Race: Mynydd Troed fell race, shortened route (7k/550m)
Time/Position: 1:02:54 (38th from 80)
A disastrous start to this year's Welsh fell running championships. My decision to do the 10 mile champs yesterday initially seemed vindicated when our group of North Walian runners arrived in Pengenffordd near Talgarth in gale-force winds and driving rain. Several trees had blown down and the paths were pouring with mud and water. As I'd gambled, the race was shortened, and I hoped this would suit my tired legs. The initial climb up the northerly ridge of Troed felt anything but suitable and was characterised by a ferocious tail wind, which sometimes helped as it blew us upwards, but sometimes came from the side - knocking runners down like skittles and reminding me of the Borrowdale OMM, last year's Carneddau race and numerous other similar outings! I sought the shelter of the lee slopes and crawled up on hands and knees in places: torrential rain throughout, me in tried and tested full battle gear of thermals and waterproofs. The splendid well-defined ridge wasn't as bad, exhilarating rather than desperate, and I began to pick up a few places then took six runners on a superb, if slippy, descent to Cwm Sorgwm. Managed a complete somersault just before the ground levelled off. Then, disaster struck! On emerging at the road, I made the worst error I've ever made on a fell race and stupidly followed the tape of the original route all the way to the farm at Blaenau Draw, instead of just heading up the level road to the right. This lost me several minutes and completely ruined any chance I had, so I just plodded miserably back to retrace my steps to the road and tried to keep a reasonable pace going past several blown-over trees until the very steep second ascent of Mynydd Troed back up the SW slopes to the main summit. I began to tire on this, and lost even more ground as my shattered legs began to protest at what I've put them through this last week. The final descent was always going to be 'interesting' and so it proved as we got a right old battering descending into the teeth of the gale: my waterproofs acting as impromptu parapentes, blowing me back up the slope. More drama was to come, as John returned to the finish with serious hypothermia.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Wrexham 10 mile
Race: Wrexham 10 mile (North Wales Championships)
Time/Position: 58:27 (11th from 116 [2nd V40])
Found myself on the horns of a dilemma before this race. Last Sunday's marathon was still in my legs, as was Wednesday's ferocious Border League climax, and I'd done the full Moel Famau run last night (in superb clarity of rain-washed light, with views of the Lakes and the Isle of Man). More to the point, the first race in the Welsh fell running championships was scheduled for tomorrow near Brecon. But, after a family trip to Chester I took one look at the appalling weather forecast and decided I'd risk this race first. My twisted logic went something like this: it looked like Sunday's race would be either shortened or just a navigation-heavy plod in 'survival' mode, so what harm could a 10 mile race on the roads the day before do? I think it was the right decision. I felt surprisingly comfortable throughout the race, started at 5:50 pace and got into a perfect little group of 4, as we took turns to bear the brunt of the headwind which was distressingly strong in places. It's been a few years since I've done this race, or indeed any 10m race, and this reminded me of what a nice distance it is, the ideal combination of 'speed' (modest in my case) and endurance (ditto). It's not the most scenic of courses, and it had been changed a bit this year, but we kept a steady pace through 5m (28:45), then increased it a bit until the wind picked up at the turn in mile 9. This cost me sub-58, as we all struggled to gain the more sheltered running which led to the finish, losing a bit of time. As always, my lack of finishing kick meant the two lads in my little group pulled away just before the end. Ended up with four prizes later on: 2nd V40 in the Championships, 1st V40 in the open race (although I was actually second), with Buckley winning 1st Veteran team and 2nd team overall. Cue a desperate attempt to recover in time for tomorrow's fell race.
