Race: Clwydian Hills (10m/3100ft)
Time/Position: 1:25:11 (8th/89)
An encouraging performance in yesterday's race, which I've always felt to be the toughest local (NE Wales) fell race: constant steep climbs and fast descents with no real respite throughout the course. It really makes the most of the range! Conditions yesterday were challenging, a combination of snow, slush and deep mud making life tricky in places. I wasn't too far off the pace for once, a definite improvement. Kept it going quite well over the initial long climb up Moel Dywyll, then a fast descent down to the Vale side, before the brutal long climb back onto the ridge. Picked a good line through the heather to Nant y Ne and managed to climb the dreaded gully (wading through waist-deep snow at the top) reasonably quickly, before a good fast descent, with more drifts in places, allowed me to continue to pick up a few places before an unwelcome sprint finish in which I just about kept my 8th place. My third time up Moel Famau in as many days. Ran up with Neil on Friday night. It was virtually dark as we reached the top under glowering cloud, but thick snow drifts (in places) helped with the visibility, if not the running. Then had a family walk up from Penbarras in the slush with Rich and Mel on the Saturday.
Monday, November 03, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
OMM Borrowdale
Race: OMM
Peaks: Base Brown, Dale Head
Area: Borrowdale/Buttermere, Lake District
Time/Position: 3:59:43 / 19th from 136 finishers (400? entrants)
The weekend's events at Borrowdale have already entered into the realms of fell running and mountaineering folklore. Suffice to say it was a memorable experience, with a striking contrast between the calm competence of the competitors and media hyperbole/deliberate lack of context. Partner Paul and I spent a windy Friday night sleeping in the car at Seathwaite, then began the C course at 9.12. Wasn't really the course I wanted to do (would have preferred long score) but nevertheless happy to be there and looking forward to the challenge of what we all knew were forecast to be very bad conditions later on. A bit windy, but dry with a fairly high cloud base as we set off up Styhead gill for the first checkpoint near a stream source below a spur running down from the summit of Base Brown. Began to get quite windy, and rather wet, as we climbed to check one. But then conditions got considerably better as we dropped down into the Sour Milk Gill valley leading down to Raven Crag. Going well at this point, climbing up to the plateau and easily locating the eastern knoll containing checkpoint two. Shortly before the check we had a taste of things to come with a ferocious gust which knocked us sideways. But the wind was at our backs for a fast descent over tussocks to the Honister road. The number of runners was already diminishing, and very few seemed to choose our route up to the third check, which involved contouring the hill to pick up a wall above Seatoller and fence line leading to the plateau above Tongue Gill. At this point, things got really interesting. The rain was now torrential, and stingingly horizontal, with the wind becoming unusually strong: the 110mph gusts forecast hadn't yet materialised, but began to as we ploughed along a series of little spurs very quickly with the wind at our backs. After checkpoint 3, we had to head back the way we'd come, to the col above Tongue gill. But with the wind in our face, this was a real struggle. I was blown over quite a bit, and was blown headlong into Paul at one point. One unavoidable fact now presented itself. The shortened course directed us from check 3 to check 9. But the obvious route was over the Dale Head ridge via the summit! I'd done this ridge a couple of years ago: it was clearly going to be awkward. We forded a stream in spate then began the long climb. My map was ripped from my hands early on, and it was hard to move fast enough to generate enough heat to counter the increasing cold. Impossible to stay dry, and knocked to the ground even on this lee slope. The crossing of Dale Head itself and along the ridge below Hindscarth will stay with me for some time. A biblical struggle, all pairs linking arms for extra stability. I've been knocked down by wind in the mountains before, but never as frequently as this, and I've never been pinned to the ground for such sustained periods of time. We stuck to the windward side of the ridge and made slow progress along the ridge - a real challenge, but I felt fine and warm at this point, and even managed to run some of the ridge which was a very satisfying and enjoyable test of hillcraft. A bellyflop into the wind got us over the fence and down to checkpoint 9 in a shallow gully. An easy run-in to the last checkpoint in heavy rain saw us checked in at the overnight camp in around 3:59, a pleasing 4th place at this point. Got the tent pitched in very bad conditions, changed clothes and we were just about to get the stoves on when somebody shouted that the race had been cancelled. Some disappointment, particularly since this is the second time I've retired from the OMM in circumstances beyond my control! As we took the tent down, a tremendous gust ripped it from the pegs, shearing one of the poles. It took flight with all my gear still inside, landing on barbed wire and tearing the fabric. Still, I've had it for 20 years and it's done me proud. If the trip over Dale Head has already assumed legendary status, the walk back to the car at HQ was equally memorable: wouldn't have missed it for the world. The winds got progressively stronger as we reached the top of the pass, with deep roars preceding the worst gusts and runners knocked over and in some cases pushed back down the road whilst on the ground. I remember looking up at one point into what seemed like a wall of white water as river and hillside merged. Great stuff, and thoroughly enjoyable with the satisfaction of completing the course in trying conditions. The road down to Seathwaite was waist deep as we made our way back to the barn, cars floating and Sour Milk gill an Alpine torrent. Nice spirit of camaraderie as we recovered with soup in the barn, and retired to the car for dry clothes, warm sleeping backs and glenfiddich. Passed a pleasant evening, and pushed the car out of the mud next morning, when the magnitude of the media storm gradually became apparent.
