Winter to Summer running in 2 weeks

Miles to date: 425
Races to date: 14


I have really enjoyed running through the winter. The cold, wind, rain and snow all make for an invigorating trot. As we've moved into spring and the rain has flooded down on us the landscapes have burst forth into flashes of vibrant greens, vivid yellow rape and gorse, deep purples and blues of the bells all contributing to fabulous views to take your mind elsewhere whilst pounding across the moors. 


Last weekend was the Calderdale Way Relay. Our club had managed, by some major feat of cajoling and encouragement, to put together 3 women's teams - a total of 36 women donning vests akin to the Italian flag to run 6 legs round the boundaries of Calderdale. Last minute changes to teams due to accident, injury, illness and buckets of others reasons meant the team Captains had all sorts of additional pressures to cope with. Bev and I had been and recced leg  one and so were fairly OK that we knew the route - especially as there would be a hundred or so other runners setting off at the same time so we wouldn't get lost on the way out of Stainland!! At the last minute Bev was changed to cover someone else's leg and Diane (who I would have run the Penine Bridleway Relay with had it not been cancelled due to the snow and ice) kindly agreed to step in to Bev's shoes and suffer the early start for leg one. 


With no time to recce the leg Diane was entirely reliant on me to not get her lost. Obviously this would not be a problem as I had the map, compass (which I do know how to use oddly enough) and very detailed route description. There is also the added advantage for those of us running at the back of the field of following the hundreds of fell and trail shoe stud marks leaving their distinctive tracks over the peat and mud. 


An 8am start and needing to register the team and us meant a 5am alarm call on a Sunday morning - not good! After a small amount of stress with the registration desk claiming to never having seen the Keighley team sheets, they were soon located under a clipboard, we had our numbers, a baton to hand over should we by some strange twist of fate and new discovery of winged feet manage to make the 1hour 45minute cut off and the commemorative pack of slate coasters to give to all our team mates (I still have some spare if anyone reading needs theirs!). 

Four of the six Keighley and Craven Women at the start

The start - 8am and off we go

Someone said go and off we set - fast - across the park and off, uphill, into the woods. I'm not sure anyone had told Diane that the first 2 or 3 miles were continuous uphill. With fantastic spirit and determination we plugged away, not quite last but slowly the gap before us stretched out and by Butterworth Old Lane (yes it really is called that in the land of my forefathers) we had lost sight of the other teams. Undeterred my navigational skills were holding good and we wended our way over hill and across field - a beautiful, clear and crisp morning, views across to Stoodley Pike and beyond. We passed the gate with no field and were soon turning right on to the moor and the last ascent before the long downhill to the changeover at Crag Vale. It was this right turn where my superb route finding senses had an aberration - trotting along I knew all was not right, the stud marks had gone and the farm we were approaching should be on our right but by some weird magic it was on our left - now how had it moved itself? Oopsadaisy I had managed to take us up a parallel track - right direction, wrong path! Rather than run back and then up the right track I thought it would be far quicker to divert across a field (OK Diane it was a bog not a field), over a locked gate, through an enclosed farmyard, over the gate at the other side, find the farmer, be very polite and apologetic, check location and set off reunited with the right path once again. We'd probably added an extra 1.5 miles and at least 20 minutes to our time, not to mention the claggy mud on our feet! 


Reaching the summit and knowing that it was all downhill in front of us was a fabulous feeling. We finally staggered in at 2:28:33 - the 33 seconds might have been recovered if the Keighley men's team had stopped to let us cross the road rather than drive past shouting encouragement!!! A great run with a lovely lady who I hope will forgive my unfortunate navigational issues and run with me again!!! The happy ending (for us) came when we had walked up to the car about half a mile away and were getting changed when two Bingley runners came down the road towards us asking where the finish was - we weren't last and we weren't the only ones to get lost! 


Hutton Roof Crags - 7miles, 1300ft - BM 
Over the last week we seem to have moved from Winter, or at least a very cold and wet spring type season, to mid-Summer and Mediterranean style hot sunshine. I do love the sun - it makes people happy and smiley - but the prospect of setting off in 25c heat on to open moorland with little or no shade wasn't on my list of ten things I really want to achieve in life. However, Saturday arrived and dumped by my family who were all off doing other (more interesting) stuff, I set off alone to Hutton Roof in North Yorkshire, bag of running kit in the boot, sunglasses on, CD on - wonderful. Even better when I get there to find for the first time Keighley and Craven women outnumbering the men 6 to 2! 

It was also good to see a Fell Pony turning out - I'd have someone I knew at the back trotting along with me! As we all assembled at the start sharing news of injuries and illness to get the excuses for being slow out of the way (compulsory behaviour at the back of every start line) it was blindingly obvious that this wasn't going to be easy. Not even a wisp of cloud in sight the sun was glorious - for sunbathing or swimming. 

