British Gas Great Manchester Swim

I was a late entry for the Salford based event not long before I was due to partake in Great North Swim. Please note I say partake and not race. A mile open water was, and maybe still is, a challenge just to complete. I was set to swim at Windermere on the Saturday which was ultimately cancelled due to seriously dire weather. The tele footage on the beeb shows the water line of Windermere about two feet above normal level. I was sad to miss the event but understand safety comes first. The high winds said the organisers affected the ability of the safety team to carry out their important function. Fair enough. A training partner did manage to complete his two mile swim on the Sunday which was postponed from the Friday. I didn't even manage too get up there as a spectator. I swam Windermere for the first time last year in 37:01 and loved the event although it was tough. I did not swim any of the other events in the series.

So it was to Salford Quays I headed on 1 July for this year's swim instead of Windermere. I had my red cap for the 1:30pm wave. A suit was compulsory but a 'no suit' enthusiast I am not. Had my goggles and a spare pair just in case. A towel and a stick of body glide and that was me. Off I popped to the changing marquee. I had managed to spectate for the finish of the women and the start of the men while walking around the route. A fantastic event for spectating as you can walk along the entire route a matter of feet away from your chosen swimmer. The canal linking the two quays is a particularly good section for some close up spectating and cheering.

The route for both swimmers and spectators.

Having slipped into my suit, which never takes less than about ten minutes, I flip flopped by way to the start area. I went through into the start enclosure at 1pm. Had my head scanned (the chip being integral to the cap) and had a float amongst the weed to acclimatise. Not that it was strictly necessary as the water temperature was 16.6 degrees - lovely and warm. The water quality was pretty good as well. Mind you after many a trip to the Saturday morning Uswim sessions I have long since stopped worrying about what gets washed in or might be lurking in the water.














A call was given around 1:20pm to get out of the water for a safety briefing, warm up and motivational soundbite. I was eager to get in feeling no nerves or anxiety. I was really looking forward to getting going. The start was at the corner of the lock through an inflatable gantry which marked your start time. At the sound of the hooter I held back a going off about a third of the way down the wave sticking to the left for clear water. I even managed a shallow dive off the steps - risk of goggles slipping.

Using the wall to sight I headed out along the first lock at a steady and comfortable pace. Passing under the bridge the sun gave good visibility to about three meters depth swimming over a large school of fish. I followed the wall to the first turn at the far end of the lock. I had avoided any contact with other swimmers. The turn was not as hectic as it could have been. I had a sense I was being overtaken quite a bit but I was too busy enjoying myself to care. After the second turn I began sighting ahead aware that the wall bulged out a way before the turn into the canal.

This is the first time my swimming has been photographed capturing my front crawl such as it is. Made possible because of the quayside walkway they make entertaining viewing. The technique does not look too bad. Just not that fast and I started to cramp a little in the neck from breathing predominantly to the left.

The canal section was excellent. Entering it marked the half way point. The bottom was in view in the clear water. Paint a line down the middle you could possibly convince yourself you were swimming in the pool. It was enjoyable swimming in close order as the field was bunched up in the narrow channel. At the end of the canal it was a left turn for a clockwise lap of the smaller of the two locks. I tried to catch a look at my watch while not interrupting my stroke. I gave up a after a few attempts. I could feel my stroke weakening as the arms tired. Turning at the last buoy the orange triangle markers at 100m from the finish were in view. I was beginning to drift to the left struggling to maintain a straight line.

Approaching the finishing gantry. I can't remember if I tapped the board as the elites do. A bitter sweet feeling at the end. I could have kept swimming but didn't. I finished in 32:23 which was a big improvement on my personal best time from Windermere. Sub thirty seems like a reasonable target for next year. More importantly I enjoyed the event more than I expected and I was looking forward to it. The organisation was great and the atmosphere of the venue was just amazing. Roll on next year. 

National Emergency Services Triathlon 2012

National Watersports Centre, Nottingham - 25th May 2012.

Second triathlon of the season but first in open water. I raced here last year and really enjoyed it. A national event with competitors from all the emergency services including the police, fire service, ambulance and rescue services such as the RNLI. 

