Lakeland 50

This seems to be turning into a once-a-year blog.  Whilst J the dog and I have been spending quite a bit of time in the Lake District ticking off Wainwrights, neither of us have done any bouldering this year.  I did do some training on my board, but I've not touched any rock outside.  I've done a few events (Howgills Trail 26, Rivington NightRunner) but my training has been minimal over the last couple of months as it has been so hot.  So much so that there have been big fires on Rivington moorland/ Winter Hill, which has been quite a blow considering how much time I have spent up there running and bouldering.

Last weekend was the annual family trip up to Coniston for the Lakeland 50/100.  We had booked a cottage in the village and drove up on the Friday.  IronMan was helping out, so was there earlier on the Friday to park cars and set up, then had a rota for the Tilberthwaite checkpoint.  We arrived around lunchtime and got settled in.  I went through registration and kit check.  Weigh in was 82.7kg this year, around 8kg off the previous years thanks to some healthier eating (and not having any alcohol for nearly five months).

The family had a wander around the HQ, and (as usual) there were a lot of faces we recognised.  J the Dog's first outing was here 12 months ago when he was a tiny pup, and although he got less attention now he's a big lump of muscle he seemed to enjoy it.  After watching the start of the 100, we went back to the cottage and I got packed up.  I went to the chippy to collect food later on and had to wait in a big queue - you'd think they would realise that this weekend would be a busy one.  And it felt busy too, as there seem to be a lot more entrants in both races.  Overnight the heavens opened, quite a change from how hot it had been all day.

Saturday morning I was up and out fairly early, and being seen off by my wife and J.  The bus journey was uneventful and we were deposited an hour before the start, allowing time to encourage the 100 runners who were coming through.  This year my main aim was to get under the 16 hours finish time to let me get into the 100 next time.  After my last two DNFs around Ambleside it was going to be nice to actually finish something!

Leg 1 - Dalemain to Howtown

Leg - 17.8km

Total - 17.8km

Leg ascent - 294m

Total ascent - 294m

Time - 2:07:56 

Total time - 2:07:56 (7:04 ahead of plan)

This starts with a 6.3km loop around Dalemain to go past the start.  I wasn't going to push hard (especially as there are a couple of gates/stiles where a queue forms) but felt quite comfortable jogging along.  I passed Craig from the Endurance Store on the descent to Howtown, who was looking good and was 3 hours up on his last year's 100 pace.  Quick dib and biscuits and off onto my least favourite part of the course.

Leg 2 - Howtown to Mardale Head

Leg - 15.2km

Total - 33.0km

Leg ascent - 765m

Total ascent - 1059m

Time - 2:53:44

Total time - 5:01:40 (13:20 ahead)

Not long after I left Howtown the rain started again properly and I put my jacket on.  Fusedale is usually my Achilles heel as it is usually really hot - that wouldn't be an issue today as a lot of people suffered, with a lot of cold people when we got to Mardale.

Half way up the climb is a derelict building, and as the rain increased I sheltered behind the wall to put on my gloves and waterproof trousers.  I was cold by this time and couldn't feel my hands.  Knowing this wouldn't get any better, I decided to push on over High Kop to get out of the wind along the Haweswater path.  Getting to High Kop was hard work, and people around me were being blown over by the gale.  I was glad of the poles and a few extra kilos.  I wasn't please to see the lightning flashing all around Harter Fell and Gatesgarth Pass.

Getting to the Haweswater path was a relief, although still very wet.  At least I was out of the horizontal hail.  I ran all the sections I wanted to  and arrived at a very busy checkpoint where many people were hiding in the tent.  I would normally get some soup, but couldn't be bothered waiting so grabbed some sandwiches.

Leg 3 - Mardale Head to Kentmere

Leg - 10.4km

Total - 43.4km

Leg ascent - 511m

Total ascent - 1570m

Time - 2:02:18

Total time - 7:03:58 (11:02 ahead)

I ate my food as I started up Gatesgarth Pass, which wasn't easy to do without drinking a fair bit to be able to chew the bread.  The climb went OK, and I managed to run most of the path to the farm/ bridge at Sadgill.  This next section has felt like an eternity each time I've done the 100 but this time went fine.  I had some pasta at Kentmere and got on with it before getting too hot in the checkpoint.

Leg 4 - Kentmere to Ambleside

Leg - 11.8km

Total - 55.2km

Leg ascent - 491m

Total ascent - 2061m

Time - 2:10:32

Total time - 9:14:30 (13:20 ahead)

Kentmere is effectively halfway in the 50 with the biggest climbs done.  The remaining course isn't as tough in the climbs, but makes up for it in the underfoot technicality.  I took a coffee with me as I headed up towards Badger Rock, then got my head down in the rain for the ascent.  This went fine, as did the drop to the road at Troutbeck.  The Robin Lane contour felt easier than usual and I was soon through the woods and at the checkpoint.  There were some cold snacks outside, and inside were the hot drinks and food.  I opted to dib and go, taking more sandwiches with me.

