Training Log Archive: ba-baIn the 7 days ending Mar 29, 2015:
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Sunday Mar 29, 2015 #
Event: Edale Skyline
10 AM
Running - Trail race 2:52:51 [4] 33.43 km (5:10 / km) +1251m 4:21 / km
slept:8.0 shoes: Xtalon 212 #5 (Late 2014)
Edale Skyline. 1st, 5.5min ahead of Rich Roberts. WTF?
I'm mainly incredulous, but have for a while been hoping I could pull something out of the bag. But it was never anything more than hope.
http://www.dpfr.org.uk/results/view?id=3796
The short version:
The weather wasn't great, but better than it could have been. I know I quite like shite weather. I set off steady and found myself in the chasing pack. I didn't increase the effort level but after Win Hill was then in a lead pack of 4. Got up Lose Hill pretty well and still felt comfortable, iff a bit tireder at Mam Nick in 2nd than normally ideal. The weapons came out as we ventured onto Brown Knoll in the clag. Got to Jacob's Ladder top to meet mum and be told I was the first runner through! There were a few wobbles on lines but was always erring on the safe side. Legs were hurting a bit on the last edge but still moving well, but never knew what kind of gap I had left. Started to believe as I hit the switchbacks.
There has to be a big shout-out to the Marshalls, especially in these conditions, and Edale MRT who had 3 separate incidents as well as covering the race, which generated a few casualties.
The Long Version.
Get a drink, this is 1300 words long...
Edale Skyline. One of (The?) most prestigious Peak District Fell Race. Not on a par with the Lakes Classics/PPP but a tough enough course and always an honest field as a season opener.
As I mentioned earlier in the week I was expecting nothing from this after 6 weeks of feeling a bit rubbish, maybe a bit run-down, just not quite right, but still getting some good miles in. In a text exchange with Perry midweek I said I might as well just grit my teeth and do as well as I could, thinking I’d be OK with a time around 2011’s 3:09 given the weather forecast. I had a bit of a read of my AP log from 2013’s race (3:05, 22nd in English Champs race) and noticed I hadn’t done much long running before that race either. On Friday I was clipping along nicely for the first time in a while so had a bit more confidence, even after quite a lot of uphill walking/jogging and time on feet at the junior races yesterday. I hadn’t looked at the start list beforehand – it was mainly a chance to get a good long, hard run in ahead of the 3 peaks and looking ahead to Duddon/Bradda. I didn’t really think about the weather conditions, but I know I cope well with dreich. I hoped I might be able to do something - top 5 maybe? - but it was never more than a vague hope. I think I always think I’m fitter/a bit better than I actually am, a slightly twattish sense of entitlement.
Opted to start without a jacket. As soon as I took it off the rain intensified but thankfully soon abated. Off we went, tasting what Jack Wood (for it was he) had for dinner last night. Had a little chat with Nigel Wood up Ringing Roger before noticing Jack, chatting away running with the slapping feet of Tim Werret just behind Neil Northrop and Rich Roberts, wondering what Rhys was doing in 3rd having been leading up RR. Fellow Pennine Ian Mills had gone off with Pete Vale up ahead and I was half worried (this being a club champs race as well), half hoping he was on a stormer.
Down to Hope cross and on the drag up toward Win Hill I didn’t up the effort but Neil and Rich dropped back a bit, Jack coming with. We took the race line, as did Pete ahead, but Rhys and Ian stuck on the track. Popped out and was sent on a loop of the Win Hill summit, so couldn’t really tell what we were doing position wise, but soon worked out Jack and I were 3rd and 4th. We were directed down the new (to me) descent, where Rhys was waiting (and having a poo, that’s my tactic!), not knowing the line. I had a pretty good idea and Pete, Jack, Rhys and I trotted into the road CP together, Jack and I enjoying the novelty of leading the race for a little bit.