Off we set and I felt great. Out and up the first ascent a narrow path meant the pace slowed helping me to find my breathing and not be tempted to push too hard or fast. I was going well and as the land levelled my only concern was whether I'd put enough sun cream on to avoid the lobster effect. Going well didn't last long as a really painful stitch slowed me to a walk, hands on my head and trying to breath through it. Loads of runners passed me and I realised how far up the field I had managed to be - a first for me! Then a friendly voice of concern and advice came along side. It's always good to have a friend behind you who's prepared to use you as an excuse to walk!! As we were walking along a Wharfedale runner suddenly dropped to his knees beside us - checking he was OK, he said he just came over a bit dizzy, I gave him a squirt of my juice and a trusty jelly baby and he was off again! My stitch persisted a bit longer. Off we went again, nice and steady until the scree slope unfolded infront of us. Up we went and I was just about OK, except for the inevitable roasted chicken feeling as the heat belted out. I must have passed 6 or 7 people going up only for them to pass me as soon as we levelled out at the top! 

We ran out across the fell with limestone boulders and rocks strewing the path. It felt as if we were on the roof of the world, with no protection from that blazing orb, hotter and hotter and hotter. The last 3 miles or so were pure torture. Having had the kindness of Steve walking with me I then had the audacity to leave him behind (I did apologise afterwards) and so found myself in that familiar place of running alone. With no one around to pace myself against I lapsed into a run a bit walk a bit slog. No matter how hard I tried I couldn't get myself into a rhythm. Eventually the final descent to the finish and I spied the kite flying above the village gala - nearly there. Staggering to the end I was pipped by another Fell Pony out on his virgin fell run - cheeky monkey I shall have revenge! My Keighley team mates were all back and lolling around in melting heaps - good to see so many friendly and encouraging faces at the finish - thanks all. 

Running in the sun - wouldn't recommend it!! I'm off to Burnley this evening to relieve the lovely Tim Moon of some of his gear - he's walking and busking the 150 miles from Blackpool to Filey raising money for Yorkshire Air Ambulance! Day two done, only 7 to go, give him a cheer and some pennies if you happen to see him on the way. 

I'll run later this evening when that blazing golden orb has subsided a little. Next weekend we have a club attempt at the Billy Bland Relay on the Bob Graham Round  - Camille, Lorna and I having the pleasure of the last leg with no pressure to make sure we bring the team home in less than the required 24hours!!! 

An extra challenge has been added to my 1000 miles! Simon seems to think that 40 fell races in my 40th year i.e. this year, would be a good thing to do! 14 done, 26 to go. 

Thanks to everyone who has given such great and supportive feedback to me - I'm just about on track but could do with a few more in the bank so need to try and up my mileage a bit! Just in case you've forgotten the just giving page is here - http://www.justgiving.com/teams/1000miles - and has a few less hits than my blog!!! 

Illness to Lakeland Wonders

Miles to date - 375 
Weeks of feeling poorly and sorry for self - 2 
Races missed since last blog - 1
Races run since last blog - 2

Bunny run madness
The wonderful Dave and Eileen organise a series of runs around Easter time every year - the Bunny Runs, short, sharp and great fun - have a look at their website - WoodenTops - to find out all about them. Many years ago in a previous attempt to run (lasted a few months and then the fags came back) I had a go at one of these. It snowed, I froze and mostly hated it! This year there was only one I could manage as Tuesday nights tend to find me down in London. My boy and the Husband always try and do all of them. At 3 miles and 300ft they are really too short and fast for me but in for a penny in for a pound. This time I completely loved it! I know the route and the moor well so was happy to try and push myself a bit more than I would usually and managed finish in 29 minutes. Very happy with myself. 



So, I felt I was running really strongly (for me), feeling great, had upped the weekly mileage to around 30 or so miles and then the lurgy struck. I got home from the usual two days in London and went to bed on the Wednesday night. Got up on Friday. Felt shocking. I really can't remember feeling that poorly in a long time. This was of course the days running up to the Anniversary Waltz which I have bleated on and on about running I was very excited having been up there the week before and seen the sheer beauty and scale. Needless to say, in spite of naive bravery on the Friday night - stocking up on medication, getting all my kit sorted and convincing myself I would be fine with sleep, ibuprofen, paramol and some sinus relief - I woke with tonsils like razor covered golf balls and a temperature a roast chicken would be proud of. A few tears shed, duvet on the sofa and the day was spent watching the London Marathon and dozing away. 


This spell of poorliness has meant I've had nearly two weeks with no running. Awful. Hated it. Managed to convince myself that I'd never get out and run again. Very tentatively I stepped out on the following Sunday for an attempt round Blue's moor loops (Blue had been very patient during this self pity period but was starting to look at me as if I were his gaoler). Still snotty and coughing it felt absolutely fantastic to be out again. I followed this up on Monday in London managing 5.6miles in 47minutes - a PB for me as my fastest ever run! Perhaps a couple of weeks being a wuss had a refreshing effect on me? 

Coniston Fell Race - 9 miles, 4000ft climb (AM)
Having missed out on the Anniversary Waltz I was even keener to have a go at Coniston. I'd bought the map from Pete Bland at the Three Peaks Race, the Husband ran that in 4hours 27minutes with an attentive support crew providing pork pies and other fuel at the checkpoints - maybe next year for me? The Coniston race route looked amazing and I knew Caren was planning on doing it so I was hopeful I'd have someone to follow who knew the route and give me the confidence that she does manage to instil in me! 


