2017 News
19th December - On Saturday I ran the
Tour-de-Helvellyn with Majka as
I'd persuaded her to enter saying we could run together as I knew the route and
she hadn't done that distance before. It was a very cold night in the van on
Friday but I was warm in one of our BASK sleeping bags! We decided to set off at
7.45 to maximise daylight; in 2013 I had ran 7.30 hours for the 38 mile course
and was aiming for around the same time even though there was a lot more snow
and ice around in 2017. Majka is a much faster road runner than me and ther
route does have about a third on good tracks and roads so I expected to be
struggling on them! We made good time on the roads to the 2nd CP at Side Farm.
Then comes a long valley run where Majka had a gel - one of seven that her
husband had bought for her. It didn't go down well and really affected her on
the climb over Sticks Pass through the snow and the descent to the velley on the
other side. There along the track she picked up the pace again and I dug in
trying to keep up. I usually enjoy the climb back up over Grizedale Tarn but
again Majka struggled and it was deep snow so quite a bit of floundering. Back
on the tracks and roads though with us swopping gels we both got enough energy
inside us to have a good run to finish in 7.31 hours. I'm really pleased with
the time as I wasn't pushing as hard as in 2013 and still felt really good at
the end.
After having soup and cake we drove home around 4pm. A
really excellent event put on by Joe Faulkner and his team of support.
Tdh Results 2017
12th
December - Last weekend Steve and I headed to Scotland with Tim Rippon. All
these potential Charlie Ramsay contenders are a good excuse for me to spend time
there! There had been a lot of snow but on Saturday we walked from Kinlocheven
onto the Mamores and it was all do able. We did quite a bit of floundering but
the weather was so much better than forecast! On Sunday we had hoped to drive
into Fersit and recce the hills there but there was a lot more snow and ice over
Roy Bridge side and the van couldn't get all the way along the little road. So
Plan B was formed which was Ben Nevis. I had assumed it was going to be busy but
actually it was very quiet and we only saw a dozen walkers / runners including
Es Tresidder and his son who were on their way down. Es used to run for Dark
Peak and I had a good chat to him before descnding to the nice warm van!
6th December - Another Due North weekend at Kettlewell
last Saturday and amazingly we got good weather again for my Saturday hill
technique session. Home on Sunday for a change! Then just this Tuesday I was
down in Shrewsbury talking at
High Sports which was slightly daunting as I haven't spoken
for the whole evening before. But the intimate venue and friendly crowd were
brilliant. The next day I went for a run from Bala with Sandra before heading to
Buxton to talk there! That was a larger venue but I was part of the evening with
a couple of films and the very entertaining Alek Kashefi.
Other news is that all the cows are in now - just in time
for some really horrid weather to come it!
22nd November - well a new computer and the demise of
Frontpage (I know it was old but I coped with it!). I love the new computer and
have downloaded Microsoft Expression Web 4. I also know my website is clunky and
sometimes misaligned but again it's all part of the experience.
So what's been happening - after lots of weekends away I
decided to have a few at home (mainly anyway). I've been very busy on the
talking and coaching front. On Saturday 11th November there was Due North's fell
weekend at Kettlewell which was great fun and I think everyone enjoyed my hill
technique sessions. I enjoy coaching far more than organising and hope to work
more often with Mel Steventon as she's a great organisor. That evening I was at
the Ritz Cinema in Thirsk to present Run Forever and do a Q&A afterwards. It was
lovely to meet Marc after lots of email correspondance and also the other
volunteers. The cinema was a magical place and the evening very special.
Then I travelled to London to spend time with my brother
Charlie, his wife Carol and Lottie my neice. It was great catching up with them
all. I even got to have fish and chips (and curry sauce) with Alex and Anne
(Carols parents). Part of my visit to London was to attend a Do Lecture on "How
to do the Talk you always want to" - as I do lots of talks but I don't always
think I talk well. This is the talk I did at the Do Lectures in July 2017
The Do Lectures/Nicky Spinks Making the most
of life Mark Shayler was incredibly informative and
encouraging. I look forward with a little trepidation to seeing the "before" and
"after" videos of me talking.
7th
November - I had the most magical weekend in Scotland ever! It wasn't all great
and me and Majka had to find a hostel while driving up as Matt's car broke down
and he was the Climbers Club member where we were going to stay. But Majka's
partner Pez found us a lovely hostel http://www.corranbunkhouse.co.uk/
where Wisp was allowed inside and the showers/beds/kitchen were all the best
standard. Not only that the owner waited up till 11.30pm to let us in.
So the weather on Saturday was heavy showers, wind of 10mph
improving. You can see the route on one of the jpegs. From Glen Nevis along the
Mamores, over to Sgurr Elide Mor then back to the van in the valleys (on good
paths we hoped). We only got one rain shower until 1pm but a strong cold wind.
The rocks were very slippy and progress seemed slow but we made it to Bennien
Mor ok. The clouds kept parting to reveal snow clad Ben Nevis and we took photos
whenever it wasn't windy and we could see! Across to Sgurr Elide Mor the climb
didn't seem too hard and with a couple of hours of daylight left we descended to
the ruin. Then we had the long run back to do! It was 5pm and raining. After the
Meannach bothy the path was terrible and in the dark we lost it a lot. It took
until 7.30pm to get back to the lovely van. Even Wisp was tired! Back to the
lovely hostel and in bed at 10pm!
On Sunday the weather was supposed to be better and the Loch
Treig circuit is a good one to do from Fersit. Overnight a lot more snow had
fallen but the mountains are not dangerous on the circuit so I was happy to set
off at 8am. We were all tired and the snow made climbing after 700m slow - and
to our disappointment it was claggy. Running off to Stob Coire Easain we made
the decision to run off the nose to the loch end to save time. Just off the top
was a poorly looking sheep trying to dig through the snow to eat but it was on
rock. I realised that it couldn't see as the snow had built up down her horns
and over her eyes. Getting near I poked one eye clear. Then she ran round in
circles! I managed to get near again and poke the other one clear. She ran off
and I was pleased.
Down in the valley it was warm and we ate food while running
knowing that we had three good climbs to do. Ben na Lap was easy on a good track
but the descent was awful! The next climb was ok up to Chno Dearg but we missed
the top as it was now 3pm and we hoped to finish by 4pm. The wind was very very
cold and wrapped up warm we ran to the top of Stob Coire Sgriodain where the
wind dropped and we spent 5 minutes taking photos and savoring the views which
were incredible.
Both me and Majka have been so happy since sharing our photos
and memories. I can't wait to get back up as it's made me realise how much I
miss the Scottish Highlands. Gallery
30th October - Well that was an epic day out on the Elite OMM on
Saturday. I say a day because at 6pm, after 10 hours of running in clag, rain
and wind we couldn't find CP9 and decided that as the overnight camp was 2 hours
away and we had put on our spare clothes we would run back to the start location
in Langdale so that we could sleep in my van and be warm and dry. At this point
we were on Slight Side and the most direct route was up and over Scafell Pike.
This didn't seem a bad option as we would be on big paths and once over the
summit drop into Angle Tarn and Langdale. We set off contouring round to the
path and set off upwards. When we got to about 750m the rain started again and
the wind picked up so that it was blowing us all over the place. We just kept
heading up but losing the path again and again. We only saw the summit cairn
about 15m from it. Taking a bearing we set off to Broad Crag. Again slipping and
sliding all over we slowly made our way to Esk Hause.