Peaks: Base Brown, Dale Head
Area: Borrowdale/Buttermere, Lake District
Time/Position: 3:59:43 / 19th from 136 finishers (400? entrants)
The weekend's events at Borrowdale have already entered into the realms of fell running and mountaineering folklore. Suffice to say it was a memorable experience, with a striking contrast between the calm competence of the competitors and media hyperbole/deliberate lack of context. Partner Paul and I spent a windy Friday night sleeping in the car at Seathwaite, then began the C course at 9.12. Wasn't really the course I wanted to do (would have preferred long score) but nevertheless happy to be there and looking forward to the challenge of what we all knew were forecast to be very bad conditions later on. A bit windy, but dry with a fairly high cloud base as we set off up Styhead gill for the first checkpoint near a stream source below a spur running down from the summit of Base Brown. Began to get quite windy, and rather wet, as we climbed to check one. But then conditions got considerably better as we dropped down into the Sour Milk Gill valley leading down to Raven Crag. Going well at this point, climbing up to the plateau and easily locating the eastern knoll containing checkpoint two. Shortly before the check we had a taste of things to come with a ferocious gust which knocked us sideways. But the wind was at our backs for a fast descent over tussocks to the Honister road. The number of runners was already diminishing, and very few seemed to choose our route up to the third check, which involved contouring the hill to pick up a wall above Seatoller and fence line leading to the plateau above Tongue Gill. At this point, things got really interesting. The rain was now torrential, and stingingly horizontal, with the wind becoming unusually strong: the 110mph gusts forecast hadn't yet materialised, but began to as we ploughed along a series of little spurs very quickly with the wind at our backs. After checkpoint 3, we had to head back the way we'd come, to the col above Tongue gill. But with the wind in our face, this was a real struggle. I was blown over quite a bit, and was blown headlong into Paul at one point. One unavoidable fact now presented itself. The shortened course directed us from check 3 to check 9. But the obvious route was over the Dale Head ridge via the summit! I'd done this ridge a couple of years ago: it was clearly going to be awkward. We forded a stream in spate then began the long climb. My map was ripped from my hands early on, and it was hard to move fast enough to generate enough heat to counter the increasing cold. Impossible to stay dry, and knocked to the ground even on this lee slope. The crossing of Dale Head itself and along the ridge below Hindscarth will stay with me for some time. A biblical struggle, all pairs linking arms for extra stability. I've been knocked down by wind in the mountains before, but never as frequently as this, and I've never been pinned to the ground for such sustained periods of time. We stuck to the windward side of the ridge and made slow progress along the ridge - a real challenge, but I felt fine and warm at this point, and even managed to run some of the ridge which was a very satisfying and enjoyable test of hillcraft. A bellyflop into the wind got us over the fence and down to checkpoint 9 in a shallow gully. An easy run-in to the last checkpoint in heavy rain saw us checked in at the overnight camp in around 3:59, a pleasing 4th place at this point. Got the tent pitched in very bad conditions, changed clothes and we were just about to get the stoves on when somebody shouted that the race had been cancelled. Some disappointment, particularly since this is the second time I've retired from the OMM in circumstances beyond my control! As we took the tent down, a tremendous gust ripped it from the pegs, shearing one of the poles. It took flight with all my gear still inside, landing on barbed wire and tearing the fabric. Still, I've had it for 20 years and it's done me proud. If the trip over Dale Head has already assumed legendary status, the walk back to the car at HQ was equally memorable: wouldn't have missed it for the world. The winds got progressively stronger as we reached the top of the pass, with deep roars preceding the worst gusts and runners knocked over and in some cases pushed back down the road whilst on the ground. I remember looking up at one point into what seemed like a wall of white water as river and hillside merged. Great stuff, and thoroughly enjoyable with the satisfaction of completing the course in trying conditions. The road down to Seathwaite was waist deep as we made our way back to the barn, cars floating and Sour Milk gill an Alpine torrent. Nice spirit of camaraderie as we recovered with soup in the barn, and retired to the car for dry clothes, warm sleeping backs and glenfiddich. Passed a pleasant evening, and pushed the car out of the mud next morning, when the magnitude of the media storm gradually became apparent.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Frodsham bouldering
A quick evening bouldering trip to Frodsham yesterday in pleasant autumnal sunshine: soft light and falling leaves. As usual, this ferociously steep crag spat me off almost everything, but some low level traverses and a route or two (twin cracks etc) made for a good workout. Finished off with a jog over Woodhouse hill, and a small section of the sandstone trail. Resting now before the OMM this weekend. The forecast is absolutely shocking, so all bets are off...
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
British fell race relays
Race: British fell race relay championship
Area: Llangynhafal (Moel Famau, Moel y Gaer)
Time/Position: 1:25:01, leg 2 (46/119)
A really enjoyable first for me last Sunday, as the British fell race relay championships came to the Clwydians. Buckley got a team together for this cracking event, really well organised with a great atmosphere (130-odd teams of 6 runners). I ran with Jez on the second, longest leg. Genuinely exciting as we waited with the other teams at the start above Llangynhafal, watching for team-mate Dave to crest the ridge at the end of the first leg and hand over the 'baton'. Our leg was about 9 miles, 2800ft of climbing, really making the most of the range. Went quite well, with a long climb onto the ridge, then descent down to the reservoir above Cilcain, then another long climb back SW to the bridleway and up to the top of Moel Famau. Great running down the fence line, then the 'hot foot up famau' route. Steep, muddy descent which suited me well, followed by the desperate climb up Moel y Gaer. Then another climb before a terrific eyeballs-out descent down to Nant y Ne, then contouring round to the final climb and exhilarating finish. We finished 46th on our leg, gaining 17 places, in 1:25. Clearly, a very strong field, with the elite of British fell running present. Worked quite well as a pair, Jez slowing down for me on the climbs, while I was able to make up some ground on the steeper descents. Great to be part of a team event like this: we managed a respectable 51st place overall (4:31 cumulative time) after the four legs.