The course is as flat as a flat thing that has been incredibly well flattened. The swim is 750m in the rowing lake starting and transitioning at the Western end of the shallow rectangular stretch of water filled with copious amounts of pond weed and goose crap. The bike is 12 miles around four laps around the lake transitioning at racking separate from T1 at the South Western corner. The run is 3.1 miles or one lap of the lake with two off road trail sections with a very small climb in each. 

This year Matthew (spoken of in earlier blogs) and I returned to compete for a second time. Having beaten Matt last year he was out for revenge. Our respective training plans spoke for themselves however. He had no chance and I made that clear to him. In the interest of fairness as Matt does not really have a voice of his own here I should perhaps point out that Matt narrowly beat me in our other two head to head races (Leeds Xpress and Tameside XL) last year. He ending the season 3:1 in the lead in our personal league of results. 

Matt and I have been competitive with each other since my first triathlon in 2010. It was his challenge made two weeks before Tameside XL late in the 2010 race season which I could not resist. I had quietly harboured an interest in triathlon for years but put it off because my front crawl was terrible (I breast stroked my way through my first few races). Matt had boasted to excess about his fitness and I saw (and was sucked in to) an opportunity to try and beat him with little or no fitness of my own. He beat me which was in reality inevitable. My only wins against him have come at the Nottingham event which being flat and in open water favours me. Matt is a great runner although heavy and flat footed but he swims badly. Have in your mind the image of someone who is all strength and no style and I will have mentally depicted my friend. Competition with him  certainly makes the races more interesting. Representing the police added some interest but I was entering independently and not as part of any police triathlon club. Perhaps I should be looking to start one. 

Joining us was Matt's colleague, Ray, seemingly drawn into a challenge as I was. This was his first time in a triathlon although he was fit from involvement in various other sports.


Race day arrived. The weather conditions were reasonable. Sunny but with a wind blowing down the course. Similar to last year. Which would make for a slow start to the cycle lap followed by a fast return. The wind was not going to affect the swim or the run. Arrived in plenty of time but still found a long queue at registration. Furnished with race number and freebie bag I headed for transition. Access to a large area including both transitions and everywhere in-betweene was restricted. So I left Vicky at the spectator area, tiered seating right next to the finish. The best course for spectators was the comment received from VIcky. 

A busy transition area pre-race.

Numbers looked good, around two hundred judging by the racking. In light of which numbers there was to be three waves setting off four minutes apart. The men split in two groups going off first and second, followed by the ladies. In the heat of the sun and in my haste to get into the wetsuit I added several more holes to it. 

Acclimatisation not absolutely necessary as water temperature quite high.

The swim was pretty tough. My own fault going off too fast, again. Being my weaker leg I can't resist the ever powerful and instinctive urge to rush through it as quickly as possible.

My stroke was in tatters, arms and shoulders tight, and lungs burning with the effort. Sighting suffered as a consequence and I drifted to the left a few times. I struggled on trying to forget my frustrations at my inevitable and predictably poor swim tactics. The conditions were otherwise good. The wind seemed not to have an affect and the water was a pleasing temperature. The swim route was a three sided box (a popular public order training term) completed in an anti-clockwise direction. At the second turn I had settled into a more relaxed stroke and felt good. Arriving at the finish of the swim leg I eased over the cobbles and was surprised to feel reasonably steady on my feet jogging up the exit ramp into transition. Had a bit of a fight shedding the suit and that was the swim done with.

Just leaving the racking area heading for the exit of transition.

I opted again to put the cycling shoes on in transition rather than clipping them into the pedals as favoured at elite level. Time savings somewhat marginal for me I think but will try again when I get around to upgrading to a pair of try specific shoes. My shoes having three straps and no heel loop to attach a rubber band to and grab hold of make for a rather awkward process. The drawbacks of the unsophisticated non pre-loaded method is running with cleated shoes and the occasional fumbled clipping in. 

A slow start, struggling to clip in.