Leg 5 - Ambleside to Chapel Stile

Leg - 9.0km

Total - 64.2km

Leg ascent - 234m

Total ascent - 2295m

Time - 1:28:48

Total time - 10:43:18 (16:42 ahead)

This is where the wheels came off in 2016 for my 100, and it was good to pass that point feeling good.  I ran most of this section (albeit slowly).  I now knew that unless something broke, my 16 hour target was safe - from Ambleside I had 6 hours and 45 minutes to finish (25km, and a pace of 16 minutes/km).  This was quite reassuring, but the mental maths started to make sure I was on pace for my plan.  I ran-walked the flat section through the campsite as I was getting tight behind my left knee and needed to keep stretching it.  At the checkpoint I had some stew and got going.

Leg 6 - Chapel Stile to Tilberthwaite

Leg - 10.6km

Total - 74.8km

Leg ascent - 387m

Total ascent - 2682m

Time - 2:09:52

Total time - 12:53:10 (6:50 ahead)

It was dark now, so the head torch came out.  There were some 100 runners who I played cat and mouse with, me being quicker on climbs and slower on descents.  In the past I have worried about the navigation on this section, but it's actually pretty straightforward.  It is pretty rocky though, so I didn't run much of this section and was 9 minutes slower than planned, but had time in the bag to compensate.  

I walked pretty briskly from Blea Tarn to the Wrynose road, passing quite a few people on this section.  The last up and over to Tilberthwaite seemed a lot shorter than usual too, which is always a bonus.  IronMan was off shift when I got to Tilberthwaite CP so I put my donation in the bucket and took a couple of custard creams.

Leg 7 - Tilberthwaite to Coniston

Leg - 5.7km

Total - 80.5km

Leg ascent - 283m

Total ascent - 2965m

Time - 1:14:56

Total time - 14:08:06 (21:54 ahead)

The last leg, and for once I wasn't on mine.  I seemed to leave people behind on this ascent, which is unusual, and passed a few people on the more gentle section to the summit.  The descent was fine this time, and I was soon able to jog down the access road and finish.  14:08 and very happy.  My wife and J were there to greet me, and I think J was please to see me as I ended up on my back covered in a licking dog.  So now we have another Lakeland 50 medal for the collection.

I was asleep in bed by 3am after a shower and a drink, so was up in the morning.  Wife, dog and I went for a few walks on Sunday (narrowly avoiding losing a dog down the sheer drop to the river near the Miner's Bridge - daft thing went down to look, but luckily managed to get back up as if butter wouldn't melt.  Took years off us, that did) and the legs were fine.  No blisters either, which is my usual problem.

We had good day, relaxing and mooching about.  IronMan heading back and took the lads, so the three of us had Sunday evening/ Monday to ourselves.  We had a takeaway on Sunday night, and some well earned sleep. 

On Monday we were packed and checked out, so had a walk around Grizedale forest for a couple of hours, a nice lunch and another mooch about the lake (J likes swimming A LOT).  So all in all a great weekend away with the family, and a big thanks to my wife for sorting most of it out whilst I was off doing my own thing.

Summary

Everything went right this year, although it was "only" the 50.  No blisters at all, legs perfect, pace right etc.  Blisters wise, the main difference was not using any anti-blister treatments prophylactically (and a new pair of my Speedgoats).  I'm not sure what worked for me, but I could do with finding out for next year.  I'm still looking at going for the 100 next time and could do with more training than I did this year.  I'm happy with my kit and set up now (apart from a big hole in one of the pockets of my running vest, that is).  Sleep deprivation and blisters are my two biggest issues over any longer a distance, and I will need to work out what to do with them.

All I have booked in the future in the Red Rose 50 later this year, which I enjoyed last year (being on home turf).  I have a couple of other things I'd like to do (Lakeland Four Passes, NightRunners, Northern Traverse, Spine Flare, Lakeland Five Passes etc etc) but I'll need to think about timings etc.

Anyway, thanks again to my lovely wife for putting up with all this madness.  And see you all in Coniston next year.

September update

Been a while.  Not a lot to report other than the attempt on the Lakeland 100, which didn't quite go to plan.  It was wet, very wet.  The plan was the same as last time, since the feet were the issue last time.


The family had a cottage in Coniston and were on hand for support; it's just great to have them with me, and this year we had the addition of our little pup.

Leg 1 - Coniston to Seathwaite
Leg:  11.3km  659m ascent
Total:  11.3km  659m ascent
Planned time:  1:50
Leg time:   1:46:34
Planned total:  1:50
Total time:   1:46:34
0:03:26 ahead of schedule

IronMan and I set off together.  It was threatening rain the whole time, and in the end it rained heavily overnight.  A lot of people commented what an horrible night it was.  I felt fine getting to Seathwaite, although Pavel Paloncy appeared to be sitting in the corner looking unhappy.


Leg 2 - Seathwaite to Boot

Leg:  11.1km  385m ascent

Total:  22.4km  1044m ascent

Planned time:  1:55

Leg time:   2:01:50

Planned total:  3:45

Total time:   3:48:24

0:03:24 behind schedule

It was raining a lot by now, so my feet were wet anyway.  The underfoot conditions were the worst I've seen them, and this was to be the theme of the event.  Quite a few people took the short cut track and missed out on the Church - I know it's only a few hundred metres shorter, but it's still not the official route!

