairly OK, the descent was again in the dark and was as long and tough underfoot as ever.  On the climb over from Sadgill I started my falling asleep thing again,  I was also seeing rocks covered in moss as really colourful graffiti covered walls, the like of which I imagine you get in New York.  Weird.  We made it to Kentmere in one piece, and I ate some of the Montane team's pasta and biscuits and more coffee (most of which I spilled on the table).  Two blokes who were pretty battered asked to tag along with us, I guess night two in the dark on your own ain't fun.



Leg 12 - Kentmere to Ambleside
Leg:  11.8km  491m ascent
Total:  143.7km  5952m ascent
Planned time:  3 hours
Leg time:   3:23:05
Planned total:  32:30
Total time:   32:49:24
0:19:24 behind schedule!

I think I spent a lot of this leg asleep.  Garburn Pass came and went, as did Badger Rock, Little Font and the Garburn Pass Boulder (couldn't see them though).  The long descent was Ok, but we got a little confused as to where the sharp right was, but luckily we got it right.  The next thing I really recall is getting internally angry that we didn't know where we were going through Skelghyll Woods. There was a disagreement of views as to which way to go, but I wasn't helping as my mind was off somewhere else.  Finally Steve agreed with my ramblings and we headed off down over the bridge towards Ambleside.  Once on tarmac, Iron Man suggested a run - we both knew we were behind time now.  Ambleside is the last cut off, and we were going to make it but the plan was at risk.  We ran along Old Lakes Road but within a couple of minutes my toes were agony. I couldn't run due to the pain.  Despair entered my mind - behind time, messing around in the woods and now painful feet.  No way could I finish in time - what was the point of going on, I may as well stop here.  I grumpily announced to Iron Man that I would not run any more of this event.  Into the checkpoint I ate some soup and sandwiches and had coffee, thanks to the Mountain Run team.  I looked at my feet - the blisters I had treated at Dalemain had had the skin torn off by the run, so each toe was skinless and raw.  I dressed them as best as I could and swallowed some ibuprofen.  Sharon asked to tag along, the others said OK and I really wasn't bothered at this point.



Leg 13 - Ambleside to Chapel Stile
Leg:  9.0km  234m ascent
Total:  152.7km  6186m ascent
Planned time:  2:30 hours
Leg time:   2:12:53
Planned total:  35:00
Total time:   35:02:17
0:02:17 behind schedule!

This was a very odd leg for me.  The climb over to Tarn Foot I lead the navigation for and knew what I was doing.  We passed more 50 runners.  At one point four fat badgers burst out of the undergrowth, startled by our passing.  Once at Chesters, I was falling asleep again.  On the flat run by Elterwater I woke to find myself standing alone on the path in the mist.  I had no idea where I was, the dream I had awoken from felt more real than this.  I looked up and down the path and gradually came to.  What the hell is going on?  I set off in what I thought was the right direction and caught the rest of the group at the Elterwater car park.  A quick dash along to the often hard to spot bridge, past the Wainwright's Inn and along the track and we were at the Chapel Stile check point.  I refused to sit down as I doubted I'd get up, but ate stew, bread, biscuits and coffee.  Still being grumpy, I wanted to get going and it felt like ages before we were on our way.  Thanks to the Howards for the welcome.



Leg 14 - Chapel Stile to Tilberthwaite
Leg:  10.6km  387m ascent
Total:  163.3km  6573m ascent
Planned time:  2:45 hours
Leg time:   2:46:22
Planned total:  37:45
Total time:   37:48:52
0:03:52 behind schedule!