Time/Position: 58:27 (11th from 116 [2nd V40])
Found myself on the horns of a dilemma before this race. Last Sunday's marathon was still in my legs, as was Wednesday's ferocious Border League climax, and I'd done the full Moel Famau run last night (in superb clarity of rain-washed light, with views of the Lakes and the Isle of Man). More to the point, the first race in the Welsh fell running championships was scheduled for tomorrow near Brecon. But, after a family trip to Chester I took one look at the appalling weather forecast and decided I'd risk this race first. My twisted logic went something like this: it looked like Sunday's race would be either shortened or just a navigation-heavy plod in 'survival' mode, so what harm could a 10 mile race on the roads the day before do? I think it was the right decision. I felt surprisingly comfortable throughout the race, started at 5:50 pace and got into a perfect little group of 4, as we took turns to bear the brunt of the headwind which was distressingly strong in places. It's been a few years since I've done this race, or indeed any 10m race, and this reminded me of what a nice distance it is, the ideal combination of 'speed' (modest in my case) and endurance (ditto). It's not the most scenic of courses, and it had been changed a bit this year, but we kept a steady pace through 5m (28:45), then increased it a bit until the wind picked up at the turn in mile 9. This cost me sub-58, as we all struggled to gain the more sheltered running which led to the finish, losing a bit of time. As always, my lack of finishing kick meant the two lads in my little group pulled away just before the end. Ended up with four prizes later on: 2nd V40 in the Championships, 1st V40 in the open race (although I was actually second), with Buckley winning 1st Veteran team and 2nd team overall. Cue a desperate attempt to recover in time for tomorrow's fell race.
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Deeside border league
Race:Deeside 4m+ (Border League race 7)
Time/Position: 23:57 (22nd from 271 [3rd V40])
This was not a particularly pleasant experience. Wet, cold and miserable as we jogged across the Dee to the windswept start. Although I felt OK during the warm up, I knew that this was going to be the archetypal 'big ask' three days after the marathon. That said, I'd done exactly the same thing two years ago (ie. this race 3 days after London) and finished 20th so there were some grounds for optimism. And it all had to be done, as it was the final race of a long season and I had to stay within ten places of another Vet to retain my second place, so set off close to him. He upped his speed after a slowish start, so I did too, then foolishly went past him. Cue a classic trip into the red zone as I blew well before the two mile mark. That was that, I thought, resigned to third place, helpless and in oxygen debt as a dozen runners stormed past me. But, to my great surprise, I managed to recover my breathing and pick up the pace again. It remained a struggle in heavy rain, but I gradually clawed my way back to pass several runners and finish within two places of the other vet and therefore retain second place in my category (and 2nd Vet overall, 107pts) at the enjoyable prize-giving later that evening.
Time/Position: 23:57 (22nd from 271 [3rd V40])
This was not a particularly pleasant experience. Wet, cold and miserable as we jogged across the Dee to the windswept start. Although I felt OK during the warm up, I knew that this was going to be the archetypal 'big ask' three days after the marathon. That said, I'd done exactly the same thing two years ago (ie. this race 3 days after London) and finished 20th so there were some grounds for optimism. And it all had to be done, as it was the final race of a long season and I had to stay within ten places of another Vet to retain my second place, so set off close to him. He upped his speed after a slowish start, so I did too, then foolishly went past him. Cue a classic trip into the red zone as I blew well before the two mile mark. That was that, I thought, resigned to third place, helpless and in oxygen debt as a dozen runners stormed past me. But, to my great surprise, I managed to recover my breathing and pick up the pace again. It remained a struggle in heavy rain, but I gradually clawed my way back to pass several runners and finish within two places of the other vet and therefore retain second place in my category (and 2nd Vet overall, 107pts) at the enjoyable prize-giving later that evening.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
London Marathon
Race: London Marathon
Time/Position: 2:59:07 (1112 from 38000)
This was an opportunity missed, in the sense that conditions were good for decent times - reasonably cool but sunny, with a slightly annoying headwind in places. But having done just two 17-18m road runs in training, I knew that there was no way I could get round in any sort of shape unless I started very slowly. A PB was never on the cards today, let alone the 2:36 that my recent 10k/half marathon times optimistically predicted! I had some endurance in my legs from recent long hill runs and the Excalibur marathon three weeks ago, and that all helped, but in general I just plodded round the first half in 1:28. I then kept to the same gentle pace (four of my 5k splits were exactly 21:25, and two others were within 10 seconds of this) throughout, just concentrating on dipping under 3 hours for the first time since Edinburgh in 2008. This was my 15th marathon, and 5th London, and the atmosphere was, as ever, absolutely electrifying. As with 2010, it was just really nice to feel comfortable enough to absorb it all - and I particularly enjoyed Bermondsey (family support), Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf (ditto).
