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.

Heptonstall Fell Racer

Heptonstall Fell Race took place on Sunday 18th March, courtesy I believe of local club Heptonstall Hurriers. Overall it was a very well organised race and a credit to those involved. This year it features in the Saddleworth Runners Championships as a long race. Which is primarily why I ran and my first experience of the race and route.


The race starts and finishes in the picturesque village of Heptonstall near Hebden Bridge with fifteen miles or so of running and over three thousand feet ascent and descent between. The route is through the upper Calder Valley on a mixture of terrain - tracks, trails, a couple of short road sections, farmed fields, pasture, open moorland and wooded valleys.   

Making an early start to race day I was encouraged on looking out of the window to see blue skies bringing with it the promise of a day of good weather. My back was a bit dodgy and the thought had crossed my mind to not run if the night had brought rain. An obvious and unimaginative excuse I know. To put this race into context, and explain why I had considered the need for an excuse for a no show, the race distance was to be the most I had ran. Adding in the ascent it represented a challenge. Nearest I had got to that distance was Wilmslow Half, a flat road run. It also offered an early training and practice run for Helvelyn Triathlon in September, the run leg of which involves the ascent and descent of the mighty three thousand foot peak, one of my favourite mountains in The Lakes.


After a bowl of porridge I started what turned into a frantic and last minute search for a whistle and compass. I still take seriously the threat of disqualification for not meeting the kit requirement stipulating being in possession of full waterproof cover, hat, gloves, map, compass and whistle at the start line. Now there's a thought. I am yet to start a race on the start line. I am usually stood somewhere near the back chatting, and fiddling with my iPhone to start the map my run App to record my route and race stats. My first mistake was the last minute packing having not bothered to have got everything in order on the Saturday night. My second soon followed having set off. I discovered driving through Milnrow, too late to come back home, that I had forgotten my fell shoes. I stopped and had a dig around in the boot. Fortunately and with great relief I found something fairly suitable. My Salomon trail shoes. The only other other shoes were a pair of black leather Loakes which were were not very suitable.

Arriving on the outskirts of Heptonstall, I was guided to the field car park at the top of the village. There were a lot of marshals already employed in earnest. Their hard work should never be taken for granted. Having parked up I wandered down to registration which was in the White Lion pub opposite the church. (Mental note to self: pub to return to for the sampling of ale. An idea for the next Railway Children beer trip - and a future blog). Here I was issued with my race number and an orienteering card for the two un-martialled check points. A bit of advertising for Up & Running.

Once registered I headed back to the car to get changed and kitted up. I was running with a recent purchase. A RaidLight bumbag which I got online from Race Kit. Worth a look for specialist 'race kit' of the brands I haven't yet found in the shops. With two bottles I was unlikely to suffer from a lack of fluid. A problem from which I had suffered in a couple of longer club races last season. In it were of course my waterproof full body cover and other items as per the kit requirement. 

Bounced about a bit, the bag that is, to begin with but settled down as the fluids were drunk.

Sporting my Saddleworth Runners vest I sloshed, an obvious consequence of carrying so much fluid, my way to the start line. By which as I mentioned earlier I mean near to it, taking what I thought was my natural position in the bunch gathering outside the pub beneath the overhead banner.

The race was started, uniquely in fell racing I wonder, by a man of the cloth. The vicar of nearby St Thomas's Church, I believe it was, standing atop a high wall sent us away with a prayer for our safe return before sounding the klaxon. Nice touch and and an experience in itself. I believe that some of the money generated from the event was to be generously donated to church funds. I didn't get chance to take a look, will have to venture back soon, but there appears to be the ruins of an old church or abbey in the village.


I made a steady start. My goal was to go the distance without bonking and having to walk (except for the steepest ascents). Leaving the village the race headed East steeply descending into and through a wooded area. Here I caught the smell of wild garlic for the first time of the coming Spring. There were a few bottle necks as we worked through the wooded area and on through several farmers fields. Then it was out onto the open moorland along a narrow worn path on a steady ascent to the trig at Standing Stone Hill. The field now stretched out ahead and behind of me and I appeared to have wound up near the back. That was fine by me. There were great views in all directions. The South Pennines is a fantastic area to venture into. The going was hard but the scenery was glorious. 


From Standing Stone Hill the route descended a boggy path to cross the road at Blake Dean. There were a few road cyclists out. A route to try during the summer. The terrain of the next section was open pasture up to the crossing of the Pennine Way. Seeing a runner ahead of me go thigh deep into brown water I took to a wall to make progress. From here it was back onto moorland climbing to Greave Height. All the while I was trading positions with a few runners including Charlie Barlow, a fellow Saddleworth runner, gaining on the ascent but losing ground on the descent. 


Descending from Greave Height the route briefly took to the Pennine Way again then crossed between Walshaw Dean Middle and Lower reservoirs on a short road section. Then it was back to ascending now on a track up to Wadsworth Moor and a photo opportunity. I couldn't resist smiling for the camera.

Climbing away from Walshaw Dean Middle Res. towards Wadsworth Moor.

I was still feeling strong heading away from the reservoir up to where the route reached what I think was the high point on Wadsworth Moor. After which it descended steeply past a farm at Walshaw and into the wooded valley marked on the map as Hebden Dale. Here an anti clockwise loop was completed. There was a steep and fiendishly slippery track into the valley. A few slips but no falls. The beck in the bottom of the valley was followed where a small group of us thought we'd lost the route. Much reading of maps and consultation followed but having ran a little further down the track the clearing was reached where the route turned steeply up the side of the valley near Hardcastle Crags. Climbing to Turn Hill I used the clicker to mark my passing of checkpoint four.


