Rab mountain marathon

Race: Rab Mountain Marathon
Peaks: Carrock Fell, Bowscale Fell, Little Cockup, Skiddaw, Lonscale Fell, Coomb
Area: Back o'Skidda, Cumbria
Time/pts/position: Day 1(300), Day 2(210) 9th/54 SM
A fantastic weekend at the Rab mountain marathon, Back O'Skidda in the northern Lakes. Really pleased with my performance, especially since it was basically my first proper mountain marathon after last year's disappointing 'half OMM'! Slept in Dan's van on Friday night and woke to a promising morning: weather ideal throughout, largely sunny but relatively cool. The Rab is a fantastic event: score classes only, so a real navigational test, and it was good to be able to enter solo. Formed a vague plan after getting the controls on day one. After a couple of easy controls, contoured round Low Pike to Carrock Beck and a third control, then steeply up Miton Hill to another just west of Carrock Fell summit. Sunny now, with tremendous views over the interesting terrain south to Blencathra and north to Galloway. A great area for this kind of event, feels remote. The toughest leg then followed, with my plans for a high scoring check over Bowscale Fell involving an awful descent down bracken and boulders to Roundhouse - fell face first into a bog at one point. Then tried to pick the best line over east shoulder of Bowscale to the high scoring control hidden in a sheepfold above a small beck. Headed west easily to a control on Blackhazel Beck and took stock at half way point. Realised I was well ahead of my cautious schedule, and feeling strong, so climbed over Mungrisdale below Blencathra to pick up more points via Sinen Gill. Worked gradually back, remaining cautious, picking up two more controls via the handy Cumbrian way path, descending past Whitewater dash to the valley NE towards Meal Fell, then cunningly NW through the narrow hidden valley of Trusmadoor. Superb access to gain a final control then very satisfyingly back (but 25 mins early, far too cautious) to the lovely campsite in a wooded glade. Rather cold night, feeling limitations of equipment (my sac weighed nearly 7kgs, not exactly state of the art), but meeting up with Dan and friends. I was in 11th place in my category, with 300 points after day one. After some drizzly rain in the night, started at 8am next day in cool clear weather. An immediate climb up Little Cockup was a good wake-up call, I then chose to head immediately south to go for the big value controls on Skiddaw, partly because a cloud inversion was obviously developing and I wanted to see it! Very few runners headed up for these big checks, and nobody chose the same route as me, which was odd as the second day route immediately leapt out at me, and I stuck to my initial plan throughout. A very steep climb through the mist lead above Dead Crags to the shoulder of Skiddaw itself. Then the highlight of the weekend, when I popped through the mist to great views out over the Solway firth and then great running contouring Skiddaw in bright early sunshine with a clearing cloud inversion in the valley to the north - no other runners in sight - to pick up a big value control hidden in a beck below Little Man. Then more contouring over Jenkin Hill to pick up another on Lonsdale Hill, again alone. Then down in superb weather to the Cumbrian Way, but this time heading NE up the Caldew Valley. A good decision, but again cautious. Headed up the last real climb NW to a control below Coomb, then a line across moorland to Iron Crag and a poor, very steep route down to Roughton Gill, losing concentration after 11 hours in the saddle! One more hard-to-find control then back to the finish in Fellside, too early again, but deliberately cautious, just wanting to finish respectably and without penalties. Managed a reasonable 210 points on day two, for a total of 510 points and 9th senior male overall (no seperate solo class), perhaps 23rd in total from a few hundred entries. Very pleased with this, bodes well for future events, and nice to be able to do this one solo. Really enjoyable and satisfying weekend.