I expected Rhys and Pete to start kicking off up Lose Hill. Rhys went, but despite keeping it nice and easy Pete was soon passed, and Rhys wasn’t too far ahead. A bit of heavy breathing behind, a quick look showed that Jack had eased in to the climb and was not far back. On to the last little bit of ascent Rhys was putting his jacket on, so I did the same. Jack stuck with me for the first little descent off Lose Hill but I never looked back so don’t know when I dropped him. Into Mam Nick (found the hidden water station) about 90s down on Rhys. Passed Claire Maxted who was suitably surprised at my position. I could see him up ahead and got my map and compass out ready for the anticipated Clag on Brown Knoll.
Brown knoll is now, for me, a doddle in the clear. Today it was OK in the clag but it just didn’t feel right. Thankfully the main navigable points on the trod – the sheepfold and boundary stone - both popped up just as I was starting to worry. I managed to get a leg stuck in the boggiest bit and it cramped up pulling it out. “Not now, there’s still an hour left!” A quick stretch and they were good to go again. Hit the checkpoint bang on and straight along the flags to the path to Jacob’s Ladder checkpoint (later found out from Mum that the marshalls only arrived just before I did). Here I met Mum, a bit earlier than anticipated, who gave me a banana. “Got any water?” *mum rummages in bag for water, holds it out* “well open it!” Oops, maybe a bit churlish! “How far ahead is Rhys?” “Oh, you’re the first person through”.
OK. Rhys has evidently gone walkabout on Brown Knoll.
How do I play this? The only way I know – do what I do and keep on trucking. As long as you move well and get the lines right, if anyone else passes you they deserve it.
I’m a firm believer that the rough cut below Noe Stool is quicker than the bitty path. I head off with a rough compass, but end up a bit high, hitting the path before the Stool. Not ideal, but better than missing low, but I give myself a bit of a talking to. Get to Pym Chair and already have the bearing for the woolpacks line in my compass (map is now stowed away). I don’t hit the line perfectly but it’s good enough, sticking my head out of the groughs to check I am not drifting too far from the edge. The drag from Crowden Clough to Grindslow Knoll is the first time today a section feels longer than it should do. I get a good line in to the Knoll (the massive new flagged path here is not the quickest way, thankfully!) and as I double back along the edge (no way I’m Down and Upping!) I think I can see a couple of runners just starting across to GK. Put them straight out of my mind and focus on running smoothly to stave off any cramps, having suffered on this section during my first Skyline in 2011.
Get the cut from the top of Grindsbrook easily and moving OK along the edge. I swear a bit at the horrible pitched path that drops into Golden Clough, and scare a group of DoE hooning along the muddy track to RR. I struggle to get the dibber in the box “get in you fucker!” but head off to words of encouragement from the marshalls. The first bit of the descent is horrible and bitty, but once below RR proper I open up on to the Zig Zags.
I risk a quick look back and there’s no one to be seen. “You’re about to win the Edale Skyline, you idiot!” A quick thought for DazH and Gav Duffy, no longer with us, and Pennine’s Alan Kirk and Gus French who are ill/recovering, before turning into the field and taking my jacket off so the Pennine vest can be seen.
I wait for Rich and Pete to finish, but then need to get to the village hall before I get too cold. I spend a good 30mins in the car getting warm and dry before heading over to see the result in ink for the first time. It’s great to find out that Ian was 4th, Rich Houghton 1st V50 in 8th overall and Holly Martin 4th lady. There were plenty of good runs from a lot of Pennine (Tom Bush just outside the top 10, well backed up by Wardy, Stefan, Steve Watts etc.) sealing us the first men’s team prize – a fair coup in a Dark Peak race (although bits of the territory are definitely Pennine’s!).
As for my race, I just settled into a nice rhythm. I was a bit more tired than ideal at Mam Nick but all the endurance I built up last summer kicked in and the last few miles, whilst tough, weren’t the struggle they could have been.
