Great British Tradition.

It started with a drunken suggestion at a party. “Yes, of course I can help you with your Ron Graham”,I said, “what is it?” This was about 2 years ago. I had started running to keep fit and had worked my way up to 5-6 miles at a time. I had somehow got myself into “pacing” leg 2 on a friend of a friend’s BGR. This first, thoroughly enjoyable yet painful experience, led to the start of an idea. “Could I do it? This thought started to go through my head.

2009 saw me enter a number of fell races. Mainly to build up leg strength for my BG attempt in 2010. I pencilled in a date and started to recruit my team.

I trained reasonably hard through the winter but also listened to lots of advice. The main advice from those having achieved the BG was to get plenty of ascent in, so this formed the basis of my training. I kept a blog to help me focus and record my training etc and before I knew it the day had arrived.

I was unsure whether to start or not. The weatherline forecast was for pretty strong winds, cloud & rain on the Saturday, yet the MWIS forecast suggested that the weather would be a little better. In addition to this I had a slight sore throat coupled with what felt like a temperature coming on. I had a chat with a couple of my pacers and it was all systems go.

Leg 1 – Nav Berni Gilmartin, Pacers Anja Pheonix & Sky

We set off at 10.30pm on a Friday night leaving the Bank Holiday revellers to Keswick town centre. I was on a 23 hour schedule with the challenge of just getting round being enough of a challenge for me. The visibility was good, with a slight chill in the air. We made up 5 mins to the summit of Skiddaw, passing some walkers in the darkness. Anja had made her way up earlier to mark the fence crossing coming off the back of Skiddaw. With Sky leading the way we continued at, what seemed like a fast pace, over Calva and beyond. We had a dry footed crossing of the Caldew and subsequently got wet feet across the Mungrisdale slog. Next came the “Ninja route” down Halls fell. A route that I had recce’d loads and got the approval for after showing Berni a week or so earlier. Arriving at Newsham road, I felt that the pace had been quick, based on my effort levels and was disappointed to hear that we were bang on time. Surely we were up on time given the quick pace. The thought “Maybe I am ill” came into my head and was quickly pushed to the back of my mind. I had eaten well throughout the Leg and the food laid out by Niv at the changeover was also easy to eat.

Leg 2 – Nav John Sealby, Pacers Craig Smith & Simon Vietch
We left Newsham road at 2.15 am and the climb up Clough Head seemed easy but the ability to eat was becoming harder. The skylarks had started to sing in the early morning and as we moved south along leg 2, the sunrise was fantastic. We had a couple of discussions as to which cairn marked the top on Nethermost Pike so I touched the two most likely. My inability to eat was getting to me. I knew I should be eating more as this would definitely affect me later on, but, even with tiny little mouthfuls, the sickness feeling continued. Despite struggling to eat and not feeling too great I still had made up 24mins when we dropped into Dunmail at 6.12am. Joining Niv in logistics was my Dad, Mike and my Brother-In-Law, Nigel. I tried to convince my body that it was time to get up by having my normal weetabix breakfast and then cleaning my teeth. I didn’t feel great at Dunmail and there was still a doubt in my mind as to whether I could get round which was again dispelled. This was reinforced by the weather starting to look worse and the promised low cloud now coming in.

Leg 3 – Nav Keiran Hodgson, Pacers Dave Jacks & Carl (Dave’s mate), Niv (Broadstand)

We climbed Steel fell in 23 minutes which set the tone for the 1st half of leg 3. We continued to push on hard through the clag and managed to get up by 36 minutes on reaching Harrison Stickle. Keiran’s navigation was brilliant in the dense cloud, however the pace was taking its toll on Dave who had had a plaster on his broken arm removed earlier in the week. We took a direct line, down & up, to Rossett Pike and this is where Dave left us to head back to Seathwaite. This was due to not only to the pace but also the fact that one slip could damage his newly uncovered arm. From thereon the remainder of leg 3 was slow due to the clag but also due to the wet boulders. The wind had picked up and I put on my waterproofs to protect me from the cold wind rather than the drizzle. We reached Scafell Pike at 11.42am (17 mins up) and had to “push in” to touch the top of England. This is where Carl left us to join up with Dave and his wife at Seathwaite, or so he thought. It turned out that he ended up safe & well in Eskdale several hours later. Next was Broadstand. Niv had agreed to not only take care of most of the logistics, but also set a rope up. Oh and how I needed it. The rock was slippery and I felt really exposed with my wobbly legs. Keiran & I got up quickly and continued up the scramble and onto Scafell. With my knees now hurting the descent into Wasdale was quite painful and it must have been slow as we spurned 7 minutes on my descent. We arrived at Wasdale at 12:50pm. It was good to see that Niv had beaten us down and was safe and well having been up there on his own.

