Up at first light, ready for a day exploring one of the world’s great cities: an exciting prospect. I packed a light rucsac and jogged past the Obelisco, across the immense 12 + lane central highway , then down to the Plaza de Mayo, the centre of the city surrounded by grand buildings including the famous Casa Rosada. I jogged gently through the new dockside development of Puerto Madero and located the wetlands marking the entrance to the Costanera Sud nature reserve. It hadn’t opened yet, but I still got guira cuckoo, crested duck, water rail and others before stopping for an unhealthy yet enjoyable breakfast of Coke and ‘Milanesa’, breaded pork cutlet. After this, the reserve opened and I spent a very happy couple of hours jogging around, birding every inch of it, and enjoying the superb views of the city rising above the Pampas and the wetlands, palms, jacarandas and lilies. Birds were many, but highlights included glittering-bellied emerald and white-throated hummingbird. Good views of the River Plate further out on the reserve.
Sunday, February 23, 2014
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Patagonian Mountain Biking
MTB Route: Puerto Madryn-Punta Loma-Puerto Madryn
Distance/Area: 40k+, Chubut, Patagonia, Argentina
Having arrived in Puerto Madryn on the Patagonian coast this morning after a 20 hour bus ride from Buenos Aires (preceded by a 14 hour flight from Manchester via Amsterdam) I hired a bike from El Gualicho, keen to avoid ‘downtime’. I picked up a reasonable looking Raleigh mountain bike, and cycled down to the coast, and along it to pick up the dirt track to my planned destination – the sea lion colony at Punta Loma. This was 20k away, but I hadn’t realized that would all be on gravel and energy-sapping sand tracks, into a headwind and quite hilly over what were presumably giant ancient dune systems. My bike started slipping gears immediately and it turned into an unexpectedly adventurous and tiring outing – I looked on it as highly unconventional training for the Tour of Flanders. A headwind was distressing, and the road surface very hard going. I saw a dwarf armadillo (pichi), my first, disappearing into shrub, then stopped for photos of a superb dune system above the sea. Birdlife was scarce, but I did get Chilean swallow, black-chested buzzard and Patagonian mockingbird. After a sharp and tiring hill, a flat section led to Playa Parana and a shipwreck (Le Folies). Two more long uphill drags over Cerro Avanzado led to a spectacular section of coast and the entrance to Punta Loma. My nationality ‘Gales’ not questioned; just entered into the book with a respectful nod. Another 800m drag led to the viewpoint over the colony: a fantastic sight and a sensory overload. Deep blue skies, emerald green sea, crashing waves, hundreds of South American sea lions, adults and infants groaning, roaring, sleeping and swimming. Fantastic to see them in their natural state, not performing in a zoo. This was just days before the adult males go ‘foraging’ for food thousands of miles out into the South Atlantic, and the perfect time of year following the breeding season. Of equal interest to me was the colony of breeding rock cormorant, a specialist and geographically restricted species: giving superb close up views. Numerous kelp gulls completed the exhilarating scene. Puerto Madryn looked very distant indeed, my bike was malfunctioning and slipping gear, and a storm was gathering inland. It seemed best not to linger. I pulled my buff further over my head in an effort to protect myself from the fierce sun (it didn’t feel hot this close to the sea, but the air temperature was actually 30C+). The ride back was better initially, with more of a tailwind. But after cresting the final hill and reaching the numerous new builds on the far southern end of town, my rear gear mechanism sheared off completely – leaving the bike useless. I was at least 5k from home at this point, so walked with the bike to the Punta Cuevas (where the Mimosa migrants landed and sheltered in 1865: the visit to these bleak caves had the air of a pilgrimage for me) before heading back to the Welsh museum with a new one.
