Bronwen max

Peaks: Cadair Bronwen, Tomle, Foel Wen, Mynydd Tarw, Rhos

Area: Berwyn

Always looking for excuses to explore the tranquil far end of the Ceiriog valley, this vague plan to maximise Cadair Bronwen had been in my mind for a while. It worked perfectly, on another very hot day. I left Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog at lunchtime and headed up the very long road to the top of the Wayfarer's Pass (Nant Rhyd Wilym). This is tarmac initially, right up to the last lonely farm at Swch Cae Rhiw where the route becomes a rough gravel track leading to the famous pass. The lower valley is exquisite, particularly in this weather, low hills, oak woodland, the infant Ceiriog river, all shimmering in the sunshine. Higher up is bare moorland but I felt good, much better than I have done recently, and reached the pass in an hour. From here, a trudge across moorland with two rises over subsidiary hills, leads to Cadair Bronwen. We are approaching drought status, so these hills are far less boggy than they usually are. Some haze rendered views over Eryri hazy from the top of Bronwen where I took a break (it was so hot I actually carried some water!). Then down the familiar descent to the contouring path of Ffordd Gam Elin and up to Bwlch Maen Gwynedd itself, another ancient crossing point. Instead of descending to Cwm Maen Gwynedd, I took advantage of the tinder dry conditions and trotted along the ridge - over Tomle, Foel Wen and Mynydd Tarw - reversing the standard horseshoe last done with Morgan in January. I then extended the ridge to the final peak of Rhos down tiny micro-paths before picking up unexpectedly good tracks curving round to the east below Maen Gwyn back to the village. A superb route, thoroughly enjoyable, and although I was moving fairly slowly I felt good throughout: 21k+/800m.

Wincle Trout

Race: Wincle Trout (10.5k/550m)

Time/Position: 1.03.43 (28th from 291)

A very well-known and long-established race on the edge of the Peak that I'd never got round to doing before, so it was nice to put that right today - although the heat and humidity made life difficult at times. With a mid-afternoon start in a picture-postcard location, that heat was always going to be a problem and after a fast start from the fete down to the Dane and along fast, flat tracks, I started to struggle a little. Fearful of a repeat of Ras y Gader, I consciously eased off and the shade of woodland helped. At the far end of the course, the route headed through Lud's Church, a gritstone gorge, as cool as a fridge, which I had heard of but never visited. It provided brief but wonderful relief from the heat, after which the race climbs again to gain a high open ridge: the end of the Roaches. This gave some superb running, some breeze, and views of Danebridge and the finish far below. A steep descent down steps led to the second river crossing of the day, through the Dane, and then a brutal final climb up to the finish at the fete. A beautiful location, almost like a Disney image of rural England, and a great race. I was quite glad I had opted for a cautious, pedestrian approach in the weather and actually finished higher up the field that I had expected to.

Nantlle ridge/Slate Trail

Peaks: Y Garn, Mynydd Drws y Coed, Trum y Ddysgl, Mynydd Tal y Mignedd

Area: Nantlle, Eryri

Yet more stunning weather: weeks without rain or humidity, and a lovely trip over the best bit of the Nantlle ridge, which I had to myself. From the Rhyd Ddu car park, I took the standard, logical route up Y Garn - the way I remember the race going many years ago, unlike my recent running of the midweek Garn race which instead clambered up trackless terrain further east for no obvious reason! From bottom to top took just under 25 minutes: it's a steep slog but very possibly the fastest way up any Snowdonian peak. From the top, the world is your oyster - great views of Yr Wyddfa and across to Craig y Bere on Mynydd Mawr, where I've done a few obscure routes. Below, the NE ridge, another obscure but memorable climb which I have done. Ahead, one of Snowdonia's best views - the ridge to the fang of Mynydd Drws y Coed then across to Trum y Ddysgl - all shimmering and pristine in the continuing wonderful weather. It was cool, almost cold, but stunningly clear. I trotted along the ridgeline, intending to do a double traverse, but felt a bit tired by Tal y Mignedd so decided to take the superbly runnable grassy ridge from the obelisk (imagine building a jubilee obelisk above Nantlle now!). From the east end of the Mignedd lake, I trotted past the campsite to eventually pick up the long, winding section of Llwybr Llechi/Slate Trail which ultimately leads back to Rhyd Ddu, but only after a long westward climb over boggy terrain (even after weeks of drought) to gain forestry then tracks from Mynydd Mawr back to the village: around 2 hours (14k+/1250m) at a reasonable clip.

Llanrug 5k

Race: Llanrug 5k (North Wales champs)

Time/Position: 18.02 (18th from 193 [1st V50]) 

This was a somewhat experimental outing, for various health-related reasons, so it was pleasing to at least start off well at a decent pace. I had never done the route before so opted for it ahead of the Beast on the same night (which I have done many times). The fast start (3.25km pace) gives way to tiny lanes, uneven surfaces, and a few hills - all of which meant that times were down on where I might expect to be at present. Much more undulating than Capenhurst, for example. It was a nice course though, on a truly beautiful evening. After completing a triangular loop, a fast descent leads to a ramp which cost me sub-18, my entry-level standard for the evening. Still, it felt like a decent session and it was nice to win my category again in the 5k championships (I was also 1st V50 in the Covid-era virtual 5k champs and 1st V45 at Ffrith 5k champs in 2016).

Tryfan scramble

Peaks: Tryfan

Area: Glyderau, Eryri

The head was willing to take advantage of the perfect conditions but the post-race legs, regrettably, were not. So I contented myself with a short scramble and a long stay on the summit, drinking in the views which continue to be remarkably clear in the northerly airflow and blocked high pressure. Up the very familiar short-cut path to the gully leading to Heather Terrace, and then located the start of Nor Nor gully from memory. I've done this a couple of times before: a lovely little I/II scramble which takes four clean little walls on the left of the gully itself. At the top of the tricky last one, a hidden quartz slab on the left gains the upper gully after which I weaved left up unfamiliar territory (more good scrambling) to emerge at the North Tower. A lovely stay on the summit, superb clarity in all directions, then down to Bwlch Tryfan and the direct descent down the scree to Cwm Tryfan.

Llyn Brenig race

Race: Llyn Brenig Trail (9.5m)

Time/Position: 60.44 (5th from 87 [1st V50])

The perfect weather continues, so I should probably have worn road shoes for this 'trail' loop, which I last did 12 years ago. I ran sub-58 minutes on that occasion, but the course was slightly different, from memory. Now, it starts and finishes at the visitor centre end of the dam wall. I went off a bit too fast, meaning I paid a price as the flattish lakeside tracks give way to the rollercoaster path section along the far northern shores of Brenig. I remember this as the crux of the race from my two previous runnings of it all those years ago. I struggled a bit on the hills, rarely feeling particularly comfortable, but I was reasonably secure in 5th place (miles behind the top four though). I kept it steady rather than fast on the return leg along the western shore.

Carneddau loop

Peaks: Pen yr Ole Wen, Carnedd Dafydd, Carnedd Llewellyn

Area: Carneddau, Eryri

Something of a time-trail over a loop I have done many times, going back 35 years: in fact, this is probably the Snowdonian outing I have done most often - or variants of it. The plan was to put a bit of an effort in to the top of Pen, move reasonably quickly over the ridge to Llewellyn, then run at a steady/slow pace down to the road. The weather has been stunning for quite some time now, a northerly airflow stopping things from getting too sticky while also rendering all views crystal clear with no haze, a wonderful combination creating almost perfect conditions. I took a direct approach to the style from the A5, then stuck more closely to the standard path - unusually dry - up to the bad step and ridge beyond. Kept a decent pace throughout and got to the summit in 41 minutes from the road, which was quite pleasing. Enjoyed the stunning clarity across to the Glyderau, then trotted over Carnedd Fach and Dafydd for another short break. Then the long haul out to Llewellyn in exhilerating conditions - a cool breeze and incredibly clear views under an azure sky. Had it all to myself, as well as the summit. I took some good lines on the descent down to Bwlch Eryl Farchog and its little scramble. I then plunged down towards Ffynnon Llugwy and the steep access road that leads back to the A5. A helicopter was picking up ballast here, and I was warned to 'be mindful' by a workman, but it didn't interfere and I got to the road 31 minutes after leaving the summit of Llewellyn, less than two hours for the loop. 

Rhinog Fawr return

Peaks: Rhinog Fawr

Area: Rhinogydd, Eryri

The return journey over Fawr, which loomed over our campsite. After a sunny breakfast (woken by bird song in the cwm) we headed direct up the steep, almost scrambly, path that leads upwards then rightwards to gentler ground. Mist rolled in as we were slogging up, disappointingly, and it was almost cold on the summit with no views at all. We plotted a route down (encountering the feral goat herd) towards Llyn Ddu, which took a while to reach, this being the point at which the Rhinogydd begin to take on their true wild character: rocks, crevices and thick vegetation slowing progress. We took a wide gully down to the lake, mist hovering just above it, then eventually gained the Bwlch Tyddiad (Roman Steps) path which led to a track and then another good path past Pistyll Gwyn back to the car.

Rhinog camp

Peaks: Rhinog Fach, Y Llethr

Area: Rhinogydd, Eryri

A glorious spell of settled weather, perfect conditions for a high camp. The Rhinogydd are the perfect location for this, as they always have a sense of occasion. My visits have been sporadic over the years, but it is always memorable - we traversed the entire range from Barmouth to Traws a decade or so ago. This was far less ambitious, Huw and I walked in from the Bronaber side late afternoon as high cloud gathered. We walked in to Bwlch drws Ardudwy, the ancient pass over the otherwise impenetrable range. After scouting around various sites, lack of water being a big issue, we finally settled on a flat spot below Rhinog Fawr with a little trickle of water nearby. I am fairly certain I've camped here before: maybe 1989 or 1990 in a different technological context! After this, we set off with lighter sacs for the direct approach to Rhinog Fach: this is very steep for a mile but gets high very quickly. Views were superb, with the sun dropping over Llyn and Bardsey. Ahead, every detail of the Cyfrwy crags on Cader Idris was illuminated by the slowly settling sun. Below, Llyn Hywel, one of Wales's finest mountain lakes. We trotted through the rocky outcrops then began the steep haul up Y Llethr, the range's highpoint, which levels out to a grassy trot at the top. We headed back to the col between the two peaks, then down a side path to the shores of Llyn Hywel, where others were camping. This was disappointing but inevitable these days with social media giving people 'ideas', and a couple more tents were scattered around the valley containing Llyn Cwmhosan. We had Bwlch drws Ardudwy to ourselves though. By the time we got back to the tent, the sun had dropped, and the midges were out in force - leading to an uncomfortable and very quick evening meal of couscous and tuna before escaping to our respective tents. 