Pedol Peris fell race

Race: Peris Horseshoe fell race (18m/8500ft)
Peaks: Elidir Fach, Elidir Fawr, Y Garn, Glyder Fawr, Lliwedd, Snowdon, Moel Cynghorion
Area: Glyderau/Wyddfa, Eryri
Time/Position: 4:50:31 (29/62)
A really disappointing performance in the Peris horseshoe race on Saturday. Felt I'd prepared quite well for it, had the mileage and the hills in my legs, but things really didn't go to plan. The first half went quite well, steady from Llanberis through the quarries - quite interesting in near perfect conditions of high cloud and occasional sunshine. Then steeply up to and over Elidir Fach before the scree climb up to Elidir Fawr. Started to pick up places over the awkward terrain on the ridge down to the Bwlch, then steady running on the contouring path before the long climb up Y Garn. Good descent down to Llyn y Cwn, then direct up the stream bed to Glyder Fawr (for me, slower than the normal route). Over the top of Glyder Fawr, then a good descent picking the best line in the sunshine down to Pen y Pass in 2:01. So quite well placed, and feeling good. As a result, I didn't take on board enough water and that was to be my downfall. Went well up to towards Lliwedd initially, but then started to blow up. Struggled painfully up Lliwedd, then made up some ground down to Bwlch y Saethau. But massive dehydration picked in up the East ridge to Snowdon - lost it completely, desperate for water and unable to maintain any kind of pace. Neil kindly waited for me, later telling me I looked dreadful at this point. I lost maybe 15+ places and at least half an hour. Recovered with some water on the summit, and perked up a bit for the descent down the Snowdon Ranger path to the final climb up Moel Cynghorion. Steep descent down to Maesgwm was brutal but then felt fine for the final descent back to Llanberis. A frustrating day, comfortably the most disappointing race of the year. But a cracking, classic event in perfect weather, and nice to have done the big two Welsh fell races this summer.

Celyn XC race

Race: Celyn multi-terrain race (5m)
Time/Position: 32:27 (4th/12)
A disappointing performance yesterday in this two lap cross-country race around Northop college. Tiny field, but still unable to finish higher than 4th! Did feel a bit tired, and I suppose it's my first fast short race for a good few months, but never really got going. The race is good, though, with some steep muddy climbs and plenty of waterlogged fields. Recovered pleasantly at an afternoon beer festival.

South Rib, Tryfan

Peaks: Tryfan
Routes/Grade: South Rib (M/III)
Sunny weather for a change, but rather tired after a faster-than-usual run up Moel Famau yesterday evening. With a race scheduled tomorrow, a mild scramble seemed the best option. Set off up the Heather Terrace with Rich, scratched around on the ribs left of Arete Climb (soloed in 1992?), to the point of actually leading a 50m pitch up one of them, before finally locating South Rib at the extreme left of the east face. It's not a bad route, starting with a broken rib and open groove leading to a platform. Then a nice second pitch up a gangway to a thrutchy chimney, then along a ramp to an exposed notch followed by excellent easy climbing up the rib crest for 15m or so. Used a single 9mm rope with a couple of slings, but the rest was easy: skirting a green chimney to a traverse back to the main ridge, then easily up to another thrutchy chimney and a final easy rib to another traverse up to the South Summit. After lunch in pleasant sunshine on the top of Tryfan, descended S Ridge to the valley and Ogwen. First outing on rock, even very easy rock, since Provence.

Clwydian runs

A quieter few days, the awful weather continues to render most options unappealing. Ran the Druid route up Foel Fenlli via Penbarras from Llanferres in a rare dry interlude this morning. Rather tired after a decent set of intervals last night (3:21 average, as last week, so gradually regaining). Recovered quite well from the big outing last week, enough to run up Moel Famau on the Friday and push the weekly mileage close to 50 again.

