Race: Prestatyn 7k/4.2m (Border League race 7)
Time/Position: 24.37 (15th from 276 [1st V45])
It's not the first time we've had a final border league fixture just three days after London, but tonight's race was intensified by the very tight margins in the V45 category. I had a slender 5 point lead over Rich Webster, who had also done London: so it was a level playing field and the usual friendly competition. After a short loop around the Ffrith, the race went out for a two mile romp along the prom past the Nova Centre. I stuck with Richard for most of this, evenly matched as we have been all season. But I was feeling reasonably good and the legs weren't too painful after the marathon, so I pushed on a bit, then worked my way up the field on the return leg eventually joining a small group of three. There was a headwind as we headed back west, but nothing compared to previous return legs along the same coastal path (45mph on the Rhyl 10 earlier this year, to name but one example!). In the event, I recorded my third best finish of the season to win the V45 category in the league with 105 points, the first time I have won my category in 11 years. A really enjoyable season, closely contested throughout (tonight was also, coincidentally, my 60th Border League race).
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
Sunday, April 24, 2016
London Marathon
Race: London Marathon
Time/Position: 2.55.27 (1265 from 39139)
Very relaxed coming in to this race, my 20th road marathon and 7th London. I had only done three long training runs, so had no expectations at all. I knew I wasn't in PB shape so my only chance at a decent performance was a steady and sustainable pace. To my surprise, I kept this slow and steady pace going throughout, despite the lack of training, probably because I am well trained for the half marathon distance at the moment and was therefore very comfortable until the Isle of Dogs. I also managed to hold down quite a few gels, which is unusual for me. The upshot was that this was perhaps the most enjoyable London I have ever done, save perhaps for the first time I did it in 2001. My splits were very consistent, albeit very slow and conservative! My quickest 5k was 20.34, the slowest was 21.20 - pace was between 4.04km and 4.16km for the entire race. As ever, the highlights were Cutty Sark, then going over Tower Bridge feeling fresh, then Narrow Street. I saw the family at Canary Wharf, around mile 19, which was a boost for the last few miles. My pace slackened a little towards the end, but not much, and the final section down the Embankment towards Big Ben is always very special. A couple of minutes slower than my PB, and at least 10 minutes slower than I should theoretically be able to do, but that requires a more disciplined approach to training than I have managed in the 15 years I've been running marathons! I've long since accepted that marathons will never be my distance, but it was nice to be 20 minutes inside the V45 qualifying time. Always a great day and a great family weekend: and it is even better when you actually enjoy the race.
Time/Position: 2.55.27 (1265 from 39139)
Very relaxed coming in to this race, my 20th road marathon and 7th London. I had only done three long training runs, so had no expectations at all. I knew I wasn't in PB shape so my only chance at a decent performance was a steady and sustainable pace. To my surprise, I kept this slow and steady pace going throughout, despite the lack of training, probably because I am well trained for the half marathon distance at the moment and was therefore very comfortable until the Isle of Dogs. I also managed to hold down quite a few gels, which is unusual for me. The upshot was that this was perhaps the most enjoyable London I have ever done, save perhaps for the first time I did it in 2001. My splits were very consistent, albeit very slow and conservative! My quickest 5k was 20.34, the slowest was 21.20 - pace was between 4.04km and 4.16km for the entire race. As ever, the highlights were Cutty Sark, then going over Tower Bridge feeling fresh, then Narrow Street. I saw the family at Canary Wharf, around mile 19, which was a boost for the last few miles. My pace slackened a little towards the end, but not much, and the final section down the Embankment towards Big Ben is always very special. A couple of minutes slower than my PB, and at least 10 minutes slower than I should theoretically be able to do, but that requires a more disciplined approach to training than I have managed in the 15 years I've been running marathons! I've long since accepted that marathons will never be my distance, but it was nice to be 20 minutes inside the V45 qualifying time. Always a great day and a great family weekend: and it is even better when you actually enjoy the race.
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
Moelwyns climbing
Crag: Craig yr Wrysgan, Moelwynion
Routes: Y Gelynen (VD:led p.1), Y Gelynen Direct Finish (S:led), Cave Arete (VD:led), Daufaen (S:led), Honeysuckle Corner (HS 4b:sec)
Shakedown mode today on a series of easy routes, having not climbed trad since last August. The Moelwyns are always ideal for this purpose: crags I have visited many times over the years. It's been a late spring, but this morning was perfection - that rare combination of ideal temperatures and perfect clarity that you sometimes get in April. We went for Craig yr Wrysgan, and I kicked off with the first pitch of Y Gelynen, which I last did in the early 1990s with Tim (and I have a memory we went off route on it, not sure how!). It is a delightful climb on gentle, warm rock. It is rather bold for the grade, but can be protected with a bit of thought. Easy ledges lead out left to the blunt rib itself, which gives lovely climbing on little incut holds to a small nut placement near the eponymous holly: a lovely 30m pitch. We were climbing on a single rope, so I belayed in a little niche under the holly to prevent too much drag. Vic then led up to Y Borfa via a thin crack, then an overlap taken on good holds to a slab. I then led the alternative finish, which I don't think I've done before. Instead of sidling off to the right, it goes up easy shelves to the obvious corner crack which is steep initially with one tricky move to gain bigger holds and easy climbing to the top: improves the route considerably. From the top, we ambled through the interesting industrial landscape to the Upper Tier. I'd never climbed here before: it is a small crag of rough rock, almost like a gritstone outcrop, giving 30-40m routes. I led up the easy Cave Arete at the far left of the crag, above a remarkable quarried cave which we explored first. The route goes on huge holds to a short chimney, with easy bridging to a ledge. I continued up the next arete pitch: slabby and simple, but in a nice position. All very gentle but well worthwhile: a fine combination of routes at a consistent grade. The descent is always a nice and novel feature of this crag, as it takes the old incline through a tunnel. After lunch, we scrambled up to the ledge below the obvious White Streak slab. We've done this before, so I led Daufaen instead. This is a companion route which takes the left side of the slab. A steep initial crack is short-lived but fun, and leads to the first slab. Slightly dirty after winter, with the whole route less travelled than White Streak. Similar though: characterised by easy, enjoyable climbing on classic Moelwyn pocketed slabs. On the bold side, although some blocks at half height give plenty of gear. I continued on through the second pitch, which takes a slightly steeper slab to the ledge of Y Borfa. Fine climbing, again rather bold with cams in pockets and the like. A fine 35m pitch. A delightful sun-drenched belay on the ledge before Vic led through up old favourite Honeysuckle Corner. Slightly awkward in places, but I've done it before and remembered where the holds were! It goes quite easily and is a fine easy bridging pitch. We shot up the combination in around half an hour, then back down through the tunnel for an early finish. Stunning weather throughout.