Distance/Area: 40k+, Chubut, Patagonia, Argentina
Having arrived in Puerto Madryn on the Patagonian coast this morning after a 20 hour bus ride from Buenos Aires (preceded by a 14 hour flight from Manchester via Amsterdam) I hired a bike from El Gualicho, keen to avoid ‘downtime’. I picked up a reasonable looking Raleigh mountain bike, and cycled down to the coast, and along it to pick up the dirt track to my planned destination – the sea lion colony at Punta Loma. This was 20k away, but I hadn’t realized that would all be on gravel and energy-sapping sand tracks, into a headwind and quite hilly over what were presumably giant ancient dune systems. My bike started slipping gears immediately and it turned into an unexpectedly adventurous and tiring outing – I looked on it as highly unconventional training for the Tour of Flanders. A headwind was distressing, and the road surface very hard going. I saw a dwarf armadillo (pichi), my first, disappearing into shrub, then stopped for photos of a superb dune system above the sea. Birdlife was scarce, but I did get Chilean swallow, black-chested buzzard and Patagonian mockingbird. After a sharp and tiring hill, a flat section led to Playa Parana and a shipwreck (Le Folies). Two more long uphill drags over Cerro Avanzado led to a spectacular section of coast and the entrance to Punta Loma. My nationality ‘Gales’ not questioned; just entered into the book with a respectful nod. Another 800m drag led to the viewpoint over the colony: a fantastic sight and a sensory overload. Deep blue skies, emerald green sea, crashing waves, hundreds of South American sea lions, adults and infants groaning, roaring, sleeping and swimming. Fantastic to see them in their natural state, not performing in a zoo. This was just days before the adult males go ‘foraging’ for food thousands of miles out into the South Atlantic, and the perfect time of year following the breeding season. Of equal interest to me was the colony of breeding rock cormorant, a specialist and geographically restricted species: giving superb close up views. Numerous kelp gulls completed the exhilarating scene. Puerto Madryn looked very distant indeed, my bike was malfunctioning and slipping gear, and a storm was gathering inland. It seemed best not to linger. I pulled my buff further over my head in an effort to protect myself from the fierce sun (it didn’t feel hot this close to the sea, but the air temperature was actually 30C+). The ride back was better initially, with more of a tailwind. But after cresting the final hill and reaching the numerous new builds on the far southern end of town, my rear gear mechanism sheared off completely – leaving the bike useless. I was at least 5k from home at this point, so walked with the bike to the Punta Cuevas (where the Mimosa migrants landed and sheltered in 1865: the visit to these bleak caves had the air of a pilgrimage for me) before heading back to the Welsh museum with a new one.
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Wrexham half marathon
Race: Wrexham 'half marathon' (14m)
Time/Position: 1.23.16/1.18.59 (26th from 450)
Another cock-up at the Wrexham half, bringing back memories of two years ago when a misplaced sign saw the first 40 runners go wrong at the 9m point. This time, the problems occurred immediately and can't really be blamed on a narrow-minded farmer. We went left after a few hundred metres, then the shouts went out and the entire field performed a giant angry U-Turn. We were then behind the tail-enders, all hopes of a PB gone. I spent the next mile trying to weave through hundreds of runners and get some clear road in front of me, but realised we'd all gone wrong again when I went through the first mile in 9 minutes! No idea who was to blame, possibly nobody, but it was all rather vexing as I had plans for sub 77m and had trained specifically for this. The rest of the race was a non-event: I just concentrated on keeping a decent 6 min/mile pace churning over. We ended up doing just short of 14 miles, and worked out half marathon time via other people's GPS results (just sub 1.19 in my case, so well off target anyway).
Time/Position: 1.23.16/1.18.59 (26th from 450)
Another cock-up at the Wrexham half, bringing back memories of two years ago when a misplaced sign saw the first 40 runners go wrong at the 9m point. This time, the problems occurred immediately and can't really be blamed on a narrow-minded farmer. We went left after a few hundred metres, then the shouts went out and the entire field performed a giant angry U-Turn. We were then behind the tail-enders, all hopes of a PB gone. I spent the next mile trying to weave through hundreds of runners and get some clear road in front of me, but realised we'd all gone wrong again when I went through the first mile in 9 minutes! No idea who was to blame, possibly nobody, but it was all rather vexing as I had plans for sub 77m and had trained specifically for this. The rest of the race was a non-event: I just concentrated on keeping a decent 6 min/mile pace churning over. We ended up doing just short of 14 miles, and worked out half marathon time via other people's GPS results (just sub 1.19 in my case, so well off target anyway).
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Famau storm run
Just the normal weekly route up Famau from the Collie, but this was particularly memorable and notable for its appalling conditions. Jez and I had already agreed to meet at 5pm, and I just crossed over the M6 Thelwall Viaduct en route from work before it closed due to the winds. By the time we crested the hill above the leat, we were into the teeth of the ferocious gale: falling debris and some trees already down. The leat itself was nicely sheltered, but it was a biblical struggle to gain the open hillside above the farm. This was actually the safest place to run in these circumstances, with no debris or trees. However, we were blown down and intermittently blasted backwards by the 85mph gusts. I wonder if we broke the world mile record on the descent with a tailwind? Airborne at times in the dark and howling night, with the wind cutting a swathe through the trees as if a tornado had ripped through. Chose a safe route back away from trees: a memorable run.
Thursday, February 06, 2014
Llangollen run
A reprise of the 'strike day' run I'd done with Kate in December. We trotted up Moel y Faen in low cloud and light drizzle, then along to Moel y Gamelin past dozens of Brummie school kids. Then down the little path parallel to the Conquering Hero to the little road further north. From here, Kate ran back to the car and I followed the bridleway (reverse of the Gamelin race route) all the way to the tarmac lane then up to lonely Bwlch y Groes. The double climb over Moel Morfydd and Moel y Gaer is very steep from here, but it gives access to a glorious descent down the Conquering Hero to Llantisilio and down the banks of the swollen Dee to lunch in Llangollen.