Having returned to the farm at Walshaw completing the loop it was up again to Shackleton Knoll and the second of the checkpoints where a clicker was to be used. The one at Turn Hill had been on a length of string. The one at Shackleton Hill was however fixed to the post a little over knee height. It required a rather undignified squat with a leg either side of the post to make it reach my card which was tied to my belt. I began to suffer from here on in to the finish. I was fine on the ascent but the descending was tough going because of a tendon twinge on the outside of my right knee. I tried to ignore the pain. The run into the finish was along another valley leading into New Bridge. This was a pleasant mix of terrain beginning with fields and finishing through a wooded area. 


Towards the end of the race I was mentally willing the thing to end. Nothing new in that. I overtook about half a dozen runners at this late stage in the race. Finishing strong was certainly a positive sign. Then came the staircase out of Hebden Wood. What evil sort dreamt that up? It just about finished me off. Once on the grassed slopes of the village perimeter I received encouraging indications that the finish was close. I pressed on and near sprinted through the finishing line funnel. The thing was done.

Posing at the finish.

As the photograph shows, I had energy enough to smile but soon felt sick. I couldn't even stomach the lovely looking flapjack being offered out. Maybe I overdid it on the fluids. 


I was pleased to have finished and content with the result. 168 runners completed the race. A few more I should imagine started but did not complete. I finished in a personally respectable time of 3:10:26 in position 141. The results have since been posted on the website. 


I think it's time to try a serious long race in The Lakes this Summer - maybe Borrowdale.

Some of the Saddleworth runners at the finish line.

From left to right - Jill Davies, Richard Sample, Sheila Waite, Ray Green, Howard Chambers, James Sheard, and Charlie Barlow. Well done to everyone.

Fearless Duathlon 2012

This year I decided to enter the Fearless Duathlon, an off-road event featuring a 7km run, 19km bike, and a 7km run to finish. All three stages were to be on mixed terrain within Llandegla Forest in North Wales. The bike leg using the red run. All sounded good. 


Having twice raced Tameside XL Triathlon, also organised by the team at Uberfit Events,I had an idea what I was in for having got a taste of Dave Q's idea of a race from the Tameside XL. Both times the weather had been foul. Competitors would be getting as wet and muddy as possible. 


I checked over the old steel framed Trek, which has been with me for some fifteen years now, and reckoned it was up to one more run out before being retired to a life of road touring. The race would be a good opportunity to test myself early in the season.

Transition and competitors receiving race briefing.

So very early Sunday morning, race day, the car packed with everything I could possibly need, I set off for Wales with excitement and a little anxiety. As usual I tried to play it down in my mind to settle the nerves. Having checked out the Llandegla Red Run the week before I knew where I was heading (Post race recce I had checked into the cafe to warm up and feast on cheese on toast and a brew. A must after any ride around the forest routes). 


On arrival this was was where I again headed, to register and collect my number. Here I was told of a change, the second run leg would be just the one lap, half the advertised distance. Bugger! It was cold, the car showing 3 celsius but it was dry, by which it was not raining. It was far from dry underfoot. It was going to be a muddy one. 


Having checked over the mountain bike one final time I headed for transition. Got chatting to a nice fella, a member with Glossopdale Fell Club, who had raced last year and was happy to share his memory and insight. Transition had a good atmosphere. Once set up I headed back to the car having plenty of time to fuss about before the start. After several visits to the toilet, always busy before a race, to off-load unnecessary weight I was set to go. Warming up involved a jog and stretch off close to transition. The nerves were building.

The ladies and relay'ers went off first. Fifteen minutes later, at 11.45, the siren rang out for the start of the main field. 182 competitors in all. I was off (nowhere to be seen in this photo sadly).

Running is something of a work in progress still. I had positioned myself, sensibly I thought, somewhere in the middle of the order but was still overtaken so much so it felt like I was nearer last place than first. I resisted the temptation to look back. I resisted the temptation to go off too fast. The 7km run leg was a mix of forest track and rough trail cut through the plantation. It was very good running. Nothing too strenuous or technical.


At the conclusion of the first run leg I entered transition. Everything was set, where I had left it. I have a somewhat irrational fear you see, one of several I should say, that another competitor will reach transition before me and take my bike and kit instead of their own. In error obviously. Not this time. Transition was smooth and problem free. I had opted for a change of shoes to ride cleated. A little more time spent in transition. Looking around I noticed how few bikes were left. 


Setting off on the bike leg I pushed hard to try and make up ground. The 18km route followed the old intermediate 'red' run around the forest. The first few km was on forest track and allowed for a good pace to be set. Making the most of the hardtail. Entering the forest there were several dodgy icy sections. At the top of the hill there was a rutted and stony roller coaster section. Good riding. Having passed plenty of competitors suffering mechanicals I had problems myself with the front mech slipping out of alignment. Nothing terminal thankfully. The riding was great. Fast and technically demanding. A mix of muddy and not so muddy sections over steep and less steep sections with a few jumps and drop off's thrown in. More the terrain for a full suspension bike so lost ground to better riders with better wheels.    

Entering transition again, which had taken on the look of a swamp, I shed more gear than I gained and headed off again. Bugger! My legs had stopped working. Straight into an ascent was tough. I had pushed too hard on the bike leg so I was spent. I just pushed through it as best I could. The 4km run was, thankfully, short. The top racers were just finishing whereas I had another twenty minutes running to do. The run was again a mix of forest track and rough trail, different to the first leg, making a circuit of the ice covered lake. Steady running except for the sadistic near vertical scramble not far shy of the finish. Fair play to Dave Q for being at the top of this work of torture which I assume he must take credit for.  


So the finishing line was reached. Great race. Great venue. Great support. Good result - 79th position in a time of 2:06:19.

Cold, wet, muddy, and well happy.