Sunday, March 31, 2013
Long run
This was vital, but too little too late: only my third genuinely long run in preparation for two forthcoming marathons. Left early to repeat the route of three weeks ago: HK-Bretton to Grosvenor Bridge, then along the Dee to Queensferry and up to a snowy Hawarden. I extended and flattened the homeward route, taking in Dobs Hill and Penymynydd to get up to 20+ miles.
Friday, March 29, 2013
Clwydian runs
The snow has stuck around, on the Clwydians and elsewhere: a remarkable spell of Easter weather. After sledging in Cadole on Thursday, I went back later on with Jez and we ploughed through some deep drifts on a run to the top of Famau. A superb descent on soft virgin snow in Alpine weather of blue skies and warmish sunshine. Repeated the outing with a bigger Friday night group this evening: equally enjoyable.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Crafnant/Geirionydd Skyline run
Peaks: Grinllwm, Mynydd Deulyn, Crimpiau, Craig Wen, Craiglwyn, Creigiau Gleision
After leaving Chester post-work, set off from Trefriw with John B and Mick for initially delightful running in soft snow past Fairy Glen and up through the trees on the slopes of Grinllwm to the extraordinary Llanrhychwyn church. Had a break while we looked round this (the oldest church in Wales?) before heading through more enchanted snowdraped woodland to open hills and glorious running over the slopes above Geirionydd. The hills of the Carneddau materialised through the mist as we ran south towards Castell y Gwynt (near the Marin MTB trail) then down to the lake before climbing over the shoulder of Mynydd Deulyn to Crafnant. Along the lakeside path then up steeply south towards Clogwyn Mannod and the Capel Curig path. Some icy stretches on the climb up Crimpiau, but superb views towards Ogwen and Mymbyr: reminded me of northern Norway, almost glacial in appearance. I was particularly pleased that US guest star John could finally get a decent impression of Eryri. We hit the first major drifts as we traversed across to Craig Wen, then the going got really tough for the climb over the side of Craiglwyn. We were on the leeward slopes: a mixture of the anticipated waist-deep drifts and unstable thin snow crust. This is always an exhausting combination, running was impossible, and John began to fall behind. Despite some sunshine, the now familiar bitter easterly wind scythed into us as we struggled to gain the summit of Creigiau Gleision through the drifts - felt similar to topping out on an Alpine 4000er, such was the effort involved! The windward slopes were little better, not scoured as we'd hoped and we waited for John before the final descent to the forest. Lucky we did, as it became immediately obvious that he was semi-hypothermic. Mick and I wrapped him up in our spare clothes (he had none), fed him, then supported him down. I left Mick to descend with John, ran through the forest, down to Crafnant and all the way down to Trefriw (a good speed session!) so I could get the car back up to meet John at the lake. He'd thawed out by Colwyn Bay.
After leaving Chester post-work, set off from Trefriw with John B and Mick for initially delightful running in soft snow past Fairy Glen and up through the trees on the slopes of Grinllwm to the extraordinary Llanrhychwyn church. Had a break while we looked round this (the oldest church in Wales?) before heading through more enchanted snowdraped woodland to open hills and glorious running over the slopes above Geirionydd. The hills of the Carneddau materialised through the mist as we ran south towards Castell y Gwynt (near the Marin MTB trail) then down to the lake before climbing over the shoulder of Mynydd Deulyn to Crafnant. Along the lakeside path then up steeply south towards Clogwyn Mannod and the Capel Curig path. Some icy stretches on the climb up Crimpiau, but superb views towards Ogwen and Mymbyr: reminded me of northern Norway, almost glacial in appearance. I was particularly pleased that US guest star John could finally get a decent impression of Eryri. We hit the first major drifts as we traversed across to Craig Wen, then the going got really tough for the climb over the side of Craiglwyn. We were on the leeward slopes: a mixture of the anticipated waist-deep drifts and unstable thin snow crust. This is always an exhausting combination, running was impossible, and John began to fall behind. Despite some sunshine, the now familiar bitter easterly wind scythed into us as we struggled to gain the summit of Creigiau Gleision through the drifts - felt similar to topping out on an Alpine 4000er, such was the effort involved! The windward slopes were little better, not scoured as we'd hoped and we waited for John before the final descent to the forest. Lucky we did, as it became immediately obvious that he was semi-hypothermic. Mick and I wrapped him up in our spare clothes (he had none), fed him, then supported him down. I left Mick to descend with John, ran through the forest, down to Crafnant and all the way down to Trefriw (a good speed session!) so I could get the car back up to meet John at the lake. He'd thawed out by Colwyn Bay.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Wilmslow half marathon
Race: Wilmslow Half Marathon
Time/Position: 1:19:59 (64th from 5000)
Rather like the Twin Piers race in January, it seemed almost impossible that this race would go ahead when I looked out of my window at 17cm of snow on Saturday morning. But, Wilmslow was completely snow-free, although I wouldn't care to guess what the windchill factor was. With 20mph easterlies forecast, it was obvious that a PB was not on the cards, but I felt fairly good initially. However, even going through 10k in 36:30 or so wasn't entirely comfortable and I had the wind at my back for most of this! In short, I'm not sure I had the legs to run my target time today whatever the weather. I went through 10 miles a minute slower than I'd done in Wrexham (59:40) and only then did we face the worst of the weather: a devastating freezing headwind that made life very hard on the surprisingly hilly run in. I lost a lot of time here, didn't enjoy myself very much, and just scraped sub 80m in the end. All a bit unfortunate, as I was hoping for sub 77m at worst, but at least it made for a long run on a very well organised rural circuit which, strangely, I've never done before (although this was possibly my 40th half marathon). Extended the run (and day) by parking car and family in town, then driving for a curry in Manchester!
