Llangynhafal Loop

Race: Llangynhafal Loop (4.75m/1750ft) 
Time/Position: 44:48 (5th from 72 [3rd V40])
With our flights to Nice leaving Liverpool later in the afternoon, this was perhaps a little ambitious in terms of scheduling. But Vic and I thought we should be able to squeeze it in, and at least we were well motivated to get a move on! A fairly relaxed start saw a group of five or so pull away at the front, but Jez soon built an unassailable lead leaving the rest of us to fight it out for second. I kept a reasonable pace going on the always deceptive climb up Nant y Ne to the gully: it always looks gentle, but never feels it. I did my usual striding on the gully, no running, and got the top of Famau in third. But it was all very close and I was losing ground with every descent. Felt reasonably sharp along the ridge but never sensed that I was pulling away from those behind. After losing quite a bit of ground to fast descenders, I had a good final climb and our group of chasers more or less reassembled as we crested the final spur. It was then a downhill sprint, flat-out, for second: a race I inevitably lost as quicker descenders thundered past on the steep slopes back to the finish. Just over 12 seconds separated 2nd and 5th. Vic and I then ran down to the car and drove to the airport to begin our annual Provencal climbing holiday.

Mynydd Troed fell race

Race: Mynydd Troed fell race, shortened route (7k/550m)
Time/Position: 1:02:54 (38th from 80)
A disastrous start to this year's Welsh fell running championships. My decision to do the 10 mile champs yesterday initially seemed vindicated when our group of North Walian runners arrived in Pengenffordd near Talgarth in gale-force winds and driving rain. Several trees had blown down and the paths were pouring with mud and water. As I'd gambled, the race was shortened, and I hoped this would suit my tired legs. The initial climb up the northerly ridge of Troed felt anything but suitable and was characterised by a ferocious tail wind, which sometimes helped as it blew us upwards, but sometimes came from the side - knocking runners down like skittles and reminding me of the Borrowdale OMM, last year's Carneddau race and numerous other similar outings! I sought the shelter of the lee slopes and crawled up on hands and knees in places: torrential rain throughout, me in tried and tested full battle gear of thermals and waterproofs. The splendid well-defined ridge wasn't as bad, exhilarating rather than desperate, and I began to pick up a few places then took six runners on a superb, if slippy, descent to Cwm Sorgwm. Managed a complete somersault just before the ground levelled off. Then, disaster struck! On emerging at the road, I made the worst error I've ever made on a fell race and stupidly followed the tape of the original route all the way to the farm at Blaenau Draw, instead of just heading up the level road to the right. This lost me several minutes and completely ruined any chance I had, so I just plodded miserably back to retrace my steps to the road and tried to keep a reasonable pace going past several blown-over trees until the very steep second ascent of Mynydd Troed back up the SW slopes to the main summit. I began to tire on this, and lost even more ground as my shattered legs began to protest at what I've put them through this last week. The final descent was always going to be 'interesting' and so it proved as we got a right old battering descending into the teeth of the gale: my waterproofs acting as impromptu parapentes, blowing me back up the slope. More drama was to come, as John returned to the finish with serious hypothermia.