Routes: Y Gelynen (VD:led p.1), Y Gelynen Direct Finish (S:led), Cave Arete (VD:led), Daufaen (S:led), Honeysuckle Corner (HS 4b:sec)
Shakedown mode today on a series of easy routes, having not climbed trad since last August. The Moelwyns are always ideal for this purpose: crags I have visited many times over the years. It's been a late spring, but this morning was perfection - that rare combination of ideal temperatures and perfect clarity that you sometimes get in April. We went for Craig yr Wrysgan, and I kicked off with the first pitch of Y Gelynen, which I last did in the early 1990s with Tim (and I have a memory we went off route on it, not sure how!). It is a delightful climb on gentle, warm rock. It is rather bold for the grade, but can be protected with a bit of thought. Easy ledges lead out left to the blunt rib itself, which gives lovely climbing on little incut holds to a small nut placement near the eponymous holly: a lovely 30m pitch. We were climbing on a single rope, so I belayed in a little niche under the holly to prevent too much drag. Vic then led up to Y Borfa via a thin crack, then an overlap taken on good holds to a slab. I then led the alternative finish, which I don't think I've done before. Instead of sidling off to the right, it goes up easy shelves to the obvious corner crack which is steep initially with one tricky move to gain bigger holds and easy climbing to the top: improves the route considerably. From the top, we ambled through the interesting industrial landscape to the Upper Tier. I'd never climbed here before: it is a small crag of rough rock, almost like a gritstone outcrop, giving 30-40m routes. I led up the easy Cave Arete at the far left of the crag, above a remarkable quarried cave which we explored first. The route goes on huge holds to a short chimney, with easy bridging to a ledge. I continued up the next arete pitch: slabby and simple, but in a nice position. All very gentle but well worthwhile: a fine combination of routes at a consistent grade. The descent is always a nice and novel feature of this crag, as it takes the old incline through a tunnel. After lunch, we scrambled up to the ledge below the obvious White Streak slab. We've done this before, so I led Daufaen instead. This is a companion route which takes the left side of the slab. A steep initial crack is short-lived but fun, and leads to the first slab. Slightly dirty after winter, with the whole route less travelled than White Streak. Similar though: characterised by easy, enjoyable climbing on classic Moelwyn pocketed slabs. On the bold side, although some blocks at half height give plenty of gear. I continued on through the second pitch, which takes a slightly steeper slab to the ledge of Y Borfa. Fine climbing, again rather bold with cams in pockets and the like. A fine 35m pitch. A delightful sun-drenched belay on the ledge before Vic led through up old favourite Honeysuckle Corner. Slightly awkward in places, but I've done it before and remembered where the holds were! It goes quite easily and is a fine easy bridging pitch. We shot up the combination in around half an hour, then back down through the tunnel for an early finish. Stunning weather throughout.
Sunday, April 17, 2016
Mold Border League
Race: Mold 5m (Border League Race 6)
Time/Position: 28.37 (13th from 293 [1st V45])
Almost three months since my last border league fixture, and indeed my last short race - having missed race 5 due to the Panama trip. This gap, combined with recent travels and relative lack of speedwork, meant I was very unsure how I'd get on today. The V45 category could hardly be tighter, with Richard Webster nudging into the lead by one point after the last race. It was a relief, therefore, to feel reasonably good on this very familiar circuit, which I must have done at least 10 times. It is always a tricky one to judge: indeed just last year I blew after the hill to Nercwys and really struggled over the last half. This was better, just kept it steady on the climb, then pushed the pace a bit through Nercwys. Myself and Richard again equally matched, running together for most of the race. I felt OK at the turn back to Mold, so picked up the pace again to catch Jez and others on the undulations before re-entering Mold. Coming into the final mile, I was momentarily 10th, but part of a small group of quick runners that I knew would beat me in a sprint finish. That was indeed the case: I have never had much of a finishing kick and ended up at the back of the group. Still, a great race (and a great league season) with the usual friendly competition, and not too bad a time for this hilly 5 mile course. The category remains very tight: a slender 5 point lead going into the final race, which (as is often the case) is three days after London!
Time/Position: 28.37 (13th from 293 [1st V45])
Almost three months since my last border league fixture, and indeed my last short race - having missed race 5 due to the Panama trip. This gap, combined with recent travels and relative lack of speedwork, meant I was very unsure how I'd get on today. The V45 category could hardly be tighter, with Richard Webster nudging into the lead by one point after the last race. It was a relief, therefore, to feel reasonably good on this very familiar circuit, which I must have done at least 10 times. It is always a tricky one to judge: indeed just last year I blew after the hill to Nercwys and really struggled over the last half. This was better, just kept it steady on the climb, then pushed the pace a bit through Nercwys. Myself and Richard again equally matched, running together for most of the race. I felt OK at the turn back to Mold, so picked up the pace again to catch Jez and others on the undulations before re-entering Mold. Coming into the final mile, I was momentarily 10th, but part of a small group of quick runners that I knew would beat me in a sprint finish. That was indeed the case: I have never had much of a finishing kick and ended up at the back of the group. Still, a great race (and a great league season) with the usual friendly competition, and not too bad a time for this hilly 5 mile course. The category remains very tight: a slender 5 point lead going into the final race, which (as is often the case) is three days after London!