By now we were wet through and hungry but every time we stopped
we got cold so we decided to bash on and get down off the mountains. We could
see a light that got further and further away until we realised that it was the
OMM lights. Running consistently I hoped that someone was around so that I could
get my van keys. Afterwards it was funny that both me and Kirsty were thinking
of options if we couldn't... like sleeping in someone else's tent, borrowing
clothes, putting our tent up in the big tent, etc etc. We both knew that putting
our tent up and spending the night in it was probably the worse option!
When we were 500m away we saw car lights start up and come
towards us. The staff had come out to offer us a lift! But we ran on and into
the tent to be greeted by a catering staff party and other more sober OMM staff
who saw that we had hot drinks and some food. It was so nice to know we could
sleep in the van. So about 1am we eventually were in bed. The wind was rocking
the van and we were glad we hadn't tried to camp out.
The next day we opened the van door and were greeted by blue
skies; how sickening! We felt better at breakfast when we learnt that only 10
Elite and 10 A Class teams had finished. So we then packed up and headed home.
In getting to CP 9 we had done 26 miles and 2950m climb and had 6 miles and
another big climb to the Overnight camp. OMM said before the event that "At
the top of the field the Elite Class is looking particularly strong. With a
course of around 120km + 4500m ascent the winners will be looking to complete it
in a blistering 10 hours over the 2 days" - The winners did 8 hours on Day
1 and 6 hours on Day 2. So hopefully with a lot of feedback the OMM will make
the courses more like their descriptions next year and once again I will attempt
to complete the Elite course with Kirsty Hewitson!
22nd
October - This weekend was the Joss Naylor dinner which is something I had been
looking to for ages. Doing the Joss Naylor this year was always going to be
special to me and although it doesn't have the same appeal to everyone else as
the Double Bob Graham to me it's been just as special. Steve and I drove up on
Saturday and had a lovely time at the dinner. I can see why people return year
after year. Just a low key, well organised fun evening learning all about
everybody's previous "crossings"
17th
October - Another full weekend which started a couple of days with Inov-8 at
Staveley meeting the German retailers. I was tasked with taking the retailers on
a rather wet, windy and claggy run on Friday afternoon. I think I had them a
little worried about my direct lines across bogs and tussocks at times but it
was a delight to see their faces on the final run home as totally soaked by this
time they were jumping in puddles like kids! Now I think they understand why we
love fell running!
Then to the Bob Graham dinner where I did a questions and
answers talk with Jasmin Paris. It was very enjoyable and I do love giving out
the certificates! Unfortunately everything was delayed by various power cuts
which did mean that I left at 11pm to drive to Llanberis! It wasn't a bad drive
though and I arrived at 2am ish and was asleep by 2.30am. Waking in the van
suddenly on Sunday morning I heard lots of traffic and realised it was 7.45am -
a proper lie-in! I was supposed to be registering the Dark Peak Ladies vets team
for the FRA relays so rushed to the event centre. Everything was in hand and
after sorting the number me and Kirsty got ready for our Leg 2. The weather was
warm, cloudy and a bit windy but it was definitely shorts and vest for me! Pippa
Wilkie had a good run on Leg 1 and we were soon off. There was a horrid fast bit
of track to start with then a long climb up which was nice. I had warmed up now
and overtook Kirsty to up the pace a bit. This was our strategy and it worked
well with Kirsty being faster on the descents and anything flat! So once we were
off the hill there was a painful mile along the road before another short uphill
through fields and then the final boggy descent. We were very pleased with our
time and position. We handed over to Kirsty Bryan Jones and Alison Wainwright
who were on the navigation leg and went to get changed and relax! It was two
hours before they returned and handed over to Liz Batt on Leg 4. It was hard to
know where we were in the overall positions but we hoped we were 1st Vets.
The final results were soon up and yes we were 1st Vets! The
Ladies A team were 5th and the Ladies B team 24th. Dark Peak Men were 1st, MV40
and MV50 were 5th. So overall everyone was happy especially as we had had a few
team changes in the last week and had moved runners around with Rose Paxman
stepping in at the last minute! Results .... http://www.britishfellrelay.org.uk/
Steve Chilton asked me to write a review of his book Running
Hard and it's up now here .. Running
Hard Book Review
10th October - I had a busy weekend with Langdale on the
Saturday where because the weather and the ground conditions were very wet I
took it steady and just enjoyed the race. The clag though provided route finding
difficulities and I was in a group that couldn't find the summit of Crinkle
Crags. After wasting 8 minutes (says my watch) I arrived at the correct CP and
saw three ladies leaving. This spurred me on to get back passed them as I was
annoyed at myself for going wrong. I steamed up Blisco and encouraged Majka from
Penistone to join me. Descending I put all my FRA CiRF course hill descending
techniques into practice and was pleased to stay in front of the ladies. I
finished 2nd which was a surprise as my time is on of my slowest! Sportident
- Langdale results
Then on Sunday I ran an Ultra and Bob Graham course which had 9
people booked on it. This is a nice number and I was able to give one to one
advice throughout the day. I'm looking at running another one this year so email
me on Nicky@blackcows.co.uk
if you are interested.
1st October - Generally the cold is going - but it keeps trying
to come back which is annoying but not surprising as I'm back racing and
training. Last weekend was the Great Whernside race; the last in the English
Championships and I found it enjoyable but was out of breath climbing. I was
pleased with my result but have no idea where I'll end up in the overall results
as I've only done 4 races in total and only 3 as a LV50. Results
(Update - I am 5th in everything - LV40, LV45 (4 races) and LV50 3
races).
Then this weekend I was running a course for Hardmoors on
Saturday and spent a very enjoyable day with 8 participants. The morning was a
presentation on ultras and Bob Graham training and preparation. The afternoon we
got out on the hills for some descending and ascending technique coaching! Made
it back just before the rain! Then off to Ambleside as I was invited back
to the Red Rose Road runners fell weekend to give a talk to a very merry bunch
of aspiring fell runners!
On Sunday it was the Hodgson Brother relay but the weather
forecast (and actual) was dire so we ran the short courses. This meant lots of
last minute changes but I ran the new Leg 2 with Kirsty Hewitson. As usual it
was very hard being chased by much faster ladies! Dark Peak Ladies came 3rd
which was a great result and good to introduce some new ladies onto the team
this year. HBMR-2017-Results.pdf
18th September - Now feeling a lot better - the cold had almost
gone and I spent a lovely Saturday supporting Nick Whittingham on his Joss
Naylor. At 60 he had 18 hours to complete and finished in 17.13 hours. Nick
helped and supported me a great deal when I first started attempting rounds back
in 2005. He was there on my BG in 2005, on both my Paddy Buckley rounds in 2006
and 2007.
I supported Nick on Leg 1 starting at 2am where the weather
wasn't very pleasant at all but we got to Kirkstone on time. I then slept a
little and drove round to Wasdale. I parked at Greendale and after getting
sorted I had a long chat with Joss Naylor then set off to Pillar. After a proper
walker's picnic I walked towards Kirkfell where I met Nick, Simon Rippon and
Jude Stansfield coming along. Nick was struggling with his stomach but walking
strongly and we made good time to the finish. Wisp had a grand day out too. It
was just wonderful to spend a great day (even in rain showers) in the Lake
district helping a friend. Nick has put a lot of work into the Joss Naylor and
being the first round he has ever done he had no experience of just how hard
staying on your feet, eating and coping without sleep can be. Well Done
Nick!! Nick
Whittingham Joss
17th September - Sorry about the long delay. I was away for two
weeks but had to drop out of the Tour of Monta Rosa race and so when I returned
home I wasn't so inspired to update my News page. We were also very busy on the
farm and I was recovering from a chest infection (the reason I dropped out of
the race) and so also that just delayed things.