Ogwen/Ffrancon horseshoe

Peaks: Carnedd y Filiast (2697ft/822m), Mynydd Perfedd (2667ft/813m), Foel Goch (2726ft/831m), Y Garn (3107ft/947m), Glyder Fawr (3278ft/999m), Glyder Fach (3261ft/994m), Y Foel Goch (2641ft/805m), Gallt yr Ogof (2503ft/763m), Pen yr Helgi Du (2733ft/833m), Carnedd Llewelyn (3491ft/1064m), Carnedd Dafydd (3412ft/1040m), Pen yr Ole Wen (3209ft/978m)
Area: Glyderau/Carneddau, Eryri
A tiny semi-break in the continuing appalling weather allowed for this sizeable outing along the entire Glyder ridge then across and over the Carneddau for extra fun. A tremendous, varied outing. Set off with Neil from Tai Newyddion above Bethesda for the long and unrelenting, often pathless, climb up Carnedd y Filiast. Mainly walking, so took almost 40 mins. A sharp shower then blew in as we ran over Mynydd Perfedd to the sharp climb up Foel Goch. Cold wind, heavy rain as we ran down to Bwlch y Cywion and up Y Garn (1hr from car) as the mist blotted out all views for a while. The top of Y Garn was cold, wet and hostile - exactly as it was on our last visit 2 weeks ago. Down quickly to Llyn y Cwn and the steep scree up to Glyder Fawr where it was even colder, with heavy sleet. A reasonably quick traverse of the Glyder ridge followed, atmospheric with mist clearing and falling intermittently. Headed round Castell y Gwynt to the scramble up to the true summit of Glyder Fach, peak number 6 (2 hrs). Then we left the awkward wet Glyderau rocks behind for splendid running down the ridge in clearing weather to Llyn Caseg Fraith. Kept running to the top of Foel Goch and along to Gallt yr Ogof in delightful sunshine: just under 3 hrs from the car. Instead of dropping down into Cwm Gwern Gof (which would have been sensible), we bashed down the heathery ridge NE, skirting W when we reached the crags. Dried off in the valley, had a flapjack (more or less the only food). Across the A5 for the pretty lengthy 2500ft climb up Y Braich to Pen yr Helgi Du. Rather tiring but we kept it going quite well, a mix of fast walking and light jogging. Superb prospects from the summit, with the weather continuing to clear and the first decent (albeit very brief) dry window for weeks. Over the always splendid ridge to Bwlch Eryl Farchog, then the scramble to gain the main ridge up Carnedd Llewelyn (5hrs). This was surprisingly comfortable, we were both feeling fine, so were able to keep running in pleasant sunshine over Carnedd Dafydd and up Pen yr Ole Wen and peak number 12 (5.50hrs from car). A good choice to finish on, since we could see the entire round and all the peaks from here - a superb, aesthetically pleasing and satisfyingly logical horseshoe. Surprised that it took so long to occur to me as a combination. Descent was awkward, inevitably. Down Braich Ty Du to the little outcrop of Carreg Fran and the end of the crags. Then down very steep heather and braken to Ty Gwyn. This descent forms part of my '40 at 40' plans, so might have to be re-reccied! Back to the car crossing Afon Ogwen to the old road.

Tavern Trial fell race

Race: Tavern Trial fell race (9m/2000ft)
Peaks: Pen y Cloddiau, Moel y Parc, Pen y Cloddiau
Time/Position: 1:24:17 (4th from 40)
A cracking new (or revived) event yesterday, and a much-needed longer race over this part of the Clwydians. Started in hot, humid weather from Llandyrnog, over a series of fields to gain a track leading to the Moel Arthur car park. But the race soon cut left up very steep bracken and scree to gain the main OD path up Pen y Cloddiau. I was feeling relatively comfortable in about 7th place, which I held for the long descent from Pen to Aifft. A windless, hot climb back up to Moel y Parc was the crux of the race. Hard going, but felt OK, so gained a couple more places and managed to keep it going back over Pen y Cloddiau summit and down to Llandyrnog: the race well spread out by this point and the route-finding occasionally tricky. Neil well out in front. Cut my legs to shreds in the brambles but they had stopped bleeding by the time we got to the pub! My highest ever finish: 4th from a field of 40. Ran most of the way up Famau on Friday night, will do short recovery today.