Area: Llangynhafal (Moel Famau, Moel y Gaer)
Time/Position: 1:25:01, leg 2 (46/119)
A really enjoyable first for me last Sunday, as the British fell race relay championships came to the Clwydians. Buckley got a team together for this cracking event, really well organised with a great atmosphere (130-odd teams of 6 runners). I ran with Jez on the second, longest leg. Genuinely exciting as we waited with the other teams at the start above Llangynhafal, watching for team-mate Dave to crest the ridge at the end of the first leg and hand over the 'baton'. Our leg was about 9 miles, 2800ft of climbing, really making the most of the range. Went quite well, with a long climb onto the ridge, then descent down to the reservoir above Cilcain, then another long climb back SW to the bridleway and up to the top of Moel Famau. Great running down the fence line, then the 'hot foot up famau' route. Steep, muddy descent which suited me well, followed by the desperate climb up Moel y Gaer. Then another climb before a terrific eyeballs-out descent down to Nant y Ne, then contouring round to the final climb and exhilarating finish. We finished 46th on our leg, gaining 17 places, in 1:25. Clearly, a very strong field, with the elite of British fell running present. Worked quite well as a pair, Jez slowing down for me on the climbs, while I was able to make up some ground on the steeper descents. Great to be part of a team event like this: we managed a respectable 51st place overall (4:31 cumulative time) after the four legs.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Eglwyseg climbing
Crag: Trevor rocks, Eglwyseg
Routes/grade: Clue, So? (f4: led), Forensic Science (f5: led), Forever the Suspect (f6a+: sec), Fudd for Thought (f5: led), Haven't got a clue (f6a: led), SND (f4: sec)
First real climbing for several months this evening, with Alwyn on the bolted routes at Trevor. Conditions were hardly ideal: a cold wind meant cold hands, which along with inevitably muddy shoes and damp, greasy rock made life difficult. In addition, these routes are becoming very polished, despite their less than classic nature, but I suppose the reason is obvious. Started with a steady lead of Clue, So (f4) in a cold wind, then led Forensic Science (f5) with muddy shoes (another route I'd done before). Clumsily seconded Forever the Suspect (f6a+), delicate and technical. This is one of the better routes here, but conditions were poor for this sort of climbing: small, sharp holds hard to feel in the cold wind, and I took several rests. Lots of drainage streaks made most routes impossible, but I did manage a lead of Fudd for Thought (f5). Short and slabby, complete with seepage and therefore awkward. Finished with a reasonable lead of Haven't got a clue (f6a with one bolt grab in slippery conditions). Nice calcite rock, little pinch grips, but all over after 10m. Finished with SND (f4), and followed up with a run from Trevor up and over Dinas Bran, past the castle and down to the old race route contouring the hill to climb back up to Panorama. Nice autumunal scenes, but always exhausting to run after climbing (esp given intervals yesterday).
Routes/grade: Clue, So? (f4: led), Forensic Science (f5: led), Forever the Suspect (f6a+: sec), Fudd for Thought (f5: led), Haven't got a clue (f6a: led), SND (f4: sec)
First real climbing for several months this evening, with Alwyn on the bolted routes at Trevor. Conditions were hardly ideal: a cold wind meant cold hands, which along with inevitably muddy shoes and damp, greasy rock made life difficult. In addition, these routes are becoming very polished, despite their less than classic nature, but I suppose the reason is obvious. Started with a steady lead of Clue, So (f4) in a cold wind, then led Forensic Science (f5) with muddy shoes (another route I'd done before). Clumsily seconded Forever the Suspect (f6a+), delicate and technical. This is one of the better routes here, but conditions were poor for this sort of climbing: small, sharp holds hard to feel in the cold wind, and I took several rests. Lots of drainage streaks made most routes impossible, but I did manage a lead of Fudd for Thought (f5). Short and slabby, complete with seepage and therefore awkward. Finished with a reasonable lead of Haven't got a clue (f6a with one bolt grab in slippery conditions). Nice calcite rock, little pinch grips, but all over after 10m. Finished with SND (f4), and followed up with a run from Trevor up and over Dinas Bran, past the castle and down to the old race route contouring the hill to climb back up to Panorama. Nice autumunal scenes, but always exhausting to run after climbing (esp given intervals yesterday).
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Border league, Christleton
Race: Christleton 9.5k (border league race 1)
Time/Position: 36:21 (44/289)
First short road race since April on Sunday: the first fixture in the 08-09 Border League season. As such, it was inevitably a shock to the system, and tough going, after a summer in the hills. Reasonably satisfied with 44th place, from a seemingly weaker than usual field of 289. A beautiful sunny day, though, for my second attempt at this nice rural Cheshire circuit. I'm definitely some way off the pace at the moment, maybe a minute or more off last year's 10k pace. Been back on the intervals for a few months now, but again generally a few seconds down. Ran up Famau last two Friday's, but in general fairly slack with the training.