Leg 4 – Nav Kim Collison, Pacer Clare McKeown

We left Wasdale at 13.08 pm. Something happened to me on Leg 4. I don’t know what. I now seemed to have loads of energy and had got up Yewbarrow in 39 minutes. The pain in my knees had gone, thanks mainly to Mr Buprofen. Again, having been provided with some pretty challenging weather to Nav in, Kim really showed why he is a top mountaineer and endurance runner. He guided me round leg 4 expertly without a single moment lost through nav error or even when taking a bearing. Kim made it all look effortless. All I had to do was follow on his heels and keep up the pace. The climb up the gully up Kirkfell was a welcome change to the hard running and it was upon reaching the summit of Kirkfell that I realised that the BG was in my grasp. We continued on at a cracking pace reaching Honister at 17:34 exactly 1 hour up on my 23 hour schedule. I made use of the YHA facilities and had a quick cup of tea before setting off on leg 5 at 17:45.

Leg 5 Nav – Keiran, Bernie & Clare again, Richard Ellwood & Niv

It was great to have Niv running with me on this leg. He had made a huge effort all night/day and it was great to get to run in with him. Clare was relieved of the heavy bag by Richard. Berni/Keiran led the way in the clag up Dale Head. Again the pace was quick up Dale Head reaching the summit in 34 minutes. We eventually reached no 42 at 7pm and it became apparent to me that I would be looking at round under 22 hours, provided that I could maintain a quick pace. We got to the start of the road section where we were met by Anja with our road shoes. We bashed on where we met Rachel, (my wife) Miranda & Gill who were also joining us for the road run in. Unfortunatley the big “Keswick Magnet” had got hold of me with the temptation of a sub-22 hour round luring me in at a 8min /mile pace. We cracked on and I was able to reach the steps at 8:18pm. This gave me a time of 21:38 which I am absolutely ecstatic about.

It’s difficult to just put down in words how grateful I am to everyone who helped me on the day. Everyone had made a big effort to, not only be there, but also ensure everything went smoothly. If any of these guys need me for anything I will be there in a flash. Fantastic camaraderie, teamwork & togetherness throughout the build-up and on the day itself.

I just hope that the Health & Safety, claims conscious leaches in the world we now live in never get near our Cumbrian fells & the old traditions that make this county & country truly great. I feel honoured to be now part of this fantastic tradition. Isn’t it great to be British!!

Photo's to follow

Game of 2 halves

I made it!!!, Absolutely fantastic day out. I struggled overnight but somehow found some energy on legs 4 & 5. i managed to get back in 21:38. Amazing.

Thanks to everyone who helped.

Full report to follow later.

Time for a beer, well it's been 7 months.................

Message from your boys

Dad it sounds like your doing great! I hope you are on time and we love you - Merry Christmas.

Love your Louie and Harley

Leg 1 Update

Hi folks, Berni & Anja here (and Sky the dog) just got in from pacing leg 1 with Gary so here's an update........

Clear cool conditions, light winds. 
5 minutes up on Skiddaw, great views of lights of Keswick and over towards helvellyn and surrounding fells.
Bumped into a party of pretty knackered guys finishing off a lakeland 3000's attempt, they looked a bit confused to see us!
Steady trot over to Calva whilst chomping on a nutella sandwich, in fact Gary didn't stop stuffing himself with sweets and drink all the way round.
Sky had no problems locating trods in the dark, every bit as good as my compass and route card.
Bit of a slog up back of blencathra as expected but could clearly see the saddleback to aim for once on the common. 
Great line off halls fell down sneaky ninja route off to the right.
Gary opened up on the bottom half of the ridge to finish bang on schedule in Threlkeld
Gary left for leg 2 2 minutes early

Looking strong mate, keep it up and we'll see you at black sail pass (after some kip!!)

Berni & Anja

Cant Sleep so lets get in on..............

I have been in bed since 4.30 ish and had a couple of hours of dozing. I am now wasting my time a little so I have decided to get up and get sorted.

The weather will do what it will do. I will just deal with it. I feel OK. Ready for it.

I would like to thank everyone at this point for all their support and the guys coming out with me. Also my Dad & Niv for doing the vehicle support.

I hope to get someone to update the blog as I go.