Time/Position: 1:19:59 (64th from 5000)
Rather like the Twin Piers race in January, it seemed almost impossible that this race would go ahead when I looked out of my window at 17cm of snow on Saturday morning. But, Wilmslow was completely snow-free, although I wouldn't care to guess what the windchill factor was. With 20mph easterlies forecast, it was obvious that a PB was not on the cards, but I felt fairly good initially. However, even going through 10k in 36:30 or so wasn't entirely comfortable and I had the wind at my back for most of this! In short, I'm not sure I had the legs to run my target time today whatever the weather. I went through 10 miles a minute slower than I'd done in Wrexham (59:40) and only then did we face the worst of the weather: a devastating freezing headwind that made life very hard on the surprisingly hilly run in. I lost a lot of time here, didn't enjoy myself very much, and just scraped sub 80m in the end. All a bit unfortunate, as I was hoping for sub 77m at worst, but at least it made for a long run on a very well organised rural circuit which, strangely, I've never done before (although this was possibly my 40th half marathon). Extended the run (and day) by parking car and family in town, then driving for a curry in Manchester!
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Vale of Clwyd 10k
Race: Vale of Clwyd 10k
Time/Position: 36:03 (1st from 149)
As this race starts just a couple of miles from where I went to school, I'd been quite keen to do it since it was launched last year. It is indeed a lovely circuit round hilly rural lanes above the Vale, but the day ended up being memorable for reasons other than the view. I won the race overall, but it was all slightly unfortunate and very much 'by default' as lead runner Gary Norgrove took a wrong turning in Llangynhafal. The race starts from Llandyrnog, and a group of four or five of us set off ahead of the rest of the field. I gradually worked my way into second place on the very long but fairly gradual climb up to Llangynhafal and had a comfortable gap on third by the time we turned right towards the village. I could see the leader up ahead, although he also had a big gap on me by the time we approached Llangynhafal over a series of short hills. The route to this point is quite tough, with a lot of climbing, and I was looking forward to opening up on the descent when I passed the water station near the Goldie to suddenly find myself right behind the lead vehicle at the front of the race. This was puzzling initially, but I began to suspect Gary may have gone wrong when I failed to see him in front, even on the long straights. I still didn't fully realise what had happened though, and had a big (1 min+) gap on the next runner, so didn't need to push it too much on the excellent fast descent back to Llandyrnog. A couple of sharp climbs led back to the village where I got the full story on what had happened and we tried to work out a fair solution. Nice event, though, and far more attractive than the average 10k.
Time/Position: 36:03 (1st from 149)
As this race starts just a couple of miles from where I went to school, I'd been quite keen to do it since it was launched last year. It is indeed a lovely circuit round hilly rural lanes above the Vale, but the day ended up being memorable for reasons other than the view. I won the race overall, but it was all slightly unfortunate and very much 'by default' as lead runner Gary Norgrove took a wrong turning in Llangynhafal. The race starts from Llandyrnog, and a group of four or five of us set off ahead of the rest of the field. I gradually worked my way into second place on the very long but fairly gradual climb up to Llangynhafal and had a comfortable gap on third by the time we turned right towards the village. I could see the leader up ahead, although he also had a big gap on me by the time we approached Llangynhafal over a series of short hills. The route to this point is quite tough, with a lot of climbing, and I was looking forward to opening up on the descent when I passed the water station near the Goldie to suddenly find myself right behind the lead vehicle at the front of the race. This was puzzling initially, but I began to suspect Gary may have gone wrong when I failed to see him in front, even on the long straights. I still didn't fully realise what had happened though, and had a big (1 min+) gap on the next runner, so didn't need to push it too much on the excellent fast descent back to Llandyrnog. A couple of sharp climbs led back to the village where I got the full story on what had happened and we tried to work out a fair solution. Nice event, though, and far more attractive than the average 10k.
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Erddig Orienteering
Race: Erddig Orienteering (Light Green, 3.2k)
Time/Position: 39:37 (20th from 39)
A steep learning curve! This was the second time I'd taken M along to Scouts Orienteering, and he didn't want me to shadow him today, so I thought I'd take the opportunity to have a bash at short course orienteering for the first time. I selected the Light Green ('Improvers') course, thinking it would be a gentle jog in advance of tomorrow's important 10k in the Vale of Clwyd: lovely sunny weather throughout and a nice, interesting field of play in the varied terrain of the Erddig estate. Whilst it wasn't physically demanding, I hadn't anticipated quite how different this form of short course orienteering is in comparison to more familiar mountain marathons and the style of navigation with which I am familiar. Here, bearings are largely irrelevant: it is all to do with map orientation and micro navigation. Although I knew that in theory, I was still taken aback by the technical difficulty of locating the checkpoints in the middle of thick forest, gullies and the like. Two controls were particularly difficult for me, as I hadn't properly concentrated after leaving the previous position, and I took an embarrassing amount of time to complete the course. But it was all very enjoyable and I am keen for more. M seemed to enjoy himself too, as he ambled round - finding time to take some film footage - to complete the yellow course in an hour.