So the holiday overall was very good. I spent the first week
with Inov-8 in Chamonix either on the retail stand or supporting Damian Hall and
Yassine Deboun on the UTMB. It wasn't all work though as I got the chance to go
up the cable car to Aiguille Midi three times as well as meet with friends that
were out there also racing. Supporting was good but the lack of sleep meant I
got a cold which I thought I was getting over when I travelled to Switzerland to
start the race on Thursday morning. UTMB
Photos
The race started at 4am and began well for me, I was feeling
good and really enjoying the views and the rocky terrain. It was a fantastic
route with massive climbs and descents. Initially I thought my lack of breath
was down to the altitude although my nose was very blocked. I only really
started getting concerned about my breathing at about 7pm when it got dark and
cold and I was climbing to 3000m. I had started coughing about 6pm but then I
started coughing up lumps of yellowy stuff, my head felt thick and instead of
being slightly breathless I was really panting no matter how slow I went. We
climbed up and it was getting colder. I put all my layers on and was glad to
reach the CP at the summit. The markings had got a bit spread out and a few
runners had got lost. It was lovely and warm inside but I knew I needed to keep
going and so when a Swedish runner said she was going but was worried about
finding her way I said I would go with her. The marshall pointed us in the right
direction but the markings were very poor. Not only was it claggy but it had
started raining / sleeting and I decided that I would try and find my way down
for 30 minutes and if I hadn't descended onto a proper route I would go back to
the CP and just sit it out. My hands were frozen and I was concerned about my
coughing. The Swedish lady was lovely and between us we followed the little
orange dots down the right paths. It took hours to descend as it was either
rocky or tree roots. I was surprised no-one was catching us but we learnt later
that they had held people in the CP due to the thunderstorm.
When I reached the CP my mind was made up. The coughing up
yellow goo was getting more frequent and I actually didn't feel like carrying on
which is very unlike me. I did think I could see what a doctor thought but going
inside really set the coughing off and the Marshalls would have stopped me if I
hadn't stopped myself. The Swedish lady carried on which I was pleased with -
although she had slowed a lot she was a strong walker and I knew she could
finish.
So I sat for an hour, then tried to sleep in the beds upstairs,
then had a sort of shower (I had no shower stuff but felt all sticky), Jean came
in and gave me her drop bag (I already had mine) and so I almost had a full
change of clothes. I slept some more and waited for the 9am bus. Which didn't
happen. Now I was quite fed up but I helped the lovely CP marshalls and talked
to runners coming through. I went for a walk and was stopped by a car with two
Italians in it. I realised that one was also a DNF runner and they were asking
me if I wantd a lift back to Grachen! Did I !!!!!!? I was so happy to be out of
there - now 2pm. 14 hours after dropping out! So three hours later (it's miles
and miles round), rather warm and rather fast - but who was I to complain
(???!!) I was back in Grachen. Then it was tedious, waiting round, feeling sorry
for myself, seeing happy runners. I do think we needed a "dnf
party".
The next day I wanted to walk somewhere but my lungs weren't
going to allow me to do much. But wandering round town I bumped into Lizzie
Hawker and she invited me to walk with them to collect some marshalling stuff
from a mountainside. It was very enjoyable and I felt sorry for Lizzie and
Richard. They looked more tired and zonked than I felt. Lizzie had been told 100
times about the lack of marking and is determined to improve it for next year.
It was talking to them that really made me decide that next year I will return
and do the race again. I hate to leave stuff unfinished and so that's the plan
now; to return and to finish the 170km race. UTMR
Photos
22nd
August - After Borrowdale on 12th August comes Long
Tour of Bradwell which is my usual pre 100 mile August race. I
have varying success on this race and often suffer with cramp when it's hot. So
with the forecast being hot I drank a lot on Friday and took plenty of fluids
with me. Setting off I was determined not to suffer in the latter stages and so
walked up some hills that I would usually run up. The conditions were good; the
clouds hadn't parted and there was actually a bit of drizzle. It had rained
heavily the week before so the ground was slippy and in places very muddy.
I ran with Anthony Bethell a lot of the way round until he sped
off; then I was happily on my own. I caught a couple of runners after Toads
Mouth and pushed on feeling strong and not getting cramp. All that speedwork
must be paying off as I even enjoyed the flat bits. Heading up Abney valley I
spied Ant in the distance, caught him and we ran to the finish together. So I
was 1st Lady all the way round but tried not to let that determine my pace until
Abney when I pushed hard wanting to keep my position. I was really pleased with
my legs, energy levels and overall race.
Now I have a week before I fly to Chamonix to the UTMB where I
will be on the Inov-8 stand on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Then I'm supporting the Inov-8 athletes round the UTMB. On
Tuesday I'll drive with Jean Brown to Grachen in Switzerland where the Ultra
Tour Monta Rosa starts at 4am on Thursday. You will be able to
follow me on there somehow. So from next Tuesday I won't update this page but am
now a social expert (not!) and you might see posts on
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/nicky.spinks
Twitter https://twitter.com/NickySpinks?cn=cmV0d2VldF9tZW50aW9uZWRfdXNlcg%3D%3D&refsrc=email
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/nickyspinks/?hl=en
8th August - After Scotland I managed to twist my ankle by
looking at the view on a short 4 mile run. So I didn't run at all and did lots
of stretching as I really wanted to race at Borrowdale. I don't usually tape my
ankles but with the Ultra Tour Monta Rosa coming up I don't want to keep
injuring them so I did tape both ankles for the race and was very careful on all
the descents. Just before the start it rained for 15 minutes and so I exchanged
my lightweight waterproof for a heavier one however it was dry for the whole
race and very warm so I was glad I had only worn a vest. I was pleased at how my
legs felt as I have also been feeling rather lethargic the last two weeks. It
was wet underfoot but clear and I found some reasonable lines. I was pleased to
get to Honister in one piece and nearly home! I had just passed Megan a new Dark
Peak lady and it was nice to encourage her on.
The finish is always hard along the track and I couldn't believe
how long it was taking me; the minutes just ticking away and I had hoped for a
sub 4 hours finish! So running into the Finish field I was pleased to clock
3.58.02 hours, 3rd Lady and 1st V50. Well done to Megan in 4.00.42 (4th) and
Kirsty Hewitson in 4.06.39 (5th) and Jenny Caddick in 4.15.56 (7th) meaning Dark
Peak Ladies won the Team Prize!! Borrowdale
Results
25th July - Two weeks have flown by. Hay has been made in
between rain showers. 180 bale of straw has been ferried 22 at a time and
stacked away in the barn. Today we've managed to catch a runaway bull Hector from our neighbours
field; last week he decided the grass was greener on the other side of the wall and he was
having it! He's now stuck in a pen with a "For Sale" sign on it. Talking of things we're selling
we've a Cobra
for Sale !!! Last used at our wedding in 2009 we've decided it
should move on.
Running wise - well big stuff !! Back to the Highlands to recce
the Ramsay for Kirsty Hewitson with Jean Brown and Beth Pascall (my HPM team).
What a great weekend!! We had the ambitious plan of doing it all in two days and
had to cut out a few tops (five in total) in order not to be benighted both
days. But a fantastic weekend in great company. Wisp came along and enjoyed her
first visit to Scottish mountains. We were all very tired after 52 miles, 18
Munros and 7800m climb in two days. Photos
.jpg)
9th
July - Last weekend we travelled down to Devon to visit my aunt Maggie and go to
a big birthday do there! It was lovely to see her and Rob again. Then this
weekend it was the Wasdale Fell Race which was busy (as a FRA Championship race)
and quite warm. At least we had a Dark Peak Ladies team out with Judith, Jenny
and Alison.
I set off slowly I thought and soon got left behind from my
usual racing mates; must be having a bad day I thought. I felt ok passing Joss's
house which is always good but running / walking up Seatallan felt hard and hot.