Let get it on...

Its Time. (or is it?)

Everything is in place. The food is just about sorted, the kit is all sorted. The pacers are all in place and understand where to be etc. That only leaves me & the weather to get right.

Me- I dont feel 100%. I have had a slight sore throat/swelling in my neck and tonight felt a little bit of a temperature. I have took some medicine so hopefully will feel better in the morning.

Weather - The Met office site now gives it as very wet on sat with gales on tops???? Whereas the MWIS site gives it as showers & 15-25mph winds. I will just have to wait till tomorrow & see I guess.

My mind is set to go, tomorrow night but if the weather looks bad or if I dont feel OK, then my head needs to be strong and knock back the start date. 

Here we go, Here we go, Here we go............

4 days to go and we are just about ready. I can't do anything more about my hill fitness or control the weather. The only things I can influence now are my state of mind, my wellbeing at the start line and the organisation of the food etc.

My head is OK. I know how I will feel at Dunmail having done 1&2 overnight last year. My intention is to have my normal breakfast at Dunmail so as to trick my body into thinking its morning and time to wake up. I know leg 3 will be tough and I know that the challenge of Yewbarrow when sitting at Wasdale will be daunting. There will be low times which I will get through by sheer determination and the voice of Pete Kremer in my head. Nothing will stop me putting one foot in front of another. That's all I have to do.

I went up Halls fell in the dark with Berni last week and recced the top section, which I think we have down to a T. I also went up for a gentle trot up Lords Seat on Thursday and on Friday had a gentle walk up Helvellyn from Thirlmere, with my 6 year old son, Louie. I can t believe how busy it was up there but I suppose the good weather brings everyone out. All in all about 8000 ft of gentle climb. I am doing nothing this week.

As I type this, there is a slight swelling in my throat indicating that my cold may still be lingering. Hopefully by resting for the remainder of this week. It will totally go. On that note, best get to bed as its 10 pm.

Easy Does It!!

Its been a while since my last post so I thought I had better get something put down. After doing the 46 miler I acquired a cold and a heavy chest. This has lasted for the last 20 days and I am now only starting to feel that my lungs are clear. This has obviously affected my plans with regards to training and tapering down.

My big day on the 8th only turned into legs 1& 2 which I struggled with. I was away working in Stalybridge last week so I stayed at Crowden campsite and managed to get 3 runs in though the week along the pennine way. Last Saturday saw me, Rich Ellwood (leg 5), Clare McKeown (leg 4) & Simon Vietch (leg2) go out from seathwaite just to tackle Bowfell. This is the one peak that I never managed to get up in the winter weather when I had previously been in this area. We managed to get up Bowfell from Rosset Pike OK but not on quite the right line. I am confident that my Leg 3 pacers Keiran Hodgson & Dave Jack will know the way up intimately.

I did 8000ft last week over 30 miles. This week so far I have been working in Stalybridge (Mon/Tue) and Telford (wed) so I have just been running mainly on the flat. I am hoping to get up Halls Fell on Thursday night with Berni to confirm the route I am taking in the dark.

With 10 days to go I am fairly happy with everything but I do hope that the last remnants of the cold I have had does disappear. I also hope that my right ankle eases off seeing as though I am no longer pounding it with long, fast downhills at the moment. Am working locally over next few days (or not at all) so no more early mornings or long travelling distances from Thursday onwards.

Looking back I could maybe have covered more distance in my training but I have definitely been getting enough climbing in. I just hope that the weather is OK, although there is a hot spell forecast over the next few days which may not ne a good thing. We'll see..........

27 Days- The clock is ticking.........

Since my last post I did the Annie Waltz last saturday and was very happy to get under 2 hours. That was a rough target I had set myself prior to starting. I ran round with my Garmin HR alarm set to 166. This helped to stop me from setting off too quick and blowing up at the end. I set off near the front and quite happily let people pass me on the lanes whilst I stuck to my max heart rate of 166. I passed most of them back on the later climbs & descents. I finished comfortably but felt I could have gone quicker had it not been for my knees hurting. (probably from all the climbing I have been doing). I was chuffed with being placed 30th but this was slightly devalued by the fact that the TWA was running & also the three peaks. Looking at last years results I would have come 52nd.

With the 28th May getting closer I had it in my head to go out and do some big mileage this week. To help my knees recover I went for a gentle bike ride on Sunday after waltzing & then did some gentle 5 milers on Mon, Tue & Wed. On Thursday, however I decided to up the ante a little and do the Ullswater watershed setting off from my home in Clifton.