Time/Position: 36:21 (44/289)
First short road race since April on Sunday: the first fixture in the 08-09 Border League season. As such, it was inevitably a shock to the system, and tough going, after a summer in the hills. Reasonably satisfied with 44th place, from a seemingly weaker than usual field of 289. A beautiful sunny day, though, for my second attempt at this nice rural Cheshire circuit. I'm definitely some way off the pace at the moment, maybe a minute or more off last year's 10k pace. Been back on the intervals for a few months now, but again generally a few seconds down. Ran up Famau last two Friday's, but in general fairly slack with the training.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Rab mountain marathon
Race: Rab Mountain Marathon
Peaks: Carrock Fell, Bowscale Fell, Little Cockup, Skiddaw, Lonscale Fell, Coomb
Area: Back o'Skidda, Cumbria
Time/pts/position: Day 1(300), Day 2(210) 9th/54 SM
A fantastic weekend at the Rab mountain marathon, Back O'Skidda in the northern Lakes. Really pleased with my performance, especially since it was basically my first proper mountain marathon after last year's disappointing 'half OMM'! Slept in Dan's van on Friday night and woke to a promising morning: weather ideal throughout, largely sunny but relatively cool. The Rab is a fantastic event: score classes only, so a real navigational test, and it was good to be able to enter solo. Formed a vague plan after getting the controls on day one. After a couple of easy controls, contoured round Low Pike to Carrock Beck and a third control, then steeply up Miton Hill to another just west of Carrock Fell summit. Sunny now, with tremendous views over the interesting terrain south to Blencathra and north to Galloway. A great area for this kind of event, feels remote. The toughest leg then followed, with my plans for a high scoring check over Bowscale Fell involving an awful descent down bracken and boulders to Roundhouse - fell face first into a bog at one point. Then tried to pick the best line over east shoulder of Bowscale to the high scoring control hidden in a sheepfold above a small beck. Headed west easily to a control on Blackhazel Beck and took stock at half way point. Realised I was well ahead of my cautious schedule, and feeling strong, so climbed over Mungrisdale below Blencathra to pick up more points via Sinen Gill. Worked gradually back, remaining cautious, picking up two more controls via the handy Cumbrian way path, descending past Whitewater dash to the valley NE towards Meal Fell, then cunningly NW through the narrow hidden valley of Trusmadoor. Superb access to gain a final control then very satisfyingly back (but 25 mins early, far too cautious) to the lovely campsite in a wooded glade. Rather cold night, feeling limitations of equipment (my sac weighed nearly 7kgs, not exactly state of the art), but meeting up with Dan and friends. I was in 11th place in my category, with 300 points after day one. After some drizzly rain in the night, started at 8am next day in cool clear weather. An immediate climb up Little Cockup was a good wake-up call, I then chose to head immediately south to go for the big value controls on Skiddaw, partly because a cloud inversion was obviously developing and I wanted to see it! Very few runners headed up for these big checks, and nobody chose the same route as me, which was odd as the second day route immediately leapt out at me, and I stuck to my initial plan throughout. A very steep climb through the mist lead above Dead Crags to the shoulder of Skiddaw itself. Then the highlight of the weekend, when I popped through the mist to great views out over the Solway firth and then great running contouring Skiddaw in bright early sunshine with a clearing cloud inversion in the valley to the north - no other runners in sight - to pick up a big value control hidden in a beck below Little Man. Then more contouring over Jenkin Hill to pick up another on Lonsdale Hill, again alone. Then down in superb weather to the Cumbrian Way, but this time heading NE up the Caldew Valley. A good decision, but again cautious. Headed up the last real climb NW to a control below Coomb, then a line across moorland to Iron Crag and a poor, very steep route down to Roughton Gill, losing concentration after 11 hours in the saddle! One more hard-to-find control then back to the finish in Fellside, too early again, but deliberately cautious, just wanting to finish respectably and without penalties. Managed a reasonable 210 points on day two, for a total of 510 points and 9th senior male overall (no seperate solo class), perhaps 23rd in total from a few hundred entries. Very pleased with this, bodes well for future events, and nice to be able to do this one solo. Really enjoyable and satisfying weekend.
Peaks: Carrock Fell, Bowscale Fell, Little Cockup, Skiddaw, Lonscale Fell, Coomb
Area: Back o'Skidda, Cumbria
Time/pts/position: Day 1(300), Day 2(210) 9th/54 SM
A fantastic weekend at the Rab mountain marathon, Back O'Skidda in the northern Lakes. Really pleased with my performance, especially since it was basically my first proper mountain marathon after last year's disappointing 'half OMM'! Slept in Dan's van on Friday night and woke to a promising morning: weather ideal throughout, largely sunny but relatively cool. The Rab is a fantastic event: score classes only, so a real navigational test, and it was good to be able to enter solo. Formed a vague plan after getting the controls on day one. After a couple of easy controls, contoured round Low Pike to Carrock Beck and a third control, then steeply up Miton Hill to another just west of Carrock Fell summit. Sunny now, with tremendous views over the interesting terrain south to Blencathra and north to Galloway. A great area for this kind of event, feels remote. The toughest leg then followed, with my plans for a high scoring check over Bowscale Fell involving an awful descent down bracken and boulders to Roundhouse - fell face first into a bog at one point. Then tried to pick the best line over east shoulder of Bowscale to the high scoring control hidden in a sheepfold above a small beck. Headed west easily to a control on Blackhazel Beck and took stock at half way point. Realised I was well ahead of my cautious schedule, and feeling strong, so climbed over Mungrisdale below Blencathra to pick up more points via Sinen Gill. Worked gradually back, remaining cautious, picking up two more controls via the handy Cumbrian way path, descending past Whitewater dash to the valley NE towards Meal Fell, then cunningly NW through the narrow hidden valley of Trusmadoor. Superb access to gain a final control then very satisfyingly back (but 25 mins early, far too cautious) to the lovely campsite in a wooded glade. Rather cold night, feeling limitations of equipment (my sac weighed nearly 7kgs, not exactly state of the art), but meeting up with Dan and friends. I was in 11th place in my category, with 300 points after day one. After some drizzly rain in the night, started at 8am next day in cool clear weather. An immediate climb up Little Cockup was a good wake-up call, I then chose to head immediately south to go for the big value controls on Skiddaw, partly because a cloud inversion was obviously developing and I wanted to see it! Very few runners headed up for these big checks, and nobody chose the same route as me, which was odd as the second day route immediately leapt out at me, and I stuck to my initial plan throughout. A