Time/Position: 2:59:07 (1112 from 38000)
This was an opportunity missed, in the sense that conditions were good for decent times - reasonably cool but sunny, with a slightly annoying headwind in places. But having done just two 17-18m road runs in training, I knew that there was no way I could get round in any sort of shape unless I started very slowly. A PB was never on the cards today, let alone the 2:36 that my recent 10k/half marathon times optimistically predicted! I had some endurance in my legs from recent long hill runs and the Excalibur marathon three weeks ago, and that all helped, but in general I just plodded round the first half in 1:28. I then kept to the same gentle pace (four of my 5k splits were exactly 21:25, and two others were within 10 seconds of this) throughout, just concentrating on dipping under 3 hours for the first time since Edinburgh in 2008. This was my 15th marathon, and 5th London, and the atmosphere was, as ever, absolutely electrifying. As with 2010, it was just really nice to feel comfortable enough to absorb it all - and I particularly enjoyed Bermondsey (family support), Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf (ditto).
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Carneddau hillwalk
Peaks: Foel Dduarth
Area: Carneddau
Fired with enthusiasm after her conquest of Tal y Fan, E was keen for another trip. After doing radio in Bangor, it was a simple matter to incorporate this walk into our journey home. After parking at the Aber Falls site, M unsurprisingly found the steep road tiresome! We skirted Foel Dduarth to the north enjoying superb sea views. The clarity of light was magnificent, with perfect views to the Isle of Man. This is a steep, short ascent - reminding me of the brutal start to day two of the Rab Mountain Marathon last September, which climbed straight up the front of this hill. The pace was gentler this time, and we relaxed on the summit before descending to the col and down into Cwm Anafon to complete a little loop.
Area: Carneddau
Fired with enthusiasm after her conquest of Tal y Fan, E was keen for another trip. After doing radio in Bangor, it was a simple matter to incorporate this walk into our journey home. After parking at the Aber Falls site, M unsurprisingly found the steep road tiresome! We skirted Foel Dduarth to the north enjoying superb sea views. The clarity of light was magnificent, with perfect views to the Isle of Man. This is a steep, short ascent - reminding me of the brutal start to day two of the Rab Mountain Marathon last September, which climbed straight up the front of this hill. The pace was gentler this time, and we relaxed on the summit before descending to the col and down into Cwm Anafon to complete a little loop.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Holyhead climbing
Crag: Penmaen Head, Colwyn Bay
Routes: Tan y Lan Kids (f5:led), Big up the Lizard (f5+:sec)
Crag: Holyhead Mountain, Anglesey
Routes: Pleasant Surprise (HS 4c:led), Teaser (VS 4c:sec), Laceration (VS 5a:sec), Candlestick (HS 4b:led), Tension (VS 4b:led), Black and Tan (VS 4c:sec)
First time on rock since Great Slab on Cloggy over six months ago. As such, this was an ideal shakedown in preparation for our imminent Provence trip, but it started badly in freezing weather at Penmaen Head. We descended to the crag to find an icy northerly blowing directly in to the sunless west face. I led the easy f5 up the juggy flowstone on numb hands before seconding the good f5+ to the left, hands now feeling like useless stumps which is not ideal on fingery limestone, then giving up after the inevitable hot flushes. We retreated to the car then commenced a lengthy detour to Holyhead in search of warmer rock. A heavy shower drenched the town as we arrived, but by the time we'd got to the crag we'd emerged from the other side of it. Very fortunate indeed. Holyhead Mountain is the perfect shakedown venue after a long break from climbing: characterised by well protected routes which often feel like soft touches. We finally got out of the biting wind by heading to the amphitheatre, where I kicked proceedings off with a lead of Pleasant Surprise, a nice route taking a slab and easy crack to a steeper short crux on positive holds. Delightful to be back on sun-drenched rock after half a year away. Vic led the obvious corner line of Teaser, which gives nice climbing on fine jams but is sadly very short. Some spits of rain but generally sunny and warm out of the wind. Laceration has a short and quite fingery crux but continued the simple theme of all the routes in this amphitheatre - another easy slab to a steepening crack. We then moved round to the left-hand buttress, with great sea views. By now, more crystal clear air rendered everything pin sharp. Cold, mind, for my route Candlestick, which took a sunless groove gained by an awkward steep entry move. The groove gave delightful HS climbing again, with abundant gear and nice little bridging moves to a steeper section moving left into the sun at the top. Nice climb at the grade. We finished the day with the two classic