Lakeland 100 Result

Just a quick update for now as my mind and body are struggling to take in all the happenings of the weekend.

I nailed it! 10th place in 25:52 hours. All expectations surpassed.

It is a tale of sunshine, showers, wind and rain, slow starts and negative splits, poor choices of clothing, too many gels and not enough beef stew, checkpoint marquees with sofas and a race to break 26 hours.

I'll get my thoughts together at some point and do a full report but for now I need some sleep.

Pre race thoughts

This time in two days I will have been running for about an hour in the Lakeland 100 race. I thought I would be really nervous at this point but I generally feel quite calm and just want to get running.

The taper has not been easy and for the first week and a half I felt awful. In the last week it has been very different as I have been really bouncing along on my training runs, holding back the pace and enjoying the short sessions.

Last weekend, I made my regular pilgrimage to the Open Golf Championship at Lytham. What a fantastic weekend and what a dramatic finish. I could not do any training over the weekend but allowed for that in my plan, though anyone who has been to watch a major golf event will tell you that it is a long tiring couple of days.

This week I have just had a couple of steady 5 milers and have been most encouraged with the way my legs have felt - maybe the taper has worked after all?!

With regard to the race itself, I think I have got all my kit sorted, including my drop bag for Dalemain. I have added a note with a list of things I must do at Dalemain and a list of things I might want to do, that way I hope that I will not miss anything out or leave some important kit behind in the heat of battle.

I have a rough plan in place, though it is not as detailed as when I did the West Highland Way race in 2010. Due to the terrain, it is more difficult to keep to a schedule so I have decided to only have some rough targets for the first couple of legs (mainly to stop myself from going too fast) and then run/walk/crawl as I feel I can from there.

So the training is done and I'm ready to go. Good luck to everyone taking part and I hope the weekend brings you success in whatever form you measure that.

It is almost exactly a year since I had my operation and I can remember lying on my bed in the hospital thinking about this race. BRING IT ON!!

Life in mid-taper

The hard work has now been done and I am now in the middle of my taper for the Lakeland 100 race in 9 days time. On Sunday, I went and did my final longish run of a couple of hours and like all runs during my taper, I felt awful. It was sluggish, I had heavy legs, a bit of a head cold and a sore back. I just wanted to get the run done and start to rest up properly.

Towards the end of term, I always feel pretty knackered and everything feels hard work. I have convinced myself that having a full week off from work before the race will give me all the recovery time I need and I'm sure that come 5:30pm next Friday I will be like a caged tiger ready for the off.

I'm really looking forward to tomorrow at work, not just because it is the last day of term, but also as I organise some mile races as the final event of the year. We have a staff "devil-take-the-hindmost" race to whip the crowd up into a frenzy, followed by an elite race where the best runners from the various year groups have a serious race for trophies and the school year is rounded off with a fancy dress fun run. Fingers crossed that the weather stays OK!

I will squeeze in a couple of runs on Thursday and Friday, probably 1:30 hours and one hour, before heading off to Lytham, making my annual pilgrimage to watch The Open golf championship. Come on Westwood!!!

My mood seems to fluctuate between wanting a few more weeks to get past this heavy-legged feeling and wanting to get on with the race as I have thought about nothing else for a year. Aaahhh, the trials and tribulations of the taper!

If you haven't already seen it, check out John's Lakeland 100 trailer.

SLMM video

Although this week was supposed to be the first week of a three week taper, it has been more of a recovery week after the SLMM. My legs and, in particular, my back obviously took quite a pounding last weekend, meaning that I have limited myself to just three 3 mile jogs. I had a massage on Tuesday night but it is only by today that I have felt more comfortable when running. I am not having a panic over this, I have only really changed a couple of sessions from my original plan and I know that the hard work I did last weekend will reap rewards in a couple of weeks time.

As I write this, I look down at my watch and shudder as I realise two weeks from today I will have been running for 23 minutes of the Lakeland 100 with the whole adventure ahead of me. Bring it on!!

I managed to take some video clips during the SLMM weekend and have put together a short film to give some idea of how the race unfolded for me. Enjoy.

Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon report

I had been really looking forward to the Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon this year for a number of reasons. Primarily, I just love the challenge of a mountain marathon, testing your ability to not only run over the terrain but also to navigate and look after yourself, being self sufficient for the two days. This would be my first such race since the operation and therefore by far the biggest test of my tendon. Finally, this would also mark the end of my training for the Lakeland 100 which is less than three weeks away, giving just enough time for a nice taper.