After many text exchanges it became a reality that Caren wasn't running it! Neither it seemed was anyone else I knew. However, not to be deterred, we set off. A beautiful day, no rain, sun shining, sharp snap of cold to the air, we arrive in Coniston and I looked up. I've never really looked at Lakeland Mountains other than as a walker. I'd happily set off with a rucksac and boots and spend the day walking up anything. Lakeland Mountains are enormous and here was I contemplating 'running' up them in shorts and trainers. What a ridiculous idea! Over the two hours I had leading up to the start I talked myself in and out of doing it at least a dozen times. I was more scared than I think I can imagine. Oddly it was the sight of a fell ponies purple running vest that gave me the final push to be on the start line. At least I knew one other person who would be toiling away at the back! 

If you zoom in I'm about 7th from the back!

Off we set, uphill, to run uphill and then a bit more uphill. This picture was only half a mile from the start and the uphill continued for quite some more miles. Actually the majority of the miles were uphill, interspersed with some shortish downhills and a single stretch of 'runnable' flat! 











Once I got into a groove the uphill grind became quite hypnotic. The pain and burn in my legs, my lungs constantly at bursting point but the rhythm and beat of maintaining a steady pace, not stopping, head down, arse up, I really dug in! Checkpoint one at Wetherlam finally appeared (thanks marshalls for being there, so positive and encouraging) and the land levelled a little before another ascent up to Swirl How. I was feeling great. I'd passed a few people and not lost sight of the back man in front of me. At Swirl How I was pointed in the right direction, encouraged hugely by two friends from Todmorden who were out supporting the race and enjoying the fells - thanks Cath and friend you gave me a massive boost. From Swirl How the route runs over to Brim Fell then curves left up the final pull to Coniston Old Man.   


I was seriously enjoying myself, pacing along, the scenery was totally awe inspiring. I could see for miles and miles across the most incredible landscape this country (the world?) has on offer. I'd dropped down and started another ascent. When the third walker asked me if there was a race on I stopped to ask if he'd not seen the other 400 runners passing him. When he replied in the negative the penny dropped that I'd managed to go a little bit wrong. Out came the map, for the first time, and we worked out that I was looking at Goats Water not Low Water. 


Obviously I wouldn't want to labour a point but, just to avoid confusion I though it worth annotating a copy of the Pete Bland race map I had thoughtfully purchased in advance of the race to show my detour. Personally I think the race overall might benefit from a route variation option (jk). I also think that the box marked 'optional route' could cause confusion for those runners who actually take the map out of their bum bag before losing lots of height and starting an additional ascent. On the bright side, the view of Goats Water was stunning and I gave a few walkers some additional entertainment they would otherwise have missed. Thanks for the picture of Dow Crag from SportSunday - a nice reminder of my detour! 

Simply to show height gained and lost with my additions!

Once I got myself back on track, back down Dow Crag and up Coniston Old Man I was very definitely last. All the work I'd put in to stay ahead and keep going was lost. Rather strangely, I felt completely fine about it! I was having such an amazing time my only concern was that I hadn't unduly worried the Marshals at CP3. When I finally arrived at the top I was warmly greeted, given a bottle of water and completely reassured. They were wonderful. Obviously getting lost / going the wrong way was entirely my own daft fault - lesson very well learned for the future - but they were all completely brilliant. So I'm now last and still have to run off down the last few miles to the finish. My bonus ball for the race was the huge privilege of being offered the company of the sweepers for the descent. Not only had I been an ass, worried everyone and made them stand around waiting but I was then rewarded for my error by having the company of two mountain goats - Mike and Hazel what fantastic people you really are - to run off with. The map marks the 'safe' race line and an alternative for those who know the fell. Off we went across a route I would never have dreamt of running on my own. It was completely brilliant. Half way down we spotted the back runner! Thanks to Mike and Hazel's pace and their intimate knowledge of the land I found myself overtaking the back two runners to arrive at the finish completely exhausted and exhilarated. I think I was about 2hours 50minutes. Without my detour I think I would have been 2:25ish - I'll see when the results are posted! 


I have no words left to describe how this race made me feel. I'll be back in the Lakes again soon! 


A final word on sponsors - an enormous thank you to Adrian not only for the very generous donation but also for the huge support and kind words. 

Recce Runs

Miles to date - 345

This has been 'recce' week! I've never really thought about running race routes before turning up to do them. However, many others are very keen to really know what they are letting themselves in for, understand how they can best plan their run and (hopefully) not get lost! 


It did get me thinking about what the word 'recce' means. Obviously this led to a google and the following: 

"reconnoitre US, reconnoiter [ˌrɛkəˈnɔɪtə]

vb (Military) to survey or inspect (an enemy's position, region of land, etc.); make a reconnaissance (of)

n (Military) the act or process of reconnoitring; a reconnaissance

[from obsolete French reconnoître to inspect, explore; see recognize]

Verb

1.

reconnoitre - explore, often with the goal of finding something or somebody reconnoiter, scout, observe - watch attentively; "Please observe the reaction of these two chemicals"

verb inspect, investigate, make a reconnaissance (of), see how the land lies, case (slang), survey, observe, explore, patrol, scan, scout, scrutinize,recce (slang), spy out, get the lie of the land "I left a sergeant in charge and rode forward to reconnoitre."