Chester parkrun

'Race': Chester parkrun

Time/Position: 18.39 (5th from 334)

A perfunctory plod around the Chester parkrun 'A' course, in dry and warm conditions. Started off fast, deliberately, then knocked it back a bit - very congested on the second lap. Well down on my course pb but still felt like a decent speed session.

Cairnsmore of Carsphairn

Peaks: Cairnsmore of Carsphairn (797m)

Area: Galloway, Scotland

There are three Cairnsmores in Galloway. We did Cairnsmore of Fleet in abysmal weather in 2018, but this one is the biggest, and lends itself to a famous local saying. I parked just north of Carsphairn village, then jogged/walked up the track that leads past the Water of Deugh and the extravagantly-named Green Well of Scotland (a muddy pool!) below some subsidiary hills. At the end of the track, a giant deer fence then a steep slog up to the broad summit of the Cairnsmore. According to an information board at the start of the track, Snowdonia is visible on a clear day. Maybe. Today saw light cloud and hazy views back over the Rhinns of Kells and Sunday's hills, sun trying to peek through. I took a different, looping route down that was far better than the track, over Black Shoulder, Dunool and a more defined final hill that I think was Willieanna. This was all excellent, and eventually I rejoined the track. Around 1.40 or a little more for the outing. After this I meandered through Galloway in the sunshine, and stopped at Ullswater in the Lakes for a leg loosener up Gowbarrow Fell in lovely weather before completing the journey home.

Arran Traverse

Peaks: Suidhe Fhearghas, Ceum na Caillich, Caisteal Abhail, Cir Mhor

Area: Isle of Arran, Scotland

Well over 30 years since I was last on Arran, a ridiculous gap for such an accessible and wonderful island. Then, I remember drying out for hours in the public toilets, crossing A'Chir in terrible weather and climbing several damp routes on Cir Mhor: we also did most of the main summits in a three day trip. The exceptions all lie around Glen Sannox so that's where I headed after arriving on the 7am ferry from Ardrossan, creaking after a stupendous full Scottish breakfast on board. The bus dropped me off near the seashore and I headed straight up Glen Sannox into a beautiful sunlit morning, not a cloud in the sky and all the peaks arranged from left to right. Starting up North Glen Sannox would have been much better as I quickly realised I would have to traverse horrible pathless ground to the north if I was to gain the start of the Suidhe Fhearghas ridge and do it in its entirety. This was predictably tussocky, boggy and horrible - but enlivened by a superb female hen harrier, which was some compensation. And at the col, near a defunct baryte mine, I picked up a path which quickly became very steep but also well-defined and clear. It did indeed lead to the top of Fhearghas, a fantastic viewpoint over the Firth of Clyde back to the mainland. Ahead, the ridge was wonderful, quite narrow in places, well-defined throughout and hugely enjoyable. Across Glen Sannox, the ridge of Cioch na h'Oige and Goat Fell. Ahead, the main business of the day with the looming pinnacle of Ceum na Caillich, otherwise known as the Witch's Step. A forepeak led to the start of the ridge up to the obvious pinnacle, definitely one of the more dramatic spots in the British mountains. Some easy scrambling led to the top, and then I tried to find a way down. It was fairly obvious that this was climbing terrain and, with no partner and no rope, there was no question of feeling my way down even if it was technically easy (particularly in descent). So I looked for the traverse path and took this, only a little detour with an awkward little wall in descent leading to the gully that regains the main ridge line. More steep scrambling, excellent in places, leads to a more level section of ridge and then the final climb to the three granite tors that represent the summit of Caisteal Abhail. I scrambled up to the obvious highpoint and enjoyed the fantastic views. Some high cloud, but the sun was poking through from time to time. Across the top of Glen Sannox looms Cir Mhor, one of Scotland's finest peaks. I did it twice on our last visit but I'd never been up Caisteal Abhail before. Below, the long and shallow Glen Iorsa and then the west shore of Arran and Kintyre beyond. From the adjoining 'Hunter's' ridge, Cir Mhor is at its best, and a steep climb leads up to the small summit via some rock walls. I remembered it clearly from all those years ago - it is a superb place and, as with everything else, I had it to myself. Superb views over all the peaks, as it lies in a central position. A raven dropped in to see me, sitting a metre of two away. I trotted down to the top of Fionn Coire and then, mindful of energy levels, descended down to Glen Rosa, avoiding A'Chir and Tarsuinn (which I had at least done before). I was conscious of the last few days, and knew it would be a long haul back to Brodick (and I had already done 1350m of elevation). As a result, the descent down the whole of Glen Rosa was a delight, and a contrast to 30+ years ago, when I remember trotting down here in biblical rain and howling gales. At the bottom, birch woods and little waterfalls, and then a long trudge down minor roads to Brodick. I saw a ferry in port at the far end of Brodick, realised I just had time to catch it, so broke into a run for the last mile or two, hopping on dripping with sweat a little over 4 hours (21k/1360m) after starting from Sannox. Beef chilli was a nice way to replenish energy levels on the way back to the mainland.

Rhinns of Kells

Peaks: Corserine, Millfire, Milldown

Area: Galloway, Scotland

Galloway ticks a lot of boxes - mysterious, tough terrain, devoid of people. After a memorable short trip with Peter in 2018, I'd been keen to return and with a massively constrained window for a Scotland trip this year it seemed a good choice. Having effectively abandoned yesterday's Cader race, I had a reasonable amount of energy for this outing, which penetrates the wild interior from Forrest Lodge above Dalry. Forest tracks lead from the remote-feeling car park up past a lodge to the edge of Loch Harrow. Ahead, Corserine looms - an elongated plateau. A good path led up the side of a broad grassy cwm containing the Polk Burn to the vague ridge of Polmaddy Gairy and then the huge whaleback summit of Corserine on which it is difficult to determine the highest point. The weather was cool, with high cloud and little wind, although mist was descending over the Merrick and the Range of the Awful Hand further west: Galloway has fantastic names, as a result of its historical linguistic/cultural mix. The next section, along the Rhinns of Kells ridge, was very enjoyable. I cut the corner above Loch Dungeon and really enjoyed the views west over the wild heart of Galloway. We ran up the Merrick in 2018 so it was nice to look across to it. The terrain to the east is more rolling, culminating in the Cairnsmore of Carsphairn. I had the entire ridge to myself, saw nobody all day, and it was easy and enjoyable over the lonely summits of Millfire and Milldon. At the Lochans of Auchniebut I took an unwise shortcut before the summit of Meikle Millyea, direct down to Loch Dungeon. This was very unpleasant and craggy, dropping into a steep gorge at one point, necessitating evasive action, steeply down tussocks and bog to eventually gain the short of Loch Dungeon. This was a great spot, wild, the only sound coming from several sandpipers, mist rolling in over Corserine. I headed back via a complex route weaving round Loch Dungeon shores to Loch Minnoch. Then forest tracks above Mid Burn and McAdam Burn led back to Forrest Lodge and a short drive to Ayr.

Ras y Gader

Race: Ras y Gader

The less said about this the better. I ended up 30 minutes slower than my 2017 time. I had a reasonable start up to Ty Nant in 20 minutes, then slowed dramatically, really struggling in the hottest weather of the year so far (summit in 1.10, my best is eight minutes quicker). This then became even more disastrous on the descent, where I effectively abandoned the race below the zigzags with an upset stomach. I walked the remainder, until reaching the final tarmac section.

Prestatyn (BL race 6)

Race: Prestatyn Border League (5.9k)

Time/Position: 20.51 (39th from 309 [1st V50])

Having missed the rest of the season because of my illness, unable to try to repeat my category win of last year, it was a relief to finally get back to border league action on the last race in Prestatyn. I was pleased with the performance too, and felt better than I have in a long time (as opposed to desperately hanging on). That said, I couldn't have gone any faster. The race was an extended version of the parkrun route with a shorter loop at the western end, fairly similar to other league events from the Nova over the years (I remember the crucial climax of the 2015-2016 season here, when it was very close in the V45 category). I went off fast, 3.20/km pace initially heading west, then eased through the gravel near the golf course, then picked it up a little towards the finish.

York parkrun

'Race': York parkrun

Time/Position: 18.22 (19th from 645)

Potentially a very fast course indeed - in fact, probably the fastest parkrun course I've seen. But we were here unexpectedly, I didn't have my proper kit or shoes, and only cobbled it together last minute by way of clearing the head after three very stressful days spent almost entirely indoors! I wasn't at all surprised that it was by far my lowest parkrun finishing position ever - a massive field, quite a number of whom were clearly going for quick times. Essentially it is a lap and a half around the giant York racecourse, all tarmac, with wind the only potential downside. I didn't feel great, running in old style 'flats', but was satisfied enough with another basic speed session, one second slower than Birkenhead last week! Definitely a course to return to properly prepared.

Llwybr Llechi/Slate Trail

The plan was a good one - a two-day attempt on the slate trail, starting and finishing in Bethesda with an overnight stay in Blaenau half way. It worked a treat until the weather came in on Monday morning, torrential rain in stereotypical Blaenau fashion. I could have got back to the car, but I would undoubtedly have cut corners and the whole point is to do this route in its entiriety, so I will have to return. Anyway, day one went superbly, leaving Bethesda in perfect spring weather, climbing through the slate up towards Lon Las Ogwen and Zipworld. Then, with Carnedd Dafydd above it was into the familiar route up the old Nant Francon road, last travelled in the December snow. At Ogwen cottage, which I reached in an hour, I had a short break, before the next section along the A5 and then the old road to Capel Curig. So far, so familiar, as was the next section up the side of Crimpiau. From here, though, a lovely path weaves through the moor and woodland north of the A5, with interesting views back over the Carneddau and over to Siabod. Very light drizzle at times, before the descent down to Ty Hyll and then the riverside path to Betws. I remember doing Traditional Route from this path above Swallow Falls years ago - I suspect we were the last people to climb it! Down to Betws and a much needed refuel, still before midday. From Betws, nice paths lead along the Conwy to Fairy Glen and then woods to Conwy Falls. Then it is up the Machno valley and the section with most personal resonance, and also the quietest and best section of the route. A track on the west of the valley eventually climbs above Penmachno itself (small route finding error due to a fallen sign) and then another big climb above Carrog and Cwm. The sun was out now, and this section was superb - including the steep climb through Rhiw Bach quarry above Cwm, where taid worked and a place visited with dad. Cwm is a very special place - I was reminded of it when I visited Ushguli, one of the most extraordinary places I have ever been, tucked away at the end of a remote valley in Svaneti, Georgia. Admittedly, the drama there is accentuated by Ushba, the giant peak that blocks the end of the valley - but the comparison is a valid one, an isolated community of dark stone cut off from the rest of the world. At the top of the climb, the pass is breached and a level section through woods leads to the new Cwt y Bugail/Graig Ddu quarry via a very steep incline, and then the very long descent down Cwm Teigl to Llan Ffestiniog, round the side of Manod Mawr. More sunshine and easy jogging down the tarmac, cutting the corner slightly to head direct to Llan. I was tiring now, so the next section took a while. It was new terrain for me, through the glades and dells of Cwm Teigl and the characteristic oak woodland of the Vale of Ffestiniog - at the very best time of year in the best weather. It was all a bit twisting and involved though, tiring at the end of a long day, and I was glad to reach Blaenau after eight hours, 56k and 1650m of effort.