Time/Position: 39:37 (20th from 39)
A steep learning curve! This was the second time I'd taken M along to Scouts Orienteering, and he didn't want me to shadow him today, so I thought I'd take the opportunity to have a bash at short course orienteering for the first time. I selected the Light Green ('Improvers') course, thinking it would be a gentle jog in advance of tomorrow's important 10k in the Vale of Clwyd: lovely sunny weather throughout and a nice, interesting field of play in the varied terrain of the Erddig estate. Whilst it wasn't physically demanding, I hadn't anticipated quite how different this form of short course orienteering is in comparison to more familiar mountain marathons and the style of navigation with which I am familiar. Here, bearings are largely irrelevant: it is all to do with map orientation and micro navigation. Although I knew that in theory, I was still taken aback by the technical difficulty of locating the checkpoints in the middle of thick forest, gullies and the like. Two controls were particularly difficult for me, as I hadn't properly concentrated after leaving the previous position, and I took an embarrassing amount of time to complete the course. But it was all very enjoyable and I am keen for more. M seemed to enjoy himself too, as he ambled round - finding time to take some film footage - to complete the yellow course in an hour.
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Longer run
Yet another year in which I find it difficult to fit the marathon training around other, shorter races. As a a result, I really had to seize the opportunity for a longer one today, so left the house just after 7am for a reversal of one of my standard 20 milers (almost!). The reason for the reversal was an icy easterly, which I had no wish to run into from Queensferry to Handbridge! So I ran HK-Bretton-Saltney-Chester, then got on the Dee path and ran with a tailwind in snow showers all the way to the blue bridge in Queensferry. This is always psychologically demanding, but at least the snow was a novelty today - as was a tidal bore that charged down the Dee as I passed Saltney Ferry. The final leg up the hill to Hawarden and back was challenging, but in general I was very surprised to feel quite good throughout the run.
Wednesday, March 06, 2013
Marsh Tracks 5k
Race: Marsh Tracks 5k (Rhyl)
Time/Position: 17:11 (7th from 49 [3rd V40])
My slowest 5k for several years, although I felt reasonably good throughout the race and was quite surprised when I saw the time. The course is flat, with a superb smooth surface - very like Ty Croes last month, although this is actually a road cycling circuit in the wilds of West Rhyl - so no excuses can be found there. However, there was a sharp headwind which affected half of the 1k+ loop, so therein perhaps lies the explanation. Still, it was a good workout under floodlights and combined very well with a family visit to St Asaph with M.
Time/Position: 17:11 (7th from 49 [3rd V40])
My slowest 5k for several years, although I felt reasonably good throughout the race and was quite surprised when I saw the time. The course is flat, with a superb smooth surface - very like Ty Croes last month, although this is actually a road cycling circuit in the wilds of West Rhyl - so no excuses can be found there. However, there was a sharp headwind which affected half of the 1k+ loop, so therein perhaps lies the explanation. Still, it was a good workout under floodlights and combined very well with a family visit to St Asaph with M.
Sunday, March 03, 2013
Brecon Beacons run
This was supposed to be the Tour of Torpantau fell race, but it turned into a ramble around the Brecon Beacons as a result of a schoolboy error I may never live down! I was in two minds about the long journey, but the promise of cold weather and low cloud encouraged me to join Richie and John for the long drive to the southern side of the Brecon Beacons because I tend to do better in those circumstances. It was obvious that the navigation would be challenging, which is something I usually relish, so I put map and compass in front pocket as a precuation. However, as we emerged from the very steep climb to the plateau and entered the mist, I found myself immediately behind two Mynydd Du runners. As this is the local club, I assumed they knew the shortcuts and just followed: a classic error, but not all that surprising given the pace we were going at. I began to get uneasy after 5 mins or so, got the compass out and saw to my horror that we were heading east. I voiced my concern, but nobody around me seemed particularly interested so I assumed they were taking a further shortcut. But we just continued further and further east - well away from Cribyn and the checkpoints. By now, it was too late, and the featureless, frozen moorland didn't allow for reorientation - and me and a couple of others helped a group of 10 evacuate the hill by heading south on a direct bearing until we were above the final checkpoint.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Snowdon winter climbing
Crag/Peak: Clogwyn y Garnedd/Yr Wyddfa
Routes: Right-Hand Trinity (wIII 3,3,2,2:led p.1,3), End Gully (wI/II:des)