Noun

1.

recce - reconnaissance (by shortening) recco, reccy, reconnaissance, reconnaissance mission - the act of reconnoitring (especially to gain information about an enemy or potential enemy); "an exchange of fire occurred on a reconnaissance mission"

So, to scout out, inspect, survey. I particularly like "gain information about an enemy or potential enemy". There's a couple of runs coming up in the next few weeks where it's probably sensible that I do really understand my enemy before the starter says go! 


I have always enjoyed walking in the hills. Going back to my teenage years, youth hostelling around North Wales, the Lake District, I walked some of the most stunning and beautiful country through days of sunshine and storms. I know how fast the weather can come in and change a summers day walk into a wintry expedition with visibility to the end of your arm. I'm learning (fast) that running in the Lakes puts a completely different complexion on a day out to that which you might plan in your boots, coats and day sacks. Understanding the weather is the same but the distance:time equation bears no resemblance and as for the routes - well why use a path when you can take a more direct line, even if it's vertical! 


Bank Holiday Monday and I was out with Bev to have a look at our leg of the Calderdale Way relay we're running in a few weeks. Bev and I had never run together before but Simon and her partner Fraser have so we have some connections. Setting out for a run though with someone you don't really know is slightly daunting .... will I keep up? .... will I be able to run and talk? On this occassion "will we find the start of the run?" was a more pertinent question. After just over half an hour of running round in circles (about 2.5 miles of circles) we finally found the path we needed! 


The Calderdale Way was devised to mark the creation of the Metropolitan Borough of Calderdale in 1974. It is a 50 mile route which follows historic routes high on the valley sides as it circles the boundaries of Calderdale. The relay race of this route is organised by Halifax Harriers and clubs from all over compete to complete the Way as fast as possible. Every leg has fantastic route descriptions (with the exception of the start which is as clear as mud) including Ted Hughes (a local Calder Valley lad) prose to bring the instructions to life; 

Continue towards Sowerby Crow Hill, sensing here the bleakness shared in prose and verse; "Buttoned from the blowing mist; Walk the ridges of ruined stone."

So Bev and I carried straight on for a detour down a track completely missing the right turn across the moor we should have taken! Great example of why recce runs are really helpful! 


My personal favourite on our 10.5 mile leg (that we extended to 13.5 miles) was the wonderful randomness of the fenceless field. I do wish I'd taken 2 minutes to go through though, it might have gone somewhere special! 






The second recce of the week was leg 5 of the Billy Bland Challenge - this relay is based on the five legs of the 24 Hour Bob Graham round, starting and finishing at the Moot Hall in Keswick.  It covers about 66 miles, 28,000 feet of climbing and 42 peaks.  The challenge is open to all teams of 10, split into five pairs. The club was originally planning a boys team and a girls team. We're now looking at one mixed team! To make sure we know the leg route and can make a decent attempt at getting round anywhere near the time needed to make the 24 hour challenge a recce was essential. Leg 5 also covers most of the Anniversary Waltz race route so a double benefit for me. 


Saturday arrived and it was only Camille and I up for running. We were chauffeured to the start in Honister pass by Simon, Blue, Ben and Rosie. We got out of Derek the Discovery and realised the air conditioned luxury we'd spent the last 2 hours basking in had been hiding a biting cold wind! With great apprehension (on my part, Camille was just chilled), map in hand we set off!

Setting off with a mile and a half of hill straight in front of you is a daunting prospect. When the wind is biting and then the hail starts to come down it would have been easy to turn around and head back to Derek's heater! But, onward and upward we went. 36 minutes later, aching calves, and we reached the summit of Dalehead. A very gratifying feeling having not been going very long and already we'd bagged the first of three Lakeland peaks. Perhaps this was going to be easier than I thought. The following two peaks, Hindscarth and Robinson, were equally good.  Lots of uphill effort required and not the speediest 'running' I've ever done but the views were awe inspiring and I felt so supremely privileged to be able to run through this amazingly beautiful landscape.  

From Dalehead looking towards Keswick with Catbells to the right

Shaky moments! 

Descending from Robinson was really pleasant and a visual assault on my senses. The steep drop off to our right dropping into the valley with the steep ridge of Catbells ascending out the opposite side gave us the chance to view next weeks Anniversary Waltz route - the reverse of this route with a run back along Catbells (the right hand ridge in the photo) dropping back to Stair village. A truly awesome and terrifying prospect. 


We reached a rocky escarpment, which has to be easier going up than down, and my girly fear sensors went into over drive! Slippy Lakeland rock rubbed to a shiny finish from thousands of boots traipsing over it just didn't inspire me with confidence, especially when I could see just how far I might tumble if I slipped! I must now apologise to Camille for my abreaction resulting in shaky fingers and legs and a significant amount of obfuscation to get me down no more than 20 foot! However, this was the only knee trembling moment. The rest of the downhills, including the most infeasibly steep field which I will have to get up next week, were fantastic fun! 


The leg finishes along little Lakeland roads into Keswick, up the steps to knock the door of Moot Hall. Although the Saturday afternoon market shoppers did look at us as if we may be slightly strange! A cup of tea and slice of toblerone cake and a big pat on the back for both of us. The 3 hour leg took us 3 hours 20 minutes (ish) including many photo stops and gossips with walkers, especially the lovely spaniel owners! 


A recce well worth doing, especially as I now know just how hard Saturdays race is going to be, and then some more. Thanks for sharing this with me Camille - a fine day out! 


