Clwydian run

After three days in London it was nice to be able to relax in beautiful spring weather. I'd squeezed in a longish 11m Clwydian run with Jez last Friday, and (keen to finally get some decent training done) followed this up today with a 10 miler from Cadole along to Cilcain, then up to the ridge at Dywyll and along to Famau and down via the usual Friday ascent.

Tbilisi run

Not the most ideal city for running in, but I finally found myself with a bit of free time this afternoon during a four-day trip to Georgia. Mount Mtatsminda dominates Tbilisi and was a very obvious objective, and after finding a tortuous route through the winding cobbled streets above Rustaveli Avenue, I stumbled across the group of monasteries that I was aiming for. Here a very long sequence of stairs twists through the woods below the defunct funicular to the Soviet TV tower at the top of Mtastsminda. I couldn't help wondering whether I was the first person to use this route as fell running training. The weather had cleared by the time I got to the top: great views east towards the semi-desert and wine regions. The peaks to the west were snow-covered, unsurprisingly after sleet in Tbilisi yesterday, and the hills above Mskreta (visited on Tuesday) looked appealing. Seemed a shame to leave the country after seeing so little of it: will return to take in the High Caucasus some day.

Llantysilio fell race

Race: Llantysilio mountain race (6.2m/2100ft/AM)
Time/Position: 58:33 (10th from 92 [3rd V40])
For some reason, this was the only local race that I'd never done. Another stunning day, so the children entered the earlier 'lollop', with E particularly enjoying the little circuit around a farm. The main race takes a logical circuit from the Rhewl side of these superbly runnable hills, starting in the village itself. It curves over towards a vague ridge then levels off after a steep climb. One group of 7 or 8 runners went clear, leaving a big gap to a second group. This group stayed together for the flat section across fields before climbing up to Moel Morfydd. I still feel some way off the pace, although the injuries are slowly clearing, but at least I seem to be climbing OK now. I put a bit of a spurt on across Moel y Gaer, feeling quite good for the first time in months. The route follows the main ridge to Gamelin, which always gives great running. Quite hot, easily the hottest conditions I've raced in since last summer, but fantastic clear views in all directions. I managed to pull away a bit on the climb to Gamelin, because I knew I'd descend back to the valley slowly. I wrenched my calf badly at one point, when a patch of heather twisted it to the side. But I gradually ran it off, and the dry conditions replaced the pain with a different variety by giving me a monster blister to contend with on the long descent. Narrow sheep tracks lead to a steep road back to the village. A walk along the river to Llangollen for lunch was a nice way to warm down.

Gwynant climbs

Crag: Clogwyn y Wenallt, Nant Gwynant
Routes: Oxo (VS 4b,4c:led p.1)
Crag: Craig Penmaen Brith, Nant Gwynant
Routes: Excalibur (VD:led)
Another perfect spring day, with Nant Gwynant at its tranquil best. I've wanted to visit Clogwyn y Wenallt for some time, as it is such an eye-catching crag from the road. We walked in around the lake, delightful, and I began the slightly wet first pitch of Oxo. Large holds on wet, black rock lead rightwards to a flake. A delicate move up a short wall gives access to a slightly precarious gangway, which continues the traverse rightwards to another short wall. A steepish move up this gains a good finishing hold and the obvious ledge: a nice 30m pitch. After the easy slab middle pitch, Vic led an awkward top pitch up a steep crack with a surprisingly hard final move to a ledge, then a short traverse right on lichenous rock. We then took the direct finish, rightly given 5a in the old Williams guide, up a steep reachy crack to better finishing holds. A good route, quite sustained and certainly not the soft touch I'd half expected. Took us a while, so after lunch we ambled along the lakeside in stunning weather conditions: perfect clarity of light, barely a ripple on the lake, hardly anyone around. We emerged at Penmaen brith, a mossy crag of slatey rock hidden in a copse and probably the least suitable choice for a day like today. Particularly as the only clean line was the deep cleft taken by Excalibur. This is really a thrutch for a wet day, as it goes up an awkward chimney to a ledge with jammed boulders. It then climbs a huge oak tree to gain a pleasant rib which leads to the top. Beautiful views of the lake, as this crag is located near the water's edge. However, it was not the most successful climbing day I've ever had, so we continued the circuit of the lake before enjoying the sunshine outside the Bryn Tyrch.

