Race: Excalibur Mountain Marathon (43k/1403m/BL)
Time/Position: 4:22:36 (9th from 250)
Not a conventional 'mountain marathon', in the mode of the OMM or RAB, but rather a properly measured marathon distance over the Clwydian hills: a kind of informal, non-competitive hybrid between a long fell race and a road marathon. Billed as Britain's toughest off-road marathon, it was just an ideal local training run for me: good, if late, preparation for London. Even if I hadn't been ill last week, I doubt I would have been in a position to properly race this having not had time for enough long runs. As it was, I just kept a nice steady (slow!) pace throughout and really enjoyed the relaxed nature of the event. A small group of sub-5 hour runners started at 9.30, jogging along the fire roads east of Famau to gain the ridge at the fingerpost. Then the usual Friday night route to near the summit before dropping down to Cilcain. A long tarmac haul gains the climb up fields to the next checkpoint at the Moel Arthur car park. All very relaxed and slow-paced. Nice and friendly despite the odd urban ipod wearer! From here, the long looping bridleway on the Vale side led down to Llandyrnog, before a long but gradual climb gained the other gentle bridleway that skirts the Vale side of Pen y Cloddiau. A tough climb over Moel y Parc and back down via Aifft was perhaps the crux. Then comes the delightful home leg along OD across the top of the ridge via Pen y Cloddiau, Arthur, Famau and Fenlli. Perfect conditions: cool and cloudy after a warm week, unusually dry underfoot, and nice to be doing a long race over ultra-familiar hills that I've crossed hundreds upon hundreds of times. More notable, it is a nice logical loop of a route, which is not always easy to arrange in the unhelpfully linear Clwydians! Easy first half, with lots of road and track, climaxing with a tour of all the peaks (in that sense, somewhat reminiscent of the Jungfrau marathon!). I became increasingly distressed by the numbers of discarded bottles, though: I assume this will compromise the future of the event.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Llanferres loop
All training severely disrupted after a week in Armenia which saw a mild cough get considerably worse in the cold, dry climate. Despite this, the trip was superb with the highlight being a tour of Vayots Dzor along the border with Nakhichevan (an exclave of Azerbaijan) which is particularly spectacular at the high Tukh Manuk pass. This towers above the tiny de jure Azeri enclave of Karki/Tigraneshen, and is followed by the gorge of the Arpa and the superbly situated monastery of Novarank. At the highpoint of the trip in Jermuk, well above 2000m and just west of Nagorno Karabakh, the snow was almost head height, burying several buildings after a freak winter. Indeed, it snowed while we were there. Excellent wild Caucasian mountain scenery as we descended back to the Arpa valley. Views of the extraordinarily isolated peak of Mount Ararat became increasingly clear throughout the trip: a fantastic sight from Khor Virap, but still impressive from Yerevan and even up near Garni next day (another fine gorge). Ararat looks every inch of its 5137m when the weather is clear and would be nice to climb, though the logistics are apparently complex. By this morning, several days after returning home, I was feeling a little better after the trip, although I still struggled with the initial climb up Fenlli. The weather has been perfect in Wales for days, as it has by my reckoning since 2007 at this time of year. The warmth helped and, after coughing up a quantity of phlegm, I began to feel better as I descended from Fenlli. It was almost hot as I continued south along OD to the superb path west of Moel Gyw. Over the shoulder of this to Llanarmon, then a series of extended intervals back to Llanferres. Followed up with a bouldering session at Pot Hole, mindful of not having done any rock climbing in preparation for our forthcoming Provence cragging trip. Warmed down by cycling to work in glorious sunshine.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Berwyn run
Peaks: Cadair Bronwen, Tomle, Moel Sych, Cadair Berwyn
Area: Berwyn
A very enjoyable reccie of Peter's new Ras y Berwyn, which is planned for June. After doing the full Famau run last night, we took it fairly easy for the very steep start up a little lane above Llandrillo. The track then eases a little and becomes superbly runnable, although it is almost a constant four mile climb to the top of Bronwen. The weather was excellent - clear and sunny with shifting shower clouds over Aran and Arenig. The route across to Bwlch Maen Gwynedd gives excellent running, with great wild views down to Cwm Llawenog. A peaty haul up to Tomle, then SW along contouring tracks below the steep, broken east face of Cadair Berwyn to finally climb back up to the ridge at Moel yr Ewig. Appalling tussocks lead down to the superbly situated Llyn Lluncaws, probably the finest spot in the range. This will be tricky in the race, to say the least! Some debate in our small reccie group (me, Jez, Peter, Kean, Sandra) as to the best route. Then a steep but scenic climb up the obvious ridge to Moel Sych and along the main ridge to the top of Cadair Berwyn. We left en masse for the excellent but boggy long descent west to Cwm Tywyll. A couple of sleety showers as we headed north back to Llandrillo. A fine circuit with the potential to become a classic race. Jez and I then headed back up the tracks for an extra few miles around Cefn Pen Lletty, mindful of the forthcoming Clwydian marathon.