Wrexham 10 mile

Race: Wrexham 10 mile (North Wales Championships)
Time/Position: 58:27 (11th from 116 [2nd V40])
Found myself on the horns of a dilemma before this race. Last Sunday's marathon was still in my legs, as was Wednesday's ferocious Border League climax, and I'd done the full Moel Famau run last night (in superb clarity of rain-washed light, with views of the Lakes and the Isle of Man). More to the point, the first race in the Welsh fell running championships was scheduled for tomorrow near Brecon. But, after a family trip to Chester I took one look at the appalling weather forecast and decided I'd risk this race first. My twisted logic went something like this: it looked like Sunday's race would be either shortened or just a navigation-heavy plod in 'survival' mode, so what harm could a 10 mile race on the roads the day before do? I think it was the right decision. I felt surprisingly comfortable throughout the race, started at 5:50 pace and got into a perfect little group of 4, as we took turns to bear the brunt of the headwind which was distressingly strong in places. It's been a few years since I've done this race, or indeed any 10m race, and this reminded me of what a nice distance it is, the ideal combination of 'speed' (modest in my case) and endurance (ditto). It's not the most scenic of courses, and it had been changed a bit this year, but we kept a steady pace through 5m (28:45), then increased it a bit until the wind picked up at the turn in mile 9. This cost me sub-58, as we all struggled to gain the more sheltered running which led to the finish, losing a bit of time. As always, my lack of finishing kick meant the two lads in my little group pulled away just before the end. Ended up with four prizes later on: 2nd V40 in the Championships, 1st V40 in the open race (although I was actually second), with Buckley winning 1st Veteran team and 2nd team overall. Cue a desperate attempt to recover in time for tomorrow's fell race.

Deeside border league

Race:Deeside 4m+ (Border League race 7) 
Time/Position: 23:57 (22nd from 271 [3rd V40])
This was not a particularly pleasant experience. Wet, cold and miserable as we jogged across the Dee to the windswept start. Although I felt OK during the warm up, I knew that this was going to be the archetypal 'big ask' three days after the marathon. That said, I'd done exactly the same thing two years ago (ie. this race 3 days after London) and finished 20th so there were some grounds for optimism. And it all had to be done, as it was the final race of a long season and I had to stay within ten places of another Vet to retain my second place, so set off close to him. He upped his speed after a slowish start, so I did too, then foolishly went past him. Cue a classic trip into the red zone as I blew well before the two mile mark. That was that, I thought, resigned to third place, helpless and in oxygen debt as a dozen runners stormed past me. But, to my great surprise, I managed to recover my breathing and pick up the pace again. It remained a struggle in heavy rain, but I gradually clawed my way back to pass several runners and finish within two places of the other vet and therefore retain second place in my category (and 2nd Vet overall, 107pts) at the enjoyable prize-giving later that evening.

London Marathon

Race: London Marathon
Time/Position: 2:59:07 (1112 from 38000)
This was an opportunity missed, in the sense that conditions were good for decent times - reasonably cool but sunny, with a slightly annoying headwind in places. But having done just two 17-18m road runs in training, I knew that there was no way I could get round in any sort of shape unless I started very slowly. A PB was never on the cards today, let alone the 2:36 that my recent 10k/half marathon times optimistically predicted! I had some endurance in my legs from recent long hill runs and the Excalibur marathon three weeks ago, and that all helped, but in general I just plodded round the first half in 1:28. I then kept to the same gentle pace (four of my 5k splits were exactly 21:25, and two others were within 10 seconds of this) throughout, just concentrating on dipping under 3 hours for the first time since Edinburgh in 2008. This was my 15th marathon, and 5th London, and the atmosphere was, as ever, absolutely electrifying. As with 2010, it was just really nice to feel comfortable enough to absorb it all - and I particularly enjoyed Bermondsey (family support), Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf (ditto).

Carneddau hillwalk

Peaks: Foel Dduarth
Area: Carneddau
Fired with enthusiasm after her conquest of Tal y Fan, E was keen for another trip. After doing radio in Bangor, it was a simple matter to incorporate this walk into our journey home. After parking at the Aber Falls site, M unsurprisingly found the steep road tiresome! We skirted Foel Dduarth to the north enjoying superb sea views. The clarity of light was magnificent, with perfect views to the Isle of Man. This is a steep, short ascent - reminding me of the brutal start to day two of the Rab Mountain Marathon last September, which climbed straight up the front of this hill. The pace was gentler this time, and we relaxed on the summit before descending to the col and down into Cwm Anafon to complete a little loop.