The one downside from this recce is a slight ankle injury - a tweaked muscle / tendon making ankle rotation a bit painful and an amusing limp. I plan to rest up this week, a swim or two but no running to make sure I'm as good as I can be for Saturday's race. I'm more reassured that even though I've had 'all out war is on' messages from Fell Ponies Steve as a result of wooping him at Midgely Moor (and having the audacity to include my victory in my last blog) we can push each other round / up Robinson without getting lost! 

Blue

Miles to date - 306 
Races completed - 10 


I am loving running! That's four words I would never have thought I could ever put in the same sentence. As my fitness is slowly improving, my lungs regaining better health and my legs have more miles in them, I am really enjoying a feeling of freedom as I run across some of the most stunning and beautiful scenery this country has to offer. And it's all on my doorstep, free of charge! 

I thought I'd tell you a little more about my most constant, faithful and entertaining running companion, Blue. It's his birthday in May when he'll be 3 years old. Blue started his life on an estate in Liverpool, one of 13 puppies from a Rottweiler bitch and German Shepherd dog. He came to live with us when he was 6 weeks old - extremely cute with tell tale enormous paws! 

We'd had dogs previously. In fact we'd had a Rottweiler X German Shepherd dog. When we made the decision to get another dog, after over 5 years without one, the only type that Simon would consider was something big, black and tan!  Blue grew at an amazing pace, he also developed an amusing and characterful face full of cheeky expressions. 


When they are really small and their bones are growing fast it's really important that you don't over exercise them or let them walk too far. German Shepherds are well known for developing hip problems in later years and we were really keen to make sure he really had the best start. 

Blue was only just 3 months old when we went on our first Summer holiday with him. Our holidays are always in tents and generally involve a fair amount of walking wherever we end up. For Blue's first holiday we were off to Cornwall to catch-up with friends, Jo, Tue, Tom and Mille, and explore the Cornish coast and beaches! Whilst we didn't do any hugely long walks, over 20 minutes at a time is too much for little puppy bones so my rucksack became the perfect taxi for tired paws. 




When I say he was growing quickly, please don't underestimate just how quickly I mean! In our two week holiday Blue grew out of my rucksack and into Simon's Karrimor AlpinEast. He also grew out of his crate - we'd taken a small one and ended up having to buy a medium travel crate as he was getting rather squashed. 


Blue now weighs in at 6 stone, stands at hip height and can easily put his paws on my shoulders. Being a big dog he does need a lot of exercise but that's where the running has been a bonus. He's fairly well trained and as long as there are no sheep around he races around off the lead. He plays hide and seek finding ditches to hide in, leaping out as you approach. His favourite game of the moment is lying flat on his belly and commando crawling through the heather or snow! He loves running so much he gets completely over excited at the sight of trainers and shorts. 

Whilst he does need a lot of exercise he also still needs lots of rest. After a 5 miles run (he probably does 20 for my 5) he's most often to be found on his back, snoring for a few hours. Unless of course there's another walk or run on offer and then he'll happily go again. 


If you do meet us on the moors or out and about, come say hello. Blue loves everyone, especially other canine friends of all shapes and sizes who he can play chase with. 


Back to the running update! Last weekend's race was Midgley Moor fell race is organised by Shaun & Sharon Godsman from Calder Valley. At 5 miles it would appear a reasonably straightforward little local race. The A in the grading however is the slight giveaway that hints at a few feet of upness. Not as much as Black Combe but still a significant amount of up followed by some down to be followed by some more upness and finishing with a long sloping descent - 1250foot of upness in all. 

Whilst this race was really hard I thoroughly enjoyed myself. For the first time ever I found myself really racing to the finish line. As we bounded down the hill to the finish I could hear and almost feel someone's breath on my back. I couldn't quite keep him off and he just pipped me over the line. There is a brilliant sequence of pictures from runningpix that shows this running battle far better than I can possibly describe.  I did however manage to beat Fell Ponies Steve - a triumph! 


Tomorrow I'm doing a recce run of the first leg of the Calderdale Way relay and next weekend a recce of the last leg of the Billy Bland relay which we're doing as a team in June - more on that to come. My next race is not until the 21st April when I do the Anniversary Waltz, 11.5 miles, 3600 foot, and I am terrified! It will be my biggest challenge so far and looking at these pictures  from 2008 has made me realise just what a serious prospect it is. 


Huge thanks to my recent sponsors - Martin (the tenner in my desk drawer), Susan and Howard. I must also mention a pledge from newly married Tony Levy of 1p per mile, 2p for every mile over 1000. If anyone would like to make a similar pledge please e-mail me or post a comment on here. If you'd prefer to sponsor me in a more traditional pen and paper way I do have forms and will try to make them available in numerous locations over the coming months! 
www.justgiving.com/teams/1000miles

250 mile quarter marker passed

Miles to date: 264 
Race completed: 8 


This week is a land mark in my progress for the year. Having started this slightly unrealistic challenge thinking I really had no chance and would need to find a credible reason (injury, illness, other) why I couldn't carry on I now think I really can do it! There are new challenges to come I know - the sunshine for one but I'll come back to this particular issue - that will make it tough but, today, I'm feeling very good about it - a bit broken but good! 