Clwydian long run

Valuable Peris preparation yesterday evening with Neil. Started below Penbarras in humid, misty conditions. Up to Moel Famau, then over Moel Dywyll and along the ridge to Moel Llys y Coed and down to the road. Superb running. Down towards Llandyrnog then north and west round the Moel Arthur mountain bike loop to Llangwyfan. Then a long hard climb up the bridleway through the woods to the Penycloddiau car park, and steeply up to Moel Arthur. Took the steep direct descent south to the contouring track above Llangynhafal all the way to Nant y Ne, finishing up the dreaded gully back to the summit of Moel Famau and down to the car with mild dehydration. Over 2.5hrs, perhaps 13-14 miles, but a fair amount of climbing. Really good outing.

Moel Famau fell race

Race: Cilcain Mountain Race (4m/1237ft)
Peaks: Moel Famau
Time/Position: 34:47 (8th from 135)
After a calorie-laden weekend in London (one interesting long urban run from Chingford to Leyton Orient FC and back) I wasn't too optimistic for my fifth attempt on the Cilcain Moel Famau race. In fairly windy weather, the race went quite well. I climbed reasonably quickly, to the misty summit in around 21 mins in 10th place, then passed two on the steps down to a 4-man sprint finish! I was 12 seconds down on last year's time, finishing in 34:47, definite lack of speed on the track due to lack of recent intervals. However, I did get the bonus of a flattering 8th place (from 135) presumably because of a relatively weaker field than last year.

Mileage increase

A relatively quiet few days, but did manage about 45 miles in training last week, resting only on Saturday: have managed to get the training back to where it was before the holiday. A tough Wepre run on Thursday with the club, followed by Moel Famau on Friday and the Golly 10k route on Sunday. Ran over Waun y Llyn this morning, feeling tired. Dreadful weather continues to negate more interesting options.

Mini Peris horseshoe

Peaks: Y Garn (3107ft/947m), Glyder Fawr (3278ft/999m), Crib Goch (3028ft/923m), Garnedd Ugain (3494ft/1065m)
Area: Glyderau/Snowdon, Eryri
A good training day yesterday with Neil: doing a semi-reccie of the Peris horseshoe, with the added twist of Crib Goch attached. We started from Nant Peris in quite heavy rain, up the unrelenting and very boggy climb up Cwm Gafr to crest the ridge in bad conditions (cold, wet) and Bwlch y Cywion. Then a mix of running and walking to gain the summit of Y Garn in 50 mins from the car. Down to Llyn y Cwn and up Glyder Fawr in atrocious conditions which cleared briefly near the summit (90 mins). Then the critical section down to Pen y Pass in hail showers, looking for the quickest race route (2hrs+). After a quick break in the cafe, we ran up to Bwlch y Moch, then scrambled up the east ridge in improving conditions before enjoying a fine (dry!) traverse of Crib Goch in classic (Fohn?) conditions: mist shrouding Cwm Glas as we negotiated the pinnacles, but clear views to the south. A rapid jog/scramble up Crib y Ddisgyl in more rain gained the summit of Garnedd Ugain in mist. Good running down to Clogwyn station then dropped into a very wet Cwm Hetiau and back to Nant Peris (4:30) and Pete's Eats. An excellent and unusual circuit.

Gladstone 9 fell race

Fell race: Gladstone 9 (9 miles/2850ft)
Peaks: Tal y Fan (2001ft/610m), Foel Lus
Area: Carneddau, Eryri
Time/position: 1:30:30 (15th/55)
A distinctly average (at best) performance yesterday in the Gladstone 9 (formerly Leg End 9) from Dwygyfylchi. A very nice race though, particularly as the torrential rain stopped just before the start. It heads along the tracks east to Capelulo, then up the far side of Fairie Glen to Llyn y Wrach, then via Cefn Llechan to join the Penmaenmawr fell race route all the way to the wall on Tal y Fan. I know this area well, one of my favourite landscapes of all. Then up the wall to the top of Tal y Fan, painfully steep, before ploughing down through the bogs to the Druids Circle, then up over Foel Lus (superb sea views) to a fast descent back to the village. Felt tired throughout, possibly because I've overdone it since returning from holiday. Ran most of the way up Famau on Friday night and still had the bike circuit in my legs.