Leg 3 - Boot to Wasdale Head

Leg:  8.6km  297m ascent
Total:  31.0km  1341m ascent
Planned time:  1:45
Leg time:   1:54:41
Planned total:  5:30
Total time:   5:43:05
0:13:05 behind schedule

This leg was very wet too, and the rain really didn't help at all.  We spent quite a while in the Stroller checkpoint, having survived the shark in the beck.  IronMan spent quite a while changing socks and cleaning his shoes out, and didn't seem in his usual shape

Leg 4 - Wasdale Head to Buttermere

Leg:  11.0km  712m ascent
Total:  42.0km  2053m ascent
Planned time:  3 hours
Leg time:   3:24:55
Planned total:  8:30
Total time:   9:08:00
0:38:00 behind schedule

I was feeling good on the Black Sail ascent, with fresh socks inside my Hoka Speed Goats.  I'm loving these shoes, just the best thing ever.  IronMan was slow on the ascent, and even slower on the drop back down to the YHA, falling over occasionally too.  We struggled over Scarth Gap, and IronMan fell over more on the descent.  We found the hole-in-the-wall easily (I've done this section so many times!).  Once we got to the path beside Buttermere, IronMan ordered me to go on alone.  After some debate, I set off and was soon out of sight.  I was aware that the cut off of 9:30 wasn't far off, and that I was way off schedule.  I had a brief stop in the checkpoint and got going.

Leg 5 - Buttermere to Braithwaite

Leg:  10.5km  573m ascent

Total:  52.5km  2626m ascent

Planned time:  2:30 hours

Leg time:   2:13:13
Planned total:  11:00

Total time:   11:21:13

0:21:13 behind schedule

This leg felt fine and I was able to push the pace a bit to make up some time.  I fell over three times as the path was ankle deep in slippery mud, cutting my left knee each time.  I managed to run a lot of the down section after this, compared to last year.  I sorted myself out at Braithwaite, and changed my soaking socks again.


Leg 6 - Braithwaite to Blencathra Centre
Leg:  13.7km  478m ascent
Total:  66.2km  3104m ascent
Planned time:  3:00 hours
Leg time:   2:42:11
Planned total:  14:00
Total time:   14:03:24
00:03:24 behind schedule

Another leg that felt OK, better than last time.  I ran quite a bit of this too.  Little Dave's was the usual, although hardly any chocolate cake left!


Leg 7 - Blencathra Centre to Dockray
Leg:  12.3km  417m ascent
Total:  78.5km  3521m ascent
Planned time:  2:30 hours
Leg time:   2:27:40
Planned total:  16:30
Total time:   16:31:03
00:01:03 behind schedule

I have never liked this leg, but this time the heavens opened again.  The rain was torrential, and I had to put my waterproof trousers on.  The water was running underfoot, and I got a bit cold.  I was very glad to get to the marquee for some soup and sandwiches.  Unbelievable conditions this year.

Leg 8 - Dockray to Dalemain
Leg:  16.3km  370m ascent
Total:  94.8km  3891m ascent
Planned time:  3 hours
Leg time:   3:23:24
Planned total:  19:30
Total time:   19:54:28
0:24:28 behind schedule

I trudged along in the rain.  the only positive is that the river was super high and Aira Force was impressive.  The paths through this entire leg were swimming in sloppy mud, making any progress both very slippery and very tiring.  I'd lost the time I'd made up by Dalemain, but that wasn't too surprising considering how it had been.

Leg 9 - Dalemain to Howtown
Leg:  11.5km  294m ascent
Total:  106.3km  4185m ascent
Planned time:  2:30
Leg time:   2:49:08
Planned total:  22:00
Total time:   22:43:36
0:43:36 behind schedule


I changed socks and swapped to my old Hokas.  I popped a couple of blisters and stuck Compede on here and there.  My feet were infinitely better than last year, but I did spend quite some time in the tent sorting myself out.  The leg to Howtown was fine, and I jogged most of the descent to the Cowboy Checkpoint.

Leg 10 - Howtown to Mardale Head
Leg:  15.2km  765m ascent
Total:  121.5km  4950m ascent
Planned time:  4 hours
Leg time:   4:01:55
Planned total:  26:00
Total time:   26:45:31
00:45:31 behind schedule

It had stopped raining by now.  The climb up to High Kop was actually OK, as was the descent.  The dull bit along Haweswater was as bad as ever, but I managed to pass a couple to 50 runners here.  I didn't stay long at the checkpoint, and got going uphill.


Leg 11 - Mardale Head to Kentmere
Leg:  10.4km  511m ascent
Total:  131.9km  5461m ascent
Planned time:  3 hours
Leg time:   3:13:30
Planned total:  29:00
Total time:   29:59:01
 00:59:01 behind schedule

The Gatesgarth Pass climb went well, and the descent passed by OK too.  I was still running sections and the feet felt good.  I was unfortunately getting tired now, since I put the head torch on when I was heading to the farm before the last climb.  The rain had come and gone again, and Kentmere was a welcome sight.