Birkenhead parkrun

'Race': Birkenhead parkrun

Time/Position: 18.21 (5th from 560)

Very familiar territory from multiple border league fixtures - one of which once went this (clockwise) way round, the converse of the borders loop. However, despite all those races, I'd never done the parkrun before, which always attracts a huge field. I deliberately went off fast for the first lap, then tried to hold on for the second, by way of some inadequate speedwork. This worked reasonably well and I was fairly satisfied with the time, given current circumstances.  

Y Garn

Race: Y Garn

Time/Position: 33.41 (12th from 65)

A quad destroyer if ever there was one, I last did this in 2008 when it was a standalone weekend race. It is now part of the Tuesday evening series, and takes a rather odd route to the summit - up extremely steep grassy slopes left of the normal path, gained by a short contour. The race has an impact way beyond its tiny length, as is often the case with events of this kind - and the damage and muscle soreness caused reminded me of the aftermath of the Jubilee Plunge. Conditions were ideal, cloudy and fairly still - but there wasn't much time to enjoy the views of Nantlle from the little summit ridge. About 25 minutes up, and around 8 from the summit to the finish. Literally not a single section of flat ground, and not many gentle inclines - the descent takes a little boulder field and then plunges down, or near, the normal route. Legs like lead at the bottom, despite the extreme brevity of the course. Tried to loosen them with a jog along OD from Bodfari to Rhuallt next morning.

Cader north

Peaks: Pen y Gadair, Mynydd Moel, Gau Graig

Area: Cader Idris, Eryri

A lovely circuit around the northern ridge of Cader. If I have been up Gau Graig before, it is only once. It lies at the end of the ridge gained from Pen y Gadair. I parked at Ty Nant then took the standard pony path to Rhiw Gwredydd: memories of Ras y Gader, which I have done three times and am doing again next month. From the broad col, the route steepens with a few joggable sections until the rocky final climb: 47 minutes from Ty Nant. This was the best weather of the bank holiday weekend, with cloud peeling away from the ridge and superb views over towards the Rhinogs, Llyn and the sea. I was last here with Morgan almost exactly a year ago, and again I jogged slowly over to Mynydd Moel. This eastern end of the ridge is superb - empty and wild, under big sunny skies. It's a bit boggy in places but leads to the lovely highpoint of Gau Graig, with superb views to Aran Fawddwy and down to the delightful lower slopes around Afon Arran. This is classic Welsh scenery, and gets better down the northerly ridge of Gau Graig which was another unexpected bonus, a lovely route with a clear, twisting path and some rocky steps. At the bottom, a little track is gained then little lanes lead north then west back to Ty Nant through wonderful oak woodland with calling cuckoo.

Moelwynion east

Peaks: Allt Fawr, Moel Druman

Area: Moelwynion, Eryri

It has been so long since I've been up Allt Fawr from the Crimea Pass that I had completely forgotten it. The ridge is delightful, surprisingly well defined, nicely logical. I am guessing that the path is clearer these days - whatever, I enjoyed it and was pleased that the weather was reasonable, cool and cloudy but the tops were clear. There isn't too much climbing above lonely Llyn Iwerddon until the final rise and the views down to Blaenau are interesting. From the top of Allt Fawr, a lovely jog leads past the delightful lakes and pools around Llyn Conglog. I have been this way several times before but usually on long outings and the easy tone disappeared as I ploughed down steeply into the unnamed cwm (the source of the Lledr?) below Moel Fleddiau and Moel Dyrnogydd. It would have been easier to climb the latter than do what I did: descend towards the hidden gorge at the bottom to eventually gain the tiring twisting path that leads back to Crimea.

London Marathon

Race: London Marathon

Time/Position: 2.57.16 (2428 from 40000)

As is often the case, I knew I was undertrained coming into this, my 12th London marathon. No training manual would advise four mountain and road races the week before! Neither would they advise just three longish road runs. So I had no intention of pushing it today, just holding a steady pace and enjoying myself. This I did, and again recorded a negative split - as I did with my 2.53 in 2021. Every single kilometre was between 4.10-4.16, with the vast majority at precisely 4.12. Weirdly, I felt a bit tired at the start, a bit tired in the middle and a bit (more) tired at the end, while never feeling I could have pushed harder. I started at Maze Hill on the green start: going back to my first London in 2001 I can't remember going off this start before. I felt it lacked the atmosphere of Blackheath, but it did mean that the first 5k was all new to me, which was nice. After this I settled in, and the weather was ideal: drizzly rain and chilly temperatures. Despite this, the crowds around the Cutty Sark had returned to pre-covid levels and the atmosphere was brilliant. As ever, this reaches a crescendo at Tower Bridge, which I thoroughly enjoyed and then felt very relieved through the Isle of Dogs as I realised I had the legs for it, despite only three long road runs in training. As it was only six months since the last London, and I contracted glandular fever shortly afterwards, I concentrated on savouring the run in along the embankment.

Horseshoe reverse

Peaks: Lliwedd, Yr Wyddfa, Garnedd Ugain, Crib Goch

Area: Snowdon, Eryri

There was a time when we had something of a spring Snowdon Horseshoe tradition - the late 80s and early 90s. Since then, less common, but this time of year is always best. I did it in reverse today - which I have never done in its entirety before, although all the 'reversed' sections were familiar from various events and days. First comes the Pedol Peris route up Lliwedd and then the direct approach to Snowdon. Lots of low cloud initially, but it was lifting as I slogged up Lliwedd after jogging up the Miners to the green hut. I remembered bits of the racing line up Lliwedd (contouring) but took in both main summits - half an hour from Llydaw. The descent is very awkward, bringing back painful memories of the Pedol, which I've done three times. Lots of rock across Bwlch y Saethau, but the views were now stunning - a day of perfect spring clarity was developing. The direct route up the east face is another Pedol memory, extremely steep with some scrambling. The summit was less crowded than it might have been given superb weather, but a biting easterly may have been some explanation. This got stronger on Garnedd Ugain, where the crowds melted away (9 mins from Yr Wyddfa). Then a real treat, the whole of Crib Goch in reverse (again, familiar as it forms the start of the Welsh 3000s). This was a little windy initially down to Bwlch Goch, and refreshingly empty. Then the wind dropped for the pinnacles and the ridge itself. I have been lucky enough to enjoy this in perfect clarity quite a few times, but it is always special. Not quite as satisfying in reverse, but still good. The descent down to the pyg track is awkward and time-consuming, yet another reason the horseshoe is rarely done this way round! But I got back to PyP in 2.30 (2.07 moving time) which isn't too bad. Then it was the usual relaxing 3k cycle back to my free parking spot just across the Conwy county border: very satisfying.

Ras y Moelwyn

Race: Ras y Moelwyn (15k/900m)

Time/Position: 1.53.02

Yet another personal worst, but I don't really mind because this is a classic route that always provides a memorable experience. I'm not sure times are strictly comparable, as it was probably longer in 2019 and possibly shorter in 2009 (my two previous outings). Also, it was a beautiful spring day and with London approaching all I really wanted was a nice outing in the hills. But suffice to say I have gone a lot quicker than this in the past and didn't feel good today at all: in fact, I felt like I did at the Fron Four last Saturday, slow and sluggish, struggling on both the climbs and the descents. All rather odd, as I am going reasonably well on the road at present. I can't think of a more varied route than this one - from the rugby club up to Tanygrisiau, then through the quarrying landscape of Cwmorthin, up to the steep climb above the highest quarries up to the Moelwyn Mawr ridge. Then comes the mountaineering bit, along the Craigysgafn ridge. I know full well that the racing line heads along grassy terraces to the right, but always lose my nerve and end up with the worst of both worlds. I did the same today: 16 minutes from Mawr to Bach. After this comes the memorably steep descent down a narrow gully to Llyn Stwlan, across the dam wall, then up a short, steep climb to gain the incline across to Moel yr Hydd. From here, a view straight down to Blaenau, but the race route takes the open valley down to Cwmorthin to regain the ascent track for a quick but long return to the rugby club.

Spring 5

Race: Chester Spring 5

Time/Position: 29.33 (33rd from 374 [2nd V50])

The poor weather remained a factor tonight, although as with last year the back-to-back race routine worked reasonably well and I didn't feel too bad for the very fast start down towards Picton. The next stretch, into a headwind, slowed times in these conditions - as did the mud on the farm lanes back to the crossroads. I ended up almost a minute down on last year, so I was lucky to be first Buckley finisher on this, the first in the revived club championships. Always a very competitive race: I'm not sure how many times I've done it over the years, this may be my sixth or seventh running. I ended up winning the V50 prize tonight due to West Cheshire's scrupulously fair age-based prize structure: first time I have won anything at this event, in contrast to Round the Walls and other long-established local classics.

Foel Lus

Race: Foel Lus (5.2k/340m)

Time/Position: 30.02 (25th from 110 [2nd V50])

Dreadful conditions for this evening race, part of the North Wales championships this year. I was around three minutes down on last year's time, and even more on my 2017 course PB. Still, the weather made this memorable and gave a good excuse to take it easy, with tomorrow's Spring 5 in prospect. Capelulo is sheltered, of course, so it was deceptively calm at the start - although also extremely wet, with torrential rain sweeping across the tight valley. Emerging from the zigzags, the wind hit, making life difficult for the double climb up to the summit. This race is all in the descent, however, so the full-on headwind on the initial descent made even downward progress difficult. It turned to a tailwind for the first section of the jubilee walk, although the path was very wet. I got the shortcut that I infuriatingly missed last year - it provides a big advantage, and limited the damage to an extent. Completely soaked to the skin my the finish, after which it was into the river, as usual, minimising muscle damage with tomorrow in mind (although I didn't stop shivering until the Albion).