Area: Berwyn
A very enjoyable reccie of Peter's new Ras y Berwyn, which is planned for June. After doing the full Famau run last night, we took it fairly easy for the very steep start up a little lane above Llandrillo. The track then eases a little and becomes superbly runnable, although it is almost a constant four mile climb to the top of Bronwen. The weather was excellent - clear and sunny with shifting shower clouds over Aran and Arenig. The route across to Bwlch Maen Gwynedd gives excellent running, with great wild views down to Cwm Llawenog. A peaty haul up to Tomle, then SW along contouring tracks below the steep, broken east face of Cadair Berwyn to finally climb back up to the ridge at Moel yr Ewig. Appalling tussocks lead down to the superbly situated Llyn Lluncaws, probably the finest spot in the range. This will be tricky in the race, to say the least! Some debate in our small reccie group (me, Jez, Peter, Kean, Sandra) as to the best route. Then a steep but scenic climb up the obvious ridge to Moel Sych and along the main ridge to the top of Cadair Berwyn. We left en masse for the excellent but boggy long descent west to Cwm Tywyll. A couple of sleety showers as we headed north back to Llandrillo. A fine circuit with the potential to become a classic race. Jez and I then headed back up the tracks for an extra few miles around Cefn Pen Lletty, mindful of the forthcoming Clwydian marathon.
Friday, March 09, 2012
Bryn Alyn-Moel Famau loop
No races for a while, so a good opportunity to try to catch up with marathon training before leaving for a weekend in South Wales. I left Cadole before 4pm for the pleasant run to Maeshafn then through the woods to the 'Beast' up to the top of Bryn Alyn. I then extended the run out towards Eryrys, then back via the edge of the quarries to join the original race route back to Maeshafn. From here, I upped the pace back to the Collie before joining the normal Friday night group run up Famau. Felt like a beneficial longish outing, with plenty of climbing, but again was another reminder of how much work I have to do to convert my 10k speed - such as it is - to any kind of fell running form.
Sunday, March 04, 2012
Waun y Llyn long run
Hopelessly behind in my training for two forthcoming marathons, a familiar pattern. This was my first long run since Christmas, and followed a familiar route from home over the shoulder of Hope Mountain to Pontybodkin, then up the steep hill to Treuddyn. Wet snow fell throughout this section, which was rather unpleasant, and I remained cold and damp throughout. After the long haul up to Cae Hic, I was pleased to feel OK for the superb hilly running down to Llanfynydd, before the savage climb back up Waun y Llyn. Around 17m, but a good deal of climbing, so should be of some value for the forthcoming Clwydian marathon - if not London.
Friday, March 02, 2012
Dash in the Dark
Race: Dash in the Dark fell race (4m/700ft)
Time/Position: 25:38 (6th from 37 [3rd V40])
Having missed the first two 'dashes' this winter, I was pleased to be able to make the last one: I always enjoy these friendly night-time trail races through the Llandegla woods. Well off the pace tonight, though, having not yet emerged from my usual cocoon of road racing through the winter months. As a result, I struggled on the climbs, even though they are relatively gentle, and even the terrain seemed harder than usual. It's always tricky to see your feet, of course, and it remains disconcerting even after about 10 of these races. Quite competitive at the front end tonight, more so than usual, and I finished well down the small field. This is about the point in the year when I usually try to make the transition from road to hill, so there's clearly quite a lot of work to do!