Llanbedr to Blaenafon fell race

Race: Llanbedr to Blaenafon fell race, Gwent (15m/4500ft/AL)
Peaks: Crug Mawr, Sugarloaf, Blorenge
Time/Position: 2:37:21 (14th from 116)
A classic race run in perfect clear spring weather: a real treat. I knew I didn't have the distance in my legs as I haven't run 'long' since the Rab last September, and I haven't done a true AL since 2009. However, we decided to make a weekend of it and hope my various injuries didn't play up. The recent cycling/running replacement strategy must have paid some dividends in terms of endurance as it went quite well. A carload of us left for the start in Blaenafon: the race takes off down a cobbled track before surprisingly runnable contouring tracks lead gradually to the breezy top of Crug Mawr. Great views north over the Black Mountains with the morning mist all gone, probably 12 years since I last visited that area. Deliberately took it easy for the long descent into Cwm Beusych, before crossing Grwyne Fawr for more gently rising paths leading to a fine ridge up the Sugar Loaf. Again, surprisingly runnable. Acquired an infuriating stitch on the descent into St Mary's Vale, multiple chances to get lost here, before even trickier 'urban nav' through the edge of Abergavenny, over the Usk, to a sidelane leading up to water and snacks at Llanfoist. This road section was really tough for me given recent injury problems, and I knew I needed to eat something before the final brutal slog up the Blorenge. I downed a gel saved from last week's Cheshire Cat and began to feel ill almost immediately. But it was never bad enough to stop me maintaining a steady chug up this famously steep hill - surprisingly gaining a couple of places. After leaving the woods, the path gets steeper and steeper until you are literally on your hands and knees for the final section. This gains the plateau summit of Blorenge, after which it's a fair distance to the finish. I concentrated on keeping my position, and did so despite getting lost in upper Blaenafon looking for the rugby club. So the first race of the Welsh Champs is in the bag: hopefully I'll be able to get a bit faster for the rest. A tremendous event, with very varied rural/industrial scenery: the essence of South Wales in microcosm for the weekending North Walian.

Cheshire Cat sportive

Cycle Sportive: Cheshire Cat long route (100m)
Time/Position: 7:02:12 (645/1200)
The running equivalent of this slow time might be a gently jogged marathon, so it's a slightly embarrassing addition to the CV. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed the route, if not the abysmal organisation. And as I started road cycling from scratch two months ago, after my running injury, and only did two 40 mile rides and one 60 miler in preparation, I suppose I wasn't too surprised with the snail's pace. I had a lot of fun on all the climbs, and felt comfortable throughout (so much easier than fell running!) but I inevitably lacked the cycle-specific training and power sufficient to churn out 20-25mph speeds on the flat. Started from Crewe after an appalling queue to cross the start, and headed east towards Scholar Green and the start of the famous climb up Mow Cop after 16m. I got into a small gear, and found the climb comfortable and enjoyable. It is quite steep at the start, then eases off before kicking up dramatically (25%) past the pub, where I had to get out of the saddle for a bit. A medal was awarded for those completing this section without getting off (the main hazard is bikes swerving across the road and riders falling off), but in reality the climb carries on past the folly to the top of the ridge and was satisfying to ride in one go. Superb riding through the edge of the Peak ensued, with more nice climbs over Blacky Bank and Bridestones before reaching a feed station after 27m near Macclesfield. After a few more sharp and scenic climbs around Wincle, the route flattens out and becomes a fast chug west across the width of Cheshire. I felt comfortable throughout, but was clearly taking it far too easy by the time I reached the next feed at Holmes Chapel. At Beeston, the sun came out and I hooked on to the back of a faster group of 12-15 riders and pushed on in a bigger gear. This was superb, and the obvious secret to recording a faster time. The pack raced along, and the faster pace was no less comfortable than mincing along at a higher cadence. It carried me past Tattenhall along roads familiar from various races towards home territory at Tilston. A short ride would have seen me back in HK, but I was still really enjoying the day and headed back east after a feed for the remaining 23m. Found it hard to get a group at my pace, though, as the field had thinned out, and I was severely held up by traffic in Nantwich, which was rather annoying. An interesting day out, but it brings the brief cycling interlude to a close for now (although three more big rides are planned before hitting the Alpine climbs in July, and I'll probably have a proper bash at one more of the polocini sportives in late summer, as these seem far more pleasant and low key). The injuries seem to be sorting themselves out, so it's back to the day job with some big fell races coming up.