Sunday, April 10, 2016
Ca's Catala climbs
Crag: Ca's Catala, Mallorca
Routes: Rama Lama Dindon (f5:led), Bon Profit (f4c:sec), Covas Bros (f5:led), Ebam 2 (f4c:led), Ebam 1 (f4c:sec), El Rey de Bastos (f5c:led), La Virgin del Felpudo (f6a:sec), Makarenko (f5b:led), Aitornillo (f4a:sec)
This was a fairly obvious choice for the airport day, located on the western side of Palma Bay. The unfortunate thing is that it was supposed to come after a shakedown on Friday, then the big mountain day we had planned for Saturday. That didn't happen because of the lost day and tight schedule, but at least we had the two slices of the sandwich, even if we missed out on the filling! This crag has a rather suburban feel, a short walk-in from the resort of Sant Augusti, with some enormous mansions across the small valley. The immediate environment is pleasant with views of the Med from the top of the crag: in fact, the clarity of light was such that we could clearly see Ibiza and Formentera although they are well over 50km away. We did the crag's duo of three-star routes first, longer (20m+) pitches on a slabby rib of rock. Nice climbing, although the f4a struck me as severely undergraded: it was fairly sustained with tricky and quite technical moves to overcome a bulge below the top. The limestone at this crack was rough and unpolished, like shards of glass in places, reminding me of Chateaudouble. Given our total lack of recent climbing, we kept the grades modest again and just went for mileage. Much further left, I led the shorter line of Covas Bros at f5, which took a blunt rib. It went quite easily until a steepish finish on flatter holds. The two lines to its left were strong natural lines - my lead went easily to a deep crack splitting a detached pillar while Vic's was a longer route (20m) taking the obvious groove at the left-end of the crag. Both were enjoyable. We had some lunch, as the cloud had all burnt away to give another incredible day of deep blue skies. The temperature had climbed dramatically and we found ourselves sweating in shirt-sleeves on sun-kissed rock. I upped the grade a tad with a lead of the short but good El Rey de Bastos at 5c. This had reachy moves on pockets to gain a long horizontal undercut. From here, strenuous moves on good, positive holds led up a crack to a steep finish. The 6a to the right was just as good: another athletic and strenuous pitch, getting the blood pumping and forearms working. We both did them cleanly and quickly, before finishing with two short routes and heading to the airport via a quick lunch and a couple of final Mallorcan specialities.
Routes: Rama Lama Dindon (f5:led), Bon Profit (f4c:sec), Covas Bros (f5:led), Ebam 2 (f4c:led), Ebam 1 (f4c:sec), El Rey de Bastos (f5c:led), La Virgin del Felpudo (f6a:sec), Makarenko (f5b:led), Aitornillo (f4a:sec)
This was a fairly obvious choice for the airport day, located on the western side of Palma Bay. The unfortunate thing is that it was supposed to come after a shakedown on Friday, then the big mountain day we had planned for Saturday. That didn't happen because of the lost day and tight schedule, but at least we had the two slices of the sandwich, even if we missed out on the filling! This crag has a rather suburban feel, a short walk-in from the resort of Sant Augusti, with some enormous mansions across the small valley. The immediate environment is pleasant with views of the Med from the top of the crag: in fact, the clarity of light was such that we could clearly see Ibiza and Formentera although they are well over 50km away. We did the crag's duo of three-star routes first, longer (20m+) pitches on a slabby rib of rock. Nice climbing, although the f4a struck me as severely undergraded: it was fairly sustained with tricky and quite technical moves to overcome a bulge below the top. The limestone at this crack was rough and unpolished, like shards of glass in places, reminding me of Chateaudouble. Given our total lack of recent climbing, we kept the grades modest again and just went for mileage. Much further left, I led the shorter line of Covas Bros at f5, which took a blunt rib. It went quite easily until a steepish finish on flatter holds. The two lines to its left were strong natural lines - my lead went easily to a deep crack splitting a detached pillar while Vic's was a longer route (20m) taking the obvious groove at the left-end of the crag. Both were enjoyable. We had some lunch, as the cloud had all burnt away to give another incredible day of deep blue skies. The temperature had climbed dramatically and we found ourselves sweating in shirt-sleeves on sun-kissed rock. I upped the grade a tad with a lead of the short but good El Rey de Bastos at 5c. This had reachy moves on pockets to gain a long horizontal undercut. From here, strenuous moves on good, positive holds led up a crack to a steep finish. The 6a to the right was just as good: another athletic and strenuous pitch, getting the blood pumping and forearms working. We both did them cleanly and quickly, before finishing with two short routes and heading to the airport via a quick lunch and a couple of final Mallorcan specialities.
Saturday, April 09, 2016
Sa Comuna run
Peak: Sa Comuna (741m)
Area: Sierra de Tramuntana, Mallorca
After five hours climbing at S'Estret, and lunch in Valdemossa, I ran through the town to the hard-to-find GR221 (the 'dry stone way') which traverses the spine of the fabulous Sierra de Tramuntana mountain range in Western Mallorca. After a day of enforced rest yesterday, I had a reasonable amount of energy left after the climbing and was very keen to sample the Mallorcan mountains, albeit extremely briefly! The weather was now absolutely perfect: incredible rain-washed clarity and a light northerly breeze. I ran up through ancient paths to small limestone outcrops and walnut trees, eventually emerging on a small limestone summit plateau. Wonderful views of the deep blue Mediterranean immediately west, Valdemossa below and the higher peaks fringing the town to the north. Those peaks blocked views further north over the Sierra de Tramuntana sadly, but after a fast descent we then drove back through the mountains to Esporles via more beautiful scenery.