Sunday, February 02, 2014
Abergele Border League
Race: Abergele 5m (Border League race 3)
Time/Position: 28.00 (16th from 272 [3rd V40])
A brief weather window in the midst of an appalling stormy spell. This was a clever improvisation of the usual flat coastal route (which I have always liked) after part of the path was washed away. It made for slower progress, into a headwind initially, then inland up a surprisingly sharp climb to take in a zig-zagging route through the caravan site before returning to Pensarn. I stuck with a small group into the wind, then caught Jez at the 3m point. The field was pretty strong again, and I slowed initially on the homeward leg until I got my second wind at 4m. Felt quite strong for the last mile and picked up two more places to finish just 3 seconds outside my 5 mile PB. Very tight in our category after three races, two points between 2nd and 4th!
Time/Position: 28.00 (16th from 272 [3rd V40])
A brief weather window in the midst of an appalling stormy spell. This was a clever improvisation of the usual flat coastal route (which I have always liked) after part of the path was washed away. It made for slower progress, into a headwind initially, then inland up a surprisingly sharp climb to take in a zig-zagging route through the caravan site before returning to Pensarn. I stuck with a small group into the wind, then caught Jez at the 3m point. The field was pretty strong again, and I slowed initially on the homeward leg until I got my second wind at 4m. Felt quite strong for the last mile and picked up two more places to finish just 3 seconds outside my 5 mile PB. Very tight in our category after three races, two points between 2nd and 4th!
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Four Villages Half Marathon
Race: Four Villages (Helsby) Half Marathon
Time/Position: 1.18.47 (39th from 1820)
This was a PB course for me back in 2006, then again in 2007. But my memories of the event have always been rather spoiled by the fact I contracted pneumonia after racing here in freezing fog in 2007: hence the delayed return. Shame, because it's a great event and one of the few remaining uncommercial half marathons in the region. As such, it attracts a strong field: very competitive at the top end, and there are always small, well-paced groups to work with. Conditions were perfect: 6C, light breezes, sunshine. Sadly, I didn't have the legs to take full advantage. I started off conservatively, exact 6m/mile pace, then picked it up a bit before starting to tire unexpectedly at the 8m point. After a gel, I got my second wind and really enjoyed the long gentle climb through Alvanley before the fast, largely downhill finish. One minute outside my PB, so there is a chance I could record a PB at the flatter, faster Wrexham course next month.
Time/Position: 1.18.47 (39th from 1820)
This was a PB course for me back in 2006, then again in 2007. But my memories of the event have always been rather spoiled by the fact I contracted pneumonia after racing here in freezing fog in 2007: hence the delayed return. Shame, because it's a great event and one of the few remaining uncommercial half marathons in the region. As such, it attracts a strong field: very competitive at the top end, and there are always small, well-paced groups to work with. Conditions were perfect: 6C, light breezes, sunshine. Sadly, I didn't have the legs to take full advantage. I started off conservatively, exact 6m/mile pace, then picked it up a bit before starting to tire unexpectedly at the 8m point. After a gel, I got my second wind and really enjoyed the long gentle climb through Alvanley before the fast, largely downhill finish. One minute outside my PB, so there is a chance I could record a PB at the flatter, faster Wrexham course next month.
Saturday, January 04, 2014
Crafnant Skyline
Peaks: Crimpiau, Craig Wen, Creigiau Gleision, Gleision North
Area: Carneddau, Eryri
A rare opportunity to observe M outside his natural habitat. This was a scouting weekend to the Alpine-hut style Cornel in Crafnant, so I went along to help and thoroughly enjoyed this lengthy and painfully slow circuit of the skyline hills. I had big plans for M after taking him up Tal y Fan aged nine weeks: but almost 12 years has elapsed since then! A group of six of seven Scouts left Cornel for the gentle, boggy walk up Crimpiau in steady humid drizzle. Not pleasant, but compared to my two festive runs in Snowdonia it felt subtropical. A few complaints, boot stuck in swamps and the like, but eventually Paul and I got them all to the top of Crimpiau. A long descent towards Ogwen and a superb clearance revealed a snowy Carneddau and Tryfan. From here, a very boggy crossing of the Creigiau Gleision ridge (bad memories of John B's hypothermia on this circuit last April!). The boys seemed to be enjoying themselves, albeit not necessarily focused on the matter in hand: they reminded me of a group of young terriers. The rain stopped for the crossing, to be replaced by two snow showers as we descended. Very wet underfoot through the woods. I jogged round the lake to finish, loosening my legs in preparation for a hard 12-miler tomorrow.
Area: Carneddau, Eryri
A rare opportunity to observe M outside his natural habitat. This was a scouting weekend to the Alpine-hut style Cornel in Crafnant, so I went along to help and thoroughly enjoyed this lengthy and painfully slow circuit of the skyline hills. I had big plans for M after taking him up Tal y Fan aged nine weeks: but almost 12 years has elapsed since then! A group of six of seven Scouts left Cornel for the gentle, boggy walk up Crimpiau in steady humid drizzle. Not pleasant, but compared to my two festive runs in Snowdonia it felt subtropical. A few complaints, boot stuck in swamps and the like, but eventually Paul and I got them all to the top of Crimpiau. A long descent towards Ogwen and a superb clearance revealed a snowy Carneddau and Tryfan. From here, a very boggy crossing of the Creigiau Gleision ridge (bad memories of John B's hypothermia on this circuit last April!). The boys seemed to be enjoying themselves, albeit not necessarily focused on the matter in hand: they reminded me of a group of young terriers. The rain stopped for the crossing, to be replaced by two snow showers as we descended. Very wet underfoot through the woods. I jogged round the lake to finish, loosening my legs in preparation for a hard 12-miler tomorrow.