I'm mainly incredulous, but have for a while been hoping I could pull something out of the bag. But it was never anything more than hope.
http://www.dpfr.org.uk/results/view?id=3796
The short version:
The weather wasn't great, but better than it could have been. I know I quite like shite weather. I set off steady and found myself in the chasing pack. I didn't increase the effort level but after Win Hill was then in a lead pack of 4. Got up Lose Hill pretty well and still felt comfortable, iff a bit tireder at Mam Nick in 2nd than normally ideal. The weapons came out as we ventured onto Brown Knoll in the clag. Got to Jacob's Ladder top to meet mum and be told I was the first runner through! There were a few wobbles on lines but was always erring on the safe side. Legs were hurting a bit on the last edge but still moving well, but never knew what kind of gap I had left. Started to believe as I hit the switchbacks.
There has to be a big shout-out to the Marshalls, especially in these conditions, and Edale MRT who had 3 separate incidents as well as covering the race, which generated a few casualties.
The Long Version.
Get a drink, this is 1300 words long...
Edale Skyline. One of (The?) most prestigious Peak District Fell Race. Not on a par with the Lakes Classics/PPP but a tough enough course and always an honest field as a season opener.
As I mentioned earlier in the week I was expecting nothing from this after 6 weeks of feeling a bit rubbish, maybe a bit run-down, just not quite right, but still getting some good miles in. In a text exchange with Perry midweek I said I might as well just grit my teeth and do as well as I could, thinking I’d be OK with a time around 2011’s 3:09 given the weather forecast. I had a bit of a read of my AP log from 2013’s race (3:05, 22nd in English Champs race) and noticed I hadn’t done much long running before that race either. On Friday I was clipping along nicely for the first time in a while so had a bit more confidence, even after quite a lot of uphill walking/jogging and time on feet at the junior races yesterday. I hadn’t looked at the start list beforehand – it was mainly a chance to get a good long, hard run in ahead of the 3 peaks and looking ahead to Duddon/Bradda. I didn’t really think about the weather conditions, but I know I cope well with dreich. I hoped I might be able to do something - top 5 maybe? - but it was never more than a vague hope. I think I always think I’m fitter/a bit better than I actually am, a slightly twattish sense of entitlement.
Opted to start without a jacket. As soon as I took it off the rain intensified but thankfully soon abated. Off we went, tasting what Jack Wood (for it was he) had for dinner last night. Had a little chat with Nigel Wood up Ringing Roger before noticing Jack, chatting away running with the slapping feet of Tim Werret just behind Neil Northrop and Rich Roberts, wondering what Rhys was doing in 3rd having been leading up RR. Fellow Pennine Ian Mills had gone off with Pete Vale up ahead and I was half worried (this being a club champs race as well), half hoping he was on a stormer.
Down to Hope cross and on the drag up toward Win Hill I didn’t up the effort but Neil and Rich dropped back a bit, Jack coming with. We took the race line, as did Pete ahead, but Rhys and Ian stuck on the track. Popped out and was sent on a loop of the Win Hill summit, so couldn’t really tell what we were doing position wise, but soon worked out Jack and I were 3rd and 4th. We were directed down the new (to me) descent, where Rhys was waiting (and having a poo, that’s my tactic!), not knowing the line. I had a pretty good idea and Pete, Jack, Rhys and I trotted into the road CP together, Jack and I enjoying the novelty of leading the race for a little bit.
I expected Rhys and Pete to start kicking off up Lose Hill. Rhys went, but despite keeping it nice and easy Pete was soon passed, and Rhys wasn’t too far ahead. A bit of heavy breathing behind, a quick look showed that Jack had eased in to the climb and was not far back. On to the last little bit of ascent Rhys was putting his jacket on, so I did the same. Jack stuck with me for the first little descent off Lose Hill but I never looked back so don’t know when I dropped him. Into Mam Nick (found the hidden water station) about 90s down on Rhys. Passed Claire Maxted who was suitably surprised at my position. I could see him up ahead and got my map and compass out ready for the anticipated Clag on Brown Knoll.
