Woldsman - 13th April 2013

The Woldsman - 50 miles of the rollercoaster which is the Chalky south face of the Yorkshire Wolds. An Out and back lane, track, field border and trail jaunt from Driffield, taking in Sledmere, Wharram Percy, Thixendale, Givendale, Huggate, Wetwang and all manner of ups and downs along the way back to the Showground..

I know, through bitter, but limited, experience that at some point the heavy blanket of a low point and the frustrations and pain of endurance racing will envelope me … todays slough of despond arrived to accompany me just after leaving the Wharram Percy checkpoint at mile 21.

I had just dashed down an impossibly steep chalky path to the first of the “hide and seek” self clips which was then followed by a big steep road climb which I foolishly tried jogging up – the reverse of a steep descent on last years Chalkland Way – and the feet and quads were now bashed up and refused to play ball, I had everything to walk at all, never mind doing it briskly.

The deserted church, the cottages, the mill pond and the deserted medieval village were all beautifully sunlit by now as the early morning mist had been burnt up and the rolling wolds were looking in their Sunday spring best but I could take no pleasure from it at all: I just had to contend with Malcolm Coles disappearing up and away into the distance along the tree lined ridge of the Wolds Way on towards the halfway point at Thixendale … tried a gel, nope, no good … had a look around … no better although the views were stunning.

Run for 50 paces, walk for 10, run another 50 paces; try, try to regain composure … then the left turn, another elusive self clip in the trees and … a view to bring you to a stand … what a view and the far distance trail to aim for after another swooping downhill grass slope …

Trotting across the top of Thixendale, looking down into the Dale and the village, at the halfway point, with 4.35 on the clock and the prospect of a small pasta dish c/w cheese sauce then life aint that bad and I had won a reprieve; a second life.

And with the sun out, the long southbound Dale bottom jog to Givendale proved a great opportunity to eat up some miles – happily alone, save for a few inquisitve spring lambs (or the ones that could be bothered to turn away from the sun).

These straw dry, steep sided; flat- bottomed grassy Dales really are a joy to be in and with the weather remaining fair, but not too hot, then it was a perfect setting for this East Yorkshire Long Distance Walkers Challenge Event. Eventually getting to the checkpoint at Givendale - 32 miles in - where a welcome was awaiting.

Then the climbs started …

They always do …

Not mountainous Lakeland affairs but enough to grind the pace out and so back to the shuffling towards the Huggate Wold check and then the final push on towards Wetwang at mile 42 and then the flat 8 mile finishing stretch.

Earlier in the day, the access through private land offered some unbelievable views across the sweeping chalk fields, too early in the year to be bothered by crops, the route showed Le Terroir in all its finest.

From the smiling faces at Danes` Graves checkpoint …

To the Sledmere Castle folly …

And the sweep down towards Sledmere village itself at 13.5 miles …

And the brief touch of civilisation of Sledmere village itself …

Passing Eleanor cross …

Before outbound, once again, passing deserted churches and field boundaries and sheep on steep banks!

That was early in the day but once tea time arrived and the checkpoint at the methodist hall presented us with a table groaning with provisions … well it was hard to leave unreplenished.

I did once, a few months ago, write about the final 5k of a 50 mile event bringing out the best in me on that particular day … with a 30 minute window to get in under 10 hours, and I did too with 5 minutes to spare, what would happen today? The running time was currently 10.30 and I had aimed for a sub 11 hour finish. So?

A failure. Try as I might, I just couldn’t grind it out although I did try and run the green lanes and tracks – even running on the A166 to try and minimise the time spent on the outskirts of Driffield – but it was a pathetic spent shuffle and with bleeding toes it proved a time too far out of reach. I turned back into the showground off the busy road in a grey drizzle and before me was a shuffling Malcolm Coles again.

He, too, had blown up completely and so a huge credit to him for slugging it out to the end, we muttered something and crept into the hut at the finish – 11.01 on the clock.