Monday, December 30, 2013
Arenig run
Peaks: Arenig Fawr
Area: Arenig, Eryri
Yet another diabolical day of driving sleet and gales. A real sense of deja vu as Peter and I set off from the quarry car park in conditions that were, if anything, even worse than on the Carneddau this time last week. At least the icy wind helped us on the long run along the road to the start of the old race route, which branches off up a track to Llyn Arenig. This was hard work from the start, and we were already cold and soaked by the time we got to the bothy. This provided welcome shelter for us to get some more layers on, and as a result the long climb up the ridge was a little more comfortable (relatively speaking). The sleet turned to wet snow as we gained height, and the wind continued to howl through the crags and into us. Very poor visibility as we jogged along the weaving path which fortunately skirts below the main ridge line and was therefore relatively sheltered. The summit was no place to rest, so we pelted down to the north on a rough bearing to make a little traverse - eventually emerging in boggy wilderness above the quarry and negotiating our way down a steep gully (a temporary waterfall) to the quarry. The cloud base was so low that we were almost still navigating when we reached the car. It was still hammering down as we left: the forecast clearance never materialised.
Area: Arenig, Eryri
Yet another diabolical day of driving sleet and gales. A real sense of deja vu as Peter and I set off from the quarry car park in conditions that were, if anything, even worse than on the Carneddau this time last week. At least the icy wind helped us on the long run along the road to the start of the old race route, which branches off up a track to Llyn Arenig. This was hard work from the start, and we were already cold and soaked by the time we got to the bothy. This provided welcome shelter for us to get some more layers on, and as a result the long climb up the ridge was a little more comfortable (relatively speaking). The sleet turned to wet snow as we gained height, and the wind continued to howl through the crags and into us. Very poor visibility as we jogged along the weaving path which fortunately skirts below the main ridge line and was therefore relatively sheltered. The summit was no place to rest, so we pelted down to the north on a rough bearing to make a little traverse - eventually emerging in boggy wilderness above the quarry and negotiating our way down a steep gully (a temporary waterfall) to the quarry. The cloud base was so low that we were almost still navigating when we reached the car. It was still hammering down as we left: the forecast clearance never materialised.
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Jubilee Plunge
Race: Jubilee Plunge downhill fell race (2.2m/-1361ft)
Time/Position: 12.07 (10th from 75)
This unique race produces a level of muscle damage out of all proportion to it's short length and duration: no doubt a sign of my inflexibility! It's a very exciting event, though, albeit one that I'm never likely to do well on. A very pleasant trot up from Llangynhafal with Jez, Huw, John and others - under beautiful blue skies - to the eccentrically positioned start on top of Moel Famau (with a holiday crowd looking on with curiosity). An insanely fast start along the OD path to the north: then the best route to the finish at the Golden Lion pub breaks off left down narrow and exciting tracks. I then took a different route, contouring the hillside directly down to the gate at the bottom of the valley. Sadly, thick bracken makes this no quicker than the normal route and, after a slow vault of the gate, I found myself further behind the small group of runners in front. Try as I might, I couldn't close the gap: 10 seconds separated fifth place and me in tenth. The beer in the Goldie was as good as ever.
Time/Position: 12.07 (10th from 75)
This unique race produces a level of muscle damage out of all proportion to it's short length and duration: no doubt a sign of my inflexibility! It's a very exciting event, though, albeit one that I'm never likely to do well on. A very pleasant trot up from Llangynhafal with Jez, Huw, John and others - under beautiful blue skies - to the eccentrically positioned start on top of Moel Famau (with a holiday crowd looking on with curiosity). An insanely fast start along the OD path to the north: then the best route to the finish at the Golden Lion pub breaks off left down narrow and exciting tracks. I then took a different route, contouring the hillside directly down to the gate at the bottom of the valley. Sadly, thick bracken makes this no quicker than the normal route and, after a slow vault of the gate, I found myself further behind the small group of runners in front. Try as I might, I couldn't close the gap: 10 seconds separated fifth place and me in tenth. The beer in the Goldie was as good as ever.
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Round the Walls race
Race: Chester Round the Walls ('4m')
Time/Position: 22.10 (18th from 450)
The hardest frost of the winter, probably the first truly icy morning since April, meaning that yet again I was unable to sample the full event: the third time this has happened. But if the Walls were out because of the ice, I had already assumed the Roodee would be waterlogged. This was indeed the case, but whereas last year the race avoided it as a result, this year four aquatic laps were planned as an alternative to the icy walls. In my post-Xmas haste I had only packed my racing flats, and the slip-sliding nightmare that ensued was richly deserved. Really struggled to keep my footing, and longed for my fell shoes to give some grip. Nice short family outing, though, an opportunity to get some fresh air.