Starting into the wind the outward stretch of the cycle leg was a steady push followed by a fast return with a following wind. A lap consisting of two long straights with four ninety degree left hand turns completed four times over. The surface conditions were good being dry with no lumps or bumps to speak of just a few wandering geese to dodge. The only slow section being around the back of transition with a narrowing approach and a dusty surface with a few grids and drain covers scattered about.
  

Approaching the section around the back of transition.

It was certainly worth using the time trial bars on the bike as the course was fast. I was able to take quite a few places. The bike is typically my strongest leg. I did lose a few mind to some strong riders. Having pushed too hard on the bike last year I held back a little this time and finished with energy in the legs. I racked the bike without incident and headed out on the run.

Heading out of transition.

A slightly different route this year, the run started inside the perimeter wall instead of going up and around the boat sheds. This made for a flat start around transition to the short  trail section with a small rise.

Reaching the turn onto the short trail section.

The run was then a single clockwise lap of the perimeter road. It was stiflingly hot. Not much more to say about running along a tarmac road. I lost a few places early on but gained a few back towards the finish. The only break from the tarmac was a short ninety degree dog leg presumably to bring the run distance to that of last year. After which the finish was within sight and I pushed on for what felt like a sprint for the line but may not have looked like one to the crowd assembled at the finish. 

The closed knees a tell tale sign of fatigue.

The winner on the day was Martin Cain in a stunning time of 56:54. I finished ninety second places back in a time of 1:14:06 (15:35/1:27/33:04/1:17/22:45) reducing my course personal best by 3:19. As an added bonus I was once again the victor in the personal contest of friends with Matthew who finished in a respectable time of 1:16:03.

Visit www.onestepbeyond.org.uk for more information and results.

Edenfield Fell Race

A modest number of runners [eighty seven] braved terrible weather conditions making it to Edenfield Cricket Club. This included myself and five fellow Saddleworth Runners. Featured in the Area Fell Race Grand Prix there were points on offer for the Championship. 

Having registered I was in no urgency to venture back outside so instead remained in the club house keeping warm. Chance to chat briefly with fellow Sadd's. Plenty of mugs of tea and sandwiches were on offer to sate pre-race hunger and keep spectators happy. Unsure about what kit option was best I had a quick look around and noticed a few sporting just a race vest. No! I decided on an extra base layer under my vest with my cag on top as well. I was still cold as I braved the sideways rain for a warm up jog. The start time had been brought forward a half hour to allow for a cricket match early afternoon but that seemed unlikely to be going ahead. Fell racing on the other hand is weather proof. Being a new race for me I took some time to study the route on a map supplied by the organisers. It looked pretty bumpy and I picked up some advice that I should keep something in the legs for a steep descent near to the finish. Then I decided just to follow as there was no realistic chance of me remembering the route. 

The start line was formed on the edge of the cricket ground in front of the club house. Starting with a clockwise lap of the playing area the route turned right and headed up Gincroft Lane. A steady start on a paved road. The road gradually steepened to a style on the right marking the turn onto Sand Beds Lane, an undulating track leading to Cowpe Lowe. Easy going despite the wet conditions except for the last handful of meters to the trig point. Turning right a brief descent onto the Rossendale Way was followed by a narrow rolling path gradually ascending to the far turn where the bravest marshal was holding station. The climb to Whittle Hill was short and not too steep and following it was a tricky but enjoyable descent off Scout Moor. The rough ground of grass and tussocks was hard on the ankles. Kicking a rock with my trailing leg I fell onto my front and skidded someway on my elbows fortunately with soft ground underneath me. Feeling lucky not to have come a cropper on a rock I jumped to me feet and cracked on. Just before the Scout Moor Brook at the valley bottom I misjudged what looked like a puddle stepping thigh and elbow deep into a bog. Crossing the Brook on the narrow walkway I was nearly blown off it. After which fun and frolics I arrived at the bottom of the sting in the tail of this particular race. A sheer scramble unto a farm track on New Hall Close. Grabbing handfuls of long grass I pulled myself slowly upwards. I wasn't the only one suffering. Shouts of encouragement from a couple of rain soaked marshals at the top helped. Turning left at the top that was all the climbing done with. A steady descent followed first off on a track to a farm then onto a path through a field then back onto tarmac as the outward route was rejoined. The toughest part was running around the cricket pitch to finish. It was still raining.