I woke up at about 4.30am, my sleep disturbed by the local loudmouthed Thrush. The little bird (nearly typed something else) kept me awake so I decided to set off on my way at 5.15am. I really enjoyed the first few miles running through the Lowther parklands. I saw 3 deer, 1 Buzzard, a red squirrel & a great big Hare. All before I got to Askham. I had decided to go a BG pace as much as possible, i.e. walking the uphills and running the flats & downhills. I was moving well, but the weather changed approaching Loadpot. The clag came down and visibility was reduced to less than 50 yrds.

I got to Kirkstone Pass Inn, via Thornthwaite Crag & Stony Cove Pike, and sat down in one of the alcoves to shelter from the rain as I tucked into my bait. One of the things I wanted to try on this run was to experiment with different foods. I tucked into the Peanut Butter Sandwiches, Pork Pie & Eccles cake. All of which were consumed easily. Picking myself up, I set off in the general direction of Red Screes.

Faced with a white wall of mist I could work out where the path was so set off in the genreal direction hoping to stumble across it. I managed to not only stumble across the path but also one of the felltop footpath fixer fellas, fixing the footpath. After a brief chat I set off up the hill following the line of 1t Dumpy bags filled with the stone that would later form the new footpath.

Now normally I am quite festidious when it comes to safety on the fells, especially when I am on my own. I was a little complacent in that the map I was carrying stopped short of Kirkstone Pass Inn and therefore didnt show Red Screes or how I was to get to Dove Crag. I knew in general what direction I was supposed to be going so set off in the clag using my compass as a general guide. After what seemed like too many up's & downs through gullies etc I found myself on Hart Crag. I was back on the Map and was now familiar with the ground.... Or so I thought?

From Hart Crag I made my way over Fairfield, then up Dollywagon & onto Big H. I managed to make an error when coming off Hellvelyn by taking the path down towards Thirlmere instead of Whiteside. After some cursing and scrambling about on some crags I ascended the footpath back up to Lowerman then got back on my way but this time in the right direction. As I dropped down from Raise into Sticks Pass the clouds began to clear and the visibilty began to return.

From Sticks pass I returned back via Glencoyne, Dockray, Gowbarrow, Pooleybridge & finally back over Askham Fell and home. All in all 46 miles & 12000ft in just over 13 hours. I completed the round quite comfortably and feeling quite strong.

At the time of writing ( 2 days later) I am absolutely knackered. I think I undersestimated how much it would take out of me. This coming week my intention is to have a relatively easy week and have one last big day out on Sat 8th May. No plans as yet as to what to do but may do Legs 1, 2 & onto Great End before dropping into Seathwaite. Will suss it out this week.

Body wise- I feel generally fit and my body has changed shape. I have lost loads of weight. 10kg in all. My back no longer bothers me but I do need to stretch more and try and increase my suppleness over the next 4 weeks. My knees hurt when I descend and my right ankle hurts badly occasionaly when I jar it. I hope both of these recover over the 3 weeks I have allowed for tapering down. I also hope that by not having to carry  a bag, that my knees wont suffer as much.

The date is now getting close and I feel that I am ready. I know it will be difficult but I am ready to accept the pain. Bring it on!!

Its the final countdown, da da derrr duh, da da derr da da - 38 days

Since struggling on legs 4 & 5 a week last Saturday I have come to realise that I am fit enough to complete the BG, but at my own pace with plenty of carbs & fluid.

Last week I did a couple of easyish runs to recover from the Saturday then last Tues, did Halls Fell,  3 times off the belt. Went up Arthurs Pike on the Wednesday. Nothing Thursday.

Friday I finally tackled broadstand. Having read "Feet in the clouds", Broadstand has become legendary. People fear it? I was glad to final face & climb up that bit of rock. To be honest its a little overhyped. I would feel comfortable soloing it but I am not sure how I would feel with 16hrs or so in my legs. I went up with Bernie with full climbing kit in the bag to protect the climb. It was good to get my hands on the climbing kit & rock again. It was a good reminder that there are other things to do in the Lakes other than run up and down hills.

I couldn't train Saturday or Sunday due to taking my son to a mini rugby tournament on both days.

Yesterday I had only enough spare time to run up & down Halls Fell once.
Today I decided to repeat Halls Fell 3 times again. I was really chuffed with first effort. I got to summit in under 37 mins and down in 16 mins. The second 2 reps (if you can call them that) were slightly slower. Having been up & down 7/8 times in the last 7 days I have begun to get a really good intimate knowledge of the best way down. I can keep mainly to grass & runnable track so hopefully can find my way on the night of the 28th.