Dragon's Back, Coed y Brenin

Mountain bike route: Dragon's Back (Coed y Brenin)
Distance/Climb: 31.1km/710m
First time on the bike for a while today, with another trip to CyB. This time, Rich and I had a bash at the Dragon's Back - loosely based on the old Karrimor (which I think I did twice 7 or 8 years ago) but with numerous new sections: in fact, I could remember very little of the old route. My poort suspension rendered the rocky sections horrible, esp Badger at the start. But then came some excellent smooth singletrack, esp the Hermon section which leads to the long climb out onto the open hillside NE to Moel Hafodwen, great views with a wild feel sadly lacking on most of these designed trails. Superb descent down multiple singltrack sections, particularly good at the top - the Gomez and Morticia sections all new and very fast, narrow descents. The route rejoins the MBR trail (done in Nov) at the excellent Pink Heifer section, then descends to rock and the finish. Took 3:15, which was reasonable given a tough run over Waun y Llyn yesterday, and intervals on Tuesday (first for 2 months!).

Back in training

Conscious I've got some training to do after the holiday, so have run every day since returning from France. A fine run from the Collie up Famau on Friday, followed by several more middle distance runs.

Mont du Grand Capelet traverse

A tremendous traverse of Mont du Grand Capelet yesterday, a long term ambition and an ideal finale to the recent period of activity. The usual 4.30am start in Esterel, then the drive up to Gordolasque before setting off for Lac Autier and the start of the traverse. The path broke off for a steep climb up the south side of the Vallon de l'Autier, a steep gorge at this point. A family of chamois followed me for some way, as the sun lit the peaks to the west: Neiglier, Collomb and Ponset. Again, fantastic stuff. The route-finding was relatively simple by Mercantour standards but still became hard to follow as I reached the inevitable clapier fields leading to Lac Autier: a classic glacial lake in an intimidating cwm with huge rock walls rising on all sides. As usual, I was completely alone. However, the onward route up the couloir to the baisse (col) seemed reasonable. In fact, it was very enjoyable: up a superbly atmospheric side valley to the SE, up moranic debris and snowfields to enter the steep and shattered couloir. This led up to a short scramble and a stunning moment as I gained the baisse du lac autier, a small gap in the rock, to instant sunshine and fabulous views across the new country over the baisse de Valmasque to the east. From here, a short scramble gained a superb level traverse to a gap between two rock towers. Then intricate route-finding SW to the hollow below Cime de Nuffie. Up scree then a tortuous but reasonable traverse along rock shelves to the south, gradually moving upwards until easy scrambling gained the summit (2935m). Another great moment, I have wanted to do this peak for some time. Views superb, particularly into the great cirque of peaks surrounding the Nice hut: Ponset, Gelas, Maledie, Clapier, Chamineye (most of which I've done). Great views east to Bego and Merveilles, although the cloud was already boiling up. Tremendous to have a summit like this to myself. Continued this superb traverse by descending the south ridge down to the narrow Pas des Conques, tremendous rock architecture. Up to the col, then nipped up the side peak of Mont des Merveilles (2720m), fantastic views up to the Capelet. From here, an easy descent on scree led to the minor summit of Mont de l'Arpette, then down to the Pas de l'Arpette for a long but superbly scenic descent to Pont de Countet. A supremely satisfying, highly rewarding traverse, and a memorable mountain day (4:40hrs, back in Esterel for lunch!). Led Bistokere (f3b) for the children at Theole today, along with Arc en Ciel (f3b) and soloed Lets Go and Moonflower at Dramont after snorkelling on the 26th. A few more runs this week, but very humid.