Brown knoll is now, for me, a doddle in the clear. Today it was OK in the clag but it just didn’t feel right. Thankfully the main navigable points on the trod – the sheepfold and boundary stone - both popped up just as I was starting to worry. I managed to get a leg stuck in the boggiest bit and it cramped up pulling it out. “Not now, there’s still an hour left!” A quick stretch and they were good to go again. Hit the checkpoint bang on and straight along the flags to the path to Jacob’s Ladder checkpoint (later found out from Mum that the marshalls only arrived just before I did). Here I met Mum, a bit earlier than anticipated, who gave me a banana. “Got any water?” *mum rummages in bag for water, holds it out* “well open it!” Oops, maybe a bit churlish! “How far ahead is Rhys?” “Oh, you’re the first person through”.
OK. Rhys has evidently gone walkabout on Brown Knoll.
How do I play this? The only way I know – do what I do and keep on trucking. As long as you move well and get the lines right, if anyone else passes you they deserve it.
I’m a firm believer that the rough cut below Noe Stool is quicker than the bitty path. I head off with a rough compass, but end up a bit high, hitting the path before the Stool. Not ideal, but better than missing low, but I give myself a bit of a talking to. Get to Pym Chair and already have the bearing for the woolpacks line in my compass (map is now stowed away). I don’t hit the line perfectly but it’s good enough, sticking my head out of the groughs to check I am not drifting too far from the edge. The drag from Crowden Clough to Grindslow Knoll is the first time today a section feels longer than it should do. I get a good line in to the Knoll (the massive new flagged path here is not the quickest way, thankfully!) and as I double back along the edge (no way I’m Down and Upping!) I think I can see a couple of runners just starting across to GK. Put them straight out of my mind and focus on running smoothly to stave off any cramps, having suffered on this section during my first Skyline in 2011.
Get the cut from the top of Grindsbrook easily and moving OK along the edge. I swear a bit at the horrible pitched path that drops into Golden Clough, and scare a group of DoE hooning along the muddy track to RR. I struggle to get the dibber in the box “get in you fucker!” but head off to words of encouragement from the marshalls. The first bit of the descent is horrible and bitty, but once below RR proper I open up on to the Zig Zags.
I risk a quick look back and there’s no one to be seen. “You’re about to win the Edale Skyline, you idiot!” A quick thought for DazH and Gav Duffy, no longer with us, and Pennine’s Alan Kirk and Gus French who are ill/recovering, before turning into the field and taking my jacket off so the Pennine vest can be seen.
I wait for Rich and Pete to finish, but then need to get to the village hall before I get too cold. I spend a good 30mins in the car getting warm and dry before heading over to see the result in ink for the first time. It’s great to find out that Ian was 4th, Rich Houghton 1st V50 in 8th overall and Holly Martin 4th lady. There were plenty of good runs from a lot of Pennine (Tom Bush just outside the top 10, well backed up by Wardy, Stefan, Steve Watts etc.) sealing us the first men’s team prize – a fair coup in a Dark Peak race (although bits of the territory are definitely Pennine’s!).
As for my race, I just settled into a nice rhythm. I was a bit more tired than ideal at Mam Nick but all the endurance I built up last summer kicked in and the last few miles, whilst tough, weren’t the struggle they could have been.
Saturday Mar 28, 2015 #
1 PM
Running - Trail 36:32 [1] 5.96 km (6:08 / km) +275m 4:59 / km
slept:8.0 shoes: Mudclaw 300
Helped out at the English Junior Fell champs races from the Goyt Valley, which Col was putting on on behalf of Pennine/BuxtonAC.
I got roped in to sweeping the courses, which was a bit too much climbing than I'd normally be happy with the day before a long race! However happy to help and a nice easy pace. They all set off very quickly.
Walked behind the U8 and U10 courses (1km/~70m and 1.8km/~140m)
Got a bit warm on the last one in full clothing so put running gear on for the U14s. However that race contained 2 lads whose parents I would question for putting them in the race. There then followed a long walk up towards Shining Tor, where it was a bit chilly. They walked the vast majority of the way down. SO a nice easy 4.7km/230m walk in not enough gear for me.
The logged bit is the U18/20 race. A bit of standing around early on as one lass (alas a Pennine runner) fell early and soon pulled out. There was also a missed turning, so they ran 1.5km less than intended - I wasn't complaining!