Sitting silently with a mug of tea steaming on the table I reflected on the day. Typical of the LDWA to provide terrific fayre at every checkpoint along the way along with huge encouragement for us all as we ploughed on, so many thank yous to all at East Yorkshire LDWA, certainly the best day of the year so far, I couldn’t really have asked for more.

He paused for breath, so I sat down and Quizzed Jon Steele ....

I've noticed recently that a few members of the ultra community are putting big markers down in the sand. Was it ever so? Jezz Bragg has just run from the top to the bottom of New Zealand, Stuart Walker recently ran from Vienna to Nice casually traversing the Alps for charity, Nicky Spinks breaks records for fun and Lizzy Hawker strides the world stage. Coupled with these outstanding performances, our local ultras are now full to the seams and if you don't buy a number early then you aint in. I've only knocked around the circuit for a few years now but even I've seen the increased participation and interest. Most recently, the Runfurther series has seen new involvement with a fresh website put together by Mark Barnes and also the addition to the team of Jon Steele; he of Hardmoor fame and so i thought it high time to pick up some tips and ideas for my further involvement, improvement and general progression in the sport. It was, after all, the runfurther website which got me hooked into the long distance stuff.

So, I finally sat Jon down after his brave crack at the Viking Way and asked him about his running, his personal choices and the circuit in general:

M: Jon, I've noticed you've been out most weekends so far this year, seen much TV lately?

J: Yes, quite a few runs, as well as the usual races etc. I have been busy reccing the Hardmoors 26.2 Race series routes; Marathon/Half Marathon/10k and changing them, so then going back out to run them again, then signing them before the event etc a tough job but someones got to do it!. I`ve also been trying to fit in some speed work on the treadmill (intervals etc) as I have a lot of long slow mileage in my legs, I need some speed!. I hit the weights intensively 3 times a week with one of my clients, we get pretty competitive too (all upper body) then try to fit in core work and stretching. I manage a glance at the TV on a night while I`m doing Hardmoors Series administration on the laptop, usually music channels unless Shirleys watching Eastenders.

M: So what brought on the 52 ultras in 52 weeks last year?

J: Mid life crisis!, No seriously, I have no real idea what brought it on. I guess I just wanted a challenge for 2012 and enjoy Ultras, especially the social aspect, and with Shirley away working in Saudi I thought it would stop me moping around the house. Then, before I had even thought it through, I`d emailed a selection of my running friends about it (I suppose to put myself in the position of not being able to change my mind) ...

M: We do share an admiration for the North Yorkshire Moors and it's Coasts, how long have you organised the Hardmoor and why did you start?

J: The first Hardmoors Race was the Hardmoors 110 in 2008. So this will be the 6th year, the first Hardmoors 55 was held in 2010, the first Hardmoors 60 was held in 2011 and the first Hardmoors 30 was also in 2011. 2013 is the first year of the Hardmoors 26.2 Trail Marathon Series. 2014 will see possibly 2 new races, both moving away from the North York Moors and maybe also a special edition of the Hardmoors 110 (still undecided about this, but would be quite a challenge to both organise and for competitors to run) ...

I started the Hardmoors Race after running the Cleveland way over a couple of days while Bivving on the Hill tops and a bus shelter in Sandsend and developed a love affair for the route and wanting to share it with other like minded runners. It equals the West Highland Way and any of the other magical routes this country has to offer, and is hidden away in a quiet corner of the UK. It has everything, moorland, hills, cliff tops, small fishing villages, the odd seaside resort and of course the sea. A run of two halves! ...

I couldn't have put it better myself

M:  Is the 26.2 mile series a new idea and a way to get people into the ultra scene?