Area: Sierra de Tramuntana, Mallorca
After five hours climbing at S'Estret, and lunch in Valdemossa, I ran through the town to the hard-to-find GR221 (the 'dry stone way') which traverses the spine of the fabulous Sierra de Tramuntana mountain range in Western Mallorca. After a day of enforced rest yesterday, I had a reasonable amount of energy left after the climbing and was very keen to sample the Mallorcan mountains, albeit extremely briefly! The weather was now absolutely perfect: incredible rain-washed clarity and a light northerly breeze. I ran up through ancient paths to small limestone outcrops and walnut trees, eventually emerging on a small limestone summit plateau. Wonderful views of the deep blue Mediterranean immediately west, Valdemossa below and the higher peaks fringing the town to the north. Those peaks blocked views further north over the Sierra de Tramuntana sadly, but after a fast descent we then drove back through the mountains to Esporles via more beautiful scenery.
S'Estret climbs
Crag: S'Estret, Mallorca
Routes: Zarzamora (f4c:led), Mario Moreno (f5:led), Mario Moreno II (f5:sec), El Culo (f5c:led), Con el Culo al Aire (f5a:sec), Pasion Interminable (f5a:led), Pasion Oculta (f4c:sec), El Imperio Contrataca (f4c:led), El Retorno del Jedi (f5a:sec)
A rather unfortunate start to a very brief (three day) cragging trip to Mallorca, my first ever visit to the Balearics. I arrived just before midnight on the Thursday, met long-staying Vic, and retired to our wonderful converted monastery in Marratxinet. After a good breakfast, the forecast rain began and we lost an entire day to the torrential downpour and icy temperatures. It cleared later in the evening to leave snow on the higher peaks. This morning dawned dry, however, albeit cloudy and cold. Vic was now ill, so we headed to S'Estret above Valdemossa (planned as the shakedown day yesterday). I hadn't touched rock since last August, so kicked off with the lowly graded Zarzamora. Conditions weren't good: damp and cold. But the climb was very nice: an easy slab led to a contrasting slightly overhanging crack, almost a mini-chimney, overcome on huge holds to gain a rest and easy ground to the lower-off. Nice start, still some light rain in the air. The classic Mario Moreno was disappointing: it takes a long 25m+ slab in a good open position with some huge holds, but is very polished and quite unpleasant in these conditions. I found the footwork tricky and the route over-rated and undergraded. Its companion to the left was similar: marble-like polish, reminding me of St Jeannet. The sun came out at midday, at long last, and we moved up to a much better part of the crag, with good views over the valley. Our mini-break now improved dramatically! Vic was not well enough to lead, so I kicked off with El Culo at 5c. This has a fierce move over an overlap at the start, due to a lost hold. Fingery and awkward, but above lies a delightful slab of surprisingly rough dark grey limestone. Padding up this in the sunshine, the rock warming by the second: this is what we come for. The climbing was thought-provoking and sustained, but never difficult, with sharp little incut holds and small cracks. A fine route, as was the f5 crack to its right: much steeper at the start, up a juggy flake crack to gain easier climbing. We had a bite to eat as the temperatures climbed further, enjoying the views over the plains to the east. Further right, I then led Pasion Interminable in glorious sunshine. This was the route of the weekend, unusually varied and interesting throughout. An initial easy slab led to a delicate traverse into a groove. Slightly tricky moves up this to gain a steep but positive crack leading to an upper headwall, slabby again, split by a glorious positive flake crack. A great 100ft pitch. After two more short and polished routes, we retired for a very late al fresco lunch of tostada sopressada and empanadas in Valdemossa. Too soon after this substantial repast, I ran up into the hills above the town.
Routes: Zarzamora (f4c:led), Mario Moreno (f5:led), Mario Moreno II (f5:sec), El Culo (f5c:led), Con el Culo al Aire (f5a:sec), Pasion Interminable (f5a:led), Pasion Oculta (f4c:sec), El Imperio Contrataca (f4c:led), El Retorno del Jedi (f5a:sec)
A rather unfortunate start to a very brief (three day) cragging trip to Mallorca, my first ever visit to the Balearics. I arrived just before midnight on the Thursday, met long-staying Vic, and retired to our wonderful converted monastery in Marratxinet. After a good breakfast, the forecast rain began and we lost an entire day to the torrential downpour and icy temperatures. It cleared later in the evening to leave snow on the higher peaks. This morning dawned dry, however, albeit cloudy and cold. Vic was now ill, so we headed to S'Estret above Valdemossa (planned as the shakedown day yesterday). I hadn't touched rock since last August, so kicked off with the lowly graded Zarzamora. Conditions weren't good: damp and cold. But the climb was very nice: an easy slab led to a contrasting slightly overhanging crack, almost a mini-chimney, overcome on huge holds to gain a rest and easy ground to the lower-off. Nice start, still some light rain in the air. The classic Mario Moreno was disappointing: it takes a long 25m+ slab in a good open position with some huge holds, but is very polished and quite unpleasant in these conditions. I found the footwork tricky and the route over-rated and undergraded. Its companion to the left was similar: marble-like polish, reminding me of St Jeannet. The sun came out at midday, at long last, and we moved up to a much better part of the crag, with good views over the valley. Our mini-break now improved dramatically! Vic was not well enough to lead, so I kicked off with El Culo at 5c. This has a fierce move over an overlap at the start, due to a lost hold. Fingery and awkward, but above lies a delightful slab of surprisingly rough dark grey limestone. Padding up this in the sunshine, the rock warming by the second: this is what we come for. The climbing was thought-provoking and sustained, but never difficult, with sharp little incut holds and small cracks. A fine route, as was the f5 crack to its right: much steeper at the start, up a juggy flake crack to gain easier climbing. We had a bite to eat as the temperatures climbed further, enjoying the views over the plains to the east. Further right, I then led Pasion Interminable in glorious sunshine. This was the route of the weekend, unusually varied and interesting throughout. An initial easy slab led to a delicate traverse into a groove. Slightly tricky moves up this to gain a steep but positive crack leading to an upper headwall, slabby again, split by a glorious positive flake crack. A great 100ft pitch. After two more short and polished routes, we retired for a very late al fresco lunch of tostada sopressada and empanadas in Valdemossa. Too soon after this substantial repast, I ran up into the hills above the town.