Oh well, one of those races. Maybe all this racing is taking it's toll. I just
kept eating and drinking and hoping something would kick in sooner or later. I
felt better once I knew I was passed halfway and climbing Great Gable I started
to overtake runners which was good. The cramp started on Scafell making the last
descent painful and it was annoying to be just over 5 hours in 5.00.37 hours -
but then I remembered that the start had moved so it was probably a sub 5 hours
really! Results
.JPG)
Having a quick shower I set off for the very long drive to
Cardigan where I was due to talk on Sunday morning. It was a long way but in our
new van with the satnav working on my phone quite a pleasant unstressful
journey. And I was certainly ready foe a sit down. My stomach hadn't wanted any
food after the race so I made up a Mountain
Fuel Recovery Milkshake which tasted nice and settled the
stomach. I arrived at The
Do Lectures at 10.30pm, ate some pasta in the van then went and
introduced myself to Naomi and co. I was quite nervous about talking here as the
brief was "Not to do your usual talk" and so I done my talk about the
people and the events of my life that has /have the biggest influence on it. I'm
glad I didn't see any of the other talks as I would probably have been more
critical of my own. Anyway three beers later at 1am I went to bed in my teepee!
In the morning I showered, had a bit of breakfast and then waited for 9.45am to
come around. I think once I got started the talk went well but I know I stumbled
a bit to begin with. Afterwards I grabbed a pizza and settled down for the drive
home. It was lovely to get home about 6pm and have a relaxing evening with Steve
and the dogs!
The grass is cut, the weather forecast is rubbish (as usual) but
we are hoping to get it made into hay this week!
25th June - Again another change in the weather - back to fairly
cold, windy and rainy. On Friday I supported along with James Gregory our friend
Justin Bramhall on his BG setting off at 6.50pm. The weather was blustery in the
valleys but Skiddaw was typically awful with strong winds, clag and rain beating
us across the summit. The valleys were calm though and with Justin eating well
we made good progress and came down to Threlkeld about 25 minutes up on
schedule. He made good use of the time changing into dry clothes and set off up
Clough Head. The weather overnight did not improve and on Saturday he aborted
across Leg 3.
I raced (as best as my tired legs would allow) the Buttermere
Darren Holloway Memorial Race which I've never done before on
Saturday. The weather was cool and blustery again and I wore my Inov-8 Tri blend
tee shirt with the black merino over the top - this is rapidly becoming a great
favourite combination of mine. Setting off the legs wouldn't work at all and I
knew it was going to be a long day! The clag on the tops didn't help my progress
as I don't know the area and it became obvious that knowing a few grassy lines
would really pay dividends. Anyhow I wasn't really enjoying it but the plan was
to run it as a training race and so that's what I had to do. It seems a very
long way to Honister but the legs had woken up by Newlands Hause so I was
starting to enjoy it too. Seeing Charmian and Justin at Honister was very nice
although disappointing to learn that Justin had aborted. I ran on to High Stile
and started catching people at last! Having run on my own for much of the race
it was nice to feel part of a "race" again and passing Lucy Spain was
the extra boost I needed. I made a right hash of the last descent though and had
to crash through a lot of gorse bushes (another line needed for next time!). But
I finished in 5.30 hours and 2nd Lady so am well chuffed with that.
Now for some rest before Wasdale in two weeks time!
20th
June - What a difference in weather in one week. Now the weather is very hot;
too hot for me really. Frustratingly last Monday after only 1 hour our mower
gearbox fell in pieces when Steve was mowing 30 acres of silage grass so all
week we've been fixing that and he managed to mow on Friday. As the weather was
so hot though it was ready to bale yesterday (Monday) and now it's nearly all
"led" and stacked back at the farm. Onto hay next but will the weather
hold!?
Anyway on the running front I tried to recover from Ennerdale
and managed some speed work on Thursday evening. I was hoping to support the
DPFR Bob Graham weekend but had to cancel as the mower was still in bits on
Friday. However I had entered both Tebay and the Great Lakes races as one was an
English Championship and the other a fantastic race that needs more runners.
Tebay was just awful for me. Lots of runners, really hot and I struggled with
the last two miles home. Afterwards it was the FRA AGM and as I'm already on the
committee I attended. The Junior Coordinator post needed filling but I didn't
want to volunteer for that. However Chris Jones the Access Coordinator offered
to swop and as Access is something that I am keen on I offered to fill that now
vacant post. So that's a slightly daunting prospect!
Then I drove round to Langdale and met back up with Charmian and
Steve for tea at Stool End Farm where the Great Lakes
starts. Next morning it was very hot at 8am and neither Steve nor myself were
very enthused at racing. We mooched about until 10am when we decided we had to
register and get ready! After Tebay I decided I was just going to run
comfortably as it was too hot and too long a race for overcooking it. I have
done the race twice before in foul conditions and so I wanted to enjoy the views
for once. There were 53 runners registered and setting off up "The
Band" to Bowfell we quickly spread out. Coming to a split I made the
decision not to follow but make my own mind up and chose the path as I didn't
feel like a soft, hot direct line. It was a good decision. I was pleased to
reach Bowfell summit and the legs felt much better running towards Esk Pike,
Great End and Scafell. The water was refreshing at Foxes Tarn and I made the
most of it! I found good trods down to Slight Side and had a couple of guys with
me which was nice as they didn't crowd me or talk too much. Coming off there
though we ended up scrambling a bit and I apologised but then found some lovely
scree to run down and I'm not usually a scree fan! Crossing the valley to
Crickle Crags was hot and we passed walkers bathing in the pools - oh that
looked inviting. But only a couple more climbs and we would be finished. I went
my usual diagonal way - but easy when I could see then across to Blisco. Pushing
now as I didn't want to be caught by hopefully the 2nd Lady (hopefully as a
marshall early on had said I was 1st but none of the others had) I told Jon
Melia I was happy to finish jointly as he had been great company. We ran off
Blisco both cramping up but wanting to get down as fast as possible! It was
great running down to the very low key Finish to be told I was still 1st Lady,
12th overall and under 4 hours - so 30 minutes quicker than before!
After a lovely cool down in the river we watched other runners
finished and had prizegiving. The walking sticks and Kong
Adventure voucher are fantastic prizes and the trophy is as
great as it's name. I waited till Steve Wathall finished but having gone wrong
off Slight Side he retired but was in good spirits and Ben promptly awarded him
a bar of chocolate for "Best Incompetent navigation on the Hill"
The Great Lakes is a proper classic fell race and as Ben puts it
"Please come back next year and bring a competent friend" !! I'll try
Ben - thank you and Britta!!
11th
June - I'm having a website catch up day and have updated all the Talks,
Articles, Coaching pages which I've been meaning to do for ages.
It was prompted by talking at Keswick Mountain Festival last Friday with Jasmin
Paris. It was lovely to see Jasmin and catch up with her as we are good friends.
It was the first time we've done a talk / Q&A together and it was well
received.
Then on the Saturday I ran in the Ennerdale Fell Race organised
by CFRA
This is a very hard race at the best of times; being 23 miles long with some
very tough climbs in it. Saturday though the weather was forecast to be foul -
wet and windy all day but I was pleased when Colin took the decision to run the
full route. Setting off we were soon being blown about by the wind and map
reading was essential as we were in clag all day. I was glad I had opted for my
thicker Inov-8 waterproof and merino top. I was running with Kirsty Hewitson and
after a couple of hours where I was navigating but she was backup it was obvious
that it was nicer for both of us that way so we started to work as a team rather
than compete with each other. The wind and rain did not abate at all and we were
soon drenched. It was funny that the marshalls were very keen for us to take
water from them but lack of water was not a problem with water cascading
everywhere! Trying to run at all across slippery rocks while being blown about
was really the problem! I was happier when we got onto the BG/Joss Naylor route
which I know quite well and using all the good trods we passed another lady. On
Iron Crag the marshalls stuck a hand out of the tent with the dibber on it for
us and when we shouted our numbers he said "You're 1st Ladies" Wow we
exclaimed and left with renewed speed. We ran along checking behind more now.
