The Hebden 22mi. 19/01/2013.

Dire snow forecasts meant that I travelled to Mytholmroyd on Friday afternoon by train and lodged across the road in the Dusty Miller (only just reopened after the floods of last June). As it turned out, the roads were clear and I could easily have driven there and back on Saturday as normal, but I did enjoy the relaxing alternative for a change.

Registration in the church hall looked packed, but numbers were apparently well down due to the alarmist weather forecasts. Wales and the south were getting the brunt while we further north were escaping relatively lightly. We were sent on our way by Alan along the pathways, across gardens and up the seemingly private driveways of Calderdale in light snow. It formed the majority of the fine powder on the ground, which had fallen for a day or two.

Running at lower levels through the woods, away from any breeze, soon brought on an attack of the overheats, so off came the featherweight waft-proof / spot-proof top to set the 1.5-layer scene for the day. Optimum thermal comfort would be maintained by Buff around neck for the breezier moor tops or Buff around wrist for the woods.

This was the seventh running of this event and the second time of an imposed diversion along the road after checkpoint 5 due to snow drifts. The wind-blown snow sculptures grabbed attention like they always do. Spot the smiley face:

Checkpoint 3 in the woodwork shop provided sanctuary. I penetrated the inner sanctum for a sweet cuppa, which proved too hot to down quickly. In the outer vestibule were salty beef dripping sandwiches, marzipan-filled stollen and other luxurious comestibles. I loitered longer than I had ever done in the previous six years, before forcing myself back out into the cold towards that railway bridge and right turn up the track.

Arriving at CP3.

The next steep, stiff climb from Eastwood brought the annual greeting of the SportSunday photographers, who were almost manic in their cheeriness. Is cheeriness the final stage before hypothermia and death? I pitied them having to stand still out there.

I was wearing my Kahtoola micro spikes all the way round. I was grateful for the assured grip they gave me but on balance I think they slowed me down. Running on snow-and-ice-free roads was skew-whiff knobbly crunchy noisy and not very comfortable, so the diversion after CP5 was where I got overtaken a bit more. After running more than usual in splendid isolation, I finished within 2 minutes of my slowest ever time. 4:34 compares with 4:08 fastest (frozen, no Kahtoolas, no snow) and 4:36 (the usual mud fest).

Many thanks once again to organisers Carole and Alan and all the willing, cheerful marshals and helpers. This really is the ultimate tough trail race for care and attention. Its reputation results in deserved popularity and selling out well in advance.

This is why we do The Hebden - F-O-O-O-D:

Here are the pictures I took on the day. SportSunday's splendid mementos are here.

Lamb's Longer Leg 5k+ fell race. 13/01/2013.

Race 1 of 9 in the 2013 Hayfield Championship series.

"Strange name", I hear you say. I can explain the 'Lamb' part - the race begins near The Lamb Inn above Hayfield, but the 'Longer Leg' part has me a bit baffled. This is the first race of nine in the Hayfield Championships (next up Kinder Trial in two weeks' time).

This was the second year on the trot for me and second year when I cycled for an hour uphill to get there. My quads were already suffering from DOMS AOMS (Advanced Onset Muscle Soreness) even before the tough beasting began on the fells.

We started off uphill on a concrete track, which soon veered left onto a grass track and steepened. The steepening set the tone for the duration as we slogged up and down field and fell, lungs bursting, vision blinkered, every part of our being concentrating on placing our next footsteps as quickly as our cardiovascular system would allow (at least that's how it is for me).

The weather this year was very similar to how it was last year - bright and cold with the ground mostly frozen, which was fortuitous. I'd seen the forecast and expected a photogenic day, so I had my camera with me for the first time in a good while. I was glad I did. The day was superb.

After finishing we lounged, recovered and chatted on the sun-soaked finishing field while watching the runners continue to trickle in, some of them sprinting each other to the line (how DO they do that?).