Time/Position: 22.10 (18th from 450)
The hardest frost of the winter, probably the first truly icy morning since April, meaning that yet again I was unable to sample the full event: the third time this has happened. But if the Walls were out because of the ice, I had already assumed the Roodee would be waterlogged. This was indeed the case, but whereas last year the race avoided it as a result, this year four aquatic laps were planned as an alternative to the icy walls. In my post-Xmas haste I had only packed my racing flats, and the slip-sliding nightmare that ensued was richly deserved. Really struggled to keep my footing, and longed for my fell shoes to give some grip. Nice short family outing, though, an opportunity to get some fresh air.
Monday, December 23, 2013
Carneddau run
Peaks: Moel Wnion
Area: Carneddau, Eryri
Our scheduled pre-Christmas Snowdonia run precisely coincided with the worst of an unusually deep depression and wild storm. It all made for a memorable outing, albeit far shorter than planned. Peter, Jez and I left Aber in torrential rain, benefiting from the shelter of the village and woods until we emerged towards the top of the tarmac start of the Foel Fras race route. Here, the wind was gusting to 80-90mph: and was directly in our face as we skirted Foel Dduarth heading up to our 'bad weather option' of Llyn Anafon. We were blown over a few times as we attempted to 'jog' into the upper valley - memories of the legendary OMM in 2008 and many other occasions - before giving up and heading back down to the car park. We then adopted another default plan, heading to Aber Falls. An astounding volume of water at the Falls, seemingly a wall of spray reminiscent of Yosemite. Quite exhilerating, though, and the rain eased a little as we ran along the top of the valley. As we descended back to the coast, Peter suggested trying to get up Moel Wnion on the assumption that we may get a tailwind. This worked, and we ploughed up the sheltered Afon Gam stream valley before ploughing up the boggy slopes of Wnion in a crosswind. After sheltering in the cairn to give some respite from the constant battering, we enjoyed a superb fast descent (with tailwind) down the Foel Fras race route climax. Dried off with a pint in the Albion.
Area: Carneddau, Eryri
Our scheduled pre-Christmas Snowdonia run precisely coincided with the worst of an unusually deep depression and wild storm. It all made for a memorable outing, albeit far shorter than planned. Peter, Jez and I left Aber in torrential rain, benefiting from the shelter of the village and woods until we emerged towards the top of the tarmac start of the Foel Fras race route. Here, the wind was gusting to 80-90mph: and was directly in our face as we skirted Foel Dduarth heading up to our 'bad weather option' of Llyn Anafon. We were blown over a few times as we attempted to 'jog' into the upper valley - memories of the legendary OMM in 2008 and many other occasions - before giving up and heading back down to the car park. We then adopted another default plan, heading to Aber Falls. An astounding volume of water at the Falls, seemingly a wall of spray reminiscent of Yosemite. Quite exhilerating, though, and the rain eased a little as we ran along the top of the valley. As we descended back to the coast, Peter suggested trying to get up Moel Wnion on the assumption that we may get a tailwind. This worked, and we ploughed up the sheltered Afon Gam stream valley before ploughing up the boggy slopes of Wnion in a crosswind. After sheltering in the cairn to give some respite from the constant battering, we enjoyed a superb fast descent (with tailwind) down the Foel Fras race route climax. Dried off with a pint in the Albion.
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Wigg Island Border League
Race: Wigg Island, Runcorn 5.5m (Border League Race 2)
Time/Position: 31.36 (14th from 282)
Must admit I'd never heard of Wigg Island before this race. Despite the post-industrial surroundings of the Mersey and Runcorn Bridge, it's been converted into a nature reserve and was a fine new venue for Helsby's border league fixture. Fewer fast young lads at the sharp end of the race, so my finishing position was a little more respectable than at Tattenhall. That said, I didn't feel particularly good for the three and a half laps, struggling to hold my pace especially on the short sharp climb at the far end of the island.
Time/Position: 31.36 (14th from 282)
Must admit I'd never heard of Wigg Island before this race. Despite the post-industrial surroundings of the Mersey and Runcorn Bridge, it's been converted into a nature reserve and was a fine new venue for Helsby's border league fixture. Fewer fast young lads at the sharp end of the race, so my finishing position was a little more respectable than at Tattenhall. That said, I didn't feel particularly good for the three and a half laps, struggling to hold my pace especially on the short sharp climb at the far end of the island.