Moelwyn climbing

Crag: Clogwyn yr Oen, Moelwynion
Routes: Pied Piper (S 4a:led p.1,3), Kirkus's Climb (VD:led p.1,2), Kirkus's Climb Direct (S 4a:sec), Block (S 4a,4a:led p.1), Orange Outang (HS 4a,4b:led p.1)
Out on strike today so keen to take advantage of the free pass. And, serendipity, a beautiful spring day with midweek partners available. Still needing early-season leading mileage, the bumbly playground of Clogwyn yr Oen was the obvious choice for Mick and I. Wonderful warm sunshine as we began the pleasant rib line of Pied Piper on the right of the crag. I led up a slab to a wet chimney, then Mick led a good clean pitch up the edge of the rib. The last pitch goes over a wet break to a quartz slab split by a thin crack. Good climbing up this to a hidden corner, which leads steeply to the top. After a bite, I merged p.1 and 2 of Kirkus's Climb, having done the more famous Direct many years ago. The indirect goes up a thrutchy chimney to a slab, then a broad crack up to the ledge. The problem is that it is then impossible for any normal person to avoid the temptation of doing the delightful arete (3rd) pitch of the Direct by sneaking off into the side groove of the Indirect. So we didn't: sun-drenched and superb easy climbing up jugs in a lovely position. Another quick descent, achilles playing up slightly, before I led the long 40m+ first pitch of Block. More gentle fun, varied climbing up slabs and short walls to the block, before enjoying the fine slab to the ledge. Mick then led another long pitch up the corner, before two more steep cracks led back left to the top. There was just time for a romp up Orange Outang before we finished, this time with Vic and Caroline who arrived at lunchtime. This route takes the steeper wall near Pinky and gives easy climbing up pocketed slabs to brief moves over a tiny overhang on enormous holds. Finished off with some bouldering, but didn't run as my achilles twinge (developed through compensating for the knee) worsened during a long 13m hill run yesterday over Waun y Llyn to Llan y Gwr and over the top towards Bwlchgwyn and back. Will try the full Famau run tomorrow evening as another test, then rest up for Sunday's big cycle sportive, which should ease the stress on the achilles nicely.

Dash in the Dark

Race: Llandegla Dash in the Dark, race 3 (4m/750ft)
Time/Position: 28:10 (5th from 38 [1st v40])
A snap decision to do this, my first 'fell race' since the injury. After a full day climbing in the Pass (see previous entry) preparation was hardly ideal as I arrived with 5 minutes to spare after driving flat out from Llanberis to Llandegla via St Asaph! I downed a chocolate milkshake by way of an easily digestible repast, but had no time for my customary pre-race espresso. I was inevitably some way off the pace, having come 2nd overall twice in last winter's series, but it was just great to be back having missed the others this series. A completely different route this year, without the long, gradual climb at the start. Instead it tracked downwards after a loop of the car park, gradually climbing back to the lake. The first three runners sprinted away, so it was really a battle for fourth place. I found any kind of speed hard to maintain and eventually settled for fifth - although this was enough for 1st v40 at the MTB centre later on. Great friendly event, as always.

Carreg Wastad climbs

Crag: Carreg Wastad, Llanberis
Routes: Lion (VS 4a,4c,4a,-:led p.1,3), Main Scoop Route (HS 4a,4a,4a,4b:led p.1,3)
A fortnight after our last visit to the sunny side of the Pass, and about 18 months since we blitzed this particular crag on a memorable September day. This wasn't quite so productive (still in early season shakedown mode) but gave pleasant climbing in lovely early spring weather. I've done all the easier classics on this crag over the years, so it was time to get a little more esoteric - even though we had the crag to ourselves. Vic hadn't done Lion either, so I led the first pitch, which is easy but not over-endowed with gear. After starting the traverse on the second pitch too low, a bit of crafty rope management was required to get back on track. An excellent, very varied pitch at the top of the grade. Nice moves up to the overlap before a delightful traverse across the slab leads to the overhanging chimney. This is pretty brutal on first acquaintance, and needs a mixture of jamming and bridging to overcome it. Physical and almost ungradeable! I led the third, another easy but pleasant pitch in a great position. It traverses right to join uber-classic Crackstone Rib - lovely climbing on huge holds to the belay. Vic led a short fourth pitch to finish. Our next choice, Main Scoop, is another old but obscure route. A vegetated slab leads to a greasy chimney, then a thrutch through a holly tree to the top of the Red Tower. A short traverse gains the line of the Main Scoop: Vic led to the top in one long pitch. Shame this doesn't see more traffic, as it's a good line higher up but remains mossy and vegetated. A tricky groove leads to two steep chimneys, all quite interesting, before a final steep move (the Hard Court) right at the top. Finished later than expected and jogged back to the car. It was going to be very tight if I was to make the second appointment: the final Dash in the Dark fell race of the winter!