I have entered the Annie Waltz this week which I am really up for. My intention last week was to just plod round comfortably. However, after feeling strong today I have decided to go out all guns blazing and go for a good position/time. Will have to see how I feel on Sat morning mind.

Unfortunatley Dave Jacks has had to pull out of his attempt at the BG on 7th May due to his broken arm. I was down to Nav leg 2 for him and then tag along for 3 & 4 to get a really long day out on the fell. Think I am going to still go out and do the 3 legs on the 7th so may need to organise a bit of help and sort out the logistics.

Still feeling confident. Just know I need to keep going and going and going and goi..............................

Leg 4 & 5 Superfast Headgame

Its been a while since I wrote anything mainly due to the bug thing which returned but now seems to have gone. I have been working away so the training has suffered a little, that coupled with the tiring 1:40 - 2  hour eachway drive and 5am get ups everyday has made taining les enjoyable.

I ran Askham last weekend and was pleased with 15th in a much faster time than last year.

Today I have just  been round legs 4 & 5 from Seathwaite at what felt like breakneck speed. I went with Kim Collison, Stu Stoddart & Clare McKeown. (who sawpped with Anja Phoenix at Honister). We got to Wasdale in just over an hour from Seathwaite and set off on Leg 4 in glorious morning sunshine. Reaching Yewbarrow in 35 mins I realised I might aswell scrap the 23 hour schedule that was in my pocket. However I continued to record the summit times on the paper for nostalgia. We carried on round leg 4 at a good pace arriving at Honister in 4 Hrs. Bloomin quick.

After a quick pitstop we set off up the climb to Dale Head. The pace seemed to have quickened and now with fresh legged Anja joining us, I was now the back marker. Determined not to drop away I dug deep on the climb to reach the summit in 27 minutes. I think this was the start of of the suffering. Up until then I had felt quite good but now I was starting to struggle.

We continued on finally reaching tarmac and putting on road shoes. I cramped up a little when putting on the trainers so I knew the final run-in was going to be difficult.

This is where the head games began. I was determined to keep going & pushing myself to the finish. The guys kindly waited for me at Portinscale and we ran into Keswick together dodging the market stalls & tourists. We finally finished leg 5 in 2 hours 18 mins. Again bloomin quick.

I am really chuffed to have got round that quick and persevered through the pain. For me it was too quick but I kept at it without giving in so I am happy to have ticked that box.

Post run we picked up some food & drinks from Greggs  and I really struggled to eat, finally heaving on my last mouthful of sausage & bean (but not quite being sick). I guess this is how some people fail by getting that feeling and not being able to eat.

I am 100% confident of success but I do realise that this is based on luck with weather etc but also that at a slower pace I will be able to eat OK.

Thanks guys for the workout.

Poorly Blog OK now

You maybe noticed that this blog had some kind of bug where it re-directed to another bizarre site with what sounds like and advert soundreel in the background. I tried in vain to resolve this but alas was beaten. I was resigned to losing it but it now appears to be working OK.

The running meanwhile has been going well. I had quite a good week last week running everyday,  Mon-Friday. I did leg 1&2 on Friday and managed to complete them to schedule with a pack on and in strongish winds. There was also still some snow underfoot from raise to dollywagon. I found it hard up Fairfield & Seat Sandal but with the right mindset I am sure I could have carried on up Steel Fell. Last weeks totals - 51 miles, 15,541 ft. I rested Sat & Sunday (if you can call being a dad with 2 young lads a rest).

Today I went up Arthurs Pike from Askham and back. What a slog it proved to be. There was a bit of wind & rain to start with, but my legs & mind weren't really up for it. Probably still feeling the affects from last Fridays leg 1 & 2. I will probably have an easier week this week & push on again next week.

With 67 days to go, the countdown has really begun. The vernal equinox has been & gone so the nights are drawing out & the snow is finally receding. My new friends, the micro spikes, will probably hibernate now till next winter. I can now finally start doing my reps up & down Hall's Fell ridge.

Hmmm just realised Askham fell race is a week on Sat so will have to get the miles & ascent in this week. Oh well. Will just "hatta bray on"

Entry in the post.

I have today registered my attempt in May.

Here we go.............

Still Going Strong - 81 days.

It was a funny week last week. I felt tired after High Cup Nick so didnt get out on Sunday. I then spent the week doing a course in Blackburn. It was really tiring being stuck inside sat motionless for 8 hours listening to the virtues of wearing PPE etc. So only managed to get out Tue, Wed & Sat.