I left home after eating on Friday night and drove the van round to Wasdale; the usual journey of nearly one and a half hours to finish up only about 15 miles from home. With the early start time on Saturday morning, it was great to have the use of the camper to sleep in at the race on Friday night, so I registered and settled down for a good night’s sleep.

The Klets class (Elite) had an experimental format this year aimed at spreading out the field. At the start at 8:00am, we were given the grid references of all the controls we would need to visit over the two days but we could plan which controls we would do on each day in whatever order we wanted, with the proviso that there was a 10 hour time limit on day 1 and 7 hours on day 2. The organisers had provided tables and chairs for us, though the start of this race did resemble an exam room (or was it a bingo hall?)

It took about 10 minutes to plot all the controls and have a think about my plan. I thought it would be a good idea to collect all the controls to the east and south of Wasdale which covered the more difficult and rougher terrain. It does nothing for your confidence as you turn off the track and watch all the other runners in your class take a different route, perhaps this was the moment I should have re-evaluated my plan but instead I stuck to my guns. I made the long climb up from Wasdale to Beck Head, checking over the map and started to realise that I had probably made the wrong strategy choice. A better option would have been to split the rough terrain over the two days, particularly as my route would bring me back close to the start which just felt like a waste. By this time I was committed to the route so just decided to get on with it.

The weather was amazing, particularly when compared to the conditions we have had recently. I climbed round Green Gable and dropped down to Styhead Tarn as most of the rest of the field came up the other way. I remember thinking that they could all be wrong in their strategy and I might be right! Over the next couple of hours, as I made my way over the hills to the south of Wasdale, heading towards the west end of the lake where I would cross the valley, I tried to up the pace to make up some of the time I would lose with the poor route choice. Big mistake!! As I finally dropped down in Wasdale again I felt pretty goosed. With all my training this year being aimed at the Lakeland 100, I have not spent any time running off-piste and therefore found the rocky and tussocky terrain a real handful. I went through a really bad patch after about 4:30 hours and just slowed right down, walking on even the most gentle of inclines. My original plan was to do a loop of 5 controls on the Seatallan slopes, above Greendale, however, I made the decision that it would be better for my overall race plan if I left those controls for the Sunday and made my way to the overnight camp over towards Ponsonby Fell. This would at least mean I could regroup at the camp, there was no point in wasting time whilst I was struggling. I did start to get things back together again by the finish but felt that it was a prudent move.

I had been running for about 6:30 hours, covering 20 miles and about 7200 feet of climb through much of the rougher terrain and had ticked the most important box; don’t get injured!!

The campsite was about half full at this point. I had a wander about until I found a familiar face and set up camp next to Dan who runs for Ambleside. We got chatting about the routes we had taken and I could immediately see that I was well out of the running for this race. Dan had split the tougher controls over the two days and still collected a good section of the others, all in less than 5 hours. It was interesting talking to other Klets competitors and seeing what strategies they had employed, with some going for a monster first day of over 9 hours, leaving a very easy second day. Nobody could really say for sure who was in the box seat; I just knew it wasn’t me.

The overnight camp was a great experience, the sun was beating down most of the time, you could even dry out your socks (unheard of in a mountain marathon), great banter with everyone and a view of the remaining competitors as they came across the final hillside. If you are reading this after making this SLMM your first race, let me tell you, it is not always this idyllic!

I got through the long process of refuelling the body; Cup-a-soup, freeze dried lasagne pasta meal, custard, chocolate, energy bar, then three hours later, start again but with Bolognese this time. I do find that by the end of this process you are simply eating for the sake of it and not getting any pleasure from it!

As I settled down to sleep, I tried to calculate how long it would take me to collect all the remaining controls the following day and would I have enough time within the 7 hour limit. Working back from the finish, I gave myself a 5 hour target to reach the checkpoint on Scoat Tarn which would allow me to finish off the full course in time. This target setting was useful as it gave me a real focus for the following day, rather than just head off and see what happens.

With a 7am start on Sunday, I was up and out of the tent at 5:30am to give enough time to have breakfast, break camp and pack everything into the rucksack. It was all so quite after the hustle and bustle of the previous evening, with the sun peeking over the hills. I now felt fired up and ready to finish this event with a flourish; the course was not going to beat me! I decided to run a more conservative race and just maintain a steady push, rather than go hard and blow up and I was pleased when a number of runners shot past me at the start and I felt confident enough to let them go.