Time/Position: 25:38 (6th from 37 [3rd V40])
Having missed the first two 'dashes' this winter, I was pleased to be able to make the last one: I always enjoy these friendly night-time trail races through the Llandegla woods. Well off the pace tonight, though, having not yet emerged from my usual cocoon of road racing through the winter months. As a result, I struggled on the climbs, even though they are relatively gentle, and even the terrain seemed harder than usual. It's always tricky to see your feet, of course, and it remains disconcerting even after about 10 of these races. Quite competitive at the front end tonight, more so than usual, and I finished well down the small field. This is about the point in the year when I usually try to make the transition from road to hill, so there's clearly quite a lot of work to do!
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Mold Border League
Race: Mold 5.5m (Border League race 5)
Time/Position: 28:33 (12th from 294 [2nd V40])
After two disappointing races, it was about time for a better performance, so this was pleasing. It's always a tricky course tactically. You have to be reasonably measured in terms of energy expenditure on the long hill to Nercwys, but can't be too cautious or it becomes impossible to make the distance up over the remaining three miles. I stayed in touch with a largish group up to Nercwys, then gradually made up some ground to hang off the back of it for a while. I was then pleased to find I was feeling reasonably good on the undulating terrain back to Mold, so I deliberately pushed it on all the short hills - especially the last one, when I pulled away from the front of the group I was with. Unusually, I then managed to hold my position for the long and tiring run-in up the exhausting 'false flat' to the finish. I think I'm currently second V40 with two races to go, but it's still very tight and both remaining races come immediately after marathons!
Time/Position: 28:33 (12th from 294 [2nd V40])
After two disappointing races, it was about time for a better performance, so this was pleasing. It's always a tricky course tactically. You have to be reasonably measured in terms of energy expenditure on the long hill to Nercwys, but can't be too cautious or it becomes impossible to make the distance up over the remaining three miles. I stayed in touch with a largish group up to Nercwys, then gradually made up some ground to hang off the back of it for a while. I was then pleased to find I was feeling reasonably good on the undulating terrain back to Mold, so I deliberately pushed it on all the short hills - especially the last one, when I pulled away from the front of the group I was with. Unusually, I then managed to hold my position for the long and tiring run-in up the exhausting 'false flat' to the finish. I think I'm currently second V40 with two races to go, but it's still very tight and both remaining races come immediately after marathons!
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Wrexham half marathon
Race: Village Bakery (Wrexham) half marathon
Time/Position: 1:19:15 (14th from 500 [3rd V40])
This was intended to be a full PB attempt as part of my London training. Lack of spare time, and a focus on short races, meant that I didn't really have the miles in my legs though. I started reasonably well, going through 5m in 28:50, and stayed on target for 1:16 until somewhere on the muddy tracks between miles 7 and 8. A surprisingly strong headwind, a tiny incline, and my lack of long runs led to the inevitable consequence. I developed a crippling stitch and started to drop back. However, something then happened that eclipsed that slowing pace. Some miscreant had changed the race markers at a distant road junction. Some runners went left, some right. I've done the race a few times before but in my oxygen-starved state couldn't remember which way it went. Cue an incredibly frustrating waste of precious time as we decided which arrow was correct! I suffered less than many (several runners cut the corner), but by the time we got going again all tempo, all commitment was lost. I was then fighting a losing battle, going through 10 miles in 59:40 and struggling to finish in sub 1:20. I can't help contrasting my performance with my last half marathon at Vyrnwy. I came into that having done no road running for eight months, struggled for the first five miles but then adapted to the tarmac and kept 5:59 pace going to the end. This time, after far more recent speed training and racing, I started well but could not sustain the pace. Not rocket science. I finished in a reasonable position, but whoever changed the signs completely ruined the race for the first 30 or 40 runners. The North Wales Championships were abandoned, and the race more or less invalidated.