Sunday, December 01, 2013
Cardington Cracker fell race
Race: Cardington Cracker (15k/800m/AM)
Time/Position: 1.27.56 (23rd from 259)
After feeling so awful on last week's race, I decided to go down to Shropshire with Huw and Andy at the last minute for this race - just to see if I felt any better. The answer, sadly, was no - and I came in a full five minutes slower than the time I recorded in 2011. The usual big field set off in perfect conditions, still and cool, from the chocolate-box village of Cardington. I set off steadily, and felt reasonably good for the ultra steep first climb up the Lawley: best to crawl on all fours at times! After the fast descent, I started to slow slightly on the second big climb up the Stretton side of Caer Caradog. The descent from here to the woods below Hope Bowdler hill is superb, and in 2011 I remember flying along this final section which takes in one more climb up Hope Bowdler then a long undulating ridge (the kind of terrain that is fantastic if you are going well and picking up places - the opposite was the case today!). Towards the end I creaked into some kind of life, but it was far too late. This really is a superb route though, and a great event.
Time/Position: 1.27.56 (23rd from 259)
After feeling so awful on last week's race, I decided to go down to Shropshire with Huw and Andy at the last minute for this race - just to see if I felt any better. The answer, sadly, was no - and I came in a full five minutes slower than the time I recorded in 2011. The usual big field set off in perfect conditions, still and cool, from the chocolate-box village of Cardington. I set off steadily, and felt reasonably good for the ultra steep first climb up the Lawley: best to crawl on all fours at times! After the fast descent, I started to slow slightly on the second big climb up the Stretton side of Caer Caradog. The descent from here to the woods below Hope Bowdler hill is superb, and in 2011 I remember flying along this final section which takes in one more climb up Hope Bowdler then a long undulating ridge (the kind of terrain that is fantastic if you are going well and picking up places - the opposite was the case today!). Towards the end I creaked into some kind of life, but it was far too late. This really is a superb route though, and a great event.
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Wrexham Cross Country
Race: Wrexham XC (North Wales Cross Country League race 3)
Time/Position: 33:50 (41st from 143)
A dreadful performance, around 20 places down on my two previous outings on this course. As usual, I've already missed too many of the North Wales series to count, but thought I'd try to help the team on this - the usual fast and flat four lap course around playing fields on the eastern edge of Wrexham. In contrast to last year's icy rain, is was cold and dry today: but I started to struggle on the second lap then lost a dramatic amount of time and places on a very tough final lap. Really suffered, despite the extreme flatness of the course: my worst race for some time.
Time/Position: 33:50 (41st from 143)
A dreadful performance, around 20 places down on my two previous outings on this course. As usual, I've already missed too many of the North Wales series to count, but thought I'd try to help the team on this - the usual fast and flat four lap course around playing fields on the eastern edge of Wrexham. In contrast to last year's icy rain, is was cold and dry today: but I started to struggle on the second lap then lost a dramatic amount of time and places on a very tough final lap. Really suffered, despite the extreme flatness of the course: my worst race for some time.
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Tattenhall Border League
Race: Tattenhall '10k' (Border League Race 1)
Time/Position: 35.11 (24th from 339)
Worst finishing position in the league for two years, but rather suspect that this was an unusually strong field - as the season openers often are. Lost quite a lot of ground on the steep double climb up to the Peckforton Hills and only really started picking up the pace in the last couple of 'false flat' miles. Felt quite good towards the end but couldn't quite close the gap to a small group containing Jez, Darren et al. Alongside Caernarfon, this is probably the most scenic, and best, BL course: 200m shy of 10k, but the hills make up the shortfall!
Time/Position: 35.11 (24th from 339)
Worst finishing position in the league for two years, but rather suspect that this was an unusually strong field - as the season openers often are. Lost quite a lot of ground on the steep double climb up to the Peckforton Hills and only really started picking up the pace in the last couple of 'false flat' miles. Felt quite good towards the end but couldn't quite close the gap to a small group containing Jez, Darren et al. Alongside Caernarfon, this is probably the most scenic, and best, BL course: 200m shy of 10k, but the hills make up the shortfall!
Saturday, November 09, 2013
Ras Rhobell Fawr
Race: Rhobell Fawr fell race (10.3k/600m/AM)
Time/Position: 60:45 (3rd from 43 [1st V40])
On a soft Autumn day the scenery around Dolgellau is exquisite, so this was an excellent day trip topped off with a superb leg-loosening jog around the Precipice Walk. Sadly, I didn't really get going on the race itself until the final descent down the tracks and paths from Bwlch Goriwared, but luckily this part of the descent favoured a bit of road speed so I was able to hold off the challenge from a few young lads to hold onto third position. It's a great race: up muddy forest tracks above the strangely named Afon Babi to gain the open hillside at the Bwlch. I moved into third position quite soon, but didn't feel good on the main 1500ft climb: worse, I took some awful lines after the bog of Ffynnon Sion - heading away from the wall too early, meaning I went up the western forepeak and several other steep knolls unnecessarily. A young lad passed me near the cairn, but I regained third as I tried to take the best line down to the right: I lost my nerve, though, unsure of the route so retreated to the 'handrail' of the wall, taking more inefficient lines back down to the bwlch. I was so slow that three younger runners were just behind at Bwlch Goriwared, but I was just able to hold them off as I finally sprang into some kind of life for this final fast section back to Llanfachreth. Very wet and muddy underfoot! I ended up third, and first Veteran. After soup and prizes in the village hall, Adair and I set off for a superbly enjoyable warm-down around the famous Precipice Walk, which I last did with Kate after Ras y Gader some years ago. A violent hailstorm cleared as we started off, and the autumnal colours under dark skies gave fabulous, ever-changing views back up to Rhobell Fawr, then over Coed y Brenin, then Mawddach and Cader Idris.