This was my first outing at Edenfield. It was well worth the trek over from Saddleworth. The number of runners was good considering the terrible weather conditions. The cricket pavilion provided a good base. The results can be found on Rossendale's website. I finished 24th in a time of 59:39. Knowing the route I think I could go faster. I wonder if a sub fifty five might be on next year.

Eyam Half Marathon 2012

A race report (no photos) for Eyam Half Marathon 20/05/12

A half marathon in a rural location with over twelve hundred feet of ascent. Hills and tarmac combined would typically inspire zero enthusiasm from me. I ran Eyam as it was included in Saddleworth's Club Championship. It was also something different from the fell running, a break from the norm. Finally it would be a challenge. Past forays into the thirteen miles of tarmac treading totalled only two. The Great North in 2000 and Wilmslow in 2010. Both popular events, the latter super flat and fast consequently popular for PB's. Not that I was fast by course standards. I was twelve seconds under the two hours. Marginally faster than in 2000. I was ten years younger then mind. Some positive signs. Funny tale about Wilmslow if I may digress for a moment. Vicky (the girlfriend for those who don't know me) like most supporters and followers was stood at the finishing line or somewhere near to it. I had no chance of seeing her amongst the hundreds of folk assembled there but thought she might see me crossing the finishing line around the anticipated two hour mark. She didn't. So as I took a slow walk back to the car which was about a mile away at the end of Kings Road, Vicky (she later informed me) remained at the roadside cheering on those runners even slower than me whilst keeping a watchful eye out for me. Until that is a guy dressed as a sausage crossed the line and the blue inflatable finish banner was let down. Only at that point, some three hours having passed since the starting gun was fired, did she think I might have finished. I had some how slipped through unnoticed. All my fault of course because I had taken my windproof top off rendering me unrecognisable Anyway, back to Eyam.

Having had an enjoyable visit to Eyam in March, as documented in a previous blog, it was with pleasure and anticipation that I made the return journey. Together with Mark and Gaynor (fellow Sadds - members of Saddleworth Runners) I headed over to Derbyshire. Talk of race tactics and nutrition plans provided conversation points on the way. Parking was at the top of the village in a field. Wet but managed to get on and parked. Quite a task to accommodate the anticipated five hundred runners in a small Peak District village. Well that was the maximum number of entrants at any rate and the weather at least was not going to influence the drop out rate. On the topic of weather, conditions looked good and promised to remain that way. It wasn't raining, there was not much wind to speak of and it was not too warm. Just right. Pushed a little for time it came time to head down to the start line in the centre of the village. Managed a brief warm up on the way, stopping off at the baggage area to deposit the kit bag. I wasn't long stood at the assembly point when the starter gave instructions for everyone to begin walking through the overhead gantry which I thought was the start line and along Church Street away from the centre. Around the corner the starter stopped everyone and set us off.

First off was a loop through the village. A short way along Church Street was the first mile marker. Confusing after only a few hundred metres. There was the inevitable keen temptation to go off too fast along the village roads. It was an interlude before the climb out of the village. Returning to a short section of Church Street the mile marker made sense. First mile completed. Followed by a right turn leading to the hill out of the village. A steep sustained climb it was tough going. At the top of the hill was a left turn onto an easier gradient but the way ahead was still up. At the turn further along the route at Sir William Hill Road the road levelled out. Across the valley to the right the leader/s could be seen led themselves by the timing vehicle. Now there is a sight which cannot fail to dishearten you. After gaining over five hundred feet in around three miles it was a steady and gradual descent over the course of several more miles all the way down to the turn at The Plough near Hathersage. The lowest point of the route. Over six hundred feet of steep ascent led back up to the top of the first hill. The best supporters were found here. Two ladies at the bends where the way was steepest were shouting at anyone walking. The sun was out and things were heating up. I made good progress and was making up places all the way to the top. It's a good feeling too finish well. The descent back to the village was a joint pounder and a thriller. I tried to keep my footfall as light as possible. My legs were like noodles at the bottom. After the descent came the long and painful run in to the finish. I longed for that finish. I did manage a sprint to the line helped along by the slight declining approach. A good crown was gathered.