Catching Dave Sykes on the last climb I said "You're going to beat the 1st
Ladies" and that raised a smile from him as he shot off down the hill
towards the Finish!
On the final run in along the track we couldn't see anyone
behind us. Joss Naylor was waiting at the gate and congratulated us which was
lovely. We finished Joint 15th in a time of 5.32 hours, but 1st Ladies, 1st LV50
and 1st LV40. We won a lovely new trophy between us. Thanks Colin and all the
marshalls for the organisation and the copious amounts of tea, sausage rolls and
cakes.
7th June - Beth Pascall attempted the Paddy Buckley round
starting at 3am on Saturday from Llanberis. Having promised not to be up on
schedule I aimed to get to Capel Curig at 8.30am as she was due in at 9.20am. I
was slightly delayed but as I pulled up Kirsty ran down and shouted "She's
in"! So I jumped in the back of the van and quickly put my Mudclaws on
while I was driven down the road. Grabbing a bottle of water I let Wisp out and
we both ran off after Beth. I was so pleased not to have missed her but wished I
had had breakfast and gone to the loo before running up Moel Siabod at a
cracking pace. After settling down a bit I enjoyed supporting Beth across to the
quarries. There it was decided that as she was a little short on the next leg
that I would cut off to Aberglasyn, refuel and then do the next leg with
her.
I never like the run off Cnict but it was nice to be able to go
at my own pace. Even the road passed quickly and then in the carpark was my van
with all my food! I tucked into noodles with a tin of chicken curry while Wisp
had her breakfast too. Beth arrived having not gained anymore on schedule and we
set off up Bryn Banog which is always a tough climb. Beth had slowed a little on
the climbs but descended very well. We lost a little time in the heather but
kept on the schedule to Rhyd Ddu. The views were magnificent but I still didn't
have time to get my phone out and take photos! It's a great little leg of the
Paddy Buckley. Reaching Rhyd Ddu I was glad to be stopping and saw Beth off with
a new set of supporters. We drove round to Llanberis and had fish and chips with
curry sauce (sausage and no curry for Wisp). It was reported that Beth was on
Snowdon and would arrive about 10pm. After seeing her finish and congratulating
her on her first ever round in a time of 18.50 hours I set off home ready for
bed!
31st
May - Over the Bank Holiday I travelled up to Galloway on Thursday with Steve
and Clare Oliffe on route to the Jura
fell race .Steve had decided not to run so me and Clare drove
onto Ardrossan on Friday morning and caught a series of ferries to Jura. Not
being particularily fond of light packing nor heavy cycles we had planned to
hike the 9 miles on Jura. However we decided to try the "chance it"
queue and were 4th in line at Kennicraig. Lucky for us seven slots were free and
we got on! I camped in the van and Clare on the seafront. The weather forecast
was turning wet for Saturday but Friday was too hot for running we decided and I
was looking forward to the rain.
Saturday morning dawned muggy and hot but overcast. The
organisors took the brave decision to run the race and divert runners if the
predicted thunderstorms arrived. So setting off I was in two minds about wanting
the rain as I wanted the full course! There was a tiny bit of rain in the first
hour but then nothing for the rest of the day. I had set off steady with tired
legs from OCT and felt strong when reaching the Paps however when I tried to
push it I just got too hot, felt lightheaded and was unstable so after Pap 1 I
backed off a little only to look back on Pap 2 and see Jenny Caddick down below.
I decided I would just have to try harder, get out of breath, eat all my gels
drink all my energy drink - then hopefully not pass out on the road which I was
dreading!
So that plan sort of worked; I didn't get the line off Pap 3
right but think I was only overtaken by Dave Sykes. Running across the bogs I
fell in one and got cramp and so had to be careful then. I was running quit
strongly now with the legs having woken up a bit and feeling cooler as I'd
chucked stream water over my head and back! Setting off on the road I heard a
shout of "Come on Andrea". "Oh no I thought another lady and I'm
rubbish at road running". So I pushed hard, got a stitch and had to back
off. Diane Hakes cycled passed and said "There's no-one behind you"
but I wasn't convinced Andrea wasn't catching me. I was however catching two
"brown vests" (Dark Peak) which was encouraging. Having walked out on
the road on Friday evening I knew the distance to go when I hit the Cementary
and so could try a bit of faster running. Running over the line I thought I had
done exactly the same time as 2016 - 4.32 hours when I was actually a minute
slower but I'm really pleased with that as the heat was horrible. I finished 3rd
lady and 15 minutes in front of the 4th lady who was Jenny Caddick! Results -
you have to put year and select the race Scottish
Hill Runners Results
Clare
finished in 5.47 hours and lots of other Dark Peakers finished too. We had a
great evening at Prize Giving and then in the pub. Driving back to Galloway on
Sunday the weather was perfect; cooler though which was lovely. We really
enjoyed the day doing bits of driving then a ferry. Arran looked stunning and
next year we plan to stay there on route. The balerman rang up from Yorkshire
(as we had planned to bale grass on Monday) and said could he bale it Sunday and
so I said yes - executive decision made!
So that meant we could stay a bit longer in Galloway and so we
took it in turns to mow the grass and fix things! I then suggested Clare and I
ran to Barr over the hills and Steve agreed to collect us on route home. The run
was a bit of an adventure with Clare practicing "Galloway Forest
Navigation" but we found our way and didn't find any drowned cyclists in
the huge, gooey bogs. In Barr we met Steve and had lunch in the cafe there! A
perfect end to a great weekend! I've uploaded Joss Naylor and Jura photos onto
my Gallery
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23rd
May - Sorry about the lack of updates. My body decided it was going on strike
after Innsbruck so I had a couple of weeks easy running (apart from Summer
Series races!) and a massage from Jeff Cole which has helped but more is needed.
I think it was the flat fast (ish) running of Innsbruck on tired legs that did
it. Anyway last Saturday I had entered the Old
County Tops race which I have done 4 times now; the last time two
years ago with Jean Brown when we broke the Ladies record and finished in 8.28
hours. I was running with Jean again but both of us were making our excuses
about injuries etc so we had no real expectations or plan! The weather was nice
when we registered but the clouds soon rolled over and the rain (not forecast)
started. A quick change of waterproof to a thicker one was performed thinking of
the exposed tops such as Scafell that we would be running over. Setting off we
kept the pace reasonable and waved goodbye to Kirsty Hewitson and Andrea
Priestley who were so much stronger than us (me!) on the flatter road
sections.
Heading up onto Helvellyn the rain started again, sometimes it
felt like hail and I was glad of my Inov-8
long sleeved and hooded merino top. I was wearing the same
combination that I wore for my Joss; a tri blend teeshirt with the merino over
the top. The merino has long arms with hand covers, a long back and a hood
(sometimes a little annoying) but today was a godsend - keeping rain out my ears
and my neck and head warm. So up and off Helvellyn in the clag with Jean finding
the good line down to Wythburn (and overtaking Kirsty/Andrea in the process)
where I picked up a banana, flapjack and malt loaf. I don't usually need so much
but felt hungry. Running up the valley was warm and so the jackets came off but
once we contoured High Raise the rain started again and the wind picked up. It
was cold and we put the waterproofs back on. Angle Tarn seemed exposed and I
wasn't looking forward to Scafell; at least the descent is rapid though. Running
as much as we could - sometimes just to try and stay warm - we reached the
summit where the marshalls were huddled, happily in their shelters. My hands now
were blocks of ice and my fingers totally numb. I hoped Jean didn't ask me to
use a compass on the way off! But no she knew it and we descended as fast as we
could glad to be leaving the wind and hail. My hands slowly and painfully warmed
up but stayed fairly useless for a few hours.