Fron Four

Race: Fron Four (13.5k/770m)

Time/Position: 1.24 (7th from 25)

Fron is a great place, in the remote badlands above Caernarfon: it reminds me of the Caucasus with its bare mountains, tracks going nowhere, and livestock wandering around the unenclosed landscape. It is also a very distinctive Welsh quarrying landscape, but it takes a while to get to. So I had only done this race once before, in 2017 (although I have also been up here to climb on Craig Cwm Du). I must have been going well in 2017, as I was a massive eight minutes slower today, in perfect conditions (but a small field). Around 10 minutes to the low top of Moel Tryfan, and then a very slow climb up Mynydd Mawr, which is where I suspect most of the damage was done. I had no recollection of this: it is longer and steeper than you would expect. Then comes the slightly arbitrary additional sections, down the first spur to Craig Cwmbychan, then the horrible trackless traverse (which I did remember) to gain the spur down to Foel Rhudd. In the spring sunshine, this was delightful despite my less than frisky condition. Back up to the Mynydd Mawr, and then the long descent, again with disappointingly fading energy levels. I was due a really bad race, and the long run on Wednesday may have something to do with it.

Conwy double 20

The usual last minute London training. I was torn between a loop around Betws and Capel, or a more relaxed outing from Conwy to Llanfairfechan. I opted for the latter given constant rainfall and generally unpleasant conditions, but after Sychnant I infuriatingly missed the bike path westwards from the far end of Penmaenmawr. Instead, I headed back to Conwy with a tailwind then appended an extra loop around Maesdu and Llanrhos to complete the 20 miles. Never felt particularly good.

Nantwich 10k

Race: Nantwich 10k

Time/Position: 36.23 (15th from 998 [1st V50])

As with the Wigan half, this was something of a speculative 'rangefinder'. With very little specific training, I had no idea how I would do, so aimed for around 37 minutes. In the event, I was able to hold a reasonable pace and picked it up for the last 4-5k. Perfect conditions, cool and clear, and a potentially fast course which heads west along Water Lode from Nantwich town centre to take a short loop around Swanley Lane. It certainly seems like something to build on, only 30 seconds down on my Farndon time from last October (although two minutes slower than my 2012 PB!).

Termessos/Guluk Dagi

The wind in Egirdir forced a return to Antalya a day earlier than planned. Not a problem though, as there are plenty of interesting day-trip options. After much consideration, I decided Termessos would work best - but not as part of a £100 tour! Instead, I headed back to the Otogar and got a cramped dolmus to Kortukeli, asking the driver to drop me off by the Termessos road junction. The weather was perfect - although still very windy, sunny, very clear, but cool. It is a 9k uphill haul to even gain the lowest point of the ruins, and without a car I had to walk. This worked well though, as it was the most practical way to get into the mouthwatering mountains that are so obvious from Antalya. The road was extremely quiet, no more than 2 or 3 cars passed. I jogged small sections and reached the ruins in reasonable time, heading through the collonaded street to the spectacular Pisidian theatre, in an unbelievable location at the top of the Gulluk Dagi plateau (just over 1000m). Above, an impressive crag, then the valleys stretching down to the coast. An incredible place, and I had it to myself. Near the agora, I saw a superb black-eared wheatear (and lower down a semi-collared flycatcher). I jogged all the way down, stopping at a little food shack for wonderful home made tarhana soup and cay. At the junction, I stuck out my arm and the first dolmus took me back to Antalya.

Sivri Tepe

Peaks: Sivri Tepe (1719m)

Area: Isparta/Lake District, Turkey

A classic 'signature peak' that dominates the lakeside town of Egirdir, where I was staying. Sivri Tepe translates as 'pointed spire', which is an apt description, albeit hugely exaggerated when approached from the other side (which is the only real route up). I arrived in Egirdir, the heart of the Turkish lake district yesterday afternoon after a really enjoyable eight hour journey from Goreme, very scenic after the big city of Konya. The lakes are all enormous, and there are some very big mountains in this area. Sivri Tepe is certainly not one of them, but it was the only realistic option without a car (and at this time of year). The wind throughout was remarkable - very strong crosswinds continually raking the narrow peninsula on which I was staying. Sadly, overnight the weather generally deteriorated and I had a very tight itinerary in the morning, with my next bus to Antalya leaving at midday. After breakfast at the top of Pension Fulya with stunning views over the Egirdir lake in all directions, I commenced battle with the crosswinds. I jogged up the road, flat at first, and then up towards the village of Akpinar. A continuous series of heavy showers barreled in from the south-west, some quite torrential. At times, they were of sleet and hail although there were also occasional easings. At Akpinar, the route veered north along the St Paul trail, a new long-distance path. This helped but the path was boggy and indistinct in places. I passed a couple of old shepherds (possibly Yoruks - this being something of a stronghold for them) sheltering under trees, and higher up branched off towards the peak itself - still impressive from this southerly angle. The remaining path was narrow and occasionally indistinct but became clearer for the final ascent up slabby limestone and scree. At a vague neck, the wind howled through: very strong, upward progress to the summit a real struggle particularly as a hailstorm blew in at the same time. However, I did get views from the summit down to Egirdir and the vast lake: memorable in this weather, my face raked with the hail. I didn't hang around, and scampered down: once beyond the vague neck/col the wind eased, as did the hail, and the rest of the descent down to the shepherds huts was easier although boggy, with annoying cloying mud, reminded me of the Wychavon Way ultra! It continued soggy, so I took a diversion to a gravel track. This led to Akinpar, after which a clap of thunder and a very black cloud sent me running back at 4 minute kilometre pace all the way back to Egirdir. Once back on the peninsula, the sun came out! I just had time for a shower and a borek/ayran lunch before getting the midday bus to Antalya.

Capaddocian valleys

After arriving in Goreme around 2.30am yesterday morning, I had got my bearings with a walk/jog up towards Uchisar, then down Gullicinlik (Pigeon) Valley, just trying to absorb the famously extraordinary landscape of Capaddocia. This morning, after a stupendous breakfast at the Shoestring cave hotel, I embarked on a longer outing, mostly taken at a gentle running pace. Towards sword valley initially, then through terrain ruined by quad bikes (a total blight on the landscape and ambience). The signage was appalling, and the terrain very complex, so I just followed my nose as the whim took me. This led to what I assume was Rose Valley, with its deep pinks and oranges stretching up towards the high plateau of Hagri Dag. A cave church was at the end of one of these hidden valleys, along with blossoming cherry trees: it was exquisite, and I had it all completely to myself. Down this valley, then up another, before taking the tracks to the village of Cavusin. I bought and drank a bottle of water below the remarkable 'cave city' that towers above the village, then headed down to the main Avanos road. A left turn, then a short road section before branching off towards Love Valley, which I then followed in its entirety, all the way up to Uchisar, the remarkable cave village I had already reached yesterday (it is dominated by a 'castle' formed by a giant pinnacle, a useful navigational aid). This valley, with its phallic 'fairy chimneys' is perhaps the most extraordinary of all, albeit a little less enclosed. Again, blossoming cherry trees added to the ambience (the weather was perfect throughout - deep blue cloudless skies, warm with little humidity. Again, I had it to myself: it has a remote feel in its upper reaches, which is completely deceptive because the road is never far away. The pillars fade, and the top sections reminded me of Utah, 'slick rock' and white canyon walls. I emerged at a pomegranate seller's stall, and then the Uchisar road. Miles away, across the plains, loomed Erciyes Dagi, a giant 4000m isolated stratavolcano peak above Kayseri. Later visited the open air museum with its ancient cave churches, then refuelled with the local speciality claypot kebab.

Wigan half

Race: Wigan half marathon

Time/Position: 1.21.43 (18th from 583 [1st V50])

This was something of a 'range finder', my first half since running 78.02 at Vyrnwy in September. It was also highly opportunistic, just breaking the journey from home to pick up EE from York. As such, I was pleased to feel pretty good and I really enjoyed the varied, interesting course. I struggled with the pace initially, on flat roads out from the pleasantly Victorian Mesnes Park towards the industry around Marsh Green. After looping the DW stadium, I began to feel much better and really enjoyed the next long section alongside the Leeds and Liverpool canal past Wigan Pier. I knew a climb was coming up, but still, the haul up to Haigh Hall was much tougher than I'd expected: steep, long and hard. I kept it going fairly well, gaining a place or two. Then, after looping the hall, you get to enjoy the long descent back to the woodland park gates (all very pleasant, lovely woods) before a very fast finish back to Mesnes Park. Finished first V50 in what I felt to be a reasonable time given the nature of the course and my current lack of speedwork. Then, straight into the car to continue the drive to York!

Phoenix parkrun

'Race': Phoenix parkrun

Time/Position: 18.57 (2nd from 84)

Runcorn doesn't sound the most attractive location, but actually this is a really nice course, and seemed the most likely local (ish) option this morning after much snow and ice. Last night saw one of the most memorable ever Collie Classic runs, up Famau in stunning conditions of deep snow as the sun set. It was  a bit tiring wading through the snow, but felt truly Nordic at times with branches weighed down by the volume of snow and the eastern sky purple. Today was a sharp contrast, mild and sunny in Phoenix park - the course involves two and a half laps with three climbs, almost all tarmac, and a nice lakeside/canal blast. The young lad up front was literally a kilometre (3 minutes) ahead of me in 2nd place, as he beat the course record.

Pipe Dream

Race: Pipe Dream (6.8k/420m)

Time/Position: 41.42 (28th from 148 [3rd V50])

I last did this way back in 2007, and at that time the route didn't follow the actual line of the pipe - instead it headed up the zig-zags in the Dolgarrog woods. Now, it is a unique outing: going up the steps right next to the pipe, at a gradient of 55%. This is all as brutal as it sounds, and as a championship counter there was quite a sprint for places, as the steps are not really amenable to overtaking! Where the gradient eases, jelly legs need to solidify for the familiar track towards Llyn Cowlyd. This is left quite quickly so the route can maintain its religious devotion to the pipe. I felt sluggish here, not really able to regain any sort of pace after the climb. A short extra climb to a vague summit, which I vaguely remembered from last time, before a fast descent, tricky in places, over field paths and down steep woodland. Simon caught me on the descent, and stayed ahead on the final steep track to the school. I was then able to pull ahead on the manic 600 metre dash through the village back to the hall. A nice walk round Conwy to stretch the legs, then an ultra-flat 18 miler from St Asaph (with no steps at all!) on the Sunday.

Sao Lourenco

Massively popular, with hundreds if not thousands of tourists, but still a spectacular outing along the south-eastern peninsula of Madeira, taking in two small but sharp summits via the PR8. It was positively hot at some points today, and there is no shade on the route at all, apart from the palm trees at the cafe. Wonderful views back to the cloudy mountains and across the Atlantic in all directions, particularly where the peninsula narrows.