To make sure I marked my 250 mile passing I wanted to be sure it was an enjoyable run in my home territory. I am hugely privileged to live in such a scenic and beautiful part of the world. From my front door I can run out into moorland that has inspired painters, poets, authors, musicians and all manner of other creative wonders. I run out into this unique, bleak at times but stunning landscapes which have the power to take your breath away when you choose to see them. 


I hatched a last minute plan for a Saturday morning run with Caren but a message in the early hours of the morning that she was in our local hospital with a very poorly son obviously ruled that out. We all send huge love to all the Crabtree's - it looks like Ciaren the super junior fell athlete has meningitis so we keep our fingers crossed that he's getting the best care and pulls through it stronger than ever. 


After many domestic Saturday jobs, Simon, Blue and I set off towards Top Withens. All day the mist had hung low over the hills but by mid afternoon the sun had started to burn through and as we approached Bronte Waterfalls it was almost like a summers day - really far to hot to run! Up to Top Withens, supposedly the inspiration for Emily Brontes Wuthering Heights (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Top_Withens), across the skyline to Oxenhope Stoop and back down to Penistone moor so that Blue could have a splash in the pond to wash away the peat bogs he bounded through. What a truly fantastic way to mark a quarter of my journey towards the 1000 miles. 


Sunday morning and I woke thinking that perhaps 7 miles was a little foolish given my plan to run Rivock Edge Fell Race. However, a couple of ibuprofen plus a couple of paramol to remove the tweaky pains in my right leg and off we went. Rivock Edge is a race organised by our local Scout Network. Much of the route runs across otherwise inaccessible land and so offers a great opportunity to run through really varied terrain across woods, fields, forests and moors that I've never been near even though we've lived close by for nearly 12 years! 


The book (FRA Calendar) describes it as 10.4km and 255metres. From hearing others views of previous years races I was expecting it to be longer than described but, the last mile along the canal really did feel like torture! The route was wonderful (excluding the canal) as it took us over farmland, through sheep fields, into beech woodland, across t'moor, through pine forest, and then back down the same. I quickly found myself at the back as the sun beat down (yes, I know it's March but the sun beat down as it it were mid July) and we ran at a pace too fast for me along the canal to start. However, I really enjoyed the scenery and the challenge of keeping my own pace, including some ridiculously steep descents that just made me laugh as I threw myself with gay abandon down the beech leaf covered slopes. 


I am a sun lover - I adore it, I miss it during the long winter months, my skin feels better for the suns kiss, life looks brighter, people shed their winter skins and come out into the light. Running in the sunshine - bloody awful! I spent the first part of this year running in ice, snow, wind, rain, sleet and freezing cold. Today's introduction of warm / hot sunshine makes me realise just how awful the next few months of running might possibly be. I still love the sunshine but if it could be a little cooler for running purposes that would be most splendid, thank you very much! 

More scenic pictures to come hopefully! 

The race ended where it started and I had some fantastic support, claps and encouragement as I ran the last 500 metres to the finish, third from last! My sports tracker said 7.6 miles and the general consensus now seems to be that this 6.5mile race was really 7.5miles! 


Enormous thanks to all the Network Scouts who organise this - a great race, well marked and marshalled and a fantastic route (excluding the necessary but evil canal towpath!). 


Massive thanks to this weeks wonderful sponsors - Becca, Bev (my Calderdale Way relay partner in crime),  James and Andrew (the Boss!) - you've motivated me through another 30 miles - my weekly best to date. If anyone would like to join these brilliant folks in supporting me to continue enduring the pain this running lark brings in the name of a good cause please visit my just giving pages to donate to Asthma UK or Manorlands Hospice - two great causes both very close to my heart. 

Keighley Big 10K and other bits!

Miles to date: 233 - 13 miles in hand

Races completed: 7 

I'm writing this on Mothers Day in the afterglow of my first 10km race. 

The Keighley Big 10K is in it's 5th year and now attracts about 1000 runners and walkers. It's one of the landmarks in my running plan for this year. Whilst most of my running is on the fells, and that's what I really enjoy, this 10km follows an interesting and hilly route taking in four parks and quite a few good Yorkshire hills. The last three years I've helped check runners in and out at and generally helped out a bit so to be running it feels a little alien. The race is one of the major fundraisers for Manorlands, our local Hospice and one of my two charities that I'm trying to raise funds for with my 1000 mile challenge.  

Our running club - Keighley and Craven - have the complete range of members from those that don't run at all (me since we joined as a family in about 2004) through to elite runners and athletes. I've spent many evenings watching my children at evening multi sport sessions but that stopped as swimming took over our lives for a few years. Even though I'm running now I still don't manage to get down on club nights due to my work patterns. What I do get is a network of brilliant people and a shared sense of belonging and support. I try to help out where I can so last weekend saw me in the school kitchen and tidying up after the Haworth Hobble - 33 miles around Haworth and beyond (they're completely bonkers). 

Lots of club members from different groups have been working up to this race - training hard and working out what they wanted to achieve for it from finishing through to smashing a personal best. I'd decided that I wanted to break 60 minutes. I've also spend months teasing my wonderful son, Ben, that I was going to beat him! Obviously in the real world I never stood a chance but I did have him a bit worried for a while. I've only managed to reach 60minutes on two training runs - both in London which is extremely flat - and even then it was only just. 