Leg 12 - Kentmere to Ambleside
Leg:  11.8km  491m ascent
Total:  143.7km  5952m ascent
Planned time:  3 hours
Leg time:   4:09:??
Planned total:  32:00
Total time:   34:08:??
 Well, here we go again.  Sleep.  Stupidly, I had packed ProPlus in my drop bag but had left it at Dalemain.  Idiot.  Anyway, I started the falling asleep thing again half way up Garburn Pass.  This started to annoy me pretty quickly, but I couldn't do much about it.  The whole of this leg consisted of me waking up standing somewhere on the course.  People overtook me left right and centre.  When I got to Robin Lane the heavens opened again.  I spoke to my long suffering wife to let her know what was going on.  Then I carried on 50:50 sleeping and walking.  I'd missed the cut off and had to stop at Ambleside.  Damn!


So, after this I got a lift back with a kind chap in an MX5 (thanks).  After a sleep, my wife made me some bacon butties. We went to the presentations, and heard some crazy stories.  Annoyingly I felt good.


What next?  Well, out of three starts I've completed once and got to Ambleside twice.  Next year I'm doing the 50 to try to get a decent time and then go back to the 100 in 2019.  I've got the Red Rose 50 in a couple of weeks, then the Manchester half, then Hell of a Hill.  I suppose I'd be more gutted if I'd never finished the 100, but it's still annoying when I should really have 3 finishes but for stupid issues!


So, thanks once again to the family for all the support.  I couldn't do these events without you all.

June 2017 already

Long time no blog.  It seems to have become June 2017 and I'm not sure how that happened!  So what's been going on since the 2016 update?  Well, not a lot to be honest.


We are now into the final countdown to the Lakeland 100 2017, so most things this year have been related to this.  However, there was one rogue visit to some rocks this year...


In January I did the Rivington NightRunner with the IronMan.  I felt unfit, was slower than any other time, and fell on may face once.  Enjoyed it though, not a bad opener for the year.  We also had some family walks exploring the countryside around Ribchester.  The month was finished off by a return to my drop out point on the 100, when we did the Ambleside to Coniston recce.


February saw a few walks and shorter local runs, as well as a trip to Amsterdam for the weekend with LAA.  This is such a great place and we really enjoyed it.  The weather wasn't great but we had some great food (including bitterballen, stampot and a great steak at Café Loetje).  We didn't want to come home.


In March IronMan and I ran the Rivington Trail 26 route, again less fit and less quick than before.  It's still miles in the legs though.  Other than that, it was a good number of family walks and short runs.


April involved an epic Easter egg hunt, set up around the surrounding countryside and covering 10km.  The kids (and adults) seemed to enjoy it.  I also took in the first trip to the Lake District to combine some running and Wainwright bagging.  And then, at the end of the month, I met up with Nik at Work for a day in Snowdonia.  Whilst I was utterly rubbish ( I was glad to get up V3) we had a good day, and the BeardyBeast enjoyed a healthy post-climb snack at Pete's Eats.  Nice to see him too (eventually).



In May I ticked off a few more Wainwrights in my attempts to get some climbing into the legs, then IronMan and I did the Malhamdale Trail 22 and Howgills Trail 26 on consecutive days.  Day 1 felt pretty OK, but the Sunday was a bit of a shocker to start.  The first 25km my legs fought back and refused to do much at all, but after that they seemed to loosen up a bit and things improved.














LAA and I had a nice walk around Warton Crag and the local area with a relative, reminding me that it's a long time since I've been there bouldering.  I can't imagine I'd get up anything there at the minute, but Poison was one on my list that I never ticked off.
To round the month off, IronMan and I did the Pooley Bridge to Ambleside recce.  It was really hot again, and I still don't like Fusedale.  Nuff said.







So here we are at June, nearly half the year gone already.  99 Wainwrights done, 29 Ultra distances under the belt, still slowly ticking the BBC top 100 books (A Suitable Boy at present) etc.  We are going to have some changes soon as LAA finishes her current job at the end of the month, so is getting a dog soon and will have a more balanced and enjoyable life balance.
My main thing at present is to actually finish the Lakeland 100 this year.  Last year's issue was purely down to the feet failure, so I'm exploring footwear and socks still.  Hopefully if I can get this sorted I will be able to report back with some positive news.  Fingers crossed!


As an aside, I'm slowly re-uploading my videos to Vimeo (due to sound copyright issues).  One to embed here is David Vetter 7a+.  I believe there is some interest on the FaceBook Lancs Bouldering site (I don't do Facebook), so here's some beta.  I believe Dave Mann is keen to grab the 3rd ascent, but in the meantime here's some comedy gold:










https://vimeo.com/216287656

2016 Round-up

2016 is gone, and I can't say I'm sad to see it go.  Brexit.  Trump.  The deaths of a big list of celebrities.

January saw a couple of runs up Pendle Hill, but little else.  February was much the same.

March saw me run the Rivington Trail 26 route for fun, plus a few more outings to get distance in the legs for the Buttermere to Dalemain recce.  This was in April and went pretty well, finishing quicker than previous events.

In May I did the Malhamdale Trail 22 (with pie and peas instead of a medal), the Howgills 26 (felt harder this year) and the Pooley Bridge to Ambleside Recce (where Iron Man succumbed to the heat and a bad knee).

June saw a few outings to the Lakes and a few more Wainwrights ticked off, as well as the Pennine 39 (which was a good low key event courtesy of Joe Faulkner).

July started off well with more poor weather hill ticking, but finished on a low with me pulling out of the Lakeland 100 at 91 miles.  Back again for 2017.