I settled into a nice pace and met up with Toby, also from Keswick, who was taking slightly different lines to me but we both kept meeting up at the controls. It was amazing that we could not see each other for 20 minutes and then reappear together having taken different routes. This time my route took me up to Kinniside Common, a long slog up the lower slopes of Caw Fell before the lung busting climb of Seatallan. During this long climb, I had another good look at the map and decided to change my planned route round the next group of 4 controls, with the aim of reducing the overall climb. This worked a treat and I started to feel like I was back in the groove and making good progress, being much stronger than the previous day.

After passing Scoat Tarn nearly an hour quicker than my rough plan, I had the bit between my teeth and pushed on hard up Scoat Fell, Pillar and along to Black Sail Pass. My mind briefly drifted to three weeks time, when I would once again be running through this pass, hopefully feeling strong. It was all downhill back into Wasdale and the finish. 5:20 hours, 17.7 miles and 6350 feet of climb. A grand day out, Gromit!

After 37.7 miles and over 13,000 feet of climb, I had achieved most of my aims for the weekend; enjoyment, no injuries, mega hills, etc, etc. I was pleased with my strength on the second day and delighted with the way my tendon has held up after a bashing like that so, despite a mid-table finish in the results, I feel confident about my preparation for the Lakeland 100 and am ready to start a proper taper.

A great event, as always, and a huge thank you to all the organising team who once again made this race one of the highlights of the year for me. Congratulations to Dan, who went on to win the race with a superb plan and some serious mountain running.

I am in the process of putting together a video of the weekend, which I hope will give some insight into the goings on at a mountain marathon for the uninitiated.

Ready for the Saunders

I have had a real lazy week of training, mainy as we went out to watch a couple of performances at school as part of our iPerform week; a series of drama and music events. Tracey and I went to the comedy night on Tuesday (with Alun Cochrane, yes, THE Alun Cochrane) and the band night on Wednesday. With the various fixtures taking place, I just did not have enough time to fit in some training so have just accepted this week as a bit of recovery before the Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon this weekend.

Despite the horrid weather forecast, I am really looking forward to the event, which runs from Wasdale this year. The organisers have come up with a different slant for the Elite class which will add another element to the strategy of the race. I'll talk about this in my race report.

I have not done a full two day mountain marathon since the OMM in 2010. I missed all the races last year due to my injury and recovery so it will be great to get my compass out again and use it in anger. I am definitely out of practice with regard to the packing for the race. It usually takes about an hour to get everything together but today I have spent about 2:30 hours packing the rucksack.

In this 20 litre rucksack is everything I'll need for upto 36 hours of self-sufficiency; leggings, thermal top, fleece, waterproof top and bottoms, hat, gloves, torch, foil blanket, sleeping bag, sleeping mat (bit of a luxury but it's only flooring underlay!), water bottle, tent, poles, pegs, 1st aid kit, stove, gas, lighter, pan, mug, spoon, food for 2 days of running and food for the camp. About 4.5kg all-in.

I am going to make sure I do not go full bore during the race and will try to keep some of my competitive juices under control as I am using this race as my final big weekend before the Lakeland 100 which starts 3 weeks tomorrow. We are now into the business end of the season!!

Two Saints Way

I thought I had better get round to updating the old blog with my most recent adventures.

I have had a good block of training over the last few weeks. Total weekly miles of 45, 51, 42, 49 and 47 during the last month has been my best block this year and I'm pleased with the way I have coped. I know those are not big totals by a lot of runners standards but I am not a big milage trainer; 50 miles in a week is a lot for me and you need to keep in mind the terrain that I generally train in (nothing on the road and a reasonable amount of climbing).

Last weekend I took on a supporting role as my stepfather, Paul, attempted to cycle and run The Two Saints Way which is a footpath route between the cathedral cities of Chester and Lichfield. The route is about 90 miles, consisting of footpaths, bridleways, canal towpaths and a bit of road.

Paul had worked out a plan which would allow him to use his mountain bike when legal to do so and cover the rest (mainly public footpaths) by running. I had no intention of doing the cycling with him as I cannot keep up with him on the bike; he is an animal on that machine as I found out to my cost a while back, so the system involved me, Mom, Paul, a bike and a car.