Time/Position: 1:19:15 (14th from 500 [3rd V40])
This was intended to be a full PB attempt as part of my London training. Lack of spare time, and a focus on short races, meant that I didn't really have the miles in my legs though. I started reasonably well, going through 5m in 28:50, and stayed on target for 1:16 until somewhere on the muddy tracks between miles 7 and 8. A surprisingly strong headwind, a tiny incline, and my lack of long runs led to the inevitable consequence. I developed a crippling stitch and started to drop back. However, something then happened that eclipsed that slowing pace. Some miscreant had changed the race markers at a distant road junction. Some runners went left, some right. I've done the race a few times before but in my oxygen-starved state couldn't remember which way it went. Cue an incredibly frustrating waste of precious time as we decided which arrow was correct! I suffered less than many (several runners cut the corner), but by the time we got going again all tempo, all commitment was lost. I was then fighting a losing battle, going through 10 miles in 59:40 and struggling to finish in sub 1:20. I can't help contrasting my performance with my last half marathon at Vyrnwy. I came into that having done no road running for eight months, struggled for the first five miles but then adapted to the tarmac and kept 5:59 pace going to the end. This time, after far more recent speed training and racing, I started well but could not sustain the pace. Not rocket science. I finished in a reasonable position, but whoever changed the signs completely ruined the race for the first 30 or 40 runners. The North Wales Championships were abandoned, and the race more or less invalidated.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Nercwys mountain biking
A short trip around Nercwys forest with M: his first foray off-road on his new mountain bike. We rode through the middle of the forest on the main track first, then sampled the narrow and surprisingly rocky singletrack to the west. M enjoyed the descents! Tried to increase the running mileage again this week, after last week's enforced lay-off. Will run up Famau tomorrow night but rest on Saturday with a view to a PB attempt at the Wrexham half on Sunday.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Nick Beer 10k
Race: Nick Beer 10k (Llandudno)
Time/Position: 36:34 (15th from 870 [4th V40])
Having spent the week in the Ukraine, in a freak cold snap of -26C, I certainly felt well-rested coming in to this race: running was not an option in Kiev or Kharkov! Baffling, then, that this turned into my worst performance since the Brenig race last summer. I felt tired almost immediately, suffering even on the gentle initial climb around Marine Drive then really slowing for the steepest inclines past the lighthouse. I then recovered and pushed it on the descent, getting up to 11th place, before finally accepting that it wasn't my day and comprehensively blowing for a second and final time on the tiny hill past the tram station! An unpleasant finish along the prom ensued, feeling very uncomfortable and very tired. Well over two minutes down on my time at Twin Piers, a mere three weeks ago. No idea what the problem was: possibly cumulative sleep deprivation after a busy week away, or possibly just one of those days.
Time/Position: 36:34 (15th from 870 [4th V40])
Having spent the week in the Ukraine, in a freak cold snap of -26C, I certainly felt well-rested coming in to this race: running was not an option in Kiev or Kharkov! Baffling, then, that this turned into my worst performance since the Brenig race last summer. I felt tired almost immediately, suffering even on the gentle initial climb around Marine Drive then really slowing for the steepest inclines past the lighthouse. I then recovered and pushed it on the descent, getting up to 11th place, before finally accepting that it wasn't my day and comprehensively blowing for a second and final time on the tiny hill past the tram station! An unpleasant finish along the prom ensued, feeling very uncomfortable and very tired. Well over two minutes down on my time at Twin Piers, a mere three weeks ago. No idea what the problem was: possibly cumulative sleep deprivation after a busy week away, or possibly just one of those days.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Rhug Cross Country
Race: North Wales XC Championships, Rhug (11k)
Time/Position: 41:13 (11th from 60 [3rd Veteran])
Not a discipline I often indulge in, but I thought I'd give the championships a bash having yet again missed all the cross-country league fixtures this year. As a result, this rather pedestrian performance was about as much as could be expected. The Senior Male race attracted a small but strong field and I lost contact with the leaders almost immediately. That said, the course was steep in places, and scenic (perfect cold, sunny weather), and the field settled into their places quite early so some sort of rhythm was possible on the long flattish sections. Two stream crossings and a quagmire kept things interesting for the three long laps of the Rhug country estate near Corwen. I picked up a trophy for third veteran overall, and Buckley got Silver medals in the team and vet team competition.