When the cold began to bite, The Lamb Inn provided the perfect retreat for a pint, a leg-of-lamb roast dinner (naturally), rhubarb crumble and custard and a pot of tea, before the (mostly) downhill high speed blast back home. I slept well and contentedly that night, savouring a third PB of the year (by nearly 2 minutes).

Here are the pictures.

Belle Vue Racers Hit The Trail 5mi. 06/01/2013.

The day before this I got a surprise 30-second PB on the Woodbank Parkrun with 22:02, so I was filled with a feeling of nostalgia as I cycled through the park on my way to Reddish Vale to 'Hit The Trail'.

Billed as approximately 5 miles, this trail race is perfect to start the year. Expertly organised by Belle Vue Racers, it winds back and forth in the valley of Reddish Vale Country Park in Stockport and hides a cruel uphill sting-in-the-tail to the finish line. It is all-welcoming rather like the Parkruns, with all speeds and abilities catered for, which is great to see and be a part of.

A short cycle ride, including a high speed chase down New Zealand Road, soon had me there. With bike stashed at the finish line I went back down to the bottom to wait for the start and chat to other runners. The temperature was nudging the teens Centigrade and felt amazingly balmy. Shorts and vest were warm enough even while standing around. Sweating brows would be wiped once the race got underway.

Although the day was dry there were plenty of puddles and mud this year as we slogged our way out to the loop under the viaduct at the far end. The return leg involves a brief climb up some steps. Others less blown-up run this. I use it as a chance to walk for 15 seconds to stave off collapse. Then the run continues, zig-zagging back and forth on the other side of the river presumably to make up the distance. Most of the overtaking has been done by now and we find ourselves swapping back and forth with one or two other runners as we climb and descend the little hills to the right turn and final climb. I expect to get overtaken but manage to be the one doing the overtaking instead as we shuffle, lungs bursting, up to the line.

35:48. Phew! Another PB, by 3mins 10secs this time. First weekend of the year and two PBs already. Can't be bad.

'snogardnet' was hiding in the trees near the finish line to capture our suffering. Below is an example of the handiwork. SportSunday were also there to capture somewhat more intimate images of every runner in glorious high res.

Photo courtesy SNOGARDNET

Something new for 2013?

Happy New Year. 2013 is bringing new challenges to look forward to.

I've been asked to join Team Krypton, so I shall be running the Runfurther races as a team member for the first time. You can rest assured that I will always give of my best even if I do end up bringing up the rear (I've seen the speed of the other team members!).

Coincidentally and somewhat annoyingly, this will be the first year in a while when I cannot take part in several of the Runfurther races because I'll be occupied with other challenges, principally a couple of Ultras in New Zealand and the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc.

Since a Runfurther Grand Slam is out of the question, an alternative Grand Slam I'd like to get my teeth into that's not affected by the foreign excursions is my local Hayfield Championship of 9 fell races. Doing that would rule out the Brecon 40, High Peak 40 and possibly the Calderdale Hike, which would leave just 6 out of 12 Runfurther races I could do. Without the Hayfield Championships I could force 9 Runfurther races, maximum.

It would be a real shame to miss the HP40 as it's one of my all-time favourite Ultras. The fell race it clashes with (Lantern Pike fell race) is not too far away from the route. I would have done both (one race within the other) if the timings hadn't been 3 hours adrift. Oh the dilemma.

Anyway, here's this year's tentative agenda:

06/01 Belle Vue Racers Hit The Trail 5mi.
13/01 Lamb's Longer Leg fell race 5k.
19/01 The Hebden 22mi.
26/01 Kinder Trial orienteering fell race >11mi.

02/02 Rombald Stride 23mi.
09/02 Anglezarke Amble 25mi.
17/02 Beacon Bash 21mi.
(Go away on business with a bit of pleasure/leisure on the side)

16/03 Tarawera Ultra 100k (New Zealand).
23/03 Te Houtaewa Challenge 63k (New Zealand).