Having travelled down to my parents house on the Friday night through the storms, it was early to bed as we had to get going early on the Saturday morning. As we left the house to drive to Chester, the weather did not look too bad and over the weekend, I think you could say, we got away with it, with regard to the weather, especially as I was following the West Highland Way race reports/tweets telling of the horrid conditions up in Scotland.

We dodged the traffic wardens outside Chester Cathedral as Paul got himself ready for the first section which would take him about 3 hours on the bike.

This gave me time to head back to the house, have a coffee and collect Mom before leaving to get to the first pit stop where I would join Paul for a long cross-country run of about 16 miles. Paul arrived at the changeover about 10 minutes up on schedule, looking good and really buzzing. It was only after we had started running that he revealed that he had not run longer than a half marathon in recent years and I realised that todays adventure would be a big ask. The first notion I had to get across was to be prepared to walk the rough bits. Anyone who is more used to road or good trail running has to change their perceptions for these long days out; the walks are an important part of the game.

The first couple of hours went well but Paul was starting to suffer a little and the walks became a bit longer each time. I was able to reassure him that there is no problem with this, we took our time and just tried to make steady progress. I think he started to listen to my advice and took on a bit more food which helped, especially as we approached one of the churches on route as we knew Mom would be waiting to replenish our supplies. Half a mile before the church, I said to Paul that he must to put on a happy, confident face, even though he generally looked bad at this point, as Mom might very well call veto and pull the plug on the rest of the challenge. Paul, bless him, rounded the corner into the car park, bounced up to the car and spent 10 minutes telling Mom how much he was enjoying the run. We left for the remaining 5 miles of this run section with Mom none the wiser.

We finally finished the long running section just to the west of Stoke-on-Trent and met Mom for a changeover onto the bike. This is where Paul was put back into his comfort zone; as soon as he climbed onto the bike he looked so much fresher and zoomed off into the distance. Mom and I only just had enough time to sort the car out and drive to  Stoke Minster (via home) before Paul arrived having motored the section.

We met again half an hour later with me ready to take over running duties again for the last 4 miles back to the house and the half way point, ready for a good nights sleep. With a good rest only just around the corner and on the back of a few hours fast cycling, Paul was really positive over these last few miles and we had a small welcoming committee at St Luke's, the local church, for the days finish.

It is amazing what a good nights sleep can do for the human body. On the Sunday, Paul was so much stronger on the running sections all day. We walked round to the church first thing in the morning and started a small running section of 3 miles to get the day going before he once again got back on the bike for an hours blast to the start of the first longer run, approaching Stafford.

The running sections on Sunday where much more enjoyable for me personally as the undergrowth was less of an issue. On Saturday, we battled with nettles and brambles all day, to the extent that my legs were still stinging days later, however, Sunday saw us running on well used paths which made the going much easier. We were soon finishing our first 9 miles section and meeting up with Mom again. No worries today about putting on a brave face, Paul knew he was going to make it even by this early stage of the day, making my job easier.

The running sections were broken by short cycles across Cannock Chase but by this time Paul had the bit between his teeth and was hammering the bike sections, only just giving us time to sort the car and move onto the next meeting point.

The final run of about 7 miles down into Lichfield went really well and we were both getting the buzz as we approached the finish. Once you know the end is in sight, you can always find a little extra, no matter how tired you are. The whole adventure finished at St Chad's church, just behind the cathedral, where we met a very relieved Mom who stated categorically "never again".

We had covered about 37 miles of running over the weekend in about 10 hours. When you add on all the cycling as well, you have to think "not bad for an old man!"

For me personally, it was great to repay Paul for his time supporting me on the West Highland Way Race in 2010, to be involved in the first Two Saints Way pilgrimage over just two days and to help Paul raise nearly £2000 for the local church.

Lakeland 100 recce video

Firstly, I would like to take the opportunity to wish all those about to set off on the journey that is the West Highland Way Race the best of luck and I hope you all get your wishes, whatever they may be, over this weekend.

I shall follow the race with interest but with very different emotions this year compared to 2011. This time last year I was just in the process of arranging the operation on my Achilles tendon and feeling very sorry for myself as I should have been standing on the start line in Milngavie. In 2012, I have a different focus and, while I still have plans to be on that start line again sometime, it was never in the plans this year.