Sunday, April 03, 2016
Kinnerton-Denbigh run
A last ditch attempt to get another (probably final) long run in before my 20th marathon at the end of the month. Unlike last Monday (and the Knighton 20) this went reasonably well, and was an interesting point to point route that I have pondered the feasibility of for some time. I headed off at a steady but reasonable pace, up the long climb through Penymynydd to Buckley, down to Mold, then up through the undulating quiet lanes to Rhydymwyn and Hendre. From here, an awful section of the main Mold-Denbigh road, a definite lowpoint, leads to the familiar steep and long climb up towards Moel Arthur and a merciful release from the traffic. The hill was tough, although easier than it is on the bike, and the weather was delightful: warm spring sunshine and birds singing, early house martins overhead. At the col, I had a gel and got to K's house in time for a family lunch in Denbigh in just over 30 minutes running via Llandyrnog. A smidgeon over 2.5 hours in total.
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Glyderau run
Peaks: Y Garn
Area: Glyderau, Eryri
After a fairly unpleasant 18 miler on Easter Monday, I'd recovered with a family walk in bracing spring sunshine up Conwy Mountain yesterday. This morning was similar, and recent weather has been cold enough for reasonable snow cover above 600m, so I left for an early run from Ogwen Cottage. Good running past Twll Du to my solstice campsite at Llyn y Cwn, a decent covering of snow from this point, then up to a misty and very cold Y Garn. Some superb sunbursts over Glyder Fach as I descended. Back in Conwy before 11am.
Area: Glyderau, Eryri
After a fairly unpleasant 18 miler on Easter Monday, I'd recovered with a family walk in bracing spring sunshine up Conwy Mountain yesterday. This morning was similar, and recent weather has been cold enough for reasonable snow cover above 600m, so I left for an early run from Ogwen Cottage. Good running past Twll Du to my solstice campsite at Llyn y Cwn, a decent covering of snow from this point, then up to a misty and very cold Y Garn. Some superb sunbursts over Glyder Fach as I descended. Back in Conwy before 11am.
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
Panama City run
After flying back to Panama City from David yesterday, I got up very early and headed to Cerro Ancon: a small but isolated hill overlooking the Pacific and Casco Viejo (old town). It is essentially a small slice of preserved rainforest, and gave numerous sloths, toucans and Geoffroy's tamarin (a tiny monkey species) at this time in the morning. The sun rose spectacularly over the Pacific as I sat near the huge Panama flag at the summit. Good views of the canal. I descended to the the Casco Viejo for a classic local breakfast of Hojaldres and Carimanola, then embarked on a walking tour (along with birdwatching along the Pacific mudflats) followed by corvina ceviche for $1.25 at the famous fish market. After a break at the hotel, I ran towards the Parque Natural Metropolitano, a unique slice of rainforest within the boundaries of the city. This was fine until I encountered a six lane highway with no pavement. Must have looked a tad eccentric, running with a small rucsac along a motorway drainage ditch in 34C. Still, I arrived at the park unscathed and spent a couple of hours walking along the longest trails. Too late for any decent birds, but I did see some sloths and enjoyed the scenery of the Mono Titi trail, and fine views of the city from the highpoint. Lower down, the Cienaguita trail offered excellent rainforest scenery. I had always planned to visit early on Wednesday morning so retired to the hotel planning to do just that.
Sunday, March 20, 2016
Finca Lerida trails
A wonderful day exploring the trails around the famous coffee plantation of Finca Lerida above Boquete: providing an opportunity to explore a slightly different area of the hinterland. I caught a local bus into the hills, complete with booming salsa and stetson-clad coffee pickers. A few steep hairpins, taken at breakneck pace, and I was deposited at the utterly contrasting tranquility of Finca Lerida. This is a fairly upmarket evolved coffee farm with accommodation and restaurant. But the thing that interested me was the renowned series of footpaths that stretch out across the cloud forest. I spent hours wandering round, eating coffee 'cherries' from the tree, then heading up a steep path to get stripe-tailed hummingbird and other birds. Above, a huge movement of raptors: mainly black vultures but with numerous other species. At least 200 birds. Lower down, I walked a level but raised trail looking out over the canopy. This was fantastic: black-faced solitaires a constant feature (remarkable mournful call), along with many other species. The trail eventually descends to a hidden, and almost dry, waterfall. A violet sabrewing buzzed around this dank habitat, another superb altitude specialist. After several hours, I retired to watch the hummingbirds and tanagers in the beautiful flower gardens, then had a cup of the predictably fine coffee in the upscale restaurant before heading back to Boquete.