Tuesday - I ran into town and did the new streets hills.
Thursday - Drove out to Askham and ran up to Arthurs Pike and back at a good pace. It was good to get out in the late sunny afternoon. Apart from being cold it felt like spring is really just around the corner.
Saturday - Went out round leg 1 from Threlkeld & then up Clough head and onto Stybarrow. Time and low cloud made the decision for me to turn around back to the van at Threlkeld.

I didnt manage to get out on Sunday at all again. I was at a tag rugby tournament, involving 50 teams, at Newcastle Falcons with my sons team. The lads played fantasticly and made it to the final which was played on the main pitch at half time when the Falcons were playing Bath. Unfortunatley they lost but once again Louie made me really proud. Out of the 21 tries the team scored on the way to the final, Louie scored 14 of them.

This weeks totals - Distance - 36 miles, Climb - 10535 ft, Time - 9 hrs

I am planning to increase the mileage this week and get out on the fells through the week. Just wish it would thaw out a bit.

Not a bad week

I had another week of reasonable training last week.

I set off with a steady 7.5 mile trail run around Lowther Park on Monday, Tuesday was quick blast up Blencathra and back down. Wed went in gym again. Thursday I did the same trail run again. Saturday I did High Cup Nick fell race, which I came 22nd in. An improvement of 44 places on last year and 6 minutes in time. I think I have reached my level though in terms of capability. The guys ahead of me all seem built like fell runners whereas I feel that I am quite a bit bigger and heavier.

I was out on Saturday night to support a Winter BG. It was Iain Taylor who is a friend of an old school mate, Lucy. I was down for leg 5 with some new BG mates Andy & Graham. It was difficult to get myself motivated having done the High Cup Nick race at 2pm. Once out of the house though I was really looking forward to it. He was going anti-clockwise so I met the guys at Threlkeld and sat and waited for Iain to appear down Clough Head. He left Dunmail on time so he was due in about 10.30 - 11pm. Un fortunately there was just too much snow so he, and his leg 4 pacers came down from from Sticks pass down towards Legburthwaite. He still looked remarkably fresh and full of humour. He said at the time that he wasnt going to give it another go but I think the Winter BG bug has got a good hold of him.

This weeks training is going to be a bit more difficult as I am on a course all week in Blackburn with loads of homework. Will get a really long run in on Saturday though.

Summary for last week 32 miles, 6108 ft

88 days left......................

Today - Such a perfect day.

I have had a really good week this week. It started out with a good walk up Kidsty Pike with my eldest son Louie and followed on with a good 15 mile training run Tuesday, an hour in gym on Wed , Quick blast up Blen on Thurdsay and absolute fantastic run out today on Leg 2 (plus Blen to warm up with).

Today was something special though. Absolute perfect winter conditions, brilliant sunshine, clear skies, little or no wind and reasonable underfoot, especially with micro spikes on.

I must have been stopped a dozen times with people asking about my spikes. They offer so much confidence when running on the fell in winter conditions. I think I can actually down hill faster in the snow, with the spikes on, than what i can do with no snow at all. As Tony the Tiger says, " They're Great".

It was also great to see all the skiers on Raise. It looked like a proper Alpine ski resort. There must have been some great shots taken today. I even got my forehead burned a little.

Wish I had my camera with me today. Would have got some awesome photos. I try to take photos with my phone but quality is poor. Maybe one day I will suss out how to put pics on here.

Training this week

Monday - 6.5 miles (1600 ft)
Tuesday - 15 miles (1724 ft)
Wed - Gym . 1 hr on exercise bike & weights.
Thurs - 4.2 miles (2035 ft)
Fri - Rest
Sat - 18.6 Miles (8325 ft)

Total - 44 Miles (13684 ft)

This is the most mileage & ascending in a week that I have ever done. I guess I will have to keep up this level of training.

Looking forward to High Cup Nick next weekend. Hopefully it will still be on and not cancelled due to the snow/ice. It was my first ever fell race last year and I would like to see how much I have improved in the year. I am due to help out a friend of a friend on his Winter BG next sat after the race so should be interesting to see if I have any go left in my legs after racing. He's doing an Anti clockwise round so I guess I will be on leg 5, so itll be up Blencatha and down into Mugrisdale common and on. Should be OK I reckon.

96 Days to go.............

No more greenies.