August saw a great holiday to France, which was far too short.  September and October nil of note, November I ran the Hell of a Hill (one day only) which was "fun".  December not much activity wise, but a great month for birthday celebrations and a lovely Christmas.

Climbing wise, not much to report.  Nik, R-man and I met up at Knowle Heights in March where they did a couple of FAs and I did sweet FA.  In October I had an hour at Lower Montcliffe, where I was rubbish so ran up Winter Hill as punishment.

So here we are at the start of 2017.  Totally unfit for climbing and need to get back on the running.  To summarise

85 out of 214 Wainwrights done.
65 books finished out of teh BBC Big read 100 list
26 Marathons/ Ultras under the belt, and more to come
91.2kg with an abdominal measurement of 105cm - this is the main aim for 2017:  get back in some semblance of shape, back on the board, and get the UTLD 100 nailed.

Happy New Year everyone.

Wet November evening

Since I last blogged time seems to have gone past at an increasing rate, and we are most of the way through November and heading to Christmas.  In  the interim, I've been out running a few times and found some old footage on the computer.  More of that later.

In October whilst our running I bumped into Arran D up at Stronstrey, who I've not seen for years.  He seemed keen to have a look around the quarry and planned to have a look at Helebore, one of R-man's classics and a good 7c.  I hear reports that David Better has returned to its original (green) state, which is a real shame as it's a cracker and should be on any list.  Apparently it get some inflated grade in the new routes guide, I'm sure I suggested highball 7a+/ E3.  Anyway, get on it.

The last weekend in October saw IronMan and I up at Buttermere for the first Lakeland 100 recce.  I didn't do it last year as I'd done the 100 in July, but this time I needed the distance in my legs.  We planned to stay separate so IronMan could practice nav, and he headed off on the Walna Scar climb.  I missed the poles a lot.  All went well, and it was a lot drier than on the fateful day.  Oddly I caught up with my colleague at CP2 where he was struggling with nausea and ankle/knee issues.  He came with me up the next hill, but then turned back so I was on my own.  Throughout this recce I noted that quite a few people were off route, and I was glad I knew it well.  All told it was a fun day out and I was at Buttermere in 8:20 which I was happy with.  I then had to sit in the car for a bit to await IronMan in the broom wagon, before we headed back to a cottage for shepherd's pie courtesy of my lovely wife.  Nice.




Two weeks ago was the Hell of a Hill race,  I had wanted to do the 5 in 5 day challenge but couldn't sort out leave for ages - once I did finally get it off the event was full, so I just did the Thursday marathon.  This was an interesting event, six loops up and down Rivington Pike.  Coming down the cobbles to the high school wasn't fun on loop six, and I wonder how it would be on day 5 for the 30th time.  The weather wasn't great, but it stopped raining for a while and the sun came out.  Another fun day, and an interesting medal.




Next planned event is the second recce but I'll try to keep myself busy in the meantime.  And so to the old video.  Nik and I went up to Scout Crag, opposite Widdop, way back in August 2008.  I'd been up there a few years before that to look at the Shoulder Boulder, which is a bit crap really.  The one obvious (or not that obvious) gem is Boggy's Roof, at the far left end of the crag, hidden away.  It's well worth hunting out as it's a diminutive but excellent grit roof in a lovely location, with just enough walk in to get you warmed up.  This video shows the tall and short methods, Nik smooth as ever and me struggling hard to latch the left hand sloped scoop.  Enjoy.



Boggy's Roof 7b from GCW on Vimeo.

September already

Thanks to Probes and SA Chris for their positive comments on UKB.  Some people have asked me what socks and shoes I wear, including Plattsy.  The answer currently is some twinskin socks with Inov8 282 GTXs, which may be the problem as my feet can get pretty hot.  I have got some Injinjis but the first time I wore them I got a heel hot spot, although I did try new shoes as well.

I am currently looking to change the set up and plan to get some longer distance stuff done over the next 12 months to experiment and hopefully get a better combo.  I think I'm in the Lakeland 100 2017, just awaiting formal confirmation.  IronMan is in since he marshalled this year.

In the meantime, here's an old video I found on the hard drive - Pig in a Pokey at Nont Sarah's.  Total class, and (whilst not essential) the double toe hook is awesome!




Pig In A Pokey from GCW on Vimeo.

UTLD 100 2016 - a sorry state

The pre-amble

After a successful completion last year I was keen for another go at this iconic race, hoping to better my time and learn from last year’s experience.  The family had booked a little cottage in Coniston, just up the road from the bridge, to use as a base.  My wife and the kids planned to help out at HQ on an ad hoc basis, and the Iron Man was up to drive the Broom Wagon picking up the broken – he had to be at Coniston for 8am to help out and collect his minibus.  The piles of kit and food were apparently very impressive.

IronMan ready to drive his minibus:

We arrived in the early afternoon and I got myself registered, weighed (4kg less than last year- really??) and dibber attached.  After last year’s completion I felt more relaxed about 2016, and therefore slept a bit better on the Thursday night (falling asleep was a big bugbear last time).  I’d also packed some caffeine pills just in case.  I had tightened up my timings in my plan, mainly to beat the new and tighter cut off times up to Blencathra, but also to aim for a time an hour quicker than last year if I could keep ahead of plan.