This was a great race which I would strongly recommend to anyone. It is my diary for next year. The route was challenging but runnable throughout. The ascent added to the resulting satisfaction. I struggled with pain in my left knee which I felt when descending when I was slightly hyper extending the joint. My time was 1:49:38 (174th place) which I feel is a respectable time. 30:02 behind the fastest time on the day. A time which got me thinking about running later in the year on a flatter course to see what sort of PB I have in my legs. Oldham Half is in the diary for the end of the season but that looks just as mountainous as Eyam. Truth is I don't like tarmac. Other positive aspects from the day - the organisation was excellent, roadside support was fantastic and the tee shirts are worth wearing and will not as some others have end up stuffed in the bottom of a drawer. I have one minor issue in retrospect - I thought bottled water was wasteful when you only drink a few sips when passing a drinks station. Not wanting to end on a negative i'll add this. I don't like tarmac because I get bored and it hurts but I still enjoyed the race and will run it again. Positive testimony in anyone's book.

Wilmslow Triathlon

My first triathlon of the 2012 season and my first attempt at this pool based sprint event.

Swim - 400m/Cycle - 15.2 miles/Run - 3.9 miles

A popular race with over five hundred entrants, the swim waves were spread over several hours. My start time was a pleasing 11:50 allowing for a relaxed morning. The event was based at the leisure centre close to Wilmslow centre. Transition being in the playing field adjacent. First call was registration to collect my race pack. New to me were the number tattoos instead of the permanent marker. Took days to rub them off with the loss of some arm and leg hair. Everything was well organised and I had plenty of time to get set in transition.

The Swim - 8:36

Despite my time being at the slower end of my wave I was sent off first and was overtaken by the three other swimmers in my lane by the third or forth length. My tri-suit now getting a little thread bare (in unwanted areas for modesty) and loose fitting felt like it was dragging me back. An upgrade is overdue. Felt good after the swim.

Exiting the swim, heading for transition.

The Cycle - 44:00


Dry roads and light winds made for a good bike leg. Out of transition I just missed getting involved in a crash (the marshal on the dismount line shouted rightly enough to a returning cyclist who had ridden over the line who seemingly distracted by the shouts took himself out on the curb I think hitting the deck hard). Lycra having the protection value of cling film against tarmac it had to hurt. The first mile or so was along residential streets with two junctions to reach Altrincham/Wilmslow Road. I managed to pass several of the faster swimmers in my wave. Heading out of suburbia country roads were reached after passing under the airport runways and turning left. A twisty anti-clockise route with some tight corners and a few short hills. 

I was alone for much of the bike. I wasn't overtaken and it was not until nearing the end of the leg when I saw a few other competitors. Took on some sports drink during the bike but no gels. Overall it was a fast bike leg on good roads with very few cars to worry about. Rejoining the outbound route at the roundabout near Royles I headed for transition. I felt strong still, like I had something left in the legs for a good run.

On my knees to put my running shoes on. Signs of fatigue.

The Run - 29:35


It's a toss up lately which is my weaker leg out of swim and run. My running has certainly improved although I see plenty of scope to get faster. Could be wishful thinking. In my training I have focussed on high cadence and pace control. It sounded like good advice when it was given and it seems to be working. I set off with a goal of running seven minute miles. 

Making early adjustments to the race belt and ill fitting suit.

A narrow track led from transition to the first of two bridges over the A34. Then it was onto residential streets. Fine if you like that sort of thing. Not as nice as being on the fells but not complaining. It was by then pretty warm in the sun and I was enjoying myself (the pain now long since forgotten). The run is an out and back figure of eight with one steady climb in the first third and a short decent towards the end of the leg before the outbound route is rejoined in the opposite direction crossing back over Macclesfield Road. The road crossings were well martial led.




I was overtaken just once and efforts to get a tow off him failed after about a mile. Managed a steady seven and a half minute mile pace. Felt strong at the finish. Left me wondering where I could have pushed harder.