Today was the 1st day in about 2 weeks that I didnt cough up any phlegm. Not pleasant I know but it marks the end of what has been a stagnant period in my training.

Last week, after my leg 1 recce on the Saturday, I started all guns blazing but after my poor run last Monday I decided to totally hang up my running shoes till Thursday so as to give my body time to get rid of cold. I went out on Thusday & ran Askham fell race route and felt strong for the first time in ages, so I decided to plan a big run on the weekend.

Not being that familiar with Leg 3, I decided to run out to Rossett Pike from Seathwaite and complete the 2nd half of Leg 3, and maybe a bit of Leg 4.

I set off very early leaving Seathwaite at 6.15am in the dark on my own. I was very surprised at not being the first to park their car up with 2 cars already there. So off I went head torch on looking forward to 6hrs plus on the fells and perhaps a good 20 miles under my belt. I got to the foot of Great End via Ruddy Gill by day light and realised why I hadnt been first to park up. There were 3 tents located at the foot of the ice covered gullies which the occupants of which must have been the drivers of the cars parked down by the farm.

With what looked like a good morning I pushed on through Esk Hause towards Angle Tarn and on to Rossett Pike at 7.55am. From here I set off up towards Bowfell. I must have spent 30 mins trying to carefully pick my way up the ice laden "Hanging Knotts". I decided it wasnt safe to carry on so I turned back down and ran back to Esk Hause. I had almost given up on my long day out until I saw Great End staring at me. I decided to press on up to the summit of Great End by which point the clouds were starting to come in and winds were picking up.

From Great End I ran on to Ill Crag & then Braod Crag with the intention of picking up Scafell Pike. After Broad Crag I ran down hill into a dip before being faced with a very steep ice/snow covered slope on the NE face of Scafell Pike. As I was totally on my own in sub-zero temperatures and poor weather I decided to re-trace my steps all the way back to Esk Hause and drop into Styhead Pass.

On passing the tents I had spotted earlier in the morning I came to realise why the crazy campers had slept out over night. I must have counted 12 pairs of climbers either on or about to climb the gullies on Great End. I had a quick chat with a couple of climbers about "who was the most crazy". Them with their crampons and ice axes about to climb one of the steep ice covered gullies or me on my own, in my running tights & trainers? The jury is still out I guess.

With a bit of time left I decided to drop into Styhead Pass and push on up Great Gable. I have never been up there before and it has, since my childhood, had a mystical appeal about it. I pushed on up the steep SE slope which was totally covered in snow & patches of slippery ice. Once again as I reached the heights the visibility dropped to below 30m. I reached the summit at about 11.15 am and decided to call it a day. I had pushed my luck enough on the ice and in the bad weather and so decided to drop back down to Styhead pass via Aaron Slack and then back to the van at Seathwaite for about 12.15 PM.

All in all had a good morning out covering 16 miles and 5500 ft of climb. A quick visit to Keswick saw me become the proud owner of of some Kahtoola micro spikes, to fit over my fell shoes, and £45 lighter. They will keep me safer on the ice and should last many seasons.

Today (Monday) I have been doing my half term , parental duties and looking after my eldest, Louie (6). We had a good 4 hr walk up to Kidsty Pike from Mardale Head in attrocious weather. Again he made me really proud to complete the walk relatively easily and without too many Jelly Babies. All good stuff for BG. Perhaps Louie might pace a leg for me..............

Full of Cold- 110 days

I have had a mixed week of training this week. Early in the week I managed some decent runs and some gym work bike & cross trainer. I then came down with a cold on Thurday which knocked me out. So I missed training Thursday & Friday.

Whist still coughing and with a bunged up nose I decided to do Leg 1 on Sat Morning at a very steady pace. Leaving a car at Threlkeld Clare Mckeown & I set off up Skiddaw soon to be joined by Stu Stod and then Dave Jacks on Mung Common.

I managed to get round without putting too much pressure on my lungs, however my legs did feel quite heavy on the climb up the back of Big Blen.

As I am still just pottering about, I am going to get some day time training in this week to catch up for last week. I might even have a look at leg 3 should the weather be OK.

110 days to go.

Big Blen & Again

I had planned to do leg 1 today, but couldnt get out till lunchtime so opted to do Blencathra, twice. I ran up from Scales without stopping to walk then up and over the top and down blease fell, touched the tarmac on the road to the centre and ran back up to the top and back down to Scales.
People thought I was bonkers and so did I when on the way down blease fell, I knew each easy step downhill , was probably 2 hard steps back up hill.