Cockley Beck was a welcome CP with some lovely tea, cake and
sandwiches. Setting off we seemed to have collected some teams that were happy
to run behind us. Jean was navigating and also tired so I was thinking of
motivational things to say when I looked at my watch and saw we had only been
running 6.30 hours. Not wanting to annoy Jean but wondering what time we might
finish I asked if she knew the splits from Coniston Old Man to the Finish. She
replied 180 so I said "We've been running 6.30 hours". There was
silence but then a distant speeding up in her pace. Trying to now run as much as
we could made us both lightheaded. Jean had two gels left so we had one each.
The summit seems to take forever to come and it was great to turn round and head
down to Three Shires Stone. The road is always purgatory so it's good to be back
on a knarly path. On and on we ran; choosing fields over road towards the Finish
cost us a place but still we knew we were going to beat the record. We finished
happy, tired and battered in 8.17 hours, 1st Ladies and 11th overall.
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1st May - Well a busy week on the farm turning more cows and
calves out, then a wonderful trip to Innsbruck as part of the Inov-8 team and to
run the Innsbruck
Alpine 85k Home yesterday and so catching up today. I've written
up my Joss Naylor
Birthday celebrations and loved remembering all the great times
we had.
Innsbruck
had poor weather conditions unfortunately for the organisors and had to cancel
the 85km making the route the 65km instead but with an early start of 6am. I
arrived on Thursday and it was snowing hard on Friday making the decision an
easy one really. There was just too much snow. I packed my race bag and headed
down to registration about 11pm. After registering I helped out on the Inov-8
stand till the race briefing at 7pm. Then it was pizza for tea, two beers and a
not very early night! Damian Hall had arrived at 5pm and since he was already
doing the 65km starting at 8am we had a bet as to whether he would catch
me!
Saturday morning dawned far too early and with clag about. I
chose to wear my Tri Tee again (like on my Joss) but this time my Softshell
Pro jacket on top so my number could be seen. Having only taken
X-Claws thinking I was doing the technical race I borrowed a pair of Trail
Talons test shoes from Inov-8! Setting off my legs felt tired and so did I. I
had a hard race for 20km as it was quite flat, too runnable and a little
frustrating in the clag and trees so without much view. But I persevered, eating
lots of chocolate and hoped that my legs might wake up a little. After I had
done 4 hours my legs and body felt better and I was able to start running the
slight inclines again. The sun kept poking through and I enjoyed the views of
the stunning snow topped mountains all around. I began passing runners too which
was great. Getting my map / schedule out I concentrated on getting to each CP
and drinking coke helped me along. At Hall there was Hannes and he was dressed
for running. I was having a grumpy moment and thought I wouldn't like him
bouncing along beside me but actually he was perfect. He knew the route and
although obviously trying to jog slowly was hard for him he was was very
encouraging at just the right times. We passed a lady and he said I was now 3rd
which was a big surprise to me so I pushed on. Running down towards the finish I
assumed we had to run a circuit of the town and so it was so lovely to pop out
and see the actual Finish banners only 150m away. I sprinted along with a huge
smile on my face. Thank you Inov-8 for giving me the opportunity to visit
Innsbruck and run this race; I've had a wonderful time and am so very pleased
that the sun did shine on Saturday and again on Sunday when we visited (by cable
car) the summit of the mountains!
25th April - I still haven't managed to write up my weekend
adventurers but Lee did a quick telephone interview with me and updated the Inov-8
Blog I slept well for a couple of nights; then had a very
restless one last night after running the Summer Series race. Tonight I've been
coaching Juniors and tomorrow we're turning more cows and calves out to brave
the now winter conditions so I have to have an early night! This weekend I'm off
to Innsbruck again to run (am I mad!?) the Innsbruck
Alpine 85k so I'm also trying to pack for that.
24th April - Just a quick update to say "I did it"
!!!!! What a great day. The weather, my support and Wisp were all fantastic and
I was able to achieve a time I never thought possible. Sub 12 was my target but
it was one of those days when everything comes right in the end. I finished in a
time of 11.02 hours! More later - off to check cows then for a massage!
21st April - Just ready to head off to the Lakes. What a week
it's been! With the grass growing and the dry weather we decided to turn 45 cows
and calves outside. This takes two full days with all the sorting, disbudding
and transporting. In between we seem to have a few disruptions with our
landrover not starting, a calf dislocating it's leg and then this morning
another farmers cattle escaping but getting into ours. So all sorted now - the
vet came to the calf last night and with twisting and turning managed to put the
hip back. The calf seems ok this morning but a bit wobbly. But instead of my
usual relaxed packing I've chucked everything into lots of bags this morning and
am awaiting Charmian.
I set off at 5am from Pooley Bridge tomorrow morning and have
written a Blog
here and you'll be able to follow my progress (seemingly short
compared to the Double BG!) on this Tracker link - http://live.opentracking.co.uk/spinksjn17/?n=1
As part of the Joss Naylor the challenge is to raise money for a
chosen charity - mine of course is Just
Giving - Odyssey So please donate a little if you can. Thanks
16th April - Recovery from the Calderdale is going well; it's
actually Tapering for the Joss Naylor which I've kept quiet about. My 50th
birthday is next Saturday 22nd April and so I decided ages ago that the best way
to see it in was to do a Joss Naylor on that day weather permitting! The weather
is currently looking ok and so fingers crossed and watch this space for updates!
While tapering I have utilized my time by finishing my Enso Skirt
Review and sorting out a date; Sunday October 8th for a 24 Hr Round and Ultra Training
Day
2nd
April - Calderdale Hike yesterday in a mixture of sunshine and showers. I was
sent an Enso
skirt back in March but the weather hasn't been warm enough (as I'm a wimp)
until now. I'm very impressed at the feel and fit of the skirt and it was nice
and practical to wear too. I also wore my Inov-8 Roclites as in 37 miles of West
Yorkshire there is many many miles of tracks, roads and rough stony paths. The
shoes coped very well even though it was very muddy in places. What I did like
was the grip on the old flagged bridleways which are usually lethal in fell
shoes. I couldn't decide whether to race hard or enjoy the day and didn't seem
to get going until 4.30 hours. I think I was dreading the long drag below
Stoodley Pike - on which I started off spritely but by the time I was at
Errington Grange I was flagging a lot! I did enjoy running up the hills in the
2nd half and hope that my extra hill / speed training is paying off!
I finished at a sprint having (exactly as 2016) someone behind
me just from the last CP! I finished 1st Lady in a time of 6.27 hours. The room
went dark and fuzzy when I stopped and I realised just how hungry I was. The
food at that the Scouts put on is 2nd to none and I soon tucked into baked
potatoe, chilli, coleslaw, cheese and tuna - yep all together as I couldn't
decide which I wanted most! I sat down next to Jo Marshall (close/distantly
related family) and we exchanged tales of our various races; she had just
finished the 17 mile course. We just had to have a celebratory photo in the
carpark!!