VS's on the bigger face further right. My lead, Tension, began with an easy crack which leads to a thread. The continuation crack then gets quite steep with an initially intimidating move left to gain the upper face. It is all as safe as houses, though, and you just know there are going to be huge holds whenever you pull up. Excellent moves gain the top of the crack, then easier but still steep climbing to the top. A splendid pitch. Vic then led Black and Tan, a fine companion route. It is slightly harder and not quite as good, but still gives great climbing as it takes the very obvious traverse line right below the large roof after sharing the initial crack with Tension. Good positive holds under the roof lead to a short technical section to pull out of the crack at the end of the roof. It was a bit frustrating to have missed all the fine rock climbing weather in March due to other commitments, but this was a pleasant consolation and a nice way to start the season.
Routes: Tan y Lan Kids (f5:led), Big up the Lizard (f5+:sec)
Crag: Holyhead Mountain, Anglesey
Routes: Pleasant Surprise (HS 4c:led), Teaser (VS 4c:sec), Laceration (VS 5a:sec), Candlestick (HS 4b:led), Tension (VS 4b:led), Black and Tan (VS 4c:sec)
First time on rock since Great Slab on Cloggy over six months ago. As such, this was an ideal shakedown in preparation for our imminent Provence trip, but it started badly in freezing weather at Penmaen Head. We descended to the crag to find an icy northerly blowing directly in to the sunless west face. I led the easy f5 up the juggy flowstone on numb hands before seconding the good f5+ to the left, hands now feeling like useless stumps which is not ideal on fingery limestone, then giving up after the inevitable hot flushes. We retreated to the car then commenced a lengthy detour to Holyhead in search of warmer rock. A heavy shower drenched the town as we arrived, but by the time we'd got to the crag we'd emerged from the other side of it. Very fortunate indeed. Holyhead Mountain is the perfect shakedown venue after a long break from climbing: characterised by well protected routes which often feel like soft touches. We finally got out of the biting wind by heading to the amphitheatre, where I kicked proceedings off with a lead of Pleasant Surprise, a nice route taking a slab and easy crack to a steeper short crux on positive holds. Delightful to be back on sun-drenched rock after half a year away. Vic led the obvious corner line of Teaser, which gives nice climbing on fine jams but is sadly very short. Some spits of rain but generally sunny and warm out of the wind. Laceration has a short and quite fingery crux but continued the simple theme of all the routes in this amphitheatre - another easy slab to a steepening crack. We then moved round to the left-hand buttress, with great sea views. By now, more crystal clear air rendered everything pin sharp. Cold, mind, for my route Candlestick, which took a sunless groove gained by an awkward steep entry move. The groove gave delightful HS climbing again, with abundant gear and nice little bridging moves to a steeper section moving left into the sun at the top. Nice climb at the grade. We finished the day with the two classic VS's on the bigger face further right. My lead, Tension, began with an easy crack which leads to a thread. The continuation crack then gets quite steep with an initially intimidating move left to gain the upper face. It is all as safe as houses, though, and you just know there are going to be huge holds whenever you pull up. Excellent moves gain the top of the crack, then easier but still steep climbing to the top. A splendid pitch. Vic then led Black and Tan, a fine companion route. It is slightly harder and not quite as good, but still gives great climbing as it takes the very obvious traverse line right below the large roof after sharing the initial crack with Tension. Good positive holds under the roof lead to a short technical section to pull out of the crack at the end of the roof. It was a bit frustrating to have missed all the fine rock climbing weather in March due to other commitments, but this was a pleasant consolation and a nice way to start the season.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Llandegla biking
MTB Route: Llandegla Blue Circuit
Distance/Climb: 12k/200m
With M for his first real mountain bike trip. He rejected the green easiest route, probably rightly as it is only 5k and he was keen for some downhill action. The zigzag climb, followed by the long haul past the black grouse hide was the crux for M's young legs, but a judicious supply of biscuits and juice saw him through. I've probably done the red route 30 times but I'd never done blue before - so I was surprised by the quality of the downhill sections. M loved the first section leading to True Blue, before more excellent singletrack led to great views of the Clwydians. We stopped for a rest, with me doing a few hill reps, then continued to the lake. A great baptism for M: he really enjoyed it. Lovely weather too, still chilly, but bracing clarity of light.