The weather was good though, brilliant clear skies although quite cold in the Northerly winds.

All in all a good training session in quite a quick time - 4000ft in 2hrs 25 min. I think this will form my Tue/Thurs sessions as and when the nigts draw out a bit. Sat'days will be training on the course.

Finally I feel like the proper training has started with 118 days to go.

Move Over Ladies

Had a good weekend with some good mileage and climbing around leg 4. Yewbarrow holds no fears now (ask me after 16 hrs/40 miles or so).

I went to see David Stone on Tuesday who gave me a right good massage on my lower back & pelvis area. I came out of there feeling great, supple & energetic. As a fellow fell runner & having completed the BG back in the early 80's, Dave is ideal to seek advice from on keeping fit & injury free. He pointed out the obvious, when he explained that stiff muscles require more energy to make them move. Therefore if we are supple with loose muscles then we use less energy to cover the same distance in the same time. In essence a supple body can run more efficiently which means, with the addition of stretching exercises in a fitness regime, improvements in times/results can be achieved without extra mileage. Off the back of this I have planned to start doing Pilates on Friday nights. So move over ladies, there's a new kid with a mat.

Oh BTW I am definitley becoming middle aged. I have been asked to become a school governer. I can't actually believe that I am no longer the bad boy rebel type, but a school governer. I had better go out & buy a nice cardigan, pipe & slippers......................................................

Bad Back - Good Crack

Fixed my back whike stretching on the gym ball. There was this loud crack and hey presto, I was jumping about like a "gert salmon" . It still aches a little but is a lot better as it is no longer affecting my running. I am still going to the massage joint on Tues next week though to get looked at. Thats remedial massage not some backstreet dodgy one, (not that there are any round Penrith).

Training this week has mainly consisted of my usual runs into and around town, up and down the New Streets and back home. I have supplemented these with sessions in the gym on the bike. I have discovered a "reet gud" interval setting on the bike which gives my legs a burn after an hour.

Work has been weird since closing down last Friday. I have been asked about a job in Barrow but am a bit reluctant due to the travelling affecting both my family life and my training. I guess bread on the table is whats most important though.

If the weather holds up I intend to get out very early on Sat morning and get some big mileage in probably on the BGR route. Hopefully the glass back will hold up

133 Days - Bad Day & Bad Back

Today hasnt been a good day.

My business has gone into liquidation and to cap it off I have hurt my back today. The recession has finally nailed the coffin shut on my business and 12 jobs. Its been very hard the last 18 months and has been a major pressure in my life. Running has helped me get away from that pressure. I do feel a huge weight off my shoulders right now.
As part of the shut down I had to collect a digger from a site near Bury and have pulled my back quite bad when trying to move the trailer by hand. I hurt my back when playing rugby many years ago, and it feels like the same injury. There is a lateral shift in my lower spine which means that there is a visible twist when looking in a mirror. I can't remember if it is something that "pops" back in quickly or takes ages to put right.

Dont think I will be able to run tomorrow even thought the thaw is setting in so will probably go to gym and sit on exercise bike.

With only 133 days to go I really dont need a break from training but I am sure that it will be ok.

Oh and the goldfish died last night (5 yrs old) ...................

Miles Behind. Literally........- 20 weeks to go

I am just not getting enough miles/climb in. There are a number of reasons including work, weather & wife.
(sorry Rach but it should really say family commitments but the words starting with "w" fit well together.

I have managed to get a few smaller runs in this week - 7 to 8 milers but no real climbing. In my training programme I had planned to do 2 legs together this weekend but the weather and work comittments have put pay to that. Planning to get out for 3-4 hours on Sat morning then out for a quick 1 hr run on Sunday sometime.

Am sure this cold snap can't go on forever so will catch up then.

Still off the drink despite immense pressure at work. I know it will be worth it.

147 Days to go- Happy New Year

Enjoyed Nine Standards today- 6th out of about 70 so quiet chuffed. Worked hard to keep up with Stu Stod but struggled in deep snow at top. Enjoyed down hill although a little sketchy.

Had an epic on Wed, getting lost in blizzard conditions on back of Blencathra- Basic complacency meant that we got lost for 50 mins. Lessons have been learned.

Looks like snow is going to hang around so will have to be careful.

Looks like I am going ot re-join my local running club- Eden Runners. Am bored with being unattached. Have thought long and hard about which club to join as Eden aren't a big fell club but my loyalties to my home town are strong. Maybe they/we can become strong on the fell if a few more local runners were actually representing their home club. Will see.