26th March - Spring has arrived! What a difference compared to
last weekend. I raced in a vest and shorts at Long Mynd yesterday and had a good
run. I can't say I felt very sprightly along the track between CP 2 and 3 but at
least it was near the beginning of the race and there were plenty of hills to
follow. I was very pleased to finish in a time of 2.02 hours. 19th Lady, 2nd V45
and Dark Peak won the V40 Team with Judith and Kirsty. Results
On the farm last week's rain put paid to land work but it's
dried up a lot over the weekend and we're back harrowing and rolling. Calving
has gone very well; no ratchet use (yet!) and 71 calves alive, 3 calves died and
9 cows left to calve so could make 80 if (a big if) all goes well.
20th
March - wow two weeks gone but I've been so busy on the farm - 65 calves now!
And with running an Ultra and Round course last Saturday, then two days of Joss
Naylor raccying; both in foul weather but a lot achieved. Last weekend was the
course on Saturday then the recce on Sunday where the forecast was supposed to
be nice and it was horrid. But I ran from Wasdale with Keith Holmes, Jon Whilock,
Forest Bethell and Andy up onto Great End where we met snow, wind and rain! Wisp
has had enough of Great End now and me too to be honest. Then around in foul
weather and clag on the Joss route over Gable, Kirkfell and Pillar to Haycock
where at least we got some visibility as a bitterly cold wind forced us to run
off very quickly! At least I found the lines round Seatallan and Middle Fell and
then unbelievably and annoyingly the sun came out just as we finished!
This weekend the forecast was awful so at least it could only
get better! Kirsty Hewitson, Beth Pascall and Matt were already in the Lakes so
agreed to do legs 1 and 2 with me. We all set off wearing thick winter tights,
big waterproofs, masses of hats and gloves - and we took money for lunch in the
Kirkstone Inn! Setting off the rain and wind were as forecast but we had
visibility which meant a lot to me as I've been on those legs 3 times and never
seen any of them! It was quite confusing being able to see at times! Battling
the wind and rain got slightly annoying but everyone stayed in good spirits; the
chat about chips and hot drinks driving us on. At about midday the sun burst
through and our hopes lifted. Dropping to Kirkstone we all dripped into the pub
(Wisp and Dingo were allowed too) and were met by friendly staff who cheerfully
made us drinks and three bowls of chips. 40 minutes flew by and we were soon
back out into the weather. It did abate though across Red Screes, Hart Crag and
Fairfield; enough even that we could take photos and enjoy the descent off into
Patterdale. Thanks everyone!
5th
March - What a great weekend already! The High Peak Marathon starting Friday
night at 11.41pm with my Ladies team of me, Beth Pascall, Jean Brown and Kirsty
Hewitson. The weather forecast was for rain and clag but it was completely
wrong; it didn't rain at all and it was only claggy until Outer Edge trig. It
wasn't great at the time as it was so wet and boggy underfoot but we stayed
strong across Kinder and as the splits show on the results High
Peak Marathon we got faster (relatively) as time progressed and
made up places. After 9.32 hours of running we came in 4th overall, 1st Ladies
and broke the ladies record by 9 minutes!!!
On the farming front we've had a few calves born last week and
we're up to 40 now. Just about halfway! And tomorrow we're going to collect a
new bull called Joe.
28th February - I travelled down on Friday evening to my
brothers for the XNRG
Seminar on Alps races Then back Saturday to get ready for the www.Hoppits.co.uk
races. These went very well on the Sunday with an increased turnout of both
Juniors and Seniors. Thanks to all my helpers/marshalls and the Cricket Club.
And in between calving has been continuing reasonably well with 36 calves now
born and approaching halfway!
23rd February - Ten days on and the weather has turned wet,
windy and warm! I did the New Chew last Sunday and left home where it was 8C,
calm and cloudy. Over the hill and it was 4C, very claggy with a bitter wind. I
set off with a good plan and found the first couple of controls easily even
though they were tricky stream junctions. Then got to one that was very hard. I
went back and forth checking streams etc and eventually had to give up. I set my
compass for North and after 40m dropped into a stream and there it was!! So
after that the controls were found bang on and I even ran a very long way and
got a 40 points one. However time was ticking away and I had to make my way
back. I was tired of the clag and the tussocks and had 20 minutes to get to the
Finish, about 3 km away. There was another control but I decided against it -
"Flat rock" could be hard to find in clag!
Back at Race finish I was there with 10 minutes to spare. Kirsty
Hewitson finished having set off the opposite way to me. The points were added
up and she beat me by 10 points; which was what I would have got for that last
control! So lesson learnt - always try for a little more if you think possible!
But I was happy it had been a good day and I was pleased with my navigation New
Chew 2017 Results.pdf
On the calving front things are going along quite well - we've
had 25 calves born with a good spread between Hamish (7), Elvis (9) and Hector
(7) - then Harry has had 2 but his cows didn't calve until April in 2016 and
with a 285 day gestation we don't expect his yet. My favourite cow No 97 calved
at 1.30am on Tuesday hence I slept through last night and missed a heifer
calving (first timer). She calved ok but has decided she doesn't like her calf.
They are now in a stable together and I've bottled fed it using milk I've milked
from No 97! Hopefully as she settles she will take to her calf.
Dad also rang up this week and said he had seen the OMM featured
on The
Adventure Show - here is the link but I don't know how long the
link lasts.
13th February - A two week break but lots going on. My dad
visited last week from the Isle of Lewis and we started calving! We got to 7 but
then one cow just this morning sat on her calf and killed it which it very disappointing
and sad for the little calf. I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't actually
gone to tag it, and she got up and there it was underneath her. But anyway so
far it had gone well but no heifers (1st timers) have calved yet which is always
interesting. At least they have had chance to see what happens and how they are
supposed to look after their offspring (and they aren't in the shed with the
killer cow).
I ran a lot last weekend and this; it was Wadsworth Trog last
Saturday and knowing how flat and trail like the route is now (because of
Natural England restoration) I set off at a comfortable pace. I ran with Greg
Rimmer from Dark Peak for quite a while which was nice and he kept me going. But
then he pulled a muscle and dropped back a bit. It was very hard going as recent
rain had made all the paths very muddy but also there is a lot of flat fast
trails and road in it which I find hard running. By 2/3 though I was waking up
and really enjoying running the hills on the return to CP1 now CP10. Off the
Trig I realised that the group in front of me were dropping too far left and so
heather bashed a while to get back to the tower. In this group was Lucy Spain
and after following her for the rest of the race I thought maybe I could get
passed her on the last climb through the muddy fields to the Finish. This I
managed to do but fell over in the cricket field in a last attempt to put a spurt
on. I jumped up and hobbled over the line - still in front. Nichola Jackson had
a storming run to finish 11th in 2.51 hours but I was pleased with 2nd/1st LV40
in 3.21 hours Wadsworth-Trog-Results
2017
This weekend I did a High Peak Marathon recce with Kirsty, Jean
and Beth. We got cold, bit snowy but clear weather and it was very useful to run
and recce together. The race is in three weeks and we've been allocated a late
setting off time! Start list
2017 As we finished late on
Friday night we had booked a room at the The
Snake Pass Inn When we arrived the owners seemed not to know
everything and we asked them when they had moved in - their answer was
"Yesterday!". But they were very welcoming, the breakfast was
fantastic and I hope that it is a success for them.
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31st
January - Maybe the last weekend we can both be away as we have 85 very pregnant
cows waddling round the sheds - all due next week and to finish calving by Mid
April! So Steve made the most of an offer of nice hotel with breakfast ( Tontine
Hotel ) and came away to Peebles Outdoor Film Festival. The hotel
was lovely, breakfast too and Sunday dawned a lovely day which was nice as I was
due to be on the Run with Nicky at 10.30 am. Moorfoot runners did a great job of
organising and planning a route so all I had to do was run and chat - not always
easy after a full breakfast. In the afternoon there was a short film screening,
followed by Run Forever and my talk. Then we had to get off home via Moffat
(great fish and chips).