Time/Position: 41:13 (11th from 60 [3rd Veteran])
Not a discipline I often indulge in, but I thought I'd give the championships a bash having yet again missed all the cross-country league fixtures this year. As a result, this rather pedestrian performance was about as much as could be expected. The Senior Male race attracted a small but strong field and I lost contact with the leaders almost immediately. That said, the course was steep in places, and scenic (perfect cold, sunny weather), and the field settled into their places quite early so some sort of rhythm was possible on the long flattish sections. Two stream crossings and a quagmire kept things interesting for the three long laps of the Rhug country estate near Corwen. I picked up a trophy for third veteran overall, and Buckley got Silver medals in the team and vet team competition.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Twin Piers 10k
Race: Twin Piers 10k
Time/Position: 34:17 (11th from 367 [1st V40])
I have always wondered what this race would be like with a serious tailwind, as a point-to-point route heading from Llandudno to Colwyn Bay with the prevailing westerlies. Today, my third time in the event, I got the answer: a considerable help! So I'm not sure whether this time, a PB by 28 seconds, is entirely legitimate despite the accurately measured course. It would, I suspect, be regarded as wind-assisted by any serious authority! That said, the climb over the Little Orme remains steep and hard, and this year there was an extra loop around Rhos which detracted from the elegant simplicity of the normal route and gave us a brief taste of the headwind. Before the race, I had thought I might get close to sub-35m, but don't think I am quite in genuine PB shape at present. The field was very strong, the pace exceptionally quick along the prom. I worked well with Richard, at a similar pace, and passed the leading runner in my category within the last 500m to win first V40 by 4 seconds. This time would have given me 2nd place last year, which must say something about the conditions. My first 10k since 2010, though, so generally pleased with the performance and the fact that I (very) briefly glimpsed the possibility of sub-34m.
Time/Position: 34:17 (11th from 367 [1st V40])
I have always wondered what this race would be like with a serious tailwind, as a point-to-point route heading from Llandudno to Colwyn Bay with the prevailing westerlies. Today, my third time in the event, I got the answer: a considerable help! So I'm not sure whether this time, a PB by 28 seconds, is entirely legitimate despite the accurately measured course. It would, I suspect, be regarded as wind-assisted by any serious authority! That said, the climb over the Little Orme remains steep and hard, and this year there was an extra loop around Rhos which detracted from the elegant simplicity of the normal route and gave us a brief taste of the headwind. Before the race, I had thought I might get close to sub-35m, but don't think I am quite in genuine PB shape at present. The field was very strong, the pace exceptionally quick along the prom. I worked well with Richard, at a similar pace, and passed the leading runner in my category within the last 500m to win first V40 by 4 seconds. This time would have given me 2nd place last year, which must say something about the conditions. My first 10k since 2010, though, so generally pleased with the performance and the fact that I (very) briefly glimpsed the possibility of sub-34m.
Sunday, January 08, 2012
Abergele Border League
Race: Abergele 5m (Border League race 4)
Time/Position: 28:13 (15th from 315 [3rd V40])
This season's League just seems to get more competitive with each race. This went reasonably well in the circumstances, as I worked my way into a decent group of runners west into the inevitable headwind on this seaside course, feeling relatively relaxed. The group then quickly broke up, leaving us all exposed to the wind as we hugged the coastline. I then picked up a couple more places on the off-road steps up to the caravan site (which inevitably slow times on what would otherwise be a fast, measured 5 mile route). I felt pretty good with a tailwind on the long haul back to Pensarn, yet still lost out to three runners with faster finishing kicks in the last 100m! This time was a bit slower than I'd hoped, suggesting I may not be in 10k PB shape at the start of 2012 (a tad over optimistic) although it did take 20 seconds off my 5 mile PB. I do like this course, though: it is somehow far more pleasant than the otherwise similar seaside circuit at Prestatyn.
Time/Position: 28:13 (15th from 315 [3rd V40])
This season's League just seems to get more competitive with each race. This went reasonably well in the circumstances, as I worked my way into a decent group of runners west into the inevitable headwind on this seaside course, feeling relatively relaxed. The group then quickly broke up, leaving us all exposed to the wind as we hugged the coastline. I then picked up a couple more places on the off-road steps up to the caravan site (which inevitably slow times on what would otherwise be a fast, measured 5 mile route). I felt pretty good with a tailwind on the long haul back to Pensarn, yet still lost out to three runners with faster finishing kicks in the last 100m! This time was a bit slower than I'd hoped, suggesting I may not be in 10k PB shape at the start of 2012 (a tad over optimistic) although it did take 20 seconds off my 5 mile PB. I do like this course, though: it is somehow far more pleasant than the otherwise similar seaside circuit at Prestatyn.