Distance/Climb: 12k/200m
With M for his first real mountain bike trip. He rejected the green easiest route, probably rightly as it is only 5k and he was keen for some downhill action. The zigzag climb, followed by the long haul past the black grouse hide was the crux for M's young legs, but a judicious supply of biscuits and juice saw him through. I've probably done the red route 30 times but I'd never done blue before - so I was surprised by the quality of the downhill sections. M loved the first section leading to True Blue, before more excellent singletrack led to great views of the Clwydians. We stopped for a rest, with me doing a few hill reps, then continued to the lake. A great baptism for M: he really enjoyed it. Lovely weather too, still chilly, but bracing clarity of light.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Tal y Fan
Peaks: Tal y Fan
Area: Carneddau
After a week in the sunshine of Tunisia (and Sussex!) an Easter break in Conwy started wet and windy. But prospects seemed brighter this morning, and E was intent on a trip to Snowdonia. The weather was clearly awful in the centre of the park, but although it stayed cold throughout this was a lovely walk up Tal y Fan in great conditions of sunburst and light showers, the light ever changing. E wanted to see ravens, and we got two right on the summit. This was her first ever Snowdonian peak, although M went up Tal y Fan in my backpack aged 2 months! A lovely run round the Conwy half marathon course later in the afternoon: superb clarity of light for the sea views round the Orme, although a head wind and unpleasant squally hail shower made life uncomfortable on the return leg back to Conwy via the West Shore.
Area: Carneddau
After a week in the sunshine of Tunisia (and Sussex!) an Easter break in Conwy started wet and windy. But prospects seemed brighter this morning, and E was intent on a trip to Snowdonia. The weather was clearly awful in the centre of the park, but although it stayed cold throughout this was a lovely walk up Tal y Fan in great conditions of sunburst and light showers, the light ever changing. E wanted to see ravens, and we got two right on the summit. This was her first ever Snowdonian peak, although M went up Tal y Fan in my backpack aged 2 months! A lovely run round the Conwy half marathon course later in the afternoon: superb clarity of light for the sea views round the Orme, although a head wind and unpleasant squally hail shower made life uncomfortable on the return leg back to Conwy via the West Shore.
Sunday, April 01, 2012
Christleton border league
Race: Christleton 9k (Border League race 6)
Time/Position: 33:39 (36th from 256 [6th V40])
This was always going to be a little tiring, following yesterday's marathon, but since this season's final race also comes just after London I thought I might as well give it a bash. I tried to rationalise it as an energetic warm-down, justifiable given the snail's pace at which I competed in yesterday's event! The legs were inevitably rather sore for the first couple of miles, but I gradually began to feel better throughout the race and started to pick up a few places over the off road section and particularly during the final gentle climb back to Christleton. Finished 24 places down on race 5 at Mold, but still enjoyed the race in more beautiful weather.
Time/Position: 33:39 (36th from 256 [6th V40])
This was always going to be a little tiring, following yesterday's marathon, but since this season's final race also comes just after London I thought I might as well give it a bash. I tried to rationalise it as an energetic warm-down, justifiable given the snail's pace at which I competed in yesterday's event! The legs were inevitably rather sore for the first couple of miles, but I gradually began to feel better throughout the race and started to pick up a few places over the off road section and particularly during the final gentle climb back to Christleton. Finished 24 places down on race 5 at Mold, but still enjoyed the race in more beautiful weather.
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