Hope Mountain run

Pushed the post-injury distance a little today, just to see whether Llanbedr-Blaenavon is a realistic option in 2.5 weeks time! It went reasonably well, from Hope over Waun y Llyn then down the bridleway and paths to Ffrith. I always enjoy the long but relatively gentle climb from the road up to the trig point on Pen Llan y Gwr above Bwlchgwyn - 45 mins from Hope. This route is so pleasant, especially in todays misty but calm conditions, that it is no great hardship to reverse (quicker in reverse, too).

Maeshafn climbing

Crag: Maeshafn
Routes: Shattered Crack (HS 4a:sh), Sling variant (HS 4a:sh), The Arete (VS 5a:sh), Dandy Lion (HS 4b:sh), Sling (HS 4a:sh), Wavy Wall (S:sol), Running wolf variant (5b:sh)
Found myself in the unusual position of having some time on my hands after the race, but no partner, so after a warm-down I headed up to Maeshafn in glorious bracing sunshine to shunt a few old easy favourites. Shattered Crack is always good value: must have done it 20 times over the years. I then picked a route between Sling and the harder routes to the right, trying to avoid the big holds. The Arete is a nice climb, better than I remembered, up a nice clean pillar and not too polished if you weave around a bit. I claimed the first ascent of Dandy Lion back in 1991 or so, only to find I'd been beaten to this very obvious easy line by a month or two! Went up and down Sling a few times, then moved round to the White Wall, which looked like it had been cleaned up and was very tempting in the sunshine - almost Provencal if you squinted. I weaved up the Running with the Wolf wall, nice technical moves. After a quick bite looking out over the Clwydians, I jogged up Moel Findeg to finish.

Mold Border League

Race: Mold 5.2m (Border League round 5)
Time/Position: 30:39 (35th from 232)
My return to racing after almost three months out following the injury. As such, this was always going to be a struggle, particularly as I'd only managed two short intervals sessions by way of preparation. Quite pleased with the time and finishing position. I was 18 places down on the first two races, but it could have been a lot worse. The climb to Nercwys went well - this route is always difficult to judge, as you lose too much ground if you start too cautiously. I was then hanging on a bit for the second half, lacking speed endurance, and was passed by 4 or 5. The final false flat to the finish was pretty desperate, definitely felt lack of training here. I am currently 2nd v40 overall in the league, after 5 races, but won't be able to do the remaining events so won't retain the position. Still feel a lot more comfortable off-road.

Winter Sprinter sportive

Cycle Sportive: Winter Sprinter (100k/60m)
Time: 4:01:05 (2:53 Swiss Hill)
My first ever sportive, or indeed road bike event of any kind. As such, caution seemed advisable, although in retrospect I probably took this to snail-like extremes. It did mean that it was all tremendously enjoyable, however, with no discomfort or problems (helped by nice weather which improved throughout the day). My running injury provoked me into entering these sportives, trying to make the best of a bad situation. I'd expected it to be distressingly commercial compared to running, but it wasn't, and actually felt reassuringly like a fell race. The first 20m went very quickly and smoothly: out from Woodford towards Wilmslow and up to the M56 near Lymm. Pleasant and enjoyable, riding in a pack quite comfortably. Then down to Knutsford and Alderley Edge just beyond half way. The timed climb up Swiss Hill came quite suddenly. This is cobbled, rutted and pretty steep so I got into a very small gear and went for it. It was fairly comfortable, as I presumably benefit from years of mountain biking and fell running on these steeper climbs. I passed several cyclists walking and recorded a time of 2:53 for the climb which was a bit more respectable than my dreadfully slow overall time! From here, the climb continues to Over Alderley, really enjoyable, before the second feed station. I pushed the pace for the first time on the 7m loop through Henbury and started passing cyclists on the hills and catching groups in front. It was too late to improve my time though, so I continued to relax through leafy Prestbury (familiar from Macclesfield half marathon), and up into Dark Peak territory through Bollington and Pott Shrigley. Not far from Windgather here, certainly felt like the Peak with some short climbs. I took a wrong turning here (vandals had altered the signs) and pointlessly climbed an additional hill before righting myself for the trip down through the suburbs to Stockport and back to Woodford. An excellent event which was particularly welcome after all the missed races so far this year.