Holyhead climbing

Crag: Penmaen Head, Colwyn Bay
Routes: Tan y Lan Kids (f5:led), Big up the Lizard (f5+:sec)
Crag: Holyhead Mountain, Anglesey
Routes: Pleasant Surprise (HS 4c:led), Teaser (VS 4c:sec), Laceration (VS 5a:sec), Candlestick (HS 4b:led), Tension (VS 4b:led), Black and Tan (VS 4c:sec)
First time on rock since Great Slab on Cloggy over six months ago. As such, this was an ideal shakedown in preparation for our imminent Provence trip, but it started badly in freezing weather at Penmaen Head. We descended to the crag to find an icy northerly blowing directly in to the sunless west face. I led the easy f5 up the juggy flowstone on numb hands before seconding the good f5+ to the left, hands now feeling like useless stumps which is not ideal on fingery limestone, then giving up after the inevitable hot flushes. We retreated to the car then commenced a lengthy detour to Holyhead in search of warmer rock. A heavy shower drenched the town as we arrived, but by the time we'd got to the crag we'd emerged from the other side of it. Very fortunate indeed. Holyhead Mountain is the perfect shakedown venue after a long break from climbing: characterised by well protected routes which often feel like soft touches. We finally got out of the biting wind by heading to the amphitheatre, where I kicked proceedings off with a lead of Pleasant Surprise, a nice route taking a slab and easy crack to a steeper short crux on positive holds. Delightful to be back on sun-drenched rock after half a year away. Vic led the obvious corner line of Teaser, which gives nice climbing on fine jams but is sadly very short. Some spits of rain but generally sunny and warm out of the wind. Laceration has a short and quite fingery crux but continued the simple theme of all the routes in this amphitheatre - another easy slab to a steepening crack. We then moved round to the left-hand buttress, with great sea views. By now, more crystal clear air rendered everything pin sharp. Cold, mind, for my route Candlestick, which took a sunless groove gained by an awkward steep entry move. The groove gave delightful HS climbing again, with abundant gear and nice little bridging moves to a steeper section moving left into the sun at the top. Nice climb at the grade. We finished the day with the two classic VS's on the bigger face further right. My lead, Tension, began with an easy crack which leads to a thread. The continuation crack then gets quite steep with an initially intimidating move left to gain the upper face. It is all as safe as houses, though, and you just know there are going to be huge holds whenever you pull up. Excellent moves gain the top of the crack, then easier but still steep climbing to the top. A splendid pitch. Vic then led Black and Tan, a fine companion route. It is slightly harder and not quite as good, but still gives great climbing as it takes the very obvious traverse line right below the large roof after sharing the initial crack with Tension. Good positive holds under the roof lead to a short technical section to pull out of the crack at the end of the roof. It was a bit frustrating to have missed all the fine rock climbing weather in March due to other commitments, but this was a pleasant consolation and a nice way to start the season.

Llandegla biking

MTB Route: Llandegla Blue Circuit
Distance/Climb: 12k/200m
With M for his first real mountain bike trip. He rejected the green easiest route, probably rightly as it is only 5k and he was keen for some downhill action. The zigzag climb, followed by the long haul past the black grouse hide was the crux for M's young legs, but a judicious supply of biscuits and juice saw him through. I've probably done the red route 30 times but I'd never done blue before - so I was surprised by the quality of the downhill sections. M loved the first section leading to True Blue, before more excellent singletrack led to great views of the Clwydians. We stopped for a rest, with me doing a few hill reps, then continued to the lake. A great baptism for M: he really enjoyed it. Lovely weather too, still chilly, but bracing clarity of light.

Tal y Fan

Peaks: Tal y Fan
Area: Carneddau
After a week in the sunshine of Tunisia (and Sussex!) an Easter break in Conwy started wet and windy. But prospects seemed brighter this morning, and E was intent on a trip to Snowdonia. The weather was clearly awful in the centre of the park, but although it stayed cold throughout this was a lovely walk up Tal y Fan in great conditions of sunburst and light showers, the light ever changing. E wanted to see ravens, and we got two right on the summit. This was her first ever Snowdonian peak, although M went up Tal y Fan in my backpack aged 2 months! A lovely run round the Conwy half marathon course later in the afternoon: superb clarity of light for the sea views round the Orme, although a head wind and unpleasant squally hail shower made life uncomfortable on the return leg back to Conwy via the West Shore.