It was dawn when we left the CP, although very misty.  Steve led the way along Langdale, a lot simpler in the light.  We went well around, then up to the Wrynose self dib.  Iron Man said to me in Langdale that we needed to stay under 14 minutes per km to make it in time, so I pushed hard from Blea Tarn despite my feet screaming to the contrary.  Jumping across large rocks was actually OK as it only loaded one point of my feet, and we blasted round to the road pretty quickly, although Sharon wasn't happy with the pace I was setting.  I was a lot slower going down the road - I had known I would be and needed to buy time.  The ascent around to High Tilberthwaite Farm went on for a long time.  I was so pleased when we hit the road.  At CP14 I ate a biscuit and left, knowing I would potentially struggle on this nasty last leg.  I'm sure the Lakes Lodges spread was great, but I wasn't for stopping.



Leg 15 - Tilberthwaite to Coniston
Leg:  5.7km  283m ascent
Total:  169.0km  6856m ascent
Planned time:  1:45 hours
Leg time:   1:42:13
Planned total:  39:30
Total time:   39:30:52
52 seconds off plan.  Wow.

This was it.  I couldn't fail now.  I'd gone from abject misery at Ambleside, to real dogged determination from Chapel Stile onwards.  Off I went up the steps to heaven.  Felt OK.  Then the rocky section.  Felt OK.  Then the traverse above a void you don't see on the night run.  Felt OK.  Iron Man and Sharon overtook me but never got far ahead until the summit of the pass.  I kept going upwards until the top.  I knew the descent would be hard, and I was a lot slower than usual.  Iron Man finished nearly 20 minutes before me, having been together at the start of the descent.  I felt a bit emotional here as I knew I was going to finish and it had been quite a journey.  It was a painful stumble downhill, then on the rough track past the Miner's Bridge, then onto smooth tarmac.  I couldn't run so kept on going.  The clapping from the pubs helped, then seeing Ben and my wife, then Alex and the Iron Man near the end was a huge thing for me.  I crossed the line, dibbed, and got taken inside.  "100 finisher" shouted the marshal and I was greeted to a huge round of applause, looking slightly sheepish - I'm not an ultra runner, this isn't for me!  Tim was still there and it was nice to get my medal from him.  I had another coffee, then we got packed and my wife drove us home.  I slept for a while on the way back.

Both a little bloated and tired at the finish:

Once at home, I had a brew and a glass of wine, then a hot bath which I fell asleep in and woke up ages later feeling very cold and blue.  I got in bed, and my wife tells me I was rambling nonsense about paying for my entry to the 100,  Next year maybe?  I got up later and we had the perfect post race tea of ribs, coleslaw and chips.  I was in bed early and slept well.  Although I was wide awake and up and about at 6:30 on the Monday morning.  I have de-roofed the blisters on my left foot, and left those on the right - think of it as an experiment to see which does better!  Having weighed myself, I found I'd lost 5kg during this event.

The evening of the finish:

Back at work today.  Pssst, wanna see my medal??

Epilogue
So there we are.  The best part of 12 months obsessing about it, and it's done.  I've done a hundred mile event.  If ever I was going to do one, this was it.  It's not properly sunk in yet but I'm really chuffed - it's made all my efforts, Iron Man's efforts and the patience and support from the family worthwhile  This is as much for my wife and the boys as anyone else.

So what have I learned?  Other than the usual stuff about trying things even if you may fail etc, the main thing is that sleep deprivation gets harder as you get older!  That was some of the freakiest stuff ever.  It has also cemented the knowledge that I couldn't have done it without the close family I have now, they really are the best anyone could wish for.


Interestingly, in the car the day after I finished Coldplay came on.  My wife told me that the Iron Man is sick of me playing Coldplay every time we go anywhere.  I laughed so much I thought I may die.

The plan and the results:

Strava results (the GPS data is wrong - a bit over distance and a lot under for ascent):

The map with comments for the family to follow:

Two Rings of Shap 13/06/2015

Iron Man and I headed up to Shap on Saturday for this event.  I did all three rings last year as preparation for the UTLD 50.  We had entered this year as part of the last five weeks' events, in order to continue to maintain distance.

Over the last five weeks I've done 26 miles, 42 miles, 31 miles, weekend off, 42 miles over 5 Saturdays.  I'm hoping this is fair prep for the 100.  I have a game plan, but still quite a few things to get straight in my mind.