Castellane Pre-Alpes peaks, snorkelling, climbing, Pic de l'Ours run

My irregular campaign on the peaks around Castellane resumed yesterday with a brief but splendid foray onto the Crete de la Bernarde from the Vauplane ski 'resort' above Demandolx. Tremendously clear weather, especially for the time of year. Gained the ridge quickly and went direct for the summit of La Bernarde, the highest in the Castellane Pre-Alpes at just under 2000m. Superb views across to Verdon, Pelat, Mercantour and previously climbed Castellane peaks like the Teillion and Robion. Jogged along the wonderful ridge to the summit of La Gourre, then back to the car. After lunch in Castellane, we all drove up to the summit of Montagne de Lachens, the highest point in the Var, for a second lunch in a delightful limestone glade. I nipped up the main hill as mist spilled into the limestone clues towards the Cheiron. We all went up Pic d'Aurielle in the Esterel on the 24th, fantastic sea views. I ran up Pic de l'Ours in ridiculous midday sunshine to finish. An awful struggle, like breathing in hot tar. Some splendid snorkelling on the 23rd and 26th, around Cap Dramont (saw an octopus), and ran along the headland to the side crag, where I soloed Let's Go and Moonflower, two very simple f3s.

Dramont/Blavet climbing, Esterel fell runs

Some more rock climbing with the family in the Esterel, and a few runs now that the ultra is fading from my legs. Revisted Cap Dramont on the 21st. Led the excellent 20m pitch of Mirliton Productions (f4b), like a very good sustained UK Severe. Nipped up the equally good Va Comprendre Charles (f5a), then did RER (f3c) which M followed to half way. All good long pitches, but baking hot. Next day visited La Capelle at the Gorge de Blavet. Led Benjamin Le Lutin (f4b), the Isengard (f4b), followed by the tiny slab ideal for children. Les Bebes (f3b) and Camille la Chenille (f3a) were ideal for the children and Kate! Followed up with solos of La Belle Eowin (4a), Belle La Coccinelle (4a), Pierrot la Moineau (4a), Tom Bombadil (4a), Gringalette (f3) and Garoudoudou (f3). All nice easy grippy climbs. A lovely venue, ideal for children. Then went for a meal in Fayence before running in the Esterel. Ran up Pic du Cap Roux in stunning clear conditions on the 23rd, followed by a play on the Theole slab, soloing the easy p.1 of Bistokere.

Cime de l'Agnel, Cime de la Malaribe, Cime de l'Agnelliere, Cime de Juisse

A superb Maritime Alps trip yesterday. Left Esterel at the usual time of 4:30am, arriving two hours later at the Vacherie du Boreon. A delightful walk up the Boreon valley passed the Peirastreche chalet gained the Cougourde hut in a stunning setting: a sylvan glade of pines surrounded by stunning rock peaks. The usual faint paths and tricky route finding led up to the treeline at the Lac de Sagnes. Then up NW to the stream along the Vallet Escure. A powerful isolated atmosphere as I crested this little valley to gain a gorge then the tenuous and hard to follow path winding up the stream that leads up to the hanging cwm containing the Lac de l'Agnel: a superb remote spot with an ice-choked lake and large snowfield. The sun finally hit me as the complex and absorbing route finding continued. As usual, nobody in front or behind me: indeed, I was certainly the only person amongst these upper Cougourde peaks all day (a Saturday!) although the lower (marked) paths were very busy. The difficult terrain must be the reason: the usual clapier fields led to a blunt spur, then a grassy terrace leading to the rubbly and steep upper slopes of the peak and finally the very small pulpit-like summit of Cime de l'Agnel (2927m). Superb views of the Cougourde and Argentera. I skirted the upper rocky cwm to gain the frontier ridge crest and the Italian border. Then followed the excellent but brief narrow ridge, quite scrambly (I), to the summit of Cime de la Malaribe (2861m) with stupendous views along the ridge to the Cougourde. Down without incident to the hit, where I had an elegant breakfast of coffee and omlette, girding my loins for a huge extension to the day, which took me SE to the stunning Lac de Trecolpas - arguably the most beautiful spot in the Mercantour - then steeply up to the Pas de Ladres at 2448m, a big climb after the two previous peaks. Then a long climb up to the rocky ridge that leads to the summit of Cime de l'Agnelliere (2700m), a bulky and imposing peak which has often caught my eye. Great views back over Haut Boreon, even though it had clouded over. Then down the ridge to the independent summit of Cime de Juisse (2580m) and SW along the now grassy ridge to the Pas des Roubines de la Mairis, and steeplu from there back to the Vacherie and the car. A long and very rewarding day through new territory for me: a superb part of the Mercantour and another addition to numerous memorable days in the Maritime Alps.