Time/Position: 60:45 (3rd from 43 [1st V40])
On a soft Autumn day the scenery around Dolgellau is exquisite, so this was an excellent day trip topped off with a superb leg-loosening jog around the Precipice Walk. Sadly, I didn't really get going on the race itself until the final descent down the tracks and paths from Bwlch Goriwared, but luckily this part of the descent favoured a bit of road speed so I was able to hold off the challenge from a few young lads to hold onto third position. It's a great race: up muddy forest tracks above the strangely named Afon Babi to gain the open hillside at the Bwlch. I moved into third position quite soon, but didn't feel good on the main 1500ft climb: worse, I took some awful lines after the bog of Ffynnon Sion - heading away from the wall too early, meaning I went up the western forepeak and several other steep knolls unnecessarily. A young lad passed me near the cairn, but I regained third as I tried to take the best line down to the right: I lost my nerve, though, unsure of the route so retreated to the 'handrail' of the wall, taking more inefficient lines back down to the bwlch. I was so slow that three younger runners were just behind at Bwlch Goriwared, but I was just able to hold them off as I finally sprang into some kind of life for this final fast section back to Llanfachreth. Very wet and muddy underfoot! I ended up third, and first Veteran. After soup and prizes in the village hall, Adair and I set off for a superbly enjoyable warm-down around the famous Precipice Walk, which I last did with Kate after Ras y Gader some years ago. A violent hailstorm cleared as we started off, and the autumnal colours under dark skies gave fabulous, ever-changing views back up to Rhobell Fawr, then over Coed y Brenin, then Mawddach and Cader Idris.
Sunday, November 03, 2013
Abergele 5m
Race: Abergele 5m (North Wales Championships)
Time/Position: 28.57 (6th from 187 [3rd V40])
Glancing at my watch with 400m to go, I thought I was on for a decent time here - at the very least a PB for the course. But, weirdly, I ended up 6 seconds slower than my 2011 and 2012 times and a minute down on my 5m PB. There is something rather strange about this course, which is notoriously tough with one long, gradual hill for the first two miles and one short, very sharp climb at the three mile point. The strange part is that I always end up with virtually the same time, whether I feel good or bad during the race. It's an excellent, and well organised event though, which always incorporates the North Wales championships and, as such, tends to attract a strong and competitive field especially among the Veterans. Could only manage bronze today, to add to last year's silver and 2011's gold in the champs - but, more positively, 6th is my best ever overall position at this race. There was a bit of a headwind at times today, which may account for the lost seconds.
Time/Position: 28.57 (6th from 187 [3rd V40])
Glancing at my watch with 400m to go, I thought I was on for a decent time here - at the very least a PB for the course. But, weirdly, I ended up 6 seconds slower than my 2011 and 2012 times and a minute down on my 5m PB. There is something rather strange about this course, which is notoriously tough with one long, gradual hill for the first two miles and one short, very sharp climb at the three mile point. The strange part is that I always end up with virtually the same time, whether I feel good or bad during the race. It's an excellent, and well organised event though, which always incorporates the North Wales championships and, as such, tends to attract a strong and competitive field especially among the Veterans. Could only manage bronze today, to add to last year's silver and 2011's gold in the champs - but, more positively, 6th is my best ever overall position at this race. There was a bit of a headwind at times today, which may account for the lost seconds.
Sunday, October 20, 2013
British Fell Relays
Race: British fell relay championships, Llanberis (Leg 2, 15k, 1000m)
Time/Position: 1.33 (40th from 180)
Peaks: Moel Cynghorion, Foel Goch, Foel Gron, Moel Eilio
Buckley's third appearance at this great team event - which this year came to the hills west of Llanberis and was therefore virtually home territory. As usual, our small club struggled to get a team together and once we did it became tricky to assign runners to legs. In the end, Eddie set off on the fast first leg for his first ever fell race - and the rain began in earnest as Simon and I waited for him in the holding pen. Unlike last year, when I took the navigation leg, this year I was on the long (15k) 'pairs' leg across the Moel Eilio ridge. In another contrast with Church Stretton and Llangynhafal (our two previous relay champs) the 'HQ' this year was the Glyn Rhonwy quarry and a flat expanse of slate waste. Slightly grim, but good views of the hills and the approaching weather systems sweeping down from Pen y Pass! Strong winds soon flattened the big club's gazebos - but our 3ft high tent remained intact throughout. We got a real drenching as we waited for Eddie, then set out for a very fast initial 5k southwards along the paths west of Llanberis towards Hebron station. This flat, fast stuff is more my terrain than Simon's, but it was all very muddy today - flowing water at several points along the paths. The brutal climb up the northern slopes of Cynghorion came immediately afterwards - it was a matter of getting my head down and trying to stay with Simon's relentless uphill pace. Hands came in useful! Once we reached the checkpoint on the summit, the wind tore into us, and this made for tough running along the rest of the ridge in poor viz. Painful horizontal hail and 70mph gusts made this a classic test. We did OK, and seemed to be passing a few teams, although our finishing position was a bit disappointing. I know the ground here fairly well, and was looking forward to the long final descent. Simon eats this stuff for breakfast, but I kept with him reasonably well and we plunged down the final very muddy slopes (a waist-deep quagmire, perfect for spectating schadenfreude as runners plunged in!) to hand over to Huw and Dave for leg 3.