Christleton border league

Race: Christleton 9k (Border League race 6)
Time/Position: 33:39 (36th from 256 [6th V40])
This was always going to be a little tiring, following yesterday's marathon, but since this season's final race also comes just after London I thought I might as well give it a bash. I tried to rationalise it as an energetic warm-down, justifiable given the snail's pace at which I competed in yesterday's event! The legs were inevitably rather sore for the first couple of miles, but I gradually began to feel better throughout the race and started to pick up a few places over the off road section and particularly during the final gentle climb back to Christleton. Finished 24 places down on race 5 at Mold, but still enjoyed the race in more beautiful weather.

Excalibur Marathon

Race: Excalibur Mountain Marathon (43k/1403m/BL)
Time/Position: 4:22:36 (9th from 250)
Not a conventional 'mountain marathon', in the mode of the OMM or RAB, but rather a properly measured marathon distance over the Clwydian hills: a kind of informal, non-competitive hybrid between a long fell race and a road marathon. Billed as Britain's toughest off-road marathon, it was just an ideal local training run for me: good, if late, preparation for London. Even if I hadn't been ill last week, I doubt I would have been in a position to properly race this having not had time for enough long runs. As it was, I just kept a nice steady (slow!) pace throughout and really enjoyed the relaxed nature of the event. A small group of sub-5 hour runners started at 9.30, jogging along the fire roads east of Famau to gain the ridge at the fingerpost. Then the usual Friday night route to near the summit before dropping down to Cilcain. A long tarmac haul gains the climb up fields to the next checkpoint at the Moel Arthur car park. All very relaxed and slow-paced. Nice and friendly despite the odd urban ipod wearer! From here, the long looping bridleway on the Vale side led down to Llandyrnog, before a long but gradual climb gained the other gentle bridleway that skirts the Vale side of Pen y Cloddiau. A tough climb over Moel y Parc and back down via Aifft was perhaps the crux. Then comes the delightful home leg along OD across the top of the ridge via Pen y Cloddiau, Arthur, Famau and Fenlli. Perfect conditions: cool and cloudy after a warm week, unusually dry underfoot, and nice to be doing a long race over ultra-familiar hills that I've crossed hundreds upon hundreds of times. More notable, it is a nice logical loop of a route, which is not always easy to arrange in the unhelpfully linear Clwydians! Easy first half, with lots of road and track, climaxing with a tour of all the peaks (in that sense, somewhat reminiscent of the Jungfrau marathon!). I became increasingly distressed by the numbers of discarded bottles, though: I assume this will compromise the future of the event.

Llanferres loop

All training severely disrupted after a week in Armenia which saw a mild cough get considerably worse in the cold, dry climate. Despite this, the trip was superb with the highlight being a tour of Vayots Dzor along the border with Nakhichevan (an exclave of Azerbaijan) which is particularly spectacular at the high Tukh Manuk pass. This towers above the tiny de jure Azeri enclave of Karki/Tigraneshen, and is followed by the gorge of the Arpa and the superbly situated monastery of Novarank. At the highpoint of the trip in Jermuk, well above 2000m and just west of Nagorno Karabakh, the snow was almost head height, burying several buildings after a freak winter. Indeed, it snowed while we were there. Excellent wild Caucasian mountain scenery as we descended back to the Arpa valley. Views of the extraordinarily isolated peak of Mount Ararat became increasingly clear throughout the trip: a fantastic sight from Khor Virap, but still impressive from Yerevan and even up near Garni next day (another fine gorge). Ararat looks every inch of its 5137m when the weather is clear and would be nice to climb, though the logistics are apparently complex. By this morning, several days after returning home, I was feeling a little better after the trip, although I still struggled with the initial climb up Fenlli. The weather has been perfect in Wales for days, as it has by my reckoning since 2007 at this time of year. The warmth helped and, after coughing up a quantity of phlegm, I began to feel better as I descended from Fenlli. It was almost hot as I continued south along OD to the superb path west of Moel Gyw. Over the shoulder of this to Llanarmon, then a series of extended intervals back to Llanferres. Followed up with a bouldering session at Pot Hole, mindful of not having done any rock climbing in preparation for our forthcoming Provence cragging trip. Warmed down by cycling to work in glorious sunshine.