Saturday, March 19, 2016
Volcan Baru
Peaks: Volcan Baru (3,474m/11,398ft)
Area: Cordillera de Talamanca, Chiriqui, Panama
The highest peak in Panama and a very obvious objective from Boquete: seemingly ideal (if unconventional) marathon training, as it lent itself to a running approach. It is a long way though, 30km up and down over a fairly notable vertical interval, and apparently takes backpackers at least six hours to get up. They usually go up at night then down the next day, so I had the trail almost to myself after getting a taxi to El Salto, the end of the road from Boquete at around 8am. Another beautiful morning, with distant clouds boiling up from the hills towards the Pacific side, framed against coffee plantations. The track is rough and rubbly, surprisingly steep in places, but it does have the virtue of directness and occasionally gives views through the cloud forest. Some good, if intermittent, birdlife enlivened the climb: the near endemic black guan and long-tailed silky flycatcher were especially notable. After around 3k, a couple of fincas were passed - beautiful pastoral farmland with very surprising scenery, felt like I was back home for a while. Higher up, more conventional cloud forest although the weather remained crystal clear - which is obviously very unusual, even at the height of the dry season (as this was). I ran a fair bit of the way, walking the steep sections and jogging where the angle eased a bit. The main concern was water. I'd taken 1.2 litres which I knew would be pushing it, but calculated that it would just about be enough. There wasn't much margin, so I rationed it a bit. Eventually, an obvious spur is reached which gives views of the main peak. Sadly, a sharp descent is then necessary to gain the final climb up the summit. The actual top is along a miniature ridge with a tiny bit of scrambling and exposure: over 2.5 hours to the top from El Salto. Superb views. In theory, you can see the Caribbean and Pacific from the summit. The views east over the giant summit crater spanned the village of Volcan, wispy clouds thousands of feet below the summit, right over to the Caribbean coast. Further north, the cloud forest stretched across to the Costa Rica border (only 20km or so away). The Pacific side was cloudier, as they stretched their tendrils over the low forested ridges on this side of Volcan Baru. The peak is very isolated, it dominates the entire region, so the views are not your typical summit landscapes. Instead, big horizons and a real sense of space is the predominant feeling. After a bite to eat, and some more of the precious water, I set off at a sustainable running pace downhill. This was long, extremely dusty and quite hot, particularly as I got lower. But I covered the ground quite quickly back to the trailhead. Then I just had the problem of getting back to Boquete! I ran out of water 2km from the road, finding a tap at the entrance to the national park: but no water came out, just dust. I continued jogging down the tarmac road, dehydrated now. After a couple of miles (on top of the 30km I had already done!) I met two Ngabe people who showed me a tap near the road. Then, a bit lower, a taxi passed as I gained a road junction so I hopped in that for the few miles back to Boquete. An excellent late lunch of garlic chicken, plantain, rice and beans was a fine way to refuel.
Area: Cordillera de Talamanca, Chiriqui, Panama
The highest peak in Panama and a very obvious objective from Boquete: seemingly ideal (if unconventional) marathon training, as it lent itself to a running approach. It is a long way though, 30km up and down over a fairly notable vertical interval, and apparently takes backpackers at least six hours to get up. They usually go up at night then down the next day, so I had the trail almost to myself after getting a taxi to El Salto, the end of the road from Boquete at around 8am. Another beautiful morning, with distant clouds boiling up from the hills towards the Pacific side, framed against coffee plantations. The track is rough and rubbly, surprisingly steep in places, but it does have the virtue of directness and occasionally gives views through the cloud forest. Some good, if intermittent, birdlife enlivened the climb: the near endemic black guan and long-tailed silky flycatcher were especially notable. After around 3k, a couple of fincas were passed - beautiful pastoral farmland with very surprising scenery, felt like I was back home for a while. Higher up, more conventional cloud forest although the weather remained crystal clear - which is obviously very unusual, even at the height of the dry season (as this was). I ran a fair bit of the way, walking the steep sections and jogging where the angle eased a bit. The main concern was water. I'd taken 1.2 litres which I knew would be pushing it, but calculated that it would just about be enough. There wasn't much margin, so I rationed it a bit. Eventually, an obvious spur is reached which gives views of the main peak. Sadly, a sharp descent is then necessary to gain the final climb up the summit. The actual top is along a miniature ridge with a tiny bit of scrambling and exposure: over 2.5 hours to the top from El Salto. Superb views. In theory, you can see the Caribbean and Pacific from the summit. The views east over the giant summit crater spanned the village of Volcan, wispy clouds thousands of feet below the summit, right over to the Caribbean coast. Further north, the cloud forest stretched across to the Costa Rica border (only 20km or so away). The Pacific side was cloudier, as they stretched their tendrils over the low forested ridges on this side of Volcan Baru. The peak is very isolated, it dominates the entire region, so the views are not your typical summit landscapes. Instead, big horizons and a real sense of space is the predominant feeling. After a bite to eat, and some more of the precious water, I set off at a sustainable running pace downhill. This was long, extremely dusty and quite hot, particularly as I got lower. But I covered the ground quite quickly back to the trailhead. Then I just had the problem of getting back to Boquete! I ran out of water 2km from the road, finding a tap at the entrance to the national park: but no water came out, just dust. I continued jogging down the tarmac road, dehydrated now. After a couple of miles (on top of the 30km I had already done!) I met two Ngabe people who showed me a tap near the road. Then, a bit lower, a taxi passed as I gained a road junction so I hopped in that for the few miles back to Boquete. An excellent late lunch of garlic chicken, plantain, rice and beans was a fine way to refuel.
Friday, March 18, 2016
Lost Waterfalls trail (Chiriqui, Panama)
My first proper taste of the cloud forest above Boquete in the Panamanian Highlands. After flying into Panama City, I had taken the bus to David in Chiriqui province. A noisy night in that hot and dusty city, then an early morning bus today up to the relative cool of Boquete in the Chiriqui Highlands. A stunning morning of exceptional dry season clarity: not a cloud in the sky. It was so good I was momentarily tempted to run up Volcan Baru after checking into my hotel. But I resisted the urge and instead got a taxi into the hills where I decided to do this trail more or less on a whim. It was a fine choice, and got me right out into the heart of the cloud forest almost immediately. A little bridge, then steep climbing through the forest past a series of waterfalls. Some great views over the canopy to Volcan Baru, howler monkeys calling and some splendid birds including antbirds and the semi-endemic yellow-thighed finch. The path was surprisingly steep in places, some hauling up lianas and bamboo necessary. But the atmosphere in the dripping and mysterious cloud forest was wonderful and I thoroughly enjoyed myself: the third and final waterfall was quite impressive and the first had superb views from the pools above it. Before getting back to the road, I spent some time in a garden near the trailhead, looking out over the flowers and cloud forest as cloud gradually enveloped Volcan Baru. Refuelled with a classic hearty Sancocho.