This weekend I shall be supporting my father as he attempts to cycle and run the Two Saints Way which is an ancient pilgrimage route of about 90 miles, starting in Chester and finishing in Lichfield, over two days. He is raising money for his local church where he is a lay preacher and the route follows roads, canals, bridleways and footpaths. I will be doing some ferrying around of bikes and kit but more importantly, will do some of the running sections with him - approx. 15 miles on Saturday and two lots of 8 miles on Sunday. As ever, it will be nice to run some new trails and I'm really looking forward to being able to support my father after he did such a great job supporting me on the WHW race in 2010.

To finish, here is a short video of John and myself on our Lakeland 100 recce run last weekend. This completes our full recce and we both feel we are just about ready to go, just a bit of fine tweeking to be done over the next few weeks, a big weekend competing in the Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon and a nice taper. Simples!

Apologies to Julie Andrews

Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woollen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favourite things!

Cream coloured ponies and crisp apple strudels
Doorbells and sleigh bells and schnitzel with noodles
Wild geese that fly with the moon on their wings
These are a few of my favourite things!

Girls in white dresses with blue satin sashes
Snowflakes that stay on my nose and eye lashes
Silver white winters that melt into spring
These are a few of my favourite things!

A run with gleaming shiny new shoes

To help push away these bad weather blues

Flying the trails as if you've got wings

These are a few of my favourite things!

Lakeland 100 recce

Today saw John and I complete our recce of the Lakeland 100 route by closing the circle, joining the finish point from last time (Wasdale) to the starting point of the first outing (Buttermere).

John and Katrina arrived last night and we feasted on Mexican food prepared by Tracey and banoffee pie made by Katrina - thanks ladies! The plan for today was for Katrina to join us for the last 8 miles as our route passed closest to our house, so in between the main course and pudding we had a walk out to show Katrina where to meet us. Seemed like a good idea at the time but a downpour had us soaked by the time we returned, leaving John no alternative but to change into an unplanned outfit for the rest of the evening. (Don't ask!!)

We were away early this morning with Katrina kindly taking us down the Borrowdale valley to Honnister Pass and our starting point. After the complex logistics of last month we went for a simplified version today, however this involved a rather long warm up of running from Honnister to Wasdale Head. You know it is going to be a long day when you run an hour and a half just to get to the start point. We had some dramatic views as we made our way over to Wasdale and made good use of map and compass in thick mist approaching Beck Head Tarn - all part of the game.

Dropping into Wasdale

Out of Wasdale, we made the long climb up to Black Sail Pass, but at least we now had the wind behind us and were able to remove jackets, hats and gloves. The only tricky spot on the climb is where the path crosses the beck. In good weather this is just a few easy steps - not today! John went for the confident/cocky approach and nearly took one for the team (wait for the video).
 

John crossing Gatherstone Beck

Heading down to Ennerdale

The drop down to Black Sail YHA was far more spicy today than the last few times I have been down. Everywhere was soaking wet and very slippy. This came as a good reminder to take things cautiously during the race - the mantra seems to be that you can't make a good race time here but you can certainly blow it! John went into reminiscent mode around the YHA, with a trip down memory lane. The climb up to Scarth Gap never seems as bad as you think it will and we were soon on the long, rough descent to Butteremere. The key here is to be able to hit the small gap in the wall just after the really rough section; fairly easy in good visibility but a different ball game in the dark. I hope we are not telling tales of woe in our race reports.

As we made the final drop down to the lake and subsequent run along the shore line path towards Buttermere village, we both commented on the significance of this moment as it would close the circle of the whole route. We set off on our first recce in the snow on March 4th from this spot and both felt this has been a job well done. The circle of life was mentioned, along with a quick rendition of Hakuna Matata.

This time we did not allow our minds to think of this as the finish of our run as we did last time in Coniston, but set off on the next section at a more sprightly pace. John led the way for much of this section to Braithwaite, trying to remember the exact route from last time. This really showed us how much time we had spent doing the videos as we were much faster today despite having already run a number of hours in rough terrain. It felt good to just get on with the running, find a more consistent rhythm and eat up the ground that little bit quicker. Once we had dropped down into Braithwaite, John called Katrina to give her the half hour warning that we would soon be in Keswick and two become three.

After a slight delay (again, don't ask), we set off up towards Latrigg with Katrina "I'll never keep up" Kynaston springing up the climb with John and myself trudging after her, safe in the knowledge that she has not got a clue where to go. We met a number of runners taking part in a trail marathon as they made their way down to Keswick - obviously, at least two of them knew John. Never mind the theory of seven degrees of separation; within ultra running, it's two degrees of separation - I know John and John knows everybody else!