Berwyn run

Peaks: Cadair Bronwen, Tomle, Moel Sych, Cadair Berwyn
Area: Berwyn
A very enjoyable reccie of Peter's new Ras y Berwyn, which is planned for June. After doing the full Famau run last night, we took it fairly easy for the very steep start up a little lane above Llandrillo. The track then eases a little and becomes superbly runnable, although it is almost a constant four mile climb to the top of Bronwen. The weather was excellent - clear and sunny with shifting shower clouds over Aran and Arenig. The route across to Bwlch Maen Gwynedd gives excellent running, with great wild views down to Cwm Llawenog. A peaty haul up to Tomle, then SW along contouring tracks below the steep, broken east face of Cadair Berwyn to finally climb back up to the ridge at Moel yr Ewig. Appalling tussocks lead down to the superbly situated Llyn Lluncaws, probably the finest spot in the range. This will be tricky in the race, to say the least! Some debate in our small reccie group (me, Jez, Peter, Kean, Sandra) as to the best route. Then a steep but scenic climb up the obvious ridge to Moel Sych and along the main ridge to the top of Cadair Berwyn. We left en masse for the excellent but boggy long descent west to Cwm Tywyll. A couple of sleety showers as we headed north back to Llandrillo. A fine circuit with the potential to become a classic race. Jez and I then headed back up the tracks for an extra few miles around Cefn Pen Lletty, mindful of the forthcoming Clwydian marathon.

Bryn Alyn-Moel Famau loop

No races for a while, so a good opportunity to try to catch up with marathon training before leaving for a weekend in South Wales. I left Cadole before 4pm for the pleasant run to Maeshafn then through the woods to the 'Beast' up to the top of Bryn Alyn. I then extended the run out towards Eryrys, then back via the edge of the quarries to join the original race route back to Maeshafn. From here, I upped the pace back to the Collie before joining the normal Friday night group run up Famau. Felt like a beneficial longish outing, with plenty of climbing, but again was another reminder of how much work I have to do to convert my 10k speed - such as it is - to any kind of fell running form.

Waun y Llyn long run

Hopelessly behind in my training for two forthcoming marathons, a familiar pattern. This was my first long run since Christmas, and followed a familiar route from home over the shoulder of Hope Mountain to Pontybodkin, then up the steep hill to Treuddyn. Wet snow fell throughout this section, which was rather unpleasant, and I remained cold and damp throughout. After the long haul up to Cae Hic, I was pleased to feel OK for the superb hilly running down to Llanfynydd, before the savage climb back up Waun y Llyn. Around 17m, but a good deal of climbing, so should be of some value for the forthcoming Clwydian marathon - if not London.

Dash in the Dark

Race: Dash in the Dark fell race (4m/700ft)
Time/Position: 25:38 (6th from 37 [3rd V40])
Having missed the first two 'dashes' this winter, I was pleased to be able to make the last one: I always enjoy these friendly night-time trail races through the Llandegla woods. Well off the pace tonight, though, having not yet emerged from my usual cocoon of road racing through the winter months. As a result, I struggled on the climbs, even though they are relatively gentle, and even the terrain seemed harder than usual. It's always tricky to see your feet, of course, and it remains disconcerting even after about 10 of these races. Quite competitive at the front end tonight, more so than usual, and I finished well down the small field. This is about the point in the year when I usually try to make the transition from road to hill, so there's clearly quite a lot of work to do!