Marc at the briefing, having a basketball moment:

Terry receiving his medal and being complimented on his cup:

We had some lunch in one of the local pubs, I had baked potato and tuna mayo.  We then got booked into the cottage and then went to the briefing.  After this it was a case of getting into the pen and awaiting the end of Nessun Dorma, then getting going. 

The event

Leg 1 - Coniston to Seathwaite
Leg:  11.3km  659m ascent
Total:  11.3km  659m ascent
Planned time:  1:50
Leg time:   1:47:41
Planned total:  1:50
Total time:   1:47:41
0:03:19 ahead of schedule

I ran as far as the steepening in the track to the miners bridge.  I carried the poles until Walnar Scar Road, as the initial climb is quite tight and I didn’t want to whack anyone with them.  All went Ok on this leg and got to Seathwaite feeling good.  David Cowburn passed me a couple of minutes before the CP, although he’s a lot quicker than me so I was surprised he wasn’t miles in front.  Quick dib, drink and biscuits and off.  This year I took a small plastic bag to put a few biccies in to nibble between checkpoints, which worked well.


Leg 2 - Seathwaite to Boot

Leg:  11.1km  385m ascent

Total:  22.4km  1044m ascent

Planned time:  1:55

Leg time:   2:06:42

Planned total:  3:45

Total time:   3:54:23

0:09:23 behind schedule

The climb past Wallowbarrow went better than last year, and it felt cooler.  Grassguards was sopping wet though, and with water to mid shin in places wet feet were inevitable.  This is where it went wrong for me this year.  I’d worn my Inov8 GTX shoes, which were great last year for dry feet.  This year, once filled with water, they stayed filled.  It was tough going through the bogs to arrive at Boot, so a bit slower than planned.  Another quick stop and away.

Leg 3 - Boot to Wasdale Head

Leg:  8.6km  297m ascent
Total:  31.0km  1341m ascent
Planned time:  1:45
Leg time:   1:46:59
Planned total:  5:30
Total time:   5:41:22
0:11:22 behind schedule

Since there was minimal moonlight, the torch was on shortly after the CP.  The new compulsory mug was actually quite handy as I repeatedly took the brew with me on the first bit of each leg, which I think saved time.  Unsurprisingly this leg was very wet too, and the standing water around Burnmoor Tarn just added to the foot problems.  I was glad to arrive in Wasdale, as this feels like the start of the event in some ways.  The usual Stroller disco was in full force so I had some soup and sandwich, and took some coffee with me to head up Black Sail.


Leg 4 - Wasdale Head to Buttermere

Leg:  11.0km  712m ascent
Total:  42.0km  2053m ascent
Planned time:  3 hours
Leg time:   2:58:26
Planned total:  8:30
Total time:   8:39:48
0:09:48 behind schedule

Now the work begins.  This ascent felt OK this time, maybe the poles helped more than you may think.  Up and up to the gate, then down the tricksy path to the YHA.  The Scarth Gap climb started OK, but then I felt really sick and was heaving as I went along.  I hadn’t eaten since the CP, so I suspected it was a case of needing more on board.  I had a mouthful of water, which very nearly came back.  Using my mother’s old technique of deep breaths, I managed to keep the nausea under control whilst I nibbled on some biscuits.  By the time I got to Buttermere I felt OK.  I walked the lakeside path with a guy (Andy Cole, I think looking at times and John Kynaston’s photos.  He finishes in 37:29!) whose plan was to walk most of the course.  This is what I ended up doing from here on in.  Soup and a brew at Buttermere and off again.

Leg 5 - Buttermere to Braithwaite

Leg:  10.5km  573m ascent

Total:  52.5km  2626m ascent

Planned time:  2:30 hours

Leg time:   2:28:15

Planned total:  11:00

Total time:   11:08:03

0:08:03 behind schedule

This feels like the biggest single climb on the course, and it felt the same this time around.  There had been some land slides from the floods earlier in the year, but in general the ascent went well.  Andy caught me at the Sail Pass summit after having spent longer in the checkpoint, so we stomped down to the checkpoint together.  We went slightly differently at the final drop, but it all ends up in the same place.  Rice pudding for me, and Andy ate two bowls.  I was out and plodding pretty quickly – this was problem number two.

Last year I changed socks at Braithwaite.  This year, the tightened cut off time at Blencathra was preying on my mind for some reason.  Despite being well ahead of cut offs, I didn’t feel that I could take the time for foot care at this point.  My entire focus was getting past Blencathra – I was to pay for this mistake later.


Leg 6 - Braithwaite to Blencathra Centre
Leg:  13.7km  478m ascent
Total:  66.2km  3104m ascent
Planned time:  3:00 hours
Leg time:   2:40:36
Planned total:  14:00
Total time:   13:48:39
00:11:21 ahead of schedule

I was 26 minutes ahead of last year at the end of this leg, mainly as I wasn’t asleep for any of it this time.  The dull bit along the A66 was dull, but seemed to pass quite quickly.  Spoony Lane ascent went fine, and the whole thing was pretty good really. Apart from some pain under my left foot, but more of that later.

The obligatory big up for Little Dave’s Mum’s chocolate cake – I signed the card that was there for her as a thank you – and off I went again.