This had to be squeezed into a few hours before work: not an easy task, as Clogwyn y Garnedd is one of the longest walk-ins in Wales and I wasn't especially fresh after a 17 mile run yesterday. But conditions, which had looked good when gazing at the Carneddau from our cold rock climbing session on Friday, seemed likely to be better still today: at least in terms of high crags dependent on consolidated snow. After a 6am start, Mick and I plodded up the Pyg track towards Snowdon, quite a lot of water ice around and, as expected, good consolidated neve above Glaslyn and a great view of the face, which always looks pseudo-Alpine in these conditions. Neither of us had done Right-Hand Trinity, although we'd both done Central and Left, so it seemed an obvious choice. It's a classic winter line, a well-defined gully, which leaves the top right-hand corner of the Spider snowfield to snake right across the face. We soloed up the tedious lower slopes to the Spider, enjoying steeper ice on the left where possible, then continued soloing up steeper neve to the entrance to the main gully - a fairly tight slot at this point. I led the first pitch, which was excellent and absorbing, far more interesting and tricky than it looks from below. The gully went up to a short, turfy wall which was quite thin and surprisingly technical. I moved up right on the turf, then swung back left above a wide crack. An easier section then led to excellent steeper climbing on perfect neve as the gully tightens again to a narrow slot. Above, easier ground and a good thread lead to a lovely sheltered cave belay as mist enveloped the face: a great 40m pitch. The cave protected me from the spindrift funnelling down the gully as Mick led up the very thin rock slab above the cave. This involved a bit of thought and some absorbing mixed climbing up iced runnels: hard in these lean conditions. Above, easy slopes led to another narrowing and more fine climbing to the belay. This gave me a long easy pitch up superb neve, before Mick led through up a variant finish: taking the steeper left hand line up perfect frozen turf to an icy finish up the mild cornice. A great route, comparable to Eastern Gully on the Ladders as a stress-free, strait-forward yet continuously interesting winter line. We ambled down the tourist path for a bit, rather windy with poor viz, but decided to vary the descent by taking End Gully to the base of the face. This is short but allows more advantage to be taken of the good neve: nice downclimbing, then a short traverse to a steeper section, before contouring round to the bottom of the zigzags. A real shame we didn't have time for Cave Gully, but I had to get to work, so after a quick bite we yomped down the Pyg track back for an exceptionally early finish.
Routes: Right-Hand Trinity (wIII 3,3,2,2:led p.1,3), End Gully (wI/II:des)
This had to be squeezed into a few hours before work: not an easy task, as Clogwyn y Garnedd is one of the longest walk-ins in Wales and I wasn't especially fresh after a 17 mile run yesterday. But conditions, which had looked good when gazing at the Carneddau from our cold rock climbing session on Friday, seemed likely to be better still today: at least in terms of high crags dependent on consolidated snow. After a 6am start, Mick and I plodded up the Pyg track towards Snowdon, quite a lot of water ice around and, as expected, good consolidated neve above Glaslyn and a great view of the face, which always looks pseudo-Alpine in these conditions. Neither of us had done Right-Hand Trinity, although we'd both done Central and Left, so it seemed an obvious choice. It's a classic winter line, a well-defined gully, which leaves the top right-hand corner of the Spider snowfield to snake right across the face. We soloed up the tedious lower slopes to the Spider, enjoying steeper ice on the left where possible, then continued soloing up steeper neve to the entrance to the main gully - a fairly tight slot at this point. I led the first pitch, which was excellent and absorbing, far more interesting and tricky than it looks from below. The gully went up to a short, turfy wall which was quite thin and surprisingly technical. I moved up right on the turf, then swung back left above a wide crack. An easier section then led to excellent steeper climbing on perfect neve as the gully tightens again to a narrow slot. Above, easier ground and a good thread lead to a lovely sheltered cave belay as mist enveloped the face: a great 40m pitch. The cave protected me from the spindrift funnelling down the gully as Mick led up the very thin rock slab above the cave. This involved a bit of thought and some absorbing mixed climbing up iced runnels: hard in these lean conditions. Above, easy slopes led to another narrowing and more fine climbing to the belay. This gave me a long easy pitch up superb neve, before Mick led through up a variant finish: taking the steeper left hand line up perfect frozen turf to an icy finish up the mild cornice. A great route, comparable to Eastern Gully on the Ladders as a stress-free, strait-forward yet continuously interesting winter line. We ambled down the tourist path for a bit, rather windy with poor viz, but decided to vary the descent by taking End Gully to the base of the face. This is short but allows more advantage to be taken of the good neve: nice downclimbing, then a short traverse to a steeper section, before contouring round to the bottom of the zigzags. A real shame we didn't have time for Cave Gully, but I had to get to work, so after a quick bite we yomped down the Pyg track back for an exceptionally early finish.
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Longer run
A much-needed longer run. Although I never follow a schedule I am uncomfortably aware that I'm well behind with the marathon training, as ever, so I was pleased just to feel reasonably comfortable for this plod from HK-Bretton-Chester-Eccleston-Pulford-Dod-LK-HK. Just under two hours, 16-17 miles. We then drove up to Penbarras and had a splendid walk up a frozen Moel Famau with easily chilled bubbly on the summit to celebrate Dave's 40th.