Rosie, my daughter, decided a few weeks ago that she too was going to enter the Keighley 10K. We recced it together last weekend and she did very well - surprisingly so since she's sat around and done very little since adolescence kicked in! So with Rosie joining in this was to be a whole family effort! 

I won't give a blow by blow account of the race (come do it for yourself next year) but the lady I finished with summed it up brilliantly;

"I'm glad I was with you at the end, you got so much support from lots of people - their encouragement helped me too"

That really summed up why I'm a proud member of Keighley and Craven - regardless of whether people know your name they cheer you on, shout encouragement and support at the first sight of the red, white and green hoops - thanks everyone, you're brilliant. 

As a family we had completely different races. Si had a flyer and ran in right behind his friend, Dick, who he normally trails a bit further, at about 42mins. 

Ben's sprint finish

Ben completely wooped me - about 55mins he really ran with the wind! 

Bit puffed! 

I missed my 60 minute target by about a minute (official results yet to come) so have spent the rest of the day kicking myself as I know I could have got it (hindsight is a wonderful thing). 

Rosie with a last push to the finish

Rosie came in at about 95minutes - an absolute star girl and possibly motivated to carry on running too! 

For the record, last weekend, as well as helping out on the Hobble, I also ran the Windmills Whizz - 68min10sec, 11.3km and 244m. It was a lovely race that I could have done so much better on but a niggly cough and feeling chesty gave me too many excuses to push too hard. 

On another note - late nights, being left in front of a computer unsupervised, credit cards are all very bad things. For some reason on Saturday night I entered the Snowdon Mountain Race,  21st July and I can run up and down Snowdon - now that's something to look forward to! I don't seem to have learnt anything from my experience at Black Combe Fell Race as I've also gone through with entering the Anniversary Waltz . So another two AM races in the diary - what fun! I'll get two T-Shirts out of my endeavours though!!! 

I'll finish with a massive thank you to Emily, Tim, Carol, Emma, Mike, Linda, Frances, Freya, Suzanne, Emma and Chris for your generous sponsorship to two great causes. 

"A" rated Fell Races

Miles to date - 179 
For those of you a little less familiar with Fell races, they are categorised in two ways - 

• A = not less than 50 metres of climb per kilometre, no more than 20% on a road, at least 1.5km in length
• B = not less than 25 metres of climb per kilometre, not more than 30% on a road
• C = not less than 20 metres of climb per kilometre, not more than 40% on the road, should contain some genuine fell terrain

and by length

• L (long) - over 20km
• M (medium) - over 10km but less than 20km
• S (short) - less than 10km 

It's important when identifying races you might want to compete in to understand the height/distance equation. If a race is short with loads of height gain you will inevitably find yourself climbing rather than running for sections of the race. In conversation with fellow runners it's quite useful to be able to translate their meaning of 'that's runnable' when describing a race. In reality it means you will be able to 'run' sections of the race rather than doing a spider man impression. 

Having spent some time perusing the FRA Calendar and having developed a reasonable understanding of how it works through Simon's endeavours and marshalling many races, I have identified a number of races I plan to have a go at during this 1000 mile year - fell miles should really count double though. 
I started on New Years Day with the Giants Tooth, 5km and 120 metres (BS); Ovenden 13km and 366metres (BM);  White Holme Circular, 13km and 366metres (BM); and Stanbury Splash, 12km and 400metres (BM).

This Saturday I planned to run Black Combe, 13km and 1000metres - AM - still an OK distance but a change from a B to an A. It is also a counter in our Club Fell Championship. Up in the Lakes, bound to be beautiful, a good day out! What could go wrong? 

I chatted about doing it at a night race on Thursday (4.8miles, 50minutes 53seconds, with Blue the Dog - very happy!) with a few friends. On reflection, nobody described it as 'runnable'. We did talk about the difference in Lakeland races and the sheer size of the fells in comparison with our relatively tame moorland. I wasn't quite convinced I would do it, less so when Caren said she definitely wasn't doing it for some very rationale reasons including - it's 'ard.

The following 48 hours saw a short facebook exchange resulting in Caren convincing her friend, Sharon, that they would do it. All agreed that we'd meet up in the Lakes the following day.

We arrive later than planned (must look at how far places are before we set off) and Caren has kindly already registered Simon and I. Being able to see only a fraction of what lay before us as most of it was covered in low lying cloud was probably a blessing. As we assembled at the start, the cloud cleared and the (almost) mountains loomed before us. Oh my goodness what have I done?!

The innocent hills in the foreground mask Black Combe which lies behind and is rather larger than may appear. 


We walk across a few ridiculously muddy fields, ankle deep in claggy mud before we've reached the start line. 


Our club have managed to muster four ladies to wear the red, white and green hoops. But, in the spirit of inter-club co-operation I'm planning to run with the Wharfedale ladies! 

Left to right Keighley and Craven: Katie, Karen, Camille, Livi
Wharfedale: Caren, Sharon 

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Our club has many ladies who run far better, faster and further than me. But what's clear is that most lack confidence in their own abilities - they talk themselves out of doing things before they've thought about the possible and believing that they can. Physically they could all do it and finish way ahead of me. 