Sunday, January 01, 2012
Hangover Hobble
Race: Hangover Hobble (10k/300m)
Time/Position: 39:25 (6th from 76 [3rd V40])
A nice way to start the year - a fine, runnable route to the top of Cyrn y Brain from Llandegla. The combination of a strong field and gently inclining fireroads for most of the ascent meant that the pace was high all the way up. Strong winds blew in heavy rain for the very muddy descent - which takes a great route through the trees, similar to the Dash in the Dark routes in places. Weaving little paths led to a leap into a stream before the usual finish past the lake. I pulled clear of two runners near the monument on top, then tried to catch the two in front on the fast, enjoyable descent. I failed to do so, but it was a good speed session nevertheless!
Time/Position: 39:25 (6th from 76 [3rd V40])
A nice way to start the year - a fine, runnable route to the top of Cyrn y Brain from Llandegla. The combination of a strong field and gently inclining fireroads for most of the ascent meant that the pace was high all the way up. Strong winds blew in heavy rain for the very muddy descent - which takes a great route through the trees, similar to the Dash in the Dark routes in places. Weaving little paths led to a leap into a stream before the usual finish past the lake. I pulled clear of two runners near the monument on top, then tried to catch the two in front on the fast, enjoyable descent. I failed to do so, but it was a good speed session nevertheless!
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Carneddau walk
Peaks: Pen yr Olau Wen, Carnedd Dafydd
Area: Carneddau, Eryri
A pleasant short outing with Rich. Mild drizzle as we set off, an enormous contrast with the superb winter climbing conditions this time last year. The slopes up to Cwm Lloer were very boggy, then wet scrambling gained the ridge. Drier weather made lunch on the summit more comfortable, but a biting cold wind and lowering cloud base spoiled the ridge walk to Dafydd. My first rest day for quite a while, as I continue to push the running mileage, partly because of the bad weather (hence lack of other options!) and lack of races.
Area: Carneddau, Eryri
A pleasant short outing with Rich. Mild drizzle as we set off, an enormous contrast with the superb winter climbing conditions this time last year. The slopes up to Cwm Lloer were very boggy, then wet scrambling gained the ridge. Drier weather made lunch on the summit more comfortable, but a biting cold wind and lowering cloud base spoiled the ridge walk to Dafydd. My first rest day for quite a while, as I continue to push the running mileage, partly because of the bad weather (hence lack of other options!) and lack of races.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Llangollen Skyline run
An excellent longer run, the culmination of recent attempts to up the training slightly following the final race of the year at Tattenhall. Neil, Jez and I set off from the Ponderosa in bracing sunshine, jogging up to the top of Cyrn y Brain before enjoying the superb descent down to World's End and along Offa's Dyke to Llangollen. Some flat respite along the canal towpath to Rhewl, then a desperate sting in the tail up the 'Conquering Hero' path, which stays unrelentingly steep until the summit of Moel y Gamelin. From here, fine running along the ridge over Moel y Faen back to the Ponderosa. Neil and I did a version of the same 16m route, starting from Llangollen, two years ago: it is perhaps even more challenging this way round and I would like to put it on as a race some time. Good urban running in London last weekend, followed by a pyramids session on Monday and a 12-miler round the forest tracks on Tuesday. I intend to do the Famau run Friday, then run back from Llanfair DC to Cadole on Christmas Eve - should manage a 55 mile week.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Tattenhall Border League
Race: Tattenhall 10k (Border League race 3)
Time/Position: 35:41 (17th from 271 [3rd V40])
Poured with rain throughout this race, just as it did the last time we were here for the Tough Team in June. I was hoping for at least a top 20 finish, given reasonable current form, but should perhaps have done a little better on a course that theoretically suits me. Started off relatively slowly, intending to push it on the long double climb into the Peckforton Hills. This tactic worked reasonably well, although I lost a place on the fast and very long final run-in to the finish at the Sports Club. I took a minute off my previous best for this course and I'm now wondering whether I could get close to my 10k PB on a flatter course. Very tight overall in my category after three races: just three points between 2nd place and me currently in 4th.