J: Ha Ha Secretly! Most of the Trail Marathons are Ultra distance and even if they weren't they are as tough as an ultra. No, I think again it was away of bringing people into beautiful areas plus it was a chance to develop my own routes. The Hardmoors 60, 55 and 110 are predominately the Cleveland Way with maybe one or two little bits thrown in and I always felt a bit of a cheat calling it something different from the Cleveland Way Race. The Hardmoors 30 again was an adaption of the Cleveland Way. The 26.2 series is all about developing new routes that make sense and are a real challenge. It was also a chance for Ultrarunners, training for the 110/55/60, to be able to get out and run on similar terrain to these events. In my own training I take part in a lot of 20 plus mile LDWA events for both enjoyment and to get the weekly distance in my legs ready for the 100 milers ...

M: And, do you have a favourite race?

J: Wow thats a hard question, I can give you a list if thats ok?. UTMB, West Highland Way, Hardmoors 110 (ok maybe thats biased but I had a fantastic race in 2011 - I finished 5 hours quicker then I anticipated) Hardmoors 55 (when every checkpoint you get to is marshalled by your friends it makes a fantastic race). Glenmore 24, Lakeland 100 (although my feet would not agree); Swaledale Marathon, Osmotherley Phoenix, Lyke Wake Race, Wadi Bih (Oman), Woldsman, Frostbite 30, Rombalds Stride, Picos des Espadanas Trail Marathon, Highland Fling. Sorry I know that wasn't one ...

But it does show what fabulous opportunities we all have to see the outdoors

M: Would you have any kit recommendations and why that choice?

J: This can, and does, change on a monthly basis! Currently running in Salomon Sense Mantra for hard packed trails, Inov-8 x talons for technical ground and Brooks pure project Cadence for road. I tend to overpronate and find that if I go for a low heel lift 3-6mm it seems to work best for me: Keeps me running on my mid foot rather than heel. If I go for minimal, 0mm drop, then i suffer when I hit hard surfaces (14-15stone pounding down on my feet needs a little support/protection). I ran last year in Hokas for a while, which were great, but I found being so high up and then overpronating meant more pressure on my knees (second to none for going over Rannoch Moor on the West Highland Way Race or parts of the L100, I imagine they would be awesome in the UTMB or Tour des Geants). My Current pack is the Salomon 14+3 skin set: I find this really good, I got all my gear in fine for the 'Viking Way Race' and it`ll be perfect for the Lakeland 100 and would be a good UTMB pack too. I will also use this for shorter LDWA events as well, for me it is much better than the slab 12 version as the bottle holders will take normal size bottles, the only down side is the strapping is pretty much a faff to use. I use x bionic compression tights, which are really good, if you pay full price though they are very expensive! and I will look at their shorts for when the weather improves. I always use compression shorts or tights (force of habit I expect) I'm possibly looking at a new jacket to replace my OMM Smock (which has been ok, my waterproof jackets include a North Face Paclite, a Berghaus Paclite and of course the OMM smock, during the very very wet 2012 West Highland Way race, I went through all 3 jackets, the most expensive jacket lasted the longest in the rain, keeping me dry that is. then the Berghaus and lastly the cheapest the OMM jacket) hearing great reports about the Montane Minimus jacket, so may be tempted by the smock version.

M: Turning to Food and drink for ultra eventers, you have well publicised dietary requirements: What`s a recommendation diet for ultra / prospesctive ultra runners and what does the general restrictions of your diet mean?

J: Yes, I am a coeliac, so checkpoint food is a no no. For anyone who doesn't know what a coeliac is, I basically can't eat Gluten, foods such as bread, cake, pasta, pizza, cereals, beer,oats etc etc . No LDWA broken biscuits or flapjacks etc. Even most broths/soups contain this.

So I rely on what I carry which is usually gels and 9bars, sometimes Hammer nutrition stuff such as sustained fuel and perpeterum, and also fruit nuts and seeds.