Friday, February 22, 2013
Castle Inn climbing
Crag: Castle Inn Quarry, Llysfaen
Routes: Alone With the Moon (f5:sec), Lili Marlene (f5+:sec), Ice Cream and Candy Floss (f5:led), New Route 1 (f4:led), New Route 2 (f3:sec), Comeback Kid (f4:sec), Easypeasy (f3:down), Happy Return (f4+:led), Route 1 (f5:sec), Ffrind (f4:led), Taid (f4:sec), Nain (f4:sec), Wilderness Wall (f5:led), Butterfly Blues (f4:sec), Birthday Boy (f5:sec), Inspiration (f4:sec), Smartie (f5+:led), Appenzeller (f5+:sec)
As the temperature didn't rise above -1C all day, and we could see the snow gully lines on Carnedd Llywellyn in perfect condition from the crag, this was arguably not the most sensible choice of outing. However, time was very limited, as always - far too limited for winter climbing: so we made the most of the couple of hours we had at our disposal by concentrating on the new easy sports climbs that have been developed on the little crags surrounding the main face at Castle Inn. I've been climbing here for over 20 years now, so it's nice to see some of the pressure removed from the main crag - which is a bit battered in places now. Having said that, the other crags are very short and while that was ideal in today's subzero temperatures, the routes are not exactly classics! Mick and I moved as quickly as we could from left to right, doing all the new stuff to increase mileage. The wall at the far left runs to nice thin cracks with some good climbing, especially my f5 lead up the right-hand crack in a snow flurry. We did two tiny routes on a rough, juggy wall, then the arete left of Indian Summer. Another isolated arete gives Happy Return, a pleasant Severe with a novelty crag top belay. After my 20th (or so!) ascent of Route 1, seconding Mick on the main crag, we continued moving right and I led the pleasantly juggy Ffrind up blocky rock with horizontal breaks, and polished off the other routes on this wall. Further right again, Wilderness Wall is one of the better additions: a nice rough slab of white limestone which gives delicate climbing, as do the other routes here: after another snow flurry we had a brief glimpse of the sun on these routes! Finally, at the far end of the crag two slightly harder routes go at 5+. After 18 climbs, I restored the circulation in my hands and drove to Cadole via St Asaph to join the crew running up Moel Famau: the first time in weeks that it's been dry underfoot, as the ground was frozen solid throughout.
Routes: Alone With the Moon (f5:sec), Lili Marlene (f5+:sec), Ice Cream and Candy Floss (f5:led), New Route 1 (f4:led), New Route 2 (f3:sec), Comeback Kid (f4:sec), Easypeasy (f3:down), Happy Return (f4+:led), Route 1 (f5:sec), Ffrind (f4:led), Taid (f4:sec), Nain (f4:sec), Wilderness Wall (f5:led), Butterfly Blues (f4:sec), Birthday Boy (f5:sec), Inspiration (f4:sec), Smartie (f5+:led), Appenzeller (f5+:sec)
As the temperature didn't rise above -1C all day, and we could see the snow gully lines on Carnedd Llywellyn in perfect condition from the crag, this was arguably not the most sensible choice of outing. However, time was very limited, as always - far too limited for winter climbing: so we made the most of the couple of hours we had at our disposal by concentrating on the new easy sports climbs that have been developed on the little crags surrounding the main face at Castle Inn. I've been climbing here for over 20 years now, so it's nice to see some of the pressure removed from the main crag - which is a bit battered in places now. Having said that, the other crags are very short and while that was ideal in today's subzero temperatures, the routes are not exactly classics! Mick and I moved as quickly as we could from left to right, doing all the new stuff to increase mileage. The wall at the far left runs to nice thin cracks with some good climbing, especially my f5 lead up the right-hand crack in a snow flurry. We did two tiny routes on a rough, juggy wall, then the arete left of Indian Summer. Another isolated arete gives Happy Return, a pleasant Severe with a novelty crag top belay. After my 20th (or so!) ascent of Route 1, seconding Mick on the main crag, we continued moving right and I led the pleasantly juggy Ffrind up blocky rock with horizontal breaks, and polished off the other routes on this wall. Further right again, Wilderness Wall is one of the better additions: a nice rough slab of white limestone which gives delicate climbing, as do the other routes here: after another snow flurry we had a brief glimpse of the sun on these routes! Finally, at the far end of the crag two slightly harder routes go at 5+. After 18 climbs, I restored the circulation in my hands and drove to Cadole via St Asaph to join the crew running up Moel Famau: the first time in weeks that it's been dry underfoot, as the ground was frozen solid throughout.
Monday, February 18, 2013
Dyserth climbing
Crag: Dyserth Waterfall Crag
Routes: Suleiman the Insignificant (f5:led), Diamonds and Pearls (f5:sec), Custard Corner (f5:led), Magnificent Rita (f5:led), Windsor Wall (f6b:sec), Men of Dinorwic Slate (f5:sec), Rhubarb Wall (f6a+:sec), North Wales Guidebook Wars (f5+:sec)
Crag: Dyserth Castle Slab
Routes: Jason and the Aga Nuts (f5:led), Leo Saw us Rex (f4:sec), Tegengle (f6a:led), Purple Ladies versus Godzilla (f6a+:sec)
I've always known there was climbing to be had at Dyserth, having lived there in the past and having scratched around in various dusty quarries many years ago. However, these little crags have now been given a full sports climbing makeover and it was very pleasant indeed to spend a short sunny winter's day sampling them with Mick. It was chilly, to say the least, as we arrived at the delightfully situated Waterfall crag. The cold, combined with fatigue after yesterday's race and Mick's recent flu, curtailed our plans somewhat, so I kicked off by leading an easy line left of the crag before nipping up the slightly harder arete. Mick backed off Custard Corner so I led through: seemed a tad undergraded and not that great. The obvious steep crack taken by Magnificent Rita was far better: a nice steep VS with good, positive holds. Windsor Wall was an eliminate up crisp little edges and positive pockets to the left: nice, technical climbing but a tad overgraded perhaps. Mick led the longer groove further right, in a lovely position just above the river, as the sun finally hit the face. Nice line, as is Rhubarb Wall which breaks out to the steep hanging slab above the overhangs. Finished with the steeper arete line, then headed back to the car to drive round to Castle Slab which lies above the Prestatyn walkway: another nice position, neatly contrasting with the steeper Waterfall crag with views out to sea. Great friction and nice technical moves on these routes, which all seem a bit generously graded! A bitter easterly wind was mitigated by the sunshine and the delicate climbing was very pleasant. Tegengle, in particular, gave a satisfying longer lead of 20m or so, with a couple of short, technical sequences. More like 5+, though, as was the less appealing line to its right. Finished with a short jog to Meliden and back.