Good early season race. A really popular race and justifiably so. Comes recommended and will look to return next season. On the day - no dramas, no mechanicals and no injuries. Still eager to upgrade to a TT bike. Thank you to my ever reluctant race day supporter Vicky (the girlfriend) for the camera work. A professional photographer she is not but she came up with the goods on the day. The official photography for this event was a touch expensive for my Northern pockets. From a spectator's point of view of the event she rated this good. Access to a cafe (albeit not Starbucks) and a wall to sit on were plus points.


Result: 1:32:52
Position: 73rd/11th (overall/age group)

Wardle Skyline 2012

When I ran this event last year it was, I think, my first fell race. In an April heat wave it was a tough but outstanding event. I finished in a modest 125th place with a time of 1:10:19. A grand race early in the calendar which I was looking forward to returning to on Saturday 14 April.

Organised by Rochdale Harriers the route starts and finishes in Wardle village square with the command centre in the Scout hut (a rather grand stone hut). Covering a smidge under seven miles the route goes out onto the fells in a large clockwise circuit of Watergrove Reservoir taking in Brown Wardle Hill, Rough Hill and finally Crook Hill. Just as you think your almost finished there is another short ascent after the turn in Shore.

Once again I had the company of my mother, niece and nephew as I headed to Wardle on race afternoon. Niece Olivia was assigned to the role of photographer. 


The weather was pretty poor. It had been raining heavily for several days so conditions were likely to be sticky. I was still suffering with my ankle which i'd turned running Midgley Moor and had it taped up. It wouldn't be a race if I didn't have a few excuses in the bank.


Pre-race proceedings were uneventful. I handed over my £5 at registration and pinned my number to my vest. Kitted up and warmed up. 

Ready for the off.

I took my place in the inevitable queue at the toilet. Found the gathering Saddleworth Runners of which there were a good number. Then waited for the start.

Assembling in the square.

Quite a turn out with over two hundred runners waiting for the call to the start line (just around to the left beyond the white camper).

Start line - Sean Willis in Saddleworth colours finished fifth.

The first section along the cobbled road to the reservoir was uneven and tricky underfoot. Tricky by road standards obviously. A short tarmac section below the reservoir followed then it was onto the rough stuff. Low level pasture to begin with followed by a steep ascent to the open pasture of Brown Wardle. The white tee-shirt of the leader already some way off in the distance. 


I had a plan to push hard at the beginning to clear any bottle necks and then take the ascents steadily. This worked out well and I fell in behind Jon, a fellow Saddleworth runner who I knew was quicker then me. The course was remarkably good underfoot. I ran rather than walked most of the steep ascents and traded positions with Jon several times.


Brief descents followed the tops of Brown Wardle and Rough Hill on an otherwise steady ascent for much of the first two thirds of the route. Feeling good I took Jon after Rough Hill enjoying the competition with him. He took his place back on the long descent into Shore and I was unable to stick on his heels. I lost ground to a couple of other quicker descenders. 


Reaching the cobbled road into Shore it is a right turn for the final ascent. Only short and not too steep but late in the race it can hardly come unnoticed. Having started with a target time of 1:05 I began to think sub one hour might be possible. I pushed hard but as the church spire came into view and I took a look at the watch I wrote that off as hope over reality. I tried to overtake an older chap in blue who had come past me earlier on the cobbles into Shore but he finished well. On the final run to the line I lifted my knees and smiled happily (grimaced maybe) for a sprint finish.

Finished.

My result? A personally satisfying 71st place in an official time of 1:01:19 taking exactly nine minutes off last year's time. Under the hour next year.

I seriously enjoyed this race. An enjoyable runnable route with great views. It was once again very well organised and a credit to Rochdale Harriers. A good turn out always helps the atmosphere. There were an amazing 19 Saddleworth Runners by my count out of 203 runners. The company, encouragement and rivalry of club mates are great incentives to run quickly.

Shaun and Howard giving out finish line encouragement.

Next up - Saddleworth's Cake Race on 5 May. Similar to Wardle but better and not one to miss.