I currently follow a Paleo diet which suits me as too many Carbs make me hold a lot of water and feel sluggish. I follow the Paleo diet for Athletes which allows you to consume carbs before during and after a training session/race. So the Carbs you intake are used to fuel you through your workout not laying around unused. The diet or should I say way of life avoids processed foods, which includes grain, dairy and a lot more. I have lost about 3/4 of a stone since January plus built some lean muscle; am currently stronger then I have been in several years and my recovery rate is fantastic. Sometimes I go off the diet when away abroad and its not so easy to avoid processed foods and I notice the difference. If I start to eat carbs then I start to feel hungry all the time and my energy levels dip. I am not saying this is right for everyone but if you are having trouble with weight etc, then have a look at the Paleo diet, it may just work for you, plus a lot of people are Coeliac or Wheat intolerant without knowing, cut out the bread, the beer, pasta, cereal and see what happens, don't say you can't cut out the beer! you have the will power to run distances, surely you have the willpower to cut out gas and water?

M: Well said!, I too followed a Paleo style regime early last year and have never felt better than at that point - I followed the Dukan diet for a period and lost a load of rubbish weight and all that sluggish feeling too - actually managed a couple of pbs`. I`ve also noticed very recently that Ultra Stu is an advocate of the Paleo diet and he's just done a 1.20 half marathon which is a shockingly good improvement for him. For me, have decided to revisit the Paleo as it did work and I have to admit I lapsed from that way forward. Thinking about it, it's high time I sorted that out.

Obviously, my next question is ... Your favourite runner

J: Shirley Colquhoun! obviously :)

Plenty I admire for what they have achieved. I have read numerous books (Feet in the Clouds, running high, running for my life, Dean Karnazes books, Running on Empty, Sharon Gaytors book, The clock keeps ticking), plus tons more.

In 2006, I picked up Mike Cudhay's book in an old book shop for about £8 in Thorton Le Dale (Near Helmsley) 'Wild Trail to Far Horizons' and he really inspired me. Before that, Ronald Turnbull books 'Welsh 3000, Long Days in Lakeland, Lakeland Mountain Challenges, Across Scotland on Foot etc, full of mentions of people such as Martin Stone, Helen Diamantides, Mark Hartell, Joss Naylor, Billy Bland etc. So at the time these where my favourite runners, now some of my favourite runners aren't Killen Jornet, Scott Jurek etc, but the people I meet at the races I organise or enter, people who come first, last or dnf. The real characters of our sport. I love them ...

M: So no favourite athlete generally?

J: No, I Don't really have one as i don't watch much sports. I know that sounds odd. I don't like football, I may watch a bit of the Olympics. I suppose it goes back to the last question for me.

M: I agree with that, I used to play senior Rugby Union but that was many years ago and since the running then I too have little interest in armchair sports - much prefer to participate at any level than waste time.

M: Running music or sounds of the great outdoors?

J: Sounds of the great outdoors unless its the second night in an ultra and I need a boost then the iPod comes out. Or of course if I`m on a treadmill :o))

Lastly, I did ask John when he and Shirley were going to tie the knot?

J: Depends if she will have me ;o)) Top secret :0)) ....

And with that he was off, probably on some more Hardmoor work or admin or recce running or circuit training or ....

Cheers Jon, much appreciate your time with a mid packer!!! You're always welcome to join us back here.

Falcon Flyer - 16th March 2013

The first of the three annual challenge events hosted by the Scarborough and Ryedale Mountain Rescue Team to help towards the essential fund raising for this vital service.



Short route for us today; just the 16 mile out and back from Ravenscar into the North Yorkshire Moors - forfeiting the extra four mile loop that would have taken us down to Boggle Hole, preferring instead the direct return over the top from Jugger Howe - the right decision?

The first bit, hobbling up the Moorland Road towards Three Lords` Stones and we joined the first "path" of the day ... for the remainder of this narrative, for "path" read "stream" ... which guided us down through Pye Rigg Plantation to cross the A171 Scarborough Road and continue towards Harwood Dale: Following further "paths"...