Cap Dramont climbs

On holiday in Provence: went for a family climbing trip to Cap Dramont today. Typical Esterel climbing, but with a delightful coastal twist. Selected some easy routes, with M and E in full body harness. Led Le Plan Qui Vient de Guinee (f3c) a nice easy line up the main face, which both children followed to half way. Then L'Avidite du Concierge, a nice f4b which Morgan followed after a cunning r-hand variant! Quickly nipped up Les Rossignols du Caroubier to finish. A few easy runs in the very hot weather this week: still in recovery mode after Iceland. But Provence is a nice contrast!

Laugavegur ultra marathon, Iceland

The culmination of all the spring/summer events and a fantastic trip to Iceland. This is the most memorable event I've ever participated in, even better than the Jungfrau marathon. Myself, Neil and Dave arrived in Reykjavik on Thursday and left for the race at 3.30am Saturday morning. A 4 hour drive off road in bad weather took us to the start at Landmannalaugur, where the weather had fortunately improved. The race was stunning and hugely varied from start to finish. It begins steeply to gain the Namskvisl hanging cwm - meadows surrounded by colourful volcanic peaks. Then up passed steaming volcanic vents to the steep ridge leading up scree to the Brennisteinsalda. Stupendous views now opening out over the huge Tungnaa river valley and myriad peaks. From here, fabulous running along a broader ridge leads up with 500m climbing to snow fields, small glaciers and - in low cloud - the plateau summit of Hrafntinnusker. This volcano is characterised by fields of shining obsidian and was a remarkable place to run. From here, more steaming fumeroles and sulphur lead to big snowfields and an emergence from the mist revealing fantastic orange and white peaks like Reykjafjoll and Kaldaklofsjoll. The route climbs to a narrow col, along a ridge then skirts a glacier to descend a ridge with stunning new views over the race to come: real Norse God territory. Down this ridge to a river crossing then the flat valley leading to the second hut and checkpoint at Alftavatn lake. It started raining at this point, but it didn't matter as we crossed our first major river, the Bratthalskvisl to climb up to weird lava field and new vistas at Hvanngilskrokur. Distant views of the huge Myrdasjokull glacier as we crossed some big glacial torrents before reaching the half way point. Changed shoes for the long flat crossing of an extraordinary lava field of black sand, surrounded by peculiar volcanic peaks like Hattafell and Storkonufell to eventually descend to the third hut at Botnar and some welcome greenery. It was raining heavily as I started the final section down to the gorge at Fremri Emstrua - some wet scrambling on ropes after running a marathon! The final 15k rollowes the Markarrhot gorge/river down to juniper and birch woodland, then a final steep climb to cross the ridge above Kapa. A final agonisingly cold river crossing (the Krossa) leads to more woodland and a sprint finish down to Thorsmork, where hot springs awaited. Finished in 6:34 for 71st place (55k/34 miles/700m/2-3000ft climbing), but took 60 pictures and had no intention of racing. The best event I have ever done and the definition of what I enjoy most of all. Off to Provence tonight.