Pico Grande

Peaks: Pico Grande (1654m)

Area: Madeira

This was the mountain I most wanted to do on Madeira, a fine peak that occupies a very central position west of Saturday's high peaks. After an early breakfast, a complicated and very steep drive led straight up through several villages to the Boca da Corrida. Warm sunshine and wonderful views immediately, with the hidden Nun's Valley way down below and Pico Ruivo across the valley. Ahead, Pico Grande dominates, however, with its very distinctive summit tower. It proved far easier than I had expected, and I adopted a loping jog along the superb path leading to Encumeada. Two major obstacles block the path, the peaks of Pico do Cavalo and Pico de Serradinho, but the path weaves between them, contouring above the Nun's Valley at one point, then ducking through the gap: never too arduous however, and often almost level. At the Relvinha col, a major junction, so I took the eastwards path briefly before a more minor path climbed the hillside. It seemed fairly obvious that this would lead up Pico Grande, and it contours the hillside, fairly exposed, before curving back to the north-west. Thoroughly enjoyable throughout, and quite a distinctive landscape, quite different from Saturday. Open heathland with peaks emerging from an undulating plateau. The summit tower loomed ahead with some mist playing around. A sloping traverse right, then an easy scramble (chains) to a volcanic sandstone summit. A complete contrast to Saturday, I had the entire mountain to myself. I could just see down to Funchal as the mist parted. The return leg went equally smoothly and I was back at the car after 1:37 of effort (less than an hour for the climb to the summit). Back at a sunny hotel by 11am, leaving plenty of time left for a wonderful day exploring Funchal and Monte.

Ribeiro Frio loop

Peaks: Chao das Freiteiras (1200m)

Area: Madeira

Not really a summit, more of a broad plateau, but it formed the highpoint of this delightful circuit from the beautiful hamlet of Ribeiro Frio, nestled amidst subtropical vegetation on the northern side of the watershed. 'Cold river' seemed appropriate in the early morning out of the sunshine, a chilly spot indeed, although by the time we had reached the side viewpoint of Balcoes via the Furado levada, we were in the sunshine for the spectacular views out over the Foja da Noguieara valley. Mist was rolling over the high summits of yesterday, but the view was still outstanding, and in the other direction lush valleys rolled down to the Atlantic with Porto Santo very clear. We then went back to the village and started on our first proper levada (although I had already done a brilliant 5 mile run along the local levada dos piornais from our hotel that morning). Initially, the river ran alongside, fast-flowing, then the tranquility of the trickling levada Portela took precedent. I had been on the hunt for the endemic Madeiran firecrest all day and finally located one (not easy!) about 1km down this track, lively but giving pleasingly diagnostic views. The levada got better and better, with views opening out through the dense cloud forest, down to the sea. To the right, side valleys, waterfalls and giant ferns. And all the time the flowing water, just delightful. A few little engineered tunnels and the occasional exposed section led to a sharp kink right and then a wonderful junction at a little bridge where two river valleys converge. After a break, watching the tame Madeiran chaffinches and enjoying the delightful ambience, we followed the steeper stream up a much more obscure (and far steeper) path alongside the Poco do Bezerro levada (the stream has the same name). Babbling water on both side, dappled shade, lush vegetation, and a lovely path. Kate was tiring a little, as the climb was fairly steep, but after 1000ft or so of ascent it emerges at an upland meadow with scattered broom: a total contrast. A short climb then leads to the Chao des Freiteiras plateau and great views down to the Atlantic and then across to the high peaks of yesterday, where grey cloud was rolling in. Some drizzle as we turned at some derelict buildings to take an ancient cobbled path down to the road (echoes of the stone paths of Mallorca here). A brisk downhill jog back to the car in Ribeiro Frio, and then a superb late lunch at the famous Abrigo do Poiso restaurant, a grand old place with a lovely atmosphere. By now it was pouring with rain, which made it even more special as we enjoyed caldo verde and espetada in front of a roaring fire.

Pico Ruivo and subpeaks

Peaks: Pico do Arieero (1818m), Pico Ruivo (1861m), Encumeada Alta (1760m)

Area; Madeira

In the late 1990s, Kate came with me on several moderate mountaineering expeditions overseas, summiting Swinica in the Polish Tatra, for example. Since then, not so much, so today - our 22nd anniversary - was doubly memorable. Although rammed with tourists, and not my usual cup of tea, this is such a fabulous outing that I was able to push the crowds and ironmongery to the back of my mind and just enjoy the scenery and situation. The route starts near the summit of Pico do Arieero, replete with cafe, and mist began to peel away from the summit as we arrived, revealing a mouth-watering array of peaks and pinnacles along the complex ridge leading to Ruivo, the Madeiran highpoint. Without the paths, waymarking and steps, this would make a stunning and fairly serious mountaineering expedition. With them, it's merely a tourist attraction. Still, the amount of descent in the first few km still suggested a longish day out, as it is an out-and-back course. A narrow arete leads to a catwalk and then the first major viewpoint: Ninho da Manta. I've seen some views in my time, but this is right up there, despite its accessibility and hordes of tourists. A deep cauldron, ever changing views in shifting mist, pinnacles rising above, impenetrable valleys plunging downwards - it is spectacular. Then comes a narrower arete, sensational views, followed by a long series of steep stepped descents and then the start of the tunnels at the Paso de Gato. This allows the complex ground west of Pico das Torres to be negotiated via dramatic contouring paths and more descending. The wind whistled through some of these gaps - and I saw a spectacled warbler. Ahead, Pico Ruivo, accessed by very steep steps, which reminded me of the Bukhansan range in Korea, steps allowing ordinary pedestrians to access difficult terrain. A very pronounced col is reached and then the terrain gets gentler, a rising series of zigzags on the east of Ruivo, completely different in character to the drama that precedes it (but still very scenic). The trees are all dead on this side, lending an eerie feel as the slopes are climbed - eventually reaching a charmingly situated refuge in a glade on top of a broad col. Kate could then relax! I jogged up to the top of Pico Ruivo, Madeira's highpoint, sadly in thick mist by now. Then another gentle jog down, before I decided to append an extra peak to the day - the obvious ridge/highpoint further to the east. This meant another jog towards Encumeada before taking a steep side path, wet and vegetated, that I'd seen from the col. This led to a rock band and some chains, mild scrambling, to a huge summit plateau. I think, from pictures, these chains might have formed part of a 'vertical kilometre' running event held fairly recently. The highpoint of this peak is pronounced, despite the plateau, marked by a large pillar - and yet the name of the peak is not obvious. Research suggests it is Encumeada Alta. Whatever, views were superb - right down to the north coast, the Atlantic and Porto Santo, and across to the jagged peaks we had just traversed. An easy jog back to Kate, who had now finished her coffee! The return leg was equally atmospheric, with mist now swirling around. It got quite cold after the tunnels with thick mist and a sharp wind. Kate was tiring a little towards the top of Pico Areeiro, which is a considerable climb back out. Still, our moving time was much less than three hours for the entire outing, which is fairly respectable including the extra peak (16k/1250m). We recovered with a sandwich at the cafe before driving back down to Funchal.

Bala double

Over 20 years ago, I ran Ras Llyn Tegid, which used to be a well-known race looping around Bala Lake (in fact, I think dad ran it too, even earlier!). That race is long-since defunct, which is a shame but not all that surprising as although the outward leg is quiet, the homeward leg along the north shore main road is far too busy. My idea was to motivate myself to do a trial long road run to see if my 12th London Marathon scheduled for April is still on the cards, and do it somewhere nice. Broadly, I concluded that it is still on, as I felt surprisingly good today despite the fact that the last long run I did was actually the London Marathon itself last October! My illness prevented me keeping it ticking over. The far side of the lake through Llangower to Llanuwchllyn is a delight, peaceful and scenic with a little mist over Arenig but ideal conditions: mild and calm. Through Llanuwchllyn and then the busier homeward leg, which has a newly built path keeping you away from the road to Glanllyn. I completed the clockwise loop in 67 minutes, had a gel and drink from my car, then continued through Bala to add on a much hillier second loop from Llanfor up the draining climb to Rhiwlas. This was new terrain for me, and the 400ft climb (although tarmac) is pretty savage! Great views, and then a fast descent which came out by the bridge in Bala: 16 miles all at a reasonable 4.15/km pace.

Ruthin parkrun

'Race': Ruthin parkrun

Time/Position: 17.59 (1st from 79)

This was pleasing, the fastest I have run since October, so a nice hint that regaining last year's lost form might not be a completely forlorn hope. It is a very flat, fast course, but some of that is mitigated by at least six very tight 180 degree turns. Unusually for a parkrun, it is all tarmac too, looping round the memorial fields near Ruthin's football ground. I never felt entirely comfortable, but never in distress either, certainly something to build on.

Windy Hill fell race

Race: Windy Hill fell race (12m/2200ft)

Time/Position: 1.40.51 (25th from 219)

A fell race through a landscape familiar to tens of millions of people, Windy Hill crosses the busy M62 a grand total of four times. I have often looked out at this rather bleak landscape on the Yorkshire/ Lancashire border, but although I have raced just a little further north several times (Blackstone Edge, Haworth Hobble, Heptonstall), I'd never done this before. It was a brilliant outing, perfect for me as my recovery continues. From the HQ in the characterful Ram's Head, the race starts downhill to the Piethorne reservoir before taking gently rising tracks over Tunshill lane, crossing under the motorway to rugby fields on the edge of Hollingworth Then it curves back round and heads north over the motorway to long and fast contouring tracks leading to Lydgate and a junction with the Blackstone Edge race (memorable for being one of the first to restart after the 2021 lockdown). I remembered the climb alongside the Halifax road, although today's route was far more satisfying, going all the way up the Roman Road to the Aggin stone on top of the ridge. Awkward terrain then led south along Blackstone Edge itself with hazy views over Greater Manchester - a mixture of gritstone, tussocks and peat - although generally conditions were excellent as it has been dry recently, cool with high cloud. Eventually the M62 is crossed for the 4th and final time over the Pennine Way bridge, then flags lead to the mast on top of Windy Hill. A long undulating descent over the hills visible from the motorway to finally retrace steps, including (of course) the inevitable final climb back to the finish at the Ram's Head, a tiring conclusion. From a personal perspective, this was an ideal race today - long enough and runnable enough to be a good tester, without ever feeling the need to really push it. Interesting and enjoyable throughout.

Tal y Fan

Peaks: Tal y Fan

Area: Carneddau

The weather was far better than the forecast this morning, so I could have been more ambitious than just plodding up Tal y Fan. That said, time was limited and the ancient tracks south from Sychnant have always been right up there on my list of favourite places. A headwind made life tricky today but conditions were almost springlike with milky cloud and even a tiny bit of sunshine. I went via the quarry to gain the ridge, then headed north from the summit to loop round back to the quarry for a fast descent along the Pen race route (1:20).