We set off at 8am again this year.  The first Ring is my favourite, heading out towards the Lake District to climb over to Mosedale Cottage, then up Branstree to a self clip.  After this a nice run over to Selside Pike (with a view of the nasty run along Haweswater for the UTLD 100), then down the lovely waterfalls of Swindale.  The bridge at the bottom of the valley had been rebuilt, so we avoided the boggy section that got mealiest year, and were at Truss Gap checkpoint with dry feet.  The next up and over was a lot less wet than last year too, so we were back at Shap in good shape, and twenty minutes quicker than I managed last year.

We dibbed in, and then changed shoes (which adds an extra 20 odd minutes to the loop time).  The second loop takes in a lot of fields with long grass to get to the three rivers involved.  First is River Lyvennet, and this year I wasn't chased by cows and the horrid path through the woods was bypassed.  Iron Man had hurt his knee on the Swindle descent and this started to tell by the checkpoint at Great Strickland.  I think the heat had got to him a bit too as he was feeling pretty sickly.

We managed to continue through the remainder of the Ring, not getting lost (having done it last year really helped at times) on the way to the self check at a road junction.  A bourbon biscuit or two here, then onwards back along the River Lowther with its brilliant suspension bridge.

Anyway, we were back at Shap in 12:33:31 after 42 miles and a good day out.  I had a cup of tea and one of veg soup before we got kit sorted and got going home for a beer.


Results for Shap:

2014
Ring One (29 km)  5:05
Ring Two (39 km)  7:25  (12:30 for two rings)
Ring Three (32 km)  7:42
Total  20:12

2015
Ring One (29 km)  4:45:20
Ring Two (39 km)  7:41:22
Total  12:33:31



Three Rings of Shap 2014:

Two Rings of Shap 2015:

UTLD recce Buttermere to Dacre

The family had a weekend at a cottage in Thornthwaite at the weekend, and the Iron Man came up to recce the second "quarter" of the Lakeland 100 route on the Saturday with me. This is the bit we missed because I pulled my hamstring, and as half of it will be done in the dark it was important to have a look at it.  On the day I really want to get this section done in under 11 hours, plus the 9 for the first bit, meaning we hit Dalemain at 20 hours.  Ambitious maybe, but it's a plan.

We drove to Buttermere and set off at 7am.  We were lucky with the weather on the day.  Dry, but pretty hot later on.  The first leg over the tops to get to Braithwaite was nice, a good section uphill followed by interesting down sections to the checkpoint.  We had a drink and some fluid here.  1:54 for this bit.

The next section drags along by the A66, then along bits of railway (all of which I found a little dull) and then sneaks uphill to contour round Lonscale fell to an unmanned checkpoint, then back down the other side of the valley to the Blencathra centre.  Another drink and snack.  2:14 for this leg.

A good bit of down then leads along the railway again until a boggy up section to gain the old coach track around Matterdale Common and eventually to Dockray checkpoint, in a car park a couple of km before the village.  1:59 to here.

The next bit worked through some woods past Aira Force, which needed a bit of attention.  Then up and around Gowbarrow Fell, which was a bit of slog in the heat.  After this was a few boring km on roads to get to Dacre.  Under 8:30 for the whole lot, which is great.  Although, add on a bit for the next couple of km to Dalemain.

Some interesting points in a UTLD presentation by Dr Ian Boardley, available online here.

Training or failing?

I had entered the LDWA Red Rose 100 mile event as part of my training for the UTLD 100. Saturday morning saw me parked up at Rivington school and being taken by minibus to the start of the event. After being checked in and having my halfway bag deposited, I had some tea and toast and waited for the start.

Leg one I knew well, from the Anderton centre via Go Ape and then up to Pigeon Tower. Then across the cobble road that Andrew and I know well to skirt into Belmont and onto the bit of the Rivvy 26 route I hate. This dropped me at CP1.  Jaffa cakes, custard donuts and crackers and cheese were very welcome.