very steep climb through the mist lead above Dead Crags to the shoulder of Skiddaw itself. Then the highlight of the weekend, when I popped through the mist to great views out over the Solway firth and then great running contouring Skiddaw in bright early sunshine with a clearing cloud inversion in the valley to the north - no other runners in sight - to pick up a big value control hidden in a beck below Little Man. Then more contouring over Jenkin Hill to pick up another on Lonsdale Hill, again alone. Then down in superb weather to the Cumbrian Way, but this time heading NE up the Caldew Valley. A good decision, but again cautious. Headed up the last real climb NW to a control below Coomb, then a line across moorland to Iron Crag and a poor, very steep route down to Roughton Gill, losing concentration after 11 hours in the saddle! One more hard-to-find control then back to the finish in Fellside, too early again, but deliberately cautious, just wanting to finish respectably and without penalties. Managed a reasonable 210 points on day two, for a total of 510 points and 9th senior male overall (no seperate solo class), perhaps 23rd in total from a few hundred entries. Very pleased with this, bodes well for future events, and nice to be able to do this one solo. Really enjoyable and satisfying weekend.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Pedol Peris fell race
Race: Peris Horseshoe fell race (18m/8500ft)
Peaks: Elidir Fach, Elidir Fawr, Y Garn, Glyder Fawr, Lliwedd, Snowdon, Moel Cynghorion
Area: Glyderau/Wyddfa, Eryri
Time/Position: 4:50:31 (29/62)
A really disappointing performance in the Peris horseshoe race on Saturday. Felt I'd prepared quite well for it, had the mileage and the hills in my legs, but things really didn't go to plan. The first half went quite well, steady from Llanberis through the quarries - quite interesting in near perfect conditions of high cloud and occasional sunshine. Then steeply up to and over Elidir Fach before the scree climb up to Elidir Fawr. Started to pick up places over the awkward terrain on the ridge down to the Bwlch, then steady running on the contouring path before the long climb up Y Garn. Good descent down to Llyn y Cwn, then direct up the stream bed to Glyder Fawr (for me, slower than the normal route). Over the top of Glyder Fawr, then a good descent picking the best line in the sunshine down to Pen y Pass in 2:01. So quite well placed, and feeling good. As a result, I didn't take on board enough water and that was to be my downfall. Went well up to towards Lliwedd initially, but then started to blow up. Struggled painfully up Lliwedd, then made up some ground down to Bwlch y Saethau. But massive dehydration picked in up the East ridge to Snowdon - lost it completely, desperate for water and unable to maintain any kind of pace. Neil kindly waited for me, later telling me I looked dreadful at this point. I lost maybe 15+ places and at least half an hour. Recovered with some water on the summit, and perked up a bit for the descent down the Snowdon Ranger path to the final climb up Moel Cynghorion. Steep descent down to Maesgwm was brutal but then felt fine for the final descent back to Llanberis. A frustrating day, comfortably the most disappointing race of the year. But a cracking, classic event in perfect weather, and nice to have done the big two Welsh fell races this summer.
Peaks: Elidir Fach, Elidir Fawr, Y Garn, Glyder Fawr, Lliwedd, Snowdon, Moel Cynghorion
Area: Glyderau/Wyddfa, Eryri
Time/Position: 4:50:31 (29/62)
A really disappointing performance in the Peris horseshoe race on Saturday. Felt I'd prepared quite well for it, had the mileage and the hills in my legs, but things really didn't go to plan. The first half went quite well, steady from Llanberis through the quarries - quite interesting in near perfect conditions of high cloud and occasional sunshine. Then steeply up to and over Elidir Fach before the scree climb up to Elidir Fawr. Started to pick up places over the awkward terrain on the ridge down to the Bwlch, then steady running on the contouring path before the long climb up Y Garn. Good descent down to Llyn y Cwn, then direct up the stream bed to Glyder Fawr (for me, slower than the normal route). Over the top of Glyder Fawr, then a good descent picking the best line in the sunshine down to Pen y Pass in 2:01. So quite well placed, and feeling good. As a result, I didn't take on board enough water and that was to be my downfall. Went well up to towards Lliwedd initially, but then started to blow up. Struggled painfully up Lliwedd, then made up some ground down to Bwlch y Saethau. But massive dehydration picked in up the East ridge to Snowdon - lost it completely, desperate for water and unable to maintain any kind of pace. Neil kindly waited for me, later telling me I looked dreadful at this point. I lost maybe 15+ places and at least half an hour. Recovered with some water on the summit, and perked up a bit for the descent down the Snowdon Ranger path to the final climb up Moel Cynghorion. Steep descent down to Maesgwm was brutal but then felt fine for the final descent back to Llanberis. A frustrating day, comfortably the most disappointing race of the year. But a cracking, classic event in perfect weather, and nice to have done the big two Welsh fell races this summer.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Celyn XC race
Race: Celyn multi-terrain race (5m)
Time/Position: 32:27 (4th/12)
A disappointing performance yesterday in this two lap cross-country race around Northop college. Tiny field, but still unable to finish higher than 4th! Did feel a bit tired, and I suppose it's my first fast short race for a good few months, but never really got going. The race is good, though, with some steep muddy climbs and plenty of waterlogged fields. Recovered pleasantly at an afternoon beer festival.
Time/Position: 32:27 (4th/12)
A disappointing performance yesterday in this two lap cross-country race around Northop college. Tiny field, but still unable to finish higher than 4th! Did feel a bit tired, and I suppose it's my first fast short race for a good few months, but never really got going. The race is good, though, with some steep muddy climbs and plenty of waterlogged fields. Recovered pleasantly at an afternoon beer festival.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
South Rib, Tryfan
Peaks: Tryfan
Routes/Grade: South Rib (M/III)
Sunny weather for a change, but rather tired after a faster-than-usual run up Moel Famau yesterday evening. With a race scheduled tomorrow, a mild scramble seemed the best option. Set off up the Heather Terrace with Rich, scratched around on the ribs left of Arete Climb (soloed in 1992?), to the point of actually leading a 50m pitch up one of them, before finally locating South Rib at the extreme left of the east face. It's not a bad route, starting with a broken rib and open groove leading to a platform. Then a nice second pitch up a gangway to a thrutchy chimney, then along a ramp to an exposed notch followed by excellent easy climbing up the rib crest for 15m or so. Used a single 9mm rope with a couple of slings, but the rest was easy: skirting a green chimney to a traverse back to the main ridge, then easily up to another thrutchy chimney and a final easy rib to another traverse up to the South Summit. After lunch in pleasant sunshine on the top of Tryfan, descended S Ridge to the valley and Ogwen. First outing on rock, even very easy rock, since Provence.