Midgley Moor Fell Race 2012

MIDGLEY MOOR FELL RACE 2012

Second fell race of the season took place yesterday near Booth (near Mytholmroyd) up in the Calder Valley. This was my first time racing Midgley Moor. A well organised event staged by Calder Valley Fell Runners. A fixture this season in both the Saddleworth Runners Club Championship and the Area Fell Race Grand Prix. I joined a 20 strong Saddleworth contingent at registration in Booth Cricket Club. A very good Saddleworth turn out considering 131 runners would start. It was a cool but dry morning in contrast to the recent hot spell. Good conditions looked likely.


Race statistics and route taken by me.
(from the Garmin)

   

 Starting from the bottom corner of the field opposite Dean House Farm the first section was a steep ascent through fields to farm buildings at the edge of the open moors. I took it steady but ran it all taking my own line.

Starting ascent.

There was a bottle neck at the top of the first field and a queue at the stile further on. Aren't we civilised waiting in line at a stile bearing in mind it was a race. Once on the open moors it was a steady ascent to Crow Hill (checkpoint one) and the trig point (checkpoint two) beyond. I fell in line with Charlie and Nicky. Mark was ahead but insight. I felt I was in my natural position in the racing order given my present fitness. I thought I saw Sean in the distance but it was probably wishful thinking.


There was little need to route find early on as I followed the line of runners ahead following the locals in red and white hoops in the hope they would lead me along the shortest and/or quickest lines. The heather hereabouts was low or had been burned back. I kept up a steady pace and overtook Charlie and Nicky. From the trig I took the path, along with all but two other's within sight, around the edge of the moors rather than the direct line towards the third checkpoint. Looking at the map post race there is a much shorter route which could be quicker depending on the heather. Sticking to the path I picked up the pace and took a few places along the gentle descent between the moors of Wadsworth and Midgley. It was boggy in parts and had my shoe sucked off my foot stepping in one patch of mud. 


At the crossroads of two tracks (checkpoint three) at the Northern edge of the moor the route descended through Hough Green and Dean Green to the road below. I felt great and made up several places attacking the descent which was a steady and non-technical affair. At Spa Wood (checkpoint four) it was a steep ascent over grassed slopes to rejoin the moor. It was walking steep. I had my eye on Mark ahead on whom I was closing and an occasional look back confirmed Nicky was hot on my heels. 


At Ferney Lee I again followed those ahead taking the track to the left along the wall. Another more direct route might have been taken having studied the map since. The field corner on the edge of the moor (checkpoint five) marked the turn. Roughly half distance to the final checkpoint the path ran out and the heather had to be hurdled. Mark and I were now running side by side. The outbound route was rejoined at the stile above the farm buildings (checkpoint six). Just beyond which the finish came into view along with the steep descent. Mark was just behind and I was up for the sprint finish. Entering the last field I turned my ankle badly and had to limp home. A great welcome and much cheering and encouragement from fellow Saddleworth Runners was very much appreciated.

Hobbling over the finish line.

Time: 53:13
Position: 59th of 127 finishers, 6th Saddleworth Runner.
(results on the website)


Well done Saddleworth. Have a look at yourselves finishing on picasaweb.

The Saddleworth Runners of the day (two missing).

This was a well organised race and the weather gods were good to us with conditions good for fast running. A new record time of 35:11 was posted by winner Karl Gray. An interesting aspect of this race is the checkpoint format with scope for direct lines to be taken for possible gains. No doubt a good knowledge of the area would be of benefit. Might be worth a recce for next year.

First fell running injury in a year and a half. Is it time to switch to the roads?

Sore left ankle.

Birthday Peak Sportive

The Plan


To celebrate my 35th birthday I decided to take a ride. A two day ride in fact. With an overnight stay thrown in. No epic, just a pleasant and informal ride through the Peak District. Coming along for the ride would be Matthew, my on/off training partner and main adversary in various sporting events. Support would be provided by our respective partners, Vicky and Lisa (with daughter Sophie). Struck the right balance I thought if all were involved.


The weather was great. Looking out from bedroom window blues skies could be seen and it looked warm. It was warm. Especially fortunate for March weather. So while records were being set for March temperatures we set off feeling suitably pleased with our luck. We were carrying minimal gear - windproof, puncture repair kit and pump, fluids and flapjack - for what was little more that a training ride really.