Leg two took us over Darwen Tower and then back down to Feniscliffe, where sandwiches did the trick. Sixteen miles in and going well. My game plan was to keep under 15 minutes per km, as this is 40 hour pace for 100 miles.

The next bit was quite hilly and took us over a few grassy hills, busy roads and boring stomps over golf courses. I arrived at Whalley with sore feet, 8:20 after 28 miles.  I popped a few blisters and applied Compeed. The next leg was a fun one, with a lot of up and down and bog.

Getting to Barley involved a lot of dancing over bog but I managed to keep my feet dry. Here was on offer minestrone, vegetable soup, or pizza crumpet. I had one of the latter, which was tomato purée on crumpet, toasted with cheese on top. Really nice at this point.

Next was Pendle Hill. In the dark. Anyway, off I went. Up and up it seemed. Near the top I met a witch and her cat, who clipped my card and gave me sweets. On the way off the top I did wonder if we were going the right way. The route card said head at 330 but the path everyone was taking didn't match this. After a while I stopped to check my position, which agreed with the planned route.

Downham. Midnight. 14 hours in, sore hamstring, various blisters.  40 miles in, and mind games came along. Not near my previous 66 Mile best but there's plenty to concern me.

Anyway, I got to Downhan. 40 miles in, a week after a hill marathon.  I was gutted not to finish but I
wanted to get back to my lovely wife and our bed.  Would you rather cuddle up to your fantastic wife, or continue stomping through the paths of Lancashire?????

The lack of Andrew being there was a major downer which had a huge effect on my mental approach.  So, I dropped out here. Various reasons, but the hamstring was an issue which I didn't want to aggravate and blisters won't help my recce this weekend- Andrew and I are going to scope out the second quarter of the hundred.  26 miles last weekend, 40 this weekend and 33 next weekend. Not bad training for distance. Best keep the distance up, rather than killing myself with 100 miles on a bad bum!

Anyway,  lessons learned
Roll on the 100.......




This was all walked, and the GPS ain't right.

Progress?

It has been six weeks since my hamstring injury, and my butt still isn't right. Having said that, I thought I'd give an update as to where I am with it.

I had a few sessions of physio with Summit Physio at Wrightington country club, each of which was very very painful. I've been doing stretches and strengthening exercises religiously. Up until today, I've run 51.3km in total, albeit very slowly. On top of this, LAA and I have done a 10k walk each Monday when we are off together, going for a nice lunch each time. It's been really nice to enjoy some good walks and some good food together, since we are so busy the rest of the week. We also did a bit of cycling, including the Guild Wheel, as well as a mad dash home when Ben broke his wrist.

I've avoided any Board session, as well as the fingerboard. Climbing will have to wait until after the UTLD 100.

We have also had a clear out of girls' clothes- loads of nice, new, expensive, and often unworn clothes. Some of it has been thrown out, but most has been donated to people with young girls who will actually get some use out of it all. We must have cleared out thousands of pounds worth. Amazing.

Today was the Howgills Trail 26. Andrew and I drove up this morning, a little nervous since neither of us have trained anywhere near what we did last year, and my broken buttock made me nervous.  I remembered a lot of this course from last year, certainly not my favourite 26.  Toad-al Ben Stool. 

This time the 7.5k slog to the summit of the Calf felt Ok. The descent from here was a bit dull, but being technical underfoot didn't allow any respite. We went slightly wrong where a marker had clearly fallen over, but having done it before kept us on the right track. We hit the first checkpoint at 3:30 in. This left 20k, and my lack of training in the last six weeks showed. In the end, I sent Andrew off with 9k to go to chase a time, whilst I plodded at 8 minute/km pace. From the watch I finished over 6hrs 30, which was my target. However, any disappointment at not hitting the mark is alleviated by the fact I should be OK for next weekend. No details yet, I don't want to jinx proceedings.

Anyway, good day out- thanks Andrew.