Tarren Hendre

Race: Ras Tarren Hendre (10k/600m)

Time/Position: 1.03.05 (19th from 75)

For various reasons, I had never got round to this 'depths of winter' race before - possibly the only long-established north Wales fell race I have never done. It always used to clash with the XC champs in Rhug, but this year made a perfect day out to complete my return to proper racing, albeit compromised by an obvious lack of speed and fitness. Conditions were superb - no wind, nicely cool with a high cloud base - and it all made for a thoroughly enjoyable day out for our small group. I went fairly well at the climb, which goes up gentle fire tracks interspersed with two brutally steep direct climbs through conifer forest. Eventually, you emerge at the final steep climb to the top of Tarren Hendre. I was in 14th place, feeling reasonably OK after an ascent of just over half an hour. I descended badly, inevitable really given the length of my lay-off from proper racing. The long ridge over towards Tarren y Gesail take you round Mynydd Rhyd Galed, all runnable, and then little contouring tracks lead to the sharp turn north-westwards. From here, tricky terrain, very boggy in places, leads steeply to the old quarries in Nant Gwernol. The comes a long, fast and gradual descent down inclines and fire roads, normally the sort of place in which I would look to make up ground, but I found that hard to do today with limited road speed. I was passed by at least five runners on the descent from the summit.

The Horse

Race: The Horse (12k+/500m)

Time/Position: 1.12.15 (2nd team from 24)

There could hardly be a better way to return to proper racing than this, a brilliant and memorable night-time event round the 'Cilcain skyline' in lovely soft snow. Teams only, so I ran with Jez, still unsure about how I might feel. In the event, I felt good throughout and thoroughly enjoyed it, wonderful to be back! From Cilcain, snowy fields led to the Nannerch bridleway and then a steep climb to the ridge from the second checkpoint (all punch CPs, no marshalls). Snow falling and good coverage underfoot as we pelted along the ridge with headtorches, highly atmospheric. We took the traverse path on the western side, definitely the best route choice, up to the CP on Moel Famau. Then came the superb fast descent down the 'Collie climb', always exhilarating and especially so today (even more so because fast descending caused me problems during GF). Back to Cilcain and a very crowded White Horse via the fields. Around 70 runners in 24 teams. 

Erddig parkrun

'Race': Erddig parkrun

Time/Position: 20.03 (1st from 200)

The tactic of using parkruns to try to regain a modicum of speed after my mild illness seems to be working reasonably well. Erddig was very muddy this morning after lots of rain, with a lot of lying water even on the gravel tracks. As a result, I wasn't too disheartened by the slow time, around half a minute down on the last time I did it. The route is really enjoyable, particularly the wooded section. Morgan had another great race to finish 10th. HR was low, as it was on a 15k run the next day, leading me to finally declare glandular fever over after three months.

Penrhyn parkrun

'Race': Penrhyn parkrun

Time/position: 19.16 (3rd from 109)

Promising signs again, as my HR was normal today for this, my second time at the Penrhyn PR. I was 40 seconds slower than last time (around 5 years ago) but thoroughly enjoyed the circuit, particularly as the icy rain began to ease to great views over the sea and mountains. Steady but unspectacular pace, comfortable but it will obviously take time to get some speed back. Morgan had a superb outing and a top 15 finish. Next day, 16k to Penmon in abysmal conditions - floods, torrential rain.

Maen Gwynedd horseshoe

Peaks: Mynydd Tarw, Foel Wen, Tomle, Craig Berwyn, Cadair Berwyn, Moel yr Ewig, Godor

Area: Berwyn

An excellent way to start the new year. I have done this obscure horseshoe quite a few times, so it was nice to take Morgan round it today. We also hit the jackpot with the weather, as the mist peeled away from the Berwyn ridge just as we got to it. The problem with this circuit, however, is the near-continuous bog at this time of year. After the very sharp climb up Mynydd Tarw, the ridge undulates for a long time over Foel Wen and Tomle, very boggy in places. At Bwlch Maen Gwynedd it eases, and we had a short break here - quite cold with mist rolling over the main ridge. Luckily, the mist began to peel away from the west as we got to Craig Berwyn, spectacular effects rendering the Berwyn quite dramatic for a while. Then it was steeply down towards Llyn Lluncaws, sunny now, and along the very boggy and tiring moor to the final peak of Godor. A superbly simple grassy descent makes up a little for the earlier bog.

Chester parkrun

'Race': Chester parkrun

Time/Position: 19.30 (10th from 260 [1st V50])

My worst ever parkrun finishing position, but given that this was the first time I had run at an even vaguely quick pace since mid-September, I was pretty pleased. Only the second time I've done the B course, which takes a tighter loop with less off-road running. That said, it was still pretty slippery in the conditions. High HR at times, but mainly in the final mile.

Bethesda hills

Peaks: Moel Faban, Llefn, Gyrn, Moel Wnion, Drosgl, Gyrn Wigau

Area: Carneddau, Eryri

Like most people, I tend to neglect this side of the Carneddau in favour of the higher peaks. I remember doing the old Moel Wnion race route from Rachub nearly 20 years ago, but apart from that the tops of the first few little hills have rarely been visited. They are Bethesda's home hills, and I was up Moel Faban from the central car park in less than 20 minutes: strong winds and grim conditions higher up, so this was a good choice. Over the lumps of Llefn and the impressive outcrop of Gyrn to gain the standard path up Wnion with a lovely tailwind. That became a challenging crosswind for the ancient Llwybr Aryg track which skirts and contours the higher mountain of Drosgl. No real path to the summit, so I ploughed up through the boulders, mist flirting with the top, then plummeted down towards Gyrn Wigau. From here, a superb and exhilarating path weaves down to Gerlan far below: great views of the high Carneddau. A nice tour of the different parts of Bethesda (there aren't many more interesting towns) by doing it this way too: back down to the central car park through the hilly maze of little streets (1.41 for the 14k/1000m round).

Round the Walls

Race: Round the Walls

Time/Position: 25.48 (34th from 531 [1st V50])

A great relief to be back racing after my longest lay-off since E was born in 2004! By far my worst ever finishing position at the Walls race (perhaps the 12th or 13th time I've done it, 50th anniversary race this year) although that seemed inevitable as I haven't raced or done any speed sessions since developing glandular fever after London in October. I have finished as high as 8th in the past, but just tried to maintain a steady pace today - only the second time I have ever done it anticlockwise. In fact, this was possibly the best and most satisfying of the many different route variations over the years: a proper lap of the racecourse (surprisingly dryish), then east round the perimeter Deeside bike path to gain the walls on Lower Bridge Street. I had no idea how I would feel so took it very steady before picking it up just a little as we crossed Northgate: in fact my HR stayed relatively low throughout, which is very promising after the travails of the last few months - finishing first V50 was pure fluke, however. Morgan had a superb debut at his first ever proper race, finishing in the top 100, so a good day all round.

Carneddau south

Peaks: Pen yr Ole Wen, Carnedd Dafydd

Area: Carneddau, Eryri

A very rapid thaw, even by Welsh standards, with almost all snow gone and gale-force south-westerlies raking the tops. However, this was still another trip up new peaks for M, around a little loop I have done many times over several decades. A predictably wet slog up from Glan Dena, but then nicely clearing weather with spectacular cloudbursts as we took the little scramble above Cwm Lloer. Very windy along the ridge, with a painful hail shower, but great to be up here with the young man. Always awkward to descend from Dafydd to Cwm Lloer but we took a great line today and the shores of Ffynnon Lloer have always ranked highly in my list of favourite spots. Nicely sheltered too. 

Glyderau west

Peaks: Y Garn, Foel Goch, Mynydd Perfedd, Carnedd y Filiast

Area: Glyderau, Eryri

I missed the best of the weather yesterday, and did so again today: the early bird did not catch the worm. Still, this superb blocking-high cold snap demands some attention, so I set off up the very icy track to Idwal first thing, the peaks fully draped in white and nicely defined against a pale blue sky. I've been lucky enough to be up here in similar conditions many times over the years, and memories flooded back, especially of the winter climbs at the back of the cwm. Nothing like that planned today (the snow is still unconsolidated and the ice thin anyway), and my compromised physical condition still craves steep upward movement (yet baulks at fast running) for some reason, so the north-east (banana) ridge of Y Garn beckoned. This was superb, quite icy, some snow showers tracking in up Nant Ffrancon from Anglesey - nicely atmospheric with good snow cover. I put my kahtoolas on and adopted a steady uphill pace. I have done gate to summit in 28 minutes in the past, but was inevitably more pedestrian today. Not too shabby though, and I really enjoyed the hard-packed snow towards the top, and the bitterly cold summit shrouded in an icy mist. No place to linger, so I trotted down and along to Foel Goch in some tiring drifts. The weather started to clear as I crossed the deep dip and tiring thick snow up to Perfedd. Some sunshine now, and the mist peeled off Elidir as the sun lit the top rocks of Carnedd y Filiast: wonderful views, clearing in all directions. So far, so very good, but the descent from Filiast proved awkward under a thick blanket of snow. Getting to Ogwen from here is OK normally, but the path is narrow and hard to locate at the best of times. Today it was impossible, and I trawled through the nasty boulder fields for a long time, a very unpleasant 45 minutes down to Ogwen. I have had many unpleasant descents in my time, but this was a bad one. From the old Nant Ffrancon road I was in no state to run back to Ogwen Cottage so again resumed the now familiar fast walk, and it was icy throughout anyway. Crystal clear cloudless skies as I enjoyed a cup of tea and a pasty at the cottage, perfect winter conditions.

Carneddau north

Peaks: Llwytmor Bach, Yr Orsedd, Foel Ganol

Area: Carneddau, Eryri

A significant cold snap, long-lasting by the standards of recent years, and even recalling 2010 at times. As such, this was not the most sensible of choices today, due to the untracked nature of the ground and numerous drifts higher up, although time was limited so I couldn't stray too far from Conwy. I set off from the A55 at my now familiar fast walking pace, health still compromised. I would have done this anyway, however, as the road was streaked with black ice - and the path to the falls was similar in places. As a result, I decided against the awkward traverse above the falls, given the likelihood of ice, and ploughed instead straight up the fence - an extremely steep climb. Higher up, the wind was bitter - close to -20 windchill according to the mountain forecast. Around the subpeak of Llwytmor Bach the snow had drifted and this route was obviously not tracked out. I concluded a retreat to Cwm Anafon was the only realistic option, and that was hard enough, soft drifts throughout. I took a shallow gully to the top of Yr Orsedd, a fine place to be in these conditions (this ridge is too low and too close to the sea to hold much snow in normal circumstances). The rest of the fairly narrow ridge down to Foel Ganol was a delight, with an Alpine flavour as the sun came out, rare to have deep snow here, and great views across to Anglesey in front. Behind, Cwm Anafon looked menacing (although the weather infuriatingly cleared later on). From the col, I ploughed down to the tarmac and back down to Aber. 