Routes: Suleiman the Insignificant (f5:led), Diamonds and Pearls (f5:sec), Custard Corner (f5:led), Magnificent Rita (f5:led), Windsor Wall (f6b:sec), Men of Dinorwic Slate (f5:sec), Rhubarb Wall (f6a+:sec), North Wales Guidebook Wars (f5+:sec)
Crag: Dyserth Castle Slab
Routes: Jason and the Aga Nuts (f5:led), Leo Saw us Rex (f4:sec), Tegengle (f6a:led), Purple Ladies versus Godzilla (f6a+:sec)
I've always known there was climbing to be had at Dyserth, having lived there in the past and having scratched around in various dusty quarries many years ago. However, these little crags have now been given a full sports climbing makeover and it was very pleasant indeed to spend a short sunny winter's day sampling them with Mick. It was chilly, to say the least, as we arrived at the delightfully situated Waterfall crag. The cold, combined with fatigue after yesterday's race and Mick's recent flu, curtailed our plans somewhat, so I kicked off by leading an easy line left of the crag before nipping up the slightly harder arete. Mick backed off Custard Corner so I led through: seemed a tad undergraded and not that great. The obvious steep crack taken by Magnificent Rita was far better: a nice steep VS with good, positive holds. Windsor Wall was an eliminate up crisp little edges and positive pockets to the left: nice, technical climbing but a tad overgraded perhaps. Mick led the longer groove further right, in a lovely position just above the river, as the sun finally hit the face. Nice line, as is Rhubarb Wall which breaks out to the steep hanging slab above the overhangs. Finished with the steeper arete line, then headed back to the car to drive round to Castle Slab which lies above the Prestatyn walkway: another nice position, neatly contrasting with the steeper Waterfall crag with views out to sea. Great friction and nice technical moves on these routes, which all seem a bit generously graded! A bitter easterly wind was mitigated by the sunshine and the delicate climbing was very pleasant. Tegengle, in particular, gave a satisfying longer lead of 20m or so, with a couple of short, technical sequences. More like 5+, though, as was the less appealing line to its right. Finished with a short jog to Meliden and back.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Wrexham half marathon
Race: Wrexham (Village Bakery) half marathon/North Wales Championships
Time/Position: 1:17:48 (15th from 455 [2nd V40])
There was to be no repeat of last year's drama, when some prankster decided to switch the signs at the nine mile point and thereby ruin the race for the first 40 runners. And there was no repeat of the snow-related cancellation of 2011. Instead, conditions were fairly benign today - apart, that is, from a distressing headwind from the tenth mile to the finish. After feeling reasonably comfortable at target 5:50 pace, I ended up precisely one minute slower than the time I was aiming for. Presumably, however, we were actually benefitting from a tailwind up to the 10 mile point, as I went through in 58:42, within target time and only just outside my 10 mile PB. After this I really struggled as the headwind kicked in, and the last mile was fairly unpleasant as a result: no doubt also an illustration that I hadn't trained hard enough on the longer runs. Just about managed to record a narrow PB, by half a minute, and did have the consolation of first V40 in the North Wales Championships.
Time/Position: 1:17:48 (15th from 455 [2nd V40])
There was to be no repeat of last year's drama, when some prankster decided to switch the signs at the nine mile point and thereby ruin the race for the first 40 runners. And there was no repeat of the snow-related cancellation of 2011. Instead, conditions were fairly benign today - apart, that is, from a distressing headwind from the tenth mile to the finish. After feeling reasonably comfortable at target 5:50 pace, I ended up precisely one minute slower than the time I was aiming for. Presumably, however, we were actually benefitting from a tailwind up to the 10 mile point, as I went through in 58:42, within target time and only just outside my 10 mile PB. After this I really struggled as the headwind kicked in, and the last mile was fairly unpleasant as a result: no doubt also an illustration that I hadn't trained hard enough on the longer runs. Just about managed to record a narrow PB, by half a minute, and did have the consolation of first V40 in the North Wales Championships.
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Collie Classic 'time trial'
An experimental timed running of our classic Friday night route up Moel Famau in what happened to be the most awful conditions of melting slush and associated thick, cloying mud. Virtually every stride was aquatic, which made for slow progress. A few die-hards turned up for the 'just for fun' time trial, which was intended to act as a partial novelty replacement for the much missed 'dash in the dark' series, which haven't taken place this year. A few of us have already recorded times in training for the 'classic route' which heads from the Collie down the leat and up to the main Cilcain path before plumetting down the steep descent to the fields back to Loggerheads and back up to Cadole. My own pb is 58m but I was well outside this today with 61.50.