Routes/Grade: South Rib (M/III)
Sunny weather for a change, but rather tired after a faster-than-usual run up Moel Famau yesterday evening. With a race scheduled tomorrow, a mild scramble seemed the best option. Set off up the Heather Terrace with Rich, scratched around on the ribs left of Arete Climb (soloed in 1992?), to the point of actually leading a 50m pitch up one of them, before finally locating South Rib at the extreme left of the east face. It's not a bad route, starting with a broken rib and open groove leading to a platform. Then a nice second pitch up a gangway to a thrutchy chimney, then along a ramp to an exposed notch followed by excellent easy climbing up the rib crest for 15m or so. Used a single 9mm rope with a couple of slings, but the rest was easy: skirting a green chimney to a traverse back to the main ridge, then easily up to another thrutchy chimney and a final easy rib to another traverse up to the South Summit. After lunch in pleasant sunshine on the top of Tryfan, descended S Ridge to the valley and Ogwen. First outing on rock, even very easy rock, since Provence.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Clwydian runs
A quieter few days, the awful weather continues to render most options unappealing. Ran the Druid route up Foel Fenlli via Penbarras from Llanferres in a rare dry interlude this morning. Rather tired after a decent set of intervals last night (3:21 average, as last week, so gradually regaining). Recovered quite well from the big outing last week, enough to run up Moel Famau on the Friday and push the weekly mileage close to 50 again.
Friday, September 05, 2008
Ogwen/Ffrancon horseshoe
Peaks: Carnedd y Filiast (2697ft/822m), Mynydd Perfedd (2667ft/813m), Foel Goch (2726ft/831m), Y Garn (3107ft/947m), Glyder Fawr (3278ft/999m), Glyder Fach (3261ft/994m), Y Foel Goch (2641ft/805m), Gallt yr Ogof (2503ft/763m), Pen yr Helgi Du (2733ft/833m), Carnedd Llewelyn (3491ft/1064m), Carnedd Dafydd (3412ft/1040m), Pen yr Ole Wen (3209ft/978m)
Area: Glyderau/Carneddau, Eryri
A tiny semi-break in the continuing appalling weather allowed for this sizeable outing along the entire Glyder ridge then across and over the Carneddau for extra fun. A tremendous, varied outing. Set off with Neil from Tai Newyddion above Bethesda for the long and unrelenting, often pathless, climb up Carnedd y Filiast. Mainly walking, so took almost 40 mins. A sharp shower then blew in as we ran over Mynydd Perfedd to the sharp climb up Foel Goch. Cold wind, heavy rain as we ran down to Bwlch y Cywion and up Y Garn (1hr from car) as the mist blotted out all views for a while. The top of Y Garn was cold, wet and hostile - exactly as it was on our last visit 2 weeks ago. Down quickly to Llyn y Cwn and the steep scree up to Glyder Fawr where it was even colder, with heavy sleet. A reasonably quick traverse of the Glyder ridge followed, atmospheric with mist clearing and falling intermittently. Headed round Castell y Gwynt to the scramble up to the true summit of Glyder Fach, peak number 6 (2 hrs). Then we left the awkward wet Glyderau rocks behind for splendid running down the ridge in clearing weather to Llyn Caseg Fraith. Kept running to the top of Foel Goch and along to Gallt yr Ogof in delightful sunshine: just under 3 hrs from the car. Instead of dropping down into Cwm Gwern Gof (which would have been sensible), we bashed down the heathery ridge NE, skirting W when we reached the crags. Dried off in the valley, had a flapjack (more or less the only food). Across the A5 for the pretty lengthy 2500ft climb up Y Braich to Pen yr Helgi Du. Rather tiring but we kept it going quite well, a mix of fast walking and light jogging. Superb prospects from the summit, with the weather continuing to clear and the first decent (albeit very brief) dry window for weeks. Over the always splendid ridge to Bwlch Eryl Farchog, then the scramble to gain the main ridge up Carnedd Llewelyn (5hrs). This was surprisingly comfortable, we were both feeling fine, so were able to keep running in pleasant sunshine over Carnedd Dafydd and up Pen yr Ole Wen and peak number 12 (5.50hrs from car). A good choice to finish on, since we could see the entire round and all the peaks from here - a superb, aesthetically pleasing and satisfyingly logical horseshoe. Surprised that it took so long to occur to me as a combination. Descent was awkward, inevitably. Down Braich Ty Du to the little outcrop of Carreg Fran and the end of the crags. Then down very steep heather and braken to Ty Gwyn. This descent forms part of my '40 at 40' plans, so might have to be re-reccied! Back to the car crossing Afon Ogwen to the old road.
Area: Glyderau/Carneddau, Eryri
A tiny semi-break in the continuing appalling weather allowed for this sizeable outing along the entire Glyder ridge then across and over the Carneddau for extra fun. A tremendous, varied outing. Set off with Neil from Tai Newyddion above Bethesda for the long and unrelenting, often pathless, climb up Carnedd y Filiast. Mainly walking, so took almost 40 mins. A sharp shower then blew in as we ran over Mynydd Perfedd to the sharp climb up Foel Goch. Cold wind, heavy rain as we ran down to Bwlch y Cywion and up Y Garn (1hr from car) as the mist blotted out all views for a while. The top of Y Garn was cold, wet and hostile - exactly as it was on our last visit 2 weeks ago. Down quickly to Llyn y Cwn and the steep scree up to Glyder Fawr where it was even colder, with heavy sleet. A reasonably quick traverse of the Glyder ridge followed, atmospheric with mist clearing and falling intermittently. Headed round Castell y Gwynt to the scramble up to the true summit of Glyder Fach, peak number 6 (2 hrs). Then we left the awkward wet Glyderau rocks behind for splendid running down the ridge in clearing weather to Llyn Caseg Fraith. Kept running to the top of Foel Goch and along to Gallt yr Ogof in delightful sunshine: just under 3 hrs from the car. Instead of dropping down into Cwm Gwern Gof (which would have been sensible), we bashed down the heathery ridge NE, skirting W when we reached the crags. Dried off in the valley, had a flapjack (more or less the only food). Across the A5 for the pretty lengthy 2500ft climb up Y Braich to Pen yr Helgi Du. Rather tiring but we kept it going quite well, a mix of fast walking and light jogging. Superb prospects from the summit, with the weather continuing to clear and the first decent (albeit very brief) dry window for weeks. Over the always splendid ridge to Bwlch Eryl Farchog, then the scramble to gain the main ridge up Carnedd Llewelyn (5hrs). This was surprisingly comfortable, we were both feeling fine, so were able to keep running in pleasant sunshine over Carnedd Dafydd and up Pen yr Ole Wen and peak number 12 (5.50hrs from car). A good choice to finish on, since we could see the entire round and all the peaks from here - a superb, aesthetically pleasing and satisfyingly logical horseshoe. Surprised that it took so long to occur to me as a combination. Descent was awkward, inevitably. Down Braich Ty Du to the little outcrop of Carreg Fran and the end of the crags. Then down very steep heather and braken to Ty Gwyn. This descent forms part of my '40 at 40' plans, so might have to be re-reccied! Back to the car crossing Afon Ogwen to the old road.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Tavern Trial fell race