(Return to Blighty)
13/04 Calderdale Hike 37mi.
14/04 Kinder Downfall fell race 10mi.
27/04 51st Fellsman 61mi.

04-06/05 Glossop 3-day running festival: Chunal 4mi. / Moorfield 5k / James's Thorn 5mi.
10-12/05 Race series: May Queen 3mi. / Mount Famine 5mi. / Lantern Pike Dash 1.2mi.
*DILEMMA* 11/05 Brecon 40mi.
25/05 Camel-Teign Ivor's Dream 100mi.

02/06 Northants Ultra 35mi.
08/06 Baslow Boot Bash 26mi.
23/06 Kinder Trog fell race 16mi.
29/06 Whaley Waltz fell race 5.5mi.

06/07 Osmotherley Phoenix 33mi.
13/07 White Peak Walk (as a run) 26mi.
26/07 Lakeland 100mi.

04/08 Dovedale Dipper 26mi.
07/08 Cracken Edge fell race 7mi.
10/08 Long Tour of Bradwell 33mi.
30/08 The North Face Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc 166km.

07/09 Bullock Smithy Hike (I wish but I can't).
21/09 Lantern Pike fell race 5mi.
*DILEMMA* 21/09 High Peak 40mi. Can I do both?

05/10 Wye Valley One Way 50mi.
19/10 Round Rotherham 50mi.
26/10 Snowdonia Marathon 26.2mi.

19/11 Six Dales Circuit 25mi.
24/11 Famous Grouse fell race 5.2mi.

01/12 Gravy Pud fell race 5mi.
08/12 Stockport 10mi.
21/12 Tour de Helvellyn 38mi.
29/12 Adlington Winter Warmer 10k.

Parkruns and additional fell races may be slotted in to stave off boredom and atrophy. Prior to UTMB, longer events with lots of climb may be added and substituted for essential training purposes.

Closing another successful year.

2012 was another full year of running pleasure, with a few ups and downs. Well, there was just one 'down' really - the chest infection in July that prevented me taking up my place in the Lakeland 50. However, even that became a big positive when I got to watch everyone else play instead and empathise in their pleasure and pain (been there, done that, know what it feels like). I gave my voluntary services for the weekend in between grabbing a few hours' sleep in my car and capturing a photographic record until my camera battery gave up. A few days later I wondered if my 2012 entry fee plus dragging myself off my sick bed and travelling two hours northwards to volunteer might allow a discounted entry for 2013. I made a tentative enquiry.
Err, no chance, your money's already gone to charity (stupid boy for asking).
Oh, sorry, please excuse my impertinence. I'll just settle for a small token of your esteem in the form of a 'thank-you', then. (Dream on again.) I felt even more grateful for the free cups of tea I'd enjoyed over the weekend. ;-)

The big 'high' of the year of course had to be the Runfurther series, Grand Slam number 3 and the party in Ringinglow in November. Many thanks once again to outgoing team Karen MacDonald, Simon Berry and creator Mark Hartell, and best wishes to new man at the helm Mark Barnes, and Jon Steele.

The scarcity of PBs that began a year or two ago continued this year, with a few PWs thrown in to remind me that I'm getting old and (even) slow(er). Then the Runfurther series of regular weekend Ultras came to an end and I concentrated more on short sharp races like Parkruns and fell races, plus running to work on some days. Things suddenly clicked at the beginning of December with a 5th PB of the year at the 5k Parkrun, followed the next day by PB6 on the Gravy Pud fell race. The roll continued to the end of the month with PB number 10 on the 10k Adlington Winter Warmer. Talk about finishing with a flourish!

2012 summary:
Events/races = 61
Total miles = 1,592
PBs = 10
Ultra marathons = 16
(Total ultras since the first in 1996 = 158.)

Next year I become a V50. How novel it would be if the PBs continued.