Leg 7 - Blencathra Centre to Dockray
Leg:  12.3km  417m ascent
Total:  78.5km  3521m ascent
Planned time:  2:30 hours
Leg time:   2:32:17
Planned total:  16:30
Total time:   16:20:56
00:09:04 ahead of schedule

I still don’t really like this leg, even with the amended course and new dib under the A66.  It’s just that coach road.  It’s very uneven, and this was where the feet started to really suffer.  Why I still didn’t change into my dry socks I really don’t know.  The ascent to the coach road was very wet this year, and once on the track itself I just got my head down and put one foot in front of the other.  Half way along I became pretty bloated and my guts were most unhappy.  I was glad to get to the checkpoint, as were my feet, and went straight to the portaloo for some relief.  Phew.  After that I was OK for some soup and sandwiches.


Leg 8 - Dockray to Dalemain
Leg:  16.3km  370m ascent
Total:  94.8km  3891m ascent
Planned time:  3 hours
Leg time:   3:24:59
Planned total:  19:30
Total time:   19:45:55
0:15:55 behind schedule!

Last year IronMan and I ran the downhill road section – this year I couldn’t due to the pain in my feet.  I was starting to find that going downhill was a struggle, but the ups were fine.  It hurt a lot going past Aira Force, but the Gowbarrow contour was OK. I got quite frustrated with the group in front of me who I felt were going too slowly for my plan and ended up going past them before the road crossing and field section.  They all caught me up on the rocky road on the Dalemain estate, where I slowed right down again due to the pain.  At Dalemain I sat on my towel with bare feet for half an hour – trench foot had set in and I hoped allowing them to dry would sort me out. The right foot seemed to do OK, but the left remained very macerated and painful.  A few blisters going around, but nothing major.  Knowing how boggy it had been, I opted to put my second pair of Inov8 GTXs on rather than my Hokas that I used last year.  I think this was the final mistake that broke the camel’s back.


Leg 9 - Dalemain to Howtown
Leg:  11.5km  294m ascent
Total:  106.3km  4185m ascent
Planned time:  2:30
Leg time:   2:42:16
Planned total:  22:00
Total time:   22:28:11
0:28:11 behind schedule!

I set off with brew in hand and went slowly initially (and slower later!).  The right sole felt a lot better after being dried and having new shoes and socks.  The left one had improved but was still very painful.  Passing through Pooley Bridge and up to the Cockpit went OK, and the long down section I ended up walking all of.  Interesting my leg time was still much the same as last year’s when we ran this section.  Down to Howtown for some sweets and biscuits – the team here seemed keen to get rid of their stocks and I ended up with a big bag full of sweets which I ended up finishing off two days later.


Leg 10 - Howtown to Mardale Head
Leg:  15.2km  765m ascent
Total:  121.5km  4950m ascent
Planned time:  4 hours
Leg time:   4:03:09
Planned total:  26:00
Total time:   26:31:20
31:20 behind schedule

Still a leg I don’t like.  Perversely, it had been lovely and cool and cloudy up to setting off and then the sun came out (damn you Fusedale!).  The plod up Fusedale was done in warmer temperatures, but I managed (going uphill still OK).  Heading over High Kop  was really boggy again and we passed a guy in distress (turned out to be Gareth Swain who had entered last year and stopped at Mardale Head – I’d spoken to him when we were marshalling the Delamere nightrunner).  His mate was dropping down to Haweswater to raise the alarm.

The descent wasn’t nice this time, but once on the side of Haweswater my feet slowed me down more.  I was left behind by the others in the group I had climbed Fusedale with, and I started getting more stomach cramps and bloating.  On and on the path goes – I think it’s only about 6km but it feels a lot longer.  I was on my own now but kept on moving, although the rocky path was agony.  A couple of km from the checkpoint my stomach cramps got a lot worse and I was forced to nip behind a bush.  Feeling better, I then managed to make it to Mardale Head with little issue.  This is usually the point where mentally I know I’ve got it nailed, but this time was very different.  I was really happy to get here but also well aware of the last 30 miles I still had to cover, although the remaining thirteen and a half hours should be enough…



Leg 11 - Mardale Head to Kentmere
Leg:  10.4km  511m ascent
Total:  131.9km  5461m ascent
Planned time:  3 hours
Leg time:   3:29:56
Planned total:  29:00
Total time:   30:01:16
1:01:16 behind schedule

The wheels felt like they were starting to come off, and looking at timings (see later) they certainly were.  Gatescarth Pass climb was alright (climbs still went well) but the nasty drop down the other side certainly did not.  Everything I stood on caused pain, and I was going ever more slowly.  I was being overtaken left right and centre now and people were asking if I was OK.  Not a good state of affairs.  I hobbled onwards and was so pleased to hit the tarmac just before the bridge in Sadgill.  The next up section went OK (No hallucinations this year), and then the long drop to the road felt rotten and seemed to last forever.  My brain was going round thinking about timings and what I had left to do, and I was coming to the conclusion that I couldn’t cope with another ten hours of this pain.  I was going to stop at Kentmere and have done – I didn’t feel this was giving up as I simply couldn’t do much more than hobble forward now.