Race: Tavern Trial fell race (9m/2000ft)
Peaks: Pen y Cloddiau, Moel y Parc, Pen y Cloddiau
Time/Position: 1:24:17 (4th from 40)
A cracking new (or revived) event yesterday, and a much-needed longer race over this part of the Clwydians. Started in hot, humid weather from Llandyrnog, over a series of fields to gain a track leading to the Moel Arthur car park. But the race soon cut left up very steep bracken and scree to gain the main OD path up Pen y Cloddiau. I was feeling relatively comfortable in about 7th place, which I held for the long descent from Pen to Aifft. A windless, hot climb back up to Moel y Parc was the crux of the race. Hard going, but felt OK, so gained a couple more places and managed to keep it going back over Pen y Cloddiau summit and down to Llandyrnog: the race well spread out by this point and the route-finding occasionally tricky. Neil well out in front. Cut my legs to shreds in the brambles but they had stopped bleeding by the time we got to the pub! My highest ever finish: 4th from a field of 40. Ran most of the way up Famau on Friday night, will do short recovery today.
Peaks: Pen y Cloddiau, Moel y Parc, Pen y Cloddiau
Time/Position: 1:24:17 (4th from 40)
A cracking new (or revived) event yesterday, and a much-needed longer race over this part of the Clwydians. Started in hot, humid weather from Llandyrnog, over a series of fields to gain a track leading to the Moel Arthur car park. But the race soon cut left up very steep bracken and scree to gain the main OD path up Pen y Cloddiau. I was feeling relatively comfortable in about 7th place, which I held for the long descent from Pen to Aifft. A windless, hot climb back up to Moel y Parc was the crux of the race. Hard going, but felt OK, so gained a couple more places and managed to keep it going back over Pen y Cloddiau summit and down to Llandyrnog: the race well spread out by this point and the route-finding occasionally tricky. Neil well out in front. Cut my legs to shreds in the brambles but they had stopped bleeding by the time we got to the pub! My highest ever finish: 4th from a field of 40. Ran most of the way up Famau on Friday night, will do short recovery today.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Clwydian long run
Valuable Peris preparation yesterday evening with Neil. Started below Penbarras in humid, misty conditions. Up to Moel Famau, then over Moel Dywyll and along the ridge to Moel Llys y Coed and down to the road. Superb running. Down towards Llandyrnog then north and west round the Moel Arthur mountain bike loop to Llangwyfan. Then a long hard climb up the bridleway through the woods to the Penycloddiau car park, and steeply up to Moel Arthur. Took the steep direct descent south to the contouring track above Llangynhafal all the way to Nant y Ne, finishing up the dreaded gully back to the summit of Moel Famau and down to the car with mild dehydration. Over 2.5hrs, perhaps 13-14 miles, but a fair amount of climbing. Really good outing.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Moel Famau fell race
Race: Cilcain Mountain Race (4m/1237ft)
Peaks: Moel Famau
Time/Position: 34:47 (8th from 135)
After a calorie-laden weekend in London (one interesting long urban run from Chingford to Leyton Orient FC and back) I wasn't too optimistic for my fifth attempt on the Cilcain Moel Famau race. In fairly windy weather, the race went quite well. I climbed reasonably quickly, to the misty summit in around 21 mins in 10th place, then passed two on the steps down to a 4-man sprint finish! I was 12 seconds down on last year's time, finishing in 34:47, definite lack of speed on the track due to lack of recent intervals. However, I did get the bonus of a flattering 8th place (from 135) presumably because of a relatively weaker field than last year.
Peaks: Moel Famau
Time/Position: 34:47 (8th from 135)
After a calorie-laden weekend in London (one interesting long urban run from Chingford to Leyton Orient FC and back) I wasn't too optimistic for my fifth attempt on the Cilcain Moel Famau race. In fairly windy weather, the race went quite well. I climbed reasonably quickly, to the misty summit in around 21 mins in 10th place, then passed two on the steps down to a 4-man sprint finish! I was 12 seconds down on last year's time, finishing in 34:47, definite lack of speed on the track due to lack of recent intervals. However, I did get the bonus of a flattering 8th place (from 135) presumably because of a relatively weaker field than last year.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Mileage increase
A relatively quiet few days, but did manage about 45 miles in training last week, resting only on Saturday: have managed to get the training back to where it was before the holiday. A tough Wepre run on Thursday with the club, followed by Moel Famau on Friday and the Golly 10k route on Sunday. Ran over Waun y Llyn this morning, feeling tired. Dreadful weather continues to negate more interesting options.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Mini Peris horseshoe
Peaks: Y Garn (3107ft/947m), Glyder Fawr (3278ft/999m), Crib Goch (3028ft/923m), Garnedd Ugain (3494ft/1065m)
Area: Glyderau/Snowdon, Eryri
A good training day yesterday with Neil: doing a semi-reccie of the Peris horseshoe, with the added twist of Crib Goch attached. We started from Nant Peris in quite heavy rain, up the unrelenting and very boggy climb up Cwm Gafr to crest the ridge in bad conditions (cold, wet) and Bwlch y Cywion. Then a mix of running and walking to gain the summit of Y Garn in 50 mins from the car. Down to Llyn y Cwn and up Glyder Fawr in atrocious conditions which cleared briefly near the summit (90 mins). Then the critical section down to Pen y Pass in hail showers, looking for the quickest race route (2hrs+). After a quick break in the cafe, we ran up to Bwlch y Moch, then scrambled up the east ridge in improving conditions before enjoying a fine (dry!) traverse of Crib Goch in classic (Fohn?) conditions: mist shrouding Cwm Glas as we negotiated the pinnacles, but clear views to the south. A rapid jog/scramble up Crib y Ddisgyl in more rain gained the summit of Garnedd Ugain in mist. Good running down to Clogwyn station then dropped into a very wet Cwm Hetiau and back to Nant Peris (4:30) and Pete's Eats. An excellent and unusual circuit.