Katrina obviously thought the route was fantastic. At one point, there was a scream from behind us, John and I span round expecting to see Katrina face planting the path, only to be greeted by a huge grin and Katrina skipping along shouting to anyone who would listen how much she was enjoying herself!

Are we having fun, or what?

Matching outfits! Aagghh!

I brought them back along my golden mile, which they both seemed to enjoy and we rolled up to the house 7:46 hours and 30 miles after we had left Honnister.

Finished

We both have our plans well in place for the coming weeks and, as we said goodbye, realised our next meeting would be in five and a half weeks, just before the big day. Blimey!

The best thing of all is that, unless John is working on his new ipad in the car, I have, for the first time, got my blog report done before John! You saw it here first - literally!

Cracking week, Gromit

The basic plan for this week was to have a hard week of training, meaning six sessions. I wanted to have two lots of hill work to continue with the conditioning of my quads, a couple of tempo runs where I could turn up the gas and a couple of steady runs where I would concentrate on running style.

The week started well with the trip up Skiddaw on Monday (see previous post). I knew the session had served it's purpose as the following two days I had that slight tenderness in my quads indicating a good bashing had taken place.

On Tuesday we went over to the North East in the campervan for a few days, staying at Belford, half way between Alnwick and Berwick. I managed to squeeze in a couple of faster tempo sessions on trails that were not as hilly or technical as my usual routes. Despite the tight quads, it was great to up the pace a bit and equally nice to know I can still do it and enjoy running at pace again.

I took Thursday as my rest day and slotted my two steady runs in on Friday and Saturday. One of these, I used as a trial to see what my Garmin is like as a navigation tool, something I have never used it for. I plotted a route on the mapping software on my PC, uploaded it to the Garmin and followed the route dictated by the big arrow on the screen. It all seemed to work well and I have been thinking about how I might be able to use this in the Lakeland 100 as a safety net in the dark.

I have the whole route (well, will have after next Sunday) saved on the Memory Map software, split into four recce sections. I could load these onto the Garmin and just turn it on for the first part on the night section from Wasdale to Braithwaite and then put it back in the rucksack, saving the battery for any emergencies later in the day. Originally, I had not intended to wear the Garmin, just a normal sports watch, however, I might add the Garmin to my kit list with this safety plan in mind. What do you think?

Today, I wanted to get some more climbs and descents into my legs, so parked the car near Gatesgarth (Buttermere valley) and ran over Scarth Gap, into Ennerdale, past the YHA, up to Black Sail Pass, down to Wasdale and followed the same route back along the Lakeland 100 course.

Dropping into Ennerdale from Scarth Gap

It was a lot warmer today than I thought and I still feel dehydrated now as I sit and write this four hours later! I had a careful look at the technical descents on the Lakeland 100 route from Black Sail Pass and Scarth Gap, trying to get a mental picture of the terrain ready for the same tracks in the dark come race day. Another visit is planned for next week with John as part of our final recce together before the big race.

The descent from Scarth Gap to Buttermere

The plan is to follow this with a steadier week, probably only five sessions but finishing off with the long run with John next Sunday. I'm really pleased with the way I am feeling stronger and better able to cope with the training. I have things fairly well mapped out for the remaining seven weeks (aagghh!!) which will take me through the long recce run, the Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon and the final three week taper. I feel we are into the business end of the season!

Quad bashing on Skiddaw

I've had a good solid week of training and feel like I am back in the groove after taking an easier week after the long recce run from Ambleside to Wasdale. I have managed to get some hills in; steady on the climbs and then bash the descent. I feel as if my quads are toughening up and I hope this pays dividends during the big race.

Looking down on Keswick

This morning, I made the long climb up Skiddaw and had a great thrash back down, past the world and his wife on their way up. Right at the start of the run I met Colin, who was out for a training run up the same route in preparation for the Skiddaw Fell Race in July. We had a lovely chat on the way up, with Colin telling me how much he loves the area, having only just moved here. It always find it incredible how much quicker and easier a run is when you are chatting away for the duration. Thanks for the company, Colin.