Grochan climbing

Crag: Clogwyn y Grochan, Llanberis
Routes: Nea (VS 4b,4a,4b:led p.2), Brant (VS 4c:sec)
Back on rock after six months absence: as such, this was inevitably something of a shakedown and we got very little done. A lovely week of early spring weather, so the south-facing Grochan seemed likely to provide good conditions. Pleasant sunshine as we warmed up on the old classic Nea, which I last did in 1992. A fine line, with pleasant climbing up the juggy groove. I then led the simple gangway pitch up the slanting continuation of the groove before following Vic up the exposed final wall. A pleasant relaxed re-introduction. We were eager for more - but after abbing down the wall, a jammed rope made that unlikely. I had to scramble up Goat's Gully to free the rope - tedious and time-consuming. However, the sun was warm and the wind dropped for the first pitch of Brant. Great to be back on warm rock, with a nice pitch up an awkward wide groove to a delicate traverse line leading left to the big ledge. Very pleasant, but the sun dropped behind Llechog as Mick (who arrived later) followed. Discomfort seemed likely, so we abbed off and did Slape Direct instead. A frustrating day was then made worse by my failure to do the final technical move cleanly. Still, the lack of action meant I was able to squeeze a brisk 10k run in later - my quickest loop since the injury.

Llangollen road loop

Road cycling: HK-Horseshoe Pass-Llangollen-Rhos-Minera-HK
Distance: 72k/44m
An early start, as it was vital to squeeze this longer ride in before forthcoming sportives. It went well, although the long climb up the Horseshoe was made considerably harder by a surprisingly strong headwind. This dropped slightly for the final climb, and the sun finally came out as I enjoyed the superb, exhilarating descent down to Llangollen. After a brief snack, quick flat riding (the only flat section on this loop) led to Trevor, before quiet roads lead north through Penycae to Rhos. Predictably hilly and windy over to Minera, but good cycling country. Then a detour towards Bwlchgwyn and down the Brymbo road to Hope and home. Felt comfortable throughout and deliberately took it easy by gearing down: small mileage (75k at most, 3:15 for the loop) but rendered a bit more challenging by the amount of climbing.

Clwydian run

At last, some improvement to the knee detected after seven long weeks. After a jog up Conwy Mountain, I managed the regular 10k road loop a few days later followed by the normal Collie run up Famau in a reasonable 1:20 last Friday. It still seems prudent to alternate running with cycling, so I waited until this evening for a longer outing: a jog from Llanferres over Foel Fenlli then a mini-loop up Famau and back over Fenlli. Some cramp/aches in the knee - still not right, but nothing too troubling.

Llanferres-Rhydtalog loop

Road cycling: HK-Llanferres-Rhydtalog-HK
Distance: 30m
Although I can now run very gently for short distances, it seems prudent to keep the recovery cautious by alternating ultra-slow jogs with longer bike rides (generally just the commute). This early morning outing was not as long as intended, as I couldn't spare the time, but was enjoyable: particularly the quiet and well-surfaced road from Llanferres over to Rhydtalog in welcome sunshine, then the very fast and long descent to Pontblyddyn. Around 1:45 for the loop.

Hope Mountain circuit

MTB Route: Hope Mountain MTB
Distance: 20m+
Managed to jog up Moel Findeg last night with no reaction from the knee - so jogged up and down a further four times, all very gentle but promising. I didn't want to risk overdoing it, so got the mountain bike out today in wet, stormy weather. Headed up Waun y Llyn, then along the old railway to Llanfynydd. Two large trees blocked the path, and were very difficult to pass, very muddy all the way. Enjoyed the steep climb back to Cymau, then extended the route through Llay and Burton past more fallen trees and structural damage. Will try another jog up Pen y Cloddiau tomorrow: a slow recovery could finally be on the cards.

South Cheshire Loop

Road cycling:HK-Holt-Malpas-Bangor-Holt-HK
Distance: 70k
Pushed the bike mileage a little more today, although it was a largely flat tour on pleasantly scenic and surprisingly quiet roads. Horribly cold throughout, as I started at 8am and the sun failed to peep through the clouds. It remained below freezing for the entire ride: cue agonising hot flushes in hands and feet when I returned (worse even than those typically experienced when ice climbing!). This may explain why the loop took longer than expected: 2.45. After a steeper ride (Hope Mountain x2) tomorrow, I'm hoping to at least try a short run next week.

Horseshoe Pass road ride

Road cycling: HK-Horseshoe Pass-HK
Distance: 36m
Took advantage of a weather window and a very early start to begin to push the bike mileage slightly, by way of preparation for my first Sportives in March. This went well, and was reasonably quiet (all the traffic in the opposite direction). I found the long gradual climb from HK via Treuddyn and Rhydtalog to be enjoyable and comfortable, and really enjoyed it. Slipped into the small ring just for the final push: 70 mins from home to the Ponderosa. Clear, crisp sunshine at the top of the Horseshoe. Descended the same way - it took almost as long as the climb for some reason: just under 2:15 for the ride.