I got roped in to sweeping the courses, which was a bit too much climbing than I'd normally be happy with the day before a long race! However happy to help and a nice easy pace. They all set off very quickly.
Walked behind the U8 and U10 courses (1km/~70m and 1.8km/~140m)
Got a bit warm on the last one in full clothing so put running gear on for the U14s. However that race contained 2 lads whose parents I would question for putting them in the race. There then followed a long walk up towards Shining Tor, where it was a bit chilly. They walked the vast majority of the way down. SO a nice easy 4.7km/230m walk in not enough gear for me.
The logged bit is the U18/20 race. A bit of standing around early on as one lass (alas a Pennine runner) fell early and soon pulled out. There was also a missed turning, so they ran 1.5km less than intended - I wasn't complaining!
Friday Mar 27, 2015 #
6 PM
Running - Road 47:09 11.17 km (4:13 / km) +114m 4:01 / km
slept:8.5 shoes: NB 580 v3 (Black) #2 Feb15
*whisper it* feeling alright. Excellent compared to the last 6 weeks, normal good feeling. Loxley and Damflask.
Thursday Mar 26, 2015 #
Note
rhr:40 slept:8.5 (rest day)
Had intended on a run with steadier bits today, but won't have time so moving rest day 2 forward a bit. As it is I'm on standby for Stoke's Midlands road relays team on Saturday (due to potential illness of our star runner... I said I'd run only if really needed) so a jog tomorrow may be needed.
I'm not expecting much from Sunday as it is, so quite happy doubling up (maybe even a triple with Monday's Trunce for some proper Fishwicking? We'll see!).
I'm not expecting much from Sunday as it is, so quite happy doubling up (maybe even a triple with Monday's Trunce for some proper Fishwicking? We'll see!).
Wednesday Mar 25, 2015 #
5 PM
Running - Road 28:19 [2] 5.67 km (5:00 / km) +126m 4:30 / km
slept:8.0 shoes: NB 580 v3 (Black) #2 Feb15
BMS-home-Loxley
Orienteering 33:58 [2] *** 4.18 km (8:08 / km) +91m 7:20 / km
spiked:16/30c shoes: X-talon 212 (4 - 2014)
multitech bramble-bashing, rock shuffling and tree-ducking on Loxley. Sigh.
Running - Road 15:53 [2] 3.28 km (4:50 / km) +40m 4:34 / km
shoes: NB 580 v3 (Black) #2 Feb15
Tuesday Mar 24, 2015 #
8 AM
Bike 25:00 [1]
slept:9.0 shoes: CB Turbotrainer
Easy leg spin whilst the washer robbed suds over the kitchen floor. With a few issues of nature and Shaun Keavney.
5 PM
Running - Road warm up/down 8:56 [3] 1.98 km (4:31 / km) +41m 4:06 / km
shoes: NB 580 v3 (Black) #2 Feb15
Work to Broomhall. Legs moving well but a little heavy. Schizophrenic weather opted for some drizzle.
Orienteering - Urban intervals 33:20 ** 7.29 km (4:34 / km) +56m 4:24 / km
spiked:32/39c shoes: NB 580 v3 (Black) #2 Feb15
Sprintervals on the SW of the Ring Road. Bit slippery underfoot so I eased off a bit after a near miss. Getting a bit caught out as it got trickier near the end, and wasn't really moving quick enough early on. I like to do well in the JK sprint as it's good for rankings but I think I'll aim for staying on the map next Friday.
Running - Road 26:15 5.41 km (4:51 / km) +63m 4:35 / km
shoes: NB 580 v3 (Black) #2 Feb15
easy back to the department, then back home
Monday Mar 23, 2015 #
Note
slept:7.5 (rest day)
2 rest day week. Feeling quite good this morning but tired in the evening.
Dan Chan, having put down a 71min half, put in a 1:51 20 miler yesterday. Quite inspiring but also slightly sickening.
Dan Chan, having put down a 71min half, put in a 1:51 20 miler yesterday. Quite inspiring but also slightly sickening.