Great End/Glaramara

Peaks: Great End, Allen Crags, Glaramara

Area: Borrowdale, Lake District

The weather is getting colder: temperatures plummeted overnight, and it seemed a good idea to get above the snowline today, which was high. Gone was the cloud of the last two days: crystal clear and bitterly cold as I drove down towards Seathwaite, one of the finest spots in the Lakes. I was vaguely thinking of going up Gable via Base Brown, but in the event I missed the path and instead headed up the main valley towards Stockley bridge. From here, one path goes up to Styhead Tarn (I remember going up here to climb on Gable many years ago). I took the Grains Gill path towards Great End, which looms superbly ahead, staying in view throughout. It is famous for its winter gullies and was snow-covered today. Even better, as far as I can remember I have never been up it before. So it turned into the logical objective for the day. Grains Gill narrows towards the top and becomes a little gorge (Ruddy Gill). Some tricky verglas required caution. At the top, below Great End, I joined the familiar path up to Esk Hause (painful memories of the brutal climax of the Wasdale Fell race). At Esk Hause, the snow cover became thicker, lending a superb Alpine ambience to the route up the Cove. It took me a little while to realise this was the familiar route up Scafell Pike, it just seemed so different in the snow. I had no intention of continuing up the Pike today, so branched off at the col to take in the plateau-like summit of Great End. Superb conditions, nicely snow covered with deep blue skies, and I had it all to myself. Bowfell, Scafell Pike and Gable all glistening white. I trotted back to Esk Hause with the sun dazzling over Esk Pike and Bowfell, then took the long, lumpy continuation ridge over Glaramara. Again, I have done this hill before but many years ago (from Langstrath, I think). The first peak of Allen Crags is reached very quickly, but the rest is a surprisingly long haul over multiple false summits. It is a little like the Glyder ridge at the Capel end, just when you think it's over, it kicks up again. All delightful though, with little frozen tarns dotted around rock outcrops (hardly any snow at this level). The top of Glaramara is equally complex, with numerous mini summits dotted around. I located the highpoint and then began the descent to Seathwaite down frozen turf and very icy north-facing slopes. I soon found myself above Combe Gill, too far north, descending to Seatoller. So I corrected myself and contoured round to embark on the extremely steep and pathless direct descent to Seathwaite. Fabulous views to Gable and Skiddaw were some distraction, but this was a very steep descent, even by my standards. Tricky to regain the base of the valley. A very encouraging three days: although I didn't really run, I did move quickly with some light jogging, and felt no ill-effects although remaining conscious the virus is still with me. Around 3500m of ascent, so things can't possibly be too bad.

Honister loop

Peaks: Dale Head, Hindscarth, Robinson, Fleetwith Pike

Area: Borrowdale/Buttermere, Lake District

This outing brought back happy memories of the legendary OMM of 2008, where we took the same route over the Dale Head ridge in 70mph winds and biblical rain, linking arms to avoid being blown over. Later, my tent flew away from the Buttermere camp (literally), cars floated downstream, and the abandoned event featured extensively on the BBC ('2000 runners unaccounted for'). The route up Dale Head was also familiar to me from the Borrowdale fell race, which I also did a long time ago - 2009 maybe? It was very cold at Honister, always a rather bleak spot, but this is a very quick route onto the summits - around 24 minutes from pass to summit. Thick hoar frost and a bitter wind, but signs of a clearance in the weather, which got better for the trot over to Hindscarth (which is set back from the true ridge line). Great views in clearing weather, down to Newlands and across to Pillar and Gable. Wonderful to be up here feeling relatively normal again (although still not able to properly run, I never felt especially tired and moved briskly throughout - albeit far slower than the last time I was here, the Anniverary Waltz fell race in 2016, which remains probably my best performance in Lakeland). I took the steep short cut direct to the flat summit of Robinson and its great views over Grasmoor and the Solway Firth. I could clearly see Criffel in Dumfries, which we ran up three years ago. I took a steep, obscure but direct descent down to Buttermere, then jogged up to Gatesgarth with the ridge of Fleetwith Pike looms above. As with Blencathra yesterday, I have only been up the Pike once, a strange omission as it is another fine mountain. I adopted the now familiar rapid uphill walk, a function of my glandular fever: entirely comfortable throughout. The ridge is superb, and rather like Hall's Fell yesterday leads in an elegant beeline to the summit with a little mild scrambling towards the top: around 32 minutes, which was quite pleasing given fitness levels and the stage of the day. The summit of Fleetwith Pike is one of the best spots in the Lakes, superb views over Buttermere and across to the ridge from Haystacks. Lots of memories of different races and mountain marathons came flooding back. A short jog down the continuation traverse line (with some sunshine) led down to the Dubs quarry road and a toastie at the Honister cafe. Later, a little mountain bike outing. And after that, a run from the YHA to the top of Castle Crag. I couldn't resist the latter, as it features as a short fell race: it is something like a 3k blast (or less) along the banks of the Derwent to the steep climb to the tiny summit, which occupies a famously beautiful spot above the Jaws of Borrowdale. In my compromised state of health (and after this morning's outing) it took me 20 minutes from the door of the hostel to the summit of Castle Crag. A wonderful few minutes enjoying the view and ambience before ambling back to relax at the hostel with a pint of Loweswater Gold.

Blencathra

Peak: Blencathra

Area: Northern Lakes

Arguably the most impressive mountain in the Lakes, so it is remarkable that I've only been up Blencathra once before, way back in the mid 90s. I seem to remember we went up Sharp Edge and down Hall's Fell that day. The weather was turning increasingly wintry as I set off from the edge of Threlkeld in the early afternoon after an easy drive up. The path headed up a little stream valley before contouring east to join the base of Hall's Fell ridge, which leads in a near-perfect beeline for the summit, definitely one of the UK's most direct ascents. I am still barely able to run, no real improvement, but moving quickly uphill (and moving quickly in the hills generally) is absolutely no problem. So this was perfect: it climbs at least 600m in 2k and doesn't really let up in steepness. Towards the top, it gets a little rocky and this was the exact point that thick hoar frost kicked in, making life a little tricky for the top section, some surprisingly awkward little slabs and icy rock walls. All good fun, and it finishes bang on the summit (41 minutes). Thick mist, very cold, light snow cover, so I evacuated down the west ridge immediately. This leads comfortably over the shoulder of Blease Fell - where the mist cleared to views over Keswick and Derwent Water - and down equally comfortable zigzags to get back to the stream valley above Threlkeld. Felt good throughout - around 1.36 for the loop. Drove down Borrowdale at dusk via a little side-trip to the Bowderstone: atmospheric. 

Penanmen loop

Peaks: Y Ro Wen

Area: Moelwynion, Eryri

Day two of the Strike: Wales v Iran (with pint and full breakfast) in the morning, so just time for this little outing as the light began to fade. My body craves upward movement, and struggles going downhill, so I set off at a fast walking pace from Dolwyddelan and located the main track that leads all the way to the top of Y Ro Wen. I have previously done this from the Penmachno side, but this is a lot more civilised and was ideal today. Great views from the summit (36 minutes from village) in the low winter light, huge clouds over the Moelwynion and Siabod looming across the valley. Very uncomfortable descent, partly because of my current issues, partly because Sarn Helen is currently buried under felled conifers. I found it on instinct after hurdling felled trees and then located myself with Carreg Alltrem, the classic crag, before descending Cwm Penanmen in a beeline back to the village. Refuelled on fish and chips and 'Wal Goch 58' in Conwy.

Windgather-Goyt Valley

I did the Shining Tor fell race a few years ago, and also did a short version of this outing in abysmal weather with Vic one new year. It seemed a good choice today, the first day of the latest strike. I parked at the Cat and Fiddle and set off under glowering skies, drizzle and low cloud. An easy jog and climb leads to the trig on Shining Tor, and then a long descent on very civilised paving slabs leads to Pym Chair. From here, a minor road leads to Windgather, where I've done a fair amount of climbing over the years. This was all great - the only issue being my spiking heart rate, feeling a pale imitation of my usual self, although never really struggling or especially tired. All very weird, as the entire illness has been. I then dropped down through the woods around Taxal Edge before kinking back north to join the Midshires way. Given the health issues, the return leg was a mix of fast walking and jogging above the Fernlee and Erwood reservoirs. Above this, entirely new ground for me as the tiny road climbs the upper Goyt Valley towards Derbyshire Bridge. This would have all been superb running terrain, if only I could run! Still, I moved fairly quickly and got back to the car two hours after starting: 19k and around 600m, a shorter version of the Windgather fell race, which I've never got round to doing.

Berwyn jog

Peaks: Vivod, Moel Fferna

Area: Berwyn

Still suffering from lingering glandular fever, and now with an infected ankle (after cutting it a week ago descending the Famau gully). That said, this outing showed some promise, glimmers of improvement. In particular, there doesn't seem any issue with climbs, in fact the steeper the better. My legs feel superbly well rested, of course, and my HR wasn't as high today as it has been recently. I took the climb up Vivod from Glyndyfrdwy that I had failed to find (but descended) last month. The weather was superb - a cold, autumnal morning with mist in the Dee Valley. At the top of the track, I missed the overgrown path leading to the main traverse path but ploughing through the bracken wasn't too bad. Up to the top of Vivod, and then along the North Berwyn Way all the way to Moel Fferna, around 5k of undulating terrain. Again, I felt better than I have done recently, and my HR was highish but stable. From Moel Fferna's summit, the usual extensive views over Berwyn. It is a little tricky to descend to Nant y Pandy: thick bracken and gorse all around. It is short-lived though, and I gained the main track down the valley fairly quickly. Good running down this to a rough tarmac road that leads back to Glyndyfrdwy.

Tal y Fan indirect

Peaks: Foel Lwyd, Tal y Fan

Area: Carneddau, Eryri

Diagnosed with glandular fever over a month ago, ergo my longest ever lay-off from racing, and indeed any real effort. This is incredibly frustrating, as I was in pretty good form, but being positive I have at least been able to get out for gentle outings, so it's a little better than being injured. This was my longest and most ambitious outing for over a month, only 15k/750m. The illness has been very mild but also very slow-burning (infuriatingly) so I took this cautiously, conscious of my HR as I climbed up the steep road out of Rowen towards the 'grit bin'. As ever, steep climbs are much more comfortable than road running, and my heart-rate stayed down. It was a stunning autumn morning: crystal clear. Hard work up to Bwlch y Ddaefaen, but then easier again for the steep climb from the bwlch up Foel Lwyd. I last did this, massively dehydrated, with Peter on our 'sea to sea' epic from Porthmadog to Conwy. The ridge to Tal y Fan and beyond is always awkward, rocky and lumpy throughout, but then I really enjoyed the grassy descent to Llangelynin old church: HR far too high, but it didn't actually feel hard. A superb ancient bridleway, new to me, plunges down from the chapel to the ancient woodland above Tyddyn Mawr: wet and rocky.