Colin on the way up

Just as we approached the Gale Road car park, behind Latrigg, we caught another runner, fully kitted up for a day on the trails and carrying a Lakeland 100 road book. I commented that he must be on a recce, to which he replied "You're Dave aren't you?" He went on to introduce himself as Gordon and revealed that at 11:30pm last night he was watching the video with myself and John on this same section, getting a feel for the route. I'm glad the videos are useful.

Gordon on the route to the Blencathra checkpoint

Colin and I at the top

A great way to spent the morning and just the kick start I needed for another solid week of training to come.

I must just quickly pass on my congratulations to Debs for her amazing run in the Grand Union Canal Race, not only taking the ladies title but also winning outright!! Phenomenal performance!
Grand Union Canal Race website

Lakeland 100 recce video

Sorry this is late but it has just been a busy week.

Running-wise, I have taken things very easy, with only three sessions (plus some swimming and cycling) which was exactly what I needed after the monster run last weekend with John. I now feel recovered and ready to get on with some proper training.

Enjoy the video.

A long day at the office

With all the logistics in place, John arrived early evening on Saturday, which gave us plenty of time to eat, begin a recording for the West Highland Way Race podcasts and watch the football. What could make a better evening? Oh yea, I know; don't embarrass yourself doing a podcast. It all sounds so easy, though I found it quite a surreal experience. You are effectively talking to someone, talking to no one and talking to anyone all at the same time. Weird!

Tracey had agreed to take-one-for-the-team and dragged herself out of bed on Sunday morning to take us down to Ambleside for the start of the recce run, continuing on from the point where we finished last time.

Ready for the off.

The weather had finally decided to abandon winter and jumped straight to summer. Those grins on the photo remained there for many hours to come, not all the time but most of it!

One of the things I have really enjoyed about these recces is that I have discovered new trails on my doorstep. The route out of Ambleside is a prime example. There is a nice climb over Loughrigg Fell towards Elter Water and then a wonderful run along the river from Skelwith Bridge to Elterwater village and then on to Chapel Stile. We just couldn't resist taking pictures every couple of minutes, skipping along like a couple of Cheshire cats. We did not have the exact location of the checkpoint so took a few photos of the various options and have since bossed it.

The River Brathay

We then continued into Great Langdale, skirting round the foot of Lingmoor Fell. Here the underfoot conditions became rockier and the ankles started to take the pounding they would take for many more hours. This early in our run it was difficult to comprehend how this same route will feel in the race with 90 miles already in our legs; the only thing I can say for sure is that I will be happy if I can muster any kind of run at all at this point.

Little Langdale is far quieter than it's bigger brother, but no less beautiful, with a more intimate feel. At this point, we were trying to work out where the 100 mile point would be, finally selecting a footpath sign as our marker - who knows how accurate we are but who cares? At this point in the race each step is going to be a significant marker.

John in Little Langdale

We arrived at Tibberthwaite, the final checkpoint before the finish, took one look up the hill and started the plod. When looking at the splits from the race, you wonder why runners take so long - now we know. It's a long slog up on to the beautiful Yewdale Fells followed be a knee popping descent into Coniston and the finish. If you are able to run a single step of this descent at the end of 100 miles, you are having a good day.

The drop to Coniston

We talked a lot about how we might feel at this point and ran into the finish as if it was the real thing; I nearly started high-fiving the tourists. Although it was a fun game, imagining what it will feel like, this turned out to be a mistake as we both seemed to think of this point as the end of our run, whereas, we actually had the best part of five hours left.

Looking rather supple in the start/finish area

The initial climb back out of Coniston went well as we continued our podcast interview, but once we got onto the Walna Scar Road which would take us over into the Duddon Valley, the conversation dried up somewhat. This might not sound too significant, however, we have spent about 23 hours running this route together and this was the first time we stopped chatting. I think it was a combination of the mind and body targeting the finish in Coniston and us falling behind our split time expectations for the first time. Lesson to be learnt -  with these events, you run half with your legs and the other half with your mind!!

The climb out of Seathwaite up to Grassguards and on towards Harter Fell was exactly what you don't want when you are having a tough time. It is rough, boggy and long. On the plus side, once we came out of the plantation below Harter Fell, we were both so pleased to be able to run again that our spirits started to lift and we "got it back together" again, running more smoothly down into the Eskdale valley. I even managed a skip just to prove I could!