The Route


Day 1 - Outbound to Eyam

   
The plan was to follow a route largely taken from Phil and Friend's Sportive which we both rode last year. In summary (see the map above) we started out from Stalybridge and headed for Eyam via a non direct route to cover fifty or so miles. From Stalybridge we climbed Mottram Road dropping into Glossop and continuing to Chapel-en-le-Frith. Ascended Sheffield Road up to and beside Mam Tor. Dropped at speed into the Vale of Edale taking the loop to Hope and Castleton. Ascended Winnets Pass. Passed through the quiet villages of Peak Forest, Hargatewall and Wormhill. Descended into the valley of the River Wye and regained lost height through Litton. Briefly took to the A623 to finish in the Plague Village of Eyam.


The first real sustained ascent was Sheffield Road out of Chapel-en-le-Frith. We took it steady resisting the temptation to race. This was supposed to be a pleasure ride.

Someway along the ascent of Sheffield Road near Rushup Edge.

The traffic was light and progress was made without incident. The Edale loop was especially quiet and a pleasure to cycle. 


We stopped in Hope village at the Woodbine Cafe. A popular halt for cyclists. We sat in the courtyard at the rear of the cafe and enjoyed a lunch of sandwiches and pints of tea. 

Posing at Woodbine Cafe.

It was good to have the company of the support team. Late setting off because I hadn't put petrol in car. What can I say except to apologise profusely.

Lisa, Sophie and Vicky

Ready for the off with our bellies full. Winnets Pass lay a short distance ahead, in relation to which Matt had something of a score to settle having walked a short section of it on Phil and Friends. We breezed it and headed onwards along a section we favourably recalled as being quiet on roads though small villages to a switchback descent to the English Wye valley.

Raring to go.

It was great riding with barely a car passing by. Fortunate really as Matt was caught short.

Is anyone coming Rick?

Having climbed up through Litton to the A623 we cruised the last few miles enjoying the tree lined descent to the Eyam turn-off. We headed straight to the Miners Arms for a pint and waited for the support team to arrive. Matt was keeping up his new found habit of not picking up a puncture every ride. 

Cheers.

Soon after our one pint we headed for the bed and breakfast where we were booked in for the night and got ready for an evening meal in the pub. A nice way to end the day.


Day 2 - Return via Chatsworth

The plan for day two was essentially to return home taking a different route. From Eyam we headed for Chatsworth returning via Baslow. At the Calver crossroads turned right to Grindleford. Hathersage followed then Ladybower. Snake Pass was ascended and the outbound route joined and followed in reverse at Glossop.


Ready for the off. It was a sunny but much cooler morning. The clocks had gone forward and an hour lost (in sleep). First off we were heading away from home, to take in a tour of Chatsworth. Matt's first time at the big house, a summer regular myself. 

We cycled quickly in the morning mist and met with the support team in the car park. It was great to cycle in such grand surrounds. And we saved on the parking. We headed off after a brew and the photo opportunity was taken.

  
The sun was now out and the windproof was pocketed. The route back was undulating but free from serious ascent until Snake Pass. Quick progress was made through Hathersage, Grindleford and Bamford. Ladybower skirted we headed for Snake Pass. The traffic was amazingly light. Plenty of motorbikes because of the nice weather. We pushed strongly up the Pass keeping to a good average speed. We did stop briefly in the lay-by where the support team had pulled over. We soon pushed on. Rewarded by the long effortless descent into Glossop. The job was pretty much done. 


The two days had been fantastic. A great route devised by us. Give it a try you won't be disappointed. Better than following someone else's route. Great scenery as anyone who knows the Peak will agree. Great weather which could not have been bettered. No grumbles about the traffic which was surprisingly light. The only incident of any sort was when Matt dropped his drinks bottle and ran over it.


Over the two days 96 miles were cycled and 5,600 feet climbed. Not raced but enjoyed. Not a bad birthday if I say so myself. Thanks Matt, Vicky, Lisa and Sophie.