Time/Position: 35:41 (17th from 271 [3rd V40])
Poured with rain throughout this race, just as it did the last time we were here for the Tough Team in June. I was hoping for at least a top 20 finish, given reasonable current form, but should perhaps have done a little better on a course that theoretically suits me. Started off relatively slowly, intending to push it on the long double climb into the Peckforton Hills. This tactic worked reasonably well, although I lost a place on the fast and very long final run-in to the finish at the Sports Club. I took a minute off my previous best for this course and I'm now wondering whether I could get close to my 10k PB on a flatter course. Very tight overall in my category after three races: just three points between 2nd place and me currently in 4th.
Saturday, December 03, 2011
Cardington Cracker fell race
Race: Cardington Cracker (9m/2600ft/AM)
Time/Position: 1:23:06 (12th from 291 [3rd V40])
Another end-of-season away day, but in the more familiar territory of the Shropshire Hills this time. That said, this is only the third time I've raced in this very pleasant mini-range around Church Stretton. This is a classic outing giving superb running in places: our carbon footprint was pleasingly small, too, with six Flintshire runners in one vehicle! The race takes in some of the terrain traced by the Stretton Skyline, which I did in 2009, but uses very different routes up the two key hills of the Lawley and Caer Caradoc. We began from the village through stubble fields into a freezing headwind which then helped us a bit for the ferocious climb up the Lawley from the east: hands and knees at times, but mercifully brief, as with all these hills. A superb descent, well remembered from the Skyline race, with me in 18th position at this point. Good running across fields and a wood led to the almost equally steep climb up Caer Caradoc. I was starting to pick up places, although my underdressed right arm, leg and face (exposed to the icy wind) began to freeze up as I crossed the ridge. Caradoc is a lovely little hill, enlivened today by sweeping hail and sunbursts over the Long Mynd to the west. The final climb up and over Hope Bowdler hill is gentler but drawn out, with superb airy running throughout. I passed a few runners and thoroughly enjoyed the long, gently descending run-in back to Cardington - just failing to catch the chap in front. Won the first V40 prize at a raucous village hall later on, although the truth is that I was off the pace and really only 3rd.
Time/Position: 1:23:06 (12th from 291 [3rd V40])
Another end-of-season away day, but in the more familiar territory of the Shropshire Hills this time. That said, this is only the third time I've raced in this very pleasant mini-range around Church Stretton. This is a classic outing giving superb running in places: our carbon footprint was pleasingly small, too, with six Flintshire runners in one vehicle! The race takes in some of the terrain traced by the Stretton Skyline, which I did in 2009, but uses very different routes up the two key hills of the Lawley and Caer Caradoc. We began from the village through stubble fields into a freezing headwind which then helped us a bit for the ferocious climb up the Lawley from the east: hands and knees at times, but mercifully brief, as with all these hills. A superb descent, well remembered from the Skyline race, with me in 18th position at this point. Good running across fields and a wood led to the almost equally steep climb up Caer Caradoc. I was starting to pick up places, although my underdressed right arm, leg and face (exposed to the icy wind) began to freeze up as I crossed the ridge. Caradoc is a lovely little hill, enlivened today by sweeping hail and sunbursts over the Long Mynd to the west. The final climb up and over Hope Bowdler hill is gentler but drawn out, with superb airy running throughout. I passed a few runners and thoroughly enjoyed the long, gently descending run-in back to Cardington - just failing to catch the chap in front. Won the first V40 prize at a raucous village hall later on, although the truth is that I was off the pace and really only 3rd.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Clwydian run
A grim start from Cadole in howling wind and lashing rain this morning. I didn't hang around for the run along the leet then up to the ridge at Moel Dywyll. Very strong crosswinds made life difficult to Moel Arthur, but it soon eased and the run up Pen y Cloddiau was surprisingly calm. An easy jog down to meet Kate in Bodfari after just over 90 mins of running. Picked the car up later following a day in the Vale. After a few days in the Arabian heat of Dubai and Sharjah last week (enlivened by a desert trip to the interior near the Oman border), I'd been trying to make up for lost training time with a novel sleepless post-flight run up Moel Famau on Friday night before following up with a brisk 10k yesterday.