Finally, on a poignant note, October saw the passing away of inspirational Pennine fell runner Darren Holloway (DazH) at the tender age of 42 while running the Ian Hodgson Relay fell race in the Lake District. I had followed his blog (Laidbackfellrunner) for a few years and found him truly inspirational. I had run a few local fell races he'd also run but always missed him. I always intended to make his acquaintance as soon as I recognised him but that chance is now gone. The outpouring of tributes on the FRA forum was immense and reduced me to tears many times as I read it (still does in fact). In his memory a large sum (over £10,000 so far, original target £2,000) has been raised on Justgiving for Woodhead Mountain Rescue Team and North West Air Ambulance.

Rest in peace, Daz.

Keeping the fire burning over Christmas

TdeH was followed by a slothful Christmas week of no running, so I thought it prudent to show up at the Woodbank Parkrun on Saturday 29th. I was happy to finish only 6 seconds outside the PB from the beginning of the month. My younger brother was over from France for Christmas. Although not normally a runner he was happy to be dragged along for a jog round. I know he enjoyed it and I know he could be faster than I if he decided to take up running seriously.

On Sunday 30th we both made the short journey down to Adlington for the Adlington Winter Warmer, an almost impromptu 10k trail race with a difference. Race organiser Tony Ward decided only 4 weeks beforehand to put it on. He set up a page on Facebook and peddled it mercilessly. Every entrant would make a minimum charitable donation of £4, all proceeds going to the Seashell Trust.

It seems that everyone was hungry for a bit of fun exercise between periods of over-indulgence because 170 runners set off from the Miner's Arms in Adlington, on the outskirts of Macclesfield, to run along the canal towpath, the Middlewood Way (ex-railway line) and a few stretches of country lane. The weather was cool, bright and dry - perfect for running.

And the difference? There would be no winners based on speed. We had to guess our finishing time. The closest guesses had the pick of the prizes on the table. All timepieces, heart rate monitors, GPS devices, etc. were banned to ensure we didn't adjust our effort accordingly. I like it. My 10k PB was some considerable seconds over 48 minutes, but after the recent run of PBs I was feeling a bit raunchy in the athletic department, so I put down an ambitious 47:30 on the entry form. ;-)

Tony set us off running along the country lane from Wood Lanes (familiar reminiscences of the Bullock Smithy Hike there) for a km or so. We soon joined the canal towpath southwards for another km or so's running to the location of the final Bullock Smithy Hike checkpoint at Whiteley Green. From there we followed the BSH route down the short stretch of country lane to descend to the Middlewood Way and a run in the reverse direction northwards back towards Wood Lanes.Our spectators and cheerers gave encouragement from the bridge above as we ran underneath. (I wished I could run that stretch as fast as that on the BSH with more than 50 miles in my legs.) We carried on to Poynton Coppice, where we exited onto the lane and climbed to the canal. Here we turned southwards again to run back to the finish line on the towpath near Wood Lanes. The appearance of the finish line took a lot of runners by surprise, including me.

My brother finished a little while later. He was secretly hoping for a sub 1 hour finish. I wasn't sure whether he'd achieve it. We all had to wait until the presentation back in the pub to find out how we'd done. Tea and bacon rolls were consumed a-plenty and the pub buzzed with happy conversation while we waited for the results to be finalised. Eventually, Tony bellowed and everyone sprang to attention to hear the results, announced in order of closeness of guess. First place was just 2 seconds adrift of prediction. Then there was a 3, three 4s, a 5, a 7, an 8, a 10, a 12, two 14s, .... I was equal 11th with a 14 second difference, which earned a prize. What a novelty. I'll come back next year. My race time was 47:44. WOW again, my first sub-48 10k and sixth PB for December. That'll do me.

My brother excelled himself and got his sub-1 hour finish with a 58:05. He enjoyed it even more than the Parkrun the day before. Well done bro. Be careful, you might get addicted.

The view from the bridge at Wood Lanes looking down onto Middlewood Way

 (courtesy budding professional photographer Harry Barclay). Harry's Facebook album is here.