I have an advantage over my limited physical ability - I've spent 20 years living with someone who's always done slightly crazy and extreme things - walking up big mountains, Rogaining, climbing, caving and so on ... always a bit on the hoof, rarely planned and never trained for. If I was pushed I could use the compass and map I carry in my bumbag and I know I'd get out of trouble one way or another. The women I was running with have that same grit and determination, a belief that they can. They are also way fitter and physically stronger than me which is why out of the six of us pictured here I was last - a massive 45 minutes behind Katie who was first Keighley Lady - an awesome run. 

Back to the race - we started, away up a lane, through a gate and on to the Fell. A track set off to the right winding it's way up the steep fellside. Rather than follow this inviting looking path, we ran almost vertically upwards straight across the fell. Approximately 1800 foot of height gain in 2 miles. Less than a mile into this climbing - hands and feet tearing into the moorside - unable to see the top but overawed by the string of feet and legs above me trailing away into an unending distance I said "I really don't think I can do this" out loud for all to hear. 

A response from above me came down, "C'mon Livi, yes you can, you can do it", Sharon's warm and encouraging words reinstoring a sense of self belief and on I climbed / crawled up the fellside. 

At last it levelled out and the way ahead stretched ahead as a 'runable' track steadily climbing up. The track didn't last long before the route took us back off across moorland and the gradient steepened a little. I'd started to get my breath and legs now so was feeling OK when the volley of hail stone missiles began lashing against me. Screams and shouts came out of the mist and fog that had descended in minutes reducing visibility to a few feet ahead, if you could open your eyes enough to see without having your eyeballs pierced by hail. 

The post race evidence of just how vicious this hail was - Simon's legs - and as I write 24 hours later they still don't look much different. 

Checkpoint 2 loomed into sight and we huddled by the trig point, sheltering from the onslaught and pulling on full body covers to shield ourselves. In the few minutes we spent sheltered from the weather the trail of runners in front of us had vanished from sight leaving only open fells ahead. With no well trod path from this point and no runners to follow a group of four set off, the hail tempered to sleet and the wind reduced to a small gust. 

That was quite a scary mile or so. Being on the fells when the weather comes in makes you realise just how vulnerable you can be if you don't know how to navigate. It's very easy to wander off course and soon find yourself completely lost! 

The weather cleared and opened up a panorama of Lakeland Fells down through farmland to the sea with it's yellow beach. 

Stunning scenery as we ran - yes ran this bit! - across the ridge and round before descending a steep fellside - as steep as it was to get up here the descent was almost equal. This is where you need to let your inner child free and let go - I'm learning but Caren is way faster and crazier! 

The fell facing was the first mad descent to a stream - I managed to over take two people down that only for them to catch me back up on the hill that was to come!

I knew this race had a 'second climb' but after the first one I had survived this couldn't be as bad. Nearly a mile and a half of very steep - approximately 1300 foot - pathless moor later I thought I'd rather do the first one again! It was relentless. Every time I thought I must nearly be at the top more hill would unfold beyond false summit after false summit. When the checkpoint finally came in to sight I could have cried.

I slowed so much on this ascent I lost sight of Caren and Sharon. There was no way I could keep up. This meant I left the last checkpoint alone.

Setting off running after such a long steep ascent, my legs felt like they belonged to someone else. Wibbly wobbly with no strength or control. I bounced over the springy heathers until I hit the shale path and both ankles went opposite ways and I found myself sprawling across the path soaking up the stream flowing over it. After ascertaining I was only bruised and a bit battered but not broken I set off again - feeling safe in the knowledge it was less than two miles of downhill descent to the finish.

Every muscle in my legs, bum and back screaming at me, legs like jelly and completely out of control I fell a further three times before it levelled a bit more and the finish was in sight. A slightly oddly dressed man came into view just beyond a fork in the path - thank goodness Simon had walked up a bit and I knew which path to take to the finish!

Two wonderful ladies checked me in at the finish line, my dibber dibbed at a finish I really thought I wouldn't get too many times during the hardest 8 miles I have ever run. Huge hugs with Caren and Sharon who had finished strongly some 10 minutes ahead of me and cheered me in at the finish - thanks girlies! I finished 191 / 197 in 2 hours 28 minutes and 44 seconds and very pleased I am too (although on reflection I think I could have done better!).

I'll never under-estimate a race with an 'A' in the listing! Would I do another one? Of course! Anniversary Waltz next month .... must get my entry in!

The next couple of weeks will bring The Windmills Whizz and Keighley 10km will feel quite tame after Saturday but both still challenges - not least as I have to attempt to run faster than my 14 year old son who has promised to woop me! 


Two things to finish this blog with; 


1. A MASSIVE thank you to all involved in organising fell races. The Marshalls and Volunteers at Black Combe were just brilliant. Sitting around in extremes of weather isn't fun (I know from experience) but all of them were so kind, encouraging and supportive; and 


2. If you're waiting to see if I'll see this challenge through before sponsoring me I'll just say 179 miles in 2 months, with a rough guesstimate of 15,000 foot of climb (almost Mont Blanc) in total must be worth something at this stage to keep me going?! https://www.justgiving.com/teams/1000miles

Huge thanks to everyone who has already sponsored me or made a pledge - really appreciated and you are helping some amazing causes.