Leg 12 - Kentmere to Ambleside
Leg:  11.8km  491m ascent
Total:  143.7km  5952m ascent
Planned time:  3 hours
Leg time:   3:29:56
Planned total:  32:00
Total time:   33:58:21
1:58:21 behind schedule

Whilst the last leg had only taken a few minutes longer than last year, it felt infinitely longer and had been pretty grim and I was now suffering a lot.  I managed to drag myself up the steps into the checkpoint, and there was the IronMan to greet me.  For some reason I hadn’t expected to see him at all during the event, so it was a nice surprise for him to be there.  I’m sure I didn’t look great at this point, and I recall moaning about my feet.  However, since he was there I couldn’t drop out now even though the cut off for Ambleside was under four hours away.  Eventually I ate some pasta, and stubbornly walked out the door as the IronMan drove his bus with a couple of runner in it in the other direction.  I knew I was to be in for some fun.  I got pretty cold at this point and ended up putting on both my thermal layer and my Minimus jacket.

Once more, the uphill was not too bad and I rapidly overtook a lady called Lizzie (who would pretty soon leave me behind on the other side).  I felt good on the uphill, as long as I was extremely careful where I put my feet.  Once at the top, I again found that I was struggling.  The rough track and the descent were a real trial, and Lizzie passed me easily (to finish in 39:56).  It seemed a long way down to Troutbeck, but the climb around Robin Lane was not too bad (uphill again) until the drop down to the left.  Slow again here, and then came the woods.  What can I say?  This was horrible, the tree roots and rocks were misery on every step and I wished it was over.  Once on the tarmac I had hoped to speed up but it wan’t to be, and the cut off time was fast approaching.  I was going to be timed out before hitting Ambleside.

Through the back roads I went, and for some reason struggled a bit finding the archway you pass through off the main road.  A marshal in the street egged me into a “run”, pushing me to make it in time.  I did, by a matter of under two minutes, and passed straight through (despite me telling him I was done, he seemed to compel me onwards) into the park.  A couple of guys left with me, asking if I thought I could do the next leg in the allotted two hours – I said I doubted it.


Leg 13 - Ambleside to Chapel Stile
Leg:  9.0km  234m ascent
Total:  152.7km  6186m ascent
Planned time:  2:30 hours
Planned total:  35:00

Once more, I managed fine on the ascent and kept up with the two guys without difficulty.  Once on the rocky open fell road, I hit the descent which leads down to Skelwith Bridge and was really in a mess.  I started the drop down but after a few hundred yards I’d used up 40 minutes and got nowhere fast.  I was hugely indecisive, turning back and then going on, but eventually admitted to myself that I was in no shape to make the next CP.  I turned round and went back to Ambleside – the 40 minute uphill took me 1:20 on the way down.

At Ambleside, the checkpoint was closed, packed up and locked.  I had to phone Chris to let him know, as I was still active on the system and they wouldn’t have known where I was.  A minibus was duly dispatched. I texted my wife to let her know, and when she got the text she thought it was the update to say I was at Chapel Stile.  ‘Fraid not.  A bit of a text mix up meant that she came to pick me up, but the minibus got to me first.  Back at base I was logged as stopped, picked up my drop bag and wandered back towards the cottage.  My wife picked me up on the way, and took me back.  Taking my shoes off revealed blood blisters over the toes, and nasty maceration under the left foot.  A bath and then a few hours sleep revived me, and frustratingly I felt generally far better than last time.  My left foot and ankle are like a sausage though, really swollen and painful.

Analysis

William Naismith described a calculation for walking speed way back in 1892, essentially stating 1 hour for every 5km plus an hour for every 600m ascent (although he described it in imperial).  If we apply this to the stages of the Lakeland 100, we can see where the wheels (feet?) came off this year.  Basically I’ve divided the distance by 5, the ascent by 600 and added them together.  Comparing this to the time I took on each stage gives a ratio of actual vs expected speed.

I’m a bit surprised that the Leg to Mardale Head hasn’t a higher figure too, as I hate that bit and it felt like a long slog along the side of Haweswater.  Dalemain to Howtown is slightly skewed as I spent half an hour at Dalemain checkpoint.

Part of me is pretty gutted that I didn’t finish, clearly not the result I wanted.  However, up until my feet became unmanageable I was on for a reasonably comfortable finish and physically I was pretty good.

Interesting stuff from Mr Kynaston as usual (with pic of Mr Cole).

So what now?

Next year.  I don’t want to end this tale on a low, so I think I’ll have to have another try next year.  I have, however, learned more and can think about how to apply these.

1.  It is possible to complete the event in time whilst walking the whole thing.  Whether this is desirable or not I don’t know, but my times weren’t too shabby until it all went wrong.
2. GoreTex shoes were good last time, but certainly don’t convey advantage once water is in them.
3.  I should have stopped to change socks before getting in as much of a mess.
4.  Whilst I failed this time, I have one completion and one 90 mile retirement under my belt.  This is a reasonable record to take forward to next year.

Bottom line?  I need to sort out a method to avoid foot issues and blisters.  This is always my problem, and I’ve never retired due to anything else.  As far back as I can remember I've always suffered from blisters, whether doing running, fell walking, Scottish winter, Alpine or whatever.  I have 12 months to find a solution……

See you all on the trails, and at the Lakeland 100 2017.