At the bottom of Broadlands Slack I turned left down the farm track. Big mistake, this got deeper and deeper rendering forward movement ridiculous. Eventually an actual tarmac road brought some sanity to my route selection but we had lost time and places ...

... and with snows on the horizon, further trouble was portended.

... And once out on the moors, heading round brown Hill and up towards the Burn Howe checkpoint, atop the high point of the turn, then the weather was chucked at us in buckets. With sleet and snow driving into our faces, it made the uphill climb through snowdrifts, clay clogged "paths" and waterways nearly impossible; I have no idea how the decent runners make such speedy headway out here?

It may look nothing from the comfy chair, but this section to the duck pond was horrid - just trying to get a decent purchase was difficult - so very relieved to make the turn east and the long downhill to Jugger beck couldn't come soon enough. The problem as "runners" reduced to a helpless shuffle is one of temperature control and with the elements being flung in and hat, gloves, hands and feet all frozen it was a pleasure to leave the tops - what this would have been like without waterproofs ...

so a very welcome sight of the Mountain Rescue Landrover ...

... before a final push onwards towards the final checkpoint ... "Won't you just turn this nab of heath?"

to see the blue tent of the checkpoint with the flapjacks, jaffa cakes and the samovar on the go!.



Like many Lyke Wake Races before, the crossing of the A171 has signified the end of the adventure. Todays adventure was quite different and a devilish introduction to Winter moorland running challenges for Michelle. I'm usually around these parts in the Summer when it's different ... honest!.

Trying to run through frozen streams and snow drifts uphill into the teeth of a gale with no sound footing to be found at any price is light years away from fair weather road running and it asks the question of everyone that has a go. Emotionally, it pulls the mind: There is no escape from the track, the only way is forward and although a retirement can be had at any checkpoint you wish to pick, then somehow failure isn't in the vocabulary ...a DNF is reserved for a serious event either weather or health. Tears of frustration simply are not enough.

So, looking back as I always do at this point, its bittersweet to see the clouds break and realise that all that anguish probably covered all of a few miles in the middle section where the tempest lived.

Then the quiet of the view down into Ravenscar and Robin Hoods Bay once we're over the crest of the final hill heading down through the bare field on the final mile ...

... and then all of a sudden, my camera steamed up as we cruised back into the hall ... 3 hours 59 minutes after the kick off, and at least we were greeted by the friendly faces keeping time and tabs on us all!

Not sure whether I should say thanks to the team for their support or this time the onus is on them for giving us a mini Fimbulwinter around mile 9 - or was it just the rubbish surface to try and run over up to Burn Howe? can't remember now .... storm in a teacup?

As ever, the Pie `n` Peas render the travails historical and immediately hit the spot. Three cheers for the cakes and endless tea. Its always worth that ... no doubt I shall return, once I've dried out.

 

Wuthering Hike - 9th March 2013

Wuthering Hike (Haworth Hobble) – A Circuitous 32 miler of Pennine Tracks, Trails and Roads, out and back with 4400ft of ascent/ descent .. And, my fifth straight Wuthering Hike to boot.

At a certain point in every ultra race, I have a decision to make: What point in the event will I choose to dictate the outcome of the day? Is it to lift the rate of attack of this early, steeply inclining run away from Bronte bridge up to, and beyond, Top Withins which will enable me to gain the advantage? - the thought of which will compel me onwards for the remainder of the day to that personal best.

Alternatively, could I retain the iron discipline to manage and maintain a steady reserved approach to crest the sunny uplands of a negative split! This theory is well trodden but, for me, today’s course doesn’t lend itself to that at all. The first 20 odd miles to the foot of Stoodley Pike are pretty straightforward, both navigationally and energetically ..... but looking up at the monument will provide me with the timely reminder that the most severe up and downers: Down into Hebden Bridge then up to, through and down from Heptonstall are now to be undertaken: These last dozen or so miles of the Round, away from the Pike, will always represent my greatest challenge.