Vivod

Peaks: Vivod

Area: Berwyn

Just a leg stretcher after London, in the knowledge that it's not easy to locate the paths on the Dee Valley side of the Berwyn. That was indeed the case, and the lane leading to the bridleway up Vivod from Glyndyfrdwy is not even marked. In the end, I marched through the village and headed up the valley below Moel Fferna. This merges to the little lane that crests the main Berwyn ridge, an ideal mode of ascent. From here I headed east over Bwlch y Clawdd to Vivod, then down the way I had intended to go up!

London Marathon

Race: London Marathon

Time/Position: 2.54.28 (1174 from 42,000 [64th V50])

After such a wonderful race last year, a perfect 'negative split' experience in my 10th London Marathon, this - my 11th London - was rather different. Not a disaster, by any means, and I did execute my race plan fairly well. That basic plan was to go through half in 1.25 and have a shot at 2.50 if I felt good, but knock it back a bit if 2.50 seemed unrealistic. After a relaxed first couple of miles, I upped the pace as we reached the merge point in Woolwich. From here to Cutty Sark my pace was a little too quick, in retrospect, at around 3.50 per km (40.13 at 10k, although that was because of the slow start). Given my usual lack of specific training (only two proper long runs, and both of those slow) it was obvious that I would pay for this later: there was no realistic way I could hold it over the last 10k given the lack of long runs in training. The key to London, for me at least, is to be crossing Tower Bridge in comfort: this really should be an exhilarating highlight, and if it isn't, you have a problem. To an extent, it was again this year, but I did begin to fade after going through half in 1.25.31. Around the Isle of Dogs I was definitely beginning to tire, and sensed my pace dropping. I felt reasonably confident that I could hold it together if I knocked it back slightly and abandoned 2.50, so did this and managed to keep things going a little more slowly along the Embankment. This was all in stark contrast to last year, when I got progressively quicker throughout the race and ran the last 10k in exactly 40 minutes. All the crowds back again this year, back to the usual atmosphere, and the weather was nicely cool again - although the sun just started to peek through as I finished (good timing, as it then got quite warm). A successful 14 days of running - kicked off by the Vyrnwy half, which put me joint 5th in the all-time V50 north Wales rankings, then the Farndon 10k with put me 10th (also currently 10th for 5 mile and 5th for 5k).

Brecon Beacons

Peaks: Corn Du, Pen y Fan

Area: Brecon Beacons

A perfect way to break the journey down to Cardiff with M, this short outing from the Storey Arms ticked off another iconic Welsh peak for the young man. I've been up Pen y Fan at least four times previously, but never from this side - it has always been from more interesting directions before, at least two of these have been during races (Pen y Fan and the tough AL Brecon Beacons race) and a couple of hillwalks from the northern valleys. After an embarrassing error in a conifer forest, we ploughed up the giant track which leads from Pont ar Daf up the featureless western slopes. This is quick and direct but not exactly inspiring, although it improved at the col, with a short, steep climb up sandstone shelves to Corn Du, which we had to ourselves. It was around 4pm, quite cold and windy, with mist just above the summits. Nice views down to the Bristol Channel and across to the Carmarthen Fan. We nipped across to Pen y Fan where we had a snack enjoying the superb view down to Brecon and across to Cribyn: memories of various races hereabouts. The descent was very quick, and we continued refreshed down to Cardiff.

Farndon 10k

Race: Farndon 10k

Time/Position: 35.54 (6th from 351 [1st V50])

A last-minute decision to do this as a final sharpener before London, hoping that decent recent form would allow me to dip under 36 for the first time in a few years. It did, but only just, and I was rather disappointed in the performance, being unable to hold my early pace. I was hanging on for the entire middle section of the race, essentially, all very different to Vyrnwy last week. I went off a little too fast, perhaps, and the positions were sorted within a mile. There was no way I could catch the two in front, and I ran the entire race in isolation, again unlike last week. I have never found it a particularly fast course, and don't enjoy the uphill drags, regardless of how mild they are. Around 6k I felt I might blow completely but just about held it together and had a slightly better finish. I was rarely comfortable, however, and it didn't feel like a good performance (time puts me 10th V50 in the all-time north Wales rankings).

Vyrnwy half marathon

Race: Vyrnwy half marathon

Time/Position: 1.18.04 (35th from 825 [1st V50])

I was convinced that I had a decent time in me this year, despite the six consecutive disappointing 80 minute half marathons I've run since entering my 50s. At times, that had looked like a ceiling, but today I felt strong and controlled throughout - and thoroughly enjoyed it. I ran 1.18.25 the last time I did the event in 2011 so it was really pleasing to go slightly quicker than that today. More importantly, it's also one of the most satisfying races around, in a landscape that I always enjoy: I spent a fortnight working in Llanwddyn in the 90s. It was also nice to go with Dave and Kathryn today, with the event a little more commercial than it used to be! The uphill start is fine, and actually forces you to think hard about pacing. After the dam I just set a nice 6 minute mile pace, and a good group of around eight formed. A slight headwind so it would have been nice to swap leads, but three of them later thanked me for my solid pace setting! The great thing about Vyrnwy is the way the road hugs the shore, even at the wilder far end, and I accepted I was on a decent day at the turn around - this is always a great feeling, not all that common, and something to be savoured as you power along in a good strong group. Almost certainly a negative split, as you know you have a very fast final mile to look forward to after the dam. Felt pretty good, and won my category (joint 5th in the all-time north Wales V50 rankings).

King John's Castle

Race: King John's Castle fell race

Time/Position: 39.49 (3rd from 42)

I came second at this race when it was run clockwise a few years ago but only had vague memories of doing it this way round, anticlockwise - apparently the standard direction for the race. Whatever, it is definitely easier this way round and I really enjoyed the outing, one of several different options this weekend. I've over-raced recently, so deliberately took it fairly easy initially, up the long climb from the village up towards Moel Llanfair. Once at the saddle between Llanfair and Gyw, most of the hard work is done. This has always been my favourite part of the Clwydians, and I pelted down the track below Llanfair and kept a slow but steady pace going up to the top of Moel y Plas, moving into third place. I took the circuitous descent rather than the direct and found it better, less awkward. Fast running down the track to the final cross-country section, which is something of a sting in the tail as the terrain is tricky and overgrown through meadows, copses, nettles and little limestone walls. 

Y Garn

Peaks: Y Garn

Area: Glyderau, Eryri

Another iconic Welsh peak ticked off for M, adding to his growing list. Always a huge pleasure to introduce the young man to a new hill - he would be a couple of years older than me on my first time up Y Garn, but pretty close really. The long period of high pressure is now over, but low cloud seemed to be lifting a bit as we walked round the shores of Idwal. Then it was the familiar haul below Twll Ddu to Llyn y Cwn, with mist clearing a little. The easy slopes to the top were also misty but there was a spectacular clearance on the way down the NE ridge: a nice reward with the cloud parting and views of Idwal and Ogwen Cottage.

Wirral MT Series, Royden Park

Race: Wirral MT Series (Royden Park)

Time/Position: 30.28 (19th from 359 [2nd V50])

Probably the hardest and most varied of the four Wirral multi-terrain fixtures - I missed this last year but did the other three. I ran 50 seconds quicker than this in 2015, with terrible DOMS following the Ben Nevis race. I do wonder whether it was a tad shorter then, without the first tiny field perhaps, as I went off pretty hard on the first lap (which heads up to the awkward little sandstone ridge above Thurstaston, lots of rocky steps, then drops down to a flat sprint through the woods). Started to blow on the second lap, admittedly, but perked up in the woods and finished three seconds behind the first V50, couldn't quite catch him.

VB half marathon

Race: Village Bakery half marathon (Wrexham)

Time/Position: 1.20.52 (85th from 1385)

Undoubtedly a race too far. I don't know how many times I have done the VB half over the years, perhaps eight or more, and I was well prepared for this in every way apart from one: putting in too much of an effort on Friday night combined with the double header earlier in the week and the two mountain days. As a result, it was yet another 80 minute half marathon, almost unbelievably my 6th in the past two years: no matter how I approach them tactically, no matter what the course is like, I run 80 minutes, around three minutes down on my 2013 PB, every time. I was reasonably conservative today, but never felt particularly lively, although I did perk up around the half way mark and felt quite strong over the back end of the course as it heads towards Holt. But the gentle climb up Francis Lane, which goes on for almost 3k, finished me off (as it did last year) and I saw my target time of 1.18 disappear.

Deeside ORGP

Race: Deeside ORGP (race 4)

Time/Position: 24.54 (3rd from 54 [1st V50])

Although I was fairly confident that the V50 series win was sewn up, I initially thought I might be in with a chance of the overall series win (by default, that is, as you have to do at least three races to count). I was wrong, as it happens, but it meant that I went much harder than I had intended to, with the VB half marathon coming up on Sunday. As with the previous two races, Jez and I were neck and neck, and pushed each other on nicely. Two other runners were out in front, and the route was taken anticlockwise this time. I moved into third just after Hawarden Bridge and stayed there around the meadows to the finish, although conscious of being pushed the whole way. A good session and a great series, but possibly a little too close to Sunday for comfort. I think I finished second overall in the series, first V50.

Glyder Fawr combination

Peaks: Glyder Fawr

Area: Glyderau, Eryri

Idwal Staircase is a giant sluice, a watercourse that tumbles down from the upper slopes of Glyder Fawr into a broad, slanting gully that marks the end of the Idwal Slabs. I had only ever done it in winter before, on fragile ice, because I have always concentrated on the proper rock climbs hereabouts, not the scrambles. But I have done so little climbing since Covid that I feel mild scrambles are the way to reacquaint myself with the art. After such a dry summer, I felt it might even be completely dry. After a gentle jog from Ogwen, it was clear that it was - and I was up the main staircase in less than five minutes, a lot of fun in these conditions, just the sort of gentle, juggy reintroduction to rock that I needed. From here, the route moves left to a series of slabs. I went too far up initially, then baulked at the left-hand line, instead settling for a combination of a steep but grassy gully, very narrow, and the right-hand side of the upper slabs. At the top, this gains Senior's Ridge. I was tiring slightly, just walking, but enjoyed the broad ascent, which I rarely do. At the top I took some of the steps direct, lovely rough rock. The mist was down around the top of Cwm Cneifion, so I just contoured round the top of it, always the best way to locate the Gribin. Trotted down this as the mist cleared, then took the left-hand cut through to Idwal rather than the steps from Bochlwyd. Very steady and slow throughout, feeling tired and trying to conserve energy.