Mold Border League

Race: Mold 5.5m (Border League race 5)
Time/Position: 28:33 (12th from 294 [2nd V40])
After two disappointing races, it was about time for a better performance, so this was pleasing. It's always a tricky course tactically. You have to be reasonably measured in terms of energy expenditure on the long hill to Nercwys, but can't be too cautious or it becomes impossible to make the distance up over the remaining three miles. I stayed in touch with a largish group up to Nercwys, then gradually made up some ground to hang off the back of it for a while. I was then pleased to find I was feeling reasonably good on the undulating terrain back to Mold, so I deliberately pushed it on all the short hills - especially the last one, when I pulled away from the front of the group I was with. Unusually, I then managed to hold my position for the long and tiring run-in up the exhausting 'false flat' to the finish. I think I'm currently second V40 with two races to go, but it's still very tight and both remaining races come immediately after marathons!

Wrexham half marathon

Race: Village Bakery (Wrexham) half marathon
Time/Position: 1:19:15 (14th from 500 [3rd V40])
This was intended to be a full PB attempt as part of my London training. Lack of spare time, and a focus on short races, meant that I didn't really have the miles in my legs though. I started reasonably well, going through 5m in 28:50, and stayed on target for 1:16 until somewhere on the muddy tracks between miles 7 and 8. A surprisingly strong headwind, a tiny incline, and my lack of long runs led to the inevitable consequence. I developed a crippling stitch and started to drop back. However, something then happened that eclipsed that slowing pace. Some miscreant had changed the race markers at a distant road junction. Some runners went left, some right. I've done the race a few times before but in my oxygen-starved state couldn't remember which way it went. Cue an incredibly frustrating waste of precious time as we decided which arrow was correct! I suffered less than many (several runners cut the corner), but by the time we got going again all tempo, all commitment was lost. I was then fighting a losing battle, going through 10 miles in 59:40 and struggling to finish in sub 1:20. I can't help contrasting my performance with my last half marathon at Vyrnwy. I came into that having done no road running for eight months, struggled for the first five miles but then adapted to the tarmac and kept 5:59 pace going to the end. This time, after far more recent speed training and racing, I started well but could not sustain the pace. Not rocket science. I finished in a reasonable position, but whoever changed the signs completely ruined the race for the first 30 or 40 runners. The North Wales Championships were abandoned, and the race more or less invalidated.

Nercwys mountain biking

A short trip around Nercwys forest with M: his first foray off-road on his new mountain bike. We rode through the middle of the forest on the main track first, then sampled the narrow and surprisingly rocky singletrack to the west. M enjoyed the descents! Tried to increase the running mileage again this week, after last week's enforced lay-off. Will run up Famau tomorrow night but rest on Saturday with a view to a PB attempt at the Wrexham half on Sunday.

Nick Beer 10k

Race: Nick Beer 10k (Llandudno)
Time/Position: 36:34 (15th from 870 [4th V40])
Having spent the week in the Ukraine, in a freak cold snap of -26C, I certainly felt well-rested coming in to this race: running was not an option in Kiev or Kharkov! Baffling, then, that this turned into my worst performance since the Brenig race last summer. I felt tired almost immediately, suffering even on the gentle initial climb around Marine Drive then really slowing for the steepest inclines past the lighthouse. I then recovered and pushed it on the descent, getting up to 11th place, before finally accepting that it wasn't my day and comprehensively blowing for a second and final time on the tiny hill past the tram station! An unpleasant finish along the prom ensued, feeling very uncomfortable and very tired. Well over two minutes down on my time at Twin Piers, a mere three weeks ago. No idea what the problem was: possibly cumulative sleep deprivation after a busy week away, or possibly just one of those days.