.... and; can't you tell these words were written from the comfort of a centrally heated office a day or so after the weekend. ... when I never thought I'd be so pleased to be this close, and with the biggy nearly out of the way...

The throng was late in gathering at the start, just before 8.00am on the cobbles outside the Fleece in Haworth, so when we finally kicked off at 8.05am, I found myself at the back of the field.

No bad thing for me that, and it was only towards the rise to the house at Top Withens, 38 minutes after the off, that I realised my too quick start placed me amongst a pack way above my pay grade ... Splatcher along with Linda from Calder Valley soon left me behind as did Steve Foster, crossing the Widdop Dam Wall and Andy Ellison just prior to the house at Top Withens. These had been my early companions before the climb away from Widdop  towards the Long Causeway checkpoint.  

 

I did try to stay composed becoming left behind, but the weather, the too early signs of fatigue and the faltering and failing attempts to fuel and hydrate brought me quite low. We all have these sections, and better times do come along, but I had no supporters to tow me forward and was left chuntering slowly all the way up to the car park `neath the turbines.

It had been snowing for quite a few hours at this point and the cold was starting to cause me issues .... the raynaud's syndrome affecting my fingers was particularly harsh at this point and I was losing more time on the long wind back towards Hebden Bridge. I did enjoy the novelty of eating a hot dog whilst running down Stoney Lane but with every layer on including hat and waterproof hood up, I saw no-one further and enjoyed a solitary lope all the way to Mankinholes.

Earlier in the day, I had decided to take a couple of Ibuprofen tablets as a precaution to the knee struggles I'd enjoyed last year and this time I had an armchair ride with the knees ... It has dawned on me by now that the training plans I have, the time I'm afforded along with the terrain I have access to is perfect for long flat or slightly undulating trail runs. The steep climbs of Calderdale and more generally these northern hills catch me out every year so I no longer beat myself up with this failing; just aim to enjoy these rounds as much as possible. I aint a Fell Runner, far from it but I love these days out so for me, any opportunity to take a picture remains a chance to stand still for a second or two, catch my breath and regroup..

But Stoodley couldn't be ignored and my lack of climbing ability was highlighted by being bypassed by lots of runners before an old friend - Mick Bull - appeared at my shoulder: A sprightly 63 and in great shape, Mick was looking to better his 6.46 of last year and with a prevailing wind and a good work rate from here I told him we'd do it no problem.

With the climbs in and out of the Calder Valley well behind us there remained the cold trudge up to the Top O` The Stairs through the coldest wind and snows of the day ... I did feel the well forecasted chill here and with ice cold water and cold gels for fuel I did feel at my worst and so a big thanks to Mick for dragging me onwards.

Over the top and down through the last of the clag, never was the sight of Leeshaw Reservoir more welcome as it appeared out of the clouds ...  

... with that, and the trip around Peniston Hill then down through the churchyard, over the cobbles, though the narrow ginnel and the road; we were back at the finish, happily dishing a few lame runners on the final stretch.

Delighted to get in with 6.38 on the board which gave Mick his improvement on last years time! A big thank you to him for dragging me those last few miles to the finish: I'd about gone by then so a great pleasure to finish with a friend and a welcome cup o` tea in the school.

I always try and make a point of thanking the marshalls and support crews. Everyone, along with Brett and the KCAC mob here certainly earned it today - no way could we have gone round without you. (Still didn't dare try the Laphroaig prior to the Pike). Looking back it wasn't as cold as it could have been and with the benefit of another 36 hours after the finish and the further cushioning of hindsight then its churlish to be anything other than pleased ... I feel we worked for the shirt today.

Thoughts driving home? Another great day out: Snowed on a lot, very cold and very very wet. No best time either today which I secretly hoped for but not a PW and the chance to say hello to lot's of friends after a winter away from the circuit - not too shabby that. And Mick was second in his age group! that`ll do for the day.