Time/Position: 1.33 (40th from 180)
Peaks: Moel Cynghorion, Foel Goch, Foel Gron, Moel Eilio
Buckley's third appearance at this great team event - which this year came to the hills west of Llanberis and was therefore virtually home territory. As usual, our small club struggled to get a team together and once we did it became tricky to assign runners to legs. In the end, Eddie set off on the fast first leg for his first ever fell race - and the rain began in earnest as Simon and I waited for him in the holding pen. Unlike last year, when I took the navigation leg, this year I was on the long (15k) 'pairs' leg across the Moel Eilio ridge. In another contrast with Church Stretton and Llangynhafal (our two previous relay champs) the 'HQ' this year was the Glyn Rhonwy quarry and a flat expanse of slate waste. Slightly grim, but good views of the hills and the approaching weather systems sweeping down from Pen y Pass! Strong winds soon flattened the big club's gazebos - but our 3ft high tent remained intact throughout. We got a real drenching as we waited for Eddie, then set out for a very fast initial 5k southwards along the paths west of Llanberis towards Hebron station. This flat, fast stuff is more my terrain than Simon's, but it was all very muddy today - flowing water at several points along the paths. The brutal climb up the northern slopes of Cynghorion came immediately afterwards - it was a matter of getting my head down and trying to stay with Simon's relentless uphill pace. Hands came in useful! Once we reached the checkpoint on the summit, the wind tore into us, and this made for tough running along the rest of the ridge in poor viz. Painful horizontal hail and 70mph gusts made this a classic test. We did OK, and seemed to be passing a few teams, although our finishing position was a bit disappointing. I know the ground here fairly well, and was looking forward to the long final descent. Simon eats this stuff for breakfast, but I kept with him reasonably well and we plunged down the final very muddy slopes (a waist-deep quagmire, perfect for spectating schadenfreude as runners plunged in!) to hand over to Huw and Dave for leg 3.
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Flintshire 10k
Race: Flintshire 10k (Mold)
Time/Position: 37.07 (7th from 495 [1st V40])
It was fairly obvious that this was never going to be a PB course: a new route which is essentially an extension of our Border League 5 miler. Perhaps best described as a fell race on tarmac, I reckon it must be close to 600ft of climbing squeezed into 3k. I thought it might suit me, and had gone surprisingly well in my first intervals session since March last Tuesday, so seemed to have some form. Given the steepness of the hill, I started conservatively from Mold then just tried to maintain the effort and keep it going for the very steep (17%?) slopes beyond Nercwys. From here, the race turns back down towards Nercwys but remains 'fell-like' with an equally steep and slippery descent. The rain got a little heavier as myself and Gary had an excellent battle throughout the run-in - couldn't quite catch the two lads in front. I started to feel a stitch developing on the fast descent, but it never became crippling as we rejoined the normal BL run-in back to Mold. I last did this race three years ago (when I also won my category), but think the new route gives it a bit of character! At the prize giving, Buckley won first team and I got first V40, despite the fact that I was three minutes slower than my PB.
Time/Position: 37.07 (7th from 495 [1st V40])
It was fairly obvious that this was never going to be a PB course: a new route which is essentially an extension of our Border League 5 miler. Perhaps best described as a fell race on tarmac, I reckon it must be close to 600ft of climbing squeezed into 3k. I thought it might suit me, and had gone surprisingly well in my first intervals session since March last Tuesday, so seemed to have some form. Given the steepness of the hill, I started conservatively from Mold then just tried to maintain the effort and keep it going for the very steep (17%?) slopes beyond Nercwys. From here, the race turns back down towards Nercwys but remains 'fell-like' with an equally steep and slippery descent. The rain got a little heavier as myself and Gary had an excellent battle throughout the run-in - couldn't quite catch the two lads in front. I started to feel a stitch developing on the fast descent, but it never became crippling as we rejoined the normal BL run-in back to Mold. I last did this race three years ago (when I also won my category), but think the new route gives it a bit of character! At the prize giving, Buckley won first team and I got first V40, despite the fact that I was three minutes slower than my PB.
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