Area: Glyderau/Snowdon, Eryri
A good training day yesterday with Neil: doing a semi-reccie of the Peris horseshoe, with the added twist of Crib Goch attached. We started from Nant Peris in quite heavy rain, up the unrelenting and very boggy climb up Cwm Gafr to crest the ridge in bad conditions (cold, wet) and Bwlch y Cywion. Then a mix of running and walking to gain the summit of Y Garn in 50 mins from the car. Down to Llyn y Cwn and up Glyder Fawr in atrocious conditions which cleared briefly near the summit (90 mins). Then the critical section down to Pen y Pass in hail showers, looking for the quickest race route (2hrs+). After a quick break in the cafe, we ran up to Bwlch y Moch, then scrambled up the east ridge in improving conditions before enjoying a fine (dry!) traverse of Crib Goch in classic (Fohn?) conditions: mist shrouding Cwm Glas as we negotiated the pinnacles, but clear views to the south. A rapid jog/scramble up Crib y Ddisgyl in more rain gained the summit of Garnedd Ugain in mist. Good running down to Clogwyn station then dropped into a very wet Cwm Hetiau and back to Nant Peris (4:30) and Pete's Eats. An excellent and unusual circuit.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Gladstone 9 fell race
Fell race: Gladstone 9 (9 miles/2850ft)
Peaks: Tal y Fan (2001ft/610m), Foel Lus
Area: Carneddau, Eryri
Time/position: 1:30:30 (15th/55)
A distinctly average (at best) performance yesterday in the Gladstone 9 (formerly Leg End 9) from Dwygyfylchi. A very nice race though, particularly as the torrential rain stopped just before the start. It heads along the tracks east to Capelulo, then up the far side of Fairie Glen to Llyn y Wrach, then via Cefn Llechan to join the Penmaenmawr fell race route all the way to the wall on Tal y Fan. I know this area well, one of my favourite landscapes of all. Then up the wall to the top of Tal y Fan, painfully steep, before ploughing down through the bogs to the Druids Circle, then up over Foel Lus (superb sea views) to a fast descent back to the village. Felt tired throughout, possibly because I've overdone it since returning from holiday. Ran most of the way up Famau on Friday night and still had the bike circuit in my legs.
Peaks: Tal y Fan (2001ft/610m), Foel Lus
Area: Carneddau, Eryri
Time/position: 1:30:30 (15th/55)
A distinctly average (at best) performance yesterday in the Gladstone 9 (formerly Leg End 9) from Dwygyfylchi. A very nice race though, particularly as the torrential rain stopped just before the start. It heads along the tracks east to Capelulo, then up the far side of Fairie Glen to Llyn y Wrach, then via Cefn Llechan to join the Penmaenmawr fell race route all the way to the wall on Tal y Fan. I know this area well, one of my favourite landscapes of all. Then up the wall to the top of Tal y Fan, painfully steep, before ploughing down through the bogs to the Druids Circle, then up over Foel Lus (superb sea views) to a fast descent back to the village. Felt tired throughout, possibly because I've overdone it since returning from holiday. Ran most of the way up Famau on Friday night and still had the bike circuit in my legs.
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Dragon's Back, Coed y Brenin
Mountain bike route: Dragon's Back (Coed y Brenin)
Distance/Climb: 31.1km/710m
First time on the bike for a while today, with another trip to CyB. This time, Rich and I had a bash at the Dragon's Back - loosely based on the old Karrimor (which I think I did twice 7 or 8 years ago) but with numerous new sections: in fact, I could remember very little of the old route. My poort suspension rendered the rocky sections horrible, esp Badger at the start. But then came some excellent smooth singletrack, esp the Hermon section which leads to the long climb out onto the open hillside NE to Moel Hafodwen, great views with a wild feel sadly lacking on most of these designed trails. Superb descent down multiple singltrack sections, particularly good at the top - the Gomez and Morticia sections all new and very fast, narrow descents. The route rejoins the MBR trail (done in Nov) at the excellent Pink Heifer section, then descends to rock and the finish. Took 3:15, which was reasonable given a tough run over Waun y Llyn yesterday, and intervals on Tuesday (first for 2 months!).
Distance/Climb: 31.1km/710m
First time on the bike for a while today, with another trip to CyB. This time, Rich and I had a bash at the Dragon's Back - loosely based on the old Karrimor (which I think I did twice 7 or 8 years ago) but with numerous new sections: in fact, I could remember very little of the old route. My poort suspension rendered the rocky sections horrible, esp Badger at the start. But then came some excellent smooth singletrack, esp the Hermon section which leads to the long climb out onto the open hillside NE to Moel Hafodwen, great views with a wild feel sadly lacking on most of these designed trails. Superb descent down multiple singltrack sections, particularly good at the top - the Gomez and Morticia sections all new and very fast, narrow descents. The route rejoins the MBR trail (done in Nov) at the excellent Pink Heifer section, then descends to rock and the finish. Took 3:15, which was reasonable given a tough run over Waun y Llyn yesterday, and intervals on Tuesday (first for 2 months!).
Monday, August 04, 2008
Back in training
Conscious I've got some training to do after the holiday, so have run every day since returning from France. A fine run from the Collie up Famau on Friday, followed by several more middle distance runs.
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