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Tour of Pendle fell race
Race: Tour of Pendle (16.8m/4830ft/AL)
Time/Position: 2:52:18 (44th from 385)
This was conceived of as an end-of-season 'away day' to a classic Lancashire fell race, and worked perfectly in that respect. I have a tendency to split races into 'competitive' and 'tourist', but it has been a long time since I've really been able to put a race into the latter category and just plod round aiming for maximum enjoyment. Our small group of Welsh raiders really enjoyed this as a result. Peter sped off while Jez and I started at the back of the field in the pleasant village of Barley. Pendle towered overhead, quite isolated and impressive, rather like a northern Ventoux! A gentle trot past a series of reservoirs led to the first quite easy climb up to Pendle Hill itself at 557m. Perfect conditions: sunny, quite warm, deep blue sky. A boggy section led to a gloriously runnable long, gradual descent along a narrow valley to Pendleton Moor and the second checkpoint at the Nick of Pendle. More good running to Churn Clough reservoir, where I caught up with Peter. My ultra-slow start began to pay off as I upped the pace slightly for more fine running before I followed some local lads to take a steep line down the infamous 'geronimo' descent of Spence Moor. It feels like you're about to jump off a cliff as you approach it, but it's actually just a very steep and muddy hill. We then headed west through a valley and along to the fifth checkpoint at Howcroft Barn. Up to this point, the race had been very relaxed and enjoyable, but the hard work was about to begin with a steep, almost hot climb up Mearley Moor which is quickly followed by another sharp climb up Barley Hill. By now I was scooping water from small streams at every opportunity, dehydrating slightly but otherwise still comfortable. I caught Jez on the descent to CP 9, before the climax of the race - a 'Blorenge-like' hands-and-knees climb up the ultra-steep northern flank of Pendle Hill. A wonderful long descent then gains the valley and the finish back in Barley: all very relaxed and enjoyable. A fine, classic race which is very reminiscent of Shropshire's Long Mynd Valleys (albeit longer) in that it lulls you into a false sense of security before delivering a series of short but desperate climbs. It looks contrived on the map, but never feels it.
Time/Position: 2:52:18 (44th from 385)
This was conceived of as an end-of-season 'away day' to a classic Lancashire fell race, and worked perfectly in that respect. I have a tendency to split races into 'competitive' and 'tourist', but it has been a long time since I've really been able to put a race into the latter category and just plod round aiming for maximum enjoyment. Our small group of Welsh raiders really enjoyed this as a result. Peter sped off while Jez and I started at the back of the field in the pleasant village of Barley. Pendle towered overhead, quite isolated and impressive, rather like a northern Ventoux! A gentle trot past a series of reservoirs led to the first quite easy climb up to Pendle Hill itself at 557m. Perfect conditions: sunny, quite warm, deep blue sky. A boggy section led to a gloriously runnable long, gradual descent along a narrow valley to Pendleton Moor and the second checkpoint at the Nick of Pendle. More good running to Churn Clough reservoir, where I caught up with Peter. My ultra-slow start began to pay off as I upped the pace slightly for more fine running before I followed some local lads to take a steep line down the infamous 'geronimo' descent of Spence Moor. It feels like you're about to jump off a cliff as you approach it, but it's actually just a very steep and muddy hill. We then headed west through a valley and along to the fifth checkpoint at Howcroft Barn. Up to this point, the race had been very relaxed and enjoyable, but the hard work was about to begin with a steep, almost hot climb up Mearley Moor which is quickly followed by another sharp climb up Barley Hill. By now I was scooping water from small streams at every opportunity, dehydrating slightly but otherwise still comfortable. I caught Jez on the descent to CP 9, before the climax of the race - a 'Blorenge-like' hands-and-knees climb up the ultra-steep northern flank of Pendle Hill. A wonderful long descent then gains the valley and the finish back in Barley: all very relaxed and enjoyable. A fine, classic race which is very reminiscent of Shropshire's Long Mynd Valleys (albeit longer) in that it lulls you into a false sense of security before delivering a series of short but desperate climbs. It looks contrived on the map, but never feels it.
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