Sunday, March 13, 2016
Knighton 20
Race: Knighton 20 mile
Time/Position: 2.14.11 (33rd from 410)
This was an entirely predictable story of suffering for the last five miles, for which I just hadn't prepared properly. As usual, I am well behind with the marathon training so thought this would at least force me to cover the distance in advance of my trip to Panama. The race is new, replacing the old Stafford 20, and takes three 10km laps of rural roads around the villages of Knighton and Adbaston in Staffordshire (but near the Shropshire border). A lovely spring day, ideal racing conditions of hazy sunshine and cool temperatures. I felt fine for the first two laps, well trained for the half marathon distance at present. But the final lap was always going to be tough, and it was, particularly as there were two fairly long climbs on each lap. I lost a huge amount of time and places: it was as much as I could do to limp towards the finish a full five minutes slower than my PB for the distance (although I think I've only done five road 20 milers).
Time/Position: 2.14.11 (33rd from 410)
This was an entirely predictable story of suffering for the last five miles, for which I just hadn't prepared properly. As usual, I am well behind with the marathon training so thought this would at least force me to cover the distance in advance of my trip to Panama. The race is new, replacing the old Stafford 20, and takes three 10km laps of rural roads around the villages of Knighton and Adbaston in Staffordshire (but near the Shropshire border). A lovely spring day, ideal racing conditions of hazy sunshine and cool temperatures. I felt fine for the first two laps, well trained for the half marathon distance at present. But the final lap was always going to be tough, and it was, particularly as there were two fairly long climbs on each lap. I lost a huge amount of time and places: it was as much as I could do to limp towards the finish a full five minutes slower than my PB for the distance (although I think I've only done five road 20 milers).
Sunday, March 06, 2016
Wrexham half marathon
Race: Wrexham half marathon
Time/Position: 1.19.25 (5th from 281 [1st V45])
The second Wrexham-based half marathon in three weeks. But unlike the long-established Village Bakery event, this is a more commercial race aimed at a mass field. I'd been surprised at the half marathon three weeks ago to feel relatively comfortable despite lack of recent mileage. So I was reasonably optimistic today, especially with the cool and fairly still conditions: there seemed a chance I might get close to my pb of 1.17. In the event, I was a rather baffling 16 seconds slower than three weeks ago, despite the fact that I felt quite comfortable. May have been a case of starting too conservatively, or possibly the rather hilly nature of the course at the far end as it heads out to the east. At around the nine mile point, I started to feel strong and confident about the pace, presumably a result of the slow start. A good quick finish through housing estates and back into the centre of Wrexham with some decent crowd support. It was hard to assess position, as the marathon was taking place at the same time, but I realised I was a fair way up the field despite the slow pace: lucky to finish first in my age category and fifth overall.
Time/Position: 1.19.25 (5th from 281 [1st V45])
The second Wrexham-based half marathon in three weeks. But unlike the long-established Village Bakery event, this is a more commercial race aimed at a mass field. I'd been surprised at the half marathon three weeks ago to feel relatively comfortable despite lack of recent mileage. So I was reasonably optimistic today, especially with the cool and fairly still conditions: there seemed a chance I might get close to my pb of 1.17. In the event, I was a rather baffling 16 seconds slower than three weeks ago, despite the fact that I felt quite comfortable. May have been a case of starting too conservatively, or possibly the rather hilly nature of the course at the far end as it heads out to the east. At around the nine mile point, I started to feel strong and confident about the pace, presumably a result of the slow start. A good quick finish through housing estates and back into the centre of Wrexham with some decent crowd support. It was hard to assess position, as the marathon was taking place at the same time, but I realised I was a fair way up the field despite the slow pace: lucky to finish first in my age category and fifth overall.
Sunday, February 28, 2016
Clwyd Gate - English Border
A nice long run to begin marathon training in earnest. Dropped off at Clwyd Gate above Ruthin, I fashioned a route towards the English border using a combination of familiar paths and minor roads. Initially, I took the OD path in pleasant sunshine (hindered by a cold eastern wind, which was somewhat ironic after last Sunday's westerly battering at the Rhyl 10). This leads very pleasantly to the Druid race route, through the woods then down to Llanferres. From here, a hidden cycle path goes towards Loggerheads. Then pavement for the climb to Gwernymynydd and down to a busy Mold town centre. Another climb through Buckley, then down to Penyffordd and Higher Kinnerton. It took a certain amount of willpower to keep going towards the Cheshire border at Lower Kinnerton, but I felt OK and looped back round to my house in around 1.50.
Sunday, February 21, 2016
Rhyl 10
Race: Rhyl 10 mile (Welsh Championships)
Time/Position: 1.02.18 (15th from 550 [1st V45])
It was clear from early morning that this race was going to be badly affected by the 45mph westerly gusts sweeping across North Wales. An easy first half was inevitably going to be followed by a monumental battle heading back to Rhyl into the teeth of the gale: continually exposed along the seaside path and therefore relentless. I was four minutes down on my PB for the distance, but that felt fine in the circumstances. The race is good, well organised, and was selected for the Welsh 10 mile championships this year. I felt I had a decent combination of speed and endurance at the moment, and quite like the distance although I haven't done many 10 milers over the years - just six or seven races maybe. The first five miles - along the seafront, past the Nova centre then a loop around the edge of Prestatyn, flowed as easily as expected with the tailwind. Went through five miles in 28 mins dead, then started to pick up a few places. It was obviously crucial to save some strength for the return, and I felt OK as the full force of the wind hit at the Nova Centre. Tactics were needed! So I made a special effort to catch two runners in front, a draining effort, but as I'd hoped we started to work a bit as a mini-peloton into the wind. There really is no hiding place on this stretch of coastline, so although I've done many fell races in far windier conditions than this, it is particularly draining and time sapping on a road race. The other two pulled away with 200m to go: as usual I was only able to keep to my usual plodding pace, but I just managed to stay ahead of faster finishing runners in my category to finish first V45 in the race and Welsh championships.