Saturday, February 09, 2013
Rhug Cross Country
Race: North Wales XC Championships, Rhug (11k)
Time/Position: 43:55 (6th from 34 [2nd V40])
The going was soft to very soft at this re-scheduled championship race, some explanation perhaps for the fact that my time was over two minutes down on last year. That said, I was lucky to be competing at all as I was otherwise engaged on the original date and it was only the snow-related cancellation that made it possible for me to run. Not many others did, however, and it was a small group that set off on the shorter laps before heading out for three (or was it four?) long and hilly laps of the Rhug estate. In places, this was a real quagmire with knee deep mud, and pretty draining. By the last lap it was obvious that I lacked the strength to get up into fifth place, and I had a reasonable gap, so I eased off a little: mindful of the need to continue to push the mileage tomorrow and next week as I prepare for the longer stuff. Rhug is a great location for the championships and a nice challenge in these conditions: we (me, Jeff, Paul) managed to win first Veteran's team as well, which was a bonus.
Time/Position: 43:55 (6th from 34 [2nd V40])
The going was soft to very soft at this re-scheduled championship race, some explanation perhaps for the fact that my time was over two minutes down on last year. That said, I was lucky to be competing at all as I was otherwise engaged on the original date and it was only the snow-related cancellation that made it possible for me to run. Not many others did, however, and it was a small group that set off on the shorter laps before heading out for three (or was it four?) long and hilly laps of the Rhug estate. In places, this was a real quagmire with knee deep mud, and pretty draining. By the last lap it was obvious that I lacked the strength to get up into fifth place, and I had a reasonable gap, so I eased off a little: mindful of the need to continue to push the mileage tomorrow and next week as I prepare for the longer stuff. Rhug is a great location for the championships and a nice challenge in these conditions: we (me, Jeff, Paul) managed to win first Veteran's team as well, which was a bonus.
Sunday, February 03, 2013
Anglesey Border League
Race: Ty Croes 5m (Border League race 5)
Time/Position: 27:58 (12th from 202 [3rd V40])
Although this is pushing it a bit for a 'border' location, it was a cracking venue for a race and a great addition to the existing league fixtures. I don't know the first thing about motorsport, but the Ty Croes race track seemed remarkably professional, with a wonderful slick surface that might have been designed for fast running (it presumably was designed for fast driving). After the first short lap, we embarked on two longer laps of the full circuit, which were surprisingly hilly, with great views out over the sea and Llyn: a bit like those you get when climbing at Rhoscolyn. The wind wasn't too bad, just a stiff breeze really, despite the exposed position, and I concentrated on moving up between small groups where possible. I seemed to have timed the race just right, as I moved into tenth place on the final corner then began to pull away into the teeth of the wind. Or so I thought. Actually, the two lads I'd gone past suddenly sprinted back in the last 50m, and with them went the chance of a top ten finish (which I've never managed in 40 BL races!) Really enjoyed the race, though, well worth the drive out.
Time/Position: 27:58 (12th from 202 [3rd V40])
Although this is pushing it a bit for a 'border' location, it was a cracking venue for a race and a great addition to the existing league fixtures. I don't know the first thing about motorsport, but the Ty Croes race track seemed remarkably professional, with a wonderful slick surface that might have been designed for fast running (it presumably was designed for fast driving). After the first short lap, we embarked on two longer laps of the full circuit, which were surprisingly hilly, with great views out over the sea and Llyn: a bit like those you get when climbing at Rhoscolyn. The wind wasn't too bad, just a stiff breeze really, despite the exposed position, and I concentrated on moving up between small groups where possible. I seemed to have timed the race just right, as I moved into tenth place on the final corner then began to pull away into the teeth of the wind. Or so I thought. Actually, the two lads I'd gone past suddenly sprinted back in the last 50m, and with them went the chance of a top ten finish (which I've never managed in 40 BL races!) Really enjoyed the race, though, well worth the drive out.
Friday, January 25, 2013
Idwal ice climbing
Crag: Cwm Idwal
Routes: The Ramp (wIII/II 2,3,1:led p.1,3), The Curtain (wIV 4:sec)
Despite the prolonged cold snap, the ice routes in Idwal were the only realistic option today. There's been no freeze-thaw, so the snow remains soft and unconsolidated and any designs on more unusual routes (ie. those I haven't done before) had to remain unrealised. Prevailing conditions were pretty dire, too, but it was the last opportunity to get out before a rapid thaw sets in. Mick and I left Ogwen Cottage in persistent rain and low cloud, prospects grim. A fair amount of soft snow led for slow progress up to the crag, where we found the Ramp - unusually - free of crowds. I thought it would make a good warm-up, as I haven't swung an axe in anger for almost two years (unless you count the rapid dash up Corno Nero last July). I led up the left-hand variant start, steep powder leading to good ice which took screws, then more good climbing to regain the normal route higher up. Sadly, strong winds had blown a large volume of powder on to the route - and clouds of spindrift funnelled down the gully intermittently. It made this easy route better and a little harder than when I have done it in the past, however, as it was not hacked out. Mick led the steeper second in hard conditions of driving wind and spindrift, very atmospheric, which got worse as we turned the corner. We topped out in clouds of windblown powder snow, which combined with driving falling snow to make for a challenging and unpleasant descent! Cold and wet, we retrieved the sacs, warmed up, and decided to top-rope the more technical Curtain before finishing. This takes a beautiful chandelier of ice above the Twll Du path, and was well formed with good ice build-up. With my archaic strap-on crampons and straight axes the route was at my technical limit: a steep start leads to a ledge, then a sort of ice-tube between two huge stalactites leads to the top. This section was much steeper than similarly graded ice pitches I've done in the past - the classic grade IV South Gully for instance - and I fluffed the final pull-up. Still, it made for a good workout and it certainly warmed me up. A soggy and windy walk-out led to a wet Ogwen. I then drove to Cadole via St Asaph and attempted the normal Friday run up Famau in steady snow. Drifts near the fingerpost were draining, so I adapted a different 7 mile circuit before retiring for a pint. An hour or two later, an extraordinary blizzard hit the Welsh border, but (very) luckily I was at home in front of the fire by then.