Born to dance

We met a lady in Eskdale who helps with the checkpoint there during the race and she kindly refilled our water bottles for the final push over into Wasdale. This was generally a more inviting climb, more runnable and less rocky than many of the previous plods. By this point, we were both quite pleased with how we had turned round from the tough section and really started to run more strongly. As soon as we crested the final col, I could see where the car was parked and before too long we were shaking hands and congratulating each other on a grand day out.

At the finish in Wasdale

We covered just over 35 miles in 9 hours but, more importantly, this reminded us just how tough this race is going to be. The previous two recce runs have been fairly straight forward and had perhaps lulled us into thinking we were going to boss this race. This weekend's outing showed just how much respect we need to have for the course and this will be at the forefront of my mind when I start to plan my race strategy.

The Lake District was stunning, the weather was superb, the Hoka's were bouncy and the smiles were BIG! Thanks for the company, John.

Lakeland 100 Recce

Just a quick note to let you know that John and I completed our third recce of the Lakeland 100 route today in glorious sunshine, 35 miles in 9 hours. We came through a tough patch (more psychological than anything else) and finished strongly, if rather weathered.

At the finish in Wasdale

Ambleside to Coniston to Wasdale again showed the tough nature of this course and reminded us of how much respect we have to show this race.

The usual full report and video will have to be done another night as I can hear my bath calling me!

Three valleys

Just about got everything in place for the next Lakeland 100 recce run tomorrow. This one has taken a bit more logistical juggling involving various car trips, a campervan, co-driver, running over fells and a bus journey. Only two things remain to be slotted into place; John needs to arrive here in time to watch the football and we need to run 30 odd miles. Simples!!

Managed to take in (the view into) three valleys today. Wasdale, Ennerdale and Buttermere. Rather windy on the tops today (the weather, not me!) but still enjoyable. I made sure I took the climbs nice and easy with tomorrow in mind and am looking forward to seeing another chunk of the Lakeland 100 route. This will actually complete my trip round the route, though I need to spend more time on the Wasdale to Keswick section which needs care, especially in the dark. That will be the final recce for John and myself in four weeks time.

Wasdale

Ennerdale

Buttermere

Quad trashing

I wanted to make a positive start in the final build-up towards the Lakeland 100. That meant only one thing, HILLS.

Today, I went up Jenkins Hill (the steep bit of Skiddaw), cut off round to Sale How, dropped down to Skiddaw House YHA, took in Great Calva and enjoyed the long drop back down into Keswick.

The difference in the weather compared to yesterday was rather dramatic. Calm and sunny yesterday, howling cold wind today. I walked more of the hills than I would if training for fell racing as I wanted to make it more specific to the ultra-marathon and, to hopefully, keep the pressure off the Achilles tendon.

The boggy climb to Calva

I think I still ran too much, as my tendon has been a bit sore during the afternoon. I need to have more discipline on these long hill days if I am going to avoid any injuries. On the plus side, it felt like a good workout for the quads, which is the main point of the exercise. More days like that will reap rewards during the big race.

As I returned along the Glenderaterra path, I met a number of the runners on the official Lakeland 100 recce, running from Buttermere to Dalemain. They all looked to be enjoying the day out but I was glad I only had to drop down into Keswick and did not have another 20 miles to do.

Back in the land of training

It has now been two weeks since the Highland Fling race and I have completed my prescribed recovery period. Even last weekend, I felt that I could have done some more serious training sessions but I have stuck to my original plan of just doing a few very easy jogs over these two weeks and my legs feel better for it.

Today, it was time to get back into training mode and I spent a lovely hour and a half out on the hills, feeling good and running smoothly. The route along Glenderaterra is one of my favourites and part of the Lakeland 100 course so I feel like a frequent flier.

Tomorrow, I hope to get out and include some more substantial hills, particularly working on the conditioning of my quads for the big race (only 11 weeks away.) I have been giving some thought as to how I need to slightly tweek my training over these remaining weeks. On the build up to the Fling, I have done relatively little mountain running, however, this needs to change if my training is to be more Lakeland 100 specific.

The big building blocks are in place; two more long recce runs with John Kynaston and the Saunders Lakeland Mountain Marathon. What I hope to do in the course of normal weekly training is to include a tempo run (60 - 80 minutes), a hill run (one climb/descent, 60 - 80 minutes) and a mountain run (multiple hills, 2 - 4 hours). The fact that I have decades of fell running in my legs means I don't have to go stupid at this but psychologically, knowing I have put in the hill work will help me come the end of July.

"The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary", Vince Lombardi