What a pain in the arse

Firstly, here's the Higher Chelburn video as promised.  Lots of easy stuff, but a good few hours out.


Higher Chelburn - Eclipse Day - 20/3/2015 from GCW on Vimeo.




I had a day off on Friday and was keen to head somewhere different.  I was going to head to Roundbarn first, then Knowle Heights later but Pasty Lord was potentially available later.  I opted to hit Knowle Heights first.

When I got there it looked dry, but there was a big group of teens hanging about drinking (10:30am). This felt pretty intimidating as I'd be bouldering right next to them, so I opted to change the plan (I ran away).

I headed to Roundbarn keen for a look at Catsfoot and Whisker.  They both had water running down them, so I look at the left end first.  Second go on Leave Your Hat On using R-man's high right heel and something went pop in my right hip.  This was really sore, and I couldn't use the heel again.  I linked it soon after.  I did a few other bits here, including the 6c+ dyne which I found pretty OK (due to lank and liking dynes I guess).  Quiver Upriver was also damp, but I could get to the break fine before being slimed off the next bit.  Should be fine when dry.  I had one try at Whisker, but the top holds were streaming.

I went to look at Stanworth on my way home, only to find a new 6' green fence that seemed to go all the way round.  I didn't want to start trying to hop it, so left and went home.

Today I woke with more pain in my right hip - certainly looks like I've done something to a hamstring.  I was supposed to be doing the Buttermere to Dalemain recce for the UTLD 100 tomorrow.  I tried a short run this morning, but barely managed a mile as the pain and stiffness got worse with each step.  No way can I do 33 hill miles this weekend, so I've had to pull out of the recce.  We'll have to arrange our own at a later date.

Out on the rock

Stronstrey Bank  18/03/2015

It's been a long time since I was last climbing at Stronstrey, probably around the time I put up David Vetter etc etc.  It was very sunny and hot on Monday, and I was off for the day.  Recent videos of hard problems on the Lone Boulder whetted my appetite.  I went straight to this odd-ball boulder.  It's been a long time since I was here, my last visit was with my late father and he's been dead a good few years now.

I did Jim Reaper pretty easily via a sneaky heel-toe cam.  My own Day-Glo Man went down second go, after brushing off a load of crud - I don't think this gets much attention.  Noisy Cricket was impossible, I blame the head but me being very out of condition may not have helped.....

I did Grim Leaper, again via a naughty foot lock.  After this I had a play on the Fun Boulder, then headed home.  Need to get (a lot) stronger and then come back for a rematch.


Stronstrey 18/3/2015 from GCW on Vimeo.



Higher Chelburn  20/03/2015

I had a day off on Friday to use up annual leave.  Whilst driving over to Summit I got a decent view of the Solar Eclipse.  Good, but I think the 1999 one was better.  Once I parked up as per Robin's guide, I realised this is where Nik and I came to on our last trip together.  It took exactly 12 minutes to walk to the first area (as predicted).  I did a load of easy stuff, and Small Star which was excellent. I moved over to the next area and did a couple of problems on the big boulder - these were a bit damp, rather scrittly and felt a bit unnerving due to the pit beneath them.  I had a look at Expletive but the break was popping, so I did the easier version using the sidepull.  After this was the trio of excellent problems including Clarion Call - I flashed all three, and they are very good.

I had a look at the Chilli Burn boulder, but it was seeping (and too hard).  I picked up some finger tape and banana skins that someone had left there, rather disappointing this is happening already.  After this my skin had had enough so I left.

On my way home I dropped in at Roundbarn, which was wet, and had a wander around. Catfoot looks great so I think I'll head back this week if the weather remains dry.

Yesterday I did a new 10k route from home in my new Mudclaw 300s - got some heel rub and a blister on my right second toe.  I'll not be wearing these next weekend for the Buttermere to Dalemain rec.!!  A gentle 5k this morning was OK though.

So the plan is to get out on the rock this week - maybe Roundbarn +/- Jumbles.  I'll also get the Higher Chelburn video online once my Vimeo allowance resets.