Time/Position: 1.02.18 (15th from 550 [1st V45])
It was clear from early morning that this race was going to be badly affected by the 45mph westerly gusts sweeping across North Wales. An easy first half was inevitably going to be followed by a monumental battle heading back to Rhyl into the teeth of the gale: continually exposed along the seaside path and therefore relentless. I was four minutes down on my PB for the distance, but that felt fine in the circumstances. The race is good, well organised, and was selected for the Welsh 10 mile championships this year. I felt I had a decent combination of speed and endurance at the moment, and quite like the distance although I haven't done many 10 milers over the years - just six or seven races maybe. The first five miles - along the seafront, past the Nova centre then a loop around the edge of Prestatyn, flowed as easily as expected with the tailwind. Went through five miles in 28 mins dead, then started to pick up a few places. It was obviously crucial to save some strength for the return, and I felt OK as the full force of the wind hit at the Nova Centre. Tactics were needed! So I made a special effort to catch two runners in front, a draining effort, but as I'd hoped we started to work a bit as a mini-peloton into the wind. There really is no hiding place on this stretch of coastline, so although I've done many fell races in far windier conditions than this, it is particularly draining and time sapping on a road race. The other two pulled away with 200m to go: as usual I was only able to keep to my usual plodding pace, but I just managed to stay ahead of faster finishing runners in my category to finish first V45 in the race and Welsh championships.
Sunday, February 14, 2016
Village Bakery half marathon
Race: Village Bakery half marathon, Wrexham (North Wales Championships)
Time/Position: 1.19.09 (37th from 1016)
Back to this old course for the sixth or seventh time: fortunately there were no problems this year with confused marshals (2014) or angry farmers (2012)! Perfect conditions this morning, which was lucky as I was recovering from a very bad cold and knew I didn't have sufficient distance in my legs having prioritised short races over winter. I took the only possible approach, which was a steady 6 minute/mile pace. Started off in a little group with Chris from Buckley, running the first short four mile loop at about 5.45 pace, which I deemed a bit too quick for me at the moment. I dropped the pace slightly, down to 6 minute pace, glad of the crisp, clear conditions as the route heads out into the quiet lanes towards the border. I needed a couple of gels but was rather surprised to feel relatively comfortable after going through 10 miles just under the hour. Ended up 90 seconds slower than my PB (recorded on this course three years ago), which was satisfying in the circumstances. And although I was well off the pace in the Veterans categories (a very strong field), I did win the V45 category in the North Wales Half Marathon Championships - to go alongside the V40 title won on the same course in 2013.
Time/Position: 1.19.09 (37th from 1016)
Back to this old course for the sixth or seventh time: fortunately there were no problems this year with confused marshals (2014) or angry farmers (2012)! Perfect conditions this morning, which was lucky as I was recovering from a very bad cold and knew I didn't have sufficient distance in my legs having prioritised short races over winter. I took the only possible approach, which was a steady 6 minute/mile pace. Started off in a little group with Chris from Buckley, running the first short four mile loop at about 5.45 pace, which I deemed a bit too quick for me at the moment. I dropped the pace slightly, down to 6 minute pace, glad of the crisp, clear conditions as the route heads out into the quiet lanes towards the border. I needed a couple of gels but was rather surprised to feel relatively comfortable after going through 10 miles just under the hour. Ended up 90 seconds slower than my PB (recorded on this course three years ago), which was satisfying in the circumstances. And although I was well off the pace in the Veterans categories (a very strong field), I did win the V45 category in the North Wales Half Marathon Championships - to go alongside the V40 title won on the same course in 2013.
Saturday, January 30, 2016
Rhug Cross Country
Race: North Wales XC Championships, Rhug, Corwen (11k)
Time/Position: 40.35 (8th from 43 [2nd V45])
Having missed the cross-country championships for the last two years, it was nice to be able to turn out again, particularly on the excellent Rhug course which is tough and enjoyable. A stiff, cold north-westerly blew a few sleet showers in and made hard work of the long return leg on each lap, with the ground underfoot inevitably rather boggy in places. In essence, the route takes four big loops of the hilly terrain on Lord Newborough's land north of the A5. One sharp climb, one stream crossing and several bumps and humps keep things interesting. Small field, so after the first lap significant gaps opened out at the front of the field. A nice outing, with Buckley winning both the team prize and the veteran's prize, with three counters (Jez, me, Eric). A challenging prize giving: outside, in a shower of horizontal hail and sleet!
Time/Position: 40.35 (8th from 43 [2nd V45])
Having missed the cross-country championships for the last two years, it was nice to be able to turn out again, particularly on the excellent Rhug course which is tough and enjoyable. A stiff, cold north-westerly blew a few sleet showers in and made hard work of the long return leg on each lap, with the ground underfoot inevitably rather boggy in places. In essence, the route takes four big loops of the hilly terrain on Lord Newborough's land north of the A5. One sharp climb, one stream crossing and several bumps and humps keep things interesting. Small field, so after the first lap significant gaps opened out at the front of the field. A nice outing, with Buckley winning both the team prize and the veteran's prize, with three counters (Jez, me, Eric). A challenging prize giving: outside, in a shower of horizontal hail and sleet!
Sunday, January 24, 2016
Abergele Border League
Race: Abergele 5m (Border League Race 4)
Time/Position: 28.18 (15th from 334 [2nd V45])
As is often the case with this race, which heads in a westerly direction along the seafront, we had a bit of a headwind for the first couple of miles. As a result, an unusually big group formed at the front, and the pace stayed quite comfortable until the quicker runners broke away before the turn leaving the rest of us to hang on as best we could. I've always quite enjoyed this course, with its twists and turns through the caravan site before a flat out finish with a slight tailwind. First V45 in the standings at the moment, but a lot can happen in the last three races!
Time/Position: 28.18 (15th from 334 [2nd V45])
As is often the case with this race, which heads in a westerly direction along the seafront, we had a bit of a headwind for the first couple of miles. As a result, an unusually big group formed at the front, and the pace stayed quite comfortable until the quicker runners broke away before the turn leaving the rest of us to hang on as best we could. I've always quite enjoyed this course, with its twists and turns through the caravan site before a flat out finish with a slight tailwind. First V45 in the standings at the moment, but a lot can happen in the last three races!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)