Routes: The Ramp (wIII/II 2,3,1:led p.1,3), The Curtain (wIV 4:sec)
Despite the prolonged cold snap, the ice routes in Idwal were the only realistic option today. There's been no freeze-thaw, so the snow remains soft and unconsolidated and any designs on more unusual routes (ie. those I haven't done before) had to remain unrealised. Prevailing conditions were pretty dire, too, but it was the last opportunity to get out before a rapid thaw sets in. Mick and I left Ogwen Cottage in persistent rain and low cloud, prospects grim. A fair amount of soft snow led for slow progress up to the crag, where we found the Ramp - unusually - free of crowds. I thought it would make a good warm-up, as I haven't swung an axe in anger for almost two years (unless you count the rapid dash up Corno Nero last July). I led up the left-hand variant start, steep powder leading to good ice which took screws, then more good climbing to regain the normal route higher up. Sadly, strong winds had blown a large volume of powder on to the route - and clouds of spindrift funnelled down the gully intermittently. It made this easy route better and a little harder than when I have done it in the past, however, as it was not hacked out. Mick led the steeper second in hard conditions of driving wind and spindrift, very atmospheric, which got worse as we turned the corner. We topped out in clouds of windblown powder snow, which combined with driving falling snow to make for a challenging and unpleasant descent! Cold and wet, we retrieved the sacs, warmed up, and decided to top-rope the more technical Curtain before finishing. This takes a beautiful chandelier of ice above the Twll Du path, and was well formed with good ice build-up. With my archaic strap-on crampons and straight axes the route was at my technical limit: a steep start leads to a ledge, then a sort of ice-tube between two huge stalactites leads to the top. This section was much steeper than similarly graded ice pitches I've done in the past - the classic grade IV South Gully for instance - and I fluffed the final pull-up. Still, it made for a good workout and it certainly warmed me up. A soggy and windy walk-out led to a wet Ogwen. I then drove to Cadole via St Asaph and attempted the normal Friday run up Famau in steady snow. Drifts near the fingerpost were draining, so I adapted a different 7 mile circuit before retiring for a pint. An hour or two later, an extraordinary blizzard hit the Welsh border, but (very) luckily I was at home in front of the fire by then.
Monday, January 21, 2013
Hope Mountain Run
Thick snow falling at first light, so it seemed like a good opportunity to get out into it for a longish jog from home to the top of Waun y Llyn and along the ridge. The snow wasn't really forecast, at least not an unrelentingly heavy dump like this, but I love running in falling snow so thoroughly enjoyed the outing. As I ran up to the top of Waun y Llyn, all the trees were draped with snow, which became very deep on top. The mist was down, unsurprisingly, and I experienced near white-out conditions along the ridge - a hazardous mixture of soft snow on top of a layer of ice! It was quite hard to locate the paths under all the snow, but I managed it, and did a little traverse before heading back home via Hope. The snow fell even more heavily on my return.
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Twin Piers 10k
Race: Twin Piers 10k (Llandudno-Colwyn Bay)
Time/Position: 36:35 (6th from 275 [2nd V40])
What a difference a year makes! Whereas a strong tailwind propelled me and presumably many others to PBs in 2012, this year a bitter easterly headwind made life rather uncomfortable. I ended up with a very slow time, 2.5 minutes down on last year, but finished higher up the field (6th compared to 11th last year). I always enjoy this point-to-point race, though, having done it maybe five times: and did a reasonable job of pacing it in difficult conditions. In many ways it was a miracle the event went ahead, as all of Wales was under a blanket of snow except this little green coastal fringe! I deliberately held back along the prom and up the Little Orme, before picking up a few places through the housing estate and into the worst of the headwind at Rhos prom. Kate soldiered on to finish in around an hour.
Time/Position: 36:35 (6th from 275 [2nd V40])
What a difference a year makes! Whereas a strong tailwind propelled me and presumably many others to PBs in 2012, this year a bitter easterly headwind made life rather uncomfortable. I ended up with a very slow time, 2.5 minutes down on last year, but finished higher up the field (6th compared to 11th last year). I always enjoy this point-to-point race, though, having done it maybe five times: and did a reasonable job of pacing it in difficult conditions. In many ways it was a miracle the event went ahead, as all of Wales was under a blanket of snow except this little green coastal fringe! I deliberately held back along the prom and up the Little Orme, before picking up a few places through the housing estate and into the worst of the headwind at Rhos prom. Kate soldiered on to finish in around an hour.
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