Kevin Lelland from John Muir wrote a nice report about the run,
film and talk
https://www.johnmuirtrust.org/latest/news/1069-staff-blog-in-it-for-the-long-run
23rd January - I've had a busy weekend - running and talking. At
least I'm back running again as a week off (but especially missing Trigger) was
horrible. Steve came back from India and we've settled into farming again. The
tractor is at least being put back together now.
On Saturday I went to the Lakes to meet up with Hannah, Suzy and
Juliet to recce the last section of the Lakeland 50. It was a lovely clear, cold
day and very enjoyable running. I'm not doing the 50; they are! Then I went
straight to Nelson to speak at Trawden AC club dinner having been asked by
Kerrie Bretherton. It was great to see the film and then do the talk especially
as it's mainly a road running club and I wasn't sure if many people understood
what I was on about. Then came prize giving and then Kerrie persuaded me to do
something called a "Flash Mob". What a laugh; I hid at the back and
copied Kerrie!
On Sunday I wanted to run the Trigger route just to say I had
done it. Steve agreed to run with me even though he's not run that distance for
months and only got back from India last Tuesday! So Sunday morning we had cows
to feed etc then a car to drop at Edale before driving to Marsden via a cafe for
brunch and so we started at 12.10pm. My watch did about 2 miles and packed up so
I was taking photos of us at the CP's until it got too dark and cold to do so.
It seemed a mad idea to Crowden - where we had a stash of sandwiches, pies and
coffee (and dog biscuits for Wisp). Then Lawrence edge finding our way well in
the clag. Across Wain Stones, Hern Stones in thick clag and upwards to the wreck
and Shelf Moor Trig. It was now 4pm and daylight was fading. We hoped to get to
the wreck with some light and took a line down Withins straight to the wreck.
Now 5pm and dark. We wrapped up warm and began the long trog round Kinder. It
seemed to take ages but we climbed up onto the plateau. I wanted to go to the
Trig but we couldn't see it so headed off in the right place and came across it.
Heading back again we didn't know where we were on the path but headed off on
our HPM bearing to try and hit the flags leading to East of Edale. We soon got
into some odd ground so retraced our steps back to the big cairn. Off again and
I heard a whistle - like someone whistling a dog. So we carried on and I heard
it again, then a faint shout and a whistle. We shouted but no reply. Then a
whistle again and a flash of torch. Not wanting to leave our line I stayed where
I was and Steve went to investigate. He was ages and I was getting cold. He then
came back leading a very cold lady and her dog. We discussed the best option.
She (Nicki Love) had called MRT and they told her to stay put. But we didn't
want to stay there and nobody knew where we were anyway. We agreed to head off
and call them (on my phone as being a torch had killed Nicki's). Oh we stayed on
that bloody bearing for what seemed like an hour. But after map checking etc
decided we just had to stay on it. Eventually I saw the flags and we all cheered
up. Steve fed and clothed Nicki, I lent her my spare head torch. We found East
of Edale gate and headed down Jacob's Ladder. I turned my roaming stuff back on
(I'd turned it off to save battery) and dialed 999, got through and explained
what we were doing. It was a long slow walk down Jacob's Ladder and anyone that
goes that way on the Trigger must be insane! Nicki had cheered up quite a lot;
she had only expected to be out 2 hours max running (in shorts!!), but had
packed walking waterproofs and over trousers which she had put on. No head torch
and no compass. Halfway down we saw lights which were Edale MRT and so handed
Nicki over. The warmth of the 4x4's was inviting but No we kept our resolve and
ran off. We arrived at Edale at 8.20pm so did 8.10 hours which we're pleased
with. Finding a good F&C's in Glossop and having a chip butty with curry
sauce and two tins of coke finished the night off nicely. Wisp had our not so
nice pork pies!
So that's cheered me up no end and I'll get all the Trigger
stuff collected up now and on the website.
17th Jan - Well I was gutted that with all the organising done
for Trigger (without Steve this year) and the uncertainty about the weather as
there was deep snow about on the Saturday when I put the flags out on Black Hill
- but come Sunday morning my cough was still too bad and my chest very tight so
I made the probably right decision not to race. The clag was well and truly down
and there was heavy showers all day so I was very worried for the 191 runners
that set off. Watching them through Crowden did nothing to alleviate my worries
as half of the runners seemed to have no idea of where to go next. There were
quite a few retirements there which were ferried back to Edale. I got to Edale
and along with Charmian, Jude. Simon, Ian, Jeff and Andy we got the Finish
sorted and just waited. The first runner Nic Barber came in in 3.59 hours (about
20 minutes slower than normal although the aircraft wreck CP addition would have
taken longer to go to without the clag being down). Then we waited another 20
minutes and I was getting more and more worried about the whole field. The
runners and the retirements trickled in until we had all 191 accounted for. 157
finished - however we have had to remove 6 runners from the results as they ran
on the Out of Bounds area. 34 runners retired due to the very bad conditions (we
usually have 5/8 retirements). Apparently the Snake top was bitterly cold. Well
done to all the runners; there were a lot of people very glad to finish and we
were very glad to see them. We raised over £5000 this year for WMRT !!
So Steve is back tonight. The tractor is slowly going back
together but the back end is still just a steel casing with lots of cogs in it.
I ran the Winter Mondays very slowly last night but it was good to find that my
chest would allow some running at last. I might even go and run the Trigger
route very slowly this coming Sunday!
8th January - All go still. The tractor is in many bits, the
weather has turned warmer. I've been on two HPM reccies this weekend - via the
aircraft wreck on Kinder as a Trigger recce detour. All the running I've done
this weekend has been in clag but good to get out with jean, Kirsty and Beth
-plus two or four dogs! Trigger is coming along - and the weather is forecast to
turn colder (and maybe some snow!).
Then I've gone and caught a cold!
Uploaded the Australia photos tonight http://runbg.co.uk/Images/2016/Australia/index.html
The general order is there ie Melbourne with Rosie, Ronnie and Otis, driving
north, Broadwater with Kia, Rob and Jet. Then early Christmas when R&R&O
flew up. Then drive back to Mebourne and Christmas day camping then on the beach
in Melbourne. Hope you follow all that!
4th January - It's been very busy since I got home. The farm was
well looked after by Jim while we were away but the New Holland 5060 tractor
wasn't fixed and so it's been hard for me farming with the older larger tractor
(did I ever tell you about the stone barn and the electric post? - No? Well I'm
just waiting for the third collision to happen). Anyway I persuaded the tractor
man Dan to come and after a couple of days the news wasn't good. Although the
bearing that had disintegrated wasn't that big a job the damage it has done to
another shaft was bad and this shaft can only be removed by an almost total
dismantling of the back axle. So one week on and we're nearly there - it's in
lots of bits!!!
Apart from the tractor the weather has been good (bar New Years
Eve and New Years day), the cows are alive and well (always a plus) and I'm back
running a lot. Maybe too much as I was very tired on the Winter Mondays race so
resting tonight. And I had a quick trip to Berkhamsted to see Charlie, Carol and
Lottie which was lovely.
Australia was brilliant - somewhat varied weather from 17C and
raining to 40C and sweltering. But the SUV AC coped with it well and gave us a
respite from the heat and the flies! The jouney from Melbourne to Broadwater
(and back) was enjoyable and we saw lots of outback, cows, corn growing,
mountains and lakes. Meeting Rob (Kia's fiancé) was lovely and seeing Jett and
Otis growing up was great. http://runbg.co.